ChinesePod

ChinesePod has been a staple of the Mandarin learning world for well over a decade, and the podcast's intermediate feed alone has racked up more than 860 episodes. Each lesson runs about 15 to 20 minutes and features a dialogue between hosts who break down real-world expressions you would actually hear on the streets of Beijing or Shanghai. The format mixes English explanation with Mandarin dialogue, which keeps things accessible but does mean you are not getting full immersion. That said, the sheer volume of content here is hard to beat. Episodes cover practical situations like navigating a hospital visit, haggling at a market, or discussing current events with a coworker. The vocabulary lists and example sentences tend to stick because they come embedded in genuine conversational contexts rather than sterile textbook drills. ChinesePod also publishes separate beginner and advanced feeds, so you can shift levels as your skills grow without hunting for a new show. The 4.6-star rating from 72 reviews reflects a loyal listener base, though some intermediate learners have pointed out they would prefer less English and more target language at this stage. If you want a structured, long-running resource that can carry you through years of study, ChinesePod delivers consistently. Just be aware that the free podcast episodes are a gateway to a larger paid platform with additional materials.