We've all been in this situation... two people agree to meet at a certain time, but one person calls to say she'll be late. And then calls again to say she'll be later. (And then you start to wonder if she's going to make it at all.) Learn the essential Chinese in this lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1714

It's been a bad day: a misfiled report at work, a burgeoning head cold, and a drawn out fight with the missus that ended only when the phone line went dead (thank heavens.) You arrive home, eager to forget your troubles with a luke-warm bottle of beer. And that's when you discover that your home no longer exists per se, although they might keep the outer wall as a support strut for the new Olympic-themed Shenzhen-Guilin railway overpass. Turns out you're being relocated. Too bad you didn't listen to this podcast in Mandarin Chinese months ago, so you could have made more sense of that relocation notice. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0531

Admit it – you feel bad walking by the park every morning and seeing them twist and turn with the grace of a Beijing acrobat. So how about we teach you how to talk about the age old exercise of Tai Chi so that you can join in (seeing how that’s really the reason you moved here). In this podcast, learn to talk about the different aspects of Tai Chi in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0256

There are many reasons to believe that someone may not have received your email. Whether you're a conspiracy theorist or simply need to remind a technology-challenged co-worker, this Chinese lesson will equip you to ask someone if he got your email. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1705

It has been said that gambling in China is a bit of a, shall we say, national pastime. Is the stock market is a form of gambling? The Chinese stock markets are now soaring to unprecedented and precarious heights. You do the math... and listen to this Mandarin Chinese lesson on playing the stock market in China. (insider tip: sell. sell. sell.) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0526

You can change it to RMB, but not back unless you have a form and oh, by the way… where’s your red book, visa, and passport? Wrong line – it’s that one, but take another number and wait here. No, there, sorry, we don’t do it at this branch… Exhausting to read? Try hearing it in Mandarin. Fortunately, we’ve been through it so you don’t have to. Listen to this podcast to learn all about banking in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0248

Now, we all know when we get the flu, there’s nothing we like more than to do a little whining about it. In this podcast you will learn how to tell someone who cares about your sore throat and headache, using Mandarin Chinese. And when you do, there will be no shortage of friends sure to want to bring you some nice Chinese medicine. Open up! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1688

Divorce and child custody is becoming a more common topic of conversation in China in recent years. In this podcast, listen in as one divorcé talks about the issues that inevitably come along with divorce when children are involved--child custody and support payments, and learn how to talk about these issues in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0520

Ken and co. can tell you all about their Shanghai (tarmac for 3 hours) to Beijing (except that they never actually touched down) back to Shanghai (tarmac for another 3 hours) experience when you come and see us, but to tide you over, this podcast gives you a Mandarin Chinese lesson on some things you might hear pre-transit. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0238

Dropping a utensil at dinner is normal, right? Knocking pretty much everything onto the floor, though, one by one, doesn't normally happen unless there is drinking involved. Requests for the server, measure words, drunkenness -- this lesson has it all. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1621

Though it’s hard to imagine ever completely getting your bearings in a massive Chinese city, you may from time to time get an inkling that something is wrong when you’ve passed Tiananmen Square for the third time on different sides of the taxi. In this podcast is a lesson in Mandarin Chinese to help you in the unforeseen event of the driver “taking the long route”. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0514

Will the drama never end (let’s hope not, as we like crafting these lessons)? Catching up with Lili, who recently ran into an old “friend” (doing quite well for himself), is making our old pal Zhang Liang a bit worried… but with good reason? You’ll only know if you listen… Listen to this podcast and hear about a chance meeting, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0369

Most of us need to use both Chinese and English input methods when we are working on our computer. Here is another extremely useful lesson to help you learn the related computer terms that you will no doubt need sooner or later! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2556

Somebody is up to some deceitful tricks in this eerie Jizhou episode. Listen in to this podcast, and learn in Mandarin about the strange goings-on of this place that no one can find on the map. Murder... intrigue... all this and much more. Chinese learning will never be the same. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0716

Catching back up with Zhang Liang and Chen Li, we find them in a much better position, romantic-wise… as someone wrote someone else a love letter. So good is this lesson, in fact, that we’re in talks of launching “Tian of Our Lives”. In this podcast, learn to use Mandarin Chinese to express your devotion to the one you love. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0336

Don't you hate it when your internal heat is too high, and you break out? In this Chinese lesson, our tragic heroine suffers that fate and is forced to make a decision: go out with a face covered in unsightly pimples, or just stay home? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1576

Previously on Jizhou series... missing persons, freaked out girlfriend and weird townspeople. This week on Jizhou... missing persons, freaked out girlfriend, weird townspeople... AND special bonus, learn how to spaz out in Mandarin. Listen to this podcast and learn to lose it in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0699

Granted, it’s difficult (even for us) to differentiate a “normal talk” from an “upset talk,” but we can tell you that an occasional spat takes place. What over? It rhymes with “shopping”. In this lesson, Zhang Liang and Chen Li get a bit heated in a classic boy-meets-girl at the shopping mall. Just what you always wanted, to learn how to argue in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0327

When was the last time you updated your profile picture? A few days ago or has it been awhile? For the father in this lesson, getting help changing his photo causes his daughter to discover something very interesting about her dad... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2495

If you find yourself perplexed, fear not that your Chinese comprehension is going down. Rather, this series is just messing with your mind. In this mysterious episode, enter a freaky little child... listen to the podcast and try and figure out where we are going with this. We're not saying we know, but hey, it's a fun ride. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0688

The “lucky color” red doesn’t go well with green--especially when the latter is brought on by a fit of jealousy. Catching up with girlfriend/boyfriend Chen Li and Zhang Liang, we find out that there’s a (tiny) possessive side to one of Chen Li’s friends. Better start writing that diary in code! In this podcast, follow along on a dinner party gone wrong, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0293

What are you interested in? Even if it's not traditional Chinese medicine, you're going to want to know how to ask that question and how to answer it. This lesson covers two very common patterns for expressing interest. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1547

In this episode of Lost meets Fantasy Island, missing person sighting. Follow along with Wentao and Zhao Lu as the mystery thickens in Jizhou. Yes, it's scary. Yes, its bizarre. Sleep with the light on if you have to. But don't miss the strange unraveling of this story, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0671

No matter where/who you are, the “laying it on thick” stage of the (almost) relationship is the same in any language. So how does boyfriend-to-be Zhang Liang fare in the “Mr. Lover-lover” department? We’ll leave that analysis up to you… hotcakes. In this podcast, follow along and learn how to sweet-talk in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0265

Do you keep track of your preferred websites by putting them in your Favorites? Listen in as a daughter teaches her father how to bookmark his favorite websites and get equipped to explain it all in Mandarin! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2471

Though they haven't found the 'hatch' yet, the secrets of Jizhou are starting to reveal themselves to our mystified loved-one seekers. In this podcast, follow along in Mandarin Chinese with this saga of missing people, bizarre events and crazy hostel-owners. And if you can hear the flute... beware. You may be next... muuuhuhuhaaaha. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0654

It’s the classic (21st century, Chinese) love tale: a couple meets online (QQ, most likely), start talking (BBS, no doubt) and then meet in person for the first time. If we could spell the word “serendipitous” we’d use it here. Witness it all in the form of a podcast depicting one of those (a little awkward) first meetings, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0230

So that friend that could never get a girlfriend finally got one. The immediate question is, "what does she look like?" Of course, it's a useful question for many contexts. This lesson covers the most common Chinese descriptors for a girl. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1545

You've heard of 'Lost', 'The Twilight Zone', and ChinesePod's famous 'Alien Abduction'... but, have you heard of Jizhou? The place where eerie flutes beckon and nagging feelings of disquietude cause cold sweats. Listen to this podcast, if you dare, and come on a Mandarin Chinese journey to a place that you may or may not return from. See you on the other side... Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0639

When in China... learn about Rome! Today's podcast takes us on a tour of this famous Italian city. Come along on our trip as we hit the Coliseum... but more importantly, the espresso bars of the city. So sit back, listen to the Chinese lesson, and worry not who really invented the noodle... just tuck in and enjoy. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1010

This is a situation you girls living in China will be able to relate to: trying to find a place that sells tampons! Since tampons are generally not readily available in China, this lesson will equip you to ask about the options in Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2468

Zagat? Fodors? Frommers? Michelin? No, no, and no. Trust the most food-centric culture there is. Every holiday, gathering, birthday, birth, death, and otherwise revolves around food, food, and food. Where could there be more expertise? Check out this lesson about the restaurant review site of China, Dianping. China's answer to prudent caloric value for the kuai. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1004

With 80,000 total characters (and the majority of words needing at least 2), you might enlist some help along the way. Yes, ChinesePod will be with you (always), but for those times that we’re enjoying the Shanghai life and can’t be reached, a dictionary might come in handy. So handy, in fact, that we made a lesson on it. In this podcast, you will learn about the different parts of the Chinese character, and how to talk about them in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0220

You don't have to know much Chinese to get started with your all-Chinese kung fu lessons; in fact, you don't have to know any. A little language prep will save you some trouble, however. For example, is it "kung fu" or "wushu?" Learn the answer to that in this lesson, as well as the words and phrases you'll need to start those basic kicking and punching drills. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1541

You've developed Enochiophobia from your last venture into a Saturday department store. However, your underwear has holes and your jean supply is non-existent since Ayi's last run in with the bleach bottle. What are you going to do? Head to Taobao... China's Ebay on steroids. Listen to this podcast and learn some of the techniques and potential dangers lurking on this website made just for closet shopaholics like you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0993

A foreigner who speaks Chinese is sometimes a circus side show. Be prepared for the hoopla that may follow you when you become the second Dashan. Prep now for the performing monkey acts you may yet be invited to showcase your talents in. This podcast, a lesson on public speaking, where your training will be complete. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1006

What should you do with the plate when it is full? Have you ever been stuck not knowing how to ask for a new one in Mandarin? In this lesson, get equipped for the eventuality of the full plate. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2451

This lesson does not constitute in any way, shape or form any advocation, promotion, condoning of, nor in any way comprehension of the notion of foreigners getting driver's license in China. However, if you like living on the edge, this could be an outlet, due to the sad lack of bungee jumping facilities. In this podcast, find out how to take your life back into your own hands, and get your Chinese driver's license. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1001

Granted, it goes against everything we stand for (at least the Southern boy Granted, it goes against everything we stand for (at least the Southern boy who writes these), but in today’s oh-so-spicy podcast, we fire up the grammar grill and invite you to sit down, have a cold “pijiu” and join us as we give you a step-by-step lesson in Mandarin Chinese on how to cook wings – Chinese style. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0211

You can walk a dog, and maybe even a cat, but did you know you can walk a bird? This lesson will familiarize you with this Chinese habit, as well as the other responsibilities that come with raising a Chinese bird. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1522

May 1 is an important holiday in China--Labor Day. Now, for most of us, we celebrate the lack of labor on that day--but what is the real meaning behind the holiday for the people of this country? Listen in to this interesting podcast with a Mandarin Chinese lesson on the background and history of this holiday in China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0502

Be it stolen, lost, lent, or otherwise--all is not gone. You're wandering the streets of China, forlornly calling out in search of long lost friends whose phone numbers you never wrote down. Get down to the phone company. With a little rigmarole, you'll be waiting by the phone for your friends to reconnect in no time. Get back your phone number, and your life, with this podcast on recovering your lost number. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0995

Hooray! The new sofa has arrived! ChinesePod gets ready to relax in style. But wait! Is it pet proof? Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2398

Now, we know all our CPoddies are law-abiding good citizens, but the debate rages on about the death penalty. Now, we’re not telling you to take sides, but at least learn what everyone’s talking about when the topic comes up. In this podcast get informed about capital punishment—in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0496

Ken’s done it. John’s done it. Jenny still does it. (Aric padded his C.V. to make it look like he did it). You might do it. Any guesses? (Besides modeling, of course). It would be the world of English teaching--and a conversation that you will find yourself in. In this podcast, you will learn lots of useful vocabulary about English teaching jobs in China, except that you will be talking about it in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0202

It's called a mooncake, and it's about the size and shape of a hockey puck. If you're in China during the autumn, you just may have the opportunity to partake in this quintessentially Chinese ritual. Learn not only the key vocabulary, but also some of the cultural features as well, such as what makes Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Moon Festival special. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1504

Do “boom” “wah” and “click” sound the same in every language? That’s what you thought… but onomatopoeia, like any art, has room for interpretation. In this podcast, learn how sounds sound in Mandarin Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0491

Shanxi (山西) province is a mountainous plateau region located in northern China. It is know for its yummy noodles and the ancient city of Pingyao (平遥), which has become a world heritage site. But don't be afraid to get dirty! Shanxi is the leading coal producer in China and is also frequented by yearly sand storms. In this lesson, we get a sneak peek of what Shanxi has to offer. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2036