Best Chinese Graded Readers Podcasts (2025)

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Too Many Chinese Videos, Too Little Progress? Lets Fix That 25:14

Play Pause

8d ago25:14

25:14

Chinese learners today are surrounded by video, TikToks from tutors, YouTube explainers, online courses, sitcoms, and AI-powered tools promising to boost your progress. But with so much content, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in passive learning. In this episode, we dive into how to actually learn Chinese through video. Jared and John discu…

1
Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story 51:40

23d ago51:40

51:40

Chaniece Chen didn’t just study Chinese, she built her own major, battled burnout in an intensive language program, and came back for more. In this episode, Jared talks with Chaniece about her 12-year journey in China, from struggling with tones to thriving in Shanghai as a translator, community organizer, and content creator. Chaniece opens up abo…

1
128. 閒聊近況 Life updates and some rambling 16:55

1M ago16:55

16:55

註：封面與內容無關(The photo isn't related to the content) 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free audio files and support this podcast on my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://www.patreon.com/TalkTaiwaneseMandarin 📕 My Series of Chinese Graded Readers 我的中文分級讀物 : https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/books/ 📍Book a Chinese lesson: https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/lesson/ ✨M…

1
Crutch or Catalyst? The Truth About Pinyin 27:40

1M ago27:40

27:40

You’re reading Chinese, and there it is, pinyin over every character. It feels helpful, even comforting. But is it actually holding you back? In this episode, Jared and John explore how pinyin can become a crutch that cripples your Chinese progress and keeps you from truly mastering characters. They revisit Jared’s blog post from years ago, Pinyin …

1
Starting Over in China: Chimsy’s Story of Risk, Grit, and Growth 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

In this episode, Jared sits down with Chimsy—marketer, meme connoisseur, and host of the China University Podcast—to dive deep into his unconventional journey from Costa Rica to China. What started as a challenge to prove a dismissive restaurant owner wrong turned into a life-changing adventure of language, culture, and self-discovery. Chimsy share…

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127. 《臺灣漫遊錄》 Taiwan Travelogue: A Taiwanese Novel 14:05

2M ago14:05

14:05

Talking about Taiwan Travelogue, a notable work in Taiwanese literature. 聊聊台灣文學作品《臺灣漫遊錄》。 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free audio files and support this podcast on my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://www.patreon.com/TalkTaiwaneseMandarin 📕 My latest Chinese graded reader: 《紅衣女子 The Woman in Red》 (Level 2): https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/the-woman-in-r…

1
Are AI Tutors the Future of Language Learning? 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

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 whe…

1
City 不 City: How Paul Mike Ashton Memed His Way to Fame in China 52:29

3M ago52:29

52:29

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 Shangh…

1
Translating: A Tool for Fluency or a Crippling Crutch? 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

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 progre…

1
126. 大港開唱 Megaport Festival 14:52

3M ago14:52

14:52

分享我今年去高雄的「大港開唱」音樂祭的經驗。Talking about my experience of going to Megaport Festival, an iconic music festival in Kaohsiung. 💫 Mentioned video & article: 1. 《時代看顧團結的咱》 video by 拍謝少年 Sorry Youth 2. Musicians protest through song at festival in Taiwan 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free audio files and support this podcast -- Join my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: http…

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How to Pass the HSK and AP Chinese Tests (replay) 59:30

4M ago59:30

59:30

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 el…

1
Why Chinese Learners Know the Language Better Than Natives (Sometimes) 23:47

4M ago23:47

23:47

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 …

1
Your Chinese Accent Is Terrible, But It Doesn’t Have to Be 30:39

5M ago30:39

30:39

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 swa…

1
Fluent in Funny: Jesse Appell on Learning, Performing, and Laughing in Chinese 49:57

5M ago49:57

49:57

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 th…

1
125. 人之島 (下) Pongso no Tao: (Part 2) A Taiwanese Indigenous Tribe 14:45

6M ago14:45

14:45

Part two: talking about my experience of volunteering in Pongso no Tao (Orchid Island), which is home to the Tao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. I also share how the then KMT government deceived the Tao people by building a nuclear waste storage site in the island, as well as some thoughts on tourism there.下集，繼續分享我2015年去人之島——蘭嶼，達悟族的部落，當志…

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RedNote 小红书 Buzz: Can It Really Help You Learn Chinese? 24:46

6M ago24:46

24:46

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 divi…

1
124. 人之島 (上) Pongso no Tao (Orchid Island): A Taiwanese Indigenous Tribe (Part 1) 11:55

6M ago11:55

11:55

Talking about my experience of volunteering in Pongso no Tao (Orchid Island), which is home to the Tao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. 分享我2015年去人之島——蘭嶼，達悟族的部落，當志工一個月的經驗。 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free episodes and support this podcast -- Join my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://www.patreon.com/TalkTaiwaneseMandarin 📕 Check out my latest Chi…

1
Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher 37:12

6M ago37:12

37:12

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 …

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123. 首爾之旅 Wandering in Seoul 15:19

7M ago15:19

15:19

📕 Check out my new Chinese graded reader: 《紅衣女子 The Woman in Red》 (Level 2)! https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/the-woman-in-red/ 聊聊我秋天時初次的韓國首爾之旅和一些心得感想。Talking about my experience of solo traveling in Seoul, Korea, last autumn and some similarities I found between Korea and Taiwan, especially in history. 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free episodes and …

1
Charting Your Path to Chinese Fluency: Finding Purpose and Making Progress 29:45

7M ago29:45

29:45

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: …

1
The Best of You Can Learn Chinese: Top Stories from 2023-2024 46:54

7M ago46:54

46:54

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 fascina…

1
My Final Chinese Graded Reader: The Woman in Red《紅衣女子》 5:35

7M ago5:35

5:35

來聊聊我的新書！My latest book,《紅衣女子 The Woman in Red》, is out now! This is my final Chinese graded reader—don’t miss it! 📕Level 2 (500 Unique Characters): Available in both Traditional Chinese & Simplified Chinese Editions 🎧 Audiobook: Narrated by me Check out my final book : https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/the-woman-in-red/ -- Hosting provided by Sound…

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122. 設立界線 Setting Boundaries 12:21

7M ago12:21

12:21

📕 Check out my latest and final Chinese graded reader: 《紅衣女子 The Woman in Red》 (Level 2)! https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/the-woman-in-red/ 聊聊什麼是界線以及設立界線的重要性。Let’s talk about setting boundaries and why I think it’s a tricky topic in Taiwan. 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free episodes and support this podcast -- Join my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://w…

1
Roll for Initiative: How Learning Chinese is Like a Game of Dungeons & Dragons 23:42

8M ago23:42

23:42

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 ch…

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121. 綠島走讀 A Pilgrimage to Green Island: Taiwan's White Terror Prison 19:41

8M ago19:41

19:41

分享我今年去綠島參加「人權走讀」的經驗，和白色恐怖受難者一起回到綠島當時的監獄，和我們分享那時發生的事。In this episode, I share my experience visiting Green Island to participate in a "Human Rights Workshop." We visited the former prison with survivors of Taiwan's White Terror, hearing their personal stories about what happened there. 📍Resources 參考資料：陳欽生口述歷史, 政治受難者口述歷史｜簡中生 📍Get PDF transcripts & A…

1
Economist by Day, Rapper by Night: Andrew Dougherty (a.k.a. Big Daddy Dough) 50:07

8M ago50:07

50:07

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 la…

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120. 拆牙套了！ Got my braces off! 14:52

8M ago14:52

14:52

Sharing my journey with dental braces and how it feels to finally have them off. 分享戴牙套的經驗以及終於拆掉的心情。 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free episodes and support this podcast -- Join my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://www.patreon.com/TalkTaiwaneseMandarin 📍Chinese graded readers, lessons and more: https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/ ✨Maayot: https://www.maayot.…

1
Listener Mailbag: Keeping Fluent with AI, Grammar, and Real-World Practice 24:51

9M ago24:51

24:51

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 rea…

1
119. 日本之旅 (2)京都 My Japan Trip(2): Kyoto 9:37

9M ago9:37

9:37

In part two of my Japan trip, I talk about what I did and how I felt about Kyoto. 我的日本之旅下集，繼續來聊聊京都。 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free episodes and support this podcast -- Join my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://www.patreon.com/TalkTaiwaneseMandarin 📍Chinese graded readers, lessons and more: https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/ ✨Maayot: https://www.maayot.…

1
Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling Crutch (Replay) 1:05:18

9M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

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 YouTu…

1
118. 日本之旅(1)大阪 My Japan Trip(1): Osaka 13:35

9M ago13:35

13:35

Talk about my experience of traveling in Osaka this August. 分享八月去日本大阪旅行的經驗。 📍Get PDF transcripts & Ad-Free episodes and support this podcast -- Join my Patreon 贊助這個節目＋下載逐字稿: https://www.patreon.com/TalkTaiwaneseMandarin 📍Chinese graded readers, lessons and more: https://talktaiwanesemandarin.com/ ✨Maayot: https://www.maayot.com -- Hosting provided …

Chinese Graded Readers Podcasts

1
You Can Learn Chinese

Jared Turner

1
Talk Taiwanese Mandarin with Abby

Abby T.

1
Too Many Chinese Videos, Too Little Progress? Lets Fix That 25:14

1
Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story 51:40

1
128. 閒聊近況 Life updates and some rambling 16:55

1
Crutch or Catalyst? The Truth About Pinyin 27:40

1
Starting Over in China: Chimsy’s Story of Risk, Grit, and Growth 49:19

1
127. 《臺灣漫遊錄》 Taiwan Travelogue: A Taiwanese Novel 14:05

1
Are AI Tutors the Future of Language Learning? 36:55

1
City 不 City: How Paul Mike Ashton Memed His Way to Fame in China 52:29

1
Translating: A Tool for Fluency or a Crippling Crutch? 27:04

1
126. 大港開唱 Megaport Festival 14:52

1
How to Pass the HSK and AP Chinese Tests (replay) 59:30

1
Why Chinese Learners Know the Language Better Than Natives (Sometimes) 23:47

1
Your Chinese Accent Is Terrible, But It Doesn’t Have to Be 30:39

1
Fluent in Funny: Jesse Appell on Learning, Performing, and Laughing in Chinese 49:57

1
125. 人之島 (下) Pongso no Tao: (Part 2) A Taiwanese Indigenous Tribe 14:45

1
RedNote 小红书 Buzz: Can It Really Help You Learn Chinese? 24:46

1
124. 人之島 (上) Pongso no Tao (Orchid Island): A Taiwanese Indigenous Tribe (Part 1) 11:55

1
Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher 37:12

1
123. 首爾之旅 Wandering in Seoul 15:19

1
Charting Your Path to Chinese Fluency: Finding Purpose and Making Progress 29:45

1
The Best of You Can Learn Chinese: Top Stories from 2023-2024 46:54

1
My Final Chinese Graded Reader: The Woman in Red《紅衣女子》 5:35

1
122. 設立界線 Setting Boundaries 12:21

1
Roll for Initiative: How Learning Chinese is Like a Game of Dungeons & Dragons 23:42

1
121. 綠島走讀 A Pilgrimage to Green Island: Taiwan's White Terror Prison 19:41

1
Economist by Day, Rapper by Night: Andrew Dougherty (a.k.a. Big Daddy Dough) 50:07

1
120. 拆牙套了！ Got my braces off! 14:52

1
Listener Mailbag: Keeping Fluent with AI, Grammar, and Real-World Practice 24:51

1
119. 日本之旅 (2)京都 My Japan Trip(2): Kyoto 9:37

1
Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling Crutch (Replay) 1:05:18

1
118. 日本之旅(1)大阪 My Japan Trip(1): Osaka 13:35