AI tutors are everywhere—but are they actually good for learning Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John take a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI-powered language learning tools. They explore how these AI tutors work and why tools that work well in English often fall short in Chinese.

You'll learn:

- The surprising limitations of AI when it comes to staying within beginner-friendly vocabulary

- How AI tutors compare to human teachers in giving corrections (including recasting!)

- Why voice recognition can be a dealbreaker—especially for Chinese tones

- What makes a good AI language partner... and where most still fall short

- Whether AI tutors reduce anxiety or just reduce motivation

You’ll get practical tips for using AI tools effectively depending on your Chinese level and what features to look for if you’re exploring AI conversation practice or personalized lessons.

Curious or skeptical about AI tutors? This episode will help you evaluate whether they’re worth your time, and how to get the most out of them.

Links from the episode:

• Recasting in Language Learning | SinoSplice

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

Meet 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 Shanghai.

From his first Chinese class in high school to study abroad stints in Beijing and Johannesburg (yes, really), Paul’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and a healthy dose of not knowing when to quit. After grinding through HSK tests and Chinese financial risk management courses (in Mandarin, no less!), Paul found his blend of cultural comedy struck a chord with millions of Chinese netizens. His catchphrase "City 不 City" not only trended across Chinese social media but also got plastered on billboards and even echoed by Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds.

In this episode, Paul, also known as “Bao Bao Xiong”, shares the wild ride of becoming a foreign comedy star in China, why jokes are way funnier when you finally understand them in Chinese, and how mastering the language unlocked friendships and career opportunities he never imagined. If you've ever wondered how a small-town kid from Pennsylvania could end up a meme sensation in China, or if you're just looking for a good laugh, you won’t want to miss Paul’s incredible, meme-worthy story.

Links from the episode:

• Paul Mike Ashton | Instagram and YouTube

• 保保熊 | 抖音

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

Is 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 progress.

Drawing on their own experiences learning Chinese, they share practical insights on when and how to use translation effectively — from using Google Translate strategically to understanding why translating word-for-word isn't always a bad thing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your Chinese, this episode will help you find a balanced approach to translation that boosts your confidence and accelerates your learning journey.

Links from the episode:

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