Round Table China

This year's China International Import Expo is packed with pioneering designs and tech from the world's biggest companies, all converging in Shanghai. We hear an on-site report to get the latest buzz at the expo, with a look at what's new and exciting in the automotive sector! / Are persuasion tactics mere tools of influence, or are they exploiting our most natural instincts for gain? We explore t...

Secondhand shopping is more popular than ever! It's cheaper, greener, and definitely lighter on your carbon footprint. We explore the secondhand market to find out why consumers are so eager to buy secondhand items! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

We're celebrating a fantastic leap towards inclusivity in the film industry. China's latest blockbusters are now equipped with audio descriptions, making the magic of movies accessible to visually impaired viewers. So, whether you're sighted or visually impaired, get ready to experience the summer's hottest blockbusters in a whole new way. / How anger affects your heart, brain, and guts (18:44). O...

From factory floors to our living rooms, that's the journey that robots are making, and China is accelerating this transition. While industrial robots have revolutionized manufacturing, humanoid robots are poised to transform our everyday lives. Today, we'll explore the technological strides being made and the ethical questions they raise. On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

Where there's demand, there's opportunity. Amateur biographers from all walks of life are writing commissioned memoirs for ordinary older adults. What's behind this phenomenon, and what are the benefits to the elderly for taking part in such a process?  / Do dogs understand (19:29)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

Shanghai is rolling out the red carpet for the world! The China International Import Expo, or CIIE, is back for its 7th year, offering a prime stage for global brands to connect with China’s dynamic market. Join us as we get you caught up on all you need to know about the exciting event! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

AI tools are becoming more prevalent in our workplaces. From chatbots to data analyzers, it seems like every task now comes with its own digital assistant! But with so many options, are we making our lives easier or just adding to the chaos? / Motivational Monday (19:24)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Kids are building huge followings and even making money as social media influencers, but at what cost? Is becoming a kidfluencer all fun and games, or are there real risks when children take the spotlight so young? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Plush toy design used to be restricted to teddy bears and other animals. But now we see local delicacies joining the party as well, and kids and adults alike are loving it! What's behind the food-themed toy craze and what makes people so enchanted by these squishy delicacies? / Round Table's Happy Place (16:15)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

As cities grow and populations rise, so does the need for fast, interconnected travel. China’s intercity metro lines are bridging this gap, seamlessly linking cities and regions to foster economic and social ties. What are the impacts on those who use these connections daily? We discuss how these lines are transforming both cities and lives across the country. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hathe...

You may think that exploring a wealthy neighborhood is something reserved for real estate agents or potential home buyers. But these days, from community tennis courts to swimming pools, everyone is taking advantage of local community amenities! We give you all the details behind this fun trend. / Welcome to the adorable world of 'pet jobs' in China, where cats and dogs now 'clock in' at cafes, ch...

Starting a family is a beautiful journey, but for many young people today, it can also feel like a daunting challenge. From childcare to financial stability, the questions and concerns keep piling up. But what if society could ease some of that burden? China's new policies aim to do just that! Let's explore how we can nurture a society that helps parents thrive. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hat...

We're right in the heart of the "Osmanthus Economy" season! We explore how this beloved flower is blossoming into a thriving industry! What makes this petite flower so prized culturally and economically? / What are pre-cooked social media updates (19:32)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Millions of children in China are the only children in the family, and the responsibility of taking care of their elderly parents falls on them. Today, we highlight the urgent caregiving challenges they encounter and the societal shifts necessary to support them. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Don't want to do it yourself? Hire a stand-in! In the fast-paced lives of young people, sometimes it's easier to pay someone else to complete experiences for them. But some of the examples will raise an eyebrow! What's driving young consumers to turn everyday joys into outsourced tasks? / Live photos take over WeChat (21:23)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Degrees in hand, young professionals are heading back to school, but this time for trade skills. With job markets shifting, we explore why more workers are adding hands-on expertise to their academic credentials. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Have you ever considered that rejection could actually be a good thing? Rejection therapy is fighting fire with fire and teaches us that there is much to be gained from being turned down. Join us as we unpack why rejection might be the ultimate character-builder! / Motivational Monday (17:33)!  On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Imagine a world without sound. No laughter, no music. Cochlear implants are now increasingly covered by insurance in China, suddenly making the unattainable attainable for many. We explore the impact of this change in healthcare policy and learn more about the benefits the patients may enjoy. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Round Table's Happy Place! / Ever thought about turning your weekend stroll into a treasure hunt? Chinese city dwellers are diving into the wild, collecting everything from edible plants to unique rocks! People are loving this newfound hobby, but could they be putting nature—and themselves—at risk (14:03)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. But, perhaps surprisingly, it's affecting young people as well. What are the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of this condition? Join us to learn just how important it is to be taking care of our muscles. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

When a social media platform clearly states that it will use your input to train its AI model, what ethical considerations arise regarding intellectual property and consent? X users are up in arms as they figure out whether they want to stay on board or not. / Hug it out, but make it quick (21:21). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Move over iOS and Android, there's a new player in town! Huawei's brand new HarmonyOS NEXT has just arrived as China's first locally-developed mobile operating system, and it already has the world talking! The tech world is abuzz with its impact. We break down exactly what it's all about! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

From helicopter parenting to lawnmower parenting, some approaches to raising children often give parenting a bad name. In contrast, lighthouse parenting shines a positive light on what effective parenting can truly look like. So, what exactly constitutes lighthouse parenting? Experts are on board. Are you? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

In a world where cars are caught in an electrifying tug-of-war, hybrid electric vehicles are the peacekeepers. But where do plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) fit in? How do they compare with other available EV options, and where does the market stand now? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

With the 16th BRICS Summit going on in Kazan, today's episode brings the discussion close to home. We're joined by three young leaders from BRICS countries—Russia, South Africa, and Brazil—who've all spent time living in China. Together, we explore what BRICS cooperation really means for young people, how it helps foster cultural exchange, and what lessons they've learned along the way. On the sho...