Are noodle shops the new man cave?

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

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

Ladies, ever feel like you're dating a job you never signed up for? Suddenly you're managing his emotions, his social life, even basic daily logistics… while your own needs get sidelined. That's mankeeping, a term catching fire in English-language media to describe the invisible, unpaid labor women often carry in relationships. It's sparking real frustration in the US, but does it have global relevance too? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Over twelve million college graduates are entering the job market this summer. But behind the numbers is a more personal, yet collective question: Where do I want to build my life? From bustling metropolises to up-and-coming smaller cities, young people are sizing up options, and cities are sizing them up right back. We explore what it means for a city to truly welcome young people, not just with perks, but with purpose. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

China's innovators are using AI to translate animal sounds—from barks to birdsong—into human language. While this could deepen our connection with nature, it also forces us to ask: Just because we can, does that mean we should? / Bibliotherapy: Reading as therapy (16:30). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

China's cities are cultivating intimacy with nature through pocket parks—hyper-local green interventions that reimagine urban functionality. Yet their true potential lies not in isolation, but in synergy. Can these scattered oases weave together into a transformative urban infrastructure? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

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

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

Is this love, loyalty… or just clinging to what we’ve already spent? We keep paying for past investments with our future—throwing good time after bad. When you’ve given so much of yourself, how do you know when the cost of staying outweighs the cost of walking away? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (19:22). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Choosing a major was once a single high-stakes decision. But with new disciplines emerging, 'hot' fields evolving, and transfer policies becoming more flexible - are students finally gaining real freedom to design their futures? Or has this created a maze with endless doors but no clear map? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei