Round Table China

From salons to skincare, men around the globe are upping their self-care game! We ask what it means to be a man in 2024, and dig into some of the numbers behind this recent change in men's beauty behavior. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

What's going on with our drinks these days? First, they took the sugar out, and now it looks like caffeine is on the chopping block. In China, wellness water is replacing your daily coffee buzz. Find out how caffeine went from hero to zero! / Eyebrows—through thick and thin, they've been shaping our faces and our beauty ideals for centuries. What's hot now, and what were the trends in the past (16...

The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services highlights the growing influence of new quality productive forces in shaping the service trade industry. From digital education tools to sustainable environmental practices, these innovations are driving growth in key sectors such as tourism, culture, and education. How do these developments empower the service trade and transform the world a...

Pick up the phone, call someone, and have a chat. Pretty standard procedure, correct? Not anymore! Nowadays, young people are NOT answering the phone. Period. Why do younger generations seem allergic to phone calls, and how is this affecting communication? / A playful twist on office name tags (20:11). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Chinese food and beverage is spicing up the global scene! From hotpot to milk tea, these brands are going international—let's see if they're cooking up success or biting off more than they can chew. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Could our desire to see endangered landmarks before they disappear be harming them in the process? The fear that these beautiful destinations are disappearing is driving up tourist numbers. We discuss the impact of 'last chance tourism' on the preservation of our world's most vulnerable treasures. / Bag charms are back in fashion (19:43). On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

They say teachers are the architects of the soul, and help shape the person that we will become. On this special Teacher's Day, what would you like to say to your favorite teacher? / Big food brands hitting the streets. Some of the biggest names in food and beverage are joining the street food game (15:15). On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

From the screen to your plate, why are pop culture cookbooks selling like hot cakes? We dish out why fans are cooking up dishes from their favorite shows and movies. Is it the great recipes, or is there more to dig into? / Motivational Monday (16:00)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Rural clinics are a lifeline for millions of villagers in China, but the number of clinics is steadily falling. What's driving this decline, and how do we secure quality medical care for those who need it most? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

A new trend among younger married couples in North America sees them ditching the tradition of sleeping in the same bed. Is this a sign of marital troubles, or do they know something we don't? / Round Table's Happy Place (18:21)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

In China, while universities are hotbeds of creativity and research, the actual commercialization of their inventions remains disappointingly low. Why the disconnect from lab inventions to the market? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Spaniards have their siestas, and some Chinese still enjoy after lunch naps-both are about that midday recharge. With recent research suggesting that napping could delay brain aging, do you think we're onto something that these cultures have been practicing all along? / Is eating in front of the TV bad for you (17:28)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What if kids spent less time studying for exams and more time learning by doing, by getting their hands dirty outside of the classroom? This became true in a rural Chinese county, but years later, the education experiment was labeled a 'failure.' But was it really a failure, or a glimpse into a future that society isn't ready for? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Ever feel like you're just cruising through university? Well, some folks are saying it might be time to pump the brakes. Talks about making it harder to graduate are heatedly discussed once again! So, should we toughen up university requirements, or is life tough enough already? Let's dive right into this academic tug-of-war. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast...

Imagine a classroom in Nairobi where Chinese language classes buzz with energy, or a cultural festival in Beijing where African music and dance captivate the crowd. These are just glimpses of the vibrant cultural exchanges taking place between China and Africa. Today, we'll explore how the younger generations are carrying forward this long-lasting friendship through innovative projects, special ev...

A new labor law in Australia allows employees the right to ignore their bosses' text or call if it falls outside of office hours. What are the implications? / From limitations to liberation, everyday inventions that were designed for people with disability (19:34). On the show: Niu Honglin & Li Yi Steve Hatherly

Universities in China are making some significant changes to their offered programs. Why are some majors disappearing? Which new ones are emerging and what does this mean for students navigating the ever-changing landscape of higher education? On the show: Niu Honglin & Li Yi Steve Hatherly

Men's fashion is bringing a whole new vibe to women's wardrobes. But it's not just about the looks - women are turning to menswear for the comfort and confidence boost it provides. How is gender-fluid style empowering women? / Motivational Monday (19:27)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The new school year kicks off this September 2nd, and parents are breaking the bank with shopping sprees for the kids' new semester! But wait, is all that spending necessary? Are they feeling the pinch? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Stanford Universtiy researchers just dropped a bombshell: we age in two big bursts! One at 44 and another at 60! This suggests our bodies don't age gradually over time. But is there more to be learned? / Round Table's Happy Place (21:58)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Warehouse-style membership supermarkets are like Disneyland for bulk shoppers! Imagine cruising through massive aisles filled with snacks, clothes, and even a frozen whole lamb. This quintessential American experience is catching on in major Chinese cities. What's driving this trend? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Let's take a culinary journey around the world! In China, we can enjoy stress-free dining with all-inclusive pricing. In North America, the lively tipping culture can be either a shock or a celebration of generosity. The UK offers a blend of both worlds, with flexible tipping practices. Ready to dive into this global gratuity adventure? Share your most awkward tipping moments! / What is your favou...

Another Chinese company has hopped aboard the hybrid work train, while many international counterparts have already made it their default mode. As we reflect on our collective experience with the global hybrid work experiment, what have we learned about its benefits, challenges, and occasional awkward moments? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Josh Cotterill

Juggling two or more tasks simultaneously might seem like an efficient way to accomplish more, but research suggests that our brains aren't as adept at multitasking as we might believe. So, is multitasking a productivity killer in disguise? / Big love for miniseries! China's newfound crush on limited dramas (16:03). On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Steve Hatherly.

As the Paralympic flame is lit in Paris, the athletes are now fully moved in to the Olympic village. Find out what changes have been made to accommodate the athletes to help make the barrier-free facilities such a comfortable place to be.