Guest interview is with John Gordon, a longtime resident of Beijing who went from English education to starring in a Children’s TV show in China. His journey shows the value of a long homestay experience in helping with pronunciation and the unbelievable doors that learning Chinese can open for you.

John and Jared then discuss his story and explore the value of homestays, navigating Chinese censorship and how to represent yourself as a foreigner in China. And if you want to know how vampires fit into this, you’ll have to stay to the end.

Links referenced in this Episode.John Gordon on 快乐中国Chinese Pronunciation WikiTrailer for Chinese Speaking VampiresMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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What does a great tutor do differently? How often should they correct you? What should you do if you can’t afford a private tutor? John and I will give you tips and advice on how to identify a tutor who can help you take your Chinese to the next level.Guest interview is with Lucy Jak-Lax, an aspiring musician who fell in love with China, explored the diverse ethnic music of the country, and has even written her own songs in Chinese. By combining her love for Chinese and music, she is forging her own career and loving the ride.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this Episode.How to Evaluate a Chinese Tutor: Best PracticesiTalkiLucy Jak-Lax on InstagramLucy's song and music video 《回声》Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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What is in a name? In this episode, John and Jared discuss names in Chinese and how to pick out a good one so you don’t end up with a name like the Chinese girl whose English name is Radiohead.

Guest interview is with Millie Potter from the UK who forged her own path within a study abroad program, found a home-stay family when school was out and opened up unimagined opportunities.

Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram

Links referenced in this Episode.Chinese transliteration of English namesHow to Choose a Chinese Name: 4 ApproachesJohn’s Chinese name: 潘吉Jared’s Chinese name: 唐伟杰Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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This episode kicks off interviewing Jason Schuurman, an American who has spent a third of his life immersed in Chinese culture and having a blast while doing it. He’s now using technology to bring Chinese learning to the masses. 

John and Jared unpack Jason’s tips for pronouncing Chinese confidently and share their own stories about having fun teaching themselves Chinese. Don’t miss John and Jared's raves – how to make the most of Google Translate in China and a guide for lockdown parents trying to keep their kids in a Chinese dual-immersion environment at home. 

Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram

Links referenced in this Episode.#15 Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist” InterviewLittle Dragons AcademyYoyo ChineseGoogle Translate in ChinaMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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John and Jared discuss how you can develop mad Chinese writing skills, complete with very practical activities to build those skills, either with others or by yourself. Make sure you stay tuned for John’s writing game “Eat poop, you cat”.

Guest interview is with Shannon Kennedy, an extraordinary polyglot whose love of Chinese redefined her friendships in ways she could have never imagined. Her story is an inspiration for all of us to get out there and learn more.

Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram

Links referenced in this Episode.The Process of Learning TonesEat Poop You CatHelloTalk – Talk with natives around the worldLang-8 – Writing platformEurolinguisteMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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John and Jared have an insightful discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe with an on-the-ground perspective in China and the US. John talks about the two month lockdown in Shanghai he experienced and what the end of the pandemic may look like.

Jared shares the story of the virus infecting his own son, including a neighbor who, at the time of this recording, is hospitalized in the ICU in critical condition. If that isn't enough, you'll hear about the earthquake that hit Utah on March 18th.

This is an episode we never thought we’d record, but to help everybody out, we wanted to share our stories.

Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram

Links referenced in this Episode.Coronavirus Lockdown in Shanghai: One Month In - SinoSpliceOnline Book Club Courses from AllSet LearningThe Unavoidable Novel Coronavirus VocabularyMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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John and Jared talk discuss everything you wanted to know about extensive reading but were afraid to ask. After this, you’ll be able to identify why many of the traditional methods of learning a language are not as effective and how extensive reading solves all of those. If you want to accelerate your path to Chinese fluency, this episode is for you.

Guest interview is with Mariano Millet from Argentina. He has spent the last 8 years learning Chinese, a path that started when he decided to ask a girl out on a date. He now delivers business presentations to Chinese investors...in Chinese!

Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram

Links referenced in this Episode.The Extensive Reading FoundationThe inescapable case for extensive readingMandarin Companion Chinese Graded ReadersReading Pain or Reading Gain? Reading at the Right LevelThe Chairman’s BaoMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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In this episode, John and Jared talk about the difference between learning Chinese as a second language vs. learning as a foreign language. At first glance, they seem to be the same thing, but as you pick it apart you begin to see how the difference insidiously impacts learning all over the world.Stop us if you’ve heard this story before: a Chinese learner dabbles for 20 years, learning here and there, but never gets to fluency. This was Christophe Boulet’s life until he figured out smarter approaches that led to breakthroughs and the proficiency he enjoys today. In today’s guest interview, he shares his smart breakthrough methods.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this Episode.Mamingjia -非常小子马鸣加Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

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Do you find it hard to remember characters? We all do. In this episode, John and Jared discuss a method that has delivered results time and time again. Plus, imagine reading a Charles Dickens novel in Chinese…but with only 450 characters!

Guest interview is with Chris Max. He is a famous You Tuber that you may not have heard of because all of his videos are in Chinese and made for Chinese audiences. His story reveals how focusing on his tones unlocked deep friendships in the country and what it takes to become an internet sensation.

Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram

Links referenced in this Episode.The Heisig MethodChinese Calligraphy Written in Chalk at the ParkChris Max YouTube Channel “口语老炮儿马思瑞Chris”Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.