Should you learn Chinese by reading children’s books? It’s a common recommendation, but is it actually a good idea?

In this episode, Jared and John unpack why kids’ books aren’t as “simple” as they seem. These books are written for native-speaking children who already have years of spoken fluency. They’re often read aloud by parents and packed with specialized vocabulary, proper nouns, literary language, and characters that learners rarely need early on. What looks beginner-friendly can quickly become frustrating and inefficient.

So why do people keep suggesting it? Usually because it worked for them—as native speakers. But second language acquisition research shows that learners benefit most from high-frequency vocabulary and carefully controlled input.

That’s where graded readers come in. Designed specifically for language learners, they limit vocabulary and characters while still telling engaging stories. The goal isn’t to learn Chinese like a child, it’s to build a strong foundation so you can eventually read whatever you want.

If you’ve ever struggled through a “simple” children’s book, this episode explains why, and what to read instead.

Links from the episode:

• 7 Mistakes about Extensive Reading (w/analysis of《好饿的毛毛虫》) | Mandarin Companion

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

In this episode, Jared chats with Jack Mullinkosson, whose Chinese-learning journey runs from a Vice China documentary set… to living with a Chinese immigrant family in suburban California… to studying in Chengdu… and now biking from Chengdu to Hanoi.

Jack got started the way many learners do: by feeling left out. On set, surrounded by Chinese speakers, he noticed how differently the foreigners who spoke Mandarin were treated. Chinese looked like a superpower, and he wanted it.

With plenty of downtime during the shoot, Jack began studying characters and survival phrases, boosted by the classic “Your Chinese is so good!” encouragement (even when it wasn’t). That early confidence turned into a full-on obsession.

Then COVID hit, and Jack found a creative workaround. Back in the U.S., he made a flyer in Chinese offering to live with a Chinese family in exchange for helping their kids with English. The result: four months in a Rancho Cucamonga “McMansion” shared by multiple Chinese families, nightly Mandarin dinners, and a crash course in immigrant hustle and real-world language practice.

Along the way, Jack:

• Read Mandarin Companion graded readers to build his foundation

• Used shadowing to level up tones and pronunciation

• Looked for chances to speak—even when it was inconvenient

• Turned everyday errands into “Chinese missions”

After a few years in Brazil, where he learned Portuguese and became a remote software engineer, Jack returned to China with a new goal: connect Chinese to his career. He now makes videos in Chengdu, capturing spontaneous conversations with park shūshu fitness legends, friendly aunties selling plum wine, and locals who light up when a foreigner speaks Mandarin.

And one of the coolest payoffs? While traveling in Spain, Jack used Chinese to order food from a Chinese restaurant owner when neither of them shared English or Spanish.

Links from the episode:

• Jack Mullinkosson | Instagram

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Struggling with listening comprehension in Chinese? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Jared Turner and John Pasden dive into practical, tech-powered strategies for sharpening your Chinese listening skills using AI transcription tools and other smart resources.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to use AI tools to turn Chinese audio into transcripts you can study.

• Why listening comprehension is often one of the hardest skills—and how to make it easier.

• How to “train your ear” with slowed-down, AI-generated audio.

• Ways to leverage native content such as TV shows, songs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and make them more accessible for learning.

• The value of transcribing your own Chinese speaking to catch patterns, mistakes, and growth areas.

John and Jared walk you through real-world workflows, tools they’ve personally used, and the best types of media for improving listening. Whether you’re trying to understand a native podcast, follow along with a Chinese drama, or make sense of a street conversation you recorded, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for turning audio into insight and comprehension.

Listening doesn’t have to be your weak spot. With today’s tools, it can become your strength.

Links from the episode:

• TurboScribe | AI transcription tool

• Language Jones & Anki Hyper TTS | YouTube

• "Duìbùqǐ Wǒ de Zhōngwén Bù Hǎo" | Sung by Transition on YouTube

• “One Semester of Spanish - Love Song” | YouTube

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers