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 ultima...
Feb 17, 2025•50 min
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...
Feb 03, 2025•25 min
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 ...
Jan 20, 2025•37 min
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: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us...
Jan 06, 2025•30 min
Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired! In this milestone 150th episode, we’re looking back on the most incredible stories from our interviews over the past two years. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable moments shared by our amazing guests. This episode is a must-listen for anyone learning Chinese or simply fascinated by the journeys of others embracing the language and culture. Links from the episode: You Can Learn Chinese | Podcast page Do you have a story to ...
Dec 23, 2024•47 min
Host Jared Turner isn’t just a language enthusiast—he’s also a seasoned Dungeon Master! In this episode, Jared and John dive into thow learning Chinese parallels a game of Dungeons & Dragons. From creating your "character" as a language learner to rolling the dice in real-life conversations, they discuss how elements like leveling up, overcoming challenges, and wielding the right weapons will help you through your language encounters and lead you towards your ultimate quest: mastering Chines...
Dec 09, 2024•24 min
Andrew Dougherty first learned Russian and some Spanish and French before pursuing Chinese. Sensing the opportunity China held, Andrew pursued Chinese language studies in the early 2000’s. This opened opportunities that kept him in China for nearly two decades working in the financial sector, but also somehow unwittingly was the vehicle where he launched his side career rapping about China’s diverse political and social landscape. Join Jared as he talks with Andrew about his unique journey, humo...
Nov 25, 2024•50 min
In this listener mailbag episode, Jared and John dive into real questions from Chinese learners on topics that every language student encounters. From using AI tools to keep your Chinese sharp between classes to understanding the balance between formal and everyday vocabulary, we’re covering it all. You’ll learn strategies for finding the right reading materials for extensive practice, how to identify the best resources for grammar improvement, and whether handwriting will remain relevant in an ...
Nov 11, 2024•25 min
John and Jared discuss the all too common situation of pinyin over Chinese characters, something Jared sometimes refer to as the “crippling crutch”. They go into depth on why this is so common, why it is so detrimental, and what to do instead. Guest interview is with Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampani Kessi, the founder of Elementary Chinese, a popular YouTube and Instagram channel for learning Chinese. He will tell his tale of falling in love with Chinese while in …Paris! And then he takes us on his jour...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Jared and John dive into the concept of "narrow reading"—a strategy that involves focusing your language learning on a specific topic or genre to accelerate progress. They explore how this targeted approach deepens vocabulary and comprehension through repeated exposure to related content, making language acquisition more efficient. By honing in on subjects you're passionate about, learning Chinese becomes not only more enjoyable but also significantly more effective. Tune in to ...
Oct 07, 2024•18 min
Elijah Wilcott never thought he was cut out for learning languages. With a self-proclaimed terrible memory and a history of struggling in language classes, he picked up only a handful of basic phrases after teaching English in China for two years. But when he found a compelling reason to learn Chinese, Elijah dove into full-time language study, and adopted a relentless approach to learning, immersing himself in every learning tool he could find. His persistence paid off, turning his language str...
Sep 23, 2024•35 min
If you're learning Chinese, these are the must-know answers about Chinese characters. Join Jared and John as they dive into key questions like: Should you learn characters right from the start? Is handwriting really necessary? Should you choose simplified or traditional? Get clear, practical advice and actionable tips that will transform the way you approach learning characters, helping you make smarter decisions and boost your progress! Links from the episode: 200 Foundational Characters Learn ...
Sep 09, 2024•35 min
During a trip to Hong Kong, Mike Kennedy haphazardly began studying Chinese characters which started him on a path he could have never imagined. His growing passion for Chinese drove him to co-found Jinbu Pal, a reading app for Chinese, and start a YouTube channel where he makes cocktails in Chinese. From visiting factories in China to karaoke bars in Taipei, Mike's stories are both inspiring and unique! Links from the episode: Jinbu Pal Chinese reading app Home Bartending Journey | YouTube Mand...
Aug 26, 2024•31 min
Jared and John explore how randomness and unpredictability can prepare you for adventures in your Chinese learning journey. From spontaneous conversations with native speakers to the unexpected challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, they delve into why seeking variety and embracing randomness are not only the “spice of life” but also key to success when using language in real-world situations. You'll hear stories of real-life encounters, tips on how to incorporate more spontaneity in...
Aug 12, 2024•19 min
In this special episode, host Jared Turner takes you inside a study abroad trip to China with a group of teenagers including his two sons. These teenagers, who have been learning Chinese for years in a dual language immersion program, finally get to put their skills to the test in the wild, navigating real-world challenges, stepping out of their comfort zones, and experiencing those "aha" moments of realizing they can truly speak Chinese! From hilarious mishaps to triumphant conversations, these...
Jul 29, 2024•36 min•Ep. 140
Do you think your Chinese skills are better than they actually are? You might not be alone. This cognitive bias can cause learners to overestimate their proficiency, leading to overconfidence and potential setbacks in their language journey. Jared and John share personal anecdotes and experiences, breaking down the stages of language learning where this effect is most prevalent. They discuss the importance of humility and realistic self-assessment in mastering Chinese, providing practical tips o...
Jul 15, 2024•23 min
Cleopatra Wise initially had no desire to learn a foreign language but after being convinced to go to China for a class trip, her visit to Shanghai became a transformative experience that sparked her interest in learning the language. She embarked on a quest to learn Chinese which ended up with her working in Taiwan, Beijing, and later working for the Asia Society in New York. Cleopatra also shares three aspects of her experiences as a black Muslim woman living in China: being black in China, co...
Jul 01, 2024•48 min
Discover why reading in Chinese is a game-changer for fluency and learn the best time to start using graded readers. Jared and John break down the benefits of extensive reading and offer tips on how to integrate graded readers into your study routine for maximum impact. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, find out how reading can accelerate your Chinese learning journey. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers John D’andrea Interview | YouTube Theresa Munford Int...
Jun 17, 2024•25 min
Dive into the world of raising bilingual children with Sunny from Spot of Sunshine Chinese. In a chat with Jared, Sunny shares her journey from Taiwan to the suburbs of Chicago, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining language and cultural connections. She offers tips and expert advice on effective strategies for parents raising bilingual children, emphasizing the importance of motivation, comprehensible input, and creating an immersive environment at home. Tune in to discover Sunn...
Jun 03, 2024•45 min•Ep. 136
Jared and John delve into research discussing the crucial role of attitudes and preconceptions of a culture towards learning its language. They explore the many facets of this issue, including how the current state of China’s political relations impacts language learning in the West. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form...
May 13, 2024•27 min
Jared Turner interviews Matt William Knowles, a former college football player, who turned an unfortunate event into a remarkable life-changing adventure in China. After a career-ending injury left him uncertain about his future, Matt took a volunteer teaching position in one of China's most impoverished regions, Guizhou Province. Here, Matt found himself in a remote town far removed from the comforts and familiarity of his South Carolina home. Without any knowledge of Chinese, he faced the chal...
Apr 29, 2024•51 min
Hosts Jared and John discuss the frustrations of a learner who came to John for help, particularly with pinyin and differentiation of similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can ease the learning curve. This episode is not just a deep dive into the phonetic and perceptual aspects of learning Chinese; it's also a heartening reminder that while the journey to fluency can be fraught with frustration, tail...
Apr 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 133
Driven by her love for Asian cultures, anime, and K-pop, Happi (from Happi Across Cultures) has learned Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Starting with friendships with exchange students, she went on to double major in Chinese and Japanese including studying abroad in Tokyo and Shanghai where she deeply engaged with the local culture. An accomplished singer, her story takes a viral turn when she sings at a concert with the famous Chinese singer, Joker Xue ( 薛之谦 Xuē Zhīqiān), showcasing the incredib...
Apr 01, 2024•48 min
Dive into the fascinating world of East Asian languages with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. Whether you're navigating the tonal waves of Chinese or untangling the polite intricacies of Japanese, this episode offers a deep dive into the nuances, challenges, and delights of learning these two rich languages. They also discuss invaluable resources for learners and the global implications of the Chinese diaspora versus Japanese homogeneity. If you've ever pondered the complexities of learning J...
Mar 18, 2024•24 min
In this riveting episode, a clueless American white guy shocks a podcast host with flawless Chinese using one trick that teachers hate! Our special guest, Ari Smith, widely recognized as Xiao Ma on YouTube, shares the unexpected journey that led him from being a curious American to a Chinese-speaking internet sensation. Our special guest is none other than Ari Smith, widely recognized as YouTuber Xiao Ma. In this light and engaging interview, we dig into how he got started with Chinese and how h...
Mar 04, 2024•39 min
Some people may find they have a knack for learning Chinese, but deciding to make Chinese a part of your life is another decision entirely. Akeel Alleyne shares his story from learning Chinese in high school to making the move to live and work in China. He talks about how Chinese has enriched his life, helped find his calling, and enabled him to carve out his own career. Links from the episode: Card Games for Language Learning | Where John & Akeel met Akeel Alleyne | Linktree Mandarin Compan...
Feb 19, 2024•45 min•Ep. 129
Join us as we step into the world of China's educational system. With an extra special guest interview, we pull back the curtain of how Chinese is taught in Chinese schools. These first-hand insights shed light on how China’s classrooms influence how Chinese is taught around the world. Links from the episode: Memes for Chinese Learners | Instagram Mandarin Companion graded readers...
Feb 05, 2024•29 min•Ep. 128
Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden give you some pro tips on how to use AI, specifically Chat GPT, to learn Chinese. They explore a variety of use cases, including limitations and tips on how to get the most out of these large language models we call artificial intelligence. Links from the episode: Chat GPT Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form...
Jan 15, 2024•20 min
Our special Chinese Christmas episode first aired Dec 16, 2019.
Dec 18, 2023•58 min
John and Jared have some sad news to share and want your feedback on the future of the podcast.
Nov 20, 2023•19 min
