

One man's elevator ad rebellionA universal key. Over a hundred muted screens in Shanghai. A debatable, possibly illegal act that went viral—and exposed a deep, shared frustration: the elevator ads no one asked for and no one can escape. In the shared space of an elevator, who gets the final say? / Round Table's Happy Place (17:17)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun
Are you ready to live a zero-waste life?Cities worldwide are drowning in trash. Landfills are full, oceans are clogged with plastic. Many are trying to change, but one effort stands apart in its sheer scale and ambition: China's nationwide push to build“zero-waste cities.”The goal is a system where everything is reused, repurposed, or recovered. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun
China's new snow break for (some) studentsFor many Chinese students, winter once meant chilly classrooms and bundled-up uniforms. Now, it brings free ski passes and extra family time. This new wave of "snow holidays" meets a generation's craving for movement, experience, and hands-on learning. As cities roll out offerings from free ski lessons to ice-fishing festivals, we are witnessing an ambitious attempt to transform snow into a genuine opportunity. / Have you stolen some sugarcane (17:58)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Fei Fei
Used EVs: youth's smart mobility hackIn China, a generation raised on digital savvy is rewriting the rules of consumption. Their new status symbol is one of financial intelligence: the pre-owned electric vehicle. Confronting a cooling used-car market and the steep depreciation of new energy vehicles, they see opportunity instead of crisis. They apply a hacker's mindset to mobility, finding luxury in efficiency and status in savvy calculation. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Fei Fei
Ultra-perspective: a new view on sportsWhat if you could control the camera during a live sports broadcast? Not just choosing a feed, but swooping in for a courtside view or looking down from the rafters? A new streaming tech out of China is making that a reality. It's called "ultimate perspective," and it builds a virtual, 3D model of the game as it happens. The world is watching the innovation that could change how we see sports. / When the weather turns cold, why is it that we want to eat literally anything within our reach (15:04)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
When barrier-free facilities become barriersOn December 3rd, we mark the International Day of Disabled Persons. China has made remarkable strides in accessibility, with public facilities now widely available. But true progress means moving beyond construction to thoughtful design and everyday usability. How do we transform spaces into places of genuine inclusion? We explore the journey from accessibility on paper to inclusion in practice. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Xingyu
Do you want to micro-retire?How many times in your life do you retire? The traditional answer—once—is being overturned by a new wave of workers embracing months-long disconnections, or micro-retirements. This trend is a direct response to systemic burnout, prompting a vital debate on the real career risks of trading future security for present sanity. / The music to calm your pet (19:03). On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushun
The sensitive skin dilemmaSensitive skin is now a widespread reality across China, with a booming care market standing at the intersection of hope and skepticism. As winter settles in, the hidden triggers behind the reactivity, the bold claims on every bottle, and the definitive science behind the persuasive spin all come into focus. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushun
When AI enters the therapy roomArtificial intelligence now aids in diagnosing conditions such as depression within China's mental health system. By analyzing vocal patterns and micro-expressions, these technologies offer the potential for enhanced clinical efficiency and early intervention. Yet their arrival invites a deeper reflection on the nature of care itself, challenging us to balance the precision of algorithms with the irreplaceable role of human empathy. / Motivational Monday (20:28)! On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
Homes for the heroes of deliveryGig work in China is entering a new phase. Leading delivery platforms are building affordable apartments for riders and introducing new welfare benefits. These measures offer the promise of security for millions. But the future of these improvements remains uncertain. The true test will be whether these benefits are a stable foundation or if their cost is quietly moved back onto workers through the platform's systems. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan
The work focus disappearing actIn an era of calendar reminders and digital rewards, our relationship with work is evolving. The very tools designed to boost productivity can leave us feeling less capable of deep, thoughtful work. We are losing our grasp on focused attention, a precious resource in the modern world. It is time to explore what this means for our creativity, our growth, and our ability to do truly meaningful work. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Laiming
No boundaries in tech - No limits for youthTune in to #GlobalSouthNextGen: Voices and Visions, and join the conversation with three young scientists from the Global South. One builds open science tools for communities that need them most. One explores the universe through the language of mathematics. One ensures AI applications work for real people speaking different languages and living different lives. Check out their stories
The new rules of rudenessTo hear Gen Z talk is to witness a linguistic revolution. The profanity once deemed most vulgar now often passes without comment. However, language that attacks a person's race, gender, or ability is firmly and immediately condemned. This new hierarchy of what makes words offensive speaks volumes about our evolving social values. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Laiming
KOLs and other ways to connect culturesIn what ways can KOLs better use their power in an age where a single video can reach millions? Tune in to #GlobalSouthNextGen: Voices and Visions, and check out the stories of two KOLs from Ghana and Indonesia who use their creativity, empathy, and the shared desire to make people understand each other a little better.
Encore: From plant to plate: China's healthy dining waveIf you've noticed friends sharing "temple-style" meals or vibrant plant-based hot pots online, you're witnessing a national shift. Plant-based dining has blossomed into one of China's most dynamic food trends, captivating far more than just vegetarians. From students to CEOs, a growing movement is embracing lighter, greener meals. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Laiming