Mandarin Monkey Podcast

We left the kids with Grandpa and went camping in the Cotswolds. In this episode, we talk about: * Surviving storms, wind, and wasps * Setting up camp like amateurs * Watching a movie in our tent with a projector * Exploring Banbury and Woodstock * Learning Mandarin through real, honest conversation Ula speaks Mandarin. Tom speaks English. You get natural Mandarin input with built-in context. No textbook. No boring repetition. Just real talk, in two languages. Perfect for learners who want to: * Train their ears with native Mandarin * Use context clues instead of translations * Hear real-life conversations, not scripted phrases Want more? Join lessons, hangouts, or get bonus content: 👉 https://www.mandarinmonkey.com [https://www.mandarinmonkey.com] 💬 Email: chat@mandarinmonkey.com 🎧 Join us on Patreon:  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 learning a language with your partner can be… character-building. There’s also some talk about camping, future dreams, and why structured study is like flossing—everyone says they do it, but come on. www.mandarinmonkey.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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. All in Mandarin and English. Join us as we explore how appreciating "little wins" can significantly boost happiness and why balancing work, family, and play is essential for a fulfilling life. Plus, we'd love to hear from you, share Tom's top 10 favorite films in the comments, and you might get a shoutout in our next episode! Get involved: Drop your favorite films below—we'll spotlight your picks in the upcoming episode! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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. 0:00 Intro & Banter   1:00 Planning Holidays with Kids   3:30 Jet Lag Struggles   4:30 Family Holidays in Taiwan   6:00 Taiwan’s Children’s Day   9:00 Mixing Fun & Peace in Holidays   12:00 The Joy of Having Nowhere to Be   15:00 Feeling Safe Abroad   18:30 What Makes Travel Peaceful?   23:00 How to Recreate That Feeling   26:30 10 Years of Chaos & Reflection   29:00 Planning Without Overplanning   32:00 Japan Adventures & Spontaneity   35:00 Time Pressure & Wanting More   36:00 Tandems & European Dreams   37:30 Travel Safety & Tourist Bubbles   39:30 Safari Dreams & Travel Timing   40:30 Christmas in Taiwan?   44:00 Back to Taiwan: Where & Why   47:00 Cities vs Countryside   49:00 Mountains & Memories   52:00 Revisiting Old Places   53:30 Wrapping Up ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 learning languages. Expect laughs, real talk, and a healthy dose of encouragement to just keep going. 0:00 – Introduction and Setting the Scene 5:45 – Reflections on Personal Growth and Change 12:51 – Navigating Cringe and Embracing Creativity 17:37 – The Role of AI in Content Creation and Daily Life 24:51 – Niche Challenges in Language Learning 26:18 – Innovative Event Ideas for Language Learners 33:58 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Creativity 42:05 – Travel Aspirations and Future Plans 48:00 – Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.