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Anime, manga, and gaming used to be dismissed as mere pastimes for kids and 'nerds.' But that fantasy world? It's exploded into the mainstream. ACG is now a major economic force, influencing how we shop, socialize, and spend. Are you ready for your inner stan to take over your wallet? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
In the West, potatoes are known as the comfort-food king—mashed, fried, or baked. But in China, they've traditionally played second fiddle to rice and noodles. Now, that could be changing. Introducing potato rice: a starch-savvy innovation that looks and cooks like rice, but is made entirely from potato. With its higher protein and fiber content, could this grainy newcomer become a staple on Chinese tables? We compare palates, preferences, and explore the future of food. / The plastics in gum (18:12). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Many of us scroll through applications on our phones when we shop. But imagine a tropical island where you can explore hundreds of thousands of products from more than 4,000 brands—no algorithms, just real-world browsing. Walk through pavilions of innovation, from household essentials to the latest tech. Suddenly, your wishlist just got a whole lot bigger! On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Over the past five years, outdoor activities like biking and camping have seen remarkable growth, driving expansion across related industries. Now, as pleasant weather returns, a new picnic culture is blossoming - one that values genuine outdoor enjoyment over picture-perfect social media moments. / Game transfer phenomenon: When virtual and real worlds collide (17:37). On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
We are living longer than ever, a cause for celebration. However, as societies age at an unprecedented rate, we have to wonder how the growing demand for elder care will be met. The increasing integration of robotic assistance is a prominent trend. Will these automated solutions become commonplace? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
China boasts over 400 million e-bikes, yet surprisingly few are insured, leaving owners vulnerable after accidents. How can e-bike safety improve? And will new national standards change this picture? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan
Probiotics are all the rage, promising a happy gut and a host of other health perks. But with so many yogurts, pills, and potions boasting these live cultures, it does make us wonder if the miracle workers are all they're made out to be. / The link between marriage and weight gain (19:06). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan
This spring, a trend is captivating nature, photography, and travel enthusiasts across China: birdwatching. It's about capturing the perfect shot of avian life in the wild. Celebrities are participating, tourism boards are launching bird maps, and online communities are buzzing about Great Crested Grebes. But what's fueling this fascination? Is it the allure of the gear, the prestige of the sighting, or a more profound connection to nature? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
That familiar headphone knot, the unexpected slice of paper – and bam! Out comes that satisfying, slightly naughty word. But scientists are saying that moment of swearing isn't just blowing off steam. It's a release, a show of resilience, maybe even a bit of self-care. Time to rethink what swear words do for us? Could it actually be… beneficial? / The never-ending titles of online novels (18:12). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Once worthless, now priceless? CCD cameras and flip phones sell for exorbitant prices, sometimes more than new tech. There seems to be a certain allure in the artifacts of a fading era, but why are people paying a premium for the past? / Blueberry mania in the office (14:28). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
When brands built for one gender target another, success is a gamble. Some crack the code, others fail spectacularly. We explore the triumphs, the missteps, and the future of gendered marketing. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Forget city strolls and coffee dates! Young singles are now foraging in fields. This wild vegetable hunt promises a fun, relaxed first encounter. We get to the root of the question: rustic romance or a muddy mess? / Chubby filters, good or bad (16:34)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
A marathon transcends a mere long-distance run. It serves as a potent catalyst for local economies, invigorates sports culture, and fosters unparalleled community cohesion. We explore a marathon's profound impact beyond the finish line. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Black, cream, sugar – that's how most countries roll with their coffee. But China? How about throwing it into hotpot and steaming it into rice rolls! If coffee had eyebrows, they'd be sky-high! But beyond these wild culinary experiments, we peek into China's booming coffee scene, and how it's shaking up the global java party. / Motivational Monday (20:21)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
In a world where urban spaces increasingly consist of concrete and glass, a new movement is emerging—one that integrates nature into the core of our shopping experiences. Is this merely a luxury for a select few cities, or could it become a model that defines the shopping centers of the future? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is a nongovernmental and nonprofit international organization, a platform for dialogue among leaders from governments, businesses, and academic sectors across Asia and the world, addressing critical economic and social issues. We learn about this year's forum, taking place from March 25-28. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan
Bulk snack stores, with their delightful affordable drinks and a constantly surprising array of treats, have turned casual browsers into super-loyal fans, and who can blame them? We bite into the fizzy, flavorful world to uncover their secret recipe for success, and how this delicious trend is shaking up the snack industry. / Is baby screen time good or bad for your child (14:26)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan
The winds of change are blowing through the job market, and China's Spring Recruitment is leading the charge. Whether you're stepping into your first job or considering a career pivot, now could be the right time to reshape your future. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Sneezing non-stop this spring? It's not just the flowers; it's those pesky tree pollens. With a perfect storm of allergens in the air, we explore why these tree pollens are making allergy season worse than ever. / Modern dating has become a battlefield, where you could crash and burn in an instant. Now, "floodlighting" is the latest threat—relationship experts warn that it's one to watch out for (19:31). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Can money buy a good night's sleep? Millions seem to think so, fueling China's sleep industry, projected to soar past one trillion Yuan by 2030. But should good sleep come with a price tag? What are the free and better ways to sleep soundly? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Yushun
China's home repair industry is one of the most convenient in the world—book a technician online, and they'll come to your home at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in many developed economies. But a recent investigation revealed that some platforms have been exploiting this trust, exaggerating faults and overcharging customers. / Round Table's Happy Place (18:37)! On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Yushun
China's average life expectancy just reached 79 years—an achievement decades in the making. The landscape continues to evolve, with ongoing developments shaping the years ahead. As we mark this milestone, we ask: How did we get here, and what comes next? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Clocking out like a boss is no longer just a dream! Some companies are now literally turning off the lights to push employees out the door. From overtime fines to unexpected "fire drill" shutdowns, the anti-rat-race movement is gaining momentum. But is a forced work-life balance really the ideal, or does it come with unforeseen trade-offs? / Is having a laptop on your stomach cozy or concerning (20:00)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
While giants such as Huawei and BYD dominate headlines, China's "hidden champions" are quietly reshaping industries. These lesser-known companies, driving innovation in areas like AI and green energy, wield surprising technological power. What fuels their success, and why are they becoming increasingly important? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Is the power suit now a relic of the past? Chinese men are demonstrably choosing comfort over the rigid formality of traditional business wear. We examine this evolving dynamic in office attire, observing the transition from meticulously tailored suits to the relaxed aesthetic of plaid shirts and practical windbreakers. Is this just happening in China, or is the trend seen in other places around the world? / Motivational Monday (22:47)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
China's cities are growing rapidly, but are they becoming homogenized? While some cities still reflect their unique culture and history, many now showcase identical sleek glass buildings, wide roads, and monotonous designs. Has urban planning diminished the unique character that once defined these places? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Couples' apps offer valuable features such as love diaries, shared savings, and important date reminders. But must shared toilet time define modern intimacy? Seriously. Do these apps genuinely help long-distance lovers maintain their connection, or are they merely transforming relationships into a series of obligatory check-ins? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
The annual Two Sessions are in full swing in Beijing! This year's top political meetings highlight science and technology as prominent topics. From artificial intelligence to cutting-edge research, how is China navigating its path toward the future of innovation?Round Table's Yushan interviews NPC deputy Cui Yan, director of the China-Germany AI Institute at Wuyi University. (06:43-18:00)On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
FOBO, or the fear of a better option, is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals struggle to make decisions due to the constant worry that a better alternative may exist. This paralyzing fear often results in indecision, procrastination, and dissatisfaction, as people become overwhelmed by endless possibilities and the pressure to make the "perfect" choice. We discuss how to overcome FOBO ! / Gluten-free? Let's talk (17:01)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Education in China has come a long way!Once upon a time, students had to copy exercise books by hand, and now they use AI-powered tablets in classrooms. Despite all this progress, there's always room for improvement: How do we balance tradition and innovation? How do we make education accessible and effective for all? Today, as educators from all around the country share their insights during China's "two sessions," we try to break it down as well, with the help of our expert guests—so grab your metaphorical school bag, and let's get started! On the show: Niu Honglin, Yushan & Zhou Mingming, Associate Dean in Faculty of Education at University of Macau
John Higgins is celebrating his first ranking tournament victory for four years, and the 32nd of his magnificent career. Phil and Nick return to reflect on his success at the World Open in Yushan. There's also a look ahead to the World Grand Prix, plus news on the Q Tour Global Play-Offs and the World Disability Snooker Championship. We'll bring you our 200th episode next week - keep your thoughts coming to us, tweet @TalkingSnooker or email talkingsnooker@yahoo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The semi finals in Yushan are confirmed, and some more travel tales of an innocent time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A look ahead to the quarter final matches at the World Open in China. Also, a reason why the top four might be skew whif, and a letter written by Fred Davis. Email at snookerbreakfast@mail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nick and Phil are joined by the women's world seniors champion Tessa Davidson. There's loads of talk about Tessa's success in the 1980s and 90s, her long break from the sport and her prolific success since returning. Tessa also gives us her views on how we can get more girls into playing snooker and the future of the women's game. There's plenty more besides, including the latest from the World Open in Yushan, the draw for the World Grand Prix and news of a ban and fine for Matt Selt following 'rude and aggressive' behaviour in Saudi Arabia last year. We'll be back next week to review the climax of the World Open. Keep your snooker thoughts coming please - tweet us @TalkingSnooker or email talkingsnooker@yahoo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alan catches up on some of your emails. A look ahead to the Last 16 in Yushan, and centuries aplenty. Tons of them. Also, a tease ahead of a Fred Davis letter recital on the way tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The pandemic era began with quiet quitting in the US, defined by minimal effort and strict boundaries. Now, a more dramatic shift: revenge quitting, marked by impactful departures. American workers are leaving not just jobs, but making pointed statements. Could this trend spread globally, perhaps to China? / Motivational Monday (20:05)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Move over, Jedi! China's moviegoers have spoken! Nezha 2 has dethroned Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the highest-grossing film in a single market. However, beyond the impressive numbers, there's another surprise—this record-breaking hit was produced entirely in the Chinese city of Chengdu.What is driving this city's emergence as a new force in animation and beyond? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
In this episode, Alan delves into why geography can in some way dictate technique. The latest news and views from Yushan, and answers yesterday's trivia question. Email the show at snookerbreakfast@mail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Imagine a world where your local government is operated by robots—not the kind that seek to dominate humanity, but those that expedite the permit process. Welcome to Shenzhen's Futian District, where 70 AI 'employees' are enhancing efficiency and streamlining paperwork. How will these digital assistants reshape local governance? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
While the Spring Festival may have concluded, the allure of Nianxiao flowers persists. These vibrant blooms, ranging from elegant orchids to cheerful 'emotional plants,' are now a staple in homes throughout China, enhancing both our spaces and spirits. We explore their increasing influence in the floral market. / Is leaving trash at the apartment door illegal (18:23)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Those fresh greens on your dinner plate didn't just grow there; they most likely traveled across China. We delve into how and why vegetable prices have remained affordable, even during the winter chill. On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan
Heart to Heart - We answer your questions! Annoying strangers? Here's what to do! Plus, should I quit this job? Please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com. / "Knit-ffiti" is here, transforming everyday objects into vibrant works of art! Trees in Chinese cities have been yarn-bombed, giving the streets a cozy, colorful makeover. Have you spotted any trees in knitwear in your neighborhood? What are your thoughts on this woolly trend (20:55)? On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan
Ten billion Yuan and counting! Ne Zha 2 isn't just a massive hit, it's rewriting history! Now, it's hitting cinemas overseas. Will it capture hearts worldwide? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
WeChat's new gift-giving feature lets you send gifts—but with a considerate twist: the recipient picks exactly what they want. In a culture where building connections is key, could this be a game-changer for gift-giving? Time to find out if this new feature is a hit or a miss! / Round Table's Happy Place (18:30)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
In 2024, China's convenience stores experienced significant growth; however, as we look at 2025, a survey indicates that some business owners are reconsidering their expansion plans. Could this cautious approach signal deeper industry challenges or represent a strategic shift toward optimizing operations? / Motivational Monday (20:08)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
At the intersection of performance and sustainability, the 9th Asian Winter Games is more than just a sporting event—it's an experiment in green innovation. From eco-friendly transportation and renewable energy to artistic initiatives like plant-powered colored ice, these multifaceted strategies are establishing new benchmarks for global events. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
The stage is set for an unforgettable winter sports experience, as Harbin hosts the 2025 Asian Winter Games. The stakes are high, with 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and territories gathered to compete for gold. Get ready for an extraordinary event, embraced by the warm hospitality and generous spirit of the people of Harbin! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
With gold prices at an all-time high, why are younger generations in China still investing in gold jewelry? Is it a combination of tradition, a safe investment amid economic uncertainties, or are they simply drawn to the latest trendy brand collaborations? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:53)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Whether it's the comforting aroma of homemade dumplings or the vibrant red lanterns illuminating the streets, Chinese New Year is more than just a holiday. It represents the largest family reunion for the Chinese people—a time to reconnect, rejuvenate, and celebrate togetherness.What makes family reunions during the Chinese New Year so special?On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan
Welcome to the Chinese New Year edition of Round Table! In this edition, we explore a specific aspect of the economy during the holiday season: Spring Festival consumption, which encompasses shopping, tourism, entertainment, and more! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan