In episode 5, Sofia Xavier interviews André Pinto Teixeira, a Portuguese translator, writer, and language specialist with years of experience working with Asian languages. André has lived in both Japan and China, and his work spans literature, academia, and intercultural communication. With a strong foundation in sociocultural studies and an impressive portfolio in translation, André brings a unique lens to language learning. In this episode, he reflects on what it means to truly learn a language like Chinese, how AI is reshaping both translation and education, and why cultural context is essential when diving into a new language. From personal stories to professional insights, this conversation offers a rich and layered view into the evolving world of languages.

In episode 4, Sofia Xavier interviews Angelo Castagneto, a multi-disciplinary artist, pianist, film composer, sculptor, music producer, and meditator. Originally from Ecuador, Angelo has been living and working in China since meeting the love of his life. For Angelo, learning Chinese is not just about communication—it’s a way to unlock professional opportunities and fulfill his higher purpose of helping others through his art. In this episode, he shares his journey from Ecuador to southern China, the challenges and strategies he encountered while learning Chinese, and how language has deepened his connection to culture, society, and personal growth.

In episode 3, Sofia Xavier interviews Dan Berns, also known as Brin. Brin, originally from the UK, has lived and worked in China since 2004, but he’s never really studied Chinese in an academic environment. Most of his language skills have been picked by talking with people on the streets. Brin is the author of three dual language books “雅思-不传之秘” (IELTS Unconventional Secrets) and also the host of the YouTube channel “Burbex - Beijing Urban Exploration” both of which take deep dives into understanding culture to get a better sense of language. In this episode, he shares the struggles of living in China as a foreigner and the obstacles he faced while learning Chinese, diving deep into the subtle nuances of culture, society and personal development.