In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately pays the price? We unravel the hidden world of platform fees and decode what China's draft regulations mean for merchants, marketplaces, and the millions of shoppers caught in the crossfire. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Your boss isn't a fire-breathing dragon, but neither is he or she an all-knowing saint. Managing up is a strategic approach to understanding your manager's goals and communication style, enabling you to align your efforts and drive better business outcomes together. We discuss how exactly you would go about it. / No need to shower every day (14:35)? On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

Is a gap year simply taking a break from work? Think again. In China, taking time off can set off alarm bells with HR and turn a 'break' into a barrier. The good news? Knowing the challenges means you can prepare and come back stronger. We discuss how to navigate the gap year stigma, and how to reframe that time off not as a red flag, but as a unique edge in your career story. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

More than just play, theater unlocks confidence, empathy, and self-expression—gifts that shape young hearts and minds far beyond the stage. As International Children's Day approaches, we spotlight how drama education across China isn't just inspiring bigger dreams, but nurturing deeper thinkers, collaborators, and storytellers of tomorrow. / The best way to rest (20:11). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Zongzi are steaming on the table, dragon boats are slicing through the water, and this long weekend just hits different—Duanwu Festival meets Children's Day! Some are jetting off for quick getaways, while others are leaning into the art of the staycation. We discuss the traditions we love and the trends shaping the season! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Long considered a slow-paced game for older generations, snooker is shaking off its dusty image—thanks to stars like China's Zhao Xintong, whose electrifying victory at the 2025 World Snooker Championship has redefined the sport. With his rapid-fire breaks and charismatic flair, the 28-year-old isn't just winning titles; he's drawing a new, younger audience to the green baize. / Rethinking escalator etiquette (18:36). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

The number of ATMs in China has collapsed to just 800,000, a 25% drop in five years, as mobile payments dominate daily life. While urbanites enjoy frictionless transactions, the decline of cash infrastructure threatens to exclude older and rural populations who rely on physical currency. Is China's financial future leaving vulnerable groups in the past? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

Picture this: It's 2 PM on a Friday, and instead of staring at the clock, you're already free—heading home, meeting friends, or simply enjoying an early start to the weekend. Sound like a dream? For some in China, it's becoming reality. Several cities are now piloting a 2.5-day weekend, testing whether this bold shift could redefine work-life balance nationwide. Will it catch on? The experiment is underway—and for many, the hope is clear: more free time, less grind. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (17:08). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

As China continues to prioritize education and family welfare, the idea of universal free preschool is gaining momentum. Could this be the next step in ensuring equal opportunities for every child? Supporters argue that early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success, while critics question funding and scalability. Should high-quality preschool be a right, not a privilege, for all of China's future generations? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

Imagine designing your own commute. In Shanghai, a crowd-sourced platform now allows riders to propose and vote on new bus routes. With sufficient demand, your dream bus line could be operational in as little as three days! Could this innovation fundamentally reshape our approach to public transportation? / Our childhood “a bei bei” holds psychological power (17:05). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

China's credit blacklist system serves as a legal safety net targeting willful defaulters—those who can repay but refuse. But does it strike the right balance? The core challenge lies in enforcing repayment obligations without overreach: how to ensure accountability while still safeguarding the chance for redemption? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

While the world went big, a few phone developers kept things small—and now the tide might be turning. Slim, sleek, and surprisingly powerful, these small screen phones are winning fans who miss one-handed texting and non-bulky pockets. Is retro cool making a long-term return? / Motivational Monday (18:40)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun