Episodes
Imagine a cup of latte crafted from Ethiopian coffee beans blended with buffalo milk from Venezuela—that's the essence of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) country exhibition. Here, each nation showcases its premier products and local sectors, aiming to cultivate connections with the global market. Beyond merely displaying a variety of goods, the CIIE also strengthens trade ties among countries in the Global South. Reporter Yushan speaks with representatives from Ethiopia and...
Published 11/08/24
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? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun
Published 11/08/24
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
Published 11/08/24
Published 11/08/24
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 the fine line between honest influence and outright control (15:28). On the show: Heyang, Steve...
Published 11/07/24
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
Published 11/07/24
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). On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan
Published 11/06/24
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
Published 11/06/24
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
Published 11/05/24
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
Published 11/05/24
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
Published 11/04/24
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
Published 11/04/24
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
Published 11/01/24
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 Hatherly & Yushun
Published 11/01/24
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, charming customers to get paid in snacks (18:00). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi
Published 10/31/24
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 Hatherly & Li Yi
Published 10/31/24
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
Published 10/30/24
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
Published 10/30/24
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
Published 10/29/24
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
Published 10/29/24
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
Published 10/28/24
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
Published 10/28/24
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
Published 10/25/24
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
Published 10/25/24
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
Published 10/24/24