ChinesePod

Cheers! This lesson is about drinking. In this lesson, three friends reminisce about how they first started drinking over a couple of drinks. Learn a bit about Chinese attitudes to alcohol as well as some useful drinking words.

After China's rapid urbanization, it's millions of city dwellers are longing to get back to the farm. And who can blame them? Fresh air, fresh food and peace and quiet. What's not to love about a getaway out in the country? In this lesson, learn all about it!

For a wintertime getaway, bathing in a hot spring is a popular pastime for many Chinese, not only to relax but also for certain, often dubious, health benefits. Of course, that's not the only thing in doubt. How clean are these hot springs? And are they really hot springs or just glorified hot tubs? In this lesson, a group of coworkers plan an office getaway and reveal their doubts.

Exploring the world of Chinese food is not for the faint of heart. Those of us not used to eating the organs of animals should be weary. Many traditional Chinese dishes revel in using all kinds of offal in their preparation. And names can be misleading. Even if you think you know what is in a dish, it's easy to get it wrong. In this lesson, two friends check out the food at a Taiwanese night market and are in for a surprise. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies!

Ah, the problems of others. The landlord is raising the rent just a bit too high. Someone's lover has run off with someone else. A wayward son can't seem to find his way. For some, hearing about these problems is reason enough to end a conversation or leave the room, but for others, it's entertainment at its best. In this lesson, a mother and daughter argue about the worth of “The Auntie Bai Show”, a talk show concerned with mediating family disputes. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies!

You're out of college and it's time to do something with your life. You can't just hang out on your parent's couch all day, can you? In this lesson, someone discusses with their mother about pursuing their dream of starting a magazine. Also, be sure to check out the new task feature below, ChinesePod's newest way to enrich your learning experience along with fellow poddies!

In China, waiters don't get tips. Zip. Nada. Zilch. Of course, there's no way that can fly in the US where tipping is ubiquitous. In this lesson, two Chinese friends discuss American tipping culture and how it relates to Chinese customs.

Being a journalist is a difficult job not least because of the notoriously low pay and constant deadlines. Getting that scoop that makes the job worthwhile can often be the hardest part of all. In this lesson, a new reporter learns the ropes from a hardened veteran while investigating a mining accident.

Last month both Washington State and Colorado passed initiatives to decriminalize personal possession of marijuana. However, the debate in the US as to whether or not marijuana should be legalized is one that continues on the national level. In this lesson, two Chinese friends discuss the issues surrounding marijuana legalization.

Elections are a contentious issue anywhere... even in a classroom. In this lesson, students are asked to elect their leaders. What results is a demonstration in electioneering that would make even seasoned politicos blush!