You Can Learn Chinese

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All Episodes

Great Teachers Don’t Fill Your Head; They Light a Fire

In celebration of Teachers’ Day in China, Jared and John reflect on the teachers who have shaped their language-learning journeys and what actually makes a great teacher. They share stories of teachers who were hilarious, inspiring, technically brilliant, and sometimes simply the ... Show more

. 24min 12sec

From Soft Serve to Stand-Up Comedy: Turner Sparks’ Excellent Chinese Misadventure

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 learnin ... Show more

. 50min 40sec

The Frustrated Learner and the Sound of Progress (Replay)

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 th ... Show more

. 24min 54sec

Following a Century-Old Path to China: Ben Lee and the Legacy That Led Him Back

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. ... Show more

. 54min 14sec

Go Get Lost: Stop Studying. Start Exploring.

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 ... Show more

. 36min 15sec