Move over, minimalism—there's a new aesthetic taking over Chinese homes, and it's steel cold. Dubbed “Prison-core,” the trend embraces stainless steel everything—walls, shelves, even furniture—channeling stark, industrial vibes straight out of a professional kitchen. Sleek, ultra-modern, and effortlessly low-maintenance, it's a hit with young urbanites. So why are millennials and Gen Z trading warm woods for cellblock chic? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (18:46). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

From smarter urban design to real-time noise monitoring, the mission is clear: quieter nights, better sleep, and healthier communities. We explore the rise of "quiet communities"—and why your restful sleep may soon depend on them. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Ever feel like you're running on fumes, struggling to muster the energy for even the simplest tasks? The increasing prevalence of "low-energy individuals" among young people is a growing concern. We explore the potential causes behind this trend and offer strategies to help you recharge and boost your vitality! Ready to plug in? / Are creatine supplements worth it (20:53)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What if your toilet offered more than just basic functionality? Smart toilets can adapt to your individual needs, cleans with precision, and even provides entertainment. In China, a global manufacturing hub, smart toilets are rapidly becoming the norm in public spaces, from shopping malls to hotels. Could this bathroom fixture soon become as essential in our homes as air conditioning? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

More than 300 guests from 95 countries and regions attended the 4th CMG Forum in Qufu, Shandong province with the aim to strengthen communication and mutual learning, deepen innovation collaboration, and inject new momentum into building an open and inclusive international communication ecosystem. / Is stress inherited (13:22)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

Major changes are reshaping higher education, and their impact on the future is significant. China recently unveiled a substantial update to its academic offerings, introducing nearly 30 new fields of study - part of a broader initiative to align education with evolving national priorities and emerging opportunities. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

Love can make us do unexpected things, but what happens when it obscures our true selves? A payable service will give you advice on how to snap you out of love and back to reality. Does being lovestruck require a cure, or is this simply a right of romantic passage?/ As the 15th Beijing International Film Festival unfolds its magic, we get a report straight from the red carpet! Our very own reporter Yangyang brings you a front-row reflection on one of the festival's most captivating highlights (17:51). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Perched high above the power lines, it's not just a bird—it's a robotic owl. This guardian of the grid and protector of wildlife represents the powerful synergy of technology and nature, where sparks fly in all the right ways! We’re taking you on a tour of machines lending their digital smarts to help monitor and protect our ecosystems. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Need a break from the hustle? What if the secret to unwinding wasn't a fancy spa day or a digital detox, but something far simpler: a humble bowl of rice in a tranquil temple? Temple meals are surging as Gen Z's go-to antidote to stress—blending mindfulness, tradition, and nourishment into one soul-soothing ritual. / As content creation and influencer culture explode, gyms are morphing into de facto film sets. Between tripods, ring lights, and carefully staged "failures," some seem more invested in crafting their next viral fitness reel than completing their reps (13:04). / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: Last Romance （《流金岁月》）, directed by Yonfan （杨凡）(20:53). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Step into Earth's grand narrative at China's newly crowned UNESCO Global Geoparks, where ancient rock formations and sweeping landscapes whisper tales millions of years in the making. Join us to find out exactly what makes these places so spectacular! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Spanking remains a divisive discipline tactic—while some dismiss it as harmless, others condemn it as damaging. Its effectiveness is fiercely debated, with some statistics suggesting that at least some parents are still in support of it. / We recommend one film from the 15th Beijing International Film Festival: On the Beat, a 1995 Chinese film directed by Ying Ning (17:17). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushun.

April 23rd marks World Book and Copyright Day, and in China, the celebration has gone digital. Bookstores and sellers are embracing the trend, ramping up livestreaming events to connect with readers like never before. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin and Yushun.