Mandarin Monkey Podcast
A Chinese and English language podcast hosted by a mixed couple, Tom and Ula, living in Taiwan. They teach Chinese through Chinglish (Chinese and English) on various topics including study methods, entertainment, news, life, and business. The podcast features native Mandarin spoken at a natural pace with English translations to help listeners follow the context. It offers hints and tricks for learning Mandarin.
Episodes
469 - She Was Heartbroken 💔 | Real Mandarin & English Conversation
Can a Taiwanese really dislike bubble milk tea? 😱In this episode, Ula, Tom, and Yating sit down for a relaxed Mandarin-English conversation covering everything from bubble tea and Taiwanese food to relationships, life abroad, and cultural differences.Yating shares what it's like living in Sweden for nearly a decade and reveals a surprising opinion that leaves Ula heartbroken. Tom joins the convers
468 - Heatwave, Locked Keys & Camping Chaos!
🎙️ Listen while you walk, relax, or practise your Mandarin with us.🐵 Learn Mandarin with us: https://mandarinmonkey.com/🎮 Check out our Monkey Plays channel:https://www.youtube.com/@monkeyplaysmandarinIn this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we take you on a countryside walk while sharing the story of our recent family camping trip.What started as a relaxing getaway quickly turned into a se
467 - What? A Taiwanese Doesn't Like Stinky Tofu?! | What? We're Shy Leos?!
In this episode of Meeting Yating, Ula and Yating continue getting to know each other through a series of fun, unexpected, and surprisingly personal questions.How can two Leos be so shy? Why do both teachers give off a "don't talk to me" first impression? And perhaps most shocking of all... how can a Taiwanese person not love stinky tofu?The conversation jumps from personality types and school mem
AI Judged Tom's Mandarin in 10 Seconds?! | Headbands Fun & Big Mandarin Monkey Updates
In Episode 466 of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Ula and Tom dive into the strange world of AI language learning apps, including one that judged Tom’s Mandarin level almost instantly after saying “你好”! We chat about why language confidence matters, how AI should assess learners, and what actually helps people improve their Chinese naturally.We also share exciting updates about the brand-new Mandarin
465 - Meeting Ya Ting
In this episode, Ula sits down with new Mandarin Monkey teacher Yating for a fun first conversation together.They discuss the kinds of questions Taiwanese people always ask when meeting someone new, including where you’re from, your star sign, and whether you’re an I person or a J person. The conversation also explores life abroad, cultural differences between Taiwan, the UK, and Sweden, and the s
Episode 464 - Pizza Walk, School Systems and Finding Your Child’s Passion
We’re back on another Friday walk, this time heading to buy pizza for the kids before their disco.Along the way we talk about rats, squirrels, Dungeons & Dragons, steak names in Mandarin, private and public schools, and the differences between education in Taiwan and the UK.We also discuss how children discover their interests, whether schools should focus more on individual passions, and what
A Walk, A Rat, A £2 Coin & Camping Plans | Mandarin Monkey Podcast 463
In episode 463, we take the podcast outside again for a relaxed walk around our local area. We chat in Mandarin and English about spring weather, birds, nettles, dandelions, dog poo bags, new housing developments, finding a £2 coin, and spotting a rat in the bushes.We also talk about our upcoming camping trip to the Cotswolds, bank holiday weather, funny local pub experiences, and some of our rece
An episode out in the wild | Mandarin and English Podcast
So we decided to go out for a walk today while doing the podcast. Makes a change to the usual studio based Mandarin and English conversation. Enjoy. www.mandarinmonkey.com Email: chat@mandarinmonkey.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can we pull this off?
Welcome back to the Mandarin Monkey Podcast episode 461.This week, we dive into a big idea: what if we hosted a Mandarin Monkey live immersion event in the UK?We talk through what that could look like — a full day of Chinese-speaking activities, games, food, and socialising — designed to feel fun, relaxed, and genuinely immersive, not like a traditional classroom.Along the way, we also chat about:
We Thought About Ending Mandarin Monkey... Then This Happened | Podcast 460
Welcome back to the Mandarin Monkey Podcast episode 460.In this episode, we talk about the reaction to our “goodbye” joke and the unexpected wave of love that came from it. It was a warm reminder that even when content feels lonely to make, there are real people out there listening.We also get into:why long-form content still matters to ushow short-form is changing attention spansideas for future
The Final Episode | We Are Finally Saying Goodbye To The Podcast
We are finally saying goodbye to the podcast. We have been doing this since 2018! Made so many awesome friends along the way and had so much fun. But now its time we call it a day. We started with a microphone on a bedside table in our bedroom and ended up in a full studio, its been a long and arduous journey. We want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible. The community will continue
The Final Mailbag Episode 😢
So this is it. The final mailbag episode. It was fun while it lasted. If you have any interesting stories or emails, email them in to:chat@mandarinmonkey.com and we will read them out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We Tried Planning Lapland in Mandarin… It Got Expensive Fast | Ep 457
We started planning a simple trip to Lapland…and somehow ended up booking reindeer rides, elf school, glass igloos, and possibly bankruptcy.In this episode, we talk (and argue) through planning a family trip to Lapland, what we actually want to do vs what we can afford, and how quickly “just a few activities” turns into chaos.Along the way, you’ll hear natural Mandarin and English conversation, re
Listener Mailbag: Taiwan Ghost Month, Saving Face & Learning Mandarin in Real Life | Ep. 456
Welcome back to Mandarin Monkey Podcast Episode 456.This one’s a proper listener mailbag episode.We read your emails and end up talking about all sorts: learning Mandarin on a tractor in rural Iowa, a workplace misunderstanding about saving face, the chaos of Taiwan Ghost Month, whether the third tone is designed to ruin lives, typing Chinese on a Mac, and one very wholesome story about using Mand
This Might Be the Worst Podcast Game Ever
This episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast takes a strange turn.We somehow ended up playing a “tiny acting” game we found online… which is great for YouTube and absolutely terrible for podcast listeners.Expect awkward silence, ridiculous acting challenges, and one very questionable scenario involving a dog in a waiting room.Along the way we also talk about: • why words start to feel strange when
Mailbag: Learning Mandarin While Doing the Dishes, Running, and Raising Bilingual Kids
Can you really learn Mandarin while doing the dishes? What about while running, driving, or just surviving family life on broken sleep?In this Mandarin Monkey mailbag episode, we dive into real listener stories and questions about learning Chinese in the middle of normal life. From passive listening and bilingual parenting to sleep deprivation, kids climbing into bed sideways, and the never-ending
Our 36 Hours in Zurich | Swiss Chocolate, $50 Chocolate, Kangaroo Steak & Scooter Adventures
We just spent 36 hours in Zurich, Switzerland filming an event at the FIFA Museum… and somehow turned it into a mini travel adventure.In this episode we talk about:• flying to Switzerland with camera gear • our first taste of real Swiss chocolate • accidentally spending £50 on chocolate • riding electric scooters around Zurich • trying kangaroo steak in an Australian restaurant • discovering how e
We Forgot to Press Record… Then Got Hired to Film in Switzerland
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
I Lost a Translation Job Over “Face” (And Called My Boss a Bastard)
This week’s mailbag episode is… painful.• A freelance translator loses a business contract because he didn’t understand 面子 (miànzi). • Someone tries to compliment their manager… and accidentally calls him a bastard. • Another listener’s Chinese name sounds dangerously close to “horse sh*t.”We talk about cultural competence in business Mandarin, tone disasters, gaming as a language-learning method,
British Slang That Confuses Mandarin Learners | Episode 450
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,
From Tears to Taiwan, Real Mandarin Learner Stories That Will Inspire You | Mailbag #449
This week on the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we read three powerful emails from listeners whose Mandarin journeys couldn’t be more different — yet share the same courage.From feeling fluent for the first time, to reconnecting with family and heritage, to quitting a job and moving to Taiwan for love and language…These are real stories from real learners navigating confidence, shame, identity, relation
Would You Survive 48 Hours Speaking Only Chinese?
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
I Finally Understood My Mother-in-Law | Mailbag Mandarin
This week’s mailbag:a learner understands his mother-in-law at the worst moment,a tone mistake turns into a workplace disaster,and a four-year-old becomes the teacher.Plus: how to ask to camp in Taiwan without sounding like a tourist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My Child Understands Mandarin But Won’t Speak It
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 realistical
We Tried Listing 100 Life Goals… Then Got Distracted
This episode started as a simple idea:list 100 very specific things to do before you die.We didn’t get to 100.We talked about sharks, Lapland, Route 66, Disney parks, cherry blossoms, tequila in Mexico, collecting memories, and why “someday” is a dangerous word.Mandarin and English.Travel, goals, family, and that quiet feeling of wanting more life in your life.If this episode sparks an idea for yo
444 Episodes Later… This Is Why Learning Mandarin Still Feels Hard
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 progres
Why “Ask” Is Wrong in Mandarin | Mandarin & English Podcast | Mailbag Episode
This is a mailbag episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast.We answer listener questions about a deceptively common Mandarin mistake:why you can’t use “ask” the way you do in English.Ula explains why 問 is for asking questions, but doesn’t work when you’re asking someone to do you a favour, and why 請 is often the natural choice, even though it doesn’t translate cleanly into English.We also respond to
Would You Risk Your Life for Fame? | Mandarin & English Podcast
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
Why Mandarin Sounds Easy… Until a Real Person Speaks
Why does Mandarin feel easy when you’re listening…but impossible the moment a real person speaks?In this mailbag episode, we answer real listener questions about learning Mandarin in the real world.Textbooks vs real speech. Tones. Confidence. Speaking to in-laws. And why your brain sometimes just shuts down.We talk about:Why textbooks teach words nobody actually saysWhether tones really matter (an
We Disappeared, Here’s Why | Mandarin & English Podcast | Ep 440
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
Christmas Special Mailbag | Real Chinese Greetings, Flying Fears & Festive Facts
It’s our Christmas Special Mailbag.We answer listener questions about real Chinese greetings, why “Ni Hao Ma” sounds unnatural, fear of flying explained by a pilot, and how to type pinyin with tone marks properly.We finish with a fun Christmas quiz full of strange traditions and surprising facts from around the world.If you’re learning Mandarin and want natural Chinese, not textbook Chinese, this
Why Your Chinese Sounds “Weird” and the UK Citizenship Test Quiz | Ep 438
Ula explains why some dictionary and app translations feel unnatural, and shares a new Mandarin dictionary app recommendation. Then we mess around with a sound-guessing game, chat about school plays, and end with Tom quizzing Ula on the Life in the UK test. 00:00 Intro, episode 438, Wednesday energy 01:35 What subject do we look like we teach? 07:10 Midweek fatigue and kid sleep chaos 09:20 Why “
Why 'How Are You' Fails in Chinese | Bilingual Mandarin Podcast
Why doesn’t “How are you?” really exist in Chinese?In this episode, we talk about how Chinese people show care without asking about feelings. Food, warmth, sleep, and daily life matter more than emotional check-ins. We also talk about sleep, anxiety, bilingual kids, accents, affection across cultures, and then completely lose control playing a sound guessing game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr
Listener Mailbag: Soft Mandarin Broke My Brain
Friday mailbag time. Chinese and English together, as always.Today you get listener stories about:• Stress gestures that looked like a love confession • Soft Mandarin that sounded like poetry underwater • Motivation, guilt, discipline and VR boxing • Ten minutes of bus auntie story with zero context • Scooter fails in Taiwan and panic Mandarin • Sounding fluent while saying nonsense • Noodle theft
UK Food Labels, Taiwan Life, And Christmas Nonsense Bilingual Chat
A bilingual Mandarin and English episode filled with Christmas nonsense, food talk, and some heavier life planning.We talk about UK food labels, sugar overload, and why buying cheese feels like a health exam. Then we drift into real life. Stress. Pressure. Planning the next five to ten years. And why that feels very different when you have kids, bills, and responsibilities.Tom talks through moving
Mailbag 434: Real Mandarin Problems, Real Fixes
Friday mailbag. Mandarin and English. Real listener questions.We start with a chat about long-term goals. Safety, peace, fun, love and connection. Where we want the kids to be in ten years. Where we want to live. How to build something bigger than “exercise more”.Then the mailbag.A night-shift worker in Leeds knows the vocab but freezes when building sentences. A Birmingham listener orders bubble
Our Most Random Podcast Start Ever | Bilingual | Chinese and English
This episode starts in the strangest way possible, then turns into a full life update. We talk about Kairi wanting to learn Chinese, Dragon Ball socks, why none of us sleep, work changes, and the chaos of parenting three young kids.We also get into • How bad nights ruin your brain • Why our youngest saves all his wee for nighttime • New directions in our work • Whether to make a movie at home • Ho
The Mandarin Lip Reading Game Goes Wrong
We skip the small talk and jump straight into chaos. One of us wears noise-cancelling headphones with brown noise blasting. The other says sentences in Mandarin and English. The goal is simple. Lip read the line. No clues. No questions.The results are a mess. “You squeezed it before I was ready,” becomes cheesecake. 羊羹 becomes “some kind of rat.” Twice becomes twat. And a totally normal Chinese se
Immersion Is Not Enough: Real Chinese Learner Problems
Wrong day, wrong week, right podcast. Today’s mailbag episode starts with that weird moment when your brain swears Friday arrived, but the calendar says otherwise, then drifts into lottery fantasies, nannies who only speak Mandarin, and baldness fear. Standard Mandarin Monkey energy.Then listener stories:• Daniel in Manchester used Mandarin to survive lockdown loneliness and asks how to practice s
Can You Read Lips in Chinese? We Tried.
We put on noise-canceling headphones, blasted brown noise, and tried to read each other’s lips in Chinese.Spoiler: “Are you the king of Mandarin Monkey?” turned into “Are you licking a mandarin monkey?”We also talk about Tom’s 3D-printed bust mini-movie, the “shi” tongue twister that broke him, and why bringing back the silly side of Mandarin Monkey might be the best idea yet.Send your stories for
Simplified vs Traditional, Sleep, and Starting Over in China | Mailbag #429
Mailbag time. Phoebe’s moving to China in a week, Jasmine’s torn between Simplified and Traditional, Mark nails his first all-Mandarin order, Anna shares tonal research, and Katie reminds us to slow down. We talk avoiding the foreigner bubble, finding a “language parent,” sleep habits, and why progress feels slow, until it doesn’t. Send your story: chat@mandarinmonkey.com Hosted on Acast. See acas
Mandarin Listening Practice (Taiwanese Accent): Camping, Power & Travel | Bilingual Chinese–English Ep. 428
Practice Mandarin listening with a native Taiwanese Mandarin speaker and English support. We cover cold-weather camping at 3°C, off-grid power, food, health, and planning a sensible motorbike tour through Europe. Great for beginners to intermediate, HSK prep, and heritage Chinese/Taiwanese learners keeping both languages fresh.You’ll learn: camping and travel vocab, opinion phrases, modal verbs fo
Bus Stop Mandarin, Sky Lantern Wishes, and Ordering in Kunming | Mandarin Listening Podcast
Today’s Listener Mailbag is stacked: Mandarin at the bus stop, writing a sky-lantern wish in Pingxi, ordering dinner in Kunming with zero English, the strange peace of visa lines with a podcast in your ears, and a market auntie gifting a spring onion for luck. Plus: dogs, Edinburgh place names, and whether American English secretly makes more sense. Perfect for immersive Mandarin listening practic
Hump Day, VR Boxing, and Gua Sha Pain (Ep. 426) | Mandarin Listening Podcast
Hump day chat with bilingual Mandarin + English listening practice baked in. We tackle a parenting standoff over toys at school, how “Thrill of the Fight” in VR turned into a 12-round sweat fest, whether gua sha helps or just hurts, Halloween safety (and trunk-or-treat), British politeness vs Taiwanese directness, and a surprisingly decent side hustle: cleaning garages for cash.Send us a story for
Can You Learn Chinese in Your Sleep? | Mandarin Listening Podcast
Ever tried to learn Mandarin while you sleep?One listener did — and his girlfriend woke up to him whispering “māma” all night.In this episode, we read your wildest Mandarin stories: 🧠 Sleep-learning experiments gone wrong 🐟 The “train station” that turned into a pet shop 💔 The couple arguing about the third tone 🙊 Why Chinese speakers don’t say “bless you” and much more from our Listener Mailbag.T
Totoro, Steak & Escape Rooms｜Chinese–English Bilingual Podcast Listening Practice
This one’s part London adventure, part Mandarin listening practice.Tom celebrated his birthday and 10-year anniversary with Ula — a surprise visit from Auntie Kara, a Studio Ghibli stage show (“My Neighbour Totoro”), London’s best steak at Steak & Company, and an escape-room fail that turned into a win… with only 18 seconds left on the clock.It’s a bilingual Chinese–English episode, so you’ll
Listener Mailbag: First Mandarin Win to Night Market Fails
Listener Mailbag is back. This week your stories cover first Mandarin wins, night market fails, and everything in between. We read your emails about dreaming in tones, KTV redemption songs, taxi mistakes, and the joy of ordering food without pointing. You’ll hear how small slips turn into lasting lessons, why confidence matters more than beer bravery, and how to keep learning when tests and tones
Learn Mandarin Through Wild Camping
Learn Mandarin through real conversations. Episode 422 covers wild camping, from rain and wind in the UK to snakes and bears in Taiwan. Pick up camping words in Chinese, hear how to talk about fishing and food, and enjoy bilingual chat in English and Mandarin.Key Mandarin words from this episode:野营 (yě yíng) – wild camping帐篷 (zhàng péng) – tent篝火 (gōu huǒ) – campfire蚊子 (wén zi) – mosquito獾 (huān)
Listener Mailbag: Stuck After HSK3 - Now What?
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
The Truth About Learning Mandarin: Your Top Questions Answered
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 an
Stop Saying “Nǐ Hǎo” + When to Push Your Kids (and Yourself)
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 learni
Mandarin Chinese Podcast 418: Good News Roundup, Bilingual Chat
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 •
Phones Are Listening. Ads Are Creepy. Where Should We Live? | Learn Mandarin Show
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
Learn Mandarin Through Real Life: Neighbors, Center Parcs, Money Talk
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 vocabular
Tuesday Bonus: Taiwan, Kids, and a Boiling Hot Tub | Learning Mandarin Through Real Life
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 a
Work From Home or Café? | Productivity and Mandarin Culture Chat
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
Learn Mandarin Through Real Life: Camping Without the Kids Mandarin Monkey Podcast – Episode 413
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 borin
Mandarin Practice at Home: Chaos, Kids, and Conversations
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 lear
Spider Boat Trip, Job Hack, Little Wins | Mandarin Monkey podcast | Learn Mandarin Chinese with natural conversation
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.
Traveling Taiwan with Kids: Peace, Chaos & Unforgettable Memories | Mandarin Chinese and English pod
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:
Yes, It’s Cringe. Yes, You Should Still Do It | OuEr ErYi
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
The Only Way Out Is Through | Mandarin and English conversational podcast
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, wh
British vs American English: Who’s Actually Right?
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 Acas
Being a Dad Today: Vulnerable, Honest, Real - Mandarin and English Podcast
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 flippin
The One About Snails, Subtitles, and Salt Flats
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
Why We All Need to Touch Grass | Mandarin Monkey podcast 404
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
You Can’t Do That Here | Learn Mandarin Through the World’s Weirdest Bans
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 u
Learn Mandarin with the World’s Weirdest Tourist Attractions | Mandarin Monkey Podcast 402
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 anyo
401 - Camping with a strange man | Mandarin and English Podcast
Today on the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we dive into the beautiful Cotswolds and share our experiences camping in two stunning locations. But things took an unexpected turn when we crossed paths with a stranger who might not have been as friendly as they seemed... Find out what happened! 今天在 Mandarin Monkey，我们深入探讨了科茨沃尔德（Cotswolds）的美丽风光，并分享了我们在两个迷人地点露营的经历。但事情发生了意想不到的转折，当我们遇到了一位看似不那么友善的陌生人... 想知道发生了什么
40 Words You Should Know in Mandarin (Well... Sort of) - Episode 400
To celebrate 400 episodes of Mandarin Monkey, we’re not getting sentimental, we’re getting strange. Join us as we break down 40 of the weirdest, most useful, and most culturally revealing Mandarin words and phrases we’ve come across. From “snake milker” vocab to expressions for being awkward, overstuffed, or emotionally destroyed, this episode is packed with language you won’t find in your average
You Call That a Job? Learn Mandarin with the World’s Weirdest Work
Think your job is strange? In this episode, we explore 20 of the world’s weirdest real-life occupations — from snake milkers and underwater pizza delivery drivers to professional cuddlers and scream evaluators. Along the way, we’ll teach you how to say each one in Mandarin, complete with vocabulary, pronunciation, and a few questionable career choices.Perfect for Mandarin learners who want to expa
The Craziest World Records You’ve Never Heard Of – in Mandarin!
In this episode, we explore 20 of the most ridiculous, real world records ever set — and learn how to talk about them in Mandarin. From smashing toilet seats with your head to balancing snails on your face, this is your crash course in weirdness and useful Mandarin vocabulary. Whether you’re a language learner or just love strange facts, we’ve got you covered.Mandarin Vocabulary List (Traditional
Bizarre Inventions: Learn Mandarin with the World’s Strangest Ideas
From baby mop outfits to chopstick fans and silent karaoke mics — the world has no shortage of strange inventions. In this episode, Tom and Ula explore 20 bizarre gadgets from around the globe and break down the Mandarin vocabulary behind each one. It’s the perfect mix of language learning, cultural curiosity, and a whole lot of "Wait… that's real?"Whether you're here for the vocab or just want to
Mandarin Vocab Challenge: Can You Guess These Strange Foods? | Mandarin Monkey Podcast
1. Balut – Fertilized duck embryo (Philippines)鴨仔蛋 | yā zǐ dàn | Duck embryo egg2. Surströmming – Fermented herring (Sweden)瑞典酸鯡魚 | ruì diǎn suān fèi yú | Swedish sour herring3. Casu Marzu – Maggot cheese (Italy)活蛆乳酪 | huó qū rǔ lào | Live maggot cheese4. Fried Tarantula (Cambodia)炸狼蛛 | zhà láng zhū | Fried tarantula5. Hákarl – Fermented shark (Iceland)發酵鯊魚肉 | fā xiào shā yú ròu | Fermented shark
EP395 – The World's Strangest Laws: No Salmon Smuggling & Speedo Rules
Ever heard of a law that bans you from handling salmon "suspiciously"? Or a rule that says men must wear Speedos at public pools in France? In this episode, we dive into some of the strangest, most ridiculous laws from around the world. From kites being outlawed in the UK to Japan’s weight regulations, we break down these bizarre rules, their origins, and whether they actually make any sense. Plus
Ep. 394 – The World’s Strangest Hobbies & Bizarre Cultural Traditions
Unusual Hobbies (特殊的爱好 - tè shū de ài hào)Extreme Ironing (极限熨烫) – jí xiàn yùn tàngQuidditch (魁地奇) – kuí dì qíCheese Rolling (奶酪滚动比赛) – nǎi lào gǔn dòng bǐ sàiToy Voyaging (玩具旅行) – wán jù lǚ xíngCompetitive Duck Herding (竞技赶鸭子) – jìng jì gǎn yā ziTrainspotting (火车观察) – huǒ chē guān cháMooing Competitions (学牛叫比赛) – xué niú jiào bǐ sàiSoapbox Racing (肥皂盒赛车) – féi zào hé sài chēBog Snorkeling (泥潭浮潜)
忙碌 vs. 重要：我们如何看待艾森豪威尔矩阵? Busy vs. Important: Our Thoughts on the Eisenhower Matrix
In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we chat about the Eisenhower Matrix (艾森豪威尔矩阵, Àisēnháowēi’ěr jǔzhèn)—not as experts, but just as two people trying to figure out where all our time goes. We’ve all been there: feeling 忙碌 (mánglù, busy) but not necessarily productive (有成效的, yǒu chéngxiào de). So, what actually makes something 重要 (zhòngyào, important) versus just 紧急 (jǐnjí, urgent)?我们不
Life in the Mountains, Nosy Neighbors & Translating Yoshi 2.0
In episode #392 of Mandarin Monkey, we speculate about what it’s like moving to the mountains in Taiwan (we don't live in the mountains) and the joys (and challenges) of using Starlink for internet. We also dive into the differences between nosy neighbors in English and Taiwanese culture—who’s watching, who’s gossiping, and who just doesn’t care? Finally, we put our translation skills to the test
Learn Mandarin with the Mandarin Monkey Podcast: Untranslatable Words You Need to Know!
In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula dive into the world of untranslatable words—those linguistic gems that exist in Mandarin but leave English speakers scratching their heads, and vice versa. They explore phrases like "懒得理 (lǎn de lǐ)"—the perfect expression for when you just can’t be bothered—and "面子 (miànzi)", the all-important social concept of saving face.From the emoti
拍马屁 pāi mǎ pì - Slap the horses bum - Mandarin & English Podcast
In this engaging episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, hosts Tom and Ula delve into the fascinating world of literal translations between Mandarin and English. They explore how certain phrases, when translated word-for-word, can lead to humorous or confusing interpretations due to cultural and linguistic differences. The discussion includes idioms and expressions from both languages, highlightin
