Gym memberships that vanish overnight? Salons that disappear with your cash? China's Supreme Court just slammed the door on prepaid scams. Starting May 1, tough new rules ban businesses from ghosting customers or skirting refunds—marking the end of an era for shady operators. / Gen Z ditching traditional pet names (17:18). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Ding Heng

Move over, blue and white collars—China's green-collar revolution is here. With over 3.4 million eco-workers and counting, the country is sprinting toward a sustainable future. But what's fueling this boom? From policy shifts to green tech investments, China is cultivating a legion of environmental professionals. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Ding Heng

Move over, milk tea—this summer belongs to crisp, tropical coconut water. Gym-goers, office workers, and wellness seekers are all chasing that hydrating glow. But is it truly a health essential, or just another overhyped trend? We crack open the truth behind the craze. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (14:01). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Heated seats, adaptive cruise—your car has it all… until the subscription ends. Welcome to the age of locked features, where convenience comes with recurring bills. Drivers are realizing: today's 'smart' car might just be a clever way to keep you paying. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Across North American cafés, workers juggle espresso machines and emotional labor: remembering names, performing cheer, even handwriting pep talks on cups. Some customers cherish the human touch; others wonder—when does 'service with a smile' become unpaid emotional work? The invisible effort of keeping moods light and interactions pleasant often falls disproportionately on service staff. As we rethink fair compensation, perhaps it's time to ask: Should emotional labor come with a paycheck too? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Long lines at the Temple of Heaven. Packed rural B&Bs. Sold-out concerts. This year's May Day holiday wasn't just a travel surge, it was an economic phenomenon. From digital upgrades and appliance trade-ins to inbound travel boom, people are spending in ways that defy old patterns. The question isn't just where they're going, but what their wallets reveal about the next chapter of China's economy. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Women in science have shattered barriers and redefined possibility—yet the path forward demands even greater strides. Join Heyang in conversation with Li Tianzhen of DP Technology as they explore the milestones worth celebrating, the systemic challenges still to overcome, and the power of women claiming their space and voice in the tech landscape.

Join Niu Honglin for a captivating conversation with Dr. Lin Li—a renowned Guzheng virtuoso and War Studies scholar from King's College London. Dr. Lin reveals her unique journey of mastering both music and academia, offering powerful insights on how women can redefine success by excelling across disciplines. Discover how passion and intellect converge to create extraordinary impact.

Tune in as Heyang chats with Songqiao Yao, founder and CEO of Wildbound.earth—an innovative, nature-inspired education and sustainability consulting venture based in Beijing. From the icy expanses of Antarctica to the heart of Beijing's sustainable innovation scene, Songqiao blends adventure with purpose in entrepreneurship. Discover how curiosity and courage drive her journey.

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