In this episode, we get personal. We talk fatherhood, the shifting idea of what it means to be a ‘man,’ and how dads today are navigating emotion, law, and family. From our own experiences to the broader cultural shifts, we explore how parenting and masculinity are evolving, sometimes slowly, sometimes painfully.

Then we zoom out. We dive into the brutal reality of the job market, how AI is flipping industries on their heads, and what that means for all of us. We explore the future of learning, creativity, entertainment, and why, surprisingly, libraries still matter.

This one’s a mix of heartfelt and hard-hitting. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and a look at how the world’s changing fast and how we’re trying to keep up.

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In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula take listeners on a conversational journey covering everything from rescuing snails to the surprising genre of cozy fantasy. They share personal stories, listener feedback about subtitles, and survival tips for the salt flats, all wrapped in reflections on parenting, cultural sensitivity, and language learning.

Whether it's talking to kids about historical figures, planning travel adventures, or discussing the purpose behind the show, this episode blends practical insight with humour and heart.

Key Takeaways

• The show blends listicle-style episodes with free-flowing conversations.
• Personal stories (yes, even snail rescues) make it feel real.
• Talking history with kids is challenging—but worth it.
• Subtitles are helpful but polarising—feedback is split.
• The podcast’s mission has shifted from teaching to connecting.
• Salt flat survival tip: know your landmarks.
• Altitude sickness is real—plan ahead when traveling.
• Cozy fantasy offers a gentle, feel-good reading experience.
• Curiosity is good—but cultural awareness is better.
• Asking where someone’s from can be a genuine way to connect—if done right.
• Kobo is a solid platform for Chinese-language reads.

www.mandarinmonkey.com - Mandarin Chinese Lessons

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In this episode, we dive into the joys and pains of podcast production, the growing importance of bilingualism in career paths, and how AI is quietly reshaping language learning and job interviews. We also tackle parenting in the tech age, the screen-time struggle, and how different generations navigate the digital world. Oh, and yes—streaming has definitely changed everything.

Key Takeaways

• Making a podcast is harder than it looks (trust us, we’ve done a few).
• Being bilingual gives you a serious edge in today’s job market.
• Not every role needs perfect fluency—context matters.
• AI’s creeping into interviews and learning tools—be ready.
• Parents are stuck between wanting peace and fearing screens.
• Screen time? Not evil. But moderation is everything.
• Your nan’s tech habits probably aren’t the same as your kid’s.
• We’ve gone from VHS to infinite scroll—media has changed.
• We want your feedback—it actually helps.
• Fresh air still matters. Get outside now and then.

Chapters

0:00 – Intro & New Year Hellos

06:13 – Bilingualism & Better Jobs

11:59 – AI’s New Role in Language Learning

21:01 – Kids, Screens & The Digital Dilemma

26:59 – Tech vs. Trees: Finding Balance

32:54 – How Generations Use Tech Differently

38:57 – From Telly to TikTok: Media Evolution

44:48 – Listener Feedback & What’s Next

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In this episode of the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, Tom and Ula dive into some of the strangest bans and laws from around the world, from chewing gum in Singapore to government-approved reincarnation in Tibet.

Through light-hearted yet insightful discussion, they explore how these bans reflect deeper cultural values, political symbolism, religious influences, and social expectations. You'll also pick up real Mandarin vocabulary along the way, making this a perfect listen for language learners who want more than just textbook phrases.

Whether you’re curious about travel customs, cultural sensitivity, or how to say "reincarnate legally" in Mandarin, this episode has you covered.

00:00 – Introduction to the Mandarin Monkey Podcast

08:11 – Banned Items Around the World

20:16 – Cultural Insights and Language Learning

26:02 – Philosophical Musings on Reincarnation

32:06 – Laws and Social Norms Across Countries

39:10 – Cultural Dress Codes and Public Decency

45:58 – Religious Influences on Legislation

51:01 – Public Displays of Affection and Their Restrictions

1. 禁止嚼口香糖 | jìn zhǐ jiáo kǒu xiāng táng | Chewing gum is banned (Singapore)
2. 禁止用“IKEA”當名字 | jìn zhǐ yòng “IKEA” dāng míng zì | Naming your child “IKEA” is banned (Sweden)
3. 在高速公路上沒油是違法的 | zài gāo sù gōng lù shàng méi yóu shì wéi fǎ de | Running out of fuel is illegal (Germany)
4. 古蹟禁止穿高跟鞋 | gǔ jì jìn zhǐ chuān gāo gēn xié | No high heels at historical sites (Greece)
5. 轉世需要政府批准 | zhuǎn shì xū yào zhèng fǔ pī zhǔn | Reincarnating without government approval is illegal (Tibet)
6. 禁止小熊維尼 | jìn zhǐ xiǎo xióng wéi ní | Winnie the Pooh is banned (China)
7. 踩錢是違法的 | cǎi qián shì wéi fǎ de | Stepping on money is illegal (Thailand)
8. 公共場合禁止罵髒話 | gōng gòng chǎng hé jìn zhǐ mà zāng huà | Public swearing is banned (Australia)
9. 禁止與佛像自拍 | jìn zhǐ yǔ fó xiàng zì pāi | No selfies with Buddha (Sri Lanka)
10. 有些地方禁止死亡 | yǒu xiē dì fāng jìn zhǐ sǐ wáng | Dying is illegal in some towns (Japan, Norway)
11. 禁止在海灘上穿太暴露的衣服 | jìn zhǐ zài hǎi tān shàng chuān tài bào lù de yī fú | Revealing swimwear is banned on some beaches (Spain)
12. 禁止在車內吃東西 | jìn zhǐ zài chē nèi chī dōng xi | Eating inside cars is banned in some areas (USA – certain cities)
13. 禁止上廁所時沖馬桶（晚上） | jìn zhǐ shàng cè suǒ shí chōng mǎ tǒng (wǎn shàng) | Flushing the toilet at night is illegal in some flats (Switzerland)
14. 禁止穿迷你裙 | jìn zhǐ chuān mí nǐ qún | Wearing miniskirts is banned in some countries (Uganda)
15. 禁止養豬（宗教原因） | jìn zhǐ yǎng zhū (zōng jiào yuán yīn) | Keeping pigs is banned for religious reasons (Middle East)
16. 禁止開黃色雨傘 | jìn zhǐ kāi huáng sè yǔ sǎn | Yellow umbrellas are banned in political protests (Hong Kong)
17. 禁止在公共場所親吻 | jìn zhǐ zài gōng gòng chǎng suǒ qīn wěn | Public kissing is banned (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
18. 禁止左撇子寫字（歷史） | jìn zhǐ zuǒ piě zi xiě zì | Left-handed writing was historically banned in schools (global historical context)
19. 禁止喝酒（某些國家） | jìn zhǐ hē jiǔ (mǒu xiē guó jiā) | Alcohol is banned in some countries (e.g. Kuwait, Iran)
20. 禁止假笑（電影宣傳） | jìn zhǐ jiǎ xiào (diàn yǐng xuān chuán) | Forced or fake smiling banned in public ads (North Korea)

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Looking for a fun way to learn Mandarin while exploring the world’s strangest places? In this episode, we take you on a global journey to the weirdest tourist attractions from haunted doll islands to underwater post offices. Along the way, you’ll pick up real Mandarin vocabulary and cultural insights that go way beyond textbooks. Perfect for Mandarin learners, Chinese language enthusiasts, or anyone curious about bizarre travel destinations.

Join us as we break down the Mandarin for each strange spot, practice pronunciation, and share stories that will make you think twice about your next holiday destination.

1. 娃娃島 | wá wá dǎo | Doll Island (Mexico)
2. 倒立屋 | dào lì wū | Upside-down House (Poland, Taiwan, Germany)
3. 口香糖巷 | kǒu xiāng táng xiàng | Bubblegum Alley (USA)
4. 貓島 | māo dǎo | Cat Island (Japan)
5. 老鼠廟 | lǎo shǔ miào | Rat Temple (India)
6. 螢火蟲洞 | yíng huǒ chóng dòng | Glowworm Caves (New Zealand)
7. 巨人之路 | jù rén zhī lù | Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland)
8. 彎曲森林 | wān qū sēn lín | Crooked Forest (Poland)
9. 鹽飯店 | yán fàn diàn | Salt Hotel (Bolivia)
10. 沙漠之手 | shā mò zhī shǒu | Hand of the Desert (Chile)
11. 地下墳場 | dì xià fén chǎng | Catacombs (Paris, France)
12. 人骨教堂 | rén gǔ jiào táng | Bone Church (Czech Republic)
13. 便便博物館 | biàn biàn bó wù guǎn | Poop Museum (Japan)
14. 鞋屋 | xié wū | Shoe House (USA)
15. 鬼屋村 | guǐ wū cūn | Ghost Village (Japan)
16. 鏡子迷宮 | jìng zi mí gōng | Mirror Maze (Various locations)
17. 雷克雅未克飛機殘骸 | léi kè yǎ wèi kè fēi jī cán huài | Reykjavik Plane Wreck (Iceland)
18. 水下郵局 | shuǐ xià yóu jú | Underwater Post Office (Vanuatu)
19. 冰屋旅館 | bīng wū lǚ guǎn | Ice Hotel (Sweden)
20. 橡皮鴨樂園 | xiàng pí yā lè yuán | Rubber Duck Park (Hong Kong)

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Today on the Mandarin Monkey Podcast, we dive into the beautiful Cotswolds and share our experiences camping in two stunning locations. But things took an unexpected turn when we crossed paths with a stranger who might not have been as friendly as they seemed... Find out what happened!

今天在 Mandarin Monkey，我们深入探讨了科茨沃尔德（Cotswolds）的美丽风光，并分享了我们在两个迷人地点露营的经历。但事情发生了意想不到的转折，当我们遇到了一位看似不那么友善的陌生人... 想知道发生了什么吗?

Sorry no word list today as we just had a casual chat!

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To celebrate 400 episodes of Mandarin Monkey, we’re not getting sentimental, we’re getting strange. Join us as we break down 40 of the weirdest, most useful, and most culturally revealing Mandarin words and phrases we’ve come across. From “snake milker” vocab to expressions for being awkward, overstuffed, or emotionally destroyed, this episode is packed with language you won’t find in your average textbook.

Perfect for learners who want to laugh, expand their vocab, and celebrate a massive milestone with us.

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Think your job is strange? In this episode, we explore 20 of the world’s weirdest real-life occupations — from snake milkers and underwater pizza delivery drivers to professional cuddlers and scream evaluators. Along the way, we’ll teach you how to say each one in Mandarin, complete with vocabulary, pronunciation, and a few questionable career choices.

Perfect for Mandarin learners who want to expand their vocab and their sense of what counts as a job.

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