Like, um, let's talk about filler words

A hotel should be a sanctuary for rest. Yet many travelers now feel a flicker of doubt at the sight of a provided towel or the hotel bed. The fundamental expectation of feeling safe and clean away from home is being questioned by ordinary people who just want peace of mind. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (16:20). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

A newfound appreciation for local dialects is growing on China's university campuses. Recent surveys reveal that an overwhelming majority of students are interested in these regional tongues and want to help preserve them. This interest has sparked practical action, and students are now at the forefront of a movement to weave these ancient linguistic threads into the fabric of modern life. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

Across the world, people are growing unexpectedly self-conscious about the tiny sounds and pauses that sneak into our speech. These filler words are universal, ancient, and deeply human. So why have they suddenly become a source of linguistic insecurity? / The problem with maybe (16:45). On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan.

University public courses often live in extremes: they are either profoundly inspiring or profoundly forgettable. What separates the lecture you dreaded from the class you never wanted to end? How can universities make these foundational courses more meaningful, more memorable, and more worthy of a student's time and attention? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun.

Beyond the lecture halls, a new campus ecosystem thrives online. Student we-media creators are building their brands from dorm rooms, navigating the pull of academic demands against the allure of digital fame. Their growing follower counts bring a hidden calculus of costs that weighs on their studies, their mental well-being, and the quiet of shared living spaces. / Motivational Monday (18:24)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

At Beijing's 2025 Global AI+ Conference, the future of AI is being shaped today. The big question is how China's distinct model of AI integration will redefine not only its own technological frontier, but the entire global digital landscape. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Viral memes and opaque online phrases now weave through classroom discussions and office conversations. While educators note distracted students and parents fret over shrinking vocabularies, linguists point to the gradual fading of nuance in everyday speech. As abbreviated expressions increasingly stand in for complex thought, we are left to wonder what is ultimately lost when shortcuts replace substance. / Round Table's Happy Place (17:22)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun

Humanoid robots are capturing global attention, moving from Shanghai's assembly lines to viral videos out of Silicon Valley. Yet for every genuine breakthrough, a cleverly engineered demo seems designed solely for investor buzz. With China pushing for mass production by 2025 and global rivals close behind, the world is waiting to see when these machines will finally become a practical part of our daily lives. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun

The convenience of one-click ordering often obscures a meal's origin. New regulations in China address this directly, requiring a "No Dine-In" label on ghost kitchens, a significant move for consumer safety and market transparency. / Is cash cringe (15:56)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The rise of EVs in China is accelerating an automotive design revolution. While innovations such as frunks and zero-gravity seats redefine the cabin experience, they simultaneously ignite a critical global debate concerning their inherent safety implications. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun