Podcast episodes, transcripts, interviews, and related content.
In 2022, the phrase “科技与狠活儿” (roughly “tech and ruthless additives”) captured the public imagination. Through the dramatic demonstrations of social media influencers, consumers once again began scrutinising the additives hidden in everyday foods—not the unequivocally harmful and illegal substances like Sudan Red or plasticisers, but those “technically legal, yet frankly…
In this episode, the host of Food Talk travels to Tongxiang in Zhejiang province, following Yu Jiangang—a young returnee—as he visits the village where he was born, grew up, and has now settled back into. Together they explore the village’s final acre of Hangzhou white chrysanthemums, uncovering the biodiversity and…
In Europe and Japan, there is a long tradition of educating children through nature and agriculture. Every year, primary school pupils are taken by their schools into the fields to learn how to sow seeds, tend crops, and prepare food. From the classroom to the great outdoors, and from spring…
This episode was recorded in the Alxa desert in Inner Mongolia by Qihua, Foodthink’s researcher for climate change and ecological smallholder farming, together with two guests. Recorded at the end of August 2022, the three of them sat beneath a large tree in a Tengger Desert oasis. In the background,…
This episode was recorded in the deserts of Alxa, Inner Mongolia, by Qihua, who oversees climate change and small-scale ecological farming research at Foodthink, alongside two guests. At the end of August 2022, the three sat beneath a large tree in an oasis within the Tengger Desert. You might catch…
In 2021, the reality docuseries Clarkson’s Farm, chronicling an irascible old farmer’s attempts to run a working farm, scored a stellar 9.6 out of 10 on Douban. Season Two is set to premiere on 10 February this year. Why does wealthy, somewhat irascible old chap Jeremy Clarkson—who once hosted the…
For most people, 2022 was a real rollercoaster of highs and lows. Our colleagues at Foodthink shared the same sentiments. Our work plans shifted from the bold ambitions of 2021—aiming to tackle every challenge head-on—to a state of anxious uncertainty.
In 2022, Foodthink launched our podcast Food Talk, releasing 12 episodes throughout the year. Moving beyond our familiar written pieces and events, we could finally connect with friends across the country through the medium of sound. We were absolutely delighted to welcome over 1,400 subscribers to the platform, and we…
Those stifled by the pandemic are longing to reconnect with nature. Around urban areas, picnics, camping, and nature education are becoming increasingly popular. Yet, in a world of rapid change, what do “the countryside” and “nature” actually signify for contemporary Chinese families and children? Is this merely a passing trend,…
