ChinesePod - Intermediate

Drunk driving is a big problem in Chinese society as well as in other parts of the world. Tune in to learn about Chinese attitudes toward drunk driving, all the usual "no, really, I'm fine" lines, and some of the serious legal repercussions as well. We just hope you never find yourself in this particular role! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1267

Whether you're making tables or making babies, you've come to the right place. Not for the faint of heart, this lesson teaches you all the Chinese vocabulary you're going to need to know to be able to ask for your hammer... or your scalpel. Listen in and find out what the heck is going on here. (Disclaimer: the dialogue is a leeetle bit graphic, so if you're squeamish, be forewarned.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0955

For the last four hours, you've been wandering around the furniture store, looking at the latest in Swedish design. Now that you've settled on the unpronounceable book case, it's time to bring it home and put it together. And that's where the fun begins! In today's Chinese podcast, you'll learn the Mandarin that will let you build the bookshelf of your dreams. ChinesePod gives you all the tools you need to attain fluency. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1247

A few months of everything fried combined with Chinese hospitality (read: feed) is enough to start anyone on a one-way trip to fat camp. Listen to this podcast and learn about one poor junk food lover's untimely demise into the shady world of carrots and wheatgrass. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0949

Chinese...the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship, ChinesePod. Our never-ending mission: to provide you with the Mandarin you need to communicate with humans all around the galaxy. Tune in to this podcast and make a voyage of linguistic discovery. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1244

A little shady, perhaps? Yet, it is David Beckham and the Galaxy, and this kind of a chance doesn't come around often in these parts... Hmm, there was that black market money exchange man that showed up at your office on a motorbike with a shopping bag full of cash--he was pretty reliable. Maybe the scalper can be trusted. Buyer beware and trust at your peril. Listen to this podcast in Chinese on the scalpers of China and be forewarned! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0943

In today's terrifying Chinese lesson, you'll learn about a timely topic: dinosaurs! These fearsome lizards make a great topic of conversation in Chinese. In today's podcast, learn how to use Mandarin to talk about the great beasts who ruled the earth for millennia. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1232

You like your little Roadrunner and T-1 ethernet connections that load pages in 1/100th of a nanosecond? Nice huh? Remember back in the Clinton administration when you could make a cup of coffee in the time it took a page to load? Well, welcome to our world. The Chinese internet ain't exactly up to speed, but your ability to vent your frustrations in Mandarin will be, after this podcast. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0940

A dragon is rising in the East. All around, curious faces wait to see whether it will roar or sing. In today's Chinese lesson, we'll look at some different perspectives on the rise of modern China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1220

The humble sneeze. It transcends all cultural, language, immune system barriers. It inspires blessings in some circles, superstitions in others. The worldwide bodily function that requires no translation, only a tissue... In this podcast, learn in Mandarin Chinese about the 'culture' of sneezing in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0934

This is a Chinese lesson about having fun in your brand-new car. The tires squeal as you tear around the bend, laughing and singing along with the radio. Learn how to take a spin in Mandarin Chinese, but drive responsibly. It's all fun and games until someone loses a limb. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1214

You're nine hours in, two family-oriented movies later. You have had waaaay too much time to ponder whether the chicken on rice would have sat better with you than the pork with noodle. The urban legend claiming alcohol has twice the effect in the air seems a little far-fetched as you down your third gin and tonic in an attempt to numb yourself. Then... the magic words... the blessed airplane arrival speech. Listen to this podcast and understand it, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0906

This Mandarin podcast is about every company's most beloved ritual. Casual Fridays? Water-cooler gossip? Nope. It's the budget meeting! Listen and learn how to tighten your belt and trim expenses in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1204

If you wouldn't let your 10 year old sit court side of an actual pickup basketball game, then you may want to have them sit this one out as well. Grown men can sometimes act like children on the b-ball court, but the talk is of the adult variety. So lace up your Chucks and dust off that skyhook... your Chinese basketball jargon is about to improve. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0896

Your hearts belong to each other, but you should still test your blood. In today's Chinese podcast, we'll talk about pre-marital blood tests. Does your blood carry any lingering traces of that wild weekend in Macau? If so, learn how to express your regrets in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1172

What used to be an annoying clanging shouting racket at 6:00am is now the most welcoming sound in the world. Your naive western misconceptions of refund policies have been dashed, and your microwave only came with a one week warranty. Alas... the friendly neighborhood repairman on wheels. A loud blessing in disguise. In this podcast, learn how to get his help and fix your Mandarin Chinese at the same time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0871

Buying a house in China is a big deal. You'll be better prepared after you listen to today's Mandarin podcast, which is all about real estate. Learn the cultural importance of home ownership in the world's most populous nation. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1171

You've always admired those Guilin paintings. You know the ones... winding river, limestone mountains... with the pagoda up on the right and that bamboo raft floating by in the foreground. Sometime they get a little crazy and throw in a water buffalo over there on the left. Well, now you too can do your own rendition. Sign up for this podcast, and get a Mandarin Chinese lesson in art. Masterpiece! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0865

Sometimes you need to get your head examined. You might as well learn some Mandarin as you get in touch with your feelings. ChinesePod is the place to come for language therapy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1160

Take 5,000 years of linguistic history and ancient literature... throw in a few snakes, frogs, and fanciful tales. Mix in the odd digit for good measure. What do you get? Cryptic Chinese idioms. Now, we're not saying they're all as easy as 'horse horse tiger tiger,' but at least there's that one to get some mileage out of. Now listen to this podcast, and avoid being 'stupid lips stupid tongue.' Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0853

Today's Chinese lesson is a real nail-biter. The action begins with Xiao Zhao speeding off to his doom. Only Lao Wang can stop the evil schemes of Ms. Du. Will his conscience be his guide? Or will Xiao Zhao meet a bloody death? In today's Mandarin podcast, the thrills just keep coming. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1255

Question: What bustling metropolis draws people in with its fabulous food, unique architecture, and exciting atmosphere? (Besides Shanghai, of course.) Answer: Mexico City! Today's podcast will introduce this lovely little town in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1090

Remember Xiao Zhao? He's the diligent accountant at the shadiest company in the galaxy. In today's lesson, we'll say good-bye to this trusty employee. Tune in to this Mandarin podcast and learn how to leave a company with grace and style. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1229

Many a little ditty has been written about the land of beach bunnies, surfer dudes, movie stars, Kobe Bryant and The Lakers. After a day of treating yourself to a new Armani on Rodeo Drive and finishing your Skinny triple French Vanilla Half Caf on Melrose, put the top down on your Beamer and take a drive East on the 10 to the San Gabriel Valley. Grab some authentic Hunan Fish Head and practice your Mandarin with a cute fuwuyuan! Welcome to our ChinesePod tour of The City of Angels, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0983

In today's Chinese podcast, the plot thickens at the dodgiest company in the universe. Lao Wang faces a difficult decision as his accountant turns in his resignation. Learn all the Mandarin you'll need next time you're trapped between a bright young employee and a ruthless boss. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1211

You've heard tales of such a place. A place where not only beef noodle soup exists, but the aromas of French baguettes and heady coffee fill the air. What could bring such a lovely combination of worlds together? Only Vietnam. In this podcast, come on a little Mandarin Chinese trip to the city of Hanoi. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0981

Trusty accountant Xiao Zhao is here again. He's beset on all sides by the forces of corruption. Will he insist on clean book-keeping, or will he dive head-first into a world of fast dealing and greasy palms? Tune in to this Chinese podcast to find out! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1177

One lesson about Bangkok makes a hard man humble, not much between despair and ecstasy... One lesson about Bangkok and the tough guys tumble... Can't be too careful with your Mandarin Chinese study. Listen to this podcast and get yourself in the Oriental setting. You'll be speaking better Chinese than Yul Brynner plays chess in no time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0916

If you've got a lot of dirty money on your hands, how do you get it clean? That's easy-- launder it! Today's Chinese lesson will teach you about the fine art of turning illegal profits into untraceable piles of cash! Learning Mandarin has never been so dodgy! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1156

Oysters, rumored to have aphrodisiac qualities, have certainly inspired passion in many a Taipei night market nosher. The famed 'oyster omelet'--an unlikely marriage of eggs and shellfish--can be first on your checklist of the what's what to eat in Taipei. In this lesson, learn in Mandarin Chinese about a few more things that Taipei dwellers sometimes forget to mention about their city--street side culinary delights and beyond. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0889

Learning Chinese is a great way to fight off the ravages of age. Toughen your mind, broaden your horizons, and make new friends at home and abroad. Who knew that learning Mandarin could make the golden years into the jade years? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1149

"This is my kind of town, Chicago is." The home of Oprah, the Cubs, and deep dish pizza (the dawgs are better though). The third largest city in the US has....you guessed it....the third largest Chinatown. So hop on the "L" train to Cermak-Chinatown, listen to this Mandarin podcast, and go and practice your new lesson on Chi-town. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0874

Companies live and die by their middle management. Today, let's follow the adventures of a company deciding where in China to set up its newest factory, all in Mandarin. For learning business Chinese, there's no better place than CPod! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1137

Take a ride with ChinesePod on the Freeway of Love to Detroit, Michigan. We get to Motown, the Motor City, the 3-1-3. Though we're slightly apprehensive due to drive-by shooting cliches, we hang in there practicing our tones to stay calm as we drive though Greek Town and past Joe Louis' arm. Now, you may be on Nanjing Road or 8-Mile Road. Either way, this is the lesson for you. Learn in Mandarin about a place far, far away from your dumplings and rice... Detroit. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0843

Let's learn about the Chinese welfare lottery. The odds are stacked against winning anything, but you can help the poor. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1128

Stand out historical moments in the history of Londontown: The Great Fire of 1665, The Great Plague of 1666, but greatest of them all, surely, The Great ChinesePod London Meet-up of 2006. Now, the next history-making London event--this podcast. Dive into this lesson like you would a good Dickens novel and learn all about "The Big Smoke" in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0803

Keep pushing...keep pushing...don't give up...your Mandarin is getting better! You've carried the baby to term and now you finally get to see its smiling, wet face. In today's Chinese lesson, we'll learn to talk about the miracle of childbirth in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1223

When you are drowning in the language pool where fours become tens... or was that a ten becoming a four?? And was 'laji' trash, or garbage, or rubbish? And where are all those 'r's coming from? It is not time to panic. It is time for ear refinement. Yes, it is time for this podcast--part two in the intrigue of the uncommon sounds of the 'common language', Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0893

Your little bundle of joy is almost ready to face the world. In today's Chinese lesson, learn to talk in Mandarin about the last few moments before childbirth. All around the world, roughly four babies are born every second-- learn the Chinese you need to talk about these cute little new arrivals. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1197

So they say you've got a laowai accent? Who cares! So does everyone else. It would be nice to take comfort in this fact... if it weren't that it makes it so hard to understand. Be it northern, southern, northeastern, southeastern, southwestern... you get the idea... they're as partial to their accents as they are to their food. So don't resist--embrace the multi-varied sounds of Chinese and listen to this lesson to figure out what the heck everybody's saying. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0859

Many Chinese believe that a baby's name affects its destiny. Today's Mandarin podcast will teach you how to agonize over the subtleties and hidden traps of choosing an appropriate Chinese name for your little bundle of joy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1186

There is no greater social environment than a crowded Chinese train. You may think you're the shy sort, but after the first 24 hours with 36 to go, you'll be grateful for the five watermelon seed-cracking drinking buddy card players lounging with you on your bed. In this podcast, learn how to get your ticket, hop on, and hole up with your new-found friends for the journey. Invest in some baijiu--a one way ticket to party central berth. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0846

Babies are a big investment of time, money, energy, and money. Did we mention that babies cost a lot of money? Today's Chinese lesson will teach you about how to magically turn a stack of cash into a plastic bottle, all in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1162

Walking through a street food miasma where you smell the food before you see it, and seeing it is not necessarily believing it, this lesson is about one of the better smelling and easily-identifiable of the street foods of China. Which in itself is a good enough reason to purchase. Listen to this podcast and learn how to, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0832

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a baby! In today's podcast, you'll learn to talk in Chinese about ultrasounds and tests for your little steamed bun in the oven. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1143

You used to tie yourself in knots over learning Mandarin before ChinesePod came along, and you've been looking for a new outlet for your knot-tying knack ever since. Throw out those musical instruments, crossword puzzles, and scrabble board. Knitting is the new hip hobby... and in compliance with the prerequisite for any self-respecting leisure pursuit--can be performed while listening to podcasts. Listen and learn about it in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0826

People get competitive about the silliest things. In today's podcast, let's learn about how far mothers will go to make sure they give birth to a child well-versed in the Chinese classics, and well-fed on bird saliva. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1122

Since you are old enough now to buy a hard drink, you don't have much need to tap your tongue on a 9 volt battery to get a buzz anymore. However, when the remote control goes south, you'll need to figure out what an AAA battery is in a language without A's. It's harder than you think, so let ChinesePod ease your Mandarin battery buying experience. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0817

Getting poked, prodded and scanned is all part of the birthin' process. Is your uterus in the right place? Are you eating enough? Learn all this and more in today's podcast. We'll teach you about the pre-natal checkup, all in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1099

If the title of this lesson conjures up gory images of the tacky floral bedroom curtains so lovingly lent to you by your packrat landlord... or that cockroach you hammered to death last night, then it's time for a little day trip to this podcast. A Chinese lesson for the gardeners amongst us. Whether bonsais are your thing or you're more of a flower child, use your green thumb to click the mouse and learn about them, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0813