Mandarin Monkey Podcast

Your emails, your questions, your Mandarin struggles. In this first Listener Mailbag, we tackle: • Tone panic ordering 牛肉麵 • How to pronounce 出去 without tripping • ü vs u, and why “iu” sounds like “yo” • Zhuyin vs Pinyin — which works in Taiwan • Why HSK tests don’t prepare you for street speed • Training your ears to real Mandarin • Karaoke learning, flashcard guilt, and moreEmail your questions to chat@mandarinmonkey.com and we might answer them next time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Mandarin really that hard to learn? How long does it take? Should you learn simplified or traditional characters? In this episode, we answer the most-searched questions about learning Mandarin and share real tips from our own experience.You’ll learn:How to start learning MandarinWhether tones really matterThe fastest way to get conversationalFree and paid tools that workHow to stay motivated and avoid the plateauGrab your free Mandarin lesson at MandarinMonkey.com and join a global community of learners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most Chinese learners start with “nǐ hǎo” — but no one actually says that. We break down how native speakers really greet each other, and why using the right phrases makes you sound less like a tourist.We also go deeper on: • Why we might flip our podcast intro to help beginners stay engaged • Life priorities — health, family, work, rest — and how they keep changing • When to push kids into learning skills (like piano, languages, or acting) • Confidence, stage fright, and how to stay brave even when you’re scaredThis episode mixes Mandarin and English, perfect if you’re learning Chinese and want natural conversation plus real-life topics that make you think.Listen, learn, and share your thoughts with us at mandarinmonkey.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn Mandarin while you live your life. Bilingual Mandarin-English. Easy listening. Real topics.Today you get 10 positive stories, quick takes, and daily Mandarin input.What you hear • How to use this podcast while commuting, working out, or doing chores • UK vs Taiwan buses, commuting, and remote work social energy • Good news stories with simple Chinese and English contextGood news highlights • The Red Dress Project, 14 years, 51 countries, Guinness record embroidery • A free compliment stand by a 9-year-old in Illinois • A nurse revives a drunk raccoon that ate fermented fruit • Saving Somerset’s eels with community action • A casque-headed iguana’s rare virgin birth • Australia’s new marine reserve to protect sea life • Viral road-sign cleaning • Saturn’s 128 newly confirmed moons, total now 206Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Practice with our teachers or join Hangouts at mandarinmonkey.com.Leave a review. It helps others find the show.mandarin monkey, mandarin chinese podcast, learn mandarin, chinese listening practice, bilingual mandarin english, taiwan culture, uk vs taiwan buses, positive news stories, red dress project, compliment stand, raccoon cpr, eel conservation, iguana parthenogenesis, australia marine reserve, saturn 128 moons, easy chinese podcast, chinese for beginners, intermediate chinese listening, chinese vocabulary in context Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we chat in Mandarin and English about the safest countries to move to in 2025. Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Taiwan, which one would you choose?This is a bilingual Mandarin and English conversation. You’ll hear natural Mandarin phrases mixed with English, perfect for learners who want to practice listening, pick up everyday vocabulary, and get a feel for real spoken Chinese.What we cover in this episode:Phones listening and targeted adsOur youngest starting schoolGlobal Peace Index 2025 and safe countriesIceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, TaiwanTravel stories, turbulence, and long flightsOur final shortlist of countries to liveA closing poem in English and MandarinIf you want to learn Mandarin in a fun, real way through English and Chinese conversation, this podcast is for you.Try a free Mandarin lesson and more at: www.mandarinmonkey.comSubscribe for more episodes and tell your friends if you enjoy the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn upper-beginner Mandarin with real stories from UK life. We talk about meeting Hong Kong neighbors, Cantonese vs Mandarin, Center Parcs, bikes, bowling, mini golf, and family costs. You get natural conversation, clear vocab, and usable phrases.What you learn today • Meeting neighbors in Chinese • Cantonese vs Mandarin basics, Traditional vs Simplified • Family, school, and community vocabulary • Activities vocab: bikes, boats, bowling, mini golf, swimming • Money talk: prices, renting, mortgages, daily costs • Travel talk: Center Parcs pros, cons, and tipsWho this helps • Upper-beginner to intermediate learners • HSK 2–4 • Learners who want comprehensible input and real topics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a bonus Tuesday episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast. We talk about summer holidays in the UK, why we want our kids to spend time in Taiwan, and what happened when a glamping hot tub got way too hot.If you’re learning Mandarin, this podcast gives you real conversations in English and Chinese. You’ll hear everyday Mandarin in context, with natural back-and-forth between a native speaker and a learner.In this episode:Teaching kids about Taiwan and Taiwanese cultureHow family life mixes with language learningWhy daily life experiences are the best way to learn MandarinGlamping stories, from sheep to wasps to a boiling hot tubMandarin Monkey is a bilingual podcast for Mandarin learners who want practice, culture, and fun without textbooks.Listen in, laugh with us, and pick up useful Mandarin along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 414 of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula debate whether people get more done working from home, in a café, or in a library. Tom explains why cafés push him to focus, while Ula admits she gets distracted by people-watching. The conversation moves into Mandarin culture and language, with a funny look at how to say “I’m coming” in Chinese without double meanings, and whether to call women Ayi, Jiejie, or Meimei in Taiwan. The episode mixes everyday Mandarin, cultural tips, and lighthearted conversation, giving you listening practice and real insights into life and language. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We left the kids with Grandpa and went camping in the Cotswolds.In this episode, we talk about:Surviving storms, wind, and waspsSetting up camp like amateursWatching a movie in our tent with a projectorExploring Banbury and WoodstockLearning Mandarin through real, honest conversationUla speaks Mandarin. Tom speaks English. You get natural Mandarin input with built-in context. No textbook. No boring repetition. Just real talk, in two languages.Perfect for learners who want to:Train their ears with native MandarinUse context clues instead of translationsHear real-life conversations, not scripted phrasesWant more? Join lessons, hangouts, or get bonus content: 👉 https://www.mandarinmonkey.com 💬 Email: chat@mandarinmonkey.com 🎧 Join us on Patreon:  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think learning Mandarin is all flashcards and peaceful study sessions? Try doing it with three kids, zero time, and a brain that forgets half the vocab by lunch. In this episode, we talk about the real side of language learning—messy, inconsistent, and occasionally shouted across the room.We cover how we keep (some of) our Mandarin skills alive, why casual conversations aren’t enough, and how learning a language with your partner can be… character-building. There’s also some talk about camping, future dreams, and why structured study is like flossing—everyone says they do it, but come on.www.mandarinmonkey.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into another lively episode of the Mandarin Monkey podcast, where we celebrate the power of life's small victories and recount some unforgettable weekend adventures. From the thrill and challenges of landing a new job (hello, creative video applications!) to the quirky misadventures of a family boating trip overtaken by spiders, this episode covers it all with humor and heartfelt reflections. All in Mandarin and English. Join us as we explore how appreciating "little wins" can significantly boost happiness and why balancing work, family, and play is essential for a fulfilling life. Plus, we'd love to hear from you, share Tom's top 10 favorite films in the comments, and you might get a shoutout in our next episode!Get involved: Drop your favorite films below—we'll spotlight your picks in the upcoming episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the joys and chaos of family travel, focusing on our experiences in Taiwan. From navigating holidays with kids to finding moments of peace in the middle of it all, we reflect on what makes a trip truly memorable. We chat about Taiwan’s rich cultural moments like Children's Day, the importance of good food, and why nostalgia plays such a big role in where we go next.0:00 Intro & Banter  1:00 Planning Holidays with Kids  3:30 Jet Lag Struggles  4:30 Family Holidays in Taiwan  6:00 Taiwan’s Children’s Day  9:00 Mixing Fun & Peace in Holidays  12:00 The Joy of Having Nowhere to Be  15:00 Feeling Safe Abroad  18:30 What Makes Travel Peaceful?  23:00 How to Recreate That Feeling  26:30 10 Years of Chaos & Reflection  29:00 Planning Without Overplanning  32:00 Japan Adventures & Spontaneity  35:00 Time Pressure & Wanting More  36:00 Tandems & European Dreams  37:30 Travel Safety & Tourist Bubbles  39:30 Safari Dreams & Travel Timing  40:30 Christmas in Taiwan?  44:00 Back to Taiwan: Where & Why  47:00 Cities vs Countryside  49:00 Mountains & Memories  52:00 Revisiting Old Places  53:30 Wrapping Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Tom and Ula dive into the messy, hilarious, and honest journey of personal growth. From embracing the cringe that comes with putting yourself out there creatively, to exploring how AI is transforming content creation, they get candid about the highs and lows of doing what you love. They also dream out loud about future community events, live gatherings, and the lifelong journey of learning languages. Expect laughs, real talk, and a healthy dose of encouragement to just keep going.0:00 – Introduction and Setting the Scene5:45 – Reflections on Personal Growth and Change12:51 – Navigating Cringe and Embracing Creativity17:37 – The Role of AI in Content Creation and Daily Life24:51 – Niche Challenges in Language Learning26:18 – Innovative Event Ideas for Language Learners33:58 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Creativity42:05 – Travel Aspirations and Future Plans48:00 – Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula get reflective about some of life’s biggest questions—what does wealth really mean, and is it the same as happiness? The pair open up about their journey through podcasting, parenting three kids, and navigating life’s chaos while trying to stay sane (or at least, mildly caffeinated).They explore how wealth without purpose feels hollow, why goals matter even if they shift, and the underrated power of boredom when your brain needs a break. Tom and Ula share travel dreams, the lessons they learned from their parents, and how to find those rare moments of peace in a noisy world.This episode mixes humour, cultural reflections, real-life stories, and a few honest admissions that might hit home. It’s raw, relatable, and full of practical wisdom for anyone trying to do life without losing their mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sweat through England’s heat wave while chatting about 3D printing family models, the oddities of British vs American English, and the quirks of parenting in ridiculous temperatures. From language mishaps to sleep-deprived parenting rants, it’s a mix of humour, insight, and the occasional meltdown. ALl spoken in Mandarin and English for your listening pleasure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we get personal. We talk fatherhood, the shifting idea of what it means to be a ‘man,’ and how dads today are navigating emotion, law, and family. From our own experiences to the broader cultural shifts, we explore how parenting and masculinity are evolving, sometimes slowly, sometimes painfully.Then we zoom out. We dive into the brutal reality of the job market, how AI is flipping industries on their heads, and what that means for all of us. We explore the future of learning, creativity, entertainment, and why, surprisingly, libraries still matter.This one’s a mix of heartfelt and hard-hitting. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and a look at how the world’s changing fast and how we’re trying to keep up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula take listeners on a conversational journey covering everything from rescuing snails to the surprising genre of cozy fantasy. They share personal stories, listener feedback about subtitles, and survival tips for the salt flats, all wrapped in reflections on parenting, cultural sensitivity, and language learning.Whether it's talking to kids about historical figures, planning travel adventures, or discussing the purpose behind the show, this episode blends practical insight with humour and heart. Key TakeawaysThe show blends listicle-style episodes with free-flowing conversations.Personal stories (yes, even snail rescues) make it feel real.Talking history with kids is challenging—but worth it.Subtitles are helpful but polarising—feedback is split.The podcast’s mission has shifted from teaching to connecting.Salt flat survival tip: know your landmarks.Altitude sickness is real—plan ahead when traveling.Cozy fantasy offers a gentle, feel-good reading experience.Curiosity is good—but cultural awareness is better.Asking where someone’s from can be a genuine way to connect—if done right.Kobo is a solid platform for Chinese-language reads.www.mandarinmonkey.com - Mandarin Chinese Lessons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the joys and pains of podcast production, the growing importance of bilingualism in career paths, and how AI is quietly reshaping language learning and job interviews. We also tackle parenting in the tech age, the screen-time struggle, and how different generations navigate the digital world. Oh, and yes—streaming has definitely changed everything.Key TakeawaysMaking a podcast is harder than it looks (trust us, we’ve done a few).Being bilingual gives you a serious edge in today’s job market.Not every role needs perfect fluency—context matters.AI’s creeping into interviews and learning tools—be ready.Parents are stuck between wanting peace and fearing screens.Screen time? Not evil. But moderation is everything.Your nan’s tech habits probably aren’t the same as your kid’s.We’ve gone from VHS to infinite scroll—media has changed.We want your feedback—it actually helps.Fresh air still matters. Get outside now and then.Chapters 0:00 – Intro & New Year Hellos 06:13 – Bilingualism & Better Jobs 11:59 – AI’s New Role in Language Learning 21:01 – Kids, Screens & The Digital Dilemma 26:59 – Tech vs. Trees: Finding Balance 32:54 – How Generations Use Tech Differently 38:57 – From Telly to TikTok: Media Evolution 44:48 – Listener Feedback & What’s Nextchat@mandarinmonkey.com www.mandarinmonkey.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula dive into some of the strangest bans and laws from around the world, from chewing gum in Singapore to government-approved reincarnation in Tibet.Through light-hearted yet insightful discussion, they explore how these bans reflect deeper cultural values, political symbolism, religious influences, and social expectations. You'll also pick up real Mandarin vocabulary along the way, making this a perfect listen for language learners who want more than just textbook phrases.Whether you’re curious about travel customs, cultural sensitivity, or how to say "reincarnate legally" in Mandarin, this episode has you covered.00:00 – Introduction to the Mandarin Monkey Podcast08:11 – Banned Items Around the World20:16 – Cultural Insights and Language Learning26:02 – Philosophical Musings on Reincarnation32:06 – Laws and Social Norms Across Countries39:10 – Cultural Dress Codes and Public Decency45:58 – Religious Influences on Legislation51:01 – Public Displays of Affection and Their Restrictions禁止嚼口香糖 | jìn zhǐ jiáo kǒu xiāng táng | Chewing gum is banned (Singapore)禁止用“IKEA”當名字 | jìn zhǐ yòng “IKEA” dāng míng zì | Naming your child “IKEA” is banned (Sweden)在高速公路上沒油是違法的 | zài gāo sù gōng lù shàng méi yóu shì wéi fǎ de | Running out of fuel is illegal (Germany)古蹟禁止穿高跟鞋 | gǔ jì jìn zhǐ chuān gāo gēn xié | No high heels at historical sites (Greece)轉世需要政府批准 | zhuǎn shì xū yào zhèng fǔ pī zhǔn | Reincarnating without government approval is illegal (Tibet)禁止小熊維尼 | jìn zhǐ xiǎo xióng wéi ní | Winnie the Pooh is banned (China)踩錢是違法的 | cǎi qián shì wéi fǎ de | Stepping on money is illegal (Thailand)公共場合禁止罵髒話 | gōng gòng chǎng hé jìn zhǐ mà zāng huà | Public swearing is banned (Australia)禁止與佛像自拍 | jìn zhǐ yǔ fó xiàng zì pāi | No selfies with Buddha (Sri Lanka)有些地方禁止死亡 | yǒu xiē dì fāng jìn zhǐ sǐ wáng | Dying is illegal in some towns (Japan, Norway)禁止在海灘上穿太暴露的衣服 | jìn zhǐ zài hǎi tān shàng chuān tài bào lù de yī fú | Revealing swimwear is banned on some beaches (Spain)禁止在車內吃東西 | jìn zhǐ zài chē nèi chī dōng xi | Eating inside cars is banned in some areas (USA – certain cities)禁止上廁所時沖馬桶（晚上） | jìn zhǐ shàng cè suǒ shí chōng mǎ tǒng (wǎn shàng) | Flushing the toilet at night is illegal in some flats (Switzerland)禁止穿迷你裙 | jìn zhǐ chuān mí nǐ qún | Wearing miniskirts is banned in some countries (Uganda)禁止養豬（宗教原因） | jìn zhǐ yǎng zhū (zōng jiào yuán yīn) | Keeping pigs is banned for religious reasons (Middle East)禁止開黃色雨傘 | jìn zhǐ kāi huáng sè yǔ sǎn | Yellow umbrellas are banned in political protests (Hong Kong)禁止在公共場所親吻 | jìn zhǐ zài gōng gòng chǎng suǒ qīn wěn | Public kissing is banned (UAE, Saudi Arabia)禁止左撇子寫字（歷史） | jìn zhǐ zuǒ piě zi xiě zì | Left-handed writing was historically banned in schools (global historical context)禁止喝酒（某些國家） | jìn zhǐ hē jiǔ (mǒu xiē guó jiā) | Alcohol is banned in some countries (e.g. Kuwait, Iran)禁止假笑（電影宣傳） | jìn zhǐ jiǎ xiào (diàn yǐng xuān chuán) | Forced or fake smiling banned in public ads (North Korea) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for a fun way to learn Mandarin while exploring the world’s strangest places? In this episode, we take you on a global journey to the weirdest tourist attractions from haunted doll islands to underwater post offices. Along the way, you’ll pick up real Mandarin vocabulary and cultural insights that go way beyond textbooks. Perfect for Mandarin learners, Chinese language enthusiasts, or anyone curious about bizarre travel destinations.Join us as we break down the Mandarin for each strange spot, practice pronunciation, and share stories that will make you think twice about your next holiday destination.娃娃島 | wá wá dǎo | Doll Island (Mexico)倒立屋 | dào lì wū | Upside-down House (Poland, Taiwan, Germany)口香糖巷 | kǒu xiāng táng xiàng | Bubblegum Alley (USA)貓島 | māo dǎo | Cat Island (Japan)老鼠廟 | lǎo shǔ miào | Rat Temple (India)螢火蟲洞 | yíng huǒ chóng dòng | Glowworm Caves (New Zealand)巨人之路 | jù rén zhī lù | Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland)彎曲森林 | wān qū sēn lín | Crooked Forest (Poland)鹽飯店 | yán fàn diàn | Salt Hotel (Bolivia)沙漠之手 | shā mò zhī shǒu | Hand of the Desert (Chile)地下墳場 | dì xià fén chǎng | Catacombs (Paris, France)人骨教堂 | rén gǔ jiào táng | Bone Church (Czech Republic)便便博物館 | biàn biàn bó wù guǎn | Poop Museum (Japan)鞋屋 | xié wū | Shoe House (USA)鬼屋村 | guǐ wū cūn | Ghost Village (Japan)鏡子迷宮 | jìng zi mí gōng | Mirror Maze (Various locations)雷克雅未克飛機殘骸 | léi kè yǎ wèi kè fēi jī cán huài | Reykjavik Plane Wreck (Iceland)水下郵局 | shuǐ xià yóu jú | Underwater Post Office (Vanuatu)冰屋旅館 | bīng wū lǚ guǎn | Ice Hotel (Sweden)橡皮鴨樂園 | xiàng pí yā lè yuán | Rubber Duck Park (Hong Kong) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.