AI tutors are everywhere—but are they actually good for learning Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John take a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI-powered language learning tools. They explore how these AI tutors work and why tools that work well in English often fall short in Chinese.

You'll learn:

 - The surprising limitations of AI when it comes to staying within beginner-friendly vocabulary

 - How AI tutors compare to human teachers in giving corrections (including recasting!)

 - Why voice recognition can be a dealbreaker—especially for Chinese tones

 - What makes a good AI language partner... and where most still fall short

 - Whether AI tutors reduce anxiety or just reduce motivation

You’ll get practical tips for using AI tools effectively depending on your Chinese level and what features to look for if you’re exploring AI conversation practice or personalized lessons.

Curious or skeptical about AI tutors? This episode will help you evaluate whether they’re worth your time, and how to get the most out of them.

Links from the episode:

• Recasting in Language Learning | SinoSplice

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Meet Paul Mike Ashton, the American content creator who turned a quirky catchphrase into a nationwide sensation with his viral "City 不 City" meme. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Paul's curiosity for Asian cultures led him to study Chinese, setting him on a path that would take him from the Amish countryside to the neon lights of Shanghai.

From his first Chinese class in high school to study abroad stints in Beijing and Johannesburg (yes, really), Paul’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and a healthy dose of not knowing when to quit. After grinding through HSK tests and Chinese financial risk management courses (in Mandarin, no less!), Paul found his blend of cultural comedy struck a chord with millions of Chinese netizens. His catchphrase "City 不 City" not only trended across Chinese social media but also got plastered on billboards and even echoed by Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds.

In this episode, Paul, also known as “Bao Bao Xiong”, shares the wild ride of becoming a foreign comedy star in China, why jokes are way funnier when you finally understand them in Chinese, and how mastering the language unlocked friendships and career opportunities he never imagined. If you've ever wondered how a small-town kid from Pennsylvania could end up a meme sensation in China, or if you're just looking for a good laugh, you won’t want to miss Paul’s incredible, meme-worthy story.

Links from the episode:

• Paul Mike Ashton | Instagram and YouTube

• 保保熊 | 抖音

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Is translation a necessary tool or a crutch that slows down your Chinese fluency? In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden dive deep into the role of translation in language learning. They explore the history of the grammar-translation method, the rise of communicative language teaching, and how translation can both help and hinder your progress. 

Drawing on their own experiences learning Chinese, they share practical insights on when and how to use translation effectively — from using Google Translate strategically to understanding why translating word-for-word isn't always a bad thing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your Chinese, this episode will help you find a balanced approach to translation that boosts your confidence and accelerates your learning journey.

Links from the episode:

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Jared chats with Grant Brown, an expert in HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant shares why so many students fail, and more importantly, what you need to do to pass. Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and test prep specialist, he offers practical and often overlooked advice you won’t hear anywhere else.

You’ll learn why reading is your secret weapon and how it can make your classmates think you did a year abroad in China. Grant also shares how to build stamina for test day, memory tricks that actually work, and why learning in context helps you retain more, faster.

Whether you're taking one of these exams or just want to improve your Chinese study strategy, this episode is packed with insights that can give you the edge.

Links from the episode:

• ⁠How to Pass the AP Chinese Exam: Secrets from a Teacher with a Perfect Pass Rate⁠ | Mandarin Companion 

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Surprise! When it comes to Chinese, learners sometimes know things native speakers don’t. In this episode, John and Jared explore intriguing aspects of the Chinese language that learners often understand better than native speakers. From tone change rules, verb conjugations (or the lack thereof), and those tricky three 的, 得, and 地, they break down details that most Chinese speakers never had to consciously learn. They also highlight why having a trained tutor can make a difference for you.

Links from the episode:

• Aspect, not Tense | Sinosplice

• Structural particle "de" | Chinese Grammar Wiki

• Separable verbs in Chinese | Chinese Grammar Wiki

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

No matter how long you've been learning Chinese, you’ll still have an accent. But why is that? In this episode, Jared and John talk about your accent in Chinese and how to reduce it. They discuss the differences in how accents are perceived in China versus the West, tackle some of the toughest pronunciation challenges like pinyin pitfalls, tone swaps, and the elusive Mandarin "R" sound, and share insights on what it really takes to sound more native.

Whether you’re a beginner struggling with pinyin, an intermediate learner trying to nail your tones, or an advanced student aiming for clarity over perfection, this episode will help you level up your pronunciation and be understood with confidence. 

Links from the episode:

• Chinese Pronunciation Wiki | Free pronunciation guide

• Pronunciation Packs (scroll down) | AllSet Learning

• Mandarin Chinese Tone Pair Drills | Sinosplice

• The 3-2 Tone Swap Error | Sinosplice

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

What happens when an American comedian immerses himself in Chinese comedy? Jesse Appell’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Jesse shares how his curiosity about language led him to study in China, become a Fulbright scholar, and apprentice under a master of Xiangsheng (traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy). He takes us through the highs and challenges of performing comedy in Chinese, founding a bilingual comedy club in Beijing, and why understanding humor is the ultimate test of language fluency.

Jesse also discusses his shift into social media and entrepreneurship with Jesse’s Tea House, his global tea business. Plus, hear his insights on learning Chinese, navigating cultural differences, and why embracing the hard parts of language learning leads to real growth. 

Links from the episode:

• Jesse’s Teahouse

• Jesse Appell Comedy | Laugh Beijing

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

There is a growing buzz around "RedNote" (小红书), as westerners—especially “TikTok refugees"—flock to this Chinese social media platform. But what is beyond the hype and can you use it to learn Chinese? 

In this episode, Jared and John dive into how you, as a Chinese learner, can use this tool to level up your language skills. Because there is no division between Chinese and international content on the app, they discuss how you can find content tailored to your interests and engage with the unique environment and community that offers real-world context for learning Chinese and building cultural awareness. 

Links from the episode:

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience that transformed his perspective.

Joseph reflects on his journey from struggling with tones and characters to achieving fluency, emphasizing the role of community, persistence, and connection. He also shares how these experiences inspired his teaching philosophy and offers practical tips for language learners.

Tune in to hear Joseph’s story and gain insights into mastering Chinese, the impact of immersion, and how learning languages can unlock a deeper connection to the world.

 Links from the episode:

Ready to turn your Chinese learning aspirations into reality? Jared and John share insights on how to stay focused and motivated by finding your “why” and setting actionable goals. From avoiding common pitfalls to celebrating small wins, this episode is your guide to making 2025 the year you thrive in your Chinese learning.

 Links from the episode: