Mandarin Monkey Podcast

We just recorded 40 minutes of podcast… and realised we never pressed record.So here we are doing it again.In this episode we talk about:• Our first corporate filming job in London• Why we're suddenly flying to Zurich next week• The launch of our new gaming channel Monkey Plays• Whether language exchange apps actually work• Why Pleco is amazing (but not perfect)• Why people in Taiwan don’t really say 你好吗• And how to actually use podcasts to improve your MandarinPlus we answer your emails about:Using Mandarin podcasts for learningCantonese vs Mandarin situationsLanguage exchange apps like TandemStudy methods and common mistakes learners makeIf you want to send us a question for a future mailbag episode, email us!chat@mandarinmonkey.comMonkey PlaysOur new gaming channel where you can learn Mandarin while watching games:RaftOvercooked 2Peak(and more coming)https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxuNENWdUdcvRMuMiADUFmQFull playthroughs and interactive vocab games are available on Patreon.patreon.com/monkeyplaysgamesMandarin Monkey LinksPodcast: https://mandarinmonkey.comLessons: https://mandarinmonkey.com/lessonsPatreon: https://patreon.com/mandarinmonkey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 450 is here! 🎉In this fun and chaotic bilingual episode, we chat about life getting back to normal after the holidays, the challenges of new projects, and a possible Mandarin retreat idea… before things take a very British turn 😅We dive into one tiny English word — “piss” — and explore the MANY ways British people actually use it in real life. If you’ve ever been confused by British slang, this episode is for you.This podcast is spoken in both Mandarin and English, making it perfect for learners who want natural, real-world listening practice.What you’ll hear in this episode:Real couple conversation in Mandarin + EnglishBritish slang explained in contextCultural differences in language useRelaxed, natural listening practiceWhether you're a beginner or advanced learner, come hang out and improve your Mandarin the natural way.📩 Got a story to share? Email us: chat@mandarinmonkey.com🎓 Want to learn with us? Try a free trial lesson! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chinese New Year is here… but we’re not just talking about red envelopes and dumplings.In this episode:Who should give red envelopes (and when it stops)The weird firework pranks from childhoodWhy we chose not to vlog our kidsAnd… our idea for a 48-hour Mandarin-only retreatCould you survive two full days speaking only Chinese?No English. No safety net. Just immersion.Let us know if you’d actually come.🎧 Listen on Spotify📩 Join our community🧧 Happy New Year Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does real bilingual development actually look like?In this episode of Mandarin Monkey, we talk about one of the biggest concerns parents have when raising bilingual children:“My child understands Mandarin… but won’t speak it. Is that normal?”We explore:• What children usually understand first• Why mixing languages is a sign of competence• Whether silence means failure• How long it realistically takes to become conversational• Why input matters more than early outputUla shares personal stories of growing up with Taiwanese and Mandarin, and we reflect on our own children’s bilingual journey.If you’re raising a child in a mixed-language household, this conversation will reassure you.Mandarin Monkey is a bilingual podcast where Mandarin and English are used naturally, just like in real families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learning Mandarin isn’t just about vocabulary or grammar.Sometimes it’s about confidence, fear, and not feeling “good enough”.In episode 444 of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we talk honestly about:– Why language “levels” can actually hurt learners– Speaking Mandarin without destroying your confidence– Trial lessons that start way too basic– Learning through conversation, not correction– Why progress feels invisible even when it’s real– Being scared to speak, even after years of learning– How creativity, experience, and repetition change everythingThis episode drifts between English and Mandarin, just like real life does.Because that’s how language is actually learned.If you’ve ever felt stuck, nervous, or frustrated with Mandarin…this one’s for you.🎧 Listen, relax, and remember: you’re not bad at languages.You’re just still learning.📩 Got a question for our Friday mailbag?Email: chat@mandarinmonkey.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a fully bilingual English–Mandarin conversation. Tom speaks in English. Ula responds entirely in Mandarin.We talk about:Extreme risk and a climber scaling Taipei 101Whether dangerous stunts should be streamed liveTravel plans including Lapland, skiing holidays, the Maldives, and the USFear, animals, parenting, and how perspective changes over timeThis is not a scripted lesson.It’s how Mandarin is used naturally in real life.If you’re learning Mandarin and want:Real listening practiceNatural speed and phrasingMandarin used in context, not explained to deathThis episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back. We both got hit with a nasty illness for a few weeks and lost our voices, so this one is low-energy and coughy. We talk about why we disappeared, why this Christmas felt “off”, a New Year’s Eve living-room campout with the kids, and how fast sickness can wipe you out. Then we look back at some 2025 goals, set fresh 2026 goals, and Tom admits he’s convinced Premium Bonds will make him a millionaire every month. We also share why Disney matters to us, plus a quick reminder: if you’ve been listening for ages and thinking about lessons, now’s a good time to start.0:00 Welcome back and why we disappeared0:40 Three weeks ill, lost voices, low energy3:00 Christmas felt quiet this year6:00 New Year’s Eve with kids and getting sick10:30 Moving house, 2025 drama, hoping 2026 improves17:00 Premium Bonds and the monthly million fantasy20:30 2025 goals review, exercise, habits, tracking26:00 Journaling, Finch app, wanting better insights27:30 Disney plans and giving kids real memories34:00 Hobbies, dates, books, piano, creative projects40:00 2026 goals, family time, couple time47:00 Where we might live next, avoiding tourist traps50:30 Dog debate, Halloumi, dog sitting reality54:30 Lessons, teachers, Patreon, wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.