Best Mandarin Companion Podcasts (2024)

1
033 | Saving Big at the Mandarin Oriental 8:00

2h ago8:00

8:00

In this episode, part of our Posh On a Penny series, I spill the secrets to a lavish birthday getaway without breaking the bank. Picture this: the luxurious 5-Star Mandarin Oriental, and a spa day fit for royalty—all while saving BIG BUCKS! I stumbled upon an oasis of relaxation and thanks to some savvy booking strategies, had a luxurious experienc…

1
032 | Destination Discovery: Bangkok - How Accurate Is The Hangover II? 14:34

6d ago14:34

14:34

If you've seen the Hangover II, you may have some thoughts on what to expect on your trip to Bangkok. In this Destination Discover episode, we're going to uncover how much truth there is in the movie portrayal. In this series, we go beyond the typical search engine info and dive into the topics most travelers are intrigued by when considering a new…

1
031 | How The Hell Do You Pack For 6 Months?! 12:22

3d ago12:22

12:22

Raise a hand if you're a notorious over-packer like me! As a single entrepreneur who enjoys going out in style, exploring in comfort, while also prioritizing going to the gym, there is a bit for me to consider when packing without overdoing it. In this Digital Nomad episode, I'm walking you through how I pack for about 6 months of travel within dif…

1
The Frustrated Learner and the Sound of Progress 24:34

6d ago24:34

24:34

Hosts Jared and John discuss the frustrations of a learner who came to John for help, particularly with pinyin and differentiation of similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can ease the learning curve. This episode is not just a deep dive into the phonet…

1
030 | Transformational Travel With Crunch Ranjani 33:27

6d ago33:27

33:27

When you hit a roadblock in life or you experience a major life change such as a divorce, becoming an empty nester, or even as you hit a milestone birthday, you may feel like you need a reset. A transformational travel experience may be just what you need to support you through this pivotal time. In this episode, you'll meet my friend and Transform…

1
029 | Visas How Complicated Are They Really? 7:28

9d ago7:28

7:28

Determining the paperwork and visas needed to travel to other countries can feel overwhelming and confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered! This episode is part of our Fearless Traveler Series, to help you become a more confident traveler! I'll let you in on a little secret: the fear of screwing up is bigger than the reality! In this Travel…

1
028 | Credit Card Fees, Gurlll Please 12:24

13d ago12:24

12:24

Why pay credit card fees when there are so many travel credit cards with no annual fee? I'm going to share exactly why you need to consider these cards in this Posh on a Penny episode. You may be leaving money on the table by overlooking those credit cards with annual fees. Let's do the math to see how you can get the most bang for your buck with t…

1
027 | That's My Seat, Go Ahead and Judge Me 7:31

22d ago7:31

7:31

Have you ever been asked to trade seats on a plane to accommodate another party? If you're anything like me, you're diligent in your seat selection and often opt to pay for the seat you want. So, why should you trade? Join me in today's Travel Tuesday Quickie as I share how I respond to seat trade requests, how to get an easy 'yes' if you're the on…

1
Finding Your Voice in Chinese: Happi's Multilingual Melody 48:17

22d ago48:17

48:17

Driven by her love for Asian cultures, anime, and K-pop, Happi (from Happi Across Cultures) has learned Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Starting with friendships with exchange students, she went on to double major in Chinese and Japanese including studying abroad in Tokyo and Shanghai where she deeply engaged with the local culture. An accomplished …

1
026 | Starting The Transition To a Life Of Travel 11:10

26d ago11:10

11:10

If you're considering becoming a digital nomad like me, an important step in the process is planning for the transition out of your home. In this episode, I share a few things to consider before you begin the transition into travel life so that you can feel prepared and excited to take those next steps. Whether you're a homeowner or renter, I've go…

1
025 | Digital Nomad Life - Back Home FOMO 9:14

29d ago9:14

9:14

Does the digital nomad life leave me missing my family and everything happening back home? I get this question a lot and in this episode, I'm going to share exactly how I feel about missing home. Navigating the world solo is such an incredible opportunity and it can also come with a rollercoaster of emotions. The journey is different for everyone b…

1
024 | The Diet Starts Tomorrow, International Eating Problems 12:06

1M ago12:06

12:06

If you're anything like me, you love trying all the international foods while you're traveling. Food is such an important part of the cultural experience. As a full-time traveler though, it can be hard to not overindulge. I'm ALWAYS somewhere with new and interesting foods and drinks so maintaining a healthy balance is important. Listen in as I sha…

1
023 | Exactly How Old Do You Think I Am - Dating Abroad 9:58

1M ago9:58

9:58

What's your philosophy about age? Is it really just a number? Let's talk about the weird dynamics of age while traveling abroad and the single life. In this Dating Diaries episode, I'm sharing my experiences on the dynamics of age and finding your forever person while traveling abroad. Considering my son is 23, it makes me very aware of the age of …

1
Japanese and Chinese: Unraveling the Differences of Two Ancient Tongues 23:36

1M ago23:36

23:36

Dive into the fascinating world of East Asian languages with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. Whether you're navigating the tonal waves of Chinese or untangling the polite intricacies of Japanese, this episode offers a deep dive into the nuances, challenges, and delights of learning these two rich languages. They also discuss invaluable resource…

1
022 | Get In Shape For Your Bucket-List Adventure With Sean Allt 36:25

1M ago36:25

36:25

Are you physically prepared to check off your bucket-list adventures? From hiking and mountain climbing to exhilarating ski trips and kite surfing, exciting adventures like these take physical preparation to truly enjoy and create memorable experiences. In today's episode, we're joined by Canada's two-time top fitness trainer Sean Allt! With over 1…

1
021 | My 2-Week Stay In Bali for FREE! 9:28

1M ago9:28

9:28

In today's Posh on a Penny episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes to share how I stayed for 15 nights in a gorgeous upgraded suite in Bali for free! Listen in as I highlight what I loved about the gorgeous Element hotel, the crazy experience I had with a chicken, and how I scored this stay for FREE. Mentioned in this Episode Marriot Bonvoy Eat A…

1
020 | The Lounge Life 14:44

2M ago14:44

14:44

One of my favorite ways to add a touch of luxury and relaxation to my travels is in the airport lounges! In this Posh on a Penny episode, I'm sharing why I love airport lounges, what to expect in your lounge experience, and how to access them. Airport lounges offer a more relaxing place to hang out in the airport, but they also have exclusive and f…

1
019 | Big and Hard, Soft and Small- The Great Suitcase Debate 8:34

2M ago8:34

8:34

How big do you like your's and do you prefer soft or hard? In this Travel Tuesday Quickie, we're discussing all things related to suitcases. Over the years, I've tried every iteration of luggage that is out there to determine which is best. Ultimately what it boils down to is personal preference, but you have to also consider the requirements of yo…

1
The Making of a YouTube Star: Ari Smith's Transformation into Xiao Ma 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

In this riveting episode, a clueless American white guy shocks a podcast host with flawless Chinese using one trick that teachers hate! Our special guest, Ari Smith, widely recognized as Xiao Ma on YouTube, shares the unexpected journey that led him from being a curious American to a Chinese-speaking internet sensation. Our special guest is none ot…

1
018 | The Decision To Become A Digital Nomad 13:00

2M ago13:00

13:00

Dreaming of a life abroad? In theory it sounds magical, but how does one make the decision to just start traveling the world full time? That's exactly what I'm going to share in the episode! If you're ready to live in the moment and not wait for retirement to start seeing the world, becoming a digital nomad may be the perfect option for you. I hear…

1
017 | Armrest Wars on the Plane 10:20

2M ago10:20

10:20

Who gets the armrests in your row on the plane? Let's settle this debate once and for all! In today's episode, I'm sharing my theory for how we can all comfortably settle in for our flight without rubbing elbows. This is a particular pet peeve of mine when sitting in economy and you'll hear why! If you're in on my approach to dividing up that preci…

1
016 | Airline Besties - Should We Form An Alliance? 9:58

2M ago9:58

9:58

I'm going to let you in on a little secret...airline alliances are one of your best opportunities to maximize your current airline loyalty points and status AND your travel credit card reward points! In today's episode, part of our Posh On A Penny series, I'm sharing why airline alliances are so beneficial and how you can utilize them to save big o…

1
015 | What Comes First, The Flight or The Hotel? 6:28

2M ago6:28

6:28

When planning an international trip, should you book your hotel or flight first? That's exactly what we'll be discussing in today's Tuesday Travel quickie. In this episode, I'm going to answer this burning question, share what you should consider when booking your travel, and the exceptions to the booking rule. As someone who is in a new city every…

1
Bridging Continents and Cultures: How Akeel Alleyne Found His Calling and Career in the Heart of China 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

Some people may find they have a knack for learning Chinese, but deciding to make Chinese a part of your life is another decision entirely. Akeel Alleyne shares his story from learning Chinese in high school to making the move to live and work in China. He talks about how Chinese has enriched his life, helped find his calling, and enabled him to ca…

1
014 | Why Are International Trains So Scary? 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

Did you ever have a fear that felt so irrational but you just couldn't shake? Once I started chatting with more travelers about my fear of international trains and busses, I realized I wasn't alone. Navigating public transportation abroad can be intimidating and that's why so many of us avoid it. After spending my first year of travel walking every…

1
013 | Budget Airlines- Book Em Or Bypass 8:06

2M ago8:06

8:06

Are those cheaper flights worth it? In this week's Tuesday Travel quickie, I'm sharing my thoughts on when you should and shouldn't use a budget airline. While I'm all about an elevated travel experience, sometimes the budget airlines make for the best travel hack when it comes to saving money. Listen in as I share my great experiences on budget fl…

1
012 | Kenya Safari With Strangers 22:22

3M ago22:22

22:22

In this Destination Discovery episode, I'm sharing how I ended up going on the adventure of a lifetime on a Kenya Safari with strangers I met on the internet. Of all the trips that I've taken, this one truly touched my soul. From the experience of being up close to the wildlife in their natural habitat, to the support and information from our tour …

1
011 | Business Class or Bust 12:50

3M ago12:50

12:50

Is the upgrade to Business Class airfare really worth it? In this episode, part of our Posh On a Penny series, I'm taking you behind-the-scenes of what it's really like to fly Business Class. You'll hear about all the perks, advantages and insider secrets of Business Class as well as some of stories that may have you considering that upgrade! You c…

1
The Impact of Native Teaching Methods on Chinese Learners: Insights from a Shanghai Classroom 29:28

2M ago29:28

29:28

Join us as we step into the world of China's educational system. With an extra special guest interview, we pull back the curtain of how Chinese is taught in Chinese schools. These first-hand insights shed light on how China’s classrooms influence how Chinese is taught around the world. Links from the episode: Memes for Chinese Learners | Instagram …

1
010 | The Love Buzz on Bumble Abroad 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

Looking for love abroad? In today's episode, I'm giving you the buzz on Bumble as part of our Dating Diaries series where I give you all the juicy details of dating while abroad! Dating apps are the go-to resource for connecting with singles and while I'm not a big fan of the experience, I'm keeping an open mind and spillin' the tea on all the prof…

1
009 | Dollars and Sense - Foreign Currency Strategies 8:24

3M ago8:24

8:24

If you've ever felt confused about handling foreign currency while traveling, you're not alone. There are so many questions from where to get it to how much you should have on hand! In this episode, I'm sharing some fire tips and strategies to maximize your dollars and spend when it comes to foreign currency! Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Ca…

1
008 | Travel and Friendship Goals 20:02

3M ago20:02

20:02

Making new friends as an adult can feel a little awkward but if you're ready to grow your circle of besties, travel is an amazing way to find your tribe! In this episode, I share four practical tips that will help you make real friendships while traveling with stories of how I've implemented these tips to make lifelong friends around the world. If …

1
007 | International Grocery Shopping - My 'Fill Your Belly' Strategy 11:30

3M ago11:30

11:30

One of the most important experiences of traveling is the food! While eating out is fun and convenient, it's not very sustainable for long-term travel. In this episode, I'm going to share how to navigate international grocery shopping so that you can prepare some of your own meals and curb the need to dine out for every meal. Listen in as I share m…

1
006 | Destination Discovery Lisbon, Portugal 23:21

3M ago23:21

23:21

If you're considering a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, this episode is for you! In this Destination Discovery series episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my three and half weeks in Lisbon. I share the destination highlights that most travelers want to know more about before booking their trip. In this episode, I'm going through a full breakdown …

1
005 | Football Fans, Never Miss a Game While Traveling 6:27

3M ago6:27

6:27

If you're a die-hard football fan, this episode is for you. I'm a huge football fan and Sundays in the fall are my favorite! So even though I'm not usually home to watch my Eagles play, I never miss a game and I'm going to share exactly how to watch live games from around the world in this episode. Mentioned in this Episode: Dazn App Express VPN Ep…

1
How to use ChatGPT to Learn Chinese 19:45

3M ago19:45

19:45

Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden give you some pro tips on how to use AI, specifically Chat GPT, to learn Chinese. They explore a variety of use cases, including limitations and tips on how to get the most out of these large language models we call artificial intelligence. Links from the episode: Chat GPT Send us a message | Mandarin Companion fe…

1
004 | Bougie In Business Class On Air France 10:12

4M ago10:12

10:12

I thought the premium economy seats with extra legroom was high-class living...until I flew business class on Air France. And bonus, I only paid $234.10 for this bougie flight. In today’s episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at my very first international business-class flight and how I booked this amazing flight deal. I honestly had NO…

1
003 | Did I Just Go on a Date With My Airbnb Host? 7:51

4M ago7:51

7:51

All I did was ask my Airbnb host for directions…how did I end up on a date? In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what went down on day 1 of my international digital nomad life. I chose Lisbon, Portugal for my first destination, and it was also my first time using an Airbnb abroad. Let’s just say, this particular Airbnb host REA…

1
002 | Pardon My French: Language Barriers When Traveling Abroad 4:44

4M ago4:44

4:44

“What do you do when you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the language?” This is our first Travel Tuesday quickie from my Travel Fearlessly series. You can expect to get a satisfying hit of travel inspo and insights from these quick episodes! Wherever you choose to travel in this beautiful, wide, world, I want you to feel as confident as pos…

1
001 | The Suite Life With Hotel Status 11:44

4M ago11:44

11:44

Hey there, travel friends - in our FIRST official episode, we’re going to be talking about how to live the suite life with hotel status! Today’s episode is the first in our Posh on a Penny series, where I’ll be sharing money saving tips and strategies. In 2023 alone, I was able to spend 23 nights in hotel suites…for FREE. I’ve gotten more free meal…

1
Welcome to Wanderlust at 35+! 6:04

4M ago6:04

6:04

Hey there, travel lovers - welcome to Wanderlust at 35+! I’m Steph, an entrepreneur and full-time traveler, and I’m excited to bring you my best travel tips, savings strategies, intriguing stories, and more on this podcast. In this introductory episode, I’m going to share how I came to live this incredible life of travel, learned how to save thousa…