You Can Learn Chinese

In a mildly confusing bit of podcast naming, Jared Turner sits down with comedian Turner Sparks. Turner moved to China in 2004 to teach English, planning to stay for just one year. He ended up staying for twelve. In this episode of You Can Learn Chinese, Turner talks about learning Chinese out of necessity, from struggling through everyday conversations with almost no shared language to using Chinese while building and running a business across China. Turner shares stories from his years in Suzhou and Shanghai, including launching Mr. Softee ice cream trucks in China, navigating local government and business culture, whitewater rafting with Chinese officials, and stumbling into stand-up comedy when a local bar owner built him a stage and told him he had a month to prepare. That hobby eventually became a career. After performing around Asia, Turner moved to New York City to pursue comedy full time, where his years in China, his Chinese-speaking wife and family, and the Chinese language itself continue to shape his comedy. Turner’s path from English teacher to ice cream entrepreneur to full-time comedian is not exactly the standard Chinese-learning story. Join us for a funny and unpredictable conversation about China, Chinese, business, comedy, and the strange places learning a language can take you. Links from the episode: Turner Sparks | Website & Tour Dates Follow Turner | Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , TikTok Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Jared and John discuss the frustrations faced by a learner who came to John for help—particularly with pinyin and distinguishing similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can help ease the learning curve. This episode serves as both a deep dive into the phonetic and perceptual challenges of learning Chinese and a reassuring reminder that, while the path to fluency can be frustrating, personalized strategies and persistent effort can lead to real progress. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers

What does it mean to walk in the footsteps of an ancestor whose life connected China and America more than a century ago? In this episode, Ben Lee shares how moving to Wuhan in 1992 pushed him to learn Chinese for survival—and eventually led him back to a remarkable family legacy. His great-grandfather was part of the Qing Dynasty’s Chinese Educational Mission, became an early voice in Chinese American literature, and even crossed paths with Mark Twain. Ben and Jared explore heritage, identity, education, and the lifelong rewards of learning Chinese. Ben also shares practical advice for learners, including why the best approach is simple: start, keep going, and accept that there will always be more to learn. Links from the episode: “When I was a boy in China” by Yan Phou Lee | Project Gutenbert and Amazon Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Whether you're planning your first trip to China or reminiscing about past adventures, Jared and John share why even a little Chinese can transform your experience, from connecting with locals through place names and ordering regional specialties to navigating trains, buses, and the occasional unexpected adventure. Along the way, they swap memorable stories of language mishaps, overnight train rides, questionable transportation choices, and the kinds of travel misadventures that become some of the most memorable stories. They also discuss the balance between relying on translation apps and building the confidence to communicate on your own, and how some of the best language learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone. If you're thinking about visiting China, or just looking for motivation to keep studying, this episode will remind you that travel isn't just a reward for learning Chinese; it's one of the best ways to accelerate your progress. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

What happens when a childhood choice turns into a life-changing career change? In this episode, Jared talks with Jake Hines, an Australian content creator based in Xiamen, China, whose Chinese learning journey began in high school thanks to a nudge from his mom. After years working as an engineering project manager, Jake left his stable career during COVID to pursue a very different path: traveling through China, creating videos, and rebuilding his life around the language he had once studied as a teenager. Jake shares how early trips to Nanjing sparked his fascination with Chinese, why he sees language learning as a form of “Type II Fun,” and how the challenge of Mandarin became part of its appeal. He also explains how creating Chinese-language content has become one of his most powerful learning tools. From filming conversations with locals to translating, subtitling, and editing the same footage over and over, Jake discovered that video creation can turn real-world Chinese into deeply memorable comprehensible input. The conversation also explores Jake’s experiences studying at Xiamen University, making friends through Chinese, learning through graded readers and podcasts, and building a media career in China. He shares the story of winning an award for a video about Dehua porcelain and being flown to Beijing to speak on a live panel in Chinese. Jake’s practical advice: find a personal project that makes Chinese useful, consume content you genuinely enjoy, talk to yourself in Chinese, and embrace mistakes as part of the process. As Jake’s shirt says: 问题不大, no big problem. Links from the episode: The Journey of Jake | YouTube , Instagram , 小红书 Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Are you getting everything you can out of your Chinese lessons? Jared and John share practical strategies for multiplying the value of every class or tutoring session. You'll learn how to review lesson notes more effectively, identify the corrections that matter most, create better flashcards, and use recordings to improve your pronunciation and speaking ability. They also show how modern AI tools can analyze lesson transcripts, uncover recurring mistakes, highlight useful vocabulary, and generate personalized review materials based on your actual conversations. Whether you study with a tutor online or in person, these techniques can help you remember more, notice patterns faster, and make measurable progress between lessons. This episode was sponsored by italki. Visit their website via the link below and get $5 off when you purchase $10 worth of italki credits using the promo code "TURNER " But hurry, this offer is only available for the first 50 users! Web: https://go.italki.com/turner2607 App: https://go.italki.com/turner2607app Links from the episode: italki | online language tutors Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

When Emma first came to China for a two-month internship, she had no intention of learning Chinese. In fact, she had spent years telling herself she simply wasn't a "language person." But after returning to China a second time, a desire to communicate her strict vegan diet led her to begin studying Mandarin. What started as a practical goal soon became a transformative personal journey. In this episode, Emma shares how she went from intense textbook study and relentless productivity to discovering that real language growth happens through connection, conversation, and embracing mistakes. She reflects on joining an HSK 2 class with zero Chinese background, burning herself out through perfectionism, and eventually finding a healthier approach by building friendships with Chinese speakers and immersing herself in everyday life. More than a language-learning story, this is a conversation about transformation. Emma and Jared explore cultural adaptation, reverse culture shock, and how learning Chinese can change not just how you communicate, but how you think, who you become, and where you belong.

Why do tones sometimes seem “good enough”… until they suddenly create complete chaos? In this episode, Jared and John dive into one of the trickiest realities of learning Chinese: when small tone mistakes collide with low-context situations and produce surprisingly big misunderstandings. Inspired by a real-life exchange student story in Shanghai, they share some hilarious examples of Chinese mix-ups involving pandas vs. chest hair, thesis defenses vs. poop, and one especially memorable mistake involving “receiving payment.” Beyond the laughs, this episode explores why context matters so much in Chinese, especially with names, place names, numbers, and situations where listeners don’t have enough clues to infer what you mean. Jared and John also share practical strategies to reduce communication breakdowns: using written backup, giving extra context, confirming understanding, paying closer attention to “recasts,” and learning how to spot your own pronunciation errors. If you’ve ever been convinced you said something correctly only to get blank stares in return, this episode is for you. Mistakes are part of the process, but with a little awareness and a few smart habits, you can avoid some of the most spectacular ones. Links from the episode: Chinese Pronunciation Wiki Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

What happens when your reason for learning Chinese changes? In this interview, Jared talks with Anastasia Tulupova about her journey from a goal-driven teenager in Ukraine, determined to master the “hardest language in the world” and become a translator, to a Chinese teacher who now helps others learn more effectively. Along the way, she realized that the path she started on wasn’t the one she actually wanted. After years of structured study and passing HSK exams, everything changed when she arrived in China and discovered she couldn’t actually communicate. That moment pushed her to rethink not just how she was learning, but why. We discuss the trap of perfectionism, the gap between knowing and using the language, and how consistent, real-world practice, often messy and repetitive, became the key to her breakthrough. Her story is a strong reminder that progress doesn’t come from getting everything right, but from showing up, speaking up, and sticking with it. If your Chinese learning journey has ever felt frustrating, unclear, or like your goals are shifting, this episode will help you refocus on what actually works, and what really matters. Links from the episode: Xiya Chinese Teacher | Anastasia on Instagram Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

What does it actually mean to be at a “level” in Chinese and why does moving up feel so slow? In this episode, Jared and John dig into the concept of leveling from both the perspective of the learner and from decades of experience in creating Chinese learning content. With John’s decades of experience building structured learning systems, from ChinesePod to Mandarin Companion, you’ll gain insight into what goes into defining levels and why it’s much harder than it seems. Along the way, they dig into why vocabulary lists alone don’t define your level, how “Swiss cheese” gaps in knowledge form, and why reinforcement, not just new content, is key to long-term progress. You’ll also hear practical insights on how immersion, motivation, and structured input all play a role in helping you truly level up. John also shares a new project from Allset Learning: a set of free, level-based Chinese newsletters designed to provide consistent, engaging input for learners at three different stages. Follow the links below to subscribe for free. Links from the episode: ABC (All the Basics of Chinese) | Substack AIC (Accessible Intermediate Chinese) | Substack ARC (Advanced Readings in Chinese) | Substack Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Most people struggle to find time to learn Chinese. Adam started learning it in the middle of one of the most intense study periods of his life, and kept going. A pre-med student at the University of Illinois, Adam didn’t begin with a clear plan or a class requirement. Instead, it started with curiosity: books on cross-cultural healthcare, exposure to Chinese classmates, and a growing realization that language could open doors not just academically, but humanly. In this episode, Jared sits down with Adam to unpack how that curiosity turned into real progress in just a year and a half. From grinding through Anki decks and ChinesePod to forming friendships that pushed his speaking skills forward, Adam shares what actually made the difference and what didn’t. They dig into the moments that changed everything: discovering how Chinese characters really work, moving from inconsistent self-study to structured learning, and pushing past the mental barrier of “I understand the words, but not the sentence.” But the real payoff? Adam is already using Chinese in the real world. Whether it’s bonding with friends over hot pot or helping comfort a Chinese-speaking patient during a painful procedure, his story is a reminder that language learning isn’t just about fluency, it’s about connection. If you’ve ever wondered whether your efforts will actually lead to something meaningful, this episode shows exactly how they can. Links from the episode: Kid Learning Chinese | Adam Syed on Instagram Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

How could learning Chinese shape your life? From meeting lifelong friends (and even a spouse!) to navigating life in China with the help of mentors, coworkers, and “ayi” caregivers, Jared and John share stories that highlight the human side of language learning. John reflects on his 25+ years in China, including how speaking Chinese led to deeper, more authentic relationships, and Jared shares unforgettable experiences, from starting a bakery in Shanghai to building trust with partners across China. Along the way, they explore a bigger question: what’s the real point of learning Chinese? Beyond vocabulary and grammar, it’s about connection. It’s about the relationships you build, the cultural insights you gain, and the doors that simply wouldn’t open otherwise. If you’ve ever wondered whether all the effort of learning Chinese is “worth it,” this episode offers a clear answer. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Jade grew up knowing she was half Chinese, but without the language, family connection, or cultural context to understand what that really meant. In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it was like growing up mixed race in a mostly white community, carrying questions of identity, belonging, and cultural disconnection from an early age. Jade shares why learning Chinese became much more than a language goal. What began as a quiet lifelong pull eventually turned into something healing, empowering, and transformative during the pandemic, when she finally committed to learning Mandarin seriously. She describes how Chinese gave her a way to reconnect with herself, reshape her story, and discover a new sense of confidence. Jade’s journey took her to Taiwan, where studying Mandarin brought both joyful breakthroughs and very real culture shock. From challenging start to the unexpected feeling of being seen as someone who might belong, Jade reflects on how language learning, identity, and personal growth became inseparable. This is an honest and moving conversation about mixed identity, heritage learning, and the powerful role language can play in helping us become more fully ourselves. Links from the episode: LengLengCoolJade | Instagram Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Should you learn Chinese by reading children’s books? It’s a common recommendation, but is it actually a good idea? In this episode, Jared and John unpack why kids’ books aren’t as “simple” as they seem. These books are written for native-speaking children who already have years of spoken fluency. They’re often read aloud by parents and packed with specialized vocabulary, proper nouns, literary language, and characters that learners rarely need early on. What looks beginner-friendly can quickly become frustrating and inefficient. So why do people keep suggesting it? Usually because it worked for them—as native speakers. But second language acquisition research shows that learners benefit most from high-frequency vocabulary and carefully controlled input. That’s where graded readers come in. Designed specifically for language learners, they limit vocabulary and characters while still telling engaging stories. The goal isn’t to learn Chinese like a child, it’s to build a strong foundation so you can eventually read whatever you want. If you’ve ever struggled through a “simple” children’s book, this episode explains why, and what to read instead. Links from the episode: 7 Mistakes about Extensive Reading (w/analysis of《好饿的毛毛虫》) | Mandarin Companion Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

In this episode, Jared chats with Jack Mullinkosson, whose Chinese-learning journey runs from a Vice China documentary set… to living with a Chinese immigrant family in suburban California… to studying in Chengdu… and now biking from Chengdu to Hanoi. Jack got started the way many learners do: by feeling left out. On set, surrounded by Chinese speakers, he noticed how differently the foreigners who spoke Mandarin were treated. Chinese looked like a superpower, and he wanted it. With plenty of downtime during the shoot, Jack began studying characters and survival phrases, boosted by the classic “Your Chinese is so good!” encouragement (even when it wasn’t). That early confidence turned into a full-on obsession. Then COVID hit, and Jack found a creative workaround. Back in the U.S., he made a flyer in Chinese offering to live with a Chinese family in exchange for helping their kids with English. The result: four months in a Rancho Cucamonga “McMansion” shared by multiple Chinese families, nightly Mandarin dinners, and a crash course in immigrant hustle and real-world language practice. Along the way, Jack: Read Mandarin Companion graded readers to build his foundation Used shadowing to level up tones and pronunciation Looked for chances to speak—even when it was inconvenient Turned everyday errands into “Chinese missions” After a few years in Brazil, where he learned Portuguese and became a remote software engineer, Jack returned to China with a new goal: connect Chinese to his career. He now makes videos in Chengdu, capturing spontaneous conversations with park shūshu fitness legends, friendly aunties selling plum wine, and locals who light up when a foreigner speaks Mandarin. And one of the coolest payoffs? While traveling in Spain, Jack used Chinese to order food from a Chinese restaurant owner when neither of them shared English or Spanish. Links from the episode: Jack Mullinkosson | Instagram Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Struggling with listening comprehension in Chinese? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Jared Turner and John Pasden dive into practical, tech-powered strategies for sharpening your Chinese listening skills using AI transcription tools and other smart resources. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use AI tools to turn Chinese audio into transcripts you can study. Why listening comprehension is often one of the hardest skills—and how to make it easier. How to “train your ear” with slowed-down, AI-generated audio. Ways to leverage native content such as TV shows, songs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and make them more accessible for learning. The value of transcribing your own Chinese speaking to catch patterns, mistakes, and growth areas. John and Jared walk you through real-world workflows, tools they’ve personally used, and the best types of media for improving listening. Whether you’re trying to understand a native podcast, follow along with a Chinese drama, or make sense of a street conversation you recorded, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for turning audio into insight and comprehension. Listening doesn’t have to be your weak spot. With today’s tools, it can become your strength. Links from the episode: TurboScribe | AI transcription tool Language Jones & Anki Hyper TTS | YouTube "Duìbùqǐ Wǒ de Zhōngwén Bù Hǎo" | Sung by Transition on YouTube “One Semester of Spanish - Love Song” | YouTube Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

in this episode, Jared sits down with Alexander Brose , President & CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, to trace his remarkable journey learning Chinese and how it shaped his life and career in unexpected ways. From his early years living in South Korea with his family, to choosing Mandarin over Cantonese at an international school in Hong Kong, Alex shares how Chinese gradually became part of his identity. He continued studying the language through high school and later majored in Asian Studies at Cornell University. A pivotal summer in Harbin with the CET immersion program further deepened both his language skills and cultural connection to China. Alex’s path led him to build cross-cultural musical collaborations between China and the U.S., eventually becoming the founding Executive Director of the Tianjin Juilliard School . He reflects on how speaking Chinese created unique professional opportunities, opened doors to deep cultural understanding, and enabled him to be at the forefront of classical music education in China. Throughout the episode, Alex offers thoughtful reflections on the value of immersion, the challenges of maintaining language confidence, and the power of music as a bridge between cultures. Links from the episode: Alexander Brose | Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada) Mandarin Companion Graded Readers CET Academic Programs From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China | IMDB

Is handwriting Chinese characters slowing you down? In today’s digital world, does it still make sense to focus on writing by hand or should you just type? In this episode, Jared and John dive deep into this hot-button issue for Chinese learners: handwriting vs. typing . Pulling insights from a research paper by Chinese Breeze creator Chengzhi Chu (储诚志), they explore how character instruction is evolving and why prioritizing typing can make your learning faster, more efficient, and less frustrating , especially for adult learners. They’ll break down: Why typing Chinese is not “cheating” , it’s how Chinese is actually used today How handwriting can become a bottleneck to fluency and motivation What it really means to “know” a character in the modern era The myth of muscle memory and why stroke order perfection isn’t essential Why it’s okay to treat handwriting as a hobby , not a core skill You’ll also hear how character writing has changed more in the past 20 years than the previous 2000, the "three eras" of Chinese writing, and how modern teachers are shifting to a “typing-first, handwriting-second” approach in classrooms around the world. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by handwriting or wondered if you’re “doing it wrong” by typing, this episode will give you the clarity, and permission, you need to move forward confidently. Links from the episode: The Evolution of Hanzi Proficiency and the E-Writing Transformation of L2 Chinese Teaching in the Digital Age | Paper by Chengzhi Chu Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Learn Chinese Characters by Reading (the book) Learn Chinese Characters by Reading (free resources for 200 characters)

What began as a teenage crush became a lifelong journey into Chinese for Matthew McGuire, an Australian creator and accent coach. In this episode, Jared sits down with Matthew to discuss how he learned Mandarin without textbooks, grammar drills, or writing practice. Instead, he immersed himself in love dramas, shadowed dialogue, and built a Chinese-speaking social circle. Matthew shares how his curiosity and enjoyment guided him from impressing a girl from Sichuan to achieving real proficiency and forming meaningful friendships. He also explains how Chinese opened doors for him both personally and professionally, and why he believes language learning should be fun, intentional, and grounded in real-life use. For anyone feeling stuck in their studies or unsure of how to move forward, Matthew’s story offers valuable perspective and inspiration. Links from the episode: Matthew McGuire on Instagram | @realozziemcguire Chinese graded readers make an excellent gift! Head over to: https://www.mandarincompanion.com AllSet Learning has some amazing deals on lessons right now: https://www.allsetlearning.com

With AI advancing at lightning speed, many are wondering: Do I still need to learn Chinese? Jared and John say yes , and in this episode, they break down 10 ways your Chinese skills remain AI-proof. These are the kinds of things no app, bot, or translation tool can truly replace. Along the way, you'll hear stories about phone conversations that left taxi drivers in disbelief, the joy of reading your first Chinese book, and how language learning leads to deeper relationships. Whether you're just starting or years into your Chinese journey, this episode is your reminder that learning Chinese is still very much worth it and more human than ever. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers AllSet Learning