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PODCAST

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast

A podcast dedicated to learning languages and living in overseas. How do you find the time, energy and motivation to learn a language while holding down a full time job? Tune in to find out how one expat makes time each and every day to learn and teach languages.

education language learning

All Episodes

38:16

SLV | Episode 46 | Back to Beijing and How was...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/07/03

After two weeks in Australia, we're back in Beijing for Episode 46 of the Language Vlog Podcast. In this episode we talk a little bit about what the trip was like, what we saw and what we missed. This episode follows along with this week's newsletter which you can read here. Major highlights included: Sydney: Harbour Bridge, Opera House, The Rocks, Hyde Park Barracks, St. Mary's Cathedral, Australian Museum, CBD, George Street, Sydney YHA Harbour, Bondi Beach, Southern Cross constellation,

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39:48

SLV | Episode 45 | University Degrees, Street Food,...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/06/19

In Episode 45, we're hitting on a topic that we've covered a little bit before: the relevance of university degress. If you saw someone struggling with their studies, would you encourage them to struggle on through or give up and go find something else to do, such as a job? We also talk about what it takes to renew a work residence permit here Beijing. The work residence allows you to stay in the country for extended periods of time, including entering and exiting the borders as often as you like

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33:26

SLV | Episode 44 | Study or Work, DIY Teachers, TV...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/06/10

Episode 44 has us looking at the end of the university semester and what should be done next. What is the GaoKao and why is it important? Would you encourage a young person to study or work, especially if you knew they didn't like what they were studying? AI agents and programming your own language learning experience: good idea or bad? And what will we be doing this summer? BONUS! A list of TV Shows in Chinese to watch this summer! (Download the list here!) Transcripts here:

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30:36

SLV | Episode 43 | AI Agents, Beijing Dust Covers,...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/06/05

In Episode 43 of the Language Vlog Podcast we take a look at the development AI agents and what it means for language learning AND teaching. Should it be allowed? Is the technology there yet? Can we make these things on our own or should we continue to pay a teacher? Next up, if you ever land in Beijing, especially during the winter months, you might be greeted by an unfamiliar scene: a land covered by green... fabric. Are they faking it? Are they covering something up? No, all they're doing is

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34:34

SLV | Episode 42 | Computer Languages; What's Going...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/05/28

In Episode 42 we're looking at the idea of the United Nations adding a computer language to their list of "official" languages (alongside the six others of Spanish, English, French, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese). Is it time to add a "common computer language" to the mix and, if so, which one would it be? Next up, we consider what could survive the test of time. I mentioned in a recent Youtube Short that we have to thank the monks of time's past for much of the literature we have today, even if it's

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39:00

SLV | Episode 41 | Foods, Commutes, and Language...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/05/20

Episode 41 has us looking at a few different types of Chinese food, breakfast and lunch in particular, and some vocabulary on how and what to order. Next up, what do you do with your commute time? Do you try to use all of the time you have available for something productive, or do you simply enoy getting away from it all and deal with it once you get there? Finally, a look at some course offerings and ideas going forward. Want to learn Chinese? Get in touch. Want to learn English? Get in touch. Want

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46:03

SLV | Episode 40 | Campus Walks, Rage Baiting AI, New...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/05/14

Episode 40 has us looking around the campus, what do we see and would you want to visit as a teacher, student or just an online viewer? Responses to using AI and other LLMs in the grading and feedback process - what does the internet say? Question: if you only had an hour to spare every day, would you rather spend your time learning a new technology or a human language? And a Happy Mother's Day to all the hardworking Moms out there! Transcripts here:

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39:38

SLV | Episode 39 | Teachers, AI, Labour Day, and The...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/05/08

In Episode 39 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we consider the relationships between teachers, AI, and classroom teaching. We posted a video on our YouTube channel which garnered a lot of attention and plenty of comments. As universities try to fill up the classroom seats, are teachers able to keep up with the demand, or should they be allowed to use modern tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek and other LLMs? We also look at what goes on during the Labour Day long weekend here in Beijing (hint: for Steve,

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35:18

SLV | Episode 38 | Fluency, Campus Life, Airplanes,...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/04/29

In Episode 38 we review what it means to be "fluent" in a language, including two important distinctions between "real life fluency" and "test-taking" fluency. We take a look at the campus bookstore and what they have in store (literally!) A visit to the aviation museum in Changping district. And what is a TiaoXiu (调休) and why do you have to make up work days in China? Transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing Keep in touch! Join our

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35:59

SLV | Episode 37 | Chinese Progress Check; Collecting...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/04/22

Episode 37 of the Language Vlog Podcast brings yet another language check in for the Mandarin Chinese language. This one was a bit rough and required a bit more editing than usual. Also begs the question: what is fluency? Is fluency the ability to speak at length without interruption or the ability to see, hear, and respond to anything in another language? We also discuss a little bit about collecting postage stamps as I was tasked with finding a few for someone back in Canada. I managed to pick up

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35:18

SLV | Episode 36 | Studying Outside, Catkins and Wind...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/04/16

This week we take a look at what Beijing's REAL spring is like: catkin fluffs floating through the air being whisped around by the whims of the Big Wind (大风). That means it's mask season all over again, not just for allergies, but to keep those things out of your nose and mouth. They can be especially distracting while riding a bicycle or running outside. And that brings up a question: do you prefer to study inside or outside? We consider some of the pros and cons of being outside in Spring time or

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29:08

SLV | Episode 35 | Changping Walking; Language Typing...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/04/09

In this episode, Episode 35, we take a look at one of the recent videos published to the YouTube channel, all about a walk back from the university to the hotel. We take a look at the neighhourhood, some of the things that are developing, and how the place could potentially change over the next few years. Next, we go over some of the things that go on in Beijing and in China over the recent QingMind holiday. It's not a long holiday, only one day, and oftentimes people have to complete a "make up

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34:38

SLV | Episode 34 | Beijng's Temple Fairs; ESL...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/04/02

This week's episode takes a look back at Beijing's Temple Fairs, particularly LongTanHu in the southern portion of the city. We discuss a little bit about what goes on at these fairs, what makes them unique, and whether or not you have to go to them all. We also review another video just posted to the YouTube channel that talks about teaching English as a Second Language overseas - is it worth it in 2025? Short answer is "Yes" but there are some things to consider before going. Not only that, the

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34:33

SLV | Episode 33 | Beijing's Spring flowers; Using up...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/03/26

Episode 33 takes us to Beijing in the midst of the Spring time flower bloom. The peach blossoms are out (and now blown away) and the cherry blossoms will be here soon. (But the weather's nice so it's a good time to travel here if you're thinking about it.) Looking at ways to use our spare time, be it at home, in the classroom, or wherever we may have it - what do you do with the time you have? A look back at a video we published YEARS ago about developing speaking skills. And what time do you get

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35:58

SLV | Episode 32 | APPs, Jobs, Latin, Expensive...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/03/19

Episode 32 of the Language Vlog podcast we talk about some of the essential APPs you need if you want to live in China (and some if you want to travel through the country). We also talk about finding a job overseas teaching English, be it in China or elsewhere, and how easy it can be to find a lead. We also talk about the recent vlogs uploaded to the YouTube channel (@stevenslanguagevlog) which discuss Steven's first impressions of returning to the classroom and what he gets to see on his way to the

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30:52

SLV | Episode 31 | Teaching ESL, Living Abroad,...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/03/11

Episode 31: Teaching in China, University Life, and Navigating Beijing In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I share some thoughts and insights into my transition back into classroom teaching in China, detailing my commute and living arrangements between Beijing’s Changping District and Shuangjing. I also talk about salary expectations for English teachers, the role of grammar knowledge in ESL teaching, and some common challenges of working at a university in China. Additionally, I talk

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31:34

SLV | Episode 30 | Language Checks, Teaching in...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/03/05

In Episode 30 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we take a look at a recent "progress report" on my Mandarin Chinese studies and whether or not it's a feasible idea to create videos (in my broken Chinese) directed at a Chinese audience. Would people like that? Next, we go through some of the things to consider if you're looking for working in China and how much you could potentially make while living and working in the country. This episode continues on a little bit where the YouTube video leaves off in

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34:14

SLV | Episode 29 | Watching NeZha 2; Language...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/02/25

In Episode 29 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we review some of the videos we've posted to the YouTube channel lately, including a brief look at Ne Zha 2, the latest animated film that's hitting cinemas throughout China. We look at the mythology behind the story and discuss my understanding of how the movie unfolds - including some challenges following the plot. We also talk about Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), the platform that has seemingly taken over TikTok’s spotlight, and why I’m using it more

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28:42

SLV | Episode 28 | Job Changes, AI in Language...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/02/18

Episode 28 of the Language Vlog Podcast! Job changing in China! Returning to the classroom after years of remote work?! What does this shift mean, and how does it impact personal routines and career goals? We also look into the future of language learning with AI, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we learn AND TEACH languages. From AI-driven teachers to personalized chatbots, we consider some of the ways that these new technologies may revolutionize (or replace) traditional

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31:08

SLV | Episode 27 | Spring Festival Temple Fairs,...

Steven"s Language Vlog Podcast ·

2025/02/11

In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we visit one of Beijing’s Spring Festival Temple Fairs, exploring the lively atmosphere, traditional foods, and the unique experience of being a foreigner in China during this festive time. From the crowds to the unexpected photo requests from attendees, we consider what makes each of the temple fairs stand out at a thing to do and place to visit during the Spring Festival. We also answer a listener's email question: Should you buy everything in China or

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66 results

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