Do you really love yourself? It sounds like a simple question, but for most adults, the answer is a messy "I'm trying."In today’s episode of Da Shu Chinese, we are joined by our favorite guest, Katrina, to dive deep into the layers of self-love. We realized that everyone has a completely different definition of what "loving yourself" looks like.Learn Chinese with fun stories, articles, and videos at https://dashumandarin.com/ 📖✨ —no boring textbooks! 🚫📚

Happy New Year 2026! To kick off the year, the three Uncles are ditching the serious topics for a special "Talent Show."In this festive episode:Ben’s Poetry: A modern poem by a Spanish friend about the "price" of travel.Can’s Song: An emotional cover of Mao Buyi, and why he’s writing Ben and Cha into his new novel.Cha’s Surprise: A debut performance on the Ukulele—proving it's never too late to learn!Our Promise: Why we’ve decided to keep Dashu Mandarin going until we're 90 years old.Thank you for being part of our journey for the past 3 years. Whether we are singing, playing, or just "watering" (chilling), we are grateful to have you with us.

2025 was a year of "disappearances" and "silent treatments." In this raw, unedited recap, the three Uncles finally clear the air. From Ben’s corporate burnout to Can’s secret novel-writing dream, and Cha’s frustration of being left behind—watch as we reveal why we almost ended the podcast, and what eventually brought us back together for 2026.

In today's chinese podcast, we interview a Chinese language teacher who chose an unconventional path. She left a stable job behind in China, set out on her own, and even rode a motorcycle across Tibet. This is a true story about courage, freedom, and listening to your inner voice. If you’re curious about life beyond comfort zones, this journey may inspire you.

Every learner of Chinese eventually encounters the unspoken rules and intense pressures of Chinese social dynamics, often at school or in the workplace. In this explosive episode, the Dashu Mandarin hosts share their personal, often traumatic, stories about dealing with the WORST authority figures they’ve ever met!We dive into the dark side of Chinese environments, discussing experiences that shaped our understanding of human nature.

Join us for a candid and juicy conversation with the renowned Zhifei Laoshi (智菲老师)! After years in the classroom, Zhifei Laoshi has made a monumental shift: leaving teaching to become the CEO of her own Chinese learning platform.In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and motivations behind her transition, revealing the unfiltered reality of running an innovative language business.

Learn Chinese with fun stories, articles, and videos at https://dashumandarin.com/ 📖✨ —no boring textbooks! 🚫📚Curious about your actual Chinese proficiency? Discover it with Uncle Can's $15 trial lesson and get a personalized assessment![https://mandarinr3zb.setmore.com/mandarin]

🎧 This episode is sponsored by GoEast Mandarin School GoEast Mandarin is a Chinese school based in Shanghai offering live 1-on-1 and small group online classes, as well as offline courses at their Shanghai campus. For Black Friday, they’ve prepared a low-commitment way to try real lessons with professional teachers: – Adults: 1 learning consultation + 5 × 50-min 1-on-1 online classes for $99 – Kids (3–12): 3 × 25-min 1-on-1 online classes for $29 (New students only, limited-time offer.) 🎁 Special for 大叔中文 listeners: Use the code DASHU25 at checkout to get an extra $5 off on top of the Black Friday price. 👉 Check details & sign up here: https://goeastmandarin.com/black-friday-deals/?utm_source=dashu0:00 - The Evolution of Dating in China29:50 - Special Black Friday Gift!

Do Chinese people tend to judge others by their appearance? Why Chinese People Judge Foreigners Differently? We discuss how, in certain situations, such judgments can sometimes be seen as a form of racial discrimination.Drawing from personal experiences and cultural observations, Dashu Mandarin offers a deeper insight into how appearance plays a role in social interactions in China. This episode is part of our ongoing series where we not only teach Chinese language but also dive into real-life cultural nuances, helping learners understand both the language and the complexities of Chinese society.Whether you're learning Chinese or interested in Chinese culture, join us as we explore these issues with honest, real-world examples and provide valuable language input along the way.

In this episode of Dashu Mandarin, we talk about PUA, short for Pick-Up Artist. In Chinese, this term has changed from meaning “flirting skills” to describing toxic emotional control in relationships. Through this real-life topic, you’ll improve your Chinese listening, learn authentic expressions, and understand modern Chinese culture and psychology. Join us to explore how language reflects emotion, power, and human connection, all in natural, easy-to-understand Mandarin.

What do Chinese people really think about looks? Do Chinese care too much about appearance or is that just what people think? In this episode, Dashu Mandarin will dive deep into the topic of Chinese beauty standards, image, and first impressions of other people in Chinese culture. We share our real stories and honest thoughts about how “looking good” can sometimes mean more than you think.Check out how much appearance shapes everyday life in China.