Best Teach Yourself Mandarin Podcasts (2025)

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

3d 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
How to Pass the HSK and AP Chinese Tests (replay) 59:30

16d 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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
RedNote 小红书 Buzz: Can It Really Help You Learn Chinese? 24:46

3M 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
Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher 37:12

3M 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 …

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

4M 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

4M 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
Roll for Initiative: How Learning Chinese is Like a Game of Dungeons & Dragons 23:42

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

6M 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
Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling Crutch (Replay) 1:05:18

6M 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
A Shortcut to Chinese Fluency? Narrow Reading in Chinese 18:24

7M ago18:24

18:24

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.…

1
From Forgetful to Fluent: Elijah’s Inspiring Persistence in Learning Chinese 35:19

7M ago35:19

35:19

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…

1
The 6 Biggest Questions About Chinese Characters—Answered! 34:49

8M ago34:49

34:49

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 yo…

1
Characters, Cocktails, and Karaoke: How Mike Kennedy Blended Passion and Chinese 30:59

8M ago30:59

30:59

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…

1
Language Learning Adventures: The Role of Randomness and Unpredictability 19:23

9M ago19:23

19:23

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 ke…

1
From the Classroom to China: Teenagers Putting their Chinese to the Test 36:21

9M ago36:21

36:21

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 co…

1
Is Your Chinese as Good as You Think it is? Confronting the Dunning-Kruger Effect 22:32

10M ago22:32

22:32

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…

1
From Reluctant Traveler to Fluent Speaker: Cleopatra’s Chinese Language Adventure 47:57

10M ago47:57

47:57

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 …

1
When to Start Reading for Maximum Fluency 25:22

11M ago25:22

25:22

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 acc…

1
Raising Bilingual Children: Sunny's Story and Strategies from Spot of Sunshine Chinese 45:11

11M ago45:11

45:11

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 bilin…

1
Motivation and the Influence of Cultural Attitudes on Learning 27:04

12M ago27:04

27:04

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…

1
From American Football to Chinese Films: The Journey of Matt William Knowles 50:46

1y ago50:46

50:46

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 …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Teach Yourself Mandarin Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
You Can Learn Chinese

Jared Turner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1
A Shortcut to Chinese Fluency? Narrow Reading in Chinese 18:24

1
From Forgetful to Fluent: Elijah’s Inspiring Persistence in Learning Chinese 35:19

1
The 6 Biggest Questions About Chinese Characters—Answered! 34:49

1
Characters, Cocktails, and Karaoke: How Mike Kennedy Blended Passion and Chinese 30:59

1
Language Learning Adventures: The Role of Randomness and Unpredictability 19:23

1
From the Classroom to China: Teenagers Putting their Chinese to the Test 36:21

1
Is Your Chinese as Good as You Think it is? Confronting the Dunning-Kruger Effect 22:32

1
From Reluctant Traveler to Fluent Speaker: Cleopatra’s Chinese Language Adventure 47:57

1
When to Start Reading for Maximum Fluency 25:22

1
Raising Bilingual Children: Sunny's Story and Strategies from Spot of Sunshine Chinese 45:11

1
Motivation and the Influence of Cultural Attitudes on Learning 27:04

1
From American Football to Chinese Films: The Journey of Matt William Knowles 50:46