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PODCAST

Round Table China

Round Table is a premier English radio/podcast show, straight from Beijing. Hear what"s buzzing on the Internet and the main streets, see the latest lifestyle trends, and feel the pulse of life in China, Round Table is your golden ticket. With dynamic cultural exchanges between hosts from diverse backgrounds, we take you on a journey deep into modern China. We invite you to join our conversation! Shoot us an email or a voice memo at roundtablepodcast@qq.com. Let the fun begin!

society & culture

All Episodes

25:13

Mushroom kingdom's fungi frenzy!

Round Table China ·

2025/07/08

Yunnan, China, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, now draws crowds for another reason: wild mushrooms. Over 900 species grow here, fueling a tourist-driven mushroom gold rush. But as baskets fill—when does foraging tip into overharvesting? The tourists are feasting on fungi, but nature is paying the price. / A game that does not exist, but everyone's playing (20:48). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

en

26:53

Inflatable domes revolutionize construction

Round Table China ·

2025/07/08

Surprise! Giant balloons are popping up across Chinese cities—but this isn't a circus. Step inside, and you'll find a fully operational construction site! These massive air domes trap dust and muffle noise, revolutionizing urban building. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

en

22:28

Are noodle shops the new man cave?

Round Table China ·

2025/07/07

In a bustling city, a middle-aged man eating alone at a noodle shop isn't just a meal—it's a moment of quiet reclamation. These unassuming stalls become sanctuaries, offering warmth and stillness amid life's relentless demands. What does this solitary ritual say about the weight our fathers, brothers, and uncles carry—heavy, yet shouldered in silence? / Motivational Monday (19:38)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

en

30:14

AI's leap forward in cancer detection

Round Table China ·

2025/07/07

For years, China's cancer screening and survival rates have trailed behind those of developed nations. But 2025 could change everything. A breakthrough AI system named GRAPE is now helping Chinese hospitals detect stomach cancer earlier—with 20 percent higher accuracy than human doctors. No tubes, no discomfort—just a quick scan. Could this be the start of AI saving millions of lives? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

en

23:09

China's youth choose sawdust over showrooms

Round Table China ·

2025/07/02

A new generation of makers is swapping swipe-to-buy for measure-twice-cut-once, crafting bespoke furniture that defies cookie-cutter consumerism. This hands-on renaissance celebrates the irreplicable satisfaction of building rather than buying. In our age of digital disposability, could woodworking be the ultimate counterculture? / Is using coupons on a first date thrifty or a red flag (14:08)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

en

28:54

Fast tech, big waste

Round Table China ·

2025/07/02

The breakneck pace of fast tech—with its disposable gadgets and relentless upgrades—comes with hidden consequences: a global e-waste crisis growing heavier with each "must-have" release. While consumers chase the dopamine hit of new tech and brands fuel the cycle with products designed for obsolescence, we're left grappling with the real question—who shoulders responsibility for this unsustainable system? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

en

26:42

Lychee bliss, but beware the bite!

Round Table China ·

2025/06/27

Spiky yet delicate, ancient yet trendy—this summer, lychees are everywhere from street markets to craft cocktails. Prices have plunged as harvests surge, but beware: their intoxicating sweetness comes with a cautionary tale. Have you heard of Lychee Disease? / Round Table's Happy Place (21:26)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

en

25:46

Summer vacation spending heats up!

Round Table China ·

2025/06/27

From AI-powered driving lessons to exclusive graduation deals on tech and travel, businesses are racing to capture the attention—and wallets—of a generation stepping into newfound independence. As summer kicks off and post-exam freedom sets in, Gen Z's choices reveal more than just a desire for fun; they signal a generation eager to control their own journey. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

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22:32

Smart hiring? AI in recruitment

Round Table China ·

2025/06/26

Hiring practices have changed—AI is now calling the shots. Lightning-fast candidate sorting? Check. Smarter screening? Absolutely. But behind the efficiency lurks a minefield of ethical dilemmas. We break down the promise, the pitfalls, and the algorithms rewriting the rules. / Lost in translation: Chinese dish names (14:33). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

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29:48

Parents embrace hands-on kindergarten in China

Round Table China ·

2025/06/26

China's kindergartens are embracing hands-on learning, shifting from traditional academics to practical life skills like cooking and teamwork. Parents and educators praise these programs for fostering independence, though some question if they leave enough room for play. Will this growing movement signal a lasting change in early education? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

en

21:12

Men fall fast; women fall wiser

Round Table China ·

2025/06/20

Contrary to popular belief, research reveals a surprising twist: men may fall in love faster than women. But the heart refuses to follow rules—its timing is messy, deeply personal, and defies easy stereotypes. We unpack what the data really says about who falls harder, sooner… and why. / Round Table's Happy Place (13:44)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

en

31:06

BREAKTHROUGH: Robots that feel like us!

Round Table China ·

2025/06/20

For the first time, robots can feel the world like we do. Scientists have created a robotic hand with human-like touch across its entire surface—paired with uncanny precision. This isn't just about better machines; it's about redefining how technology interacts with life itself. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

en

26:14

AI hair washing? Ready to try?

Round Table China ·

2025/06/19

For many Chinese Gen Zers, young, text-first, self-proclaimed introverts, the idea of a silent salon visit is pure bliss. Walk in, lie back, and let a robot do all the scrubbing, rinsing, and massaging. No small talk, no awkward eye contact, just AI and lots of good-smelling bubbles. Will this be the future of haircare, or another a flashy flop? / 'Dry Begging': The Art of Indirect Requests (19:46). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

en

25:43

Salt batteries! The future of clean energy?

Round Table China ·

2025/06/19

Could the future of electric power lie in your kitchen? For years, lithium has been battery royalty. But now, a humble contender is stepping out of the kitchen and into the spotlight: sodium — the key element in plain old salt. It’s cheap, abundant, and surprisingly powerful. So, is it just a backup plan, or could salt truly reshape the energy world? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

en

24:37

Child brain training: Help or hype?

Round Table China ·

2025/06/13

China's booming 'child brain training' industry promises to unlock kids' potential—but experts question how much is science versus savvy marketing. As companies sell costly cognitive programs to eager parents, neuroscientists warn many claims lack evidence, leaving families to wonder if these tools are beneficial, or just exploiting hopes?/ Round Table's Happy Place (21:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

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27:32

Crafting a '15-minute' employment service circle

Round Table China ·

2025/06/13

You've heard it before: 'There are no good jobs out there.’Yet employers insist: 'We can't find the right people!' This frustrating disconnect? It's called information asymmetry—and it's solvable. Enter the '15-minute employment service circle': a community-powered solution that brings job opportunities literally to your doorstep. By placing employment hubs within a short walk of every neighborhood, it bridges the gap between talent and demand. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

en

54:56

Discovering Guizhou: The Guitar Fanatic

Round Table China ·

2025/06/12

In Zheng'an County, Guizhou province, a thriving guitar manufacturing industry has emerged, supplying major international brands and providing thousands of jobs. In this episode, we meet the guitar-makers, the musicians, and the dreamers who've transformed an entire region by turning strings into stories.

en

23:58

Everyone's obsessed with Labubu!

Round Table China ·

2025/06/04

Have you ever wondered why quirky plush toys like Labubu and Jellycat have taken the world by storm—especially among adults? These aren't just nostalgic childhood trinkets; they've evolved into coveted collectibles, stylish companions, and even cultural icons. So what's the secret behind their "ugly-cute" charm? / Plant identification apps! Your new nature guide (19:57)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

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28:10

Why don't we recycle our old phones?

Round Table China ·

2025/06/04

We sleep with it, eat with it, panic if it goes missing for even five minutes. Let's face it—our smartphones are practically family. But the moment a shiny new model arrives? The old one gets ghosted, tossed in a drawer to gather dust. Love at first swipe, forgotten at first upgrade. So why is it so hard to recycle our old friend? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

en

23:38

Low-fat lies: Do diet meals work?

Round Table China ·

2025/06/03

That 'low-fat' meal seemed like a smart choice—clean, green, guilt-free. So why are your jeans tighter? Behind the wholesome packaging lies a harsh truth: Are these 'diet' dishes helping you slim down or selling empty promises? Let's rip off the marketing hype and see what's really inside! / Machine vs. air drying: Why do most Chinese people choose the latter (17:12)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

en

805 results

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