Learn HOW to learn Chinese with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. You will learn tips, strategies, and insights so you can supercharge your language learning. You will also be inspired by guest interviews with people from all over the world who have learned Chinese. Both Jared and John both learned Chinese, lived in China for many years, and have worked with learners all over the world and understand the unique challenges that Chinese learners face. They stay at the forefront of language l ...
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Unfettered conversation about cinema.
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The Will Spencer Podcast is a weekly interview show featuring extended discussions with authors, leaders, and influencers who can help us make sense of our changing world today. I release new episodes every week on Friday.
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Sports talk for Philadelphia & beyond.
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Are you a parent, professional or family member? Learn from the world’s most trusted doctors, researchers & therapeutic specialists as they provide caregivers real strategies and tools that will help guide you on options for the whole family.
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For his retro review, Jared selects Jacques Becker's 1960 prison break thriller, Le Trou. Joe champions the new Cronenberg film, Jared recommends a Netflix series, and Michael revisits a 30 for 30 doc.
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COURTENAY TURNER - Decoding the Matrix: Exposing the Cybernetic Web Trapping Humanity
2:11:14
2:11:14
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2:11:14Courtenay Turner is a podcast host and aerial acrobatic performer who studies esoteric influences on modern society. In our conversation she explains how algorithms create feedback loops that program people's perceptions, connecting topics from education reform to transhumanism. She traces philosophical movements like Game B and Dark Enlightenment …
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City 不 City: How Paul Mike Ashton Memed His Way to Fame in China
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52:29
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52:29Meet Paul Mike Ashton, the American content creator who turned a quirky catchphrase into a nationwide sensation with his viral "City 不 City" meme. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Paul's curiosity for Asian cultures led him to study Chinese, setting him on a path that would take him from the Amish countryside to the neon lights of Shangh…
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WILL SPENCER - A New Chapter: Personal Announcements and Podcast Evolution
7:50
7:50
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7:50This episode marks a key moment in my journey, as I share the joyful news of my engagement to Tamara! This is also a milestone that dovetails with the evolution of this podcast. I'm also announcing a shift in the format of the show, specifically discontinuing my extended monologue intros. They may no longer serve the intended purpose of honoring my…
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ALY DEE - Ending The Gender Wars: Faith, Family, and the Realities of Social Media Influence
2:18:56
2:18:56
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2:18:56Aly Dee aka RealFemSapien joined the podcast to discuss motherhood, marriage, and the unexpected vulnerability new mothers face after childbirth. She explained how having children reveals fundamental differences between men and women, often testing marriages in ways couples aren't prepared for. Aly also shared how social media can negatively impact…
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The guys sink their fangs into Ryan Coogler's vampire horror-thriller, Sinners, in this episode. Jared recommends a new physical media release of a Reel Fanatics favorite, Joe revisits Val Kilmer's work in Tombstone, and Michael updates his 2023 top ten with a provocative French film.
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Translating: A Tool for Fluency or a Crippling Crutch?
27:04
27:04
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27:04Is translation a necessary tool or a crutch that slows down your Chinese fluency? In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden dive deep into the role of translation in language learning. They explore the history of the grammar-translation method, the rise of communicative language teaching, and how translation can both help and hinder your progre…
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MATTHEW EVERHARD - Making Worship Work: Confronting the Culture of Worshiptainment
1:40:09
1:40:09
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1:40:09Matthew Everhard, a PCA pastor and author, emphasizes the crucial distinction between worship that honors God and the increasingly popular trend of "worshiptainment" that prioritizes entertainment over reverence. In our discussion, we dig into his recent book, "Worshiptainment: The Modern Church's Golden Calf," where he critiques contemporary worsh…
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#448 : MR. DEATH: THE RISE AND FALL OF FRED A. LEUCHTER, JR.
1:03:18
1:03:18
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1:03:18For a new retro review, Michael selects one of his favorite docs, Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. by Errol Morris. Joe recommends a recent Criterion Collection release, Michael revisits a Tom Cruise hit, and Jared explores the oeuvre of an overlooked Italian documentarian.
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JASON MIRONCHUCK - Devouring Mothers, Vengeful Sons: The Impact of Liberalism on Modern Men
2:15:39
2:15:39
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2:15:39Jason Mironchuck, host of Mironchuck Now, presents a compelling thesis regarding the current societal shift towards what he terms “vengeful sons.” Together we explore the intricate dynamics of cultural transformation, tracing a trajectory from the oppressive “tyrannical father” archetype, through the “devouring mother,” and into the present state c…
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How to Pass the HSK and AP Chinese Tests (replay)
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59:30In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Jared chats with Grant Brown, an expert in HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant shares why so many students fail, and more importantly, what you need to do to pass. Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and test prep specialist, he offers practical and often overlooked advice you won’t hear anywhere el…
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PASTOR DOUG WILSON - The Basic Laws of Stupidity: Institution Building and the Dank Right During Trump 47
1:10:40
1:10:40
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1:10:40Pastor Doug Wilson joins for the 6th edition of Will & Doug's Book Club, this time with a discussion about the impact of human folly as articulated in Carlo Cipolla's book, "The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity." The book explores the nature of stupidity, its pervasive presence across all demographics, and its implications for institutional building a…
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Another round of retro reviews begins with Joe's pick, Truck Turner: a 1974 Blaxploitation crime film starring Isaac Hayes as a badass bounty hunter. Jared recommends a new baseball indie, Joe champions a Netflix miniseries, and Michael finds a Malick movie he loves.
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MIKE GENDRON - Responding to Rome: Embracing the Bible's Authority Over Religious Doctrine
1:17:40
1:17:40
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1:17:40Mike Gendron joins the podcast to discuss the critical issue of salvation and the teachings of the Catholic Church. He shares his journey from being a devout Catholic to becoming a biblical apologist, emphasizing the stark contrast between Catholic doctrine and scriptural truths regarding salvation. Gendron argues that many evangelicals are leaving…
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Why Chinese Learners Know the Language Better Than Natives (Sometimes)
23:47
23:47
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23:47Surprise! When it comes to Chinese, learners sometimes know things native speakers don’t. In this episode, John and Jared explore intriguing aspects of the Chinese language that learners often understand better than native speakers. From tone change rules, verb conjugations (or the lack thereof), and those tricky three 的, 得, and 地, they break down …
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We're only three months into the year, and director Steven Soderbergh already has two theatrical releases. His new spy thriller, Black Bag, is the subject of this episode. Jared, Michael, and Joe also highlight some of their most anticipated movies for the rest of 2025.
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DR. JARED LONGSHORE - Why Young Men are Lost: Masculinity and Holiness in the Modern Age
1:11:01
1:11:01
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1:11:01Dr. Jared Longshore, Associate Pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and the Dean of New St. Andrews College, explores the pressing issues facing young Christian men in today's society. In this discussion, he highlights the detrimental effects of modern cultural influences on masculinity and the importance of adhering to timeless standards of C…
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Bong's new oddball sci-fi comedy is the topic of the episode, and Michael, Jared, and Joe have differing reactions! Before digging into the film, the guys discuss the 97th Oscars results and telecast.
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NICK JONSSON - From Depression to Triumph: Conquering the Dark Side of Corporate Glory
1:21:24
1:21:24
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1:21:24Nick Jonsson climbed the corporate ladder for over a decade before realizing his success came at a devastating personal cost. After hitting rock bottom with alcoholism, depression, and failed relationships, he found the courage to admit he needed help. By embracing vulnerability and making amends to those he had hurt, Nick discovered a new path for…
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MIKE WILLIAMS - How The Beatles Broke the West: Engineering Cultural Collapse with Pop Music
3:42:32
3:42:32
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3:42:32Mike Williams, the creator of the Paul is Dead YouTube channel, unravels the intricate tapestry of the Beatles' cultural significance, which he argues extends far beyond mere musical innovation. Through meticulous documentation and analysis, Mike posits that the ascent of the Beatles was not merely a product of artistic evolution, but rather a calc…
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LENNOX KALIFUNGWA - Racism and the Gospel: Ethnic Identity and Faith in a Shifting America
1:22:55
1:22:55
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1:22:55Lennox Kalifungwa, the host of the podcast Of Flames and Crowns, joins us to discuss his journey from Zambia to the United States. He reflects on his upbringing in sub-Saharan Africa and the cultural contrasts he has experienced. Throughout this dialogue, Lennox emphasizes the importance of a Christian worldview in combating contemporary societal c…
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In reaction to recent comments by Quentin Tarantino, the guys decide to do a fantasy draft of the best movies from 2019. Was it as good of a year as we thought at the time? Jared goes for idiosyncratic favorites, Joe grabs some heavy hitters, and Michael makes a catastrophic mistake late in the game. Let us know who you think won!…
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Your Chinese Accent Is Terrible, But It Doesn’t Have to Be
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30:39
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30:39No matter how long you've been learning Chinese, you’ll still have an accent. But why is that? In this episode, Jared and John talk about your accent in Chinese and how to reduce it. They discuss the differences in how accents are perceived in China versus the West, tackle some of the toughest pronunciation challenges like pinyin pitfalls, tone swa…
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THE ART OF PURPOSE - Storming the Digital Gates: Empowering Others through Authenticity
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2:16:31
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2:16:31Dino, aka The Art of Purpose, a former public school teacher and now a successful entrepreneur, shares his transformative journey back to Christianity. He discusses his experience of leaving the public school system during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led him to explore his faith more deeply. Dino emphasizes the importance of community and fait…
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SPENCER SMITH - The Occult in Your Church: New Age Influences in Christian Worship
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2:11:01In this episode, Spencer Smith, a pastor and filmmaker, delves into the intricate relationship between modern Christianity and ancient mysticism. He highlights how the 'Third Adam' documentary series exposes the alarming trends of occult practices infiltrating churches. Smith argues that many charismatic movements are essentially repackaged forms o…
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Michael, Jared, and Joe react to the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards and offer their predictions for the major categories.
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Fluent in Funny: Jesse Appell on Learning, Performing, and Laughing in Chinese
49:57
49:57
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49:57What happens when an American comedian immerses himself in Chinese comedy? Jesse Appell’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Jesse shares how his curiosity about language led him to study in China, become a Fulbright scholar, and apprentice under a master of Xiangsheng (traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy). He takes us th…
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CODY LAWRENCE - Unmasking the Woke Right: Conserving Truth Through Scripture
1:53:16
1:53:16
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1:53:16Cody Lawrence, host of the Spare No Arrows podcast, is a prominent voice against contemporary ideologies that threaten traditional values. Lawrence articulates a vision of courage that transcends mere bravado, advocating for a selfless commitment to truth and righteousness inspired by historical Christian principles. The discussion extends to the c…
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#442 : Top 10 Films of 2024, Part 2
1:18:48
1:18:48
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1:18:48Jared, Michael, and Joe close out the 2024 year in cinema by revealing their individual top five films and then discussing various honorable mentions.
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#441 : Top 10 Films of 2024, Part 1
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1:15:03
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1:15:03Jared, Michael, and Joe are finally ready to wrap up the previous year of movies. Here in Part 1, the guys reflect on the 2024 cinema landscape and share the #10-6 films from their individual top ten lists.
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VINCE MILLER - How To Forge a Godly Man: Masculine Identity and Spiritual Leadership
2:04:27
2:04:27
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2:04:27Vince Miller is an esteemed author and speaker who has dedicated nearly three decades to men's ministry. In this episode, we explore his insights into the challenges and opportunities men face today, as well as the essential elements of forging godly men. Vince draws upon his personal experiences, including the transformative influence of his grand…
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RedNote 小红书 Buzz: Can It Really Help You Learn Chinese?
24:46
24:46
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24:46There is a growing buzz around "RedNote" (小红书), as westerners—especially “TikTok refugees"—flock to this Chinese social media platform. But what is beyond the hype and can you use it to learn Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John dive into how you, as a Chinese learner, can use this tool to level up your language skills. Because there is no divi…
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Michael, Jared, and Joe discuss Brady Corbet's The Brutalist, the buzziest film of the season. Michael champions a Sundance hit, Jared discovers an overlooked foreign film, and Joe recommends a visionary Oscar contender.
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WILL SPENCER - From Raves To Redemption: My 40-Year Odyssey to Christ
4:19:41
4:19:41
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4:19:41Special Birthday Episode! This Twitter/X Space recorded with the outstanding account @DarwinToJesus traces my path from deep involvement in the rave scene and New Age practices to ultimately finding my faith in Christianity. This in-depth testimony includes key moments for me like exploring psychedelics, studying the Kabbalah, and experiencing tran…
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JOSHUA HAYMES - Facing Down the Orcs: Building a Covenantal Christian Community
2:08:22
2:08:22
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2:08:22Joshua Haymes is the host and founder of the Reformation Red Pill podcast, where he explores significant theological concepts and cultural issues from a Reformed perspective. His journey includes a remarkable transition from a church planter in Los Angeles to a committed member of a confessional church in Tennessee, driven by a desire to engage mea…
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James Mangold returns to the music biopic to examine the early career of Bob Dylan. The guys share their reactions to this buzzy picture. Joe recommends a recent horror movie, Jared champions a foreign animated film, and Michael discusses a Dutch thriller that has haunted him for months.
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Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher
37:12
37:12
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37:12In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience …
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AARON SMITH - Finding Hope in Marriage: Glorifying God in Our Unions
1:30:36
1:30:36
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1:30:36Aaron Smith, co-founder of Marriage After God, articulates the essential role of faith in navigating the complexities of marriage and relationships. He reflects on his own journey, including the challenges he and his wife faced early in their marriage, and how those experiences shaped their mission to help others. Smith emphasizes that both men and…
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Indie auteur Robert Eggers delivers a new version of the horror classic, Nosferatu! After seeing the film together—a rarity for the RF crew—Michael, Jared, and Joe share their reactions and compare it to other adaptations. Plus, Michael revisits a 2007 masterpiece, Jared recommends an animated family film, and Joe discusses the American giallo of B…
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CARL TEICHRIB - Burning Man is a Warning: The Growing New Age Movement
3:31:22
3:31:22
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3:31:22Carl Teichrib, a Christian author and researcher, comes on the show to discuss his impactful book, *Game of Gods: The Temple of Man in the Age of Re-Enchantment*. Teichrib shares his insights on the rise of progressive spirituality, its roots in historical movements, and how it shapes contemporary culture. The conversation highlights the transforma…
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Charting Your Path to Chinese Fluency: Finding Purpose and Making Progress
29:45
29:45
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29:45Ready to turn your Chinese learning aspirations into reality? Jared and John share insights on how to stay focused and motivated by finding your “why” and setting actionable goals. From avoiding common pitfalls to celebrating small wins, this episode is your guide to making 2025 the year you thrive in your Chinese learning. Links from the episode: …
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