You Can Learn Chinese

Jared Turner and John Pasden bring decades of combined experience living in China and working with Mandarin learners to this biweekly podcast. Episodes run 23 to 50 minutes and alternate between two formats: deep discussions on learning methodology and interviews with people worldwide who have successfully acquired Chinese. The guest episodes are particularly inspiring because they showcase a range of backgrounds and motivations, proving that Mandarin proficiency is not reserved for a narrow type of learner. The strategy episodes are equally valuable, covering topics like comprehensible input, character handwriting versus typing, and how to choose reading materials at the right difficulty level. With 178 episodes and a 4.7-star rating from 122 reviews, the show has earned trust through consistency and substance. Recent episodes have tackled timely subjects like the role of AI in language learning and regional considerations for studying in different parts of China. Like Hacking Chinese, this is primarily an English-language show about the process of learning Mandarin, so it complements rather than replaces target-language listening practice. The hosts are warm, well-informed, and genuinely passionate about helping listeners succeed.