The trouble with red envelopes

The podcast explores the evolving tradition of the Chinese New Year red envelope, or hongbao, examining whether it has become a monetary arms race. The discussion covers the historical roots of hongbao, tracing back to the Han Dynasty, and how its significance has shifted over time. A viral video of a man giving modest hongbao sparked debate about rising social expectations and financial pressures. The panel also discusses regional differences in hongbao customs, such as the "Guangdong model" that suggests appropriate amounts based on family closeness. Shifting to the topic of picky eating in children, the podcast explores how flavor preferences begin in the womb and the evolutionary basis for food neophobia, while also providing advice for parents on how to encourage their children to try new foods.