Best Ap_language Podcasts (2026)

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AI as an Assistant: Rethinking Learning and the Future of School 11:21

Play Pause

6h ago11:21

11:21

Opening Paragraph In this episode, we tackle the challenges educators face as uncertainty around AI, demographic shifts, and evolving student futures continue to reshape schools. Teachers are feeling the pressure to personalize learning for every student, and we explore how AI might assist rather than overwhelm us in that work. Jennifer Womble, Con…

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The Lie We Were Told: You Must Handwrite Chinese Characters 23:28

1d ago23:28

23:28

Is handwriting Chinese characters slowing you down? In today’s digital world, does it still make sense to focus on writing by hand or should you just type? In this episode, Jared and John dive deep into this hot-button issue for Chinese learners: handwriting vs. typing. Pulling insights from a research paper by Chinese Breeze creator Chengzhi Chu (…

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辞旧迎新｜Looking Back on 2025 and Welcoming 2026 6:50

6d ago6:50

6:50

节目简介｜Episode Description｜エピソード紹介中文在这一期《5分钟中文》中，我回顾了 2025 年这一年的经历，也聊了我对 2026 年的一些期待和计划。从日本和中国的旅行，到回到美国后的学习、教学和生活节奏变化，这一期更像是一段真实的年度记录。新的一年，我也希望继续学习日语、坚持健身，让《5分钟中文》在中文学习的路上继续陪伴大家。 English In this episode of 5-Minute Chinese, I look back on my experiences in 2025 and share some of my thoughts and plans for 2026. From traveling in Japan and China to …

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中国的肥胖问题｜China's Overweight Problem 6:59

13d ago6:59

6:59

节目简介｜Episode Description｜エピソード紹介中文在这一期《5分钟中文》中，我想和大家聊一个可能让人感到意外的话题——中国的肥胖问题。很多人觉得中国人的饮食健康、运动量不小，但数据显示，中国成年人的超重和肥胖率已经超过了一半。这期节目从饮食结构、生活节奏和现代化发展的角度，聊一聊中国是如何一步步走到今天这个状态的。 English In this episode of 5-Minute Chinese, we explore an unexpected topic: obesity in China. While China is often associated with healthy food and active lifestyles, data shows t…

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Learning Chinese Through Life, Not Lessons: How Matthew McGuire Did It 30:14

14d ago30:14

30:14

What began as a teenage crush became a lifelong journey into Chinese for Matthew McGuire, an Australian creator and accent coach. In this episode, Jared sits down with Matthew to discuss how he learned Mandarin without textbooks, grammar drills, or writing practice. Instead, he immersed himself in love dramas, shadowed dialogue, and built a Chinese…

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Getting Consistent Results from AI: What Teachers and Students Need to Know 12:37

15d ago12:37

12:37

Many teachers are frustrated when AI gives great results one day and confusing or unreliable responses the next. This episode explores why that happens and how it affects both teachers and students in real classrooms. I sit down with Rob the AI Guy to unpack a key concept that explains much of this inconsistency and helps educators use AI more wise…

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The Science of Attention: The Difference One Teacher Makes 1:00:30

17d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. Learn how to understand the science of attention and help students learn. This episode is an extended episode shared from my other podcast/radio/TV show: Cool Cat Teacher Talk. I'm sharing it because it is helpful, but also be…

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用数字回顾 2025 年的《五分钟中文》｜5 Minute Chinese: A Year in Review in Numbers 6:01

21d ago6:01

6:01

节目简介｜Episode Description｜エピソード紹介中文这一期《五分钟中文》，我使用 Spotify 的播客年度总结数据，回顾了 2025 年《五分钟中文》的整体情况。节目中包含大量真实的数字、百分比和时间单位，内容围绕这些数据展开，希望对大家练习数字方面的听力有所帮助。 English In this episode of 5 Minute Chinese, I use my Spotify Podcast Wrapped data to look back on the overall performance of 5 Minute Chinese in 2025. The episode includes a large number of real-life numb…

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送什么礼物好呢？| What I Think About When Giving Gifts 5:34

26d ago5:34

5:34

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文这期节目我想和大家聊一聊送礼这件事。快到年底了，送礼的场合也多了起来，我也发现礼物一年比一年更难买。在这一期《五分钟中文》中，我分享了一些自己准备礼物时的想法。不知道你在挑选礼物的时候，会考虑些什么呢？ English In this episode, I talk about gift giving. As the end of the year approaches, gift-giving occasions become more common, and choosing gifts feels harder than before. In this episode of 5-Minute Chine…

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4 Essential Ways to Teach Reading with Jennifer Burns 12:13

1M ago12:13

12:13

Every child can become a reader — but only when we build strong foundational skills. In this episode, literacy consultant Jennifer Burns explains the "Fundamental Four" every student needs to read with confidence: seeing like a reader, hearing like a reader, thinking like a reader, and believing they are a reader. Whether you teach early learners, …

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10 Things AI Will Never Do Better Than a Chinese Learner 26:53

29d ago26:53

26:53

With AI advancing at lightning speed, many are wondering: Do I still need to learn Chinese? Jared and John say yes, and in this episode, they break down 10 ways your Chinese skills remain AI-proof. These are the kinds of things no app, bot, or translation tool can truly replace. Along the way, you'll hear stories about phone conversations that left…

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为什么我选择分享考 N3？｜Why Did I Choose to Share My N3 Goal? 4:40

1M ago4:40

4:40

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文这期节目我想接着上上期，和大家聊一聊“目标要不要公开”这个话题。虽然我平时不太喜欢跟太多人分享自己的目标，但其实也要看在哪儿、跟谁分享。和听众朋友们分享，我反而会有一种很温暖、很放松的感觉，完全不会有不好的压力。您听到这期节目的时候，我已经考完 N3 了，希望顺利通过。感谢大家一直以来的支持，我们下期再见！ English In this episode, I continue the discussion from two episodes ago and talk about whether we should share our goals with others. I’m usually not the …

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留学生的感恩节怎么过？｜How Do International Students Spend Thanksgiving? 5:52

1M ago5:52

5:52

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文本期我们聊聊中国留学生在美国过感恩节和圣诞节时常见的过节方式。无论是跟美国同学一起回家团聚，和留学生朋友们聚餐，还是趁假期旅行，不同选择都有独特的体验。我也分享了一些当时经历过的趣事与文化差异。 English In this episode, we talk about how Chinese international students in the U.S. often spend Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether celebrating with an American friend’s family, gathering with other internation…

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要不要告诉别人你的目标？｜Should You Share Your Goals? 5:59

2M ago5:59

5:59

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文本期我们聊聊一个常见的问题：当我们有一个目标时，要不要告诉别人？我们谈到了公开目标可能带来的动力，也聊到保持私密能够减少压力，并简单分享了我自己的习惯和想法。 English In this episode, we talk about a common question: when we have a personal goal, should we share it with others or keep it to ourselves? We discuss how sharing can create motivation, how staying private can reduce pressure,…

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A Czech Perspective on Learning Chinese: Renata Mirkova’s Story 47:02

1M ago47:02

47:02

In this episode, Jared sits down with Renata Mirkova, a Chinese language educator from the Czech Republic whose journey into Mandarin began not with a grand plan, but almost by accident. What started as a university entrance decision led her to master Chinese, live in China, and now teach both Czech and Chinese across cultural boundaries. Renata sh…

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Play, Curiosity, and the Joy of Math with Dan Finkel 15:56

2M ago15:56

15:56

What if math could feel like play? 🎲 In this inspiring episode, mathematician and educator Dan Finkel—founder of Math for Love—joins Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher, to explore how curiosity, productive struggle, and play can make math more meaningful and fun for every learner. Discover how to start math lessons with questions, why struggle build…

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中文为什么很少说“它”？｜Why Does Chinese Seldom Say “It”? 4:29

2M ago4:29

4:29

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文本期我们聊聊为什么中文明明有“它”，但在口语里却很少使用。我们也会简单比较中文和英文在代词表达上的差异，带你了解中文为什么常常省略代词。 English This episode explores why the Chinese pronoun “它 (tā)” exists but is rarely used in spoken Chinese. We also briefly compare Chinese and English to show why pronoun omission is common in Chinese. 日本語今回のエピソードでは、中国語に三人称代名詞「它（tā）」があるにもか…

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Can AI Replace Teachers? Dr. Catlin Tucker on Smarter Lesson Design and UDL 15:52

2M ago15:52

15:52

Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and blended learning expert, joins Vicki Davis to talk about how teachers can design better lessons with AI—without losing their essential human touch. From universal design for learning (UDL) to creating meaningful student choice, Dr. Tucker explains how AI can elevate lesson planning when used with intentiona…

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The 7 Worst Ways to Learn Chinese (And What to Do Instead) 33:04

2M ago33:04

33:04

After 300 days of secretly studying Chinese, one guy surprises his partner with phrases like “the cheesecake is grieving” and “the purple elephant eats passion for breakfast.” It’s a bit humorous, but it also highlights a bigger issue: extreme learning methods that feel productive but fall flat in practice. In this episode, Jared and John dive into…

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6 Ideas for Teaching Writing Now with Nancy McCabe 11:23

2M ago11:23

11:23

Teaching writing can feel challenging in today's world of short attention spans and AI-generated text—but it doesn't have to be! In this encouraging episode, author and professor Nancy McCabe joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share six creative strategies that help students rediscover the joy of writing. From 10-minute free writing sessi…

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喉咙痛的短更 | A Short Update with a Sore Throat 1:23

2M ago1:23

1:23

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文：今天下午开始喉咙疼，连咽口水都要鼓起勇气。最近学校里不少学生和老师都病了，其中还有几例新冠。希望大家注意身体，别生病。 English: My throat started hurting this afternoon — even swallowing hurts. Many students and teachers at school have been sick lately, including a few COVID cases. Take care and stay healthy. 日本語：午後から喉が痛くなり、水を飲むのもつらいほどです。最近、学校では風邪をひいている人が多く、コロナの人もい…

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AI, Speakable, and the Future of Language Teaching 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

Learning a new language can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! In this inspiring conversation, Spanish teacher Dawne Beck joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share practical ways to create a low-anxiety, high-engagement classroom where students actually enjoy speaking another language. From using game-based learning and storytelling …

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闲聊四季｜Chatting About the Seasons 5:02

2M ago5:02

5:02

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介中文简介：这一期我们来闲聊一下四季。虽然我住在美国南方，这里也有春夏秋冬，但体感上其实主要是夏天和冬天。夏天又热又长，是我最不喜欢的季节；而秋天气温适中、空气清新，是我最喜欢的时节。你最喜欢哪个季节呢？ English Description: In this episode, I chat about the seasons where I live in the southern U.S. Although we technically have spring, summer, fall, and winter, it often feels like just two — a long, humid summe…

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ChatGPT, Mental Health and the Teen Tragedy We Can't Ignore 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

My students asked me about the Adam Raine wrongful death suit. Parents have asked me. So, I had to spend some time digging into the issues there and how I will be part of the solution. Part of protecting kids from their favorite 'homework helper.' We should all be concerned, and I look forward to continuing to learn and converse about the issue of …

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Fluency Now with Marko Jovanovic: No Classes, Just Progress 50:09

2M ago50:09

50:09

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 …

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英文的“play”，中文怎么说？| Different Ways to Say “Play” in Chinese 5:44

2M ago5:44

5:44

节目简介 | Episode Description | エピソード紹介在英文里，play 这个动词的用处很广，从 play basketball 到 play the piano 都可以用一个词表达。但在中文里，“玩”“打”“踢”“弹”“拉”都有不同的意思和使用场合。这一期，我们就来聊聊——英文的一个 play，到了中文里该怎么说？ In English, the verb play is incredibly versatile — you can play basketball, play games, or play the piano. But in Chinese, there isn’t a single verb that fits all these meanings!…

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两个中餐菜名的来历｜The Name Origins of Two Famous Chinese Dishes 4:58

3M ago4:58

4:58

节目简介 / Episode Summary / エピソード概要中文：你有没有想过，宫保鸡丁和麻婆豆腐这两个菜的名字是怎么来的？一个是清朝官员发明的菜，一个是成都大嫂做的豆腐。它们后来都成了世界有名的中餐。这期节目，我们就来聊聊这两个菜名的来历。 English: Have you ever wondered where the names Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu came from? One was created by a Qing-dynasty official, and the other by a woman in Chengdu. Both later became world-famous Chinese dishes. In thi…

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Does It Matter Where You Learn Chinese? Yes And Here’s Why 30:36

3M ago30:36

30:36

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 “h…

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表达将来时，需不需要加“要”？ | Do We Need “要” When Talking About the Future? 5:24

3M ago5:24

5:24

节目简介 / Episode Summary / エピソード概要中文：本期节目我们来聊聊一个很多中文学习者都会问的问题——为什么说将来的时候，不加“要”也可以？中文表达将来的方式和英语不一样，不靠动词变化，而是通过时间词和语境来体现。那“要”表达出什么样的语气呢？我们一起来看看吧。 English: In this episode of 5-Minute Chinese, we explore a common question among learners — why don’t we always need “要” when talking about the future in Chinese? Unlike English, Chinese doesn’t rely on ver…

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假装旅游与中国人的面子生意｜Fake Travel and “Face” Business in China 4:44

3M ago4:44

4:44

节目简介 / Episode Summary / エピソード概要中文国庆中秋长假期间，很多人出门旅游，也有人花钱请别人帮自己“旅游代发”，在朋友圈假装自己去了某个地方。这种现象反映的不只是社交媒体时代的虚荣心理，更折射出中国社会独特的“面子经济”——人们愿意为“体面”付费。本期节目就来聊聊这个看似好笑，却挺真实的社会现象。 English During China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, some people travel, while others pay for “fake travel posts” to make it look like they did. Behind this trend lies n…

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From Bubble Tea to Boxing Rings: How Freddy Buechel Found His Voice in Chinese 31:55

3M ago31:55

31:55

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 m…

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中美游学旅行有什么不同 | Comparing School Trips in China and the U.S. 5:47

3M ago5:47

5:47

节目简介 / Episode Summary / エピソード概要中文这一期我想和大家聊聊中美学校的游学旅行。美国的 school trip 更强调体验和自由，而中国的研学旅行更注重学习和任务。我结合自己刚带学生参加的秋游经历，从两个方面来对比这两种不同的方式：一是活动的目的和内容，二是学生在旅行中的自由度。你在学生时代参加过这样的旅行吗？欢迎留言分享你的看法。 English In this episode, I talk about school trips in China and the U.S. American school trips focus more on experience and freedom, while Chinese study trips emphasi…

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中国年轻人为什么不婚不育？ | Why Are Young Chinese Not Getting Married or Having Kids? 6:37

4M ago6:37

6:37

节目简介 / Episode Summary / エピソード概要中文：本期《五分钟中文》，我想聊聊一个近年来经常被讨论的话题：中国年轻人为什么越来越不愿意结婚、生孩子了。大家可能都听说过日本的“少子化”，但其实中国的情况可能更严重。我会结合一些最新的数据，从经济压力、职场环境、观念变化和社会支持不足四个方面，和大家一起聊聊背后的原因。 English: In this episode of Five Minute Chinese, we explore a hot social issue: why are more and more young people in China not getting married or having children? While Japan’s “…