Language Learning Adventures: The Role of Randomness and Unpredictability

You Can Learn Chinese

27:52

We made it— 300 episodes of This Is Woman’s Work ! And we’re marking this milestone by giving you something that could seriously change the game in your business or career: the skill of pitching yourself effectively. Whether you’re dreaming of being a podcast guest, landing a speaking gig, signing a client, or just asking for what you want with confidence—you’re already pitching yourself, every day. But are you doing it well? In this milestone episode, Nicole breaks down exactly how to pitch yourself to be a podcast guest … and actually hear “yes.” With hundreds of pitches landing in her inbox each month, she shares what makes a guest stand out (or get deleted), the biggest mistakes people make, and why podcast guesting is still one of the most powerful ways to grow your reach, authority, and influence. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we all need to pitch ourselves—and how to do it without feeling gross ✅ The step-by-step process for landing guest spots on podcasts (and more) ✅ A breakdown of the 3 podcast levels: Practice, Peer, and A-List—and how to approach each ✅ The must-haves of a successful podcast pitch (including real examples) ✅ How to craft a pitch that gets read, gets remembered, and gets results Whether you’re new to pitching or want to level up your game, this episode gives you the exact strategy Nicole and her team use to land guest spots on dozens of podcasts every year. Because your voice deserves to be heard. And the world needs what only you can bring. 🎁 Get the FREE Podcast Pitch Checklist + Additional Information on your Practice Group, Peer Group, and A-List Group Strategies: https://nicolekalil.com/podcast 📥 Download The Podcast Pitch Checklist Here Related Podcast Episodes: Shameless and Strategic: How to Brag About Yourself with Tiffany Houser | 298 How To Write & Publish A Book with Michelle Savage | 279 How To Land Your TED Talk and Skyrocket Your Personal Brand with Ashley Stahl | 250 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

for ca. et år siden 19:23

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Jared and John explore how randomness and unpredictability can prepare you for adventures in your Chinese learning journey. From spontaneous conversations with native speakers to the unexpected challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, they delve into why seeking variety and embracing randomness are not only the “spice of life” but also key to success when using language in real-world situations. You'll hear stories of real-life encounters, tips on how to incorporate more spontaneity into your studies, and insights on balancing structured learning with unpredictable experiences. Jared and John aim to inspire you to take on new challenges and embrace the unpredictable moments that lead to true fluency.

Links from the episode:

Mandarin Companion graded readers
T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

157 episoder

Language Learning Adventures: The Role of Randomness and Unpredictability

You Can Learn Chinese

54 subscribers

published for ca. et år siden

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MP3•Episode hjem

Links from the episode:

Mandarin Companion graded readers
T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

157 episoder

Alle episoder

You Can Learn Chinese

1
How to Pass the HSK and AP Chinese Tests (replay) 59:30

for 6 dage siden59:30

59:30

In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Jared chats with Grant Brown, an expert in HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant shares why so many students fail, and more importantly, what you need to do to pass. Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and test prep specialist, he offers practical and often overlooked advice you won’t hear anywhere else. You’ll learn why reading is your secret weapon and how it can make your classmates think you did a year abroad in China. Grant also shares how to build stamina for test day, memory tricks that actually work, and why learning in context helps you retain more, faster. Whether you're taking one of these exams or just want to improve your Chinese study strategy, this episode is packed with insights that can give you the edge. Links from the episode: ⁠ How to Pass the AP Chinese Exam: Secrets from a Teacher with a Perfect Pass Rate ⁠ | Mandarin Companion Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Why Chinese Learners Know the Language Better Than Natives (Sometimes) 23:47

for 21 dage siden23:47

23:47

Surprise! When it comes to Chinese, learners sometimes know things native speakers don’t. In this episode, John and Jared explore intriguing aspects of the Chinese language that learners often understand better than native speakers. From tone change rules, verb conjugations (or the lack thereof), and those tricky three 的, 得, and 地, they break down details that most Chinese speakers never had to consciously learn. They also highlight why having a trained tutor can make a difference for you. Links from the episode: Aspect, not Tense | Sinosplice Structural particle "de" | Chinese Grammar Wiki Separable verbs in Chinese | Chinese Grammar Wiki Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Your Chinese Accent Is Terrible, But It Doesn’t Have to Be 30:39

for 7 weeks siden30:39

30:39

No matter how long you've been learning Chinese, you’ll still have an accent. But why is that? In this episode, Jared and John talk about your accent in Chinese and how to reduce it. They discuss the differences in how accents are perceived in China versus the West, tackle some of the toughest pronunciation challenges like pinyin pitfalls, tone swaps, and the elusive Mandarin "R" sound, and share insights on what it really takes to sound more native. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with pinyin, an intermediate learner trying to nail your tones, or an advanced student aiming for clarity over perfection, this episode will help you level up your pronunciation and be understood with confidence. Links from the episode: Chinese Pronunciation Wiki | Free pronunciation guide Pronunciation Packs (scroll down) | AllSet Learning Mandarin Chinese Tone Pair Drills | Sinosplice The 3-2 Tone Swap Error | Sinosplice Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Fluent in Funny: Jesse Appell on Learning, Performing, and Laughing in Chinese 49:57

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49:57

What happens when an American comedian immerses himself in Chinese comedy? Jesse Appell’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Jesse shares how his curiosity about language led him to study in China, become a Fulbright scholar, and apprentice under a master of Xiangsheng (traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy). He takes us through the highs and challenges of performing comedy in Chinese, founding a bilingual comedy club in Beijing, and why understanding humor is the ultimate test of language fluency. Jesse also discusses his shift into social media and entrepreneurship with Jesse’s Tea House, his global tea business. Plus, hear his insights on learning Chinese, navigating cultural differences, and why embracing the hard parts of language learning leads to real growth. Links from the episode: Jesse’s Teahouse Jesse Appell Comedy | Laugh Beijing Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
RedNote 小红书 Buzz: Can It Really Help You Learn Chinese? 24:46

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24:46

There is a growing buzz around "RedNote" (小红书), as westerners—especially “TikTok refugees"—flock to this Chinese social media platform. But what is beyond the hype and can you use it to learn Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John dive into how you, as a Chinese learner, can use this tool to level up your language skills. Because there is no division between Chinese and international content on the app, they discuss how you can find content tailored to your interests and engage with the unique environment and community that offers real-world context for learning Chinese and building cultural awareness. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher 37:12

for 13 weeks siden37:12

37:12

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience that transformed his perspective. Joseph reflects on his journey from struggling with tones and characters to achieving fluency, emphasizing the role of community, persistence, and connection. He also shares how these experiences inspired his teaching philosophy and offers practical tips for language learners. Tune in to hear Joseph’s story and gain insights into mastering Chinese, the impact of immersion, and how learning languages can unlock a deeper connection to the world. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Charting Your Path to Chinese Fluency: Finding Purpose and Making Progress 29:45

for 15 weeks siden29:45

29:45

Ready to turn your Chinese learning aspirations into reality? Jared and John share insights on how to stay focused and motivated by finding your “why” and setting actionable goals. From avoiding common pitfalls to celebrating small wins, this episode is your guide to making 2025 the year you thrive in your Chinese learning. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
The Best of You Can Learn Chinese: Top Stories from 2023-2024 46:54

for 17 weeks siden46:54

46:54

Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired! In this milestone 150th episode, we’re looking back on the most incredible stories from our interviews over the past two years. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable moments shared by our amazing guests. This episode is a must-listen for anyone learning Chinese or simply fascinated by the journeys of others embracing the language and culture. Links from the episode: You Can Learn Chinese | Podcast page Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Roll for Initiative: How Learning Chinese is Like a Game of Dungeons & Dragons 23:42

for 19 weeks siden23:42

23:42

Host Jared Turner isn’t just a language enthusiast—he’s also a seasoned Dungeon Master! In this episode, Jared and John dive into thow learning Chinese parallels a game of Dungeons & Dragons. From creating your "character" as a language learner to rolling the dice in real-life conversations, they discuss how elements like leveling up, overcoming challenges, and wielding the right weapons will help you through your language encounters and lead you towards your ultimate quest: mastering Chinese. Links from the episode: Living in China is like an RPG | SinoSplice…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Economist by Day, Rapper by Night: Andrew Dougherty (a.k.a. Big Daddy Dough) 50:07

for 21 weeks siden50:07

50:07

Andrew Dougherty first learned Russian and some Spanish and French before pursuing Chinese. Sensing the opportunity China held, Andrew pursued Chinese language studies in the early 2000’s. This opened opportunities that kept him in China for nearly two decades working in the financial sector, but also somehow unwittingly was the vehicle where he launched his side career rapping about China’s diverse political and social landscape. Join Jared as he talks with Andrew about his unique journey, humorous stories, and insightful perspectives. Links from the episode: The Red Print Album | Big Daddy Dough’s China raps Beijing State of Mind | YouTube…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Listener Mailbag: Keeping Fluent with AI, Grammar, and Real-World Practice 24:51

for 23 weeks siden24:51

24:51

In this listener mailbag episode, Jared and John dive into real questions from Chinese learners on topics that every language student encounters. From using AI tools to keep your Chinese sharp between classes to understanding the balance between formal and everyday vocabulary, we’re covering it all. You’ll learn strategies for finding the right reading materials for extensive practice, how to identify the best resources for grammar improvement, and whether handwriting will remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Plus, tune in for insights on Chinese history, cultural connections, and even a little humor from your favorite hosts. Join us for practical advice to keep your Chinese journey on track! Links from the episode: Listener Questions & Feedback | Mandarin Companion…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling Crutch (Replay) 1:05:18

for 25 weeks siden1:05:18

1:05:18

John and Jared discuss the all too common situation of pinyin over Chinese characters, something Jared sometimes refer to as the “crippling crutch”. They go into depth on why this is so common, why it is so detrimental, and what to do instead. Guest interview is with Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampani Kessi, the founder of Elementary Chinese, a popular YouTube and Instagram channel for learning Chinese. He will tell his tale of falling in love with Chinese while in …Paris! And then he takes us on his journey moving past the limitations of the traditional Chinese education system and forging ahead with new ideas on how people can learn. Links from the episode: Pinyin Over Characters: The Crippling Crutch | Mandarin Companion Elementary Chinese | Kwadwo on YouTube Chinese memes | Instagram…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
A Shortcut to Chinese Fluency? Narrow Reading in Chinese 18:24

for 28 weeks siden18:24

18:24

In this episode, Jared and John dive into the concept of "narrow reading"—a strategy that involves focusing your language learning on a specific topic or genre to accelerate progress. They explore how this targeted approach deepens vocabulary and comprehension through repeated exposure to related content, making language acquisition more efficient. By honing in on subjects you're passionate about, learning Chinese becomes not only more enjoyable but also significantly more effective. Tune in to discover how narrowing your focus can supercharge your language learning journey! Links from the episode: “The Case for Narrow Reading” | Stephen Krashen How Your Personality Changes in Another Language | interview with Taha Shlibek Mandarin Companion graded readers…

You Can Learn Chinese

1
From Forgetful to Fluent: Elijah’s Inspiring Persistence in Learning Chinese 35:19

for 30 weeks siden35:19

35:19

Elijah Wilcott never thought he was cut out for learning languages. With a self-proclaimed terrible memory and a history of struggling in language classes, he picked up only a handful of basic phrases after teaching English in China for two years. But when he found a compelling reason to learn Chinese, Elijah dove into full-time language study, and adopted a relentless approach to learning, immersing himself in every learning tool he could find. His persistence paid off, turning his language struggles into a powerful success story. Tune in to hear how Elijah discovered his purpose, pushed past his limitations, and ultimately transformed his life through learning Chinese. His story is a testament to the power of finding your "why" and never giving up. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers…

You Can Learn Chinese

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The 6 Biggest Questions About Chinese Characters—Answered! 34:49

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