Best Learning_chinese_tones Podcasts (2025)

1
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘The ghosts are everywhere’: can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis? 38:45

1h ago38:45

38:45

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we’ve chosen it. This week, from March: beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of a thief on the inside, Britain’s No 1 museum is in de…

1
Best of 2025 … so far: the great abandonment: what happens to the natural world when people disappear? 36:18

1d ago36:18

36:18

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we’ve chosen it. This week, from February: across the globe, vast swathes of land are being left to be reclaimed by nature. To see what could be coming, look to Bul…

1
Tones in Mandarin Chinese, the how and the why bother 19:07

4d ago19:07

19:07

Today's episode is a brief introduction to the four tones in Mandarin Chinese. We will explore how beginners can use numbers to practise tonal pronunciation on their own. We will discuss why tones can be both easy and difficult for leaners and how important it is to get the tones right.By Anqi La

1
Fun First, Fluency Follows: Karl Vilhelmsson’s Chinese Strategy 32:24

4d ago32:24

32:24

What happens when a Swedish physics student decides to go all-in on Chinese? Meet Karl Vilhelmsson, a particle physics student at Stanford’s SLAC lab and a self-described language adventurer. From a middle school classroom in Stockholm to immersive conversations with a Taiwanese friend and a solo Chinese language-only trip to Suzhou, Carl shares ho…

1
The Shining: my trip to the G7 horror show with Emmanuel Macron 41:03

4d ago41:03

41:03

Deeply unpopular in France, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle Trump. Seven years after our last encounter, I joined him as he prepared for battle By Emmanuel Carrère. Read by David Sibley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
Are we witnessing the death of international law? 34:40

7d ago34:40

34:40

A growing number of scholars and lawyers are losing faith in the current system. Others say the law is not to blame, but the states that are supposed to uphold it By Linda Kinstler. Read by Rachel Handshaw. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
From the archive: Bicycle graveyards: why do so many bikes end up underwater? 29:57

9d ago29:57

29:57

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: every year, thousands of bikes are tossed into rivers, ponds, lakes and canals. What’s behind this mass drowning? By Jody Rosen. Read by Masud Milas. Help support our independent journalism …

1
Poison in the water: the town with the world’s worst case of forever chemicals contamination 38:15

11d ago38:15

38:15

When a small Swedish town discovered their drinking water contained extremely high levels of Pfas, they had no idea what it would mean for their health and their children’s future. By Marta Zaraska. Read by Myanna Buring. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
How to ask questions in Chinese to get the conversation started 19:51

14d ago19:51

19:51

Today's episode is about how to form and ask basic questions in Mandarin Chinese especially when you are just getting started. You don't feel confident enough to do most of the talking, yet want to take the opportunity to gain exposure and practise. Sometimes it's not even about how to say something, and more to do with what to say when you finally…

1
‘A relentless, destructive energy’: inside the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon 1:02:41

14d ago1:02:41

1:02:41

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby? By Sophie Elmhirst. Read by Serena Manteghi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
From the archive: how two BBC journalists risked their jobs to reveal the truth about Jimmy Savile 46:13

16d ago46:13

46:13

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: listening to the women who alleged abuse, and fighting to get their stories heard, helped change the treatment of victims by the media and the justice system By Poppy Sebag-Montefiore. Read …

1
Too Many Chinese Videos, Too Little Progress? Lets Fix That 25:14

18d ago25:14

25:14

Chinese learners today are surrounded by video, TikToks from tutors, YouTube explainers, online courses, sitcoms, and AI-powered tools promising to boost your progress. But with so much content, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in passive learning. In this episode, we dive into how to actually learn Chinese through video. Jared and John discu…

1
The curse of Toumaï: an ancient skull, a disputed femur and a bitter feud over humanity’s origins 58:27

18d ago58:27

58:27

When fossilised remains were discovered in the Djurab desert in 2001, they were hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. But not everyone was convinced – and the bitter argument that followed has consumed the lives of scholars ever since By Scott Sayare. Read by Bert Seymour. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.c…

1
Horse racing and erotica: how I survived the fickle world of freelance writing 31:03

21d ago31:03

31:03

Gabrielle Drolet had always dreamed of being a writer. But when disability closed down most of her opportunities, a strange career began By Gabrielle Drolet. Read by Kate Handford. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
From the archive: The sludge king: how one man turned an industrial wasteland into his own El Dorado 50:53

23d ago50:53

50:53

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: when a Romanian businessman returned to his hometown and found a city blighted by mining waste, he hatched a plan to restore it to its former glory. He became a local hero, but now prosecuto…

1
Sold to the Trump family: one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean 17:09

25d ago17:09

17:09

Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner have spent more than $1bn on an Albanian island that will be a luxury resort – once the unexploded ordnance has been removed By Marzio Mian. Read by Mo Ayoub For more on US politics and the Trump family check out Politics Weekly America. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpo…

1
How does woke start winning again? 34:27

28d ago34:27

34:27

British progressives have suffered major setbacks in recent years, in both public opinion and court rulings. Was a backlash inevitable, and are new tactics needed? By Gaby Hinsliff. Read by Carlyss Peer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
From the archive: The death of the department store 33:54

1M ago33:54

33:54

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: the closure of John Lewis’s store in Sheffield after almost 60 years was a bitter blow. As debate rages over what to do with the huge empty site, the city is becoming a test case for where B…

1
Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story 51:40

1M ago51:40

51:40

Chaniece Chen didn’t just study Chinese, she built her own major, battled burnout in an intensive language program, and came back for more. In this episode, Jared talks with Chaniece about her 12-year journey in China, from struggling with tones to thriving in Shanghai as a translator, community organizer, and content creator. Chaniece opens up abo…

1
‘Do you have a family?’: midlife with no kids, ageing parents – and no crisis 30:48

1M ago30:48

30:48

In my 40s, I found myself with a life that didn’t look like it was ‘supposed’ to. What was I doing? On trips to South Korea with my mother, an answer began to emerge By E Tammy Kim. Read by Jennifer J Kim. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Why does Switzerland have more nuclear bunkers than any other country? 27:50

1M ago27:50

27:50

Switzerland is home to more than 370,000 nuclear bunkers – enough to shelter every member of the population. But if the worst should happen, would they actually work? By Jessi Jezewska Stevens. Read by Rachel Handshaw. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
From the archive: ‘You can’t be the player’s friend’: inside the secret world of tennis umpires 45:59

1M ago45:59

45:59

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: new technology was supposed to make umpiring easy. It hasn’t worked out that way By William Ralston. Read by Simon Vance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadp…

1
My husband and son suffered strokes, 30 years apart. Shockingly little had changed 30:35

1M ago30:35

30:35

I was told my husband would never talk again, while physiotherapy was dismissed entirely. My son was failed in similar ways, but for the brilliance of some medical staff who refuse to believe a stroke is the end By Sheila Hale. Read by Phyllida Nash. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
‘The Mozart of the attention economy’: why MrBeast is the world’s biggest YouTube star 35:24

1M ago35:24

35:24

He’s spent 24 hours immersed in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash on lucky participants. But are MrBeast’s videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius? Written and read by Mark O’Connell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
From the archive: ‘A nursery of the Commons’: how the Oxford Union created today’s ruling political class 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: at the Oxford university debating society in the 80s, a generation of aspiring politicians honed the art of winning using jokes, rather than facts By Simon Kuper. Read by Andrew McGregor. He…

1
Crutch or Catalyst? The Truth About Pinyin 27:40

2M ago27:40

27:40

You’re reading Chinese, and there it is, pinyin over every character. It feels helpful, even comforting. But is it actually holding you back? In this episode, Jared and John explore how pinyin can become a crutch that cripples your Chinese progress and keeps you from truly mastering characters. They revisit Jared’s blog post from years ago, Pinyin …

1
‘Outdated and unjust’: can we reform global capitalism? 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

President Trump’s tariffs have plunged the world economy into chaos. But history counsels against despair – and the left should seize on capitalism’s crisis of legitimacy By John Cassidy. Read by Chris Reilly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Extremely loud and incredibly scouse: how Jamie Carragher conquered football punditry 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

Football coverage no longer stops after the final whistle. And in this new era, the former Liverpool defender reigns supreme By Kieran Morris. Read by Felipe Pacheco. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
How to use language exchange to level up your Mandarin 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

Links: My Discord server: https://discord.gg/b9PAyKwT9p My blog: imlearningmandarin.com -- In this episode, I share my personal experiences and practical tips on how to use language exchange to supercharge your Mandarin speaking skills. I talk about: When I think it's best to start looking for a language exchange partner. Where I’ve had the most su…

1
From the archive: Burying Leni Riefenstahl: one woman’s lifelong crusade against Hitler’s favourite film-maker 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: Nina Gladitz dedicated her life to proving the Triumph of the Will director’s complicity with the horrors of nazism. In the end, she succeeded – but at a cost Written and read by Kate Connol…

1
‘You can let go now’: inside the hospital where staff treat fear of death as well as physical pain 38:52

2M ago38:52

38:52

In a Danish palliative care unit, the alternative to assisted dying is not striving to cure – offering relief and comfort to patients and their families By Line Vaaben. Read by Freya Miller. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
An English gentleman, a crooked lawyer: the secrets of Stephen David Jones 54:02

2M ago54:02

54:02

With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it’s little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious By Hettie O’Brien. Read by Simon Vance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Getting smart about Mandarin listening 9:52

2M ago9:52

9:52

Links: My website: imlearningmandarin.com -- In this episode, I discuss one of the biggest challenges Mandarin learners face: improving listening skills. I explore why this aspect of language learning often feels so frustrating, including the psychological hurdles unique to Mandarin and the sheer amount of vocabulary needed for smooth comprehension…

1
From the archive: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: three days with a giant of African literature 59:05

2M ago59:05

59:05

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2023: The Kenyan novelist’s life and work has intersected with many of the biggest events of the past century. At 85, he reflects on his long, uncompromising life in writing Written and read by Ca…

1
Starting Over in China: Chimsy’s Story of Risk, Grit, and Growth 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

In this episode, Jared sits down with Chimsy—marketer, meme connoisseur, and host of the China University Podcast—to dive deep into his unconventional journey from Costa Rica to China. What started as a challenge to prove a dismissive restaurant owner wrong turned into a life-changing adventure of language, culture, and self-discovery. Chimsy share…

1
Death, divorce and the magic of kitchen objects: how to find hope in loss 28:45

2M ago28:45

28:45

As they pass through different hands, cooking utensils can magically connect us to loved ones who are no longer with us By Bee Wilson. Read by Colleen Prendergast. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode 1 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

Three years ago British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian indigenous defender Bruno Pereira vanished while on a reporting trip near Brazil’s remote Javari valley. The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips investigates what happened in the first episode of a new six-part investigative podcast series. Find episode 2 – and all future…

1
A deadly mission: how Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira tried to warn the world about the Amazon’s destruction 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

The Guardian journalist and the Brazilian Indigenous expert were killed while investigating the impact of deforestation. In this extract from the book Phillips was writing at the time of his death, he reflects on his encounters with the rainforest and its people – and why it is so vital to save this precious place By Dom Phillips. Read by Felipe Pa…

1
Exposing Mandarin learning snake oil content 8:06

2M ago8:06

8:06

Links: My website: imlearningmandarin.com -- On today's episode, I'm going to talk about a genre of Mandarin learning content which in recent times has exploded on the internet. And that is what I would broadly term as Mandarin learning snake oil. I break down how you can easily tell the difference between Mandarin learning advice given in good fai…

1
From the archive: Alan Yentob: the last impresario 47:39

2M ago47:39

47:39

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2016: For decades, Alan Yentob was the dominant creative force at the BBC – behind everything from Adam Curtis to Strictly Come Dancing. He was a towering figure in British culture – so why did ma…

1
‘We know what is happening, we cannot walk away’: how the Guardian bore witness to horror in former Yugoslavia 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

During the decade-long conflicts, the major powers dithered as Serb militias carried out their brutal campaigns of ethnic cleansing. Guardian reporters became more passionate and more outspoken in their condemnation, attracting praise and criticism By Ian Mayes. Read by Owen McDonnell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/long…

1
The ancient psychedelics myth: ‘People tell tourists the stories they think are interesting for them’ 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

The narrative of ancient tribes around the world regularly using ayahuasca and magic mushrooms in healing practices is a popular one. Is it true? By Manvir Singh. Read by Sebastián Capitán Viveros. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
From the archive: The lost Jews of Nigeria 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: Until the 1990s, there were almost no Jews in Nigeria. Now thousands have enthusiastically taken up the faith. Why? By Samanth Subramanian. Read by Raj Ghatak. Help support our independent j…

1
Generate instant Mandarin podcasts on any topic with this mindblowing AI tool 14:02

2M ago14:02

14:02

Links; Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.com/ My website: imlearningmandarin.com -- In this episode, I’m sharing a tool that’s completely blown my mind, it might be one of the most impressive things I’ve ever come across for language learning. It’s called Notebook LM, and it’s a website run by Google. Here’s what makes it so powerful: you can …

1
Are AI Tutors the Future of Language Learning? 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

AI tutors are everywhere—but are they actually good for learning Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John take a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI-powered language learning tools. They explore how these AI tutors work and why tools that work well in English often fall short in Chinese. You'll learn: - The surprising limitations of AI whe…

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