Are noodle shops the new man cave?

Watching videos or listening to books or podcasts at 1.5x or 2x speed has become a productivity hack for many, letting viewers and listeners plow through content in half the time. But critics argue it trades comprehension for efficiency—dulling nuance, emotional impact, and retention. Can our brains really keep up, or are we just training ourselves to tolerate a constant fast-forward culture? / Ghosts and rats: the new aesthetic (17:45)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Summer in China isn't just about the heat—it's about the energy. From buzzing night markets to packed theme parks, from small-town charm to big-city hotspots, the mid-year economy is sizzling. Shops, streets, and tourist destinations are alive with activity. So what's fueling this summer boom? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

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

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

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