We left the kids with Grandpa and went camping in the Cotswolds.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Surviving storms, wind, and wasps
• Setting up camp like amateurs
• Watching a movie in our tent with a projector
• Exploring Banbury and Woodstock
• Learning Mandarin through real, honest conversation

Ula speaks Mandarin. Tom speaks English. You get natural Mandarin input with built-in context. No textbook. No boring repetition. Just real talk, in two languages.

Perfect for learners who want to:

• Train their ears with native Mandarin
• Use context clues instead of translations
• Hear real-life conversations, not scripted phrases

Want more? Join lessons, hangouts, or get bonus content:

👉 https://www.mandarinmonkey.com

💬 Email: chat@mandarinmonkey.com

🎧 Join us on Patreon:

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Think learning Mandarin is all flashcards and peaceful study sessions? Try doing it with three kids, zero time, and a brain that forgets half the vocab by lunch. In this episode, we talk about the real side of language learning—messy, inconsistent, and occasionally shouted across the room.

We cover how we keep (some of) our Mandarin skills alive, why casual conversations aren’t enough, and how learning a language with your partner can be… character-building. There’s also some talk about camping, future dreams, and why structured study is like flossing—everyone says they do it, but come on.

www.mandarinmonkey.com

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Dive into another lively episode of the Mandarin Monkey podcast, where we celebrate the power of life's small victories and recount some unforgettable weekend adventures. From the thrill and challenges of landing a new job (hello, creative video applications!) to the quirky misadventures of a family boating trip overtaken by spiders, this episode covers it all with humor and heartfelt reflections. All in Mandarin and English.

Join us as we explore how appreciating "little wins" can significantly boost happiness and why balancing work, family, and play is essential for a fulfilling life. Plus, we'd love to hear from you, share Tom's top 10 favorite films in the comments, and you might get a shoutout in our next episode!

Get involved: Drop your favorite films below—we'll spotlight your picks in the upcoming episode!

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