Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

In Episode 39 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we consider the relationships between teachers, AI, and classroom teaching. We posted a video on our YouTube channel which garnered a lot of attention and plenty of comments. As universities try to fill up the classroom seats, are teachers able to keep up with the demand, or should they be allowed to use modern tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek and other LLMs?

We also look at what goes on during the Labour Day long weekend here in Beijing (hint: for Steve, it's rather quiet). We did, however, post a video that showed a snapshot of Changping on a Friday night, a typically sleepy area but has its periods of celebration and noise.

Finally, we take a look at the words that hang above the gate of the Beijing Rose Garden, an enclosed compound in Changping that hosts some rather costly houses. Did we ever find out what the words were? No. But why not?

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:41 Labor Day Weekend in China

01:18 Public Holidays and Makeup Workdays

06:25 Teachers Using AI for Grading

14:52 Exploring the Beijing Rose Garden

29:52 Friday Night in Changping

37:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

In Episode 38 we review what it means to be "fluent" in a language, including two important distinctions between "real life fluency" and "test-taking" fluency.

We take a look at the campus bookstore and what they have in store (literally!)

A visit to the aviation museum in Changping district.

And what is a TiaoXiu (调休) and why do you have to make up work days in China?

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:47 The Evolution of the YouTube Channel

03:02 Podcast and YouTube Channel Parrallelism

06:03 AI and Automation in Language Learning

15:48 Weekend Routine and Productivity Tips

22:31 New Video: A Visit to the Aviation Museum

26:47 Chinese Holiday Work Schedule

34:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 37 of the Language Vlog Podcast brings yet another language check in for the Mandarin Chinese language. This one was a bit rough and required a bit more editing than usual. Also begs the question: what is fluency? Is fluency the ability to speak at length without interruption or the ability to see, hear, and respond to anything in another language?

We also discuss a little bit about collecting postage stamps as I was tasked with finding a few for someone back in Canada. I managed to pick up a few and it makes me wonder: what is worth collecting?

And finally, we talk about constructing our own language tutor and whether or not it's worth the time and effort... or if we should just hire a human teacher already. The answer is probably "Both" since that would give the greatest exposure to learning the language.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Podcast Format and Recording Setup

05:00 Exam Week Reflections and Teaching Schedule

08:30 Immersive Study Strategies and the 30+30 Method

11:00 Language Progress Check: Editing, Fluency, and Grammar

18:00 Stamp Story: Going to the Post Office and Collecting Stamps

29:00 Using AI in Language Learning and Content Creation

34:30 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

This week we take a look at what Beijing's REAL spring is like: catkin fluffs floating through the air being whisped around by the whims of the Big Wind (大风). That means it's mask season all over again, not just for allergies, but to keep those things out of your nose and mouth. They can be especially distracting while riding a bicycle or running outside.

And that brings up a question: do you prefer to study inside or outside? We consider some of the pros and cons of being outside in Spring time or whether it's simply better to stay inside separated from the elements.

Finally, another languager progress check has been uploaded to YouTube. This time I made the video in a few different places throughout the day. I also had to substantially edit the video because I was on the move which meant I was not only out of breath, but also not able to keep my focus on what I was saying. Good practice? Or waste of energy?

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:20 Beijing's Catkins Season

00:44 Recording Challenges and Preferences

06:09 Studying Inside vs. Outside

10:25 Language Progress and Practice

27:11 The Big Wind in Beijing

32:53 Upcoming Videos and Conclusion

In this episode, Episode 35, we take a look at one of the recent videos published to the YouTube channel, all about a walk back from the university to the hotel. We take a look at the neighhourhood, some of the things that are developing, and how the place could potentially change over the next few years.

Next, we go over some of the things that go on in Beijing and in China over the recent QingMind holiday. It's not a long holiday, only one day, and oftentimes people have to complete a "make up work day", but this year we didn't have to. What are some of the traditions that go on and why are they important?

We also cover a simple yet effective method to practice your language skills when you don't want to: typing. Find a text, any text, and start typing out on a keyboard or touchscreen, each letter and word. The aim is for contact time with the language and developing the ability to type in the target language. This is an underated practice and one that deserves some attention as these days we so often use electronic devices but mostly for speaking practice, not writing practice.

Finally, the big entertainment news of the month is iShowSpeed's visit to China. I'm a little surprised that he's still here but apparently he's still streaming from the country. So, what's he up to now?

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:39 Outdoor Recording Challenges

03:37 Beijing's Springtime Catkins

05:03 Coursework and Video Production Updates

06:18 Language Progress Checks

08:22 Walking Tour of Changping District

12:49 Typing Practice in Target Languages

17:19 Qingming Festival Insights

21:45 IShowSpeed's Visit to China

26:32 Podcast and YouTube Updates

28:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week's episode takes a look back at Beijing's Temple Fairs, particularly LongTanHu in the southern portion of the city. We discuss a little bit about what goes on at these fairs, what makes them unique, and whether or not you have to go to them all.

We also review another video just posted to the YouTube channel that talks about teaching English as a Second Language overseas - is it worth it in 2025? Short answer is "Yes" but there are some things to consider before going. Not only that, the one thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to go for only a year, that year will fly by fast.

Finally, we consider the future of teaching, education and language learning, including how much of the process can be automated and if students will care if their teacher is just a video. Not only that, Steven asks, "Can I teach Chinese?"

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:31 Why Start a Podcast?

01:35 Funding and Support for the Podcast

03:20 The YouTube Channel and Content Evolution

05:59 Beijing Temple Fair Experience

11:32 Teaching ESL Overseas in 2025

14:35 Learning Mandarin Chinese: Challenges and Insights

21:29 AI and Language Learning Innovations

33:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 33 takes us to Beijing in the midst of the Spring time flower bloom. The peach blossoms are out (and now blown away) and the cherry blossoms will be here soon. (But the weather's nice so it's a good time to travel here if you're thinking about it.)

Looking at ways to use our spare time, be it at home, in the classroom, or wherever we may have it - what do you do with the time you have?

A look back at a video we published YEARS ago about developing speaking skills.

And what time do you get up in the morning? Some people says the most successful people in the world get up early, but how early is early??

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Springtime in Beijing: Blossoms and Weather

04:08 Travel Tips for Visiting Beijing

06:02 Student Life in China

17:10 Language Learning Tips: Reading Aloud

22:21 Morning Routines for Success

28:49 Spring Festival Temple Fairs

33:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 32 of the Language Vlog podcast we talk about some of the essential APPs you need if you want to live in China (and some if you want to travel through the country). We also talk about finding a job overseas teaching English, be it in China or elsewhere, and how easy it can be to find a lead.

We also talk about the recent vlogs uploaded to the YouTube channel (@stevenslanguagevlog) which discuss Steven's first impressions of returning to the classroom and what he gets to see on his way to the university each and every day: really expensive houses.

Next, a throwback to high school and Latin studies with the book A Canticle for Leibowitz and what language would survive a nuclear holocaust?

Finally, a look at Beijing on the weekend as the city sees its first snowfall in the middle of March in a very long time. Climate change? Temperature fluctuation? Or just a one-off occurence to be appreciated and not judged too much?

China VPN here:

https://www.astrill.com/a/0chkg39692qy

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:46 Recovering from Food Poisoning

01:49 About the Language Vlog Podcast

06:48 Essential Apps for Living in China

16:26 Finding an English Teaching Job Abroad

19:25 First Impressions of Teaching in China Again

26:44 Riding to School in Beijing

28:32 A Canticle for Leibowitz and Latin Studies

31:23 Snow in Beijing

35:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 31: Teaching in China, University Life, and Navigating Beijing

In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I share some thoughts and insights into my transition back into classroom teaching in China, detailing my commute and living arrangements between Beijing's Changping District and Shuangjing. I also talk about salary expectations for English teachers, the role of grammar knowledge in ESL teaching, and some common challenges of working at a university in China.

Additionally, I talk about how moving from remote work to in-person teaching has changed my daily routine and impacted creating videos for our YouTube channel. Plus, I take you inside a university cafeteria in China and discuss the experience of living in a hotel while teaching.

Finally, we take a moment to celebrate International Women's Day in China and closing thoughts on future career possibilities beyond ESL teaching.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:51 Commuting and Living Arrangements in Beijing

06:14 Job Transition and YouTube Channel Updates

08:09 Teaching English in China: Salary and Grammar

22:01 Living in a Hotel and University Life

27:37 International Women's Day and Closing Remarks

In Episode 30 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we take a look at a recent "progress report" on my Mandarin Chinese studies and whether or not it's a feasible idea to create videos (in my broken Chinese) directed at a Chinese audience. Would people like that?

Next, we go through some of the things to consider if you're looking for working in China and how much you could potentially make while living and working in the country. This episode continues on a little bit where the YouTube video leaves off in that I also consider some of the things to check before signing a contract, including benefits, airfare coverage, and expectations.

I also share a classic example of a useful Chinese idiom that I've been telling the students since Day 1: the teacher can only take you so far before you have to learn yourself.

Finally, for those interested in my return to the classroom after years in a corporate environment, I share some of the details of what it's like especially now that I know a little bit more Chinese than when I first arrived some ten years ago.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:42 Origins and Evolution of the Language Vlog 02:57 Challenges and Realities of Language Learning 05:09 Monetizing the YouTube Channel 14:35 Teaching English in China: Insights and Experiences 23:31 Returning to the Classroom 30:03 Conclusion and Contact Information