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

Guess who are heading back to school? Retirees aged 55 and above, well endowed with time and curiosity. From China to the US, seniors are stepping back into the classroom. So, what are they really looking for from this second round of education? And what does it say about how we should reimagine our golden years? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

We often talk about careers, hustle, and performance. But here's a question we don't ask enough: What does work cost your body? Your sleep? Your peace of mind? Join Round Table today to explore what happens when work begins to hurt and how a major policy update might help. / Round Table's Happy Place (16:57)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

For years, China's consumer power was synonymous with big cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But the new frontier is elsewhere. In 2025, smaller cities are growing faster, spending more, and attracting global brands. Could China's economic engine increasingly be running on small-city horsepower? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

"Conscious unbossing" is emerging as the new career mantra for Gen Z in both America and China. It defies conventional career wisdom where young employees are actively shying away from promotions. What's behind this shift in mindset? Join us to explore the values driving this change. / Internet earworms! The meme-ification of music (17:52). On the show: Heyang, Josh Cotterill & Yushun

In today's fast-changing job market, should universities be extending programs or speeding them up instead? With more programs lengthening in China, are we really raising the bar—or just the costs? We discuss who gains from the extra years in school… and who ends up paying the price. On the show: Heyang, Josh Cotterill & Yushun