Round Table China

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.

Tourism facilities in China are now offering alternative thrills for their visitors, and making daunting tourist attractions a little easier to navigate. Do modern conveniences in scenic spots enhance our experiences or dilute the thrill of exploration? / Living with in-laws. Marital bliss or family fiasco (19:21)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Yushan & Steve Hatherly

Blood donation rates are on the rise, which is fantastic news! In 2023, China witnessed a record high with nearly 17 million blood donations made. But why, then, are some hospitals still struggling to meet the demand for blood? How can we improve the situation and literally save lives? On the show: Niu Honglin, Yushan & Steve Hatherly

Is chasing high salaries and cushy perks a fool's errand for true job satisfaction? We dive into why real job satisfaction often defies these conventional metrics, and what you can do to find joy in your work! / Motivational Monday (20:29)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Cool down and drink up! Discover why China's young crowd is hooked on healthy herbal waters this summer, and get caught up on other beverage market trends. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Round Table's Happy Place! / World studies have shown that the happiness of today's youth is worse than previous generations. Young adults are now dealing with more stress and anxiety than ever before. But are social media and digital devices the only culprits (12:25)? On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

Scooters, bikes, cars, and subways are urban travel staples, but e-scooters are facing bans in some cities. Why the backlash against these eco-friendly rides? On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

A number of Chinese cities have launched short-term job centers to help gig workers find their next job. What's new about these centers as opposed to previously existing services? How big is the gig economy overall? On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

When you go into your hotel room, do you care about the quality of the TV? For that matter, do you even care if there is a TV in the room? China's hotel rooms are in the midst of an upgrade. On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Sky's the limit for modern farming! With China's drone revolution soaring to new heights, how are these buzzing gadgets redefining farming from sky to soil, as we know it? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Black Myth: Wukong has set the gaming world on fire. Breaking platform records with over 2 million simultaneous players on its debut, this new AAA video game has everyone talking. What's the magic behind its success? Why is everyone getting their ticket for an epic journey to the West? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Grocery shopping for ingredients and getting them cooked for you on the spot - without spending a penny more! Shenzhen's fresh produce markets are redefining convenience and setting a new benchmark for food experiences. How do you think this trend will influence other markets and restaurants? / 'You swan, he frog' and other endearing Chinglish quirks (20:55). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly &a...

For young Chinese academics, the path to tenure is a high-stakes race against the clock. With a fiercely competitive tenure system demanding what's called 'up or out', coupled with recent cuts to permanent teaching positions, the stability of academic careers is under unprecedented threat. How is pressure like this reshaping the lives and futures of emerging scholars in China? On the show: Heyang,...

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is being added to various processes across industries, from creative ventures to manufacturing. Health care is no exception, as AI therapy enters the space. Chatbot therapists and AI medical care are gaining popularity. But can they compete with the real thing? How do human doctors view these AI tools? Are they seen as valuable assistants or just a brief distraction...

Chinese Doctors' Day, also known as Medical Workers' Day, falls on Aug 19th. From the significant strides taken in increasing the number of healthcare workers to the ongoing struggle with excessive workloads and insufficient compensation, how can we, as a society, better support our doctors? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Round Table's Happy Place! / Could concealing a receipt be as damaging as a secret rendezvous? Stealth shopping has a negative impact on relationships. Let's see how financial fibs might stack up against emotional indiscretions in today's relationships (10:53). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Forget the classic roller coasters and mascots, Chinese theme parks are now celebrating traditional culture with impressive new twists. With fireworks, folklore, and Hanfu costumes, what makes these parks stand out in the crowded entertainment market? How do these new parks measure up against their international counterparts? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Have you ever dreamed of breezing through an airport without needing to show a single document? Well, that dream might be closer to realization than you think. Round Table invites you to observe the global race to create a 100% document-free airport. With cool new tech like facial recognition and AI, airports are getting ready to say goodbye to paper and plastic. Let's chat about what this could m...

Imagine a group of young people who gather by a river to pick up trash and learn about the ecosystem that thrives there. These aren't just ordinary summer activities; they are part of a growing movement of youth-driven ecological preservation. How are young people in China and around the world stepping up to protect our planet? From participating in clean-up efforts to leading educational initiati...