Best Global China Lab Podcasts (2025)

1
The evolution of sperm and the enduring mystery of the scrotum; How our brain rewires itself 4 times in life; The (real) disaster scenarios of imminent climate breakdown 39:11

Play Pause

3d ago39:11

39:11

Episode 334 Which sperm is the oldest sperm - the ancestor sperm that came before all others? Well, you might think it links back to an ancient animal that came before us, but the oldest sperm may actually predate animals altogether. We explore this plus the enduring mystery of the scrotum - and why a male’s most important body part is so delicate …

1
Canada's Food Price Report Sneak Peek, Lefty Farmers, Campbell's Chicken Soup Traitor & guest Ransom Hawley, CEO of Caddle, on How GLP-1 Drugs Are Reshaping Canadians 51:50

5d ago51:50

51:50

This episode of The Food Professor Podcast takes a deep dive into one of the most powerful forces now reshaping the food industry: the rapid rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois begin with a run-through of current food and retail headlines, including controversy at Campbell Sou…

1
What happened at COP30? The key points on cutting emissions, adapting to a warming world, and raising the finance to pay for it 56:45

7d ago56:45

56:45

The COP30 climate talks in Belem wrapped up over the weekend, and reactions to the outcome were sharply divided. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, said “climate cooperation is still alive…we’re undeniably still in it and we are fighting back.” Others said the COP had been another failure, with a final statement that amounted to “a fo…

1
Hong Kong in Protest, Redux 1:03:09

7d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

In 2019, more than a million people poured onto the streets of Hong Kong, with many returning week after week. The song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ soon emerged as the movement’s unofficial anthem. What began as a protest against an ill-advised extradition bill quickly became, for many, the city’s last stand against Beijing’s tightening grip. Six years on…

1
The origin and evolution of music: Steve Pretty plays the conch 30:43

11d ago30:43

30:43

Episode 333 It’s not often you get to see or hear someone playing music on a conch shell. So prepare yourself for a musical treat with musician and podcaster Steve Pretty, who brings into the studio a trumpet and a collection of his favourite conches, rigged up to some modern electronics. Steve is best known as the bandleader of the Hackney Collier…

1
Clone Wars, latest insights from the Canadian Food Sentiment Index and Part 2 of our interview with Michael Medline, Former President & CEO of Empire/Sobeys, on Leadership & Legacy 54:50

12d ago54:50

54:50

In this can’t-miss episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois return with Part Two of their exclusive, final official interview with Michael Medline, former President & CEO of Empire/Sobeys. Medline offers unusually candid reflections on leadership, culture, vendor relationships, and the evolution of one of Canada…

1
What happened in COP30’s first week? Support for energy efficiency and a status report on methane show which climate initiatives are still making progress 52:49

13d ago52:49

52:49

Negotiations in the COP 30 climate talks are continuing in Belem, Brazil. The headlines are focusing on the divisions between countries that are shaping this year’s climate talks. But despite the doom and gloom, there are some practical steps being taken to support the transition towards lower-carbon energy. There may be a notable lack of significa…

1
New genome of ancient human; 95% of us have a dormant virus that causes disease; Formula E cars faster than F1; Bill Bryson joins the pod! 45:02

17d ago45:02

45:02

Episode 332 For only the second time, the genome of an ancient Denisovan has been sequenced - thanks to the discovery of a 200,000-year-old tooth found in a Siberian cave. This ancient member of the human family has long been a mystery, so this genome is being described as a bombshell moment, revealing an early stage of Denisovan history. We explor…

1
Why the claims about Hitler’s genome are misleading 29:00

19d ago29:00

29:00

Episode 331 This week sees the broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK of a documentary called Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a dictator. Geneticists have managed to find a DNA sample from Adolf Hitler and have sequenced it and verified it, and now we have his genome. The big question is what does this really tell us – what can we tell from someone’s genome? …

1
Leading Through Disruption: Michael Medline, (now) former President & CEO of Empire/Sobeys, on Culture, Strategy & Retail Transformation 54:56

19d ago54:56

54:56

In this first instalment of a two-part exclusive, The Food Professor Podcast sits down in person with Michael Medline, (now) former President and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys, in what serendipitously became his last official interview before news broke of his transition to lead The Woodbridge Company. Michael offers a rare, deeply perso…

1
The COP30 climate talks are under way In Brazil. What is the point of the conference? 48:13

19d ago48:13

48:13

COP30, which began this week in Belém, Brazil, marks a decade since the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015. It’s being billed as the “implementation COP”: instead of grand new announcements of international agreements, governments are supposed to be focused on delivering on the commitments they have already made. Host Ed Crooks and regula…

1
How are businesses rethinking energy and sustainability? COP30 starts in Belem as climate action falters 31:01

21d ago31:01

31:01

COP30, now getting under way in Belem, Brazil, has been billed as “the implementation COP”, which means a focus on governments taking real steps to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. We will be examining all the key issues for government negotiators in the talks very soon. But for this show, we are looking at the role of business. At New Yor…

1
Energy addition, not energy transition? What does it mean for the future of our energy system, and the climate? | Special episode recorded at ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event 45:16

24d ago45:16

45:16

As world leaders, businesses and NGOs start their journeys to Brazil for the COP30 climate talks, more than 200,000 people attended ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, the world’s biggest energy event. Energy Gang was there to bring you the highlights from the week’s discussions. One of the key talking points was the theme of energy addition, rather than transiti…

1
COP30: The world's climate future hinges on this meeting 31:30

25d ago31:30

31:30

Episode 330 COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has never been more urgent. But as hope starts to wane and climate goals continue to be missed, many are qu…

1
Live from the Coffee Association of Canada Conference with Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO 46:16

26d ago46:16

46:16

Recorded live at the Coffee Association of Canada Annual Conference, this special edition of The Food Professor Podcast with Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois brews up a rich conversation on the state of Canada’s food economy, the coffee industry’s shifting landscape, and the global forces shaping what Canadians eat and drink live on the s…

1
Speed to power: how can America accelerate the build-out of the next grid? | special episode from the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington DC 1:01:19

28d ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Electricity demand in the US is rising faster than it has in decades, driven by AI and a wave of investment in domestic manufacturing. But with transmission lines and other electricity infrastructure taking years to permit and build, how can America secure the power it needs fast enough to remain competitive? In this special episode of The Energy G…

1
The collapse of America’s health data system; How sleep affects your focus; Life on Mars in liquid veins? 23:51

1M ago23:51

23:51

Episode 329 America’s health data system is in crisis. The US government has been bleeding public health experts – many of whom run crucial public health surveys and databases which help identify, monitor and respond to health threats across the country. From drug use to food security and birth data, discover the 5 surveys most critically hit by th…

1
AI could break the electricity grid. What do regulators and the industry need to do to keep the lights on? 59:47

1M ago59:47

59:47

What happens when the surge in electricity demand comes faster than we can build the infrastructure to support it? Live in front of an audience at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, host Ed Crooks leads a conversation on the future of the US energy grid, skyrocketing load from data centers and electrification, and why politics keeps gett…

1
Cloned Meat, Coffee & Compound Butter with guest Rob Sengotta, Co-Founder of Von Slick’s Finishing Touch 49:54

1M ago49:54

49:54

In this flavorful new episode of The Food Professor Podcast—presented by Caddle—Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois serve up an inspiring conversation with Rob Sengotta, chef and co-founder of Von Slick’s Finishing Touch, the award-winning Manitoba-based producer of gourmet compound butters. The Interview Rob takes listeners behind the scene…

1
How energy diversification can drive development | Special pre-ADIPEC preview episode 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

As global energy systems evolve, emerging economies face a defining challenge: how to secure affordable power for today while investing in the low-carbon solutions that will drive tomorrow’s growth. Can energy diversification unlock a new era of industrial development, resilience, and inclusive prosperity? In the third and final episode of our spec…

1
Labour and (De)Industrialisation in East Asia 1:02:50

1M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Over the past few years, industrial policy and manufacturing capacity, especially in the high-tech sector, have been at the centre of great power rivalry between the United States and China. The White House has been pressuring companies from its East Asian allies, including the Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC, to invest in the United States and open new f…

1
How mRNA vaccines teach your body to kill cancer; Grim state of climate action; Why birds sing the dawn chorus 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

Episode 328 Not only has the mRNA covid vaccine saved 14 million lives, it may also help our bodies fight off cancer. A study of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment showed those who received an mRNA vaccine lived nearly twice as long - and this effect was discovered by accident. In a trial of cancer vaccines, Elias Sayour’s team at t…

1
Permitting reform and the politics of building the grid | Live from the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington, D.C. 47:28

1M ago47:28

47:28

Everyone agrees it takes too long and costs too much to build energy infrastructure in America, but what exactly needs fixing, and can we make progress without rolling back vital environmental protections? In this special episode of Energy Gang, recorded live at the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington D.C., host Ed Crooks takes a deep dive into one of t…

1
Blue Jays Boost, Food Inflation Blues, Dangerous Doggie Snacks & guest Kiran Mann, CEO of Brar's 55:36

1M ago55:36

55:36

In this dynamic episode of The Food Professor Podcast, presented by Caddle, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois dive into the latest headlines shaping Canada’s food and beverage sector before welcoming Kiran Mann, CEO of Brar’s, one of North America’s fastest-growing South Asian food manufacturers. The episode opens with a timely lo…

1
From In The Dark: Blood Relatives Trailer 2:42

1M ago2:42

2:42

Five family members, murdered. A sixth in prison for life. It’s one of Britain’s most infamous crimes. But did the justice system get it wrong? “Blood Relatives,” a six-part series from In the Dark, is coming on October 28th. New Yorker subscribers get early, ad-free access to “Blood Relatives.” In Apple Podcasts, tap the link at the top of the fee…

1
Neuroscience of reality; Quest for dark matter; Folklore of geoscience (New Scientist Live Special) 28:29

1M ago28:29

28:29

Episode 327 A special episode recorded on October 18 at New Scientist Live in London, featuring experts in geoscience, dark matter and neuroscience. Anjana Khatwa is an Earth scientist and TV presenter. In her new book, The Whispers of Rock, she brings together Western scientific knowledge about the evolution of our Earth and indigenous knowledge a…

1
The new nuclear renaissance - real or rhetoric? | Special pre-ADIPEC preview episode 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

Nuclear power is back at the centre of the global energy conversation again. Is a real renaissance in the industry under way? Or are we just in another moment of excitement before familiar challenges emerge and the hype cycle turns down again? In the second of three special episodes ahead of ADIPEC 2025, host Ed Crooks speaks with Dr Sama Bilbao y …

1
First climate tipping point triggered; Man controls another person's body by brain implant; health worries over sumo wrestlers 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

Episode 326 The world’s first major climate tipping point has been triggered. The decimation of warm water coral populations caused by rising temperatures is now irreversible - passing the point of no return. The global consequences of widescale coral dieback could be catastrophic, so experts are sounding the alarm. But is anyone listening? A man w…

1
Canada Climbs in MNP’s new Global Agri-Food Report this World Food Day, China offers up an exit strategy, India back on the export menu, and guest Stephen Mitchell of Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery 54:26

2M ago54:26

54:26

In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, presented by Caddle, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois open with a wide-ranging conversation on global trade tensions, the state of Canadian agriculture, and the latest policy moves shaping our food economy — before turning to the fascinating story of Stephen Mitchell, President of Sp…

1
The connected world of energy | Special episode from Wood Mackenzie 44:05

2M ago44:05

44:05

Host Ed Crooks talks to Jason Liu, Chief Executive of Wood Mackenzie and co-author (with Chief Analyst Simon Flowers) of a new book, Connected, about the fast-changing world of energy. They are also joined by Sunaina Ocalan, formerly Senior Director for Corporate Strategy & Climate at the oil and gas company Hess, now Senior Analyst and Co-Head for…

1
Space 2075: How Humanity Will Live, Work and Make Drugs off-planet | Live Recording at the Royal Society 53:35

2M ago53:35

53:35

A special episode all about the future of space exploration, recorded in front of a live audience at the Royal Society in London. Earlier this year, the Royal Society published ‘The Space: 2075 report’, which recognises the huge changes we’re seeing in space exploration, and urges for action to be taken to make sure the next 50 years of activity in…

1
Does low-carbon hydrogen still have a future? | Special pre-ADIPEC preview episode 39:50

2M ago39:50

39:50

Low-carbon hydrogen has taken a few knocks in the headlines lately. There have been cancelled projects and fewer splashy announcements. Policy support has been jittery. Is momentum fading, or are we simply moving out of the hype phase and into the serious work of delivery? Host Ed Crooks puts that question to two industry leaders who are aiming to …

1
How Jane Goodall changed the world; How the universe ends; How “selfish sperm” affect male fertility 43:27

2M ago43:27

43:27

Episode 324 The legendary primatologist Jane Goodall died last week aged 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Her work studying tool use in chimpanzees completely reshaped the way we view animal intelligence. Fiercely protective of the natural world, she was also responsible for a huge amount of advocacy during her life. Primatologist Alejandra …

1
Wild Blueberry Crisis, Doug Ford's Give & Take, TFWP Ag Sins & The Next Farmland Value Correction with guest Trent Klarenbach 1:01:43

2M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this powerful new episode of The Food Professor Podcast, presented by Caddle, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois dissect the forces shaping Canada’s food and agriculture economy—from farmland bubbles and provincial politics to the latest retail coffee price increases. The show opens with Michael’s visit to Prince Edward County, …

1
Emergency in Antarctica; How movement changes the brain; Why women live longer than men 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

Episode 323 Temperatures in Antarctica have soared by over 35°C. Scientists are concerned about how quickly things are changing on the continent as these warmer temperatures impact the polar vortex. Coupled with record lows in sea ice cover over the last decade, this could be a sign that Antarctic weather patterns have shifted permanently. What’s d…

1
Thanksgiving Prices, Iranian Pistachio Recalls, and the Future of "Story" Beef with guest Bryce Lobreau of 8 Acres 57:51

2M ago57:51

57:51

In this lively new episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois dive into the latest food, retail, and agriculture headlines before sitting down with a fascinating guest: Bryce Lobreau, Co-Founder of 8 Acres, one of Canada’s most innovative organic and grass-fed beef brands. The episode begins with a timely look…

1
How can the grid help AI, and how can AI help the grid? Live from NYU at New York Climate Week, featuring leaders from Nvidia and Amazon | Energy Gang Live from Climate Week 1:08:25

2M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

Recorded in front of a packed room at NYU’s Kimmel Center during Climate Week NYC, Ed Crooks and Amy Myers Jaffe moderate a debate on the high-stakes topic of AI and energy. They dig deep into the questions raised by the surge of investment in data centers: what it means for grid stability and electricity bills, and how new technologies and market …

1
Skull rewrites story of human evolution; Autism and Tylenol; discovery of wind coming from black hole 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Episode 322 An ancient skull discovered in China may have just rewritten the story of human evolution. It’s widely accepted that the common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Denisovans and Neanderthals came out of Africa. But this skull upends that assumption - potentially showing human evolution began in Asia. Discover how a new reconstruction of the Yunx…

1
What do China’s climate commitments mean for energy? 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

For COP30, the international climate talks in Brazil in November, the countries of the world are supposed to roll out their new Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs: their commitments to cut emissions. China’s NDC is particularly eagerly awaited: it is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Its NDC has been described as the most im…

1
Solo Dining, Trade Diversification, and Snack Innovation with Kirk Homenick, President of Naturally Homegrown Foods 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast presented by Caddle, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois bring their trademark mix of food industry news analysis and an in-depth conversation with a leading Canadian food entrepreneur. The episode opens with a wide-ranging look at the Canadian retail and restaurant landscape. Sylvain sh…

1
Inside Southeast Asia’s Scam Compounds 1:01:52

2M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Rejecting calls from an unknown number, blocking suspicious accounts on social media, turning down a job offer too good to be true: these days, almost all of us have had some interactions with online scams. With luck and vigilance, this amounts to little more than a nuisance; yet, for the many who fell victim to the schemes, the consequences can be…

1
Everyone is talking (again!) about a coming revival in nuclear power. What needs to change to make it happen? | More from New York Climate Week 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

At Climate Week NYC continues, the hottest topic is the question of how to meet growing demand for electricity while cutting emissions. In New York State, electricity use is expected to increase by 25% over the next 15 years. To meet that demand, the state plans to add tens of gigawatts or renewables. But that is not enough. It also wants more “dis…

1
As the pressure for climate action fades, what is driving investment in clean energy? | The big talking points from New York Climate Week 36:03

2M ago36:03

36:03

It’s New York Climate Week this week, and we’re bringing you highlights from all the key debates and discussions. Climate Week NYC is one of the most important gatherings in the energy calendar, bringing together business leaders, investors, scientists, campaigners and policymakers to discuss the global effort to prevent catastrophic global warming…

1
Carbon capture could be an important tool for tackling climate change. Can we find productive ways to use that carbon? 42:58

2M ago42:58

42:58

As fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, there is renewed interest in what can be done to capture carbon dioxide. Until now, most of the investment in carbon capture has gone into projects to take those emissions and store them underground forever. But what if we could make use of that captured carbon? To find out what role…

1
The evolutionary price we pay for longer lives; the asteroid coming VERY close to Earth; how dinosaurs shaped the ecosystem 32:59

2M ago32:59

32:59

Episode 321 Humans live a lot longer than other primates - and much of that is down to our immune system. But there’s a price we pay for the capacity to fight off infections: inflammation. Chronic inflammation is to blame for a range of health issues, especially those related to older age. And now research has revealed exactly why inflammation is g…

1
Food Innovation, Tariffs & TikTok Moments and guest James Maitland, CEO of Les Aliments Dainty Foods Inc. 53:35

2M ago53:35

53:35

In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, presented by Caddle, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois deliver their trademark mix of hard-hitting food industry analysis and an insightful conversation with a top Canadian food leader. The episode kicks off with a wide-ranging news segment. Michael and Sylvain debate Canada’s “Big Five”…

1
Data centers for AI will need to embrace flexibility if our electricity system is going to cope. How can large loads support the grid? 50:43

3M ago50:43

50:43

AI is adding to US electricity consumption at a pace not seen in decades. That demand growth is creating new strains on the grid in many parts of the country. But what if AI could instead help keep the system running? Varun Sivaram is a founder & CEO of Emerald AI and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He says that far from underm…

1
Why we can't announce life on Mars (yet); The Romans' impact on the British economy; Link between exercise and your microbiome 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Episode 320 Was Mars once home to alien life? The evidence is stronger than ever, since NASA’s discovery of rocks marked by patterns similar to those made by microbes on Earth. Found in an area now named Bright Angel, these rocks give us a tantalising insight into Mars’ ancient past - but just how definitive is this finding? It’s long been thought …

1
Help Wanted? Temporary Foreign Worker Debate & Boldly Delicious Seafood with Charlotte Langley, Founder of Nice Cans 59:17

3M ago59:17

59:17

In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois tackle the latest headlines shaping Canada’s food and retail landscape before welcoming back a dynamic entrepreneur reshaping the seafood category. The conversation begins with a heated national debate: should Canada eliminate the Temporary Foreign Worke…

1
First complete map of brain activity; Queen ant lays eggs of another species; The perils of scrolling while on the toilet 31:10

3M ago31:10

31:10

Episode 319 Scientists have created the first complete activity map of a mouse’s brain. Combining brain images from multiple mice, researchers recorded more than 650,000 neurons while these mice manipulated little Lego steering wheels in a driving game. This complex behaviour has allowed scientists to examine the interplay between various parts of …