Welcome to the Language Vlog Podcast for September 15, 2024!

Reflecting on living in China for 10 years, new podcast website, and live stream updates. We also delve into Beijing's autumn season and our current status studying Chinese, Russian, and English.

Tune in for insights on gym routines, Cyrillic typing, and English grammar resources. Plus, find out about the Read the Classics series and upcoming projects.

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Time stamps:

00:25 Introduction and Welcome

01:17 Living in China for 10 Years

03:07 Podcast Website and Accessibility

04:26 Beijing's Autumn Season

06:31 Weekly Live Streams and Content Schedule

08:43 Chinese Live Stream: Gym and Language Practice

12:09 Russian Live Stream: Cyrillic Typing Practice

15:19 English Live Stream: Grammar Resources and Black Myth Wukong

19:51 Reading the Classics in English

22:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this week's episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we give an update our language learning journeys, focusing on Mandarin Chinese and Russian. We also discuss choosing a podcast hosting service and the challenges of distributing the podcast across different platforms. The episode touches on living as an expat in China, Beijing's cooler autumn weather, and the scenic beauty of the Great Wall during this season.

We also review some of the recent YouTube videos, covering topics such as Chinese calligraphy, Russian reading practice, and the Black Myth Wukong video game. We look at the balance between using AI teachers versus human teachers and the efficacy of ChatGPT in various languages. Tune in for insights and tips on language learning, expat life, and more!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:45 Choosing a Podcast Host

02:15 Weather Update in Beijing

04:18 Channel Updates and Video Releases

05:38 Practicing Chinese Calligraphy

08:04 Russian Language Practice

11:04 Exploring Black Myth: Wukong

12:02 Teaching English Overseas

14:17 Is China Safe?

18:01 AI Teachers vs. Human Teachers

19:51 ChatGPT and Language Learning

21:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we take a look back at the year so far, what we've accomplished and what we'd like to see done in the remainder of this year, particularly continuing with Mandarin Chinese and Russian.

The episode also covers a visit to the CAFE Show 2024 and weekly video updates, including live streams focused on Chinese reading and Russian grammar.

Steven looks at his progress with traditional Chinese characters and Russian language maintenance, as well as the potential to introduce English grammar streams. The episode also highlights short video content, addresses whether China is safe, and includes some of the comments received through the YouTube channel.

We finally discuss the importance of balancing language study methods and the benefits of using a language hours tracker.

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Time stamps:

00:18 Introduction to the Language Vlog Podcast

00:41 Attending the CAFE Show 2024

01:22 Weekly Video Recap

02:47 Live Streams: Learning Chinese and Russian

03:57 Exploring Chinese Reading Levels

05:34 Diving into Russian Grammar

06:47 Future Live Stream Plans

08:02 Short Videos of the Week

13:12 Is China Safe?

17:33 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

18:49 Farewell and Upcoming Plans

In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I discuss recent updates in my language learning journey, focusing on Mandarin Chinese and Russian. I also delve into creating YouTube content, the challenges of running a channel, and the frequency of video uploads.

A significant part of the conversation revolves around ESL certifications like the DELTA and TESOL, including personal experiences, the pros and cons of each, and advice for potential candidates.

Moreover, I share an clip about a unique sound you'll hear in China when a vehicle is backing up: 请注意！倒车！

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:08 Balancing YouTube and Full-Time Job

01:53 Starting a YouTube Channel: Tips and Insights

03:20 Unique Chinese Vehicle Sounds

05:52 Join the Email List!

07:14 Reading Strategies for Language Learners

10:08 ESL Certifications: DELTA vs. MA in TESOL

16:57 Upcoming Videos and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I discuss our YouTube content strategy, including YouTube Shorts and long-form videos.

We also take a deep dive into my recent visit to Universal Studios Beijing and share insights on dealing with Beijing's summer weather.

Additionally, I introduce a new podcast idea aimed at making our content more accessible and talk about the upcoming videos we're working on.

Join me as I explore language learning, expat life in China, and more!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Language Vlog Podcast

01:13 Beijing Weather Update

01:39 YouTube Content Overview

02:27 Universal Studios Beijing Experience

04:21 Practicing Chinese Characters

05:22 Dinosaurs, Aliens, and Human Languages

06:02 Living in China: Your Questions Answered

07:19 Upcoming Long Form Videos

08:50 Podcast Idea and Workflow

10:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Language Podcast, we dive into the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) levels, explaining why they matter for Mandarin Chinese learners. We also discuss the structure of the HSK exams, their relevance, and why you might or might not want to pursue them based on your goals.

We review recent YouTube videos on the language vlog, covers language learning strategies including watching TV, and provides practical tips for mastering Mandarin Chinese. Tune in for insights on navigating the HSK levels, effective study methods, and more!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Language Podcast

00:05 Recent Language Vlog Updates

01:54 Discussing HSK Levels and Certification

04:13 HSK Test Structure and Preparation

05:43 Challenges and Benefits of HSK

07:29 Certification and Its Implications

12:56 Time Commitment for HSK

20:20 Learning Mandarin: HSK vs. Immersion

26:54 Can You Learn a Language by Watching TV?

32:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the podcast, I take a walk around my neighborhood in Beijing and answer some frequently asked questions about living in the city.

We discuss the presence of security cameras, popular local food spots like the roast duck stall and Daoxiangcun dessert shop, and address common concerns about pollution and traffic. I also share insights on the extensive bike-sharing system, navigating the Beijing subway, and the cultural nuances of dining and commuting.

Additionally, I touch on learning Mandarin, the challenges of the local payment system, and the vibrant art scene.

Overall, this episode provides a look at the daily life and unique aspects of living as an expat in Beijing.

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Beijing

00:24 Security Cameras in Beijing

01:39 Exploring Local Food and Cuisine

03:17 Pollution and Traffic in Beijing

05:38 Public Transportation and Subway System

07:26 Share Bikes and Convenience

10:38 Living in Beijing: Daily Life and Amenities

19:04 Navigating the Crowds and City Life

21:29 Learning Chinese and Language Challenges

26:23 Art and Culture in Beijing

27:03 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In the first episode of the Language Podcast, I introduce this new format as a way to dive deeper into language learning beyond YouTube shorts. I discuss the challenges of uploading longer videos, potential solutions, and my motivations for starting this channel.

I delve into a bit of my language learning journey, covering Mandarin Chinese and Russian, and share my experiences preparing to learn Korean in just three weeks. I also touch on the importance of effective pronunciation and the challenges faced by ESL teachers.

Join me as I explore language learning techniques, cultural insights, and some personal progress in the languages I'm focusing on right now.

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Language Podcast

00:02 Purpose and Format of the Podcast

00:49 Challenges of Video Podcasting

01:43 YouTube Shorts and Channel Growth

02:41 Personal Language Learning Journey

05:19 Teaching ESL and Language Proficiency

10:22 Experiences in China and Korea

13:39 Reflections on Learning Korean

17:56 Conclusion and Future Plans