Dashu Mandarin Podcast

"Is the stereotype of Chinese men wanting submissive, gentle wives actually true?"Forget what the movies tell you. In this episode of Da Shu Mandarin, three middle-aged Chinese men (Can, Ben, and Richard) peel back the layers of their past relationships and current marriages to reveal a surprising truth: We are bored by "Nice Girls."

"Why is it that the people we love the most are often the hardest to talk to?"In Chinese culture, "family" is the ultimate anchor, but for many adult children, it can also be a source of silent struggle. In this episode of Da Shu Mandarin, Can, Ben, and Richard peel back the layers of their own lives to discuss the "Invisible Wall" that exists between generations.

We have a confession to make: In this episode, we completely lost our professionalism! For the first time in Dashu Mandarin history, all three of us (Can, Ben, and Richard) were so excited that we couldn't stop interrupting our guest.Why the chaos? It’s all thanks to the incredible Xiao Wang (Margarita). She’s a tech-savvy Mandarin teacher who moved from China to Argentina and then to Spain. Her energy was so contagious that the "uncles" stayed wide awake and high-energy for the entire hour!

"Is it because we’re getting old? Or is it because we aren't 'polished' enough?"In this raw and unfiltered episode, the three of us—Can, Ben, and Richard—sit down to face a reality every creator dreads: Our views are declining. From 2025 into 2026, we’ve noticed the shift. The "Golden Age" of simple podcasts seems to be evolving, and new, younger Chinese teachers are popping up like bamboo shoots after rain.

In this episode of Dashu Mandarin, we dive headfirst into the AI revolution. We’re joined by our dear friend and tech-savvy educator, Pei Pei (Real Talk Mandarin), to showcase how Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing how we teach and learn Mandarin.Is it just about translation and grammar? Far from it. From building interactive "Zootopia" courseware in seconds to using AI for crypto investment strategies, we explore the "AI Spectrum" of four different creators

Do you really love yourself? It sounds like a simple question, but for most adults, the answer is a messy "I'm trying."In today’s episode of Da Shu Chinese, we are joined by our favorite guest, Katrina, to dive deep into the layers of self-love. We realized that everyone has a completely different definition of what "loving yourself" looks like.Learn Chinese with fun stories, articles, and videos at https://dashumandarin.com/ 📖✨ —no boring textbooks! 🚫📚

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's never too late to learn!Our Promise: Why we’ve decided to keep Dashu Mandarin going until we're 90 years old.Thank you for being part of our journey for the past 3 years. Whether we are singing, playing, or just "watering" (chilling), we are grateful to have you with us.

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 shaped our understanding of human nature.

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. Learn Chinese with fun stories, articles, and videos at https://dashumandarin.com/ 📖✨ —no boring textbooks! 🚫📚Curious about your actual Chinese proficiency? Discover it with Uncle Can's $15 trial lesson and get a personalized assessment![https://mandarinr3zb.setmore.com/mandarin]

🎧 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 – Kids (3–12): 3 × 25-min 1-on-1 online classes for $29 (New students only, limited-time offer.) 🎁 Special for 大叔中文 listeners: Use the code DASHU25 at checkout to get an extra $5 off on top of the Black Friday price. 👉 Check details & sign up here: https://goeastmandarin.com/black-friday-deals/?utm_source=dashu0:00 - The Evolution of Dating in China29:50 - Special Black Friday Gift!

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 is part of our ongoing series where we not only teach Chinese language but also dive into real-life cultural nuances, helping learners understand both the language and the complexities of Chinese society.Whether you're learning Chinese or interested in Chinese culture, join us as we explore these issues with honest, real-world examples and provide valuable language input along the way.

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 emotion, power, and human connection, all in natural, easy-to-understand Mandarin.

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 out how much appearance shapes everyday life in China.

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 modern relationships. We ditch the formalities and dive into the topics that everyone thinks about but doesn't always discuss in language class.Story learning Chinese with Anniehttps://www.youtube.com/@annieluo1307听俩北京姑娘闲聊YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVBf2Zflj4WabkdCvEAFWew

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 Shanghai or have a passion for the latest trends in urban toys, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in to hear Alvin’s engaging stories and discover how Shanghai connects with the rest of the world in creative and exciting ways!

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 conversation takes an unexpected turn into one of our most personal and shocking stories yet.

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 are craving deeper emotional bonds amid rapid social and economic changes. Join us for an honest conversation on giving and receiving emotional value, and how to build more meaningful connections in China and beyond.#EmotionalValue #China #ChineseCulture #SocialChangeInChina #ModernChina

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 helps Chinese businesses expand internationally.In this episode, Jim shares his incredible journey of learning Mandarin to near-native proficiency, how he transitioned from a language learner to a successful entrepreneur in China, and how he’s using his platform to connect with Chinese audiences, promote products, and teach valuable skills.Jim’s story is about more than just language. It’s about breaking cultural barriers, understanding the market, and navigating the business landscape in China. Now, he’s helping both individuals and Chinese companies venture out into the global market. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in language learning, live streaming, or doing business in China.