Best Upper Intermediate Podcasts (2025)

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Upper-intermediate | Celebrating a Baby's First Month 17:23

Play Pause

5d ago17:23

17:23

In Chinese culture, there's a special celebration when a baby turns one month old. The gift-giving details can be a little confusing, even to the Chinese, so listen to this lesson for an explanation. While you're at it, learn what gift is given to celebrate a newborn's birth. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1618…

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Online Cooking Video (Upper Intermediate) 28:05

21d ago28:05

28:05

甲：你在吃什么？真让人眼馋啊！ Nǐ zài chī shénme? Zhēn ràng rén yǎnchán a! Person A: What are you eating? It really makes my mouth water! 乙：是我自己做的馒头炸虾球。第一次做的，结果还不错。 Shì wǒ zìjǐ zuò de mántou zhà xiā qiú. Dì yī cì zuò de, jiéguǒ hái búcuò. Person B: It’s mantou fried shrimp balls that I made myself. It’s my first time making them, and they turned out pretty good. …

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Intermediate | Travel by Tour Group 19:06

3d ago19:06

19:06

Traveling in China can be a bit different than what some tourists are used to. Many people opt to travel as a part of a tour group (you've all seen them - they often have a brightly-dressed guide with a flag and matching t-shirts). While this kind of travel has its benefits, there are some undeniable drawbacks, as well. Find out more by tuning in t…

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Intermediate | Meeting the Girlfriend's Parents 19:56

7d ago19:56

19:56

A nerve-wracking situation in any culture, today we're meeting the girlfriend's parents. Will they be impressed or disappointed in their daughter's choice of boyfriend? Check out today's lesson to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1382

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Minisode: Beefing (Elementary) 4:56

7d ago4:56

4:56

In this week's minisode, Vicky and I have some beef with each other. How exactly would you say that in Chinese? Listen in to find out :)

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Upper-intermediate | Honeymoon Destinations 14:14

10d ago14:14

14:14

A new generation of Chinese honeymooners are looking abroad for exotic yet affordable destination options. In this lesson, hear about the benefits of three special places within easy travel distance from China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1614

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Level 0.23 European cities 2:10

11d ago2:10

2:10

The best cities for a mini break

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Intermediate | Special Green Hat 15:35

12d ago15:35

15:35

Gifts range from the practical to the extravagant, and in today's lesson we're learning about both the language and culture of gift-giving in China. It might be news to you, but green hats are a big no-no. Find out why by tuning in! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1379

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Upper-intermediate | Getting a License Plate 16:00

14d ago16:00

16:00

The growing number of drivers in China is a big deal for the government; there's not enough room on the roads for 1.3 billion cars, especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Learn about the different ways the local government in Beijing and Shanghai are dealing with the issue, and what exactly you'll have to go through to get a license pl…

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Listening/Speech Training: Chef Wang & Online Cooking Video 11:35

14d ago11:35

11:35

Chef Wang Makes Steamed Buns with Shrimp: 哈喽，大家好，我是王刚。本期视频为大家带来一道特色菜: 馒头炸虾球。首先，我们把大虾去头，从背部切开，去掉虾线和虾壳，然后加入食用盐和柠檬汁，将虾肉腌制十分钟。下一步，我们准备一个白馒头，将馒头切成大小均匀的小粒备用，然后将腌制好的大虾先粘上淀粉，然后再裹上蛋液，最后再均匀的裹上馒头粒，再用手轻轻的压紧。锅中油温烧至六成热的时候下入馒头虾，开中小火炸至五分钟，将虾炸至金黄酥脆的时候倒出备用。然后锅中加入适量的番茄酱，翻炒均匀之后加入白糖两勺，再加入少许白醋，然后加入适量的水淀粉，收紧汤汁，最后加入炸好的虾球下锅翻炒均匀即可。一道非常美味的馒头炸虾球就制作完成。 Hā lóu, dàjiā hǎo, wǒ sh…

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Intermediate | Shanghai Expo Pavilions 15:55

17d ago15:55

15:55

With Expo fever in full swing, we're getting into the nitty-gritty of the event itself. Having already covered how to buy tickets and Haibao, the ubiquitous Expo mascot, we're spending today's lesson focusing on the much-anticipated China Pavilion and how to talk about it in Chinese. Join us! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1418…

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Upper-intermediate | Bringing Pets into China 15:17

19d ago15:17

15:17

Maybe you showed up in China with nothing more than the clothes on your back and a sense of adventure, but some people bring a lot more... including pets. If you need to bring your furry friend to the Middle Kingdom, there are just a few procedures you need to be aware of. Learn about them in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/16…

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Intermediate | Asking for a Raise 17:35

21d ago17:35

17:35

Today's lesson focuses on a conversation between an employee and his boss. Learn the language appropriate for dealing with superiors, and find out how to ask for that raise you've been wanting - in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1376

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Upper-intermediate | New Employee in the Office 17:27

24d ago17:27

17:27

When there's a new employee in the office, someone has to show them around and show them the ropes. In this "Intermediate to Upper Intermediate" transitional Chinese lesson, learn some of the basic words and expressions used in such a situation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1598

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Level 1.195 Canada! 3:31

25d ago3:31

3:31

Just how big is Canada?

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Intermediate | Flying a Kite 16:48

26d ago16:48

16:48

As spring arrives, the parks are beginning to liven up again. In today's show, we'll be exploring a popular park activity: kite flying. Join us to learn all about this fun hobby in this lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1372

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Upper-intermediate | Dodging Hong Kong Sales Tax 14:58

28d ago14:58

14:58

For the growing numbers of affluent Chinese mainlanders, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise. That is, until this year, when some new tax policies kicked in. In this lesson, learn about the difficulties of buying an iPad cheap in Hong Kong, as well as a rather sneaky (if legally questionable) little plot to avoid those taxes. Episode link: https://www…

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Intermediate | Let's Just Be Friends 17:57

1M ago17:57

17:57

Today, ChinesePod is exploring the four words no one ever wants to hear from the person they care about. Learn how to ask a friend to take things to the next level - and how to gently let someone down - in this heart-breaker of a lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1370

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Upper-intermediate | International vs. Local Schools 14:35

1M ago14:35

14:35

Foreigners raising their young children in China face a very difficult choice regarding schooling. Is it better to send one's child to a local school to learn along with all the Chinese kids and grow up culturally Chinese, or to attend an international school where English is used much more often and Chinese language is not emphasized? Learn to dis…

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Intermediate | Buying a Shirt 16:48

1M ago16:48

16:48

It's a mad dash to make the best of today's killer discount! Find out how to describe clothing sizes and styles in today's shopping-focused ChinesePod lesson! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1362

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Chef Wang Cooks Shrimp (Advanced) 32:18

1M ago32:18

32:18

Step into the kitchen with us this week as we learn some useful cooking vocabulary and along with a special dish prepared by YouTube's Chef Wang. 食用 Edible, to use for food 腌制 Marinate 均匀 Uniform, evenly 粒（量词）Small piece, pieces 备用 For Future Use 粘 To Glue, to stick (if it’s an adj, it’s “sticky”) 裹 To Wrap 至（到）To 金黄 Golden 酥脆 Crispy 适量 Suitable …

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Upper-intermediate | Concern over a Love Letter 18:22

1M ago18:22

18:22

"My mind is filled with your lovely smiling face. Your sweet smile warms up this frigid winter. Can I still see you tomorrow - in that secluded place?" ...If you found a love letter like this written by your teenage son, how would you react? Listen in as a Chinese parent flips out in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1583…

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Level 2.195 You can't wear that! 3:40

1M ago3:40

3:40

Some surprising dress codes in sport

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Intermediate | Chinese Zodiac Birth Year 18:01

1M ago18:01

18:01

Ever wonder why you see some people in China wearing a little bit of red every single day? Well we've got an interesting explanation for you in today's astrology themed lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1358

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Upper-intermediate | Discussing Divorce 16:02

1M ago16:02

16:02

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Intermediate | A Cell Phone Ad on TV 15:22

1M ago15:22

15:22

The language of sales and advertising is very unique. It's meant to get you excited enough to run to the store and buy that brand new cell phone you never wanted (again). In today's lesson, find out just what those guys in the TV advertisements are saying to get people to buy, buy buy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1356…

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Upper-intermediate | Facing Bankruptcy 15:50

2M ago15:50

15:50

It takes a lot of hard work to build a business, but sometimes things go wrong. You may have taken various measures to get the company back on track, but in some cases you just have to consider bankruptcy. In this lesson, learn to discuss this unhappy situation in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1573…

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Intermediate | Leaky Pipes and Faucets 15:36

2M ago15:36

15:36

Drip. Drip. Drip... we've got a leaky faucet today - time to call the plumber! Learn some great plumbing terms that will help you get your bathroom and kitchen in working order again. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1353

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Upper-intermediate | River Town Tourism 18:38

2M ago18:38

18:38

For all those tourists who have showed up in China dismayed at the modern economies and booming metropolises, the tourism industry has an answer, and that answer is the Chinese river towns. The old-style housing, traditional eats, and arts and crafts will charm Chinese and foreigners alike. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1567…

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The Easiest Ways To Learn English (Speaking & Reading) 25:05

2M ago25:05

25:05

🚀 Easy methods to improve! 📖 Exciting podcast—More lazy strategies to improve your English. Explained in B1 level English. 👍 This podcast is perfect for intermediate (A2, B1, B2) English learners. 🗣️ One-to-one lessons: www.simpleenglishbooks.com ⭐ Every 1st & 15th day of the month. ☕ Support the Podcast: Buy Me A Coffee ✅ Subscribe ✍️ Transcripts …

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Intermediate | End of the Year Bonus Surprise 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

It's the end of the Chinese year, and you know what that means! No, we're not talking about long waits in the ticket line at the train station. And we're not talking about fireworks, either. We're talking about the very exciting end of the year bonus. Let's just hope it was a good year... if not, you might have to scratch that new flat screen off o…

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Upper-intermediate | Hanukkah 15:03

2M ago15:03

15:03

In this lesson, two radio announcers discuss the Jewish "Festival of Lights" in Chinese. Get the abridged history of the holiday along with your essential candle vocabulary. You'll be ready for your first Chinese Hanukkah in no time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1558

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Intermediate | Choosing a New Pair of Glasses 17:54

2M ago17:54

17:54

Choosing glasses is always a challenge, but throw in a system of glasses prescriptions completely different from any you're used to, and it's a recipe for confusion and frustration. But not to worry! ChinesePod is here to provide you with the tools to make your next trip to get eye glasses a success. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1345…

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Level 3.195 Big Brother IS watching you! 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

CCTV cameras: are they a good thing?

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Upper-intermediate | The Rising Cost of Food 14:31

2M ago14:31

14:31

The rising cost of food is a social issue that can't be ignored. You'll hear the average Zhou on the street talking about it, and you'll see it on the news. But what happens when you put the two together? What are the Chinese viewer reactions to this kind of news? Tune in to this lesson to find out. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1563…

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Intermediate | The Left-handed Child 18:57

2M ago18:57

18:57

Being a parent means making tough decisions all the time. In today's podcast, we'll be learning about a very important parenting moment in an age-old debate: are righties smarter than lefties? Or vice versa? The parents in this dialog struggle with old Chinese stereotypes and try to respect the individuality of their toddler. Episode link: https://…

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Minisode: 吃一堑长一智 (Intermediate) 7:53

2M ago7:53

7:53

吃一堑长一智 (chī yī qiàn zhǎng yī zhì) - "A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit," meaning that one learns and becomes wiser after experiencing a setback or making a mistake. A: 你上次被骗的事还记得吗？ Nǐ shàng cì bèi piàn de shì hái jì de ma? Do you remember the time you got scammed? B: 当然记得！吃一堑长一智嘛。那次之后，我可长记性了。 Dāng rán jì de! Chī yī qiàn zhǎng yī zhì ma. Nà cì z…

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Upper-intermediate | Considering LASIK Eye Surgery 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

At least for the time being, a lot of things are cheaper in China than in the West. One that might not immediately come to mind is laser eye surgery. But is it safe? How is it viewed and discussed in Chinese society? Listen in to this lesson for a modern Chinese take. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1553…

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Intermediate | Western Zodiac 14:25

2M ago14:25

14:25

Today we're leaving behind the rats, monkeys and tigers of the Chinese zodiac for Leo, Taurus and Sagittarius. Find out how to discuss your own sign, and learn how to ask someone else theirs. Who knows, you might even pick up some flirting tips! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1341

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I Survived A Poltergeist (A Violent Ghost) B2 Interview 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

😱 Today's listening is Joseph's true ghost story in upper-intermediate B2 English. Conversation between native speakers about real-life horror & the PARANORMAL 👻👽 👍 This podcast is perfect for intermediate (A2, B1, B2) English learners. 🌎 Joseph's Travel Youtube 🪶 My Beautiful simple books: www.simpleenglishbooks.com 🗣️ 1-to-1 conversation lessons …

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Upper-intermediate | Second-hand Bicycle 15:38

2M ago15:38

15:38

"Second-hand" isn't just one option when buying a bicycle; for many consumers, it's a whole way of life. In this lesson, we cover a range of topics, from broken-down bikes to second-hand philosophy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1548

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Intermediate | Computer Problems and Tech Support 13:51

2M ago13:51

13:51

We've all been there: you're in the middle of a big project, you're about to save, and... nothing. Your computer is frozen. Nothing to do but shout in anger and beg the tech. department to come over and see what the bigger problem is. A virus? A hardware issue? Tune in today to learn how to describe computer problems and how to ask for help. Episod…

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Level 0.22 Do you have a hobby? 2:09

2M ago2:09

2:09

Richard talks about two of his hobbies

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Upper-intermediate | Hospital Visits and Prescription Medication 16:15

2M ago16:15

16:15

How do you provide healthcare for a population of 1.4 billion? We don't know either, but this lesson takes a look at the more practical side of the issue: just getting a prescription filled. The Chinese process is a bit different from that of the west, so listen in to learn the Chinese way to get those meds. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com…

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EP37 | Intermediate | V.+着 | Learn Chinese through lyrics 8:35

3M ago8:35

8:35

Send us a text#ListentosongstolearnChinese #着 #love #Chinesesong《因为爱情》给你一张过去的CD听听那时我们的爱情有时会突然忘了我还在爱着你再唱不出那样的歌曲听到都会红着脸躲避虽然会经常忘了我依然爱着你因为爱情不会轻易悲伤所以一切都是幸福的模样因为爱情简单地生长依然随时可以为你疯狂因为爱情怎么会有沧桑所以我们还是年轻的模样因为爱情在那个地方依然还有人在那里游荡，人来人往学习重点：V+着：indicates an action or a state is continuing.上课的时候，老师站着。房间的门关着。他穿着一件蓝色的衬衫。我开着车，听着音乐。我听着音乐跑步。她开着窗睡觉。他拿着花站在门口。服务员笑着说：“欢…