In this interview, I interview Jon Renzella, an American artist now living in Taichung, Taiwan.

Listen to this episode to find out:

- What brought Jon to Taiwan in the first place
- Why he wanted to live in a place that didn't speak English
- How he began learning Chinese without any formal classes
- His current approach to learning how to read Chinese
- How he uses technology to help with learning how to read
- How he transitioned into being a full time artist in Taiwan
- His experience joining the local art community
- His advice for fellow expats looking to follow their interests and passions
- How he overcame the language barrier to joining the local community
- How he started a gallery for foreign artists to showcase their work with the local community
- Some of the differences in local art culture from what he's experienced in the west

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 024: Jon

Insights from non native Chinese speakers on how they learned Mandarin and what they are doing with it now.

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Watch on youtube In this episode, I interview Jamie Rufe, an American now living in Taiwan. Jamie tells us: – What brought him to Taiwan – Why he started learning Mandarin Chinese – What career opportunities being able to speak Chinese got him – The one habit that was instrumental to his Chinese progress – […]

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 044: Jamie

Watch on youtube. In this episode, we interview Lamin, who moved from Gambia to Taiwan. Listen to find out: – What brought him to Taiwan? – What prompted him to stay in Taiwan? – How he began learning Chinese – When his Chinese really started to improve – How he learned Chinese from friends – […]

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 043: Lamin

Watch on youtube Interview with Fraser Stewart on how he developed his Chinese to near native level over his past 11 years in Taiwan. Listen to find out: – What made Fraser choose Taiwan? – When he first learned Chinese – His approach learning Chinese – How learning to read and write helps with speaking […]

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 042: Fraser Stewart

Watch this episode on youtube In this episode, I interview Michael Gordon, a Canadian living in Taiwan. Listen to find out: – What made Michael choose Taiwan? – When he first learned Chinese – How he used Chinese in Canada – How he adapted to Chinese in Taiwan – How his Chinese level has changed […]

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 041: Michael Gordon

Watch this episode on youtube

In this episode, I interview Ed Gonzalez, a Mexican-Canadian restaurant owner in Taipei, Taiwan.

Listen to this episode to find out:

- What brought Eddy to Taiwan?
- About his initial journey learning Chinese
- His experience after briefly goes to Chinese school
- How he has benefitted from learning zhuyin / bo-po-mo-fo
- The benefit of being able to speak Chinese in Taiwan
- About Eddy's podcast and how that helps him learn Chinese
- How he learned slang Chinese that isn't taught in textbooks
- How he has fun with Chinese and how he uses it in public settings
- The technology he finds helpful for translating Chinese
- How he learns Chinese from reading subtitles 
- What he would have done differently if he could go back and learn Chinese again

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast Episode 024: Jon

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