Xiaoyuzhou (小宇宙): China's Silent Podcast Revolution

This episode explores Xiaoyuzhou (小宇宙), a unique podcasting app in China that's cultivating a "silent public" of young, educated urbanites. Key points include:

• Xiaoyuzhou's emergence in 2020 as China's first dedicated podcasting platform
• The app's focus on thoughtful, long-form content in contrast to China's fast-paced digital landscape
• The concept of "knowledge payment" and its influence on Chinese digital content consumption
• How Xiaoyuzhou fosters a community valuing deep listening and intellectual curiosity
• The app's innovative features, like the audio progress bar showing listener reactions
• Xiaoyuzhou's business model, balancing user experience with revenue generation
• The broader implications for online engagement and digital communities in China and beyond

This episode challenges common perceptions of China's internet landscape, showcasing a space for meaningful dialogue and intellectual growth.