Round Table China

Dawn of robots in elderly care

World Expo 2025

This episode explores the China Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, examining its design, philosophical underpinnings, and technological features. Against the backdrop of the Expo's "Designing Future Society" theme, the pavilion's architecture, inspired by ancient Chinese bamboo scrolls, seamlessly blends traditiona...

Educational app rules for schools

Are probiotic claims justified?

This episode explores the efficacy and market trends of probiotics, examining whether the purported health benefits live up to the hype. Against the backdrop of the booming probiotic market, with sales of probiotic drinks in the US increasing by 210% from April 2022 to April 2023, the hosts delve into the science behin...

China's e-bike insurance gap

The power of profanity?

This episode explores the surprising potential benefits of swearing and the evolving trends in online novel titles in China. The hosts and guests discuss scientific studies showing that swearing can increase pain tolerance, boost strength, and even provide emotional relief, challenging conventional views on profanity....

Birding takes flight in China!

The quiet drama of passive aggression

This episode explores the phenomenon of passive-aggressive behavior, examining its manifestations in personal and professional relationships. Against this backdrop, the hosts and guests discuss the reasons behind passive aggression, such as difficulty saying no, fear of conflict, and cultural norms prioritizing indire...

Passenger drones get commercial green light

The toll of workplace isolation

This episode explores the growing phenomenon of workplace loneliness, particularly focusing on its prevalence in the US and contrasting it with the Chinese work environment. Against the backdrop of a McKinsey report highlighting the high percentage of American employees with flexible work options and their tendency to...

Healthy moms, thriving babies: World Health Day

Time affluent vs. Time poor

This episode explores the concept of "time affluence" versus "time poverty," arguing that our perception of time, rather than the actual amount, significantly impacts well-being. Against the backdrop of modern life's relentless pace, the hosts and guests delve into a study revealing that optimal happiness is linked to ...

Qingming Festival: Honoring ancestors, embracing renewal

This episode explores the evolution and modern observance of the Qingming Festival in China, a day of remembrance and renewal. Against the backdrop of its historical roots as a solar term and its connection to the Cold Food Festival, the discussion delves into traditional practices like tomb sweeping and ancestor vene...

Vintage tech, premium price: The nostalgia boom

This episode explores the resurgence of retro technology and the unexpected popularity of homegrown blueberries in China. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the podcast discusses the surprising comeback of outdated devices like CCD cameras and flip phones, which are now fetching prices far excee...

Gender marketing evolving beyond traditional lines

Foraging for love? Dating gets creative

This episode explores the emerging dating trend among young singles in China of foraging for wild vegetables as a first date activity. Against the backdrop of expensive traditional dates like dinners and movies, this low-cost, outdoorsy alternative is gaining popularity, particularly in Shanghai. More significantly, ...

Spring marathon madness!

Elevate old buildings, elevate lives

This episode explores the challenges and solutions surrounding elevator retrofits in older residential buildings in China. Against the backdrop of a rapidly aging population and millions needing elevator access, the podcast discusses the significant demand for such installations. More significantly, the panel delves i...

The truth behind "no additives"

This episode explores the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and China's new regulations on misleading food additive claims. Against the backdrop of China's crackdown on "no additive" labels, the discussion delves into the prevalence of UPFs and their potential addictive properties, citing studies showing links to...

Beans to bowls - China's wild coffee ride!

This episode explores the burgeoning coffee market in China, specifically focusing on the rising popularity of Yunnan province as a major coffee-growing region and the innovative ways coffee is being integrated into Chinese cuisine. Against the backdrop of a recent global surge in coffee prices (up to 70% for Arabica b...