Dashu Mandarin Podcast

Happy New Year 2026! To kick off the year, the three Uncles are ditching the serious topics for a special "Talent Show."In this festive episode:Ben’s Poetry: A modern poem by a Spanish friend about the "price" of travel. Can’s Song: An emotional cover of Mao Buyi, and why he’s writing Ben and Cha into his new novel. Cha’s Surprise: A debut performance on the Ukulele—proving it&...

2025 was a year of "disappearances" and "silent treatments." In this raw, unedited recap, the three Uncles finally clear the air. From Ben’s corporate burnout to Can’s secret novel-writing dream, and Cha’s frustration of being left behind—watch as we reveal why we almost ended the podcast, and what eventually brought us back together for 2026.

In today's chinese podcast, we interview a Chinese language teacher who chose an unconventional path. She left a stable job behind in China, set out on her own, and even rode a motorcycle across Tibet. This is a true story about courage, freedom, and listening to your inner voice. If you’re curious about life beyond comfort zones, this journey may inspire you.

Every learner of Chinese eventually encounters the unspoken rules and intense pressures of Chinese social dynamics, often at school or in the workplace. In this explosive episode, the Dashu Mandarin hosts share their personal, often traumatic, stories about dealing with the WORST authority figures they’ve ever met! We dive into the dark side of Chinese environments, discussing experiences that sha...

Join us for a candid and juicy conversation with the renowned Zhifei Laoshi (智菲老师)! After years in the classroom, Zhifei Laoshi has made a monumental shift: leaving teaching to become the CEO of her own Chinese learning platform. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and motivations behind her transition, revealing the unfiltered reality of running an innovative language business....

🎧 This episode is sponsored by GoEast Mandarin School GoEast Mandarin is a Chinese school based in Shanghai offering live 1-on-1 and small group online classes, as well as offline courses at their Shanghai campus. For Black Friday, they’ve prepared a low-commitment way to try real lessons with professional teachers: – Adults: 1 learning consultation + 5 × 50-min 1-on-1 online classes for $99 – Ki...

Do Chinese people tend to judge others by their appearance? Why Chinese People Judge Foreigners Differently? We discuss how, in certain situations, such judgments can sometimes be seen as a form of racial discrimination. Drawing from personal experiences and cultural observations, Dashu Mandarin offers a deeper insight into how appearance plays a role in social interactions in China. This episode...

In this episode of Dashu Mandarin, we talk about PUA, short for Pick-Up Artist. In Chinese, this term has changed from meaning “flirting skills” to describing toxic emotional control in relationships. Through this real-life topic, you’ll improve your Chinese listening, learn authentic expressions, and understand modern Chinese culture and psychology. Join us to explore how language reflects emotio...

What do Chinese people really think about looks? Do Chinese care too much about appearance or is that just what people think? In this episode, Dashu Mandarin will dive deep into the topic of Chinese beauty standards, image, and first impressions of other people in Chinese culture. We share our real stories and honest thoughts about how “looking good” can sometimes mean more than you think. Check o...

Ever wondered what people in China really think about dating, marriage, and the single life? This isn't your typical textbook lesson. In this candid episode of 大叔中文 (Dashu Mandarin Podcast), we go "Beyond the Textbook" for a real and heartfelt conversation. Join us as we sit down with special guest Annie老师 to share our personal stories, cultural insights, and honest opinions on...

In this episode of Chinese podcast, we're excited to welcome our guest, Alvin Chen from Shanghai. Alvin shares his Chinese life story and gives us a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse lifestyle of Shanghai. He talks about his language learning journey and offers unique insights into the world of designer toys and collectibles. Whether you're interested in the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Sh...

What happens when a Taiwanese man falls in love with a woman from a conservative Pakistani village? This is Uncle Richard's story—a tale of cultural clashes, religious differences, and a connection that has lasted for years, despite being thousands of miles apart and against all odds. In this episode of Uncle Chinese, we dive deep into the world of Chinese dating and relationships, but the con...

In this episode, we dive into the topic of emotional value — what it really means, why it's important, and how it affects our relationships, friendships, and even work dynamics, especially within the context of modern Chinese society and culture. We explore how emotional support, validation, and connection can be more valuable than material things, particularly as many people in China today ar...

Meet Jim, an American who’s spent 15 years in China mastering the language and culture. Jim isn’t your average foreigner with good spoken Chinese—he’s fluent and professional, with a deep understanding of Chinese society. Currently, Jim is making waves on the popular Chinese platform Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), where he not only does live streaming but also sells knowledge-sharing courses and h...

Join us on Dashu Mandarin as we dive into the fascinating evolution of China's dining scene! From the convenience of WeChat payments and 24/7 delivery apps to the rise of pre-made meals in restaurants, we explore how technology and changing consumer habits are reshaping the way people eat out in China. Hear our candid thoughts on the pros (midnight medicine deliveries!) and cons (overly comple...

Dive into the vibrant world of KTV culture in China and Taiwan with our latest Chinese podcast episode! Perfect for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners, this episode uncovers the hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes wild stories behind China's beloved karaoke scene. From sneaking out of dorms to sing all night, to secret crushes confessed through song lyrics, join our hosts as they share...

Join the Dashu Mandarin Podcast as we dive into the pressures of modern Chinese life! From coffee shop clashes to workplace stress, we explore real-life stories that reveal why pressure is such a big part of Chinese culture. Perfect for Chinese language learners, this episode blends authentic conversations with cultural insights to help you master Mandarin while understanding the heartbeat of Chin...

Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Dashu Mandarin Podcast as we dive into warm and funny stories about lifelong friendships! 🎙️ Perfect for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners, our hosts share authentic, relatable tales of their best friends—from high school adventures and romantic escapades to ghostly encounters and life-changing moments. 🥰In this episode, you'll hear:Hilarious a...

In this episode, the Uncles discussed what careers they might pursue if they were not Chinese teachers. Ben-shu shared his experience in Chinese course design, explaining that although he enjoyed the work, he had to leave due to company layoffs. He mentioned that while he is passionate about teaching Chinese, working in the gaming industry brought him heavy stress, and managing social media left h...

In this episode, we start with the Wuhan University Yang Jingyuan case and share some of our personal thoughts on sexual harassment in China. It’s not an academic discussion, just a casual exchange of ideas, giving you a glimpse into this social issue.

Perfect for intermediate and advanced Chinese learners who want to explore real-world stories and improve their language skills. In this episode, we start with the shocking Zheng Shuang surrogacy scandal and dive into the many sides of surrogacy in China — from legal restrictions and moral debates to real-life cases. Along the way, you'll learn key Chinese vocabulary and expressions to talk ab...

Join us for Episode #161 of Dashu Mandarin as Ben, Can, and Richard share heartfelt stories of life changes, personal growth, and new adventures! From Ben’s bold career shift back to teaching and his travel epiphanies to Can’s creative journey in redefining Chinese language lessons and Richard’s exciting dive into cryptocurrency, this episode is packed with honest words from the bottom of our hear...

Join the Dashu Mandarin Podcast as we explore Leo’s incredible journey, a Chinese adoptee raised in the U.S., who mastered fluent Mandarin from scratch! From his early life in a Chinese orphanage to embracing his heritage through language and a transformative trip to China, Leo shares his challenges, triumphs, and insights on identity and culture. Visiting cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Zhangjiaj...

Dive into the wild world of China's viral sensation, Red Sister (or Red Uncle?)! 🌟 Join the 大叔中文 Podcast as we unpack this hilarious and shocking internet drama shaking up social media. From bizarre rumors to "Four-Season Bro," we’re spilling the tea on why everyone’s buzzing about this crazy story! 😂 Perfect for Chinese learners and pop culture fans. Don’t miss the fun—watch n...

Join us on the latest episode of Dashu Mandarin (大叔中文), a podcast tailored for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners! Today we had a fun chinese conversation with Taiwanese teacher Katrina Lee from Learn Chinese Youtube channel: Smart Mandarin Katrina Lee  @smartmandarinkatrinalee  , who shares her personal journey of choosing happiness and independence over traditional expectations of mar...