Can you become fluent in Chinese without teachers, classes, or even Chinese speakers around you? For Serbian software engineer Marko Javoanovic, the answer is “yes” by focusing on “fluency now”.

In this episode, Marko shares how he started learning Japanese out of a love for anime but quickly pivoted to Chinese when he realized there were far more Chinese people than Japanese in his hometown of Novi Sad, Serbia. What began as a curiosity turned into a disciplined daily habit that transformed not only his language skills but also his friendships and worldview.

Marko dives into how he built real working fluency from scratch using English-language resources like Mandarin Companion, YoYo Chinese, and extensive listening and how that foundation led to translating live at a visa interview, making friends over baozi, and becoming part of his local Chinese community.

His story includes:

• Why he stopped obsessing over flashcards and HSK levels

• How “fluency now” helped him understand without translating

• Why tones matter more than you think (like mixing up “food” with “video”)

• The emotional reward of using Chinese to truly connect

This episode is a roadmap for any Chinese learner, especially those going it alone.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

• Little Chinese Everywhere | YouTube

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Ever wonder how the place you study Chinese can shape your accent, comprehension, and even identity as a learner?

In this episode, Jared and John dive into the importance of where you learn Mandarin in China and how different regions can affect your speaking and listening skills. From Beijing’s “pirate R’s” to the relaxed tones of Taipei and the “happy medium” of Shanghai, they explore the linguistic quirks of China’s top Mandarin learning destinations.

You’ll hear:

• The differences between Chinese accents in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei

• Why Shanghai might be the perfect balance for learners

• How non-standard Mandarin can actually improve your listening skills

• What it's like to learn Chinese in tier 2 or tier 3 cities (or tier 88) and why it might supercharge your progress

• Stories from past podcast guests, including John D’Andrea's experience being laughed at for his Lanzhou accent

• How regional accents and fangyan (local dialects) impact Mandarin learning

• A mildly controversial debate on cilantro in beef noodles

If you’ve ever thought about studying in China or are curious about regional language variation, this episode is a must-listen.

Links from the episode:

• John D’Andrea’s story | YCLC Podcast #10

• Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

What happens when you move abroad at age 10 and suddenly find yourself in daily Chinese class? For Freddy Buechel, it was the start of an adventure that took him from Singapore to Taiwan, back to the U.S., and eventually to Shanghai for a full-on study abroad immersion.

In this episode, Freddy shares his winding journey of learning Chinese across multiple countries, his turning point moment ordering bubble tea as a kid, and why fluency is a “moving target.” He talks about the humbling reality of using Chinese in the wild, how boxing with a former world champion in Shanghai boosted his Chinese, and why he eventually chose to focus on Chinese over Russian.

Freddy is now a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, known online for his hilarious and motivational Instagram videos shouting in Chinese from mountaintops, canyons, and even Times Square. He reflects on how making language fun has kept him motivated and how every learner can find their own way to enjoy the process.

Links from the episode:

• • @theBaoLuo 保罗 | Freddie’s Instagram
  • Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us