Explore every episode of the podcast Round Table China

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 favourite quote by Confucius (19:41)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Josh Cotterill

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. On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Steve Hatherly.

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 & Yushan

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, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

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 in the field? / Motivational Monday (21:20)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

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 mean for the future of travel! / Chinese kids shaking up parents and the market with trading cards (15:04). On the show: Niu Honglin, Yushun & Steve Hatherly

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 initiatives, how are they contributing to a more sustainable future? On the show: Niu Honglin, Yushun & Steve Hatherly

A generation of people have grown up in the age of smartphones, yet some consumers still search up and down for a good old dumbphone with stripped down capabilities. Let's look at a report on the market for feature phones. / Why is there always room for dessert even when we are full (19:24)? On the show: Laiming, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

The US antitrust and consumer protection watchdog has recently launched a probe into what it calls "surveillance pricing." More specifically, they seek information on the use of artificial intelligence in setting different prices to the same product for different consumers. Is it similar to what Chinese people had experienced and what Chinese legislators have tried to combat? On the show: Laiming, Li Yi & Steve Hatherly

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to ezfmroundtable@foxmail.com! /The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed trains aren't just traveling between China's biggest cosmopolitans at top speed of 350 km/h, they also serve as important workspaces as busy workers are transforming travel time into productive office hours. What's driving this shift to mobile workspaces on rails (14:20)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

With automation stepping in for everything from cooking to serving, the food industry is evolving rapidly. How will this technological shift affect restaurant operations, food factories, customer interactions and job opportunities in the coming years? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Europe has seen an increase in anti-tourism sentiment this summer, with demonstrations occurring in popular destinations like Barcelona, Venice, and now Mallorca. This growing backlash against tourism highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to destination management. What can be done to address the concerns of local communities while still promoting economic benefits from tourism? / Motivational Monday (18:35)！On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

With summer vacation in full swing, kids have relaxed into a season of fun, but there can also be unexpected stressors. Families can play a vital role in nurturing their children's mental health during this precious time off. So, what can you do to ensure that our young ones not only enjoy their break, but also thrive emotionally? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

What better day than this to talk about these "Olympic moments" we all face in life? Whether it's a job interview, a big exam, or speaking in front of a crowd, we all have those high-pressure moments where nervousness creeps in. But how do you handle it? Just like athletes on the Paris Olympics stage, there's a way to turn that nervous energy into a winning performance. We discuss strategies to keep your cool when it matters most ! / Round Table's Happy Place (18:30)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

August 10 marks this year's Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. We'll zero in on how Gen Z is navigating the world of love and marriage. Let's uncover the social and psychological factors driving their relationship preferences & what it means for love in the digital age. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

For today's young people or digital natives, social media is everywhere. New York just rolled out tough new laws to keep kids safe online, including curbing addictive feeds, safeguarding data, and enforcing a digital bedtime. China, on the other hand, pioneered these protections in 2021, with strict regulations. What impact will these measures have on the next generation's online habits? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

This August 8th, China celebrates its 16th "National Fitness Day," and the excitement surrounding it is off the charts, as it coincides with the thrilling Paris 2024 Olympics! As the Olympic spirit ignites enthusiasm nationwide, how will this unique blend of local celebration and global competition inspire us to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Let's dive in and see how we can all get involved! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The launch of the country's first marriage-related undergraduate major has made headlines in China. This program is designed to address modern challenges in relationships and family dynamics. Let's look into the necessity, curriculum, and potential impact of this major on students and society. / If someone tells you that you can win any argument with three simple words, can you take a guess what they are (18:06)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Li Yi & Ding Heng

"Work Online, Travel the World and Live the Dream." Sounds too good to be true? Well, that's the life stories of the digital nomads! As more people embrace remote work, rural areas are seeing a resurgence in economic and cultural vibrancy. What are some new stories that they are writing in the countryside? On the show: Niu Honglin, Li Yi & Ding Heng

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 (19:00). On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

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

Today, robotaxis are already roaming the streets of Chinese cities and they have raised lots of discussions and concerns about the outlook of public transportation and human taxi drivers. Will we find a good answer to people's concerns in our generation ? / Motivational Monday (19:32)! On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Li Yi

Bioengineering technician, oral health technician, cybersecurity inspector and smart vehicle examiner… China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has released a list of 19 new occupations. These newly recognized jobs are not only fresh to our ears but more importantly, they point to the direction in which China's economy is evolving. On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Li Yi

A few surveys and reports from recent years reveal evidence of a drop-off in youth engagement with live sport, which is now seen as an ample and growing phenomenon that raises concerns among leagues, sports media rights owners, and media organizations. How is Generation Z's relationship with sports content changing? Have they truly lost interests in live sports? And what will it take for sport events to attract Gen Z eyeballs? / Unique convenience store cultures around the globe (16:50). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Tianyu. 

Round Table invites Ms. Carla Canales to the show. As the first Senior Advisor and Envoy for Cultural Exchange at the U.S. President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, she shares some real person-to-person friendship stories and demonstrates how person-to-person exchanges between the two countries is the key to better understandings and smother cooperations. On the show: Steve Hatherly & Carla Canales.

Summer comes with its thrills but not everyone is a fan and it's not just about the heat. The wardrobe shift to mini shorts, strappy tops, and swimwear can trigger body anxiety for many. If you've ever felt self-conscious about showing more skin, you’re not alone. Let's chat about ways to overcome body anxiety, and embrace the sunshine with self-love and confidence. / RoundTable's Happy Place (17:57)! On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Steve Hatherly.

Have you noticed how live concerts continue to be the hottest ticket in town this year? Whether it's fresh faces or veteran stars, the live performance market in China is on fire! Fans travel across cities to catch these shows. What's been fueling this surge in concert popularity, and how is it reshaping our cultural and tourism landscape? On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Steve Hatherly.

Get ready for an exhilarating summer as the 2024 summer movie box office soars past 7.5 billion Yuan! With blockbuster hits lighting up the screens, there's no better time to dive into the cinematic magic. And guess what? Watching the Paris Olympics in the movie theater has become the hottest trend this season! Dive into the ultimate summer experience with us, where blockbuster films meet Olympic thrills! / Heart to Heart (17:00). On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Steve Hatherly.

Countless super young influencers on TikTok, known as "Sephora Kids," are recommending skincare products including wrinkle creams for kids and tweens. These beauty products are packaged in neon-colored bottles and tubes, which can look like toys. They can cost 70 US Dollars (or more than 500 Yuan) a pop. Should we be worried? Are 'Sephora Kids' turning innocent fun into a costly obsession? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Steve Hatherly.

With summer vacation in full swing, families across China are flocking to museums to take advantage of their rich educational resources, displayed in a fun way. Today, we'll explore museums and places alike to find out why they have become the go-to destinations for summer learning. / Looking out the window & doing nothing on the flight (20:41). On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Steve Hatherly.

Imagine calling the customer service and being greeted by a friendly, intelligent assistant who understands your needs instantly. No more endless waiting on the line listening to frustrating hold music—just seamless, efficient service. Actually, the roles of AI in customer service are much more diverse! From chatbots to voice assistants, and even to innovative voice modulations, let's take a look at whether AI can transform how businesses interact with customers, and the possible challenges ahead. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Steve Hatherly.

As humans try to enjoy a getaway from work and routine during the summer break, animals may have a hard time coping with rising temperatures. Pets may have the advantage of staying in air-conditioned rooms, but what about wild animals and those in the zoo? / Motivational Monday (19:16)! On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Brandon Yates

Have you noticed that your friends and coworkers all seem to be on vacations (while you are the one still slaving away?). In the peak of summer, it is customary for people to take a break, go travel, shop or simply take some time off to relax with family and friends. It's also a great time for businesses, too. On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Brandon Yates