Podcast Episodes
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305 - When spaced repetition fails, and what to do about it
Season 1 Episode 305
Spaced repetition software is designed to delay reviews as long as possible without letting you forget. For learning Chinese, though, barely remember…
3 days, 16 hours ago
304 - How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques
Season 1 Episode 304
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that can be used to memorise everything from decks of cards to speeches, but how do you use them to learn Chin…
1 week, 3 days ago
303 - Learn Chinese by playing Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí)
Season 1 Episode 303
Chinese chess, or 象棋 (xiàngqí), is more than a classic strategy game. It’s a fun, practical way into Chinese language and culture.
#learnchinese #xian…
2 weeks, 3 days ago
302 - The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2026
Season 1 Episode 302
Podcasts let you create your own Chinese immersion experience, with level-appropriate stories and authentic conversations. Learn flexibly on the go w…
3 weeks, 3 days ago
301 - Effective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning
Season 1 Episode 301
Measuring your Chinese progress is a double-edged sword: it can keep you motivated, but it can also tempt you to chase numbers that don’t reflect rea…
1 month ago
300 - Why learning Chinese pronunciation by using English words is a really bad idea
Season 1 Episode 300
Learning Mandarin pronunciation is not easy, so some people try to use English words to learn or teach the sounds. This is a really bad idea.
#learnch…
1 month, 1 week ago
299 - How to not memorise Chinese characters: The anatomy of bad mnemonics
Season 1 Episode 299
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that help you remember everything from PIN codes to Chinese characters. Good mnemonics make learning easier, b…
1 month, 2 weeks ago
298 - The best time to start learning Chinese is now: A guide for expats
Season 1 Episode 298
The best time to start learning Chinese might be behind you, but the second-best time is now. If you’ve been surrounded by Mandarin for years and kee…
1 month, 3 weeks ago
297 - Improve your Chinese conversations by listening to the listener
Season 1 Episode 297
The obvious way to learn Mandarin is to listen to a person speaking the language. The less obvious way is to listen to the person who isn’t speaking …
1 month, 4 weeks ago
296 - Chinese is fascinating and exciting, not weird and stupid
Season 1 Episode 295
When learning a foreign language, some things might appear weird or even stupid. But does a negative attitude towards Chinese make it harder to learn…
2 months ago