Podcasts about Mandarin

Almost every serious discussion about options to constrain the development of advanced AI results in someone raising the question: “But what about China?” The worry behind this question is that slowing down AI research and development in the US and Europe will allow China to race ahead.It's true: the relationship between China and the rest of the world has many complications. That's why we're delighted that our guest in this episode is Kayla Blomquist, the Co-founder and Director of the Oxford China Policy Lab, or OCPL for short. OCPL describes itself as a global community of China and emerging technology researchers at Oxford, who produce policy-relevant research to navigate risks in the US-China relationship and beyond.In parallel with her role at OCPL, Kayla is pursuing a DPhil at the Oxford Internet Institute. She is a recent fellow at the Centre for Governance of AI, and the lead researcher and contributing author to the Oxford China Briefing Book. She holds an MSc from the Oxford Internet Institute and a BA with Honours in International Relations, Public Policy, and Mandarin Chinese from the University of Denver. She also studied at Peking University and is professionally fluent in Mandarin.Kayla previously worked as a diplomat in the U.S. Mission to China, where she specialized in the governance of emerging technologies, human rights, and improving the use of new technology within government services.Selected follow-ups:Kayla Blomquist - Personal siteOxford China Policy LabThe Oxford Internet Institute (OII)Google AI defeats human Go champion (Ke Jie)AI Safety Summit 2023 (Bletchley Park, UK)United Kingdom: Balancing Safety, Security, and Growth - OCPLChina wants to lead the world on AI regulation - report from APEC 2025China's WAICO proposal and the reordering of global AI governanceImpact of AI on cyber threat from now to 2027Options for the future of the global governance of AI - London Futurists WebinarA Tentative Draft of a Treaty - Online appendix to the book If Anyone Builds It, Everyone DiesAn International Agreement to Prevent the Premature Creation of Artificial SuperintelligenceMusic: Spike Protein, by Koi Discovery, available under CC0 1.0 Public Domain DeclarationC-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today's most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Dance of Lanterns: A Winter's Tale of Friendship and Festivity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-23-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在雪花轻轻飘落间，园中静谧而美丽，一片白色的宁静笼罩着和谐园。En: As snowflakes gently drifted down, the garden was tranquil and beautiful, a blanket of white serenity enveloping Hexie Yuan.Zh: 辛怡站在小桥旁，脸红扑扑的，双眼望着冰雪覆盖的湖面。En: Xinyi stood by the small bridge, her cheeks flushed, her eyes gazing at the ice-covered lake.Zh: 她的心中有一个目标——筹备一场最难忘的元宵节庆典。En: She had a goal in mind - to organize the most unforgettable Yuanxiao Festival celebration.Zh: 辛怡是一位有决心的活动组织者，她渴望完美。En: Xinyi was a determined event organizer, passionate about perfection.Zh: 但此时，寒冷的天气让准备工作进展缓慢，志愿者人数也不足。En: However, the cold weather was slowing down the preparations, and there weren't enough volunteers.Zh: 每当风吹过，辛怡都会拉紧自己的围巾，内心不免有些担忧。En: Each time the wind blew, Xinyi would tighten her scarf with some worry in her heart.Zh: 与她同行的健宇，是她的好朋友，也是位随和的艺术家。En: Accompanying her was Jianyu, her good friend and an easy-going artist.Zh: 他笑着拍了拍辛怡的肩膀，“别担心，我们一定可以做到的。”En: He smiled and patted Xinyi's shoulder, "Don't worry, we can definitely do this."Zh: 健宇正在帮忙装饰灯笼，他的创意十足，色彩鲜艳的灯笼为白色庭园增添了许多生气。En: Jianyu was helping to decorate the lanterns, his creativity bringing vibrant colors to life, adding energy to the white garden.Zh: 梅琳是辛怡的堂妹，刚从外地回来。En: Meilin was Xinyi's cousin, who had just returned from another place.Zh: 她对未来有些迷茫，不知道如何规划自己的人生。En: She felt uncertain about her future and didn't know how to plan her life.Zh: 辛怡觉得这是个好机会，于是决定让梅琳参与到活动中来。En: Xinyi thought this was a good opportunity, so she decided to involve Meilin in the event.Zh: 辛怡微笑着对梅琳说：“我们缺少一个特别的灯笼，也许你可以设计一个。”En: Xinyi smiled and said to Meilin, "We're missing a special lantern, maybe you can design one."Zh: 梅琳有些犹豫，但在辛怡和健宇的鼓励下，她同意试一试。En: Meilin was hesitant, but with encouragement from Xinyi and Jianyu, she agreed to give it a try.Zh: 她想到了一个概念：一个以家、团圆为主题的灯笼，因为这让她想起了温暖的家庭和节日的情感。En: She came up with a concept: a lantern themed around home and reunion, because it reminded her of the warmth of family and the emotions of the festival.Zh: 活动的准备如火如荼，但就在元宵节当天，突如其来的暴风雪几乎打乱了所有计划。En: The preparation was in full swing, but on the day of the Yuanxiao Festival, an unexpected snowstorm almost disrupted all the plans.Zh: 辛怡忧心忡忡，望着纷飞的雪花，心中满是失落。En: Xinyi was worried, watching the swirling snowflakes, feeling lost.Zh: 这时，梅琳灵机一动，提议将灯笼展示移到室内。En: At that moment, Meilin had an idea and suggested moving the lantern display indoors.Zh: 辛怡立刻觉得这个主意很棒。En: Xinyi immediately thought it was a great idea.Zh: 她和健宇快速组织大家，将灯笼搬进了大殿。En: She and Jianyu quickly organized everyone to move the lanterns into the main hall.Zh: 活动开始时，室内五光十色，热闹非凡。En: When the event began, the interior was vibrant and lively.Zh: 梅琳设计的特别灯笼成了活动的亮点，人们纷纷称赞。En: Meilin's specially designed lantern became the highlight of the event, receiving praises from everyone.Zh: 辛怡看到大家的笑脸，心里充满了成就感和喜悦。En: Seeing the smiles on people's faces, Xinyi felt a sense of achievement and joy.Zh: 通过这次活动，辛怡学会了如何适应变化，她意识到团队合作的重要性。En: Through this event, Xinyi learned how to adapt to changes and realized the importance of teamwork.Zh: 梅琳也在设计灯笼的过程中，找到了自己的方向，决定将来学习艺术设计。En: Meilin also found her direction while designing the lantern, deciding to pursue art design in the future.Zh: 元宵节的故事在无数笑声与欢乐中画上圆满的句号。En: The story of the Yuanxiao Festival concluded with countless laughs and joy.Zh: 灯笼的光亮照耀下，园中的雪景更显得纯净而美丽。En: Under the glow of the lanterns, the snowy scene in the garden appeared even purer and more beautiful.Zh: 辛怡和她的朋友们在这祥和的夜晚收获了友情、信任和成长。En: Xinyi and her friends gained friendship, trust, and growth on this peaceful night. Vocabulary Words:tranquil: 静谧serenity: 宁静enveloping: 笼罩flushed: 脸红扑扑的determined: 有决心的organize: 筹备perfection: 完美volunteers: 志愿者worried: 担忧accompanying: 同行easy-going: 随和creativity: 创意vibrant: 鲜艳hesitant: 犹豫encouragement: 鼓励concept: 概念reunion: 团圆emotions: 情感full swing: 如火如荼snowstorm: 暴风雪disrupted: 打乱swirling: 纷飞praises: 称赞achievement: 成就感adapt: 适应teamwork: 团队合作direction: 方向pursue: 学习glow: 光亮pure: 纯净

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Enchanted Reflections: A Solstice Discovery Reveals Legends Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-23-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在冬至的前夜，海水反射着月光，创造出一个象银色披风般的海滩。En: On the eve of the winter solstice, the sea reflected the moonlight, creating a beach like a silver cloak.Zh: 海浪轻轻地拍打着岸边，海风将冰冷的空气送到周围。En: The waves gently lapped the shore, and the sea breeze carried the chilly air around.Zh: 魏、林和佳，三位好友，在这样一个寒冷的冬夜来到这片幽静的海滩。En: Wei, Lin, and Jia, three friends, came to this tranquil beach on such a cold winter night.Zh: 魏是个好奇且冒险的年轻人。En: Wei was a curious and adventurous young man.Zh: 他总是对大海抱有极大的热情。En: He always had a great passion for the sea.Zh: 林是他的好朋友，性格谨慎，总是陪在魏的身旁，以免他陷入麻烦。En: Lin was his good friend, cautious by nature, and always stayed by Wei's side to keep him out of trouble.Zh: 佳是村里的历史学者，她对这个地区的传说和历史有着深刻的了解。En: Jia was the village's historian with a profound understanding of the legends and history of the area.Zh: 当魏和林在沙滩上漫步时，眼角的余光突然捕捉到一个奇怪的东西。En: As Wei and Lin strolled along the beach, something strange caught the corner of their eyes.Zh: 一个闪闪发光的物体被海浪冲上了岸边。En: A glittering object was washed up by the waves onto the shore.Zh: 魏充满好奇，立刻靠近了那个物体。En: Wei, full of curiosity, immediately approached the object.Zh: 然而，林却有些害怕。En: Lin, however, was somewhat afraid.Zh: 那东西散发出一种奇异的能量，让他心生警惕。En: The object emitted a strange energy that made him feel wary.Zh: 佳赶到了。她提醒他们关于这个地方的古老传说。En: Jia arrived and reminded them of the ancient legends about this place.Zh: 传说中，这片海滩上有一种神秘的物体，能带领勇者进入过去和未来的幻境。En: According to legend, there was a mysterious object on this beach that could lead the brave into visions of the past and future.Zh: 尽管他的朋友们都很担心，魏仍然下定决心要探明物体的真相。En: Despite his friends' worries, Wei was determined to uncover the truth about the object.Zh: 他慢慢走近，伸出手，触碰到了那发光的物体。En: He slowly approached it, reached out his hand, and touched the glowing object.Zh: 瞬间，映入脑海的是无尽的幻象。En: Instantly, endless visions flooded his mind.Zh: 他看到了过去海滩的辉煌，也看到了它未来可能要面对的威胁。En: He saw the beach's glorious past and also the threats it might face in the future.Zh: 魏被这些幻象深深触动。En: Wei was deeply moved by these visions.Zh: 他明白了这片土地蕴含的伟大故事和它的历史。En: He understood the great stories contained in this land and its history.Zh: 他决定和佳一起努力，保存这个海滩的历史。En: He decided to work with Jia to preserve the history of this beach.Zh: 从那天起，魏变得更加深思熟虑。En: From that day on, Wei became more thoughtful.Zh: 他开始重视知识，而不再仅仅追求冒险。En: He began to value knowledge rather than just seeking adventure.Zh: 他明白，自然世界与它的历史之间有着深刻联系。En: He realized the profound connection between the natural world and its history.Zh: 魏意识到这种联系的重要性，誓言要好好保护这片美丽的海滩，也珍惜朋友们的陪伴和智慧。En: Wei recognized the importance of this connection and vowed to protect this beautiful beach and cherish the companionship and wisdom of his friends.Zh: 月光下，魏、林和佳站在一起。En: Under the moonlight, Wei, Lin, and Jia stood together.Zh: 虽然海风依旧寒冷，但他们心中感受到了温暖，内心的世界与海滩交织在一起，馈赠给他们无尽的故事与灵感。En: Although the sea breeze was still cold, they felt warmth in their hearts, as their inner world intertwined with the beach, gifting them endless stories and inspiration. Vocabulary Words:eve: 前夜solstice: 冬至cloak: 披风reflected: 反射tranquil: 幽静cautious: 谨慎historian: 历史学者profound: 深刻strolled: 漫步curiosity: 好奇wary: 警惕reminded: 提醒mysterious: 神秘visions: 幻境thrilling: 惊险uncover: 探明glorious: 辉煌threats: 威胁cherish: 珍惜companionship: 陪伴intertwined: 交织endless: 无尽adventurous: 冒险emitted: 散发determined: 下定决心reached: 伸出gifting: 馈赠reflection: 映入inspiration: 灵感breeze: 海风

What if stronger relationships, better leadership, and more success all start with one skill: being brave enough to connect?In this insightful and energizing episode, success strategist and keynote director Brigham Blackham (https://linktr.ee/brighamblackham )  joins Anne to explore the power of discomfort, curiosity, and communication in building meaningful relationships. From learning Mandarin in Taiwan to coaching high-performance speakers, Brigham shares how stepping into the unfamiliar has shaped his confidence, leadership, and ability to help others communicate with clarity and impact.Brigham reveals how “story asking”(intentionally drawing out other people's experiences) creates deeper human connection than any perfectly polished self-introduction. He and Anne dig into the post-pandemic communication slump, the myth of “soft skills,” and why real success is built on conversations, not credentials.With stories ranging from middle-school theatre to bilingual parenting to a broken car key fiasco, Brigham shows how approaching life with curiosity and flexibility (a.k.a. unclenching!) helps us grow resilience, strengthen relationships, and lead with emotional intelligence.In this episode, you'll learn:How discomfort and curiosity strengthen communication and leadershipThe difference between story telling and story asking (and why the latter wins)Why soft skills aren't soft—they're the foundation of trust and influenceHow confidence is built on competence, preparation, and genuine interest in othersPractical ways to make networking feel natural, not painfulHow learning new languages teaches adaptability, humility, and EQA simple mindset shift for staying flexible when things don't go as plannedWhy this episode matters:If you want to lead better, connect faster, or just feel more confident walking into a room full of strangers, this conversation gives you actionable tools rooted in emotional intelligence and real human connection. Whether you're navigating global business, a family gathering, or a tough conversation at work, Brigham's insights help you step out of your comfort zone and into more meaningful relationships.Want more from Brigham?thefinalpercent.com/brighamblackhamhttps://linktr.ee/brighamblackham Brigham is a value-driven storyteller and success strategist who helps leaders turn their stories into breakthroughs. A former teacher and father of four, he brings humor, heart, and a knack for making connections that stick. With over 100 podcast episodes and five years as an Airbnb Superhost, he understands how small actions drive big results. Brigham helps you craft bold, unforgettable messages that move people and build momentum.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Mystic Jade: A Winter Night's Quest at Jiufen Teahouse Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-22-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬至节的夜晚，九份的茶馆灯火通明，空气中弥漫着乌龙茶的香气。En: On the night of the Winter Solstice, the Jiufen teahouse was brightly lit, with the aroma of wulongcha wafting through the air.Zh: 九份坐落在山中，街道狭窄，充满了历史的痕迹。En: Jiufen is nestled in the mountains, its streets narrow and filled with traces of history.Zh: 连是个好奇的历史学家，这次她专程来九份体验冬至节，寻找新的写作灵感。En: Lian is a curious historian who came to Jiufen specifically to experience the Winter Solstice and seek new writing inspiration.Zh: 她听说茶馆里藏有一件稀有的文物，于是心中充满了探寻的渴望。En: She heard that the teahouse held a rare artifact, sparking a desire to explore.Zh: 茶馆的主人明以他的故事和收藏闻名，他对这些家族传下来的宝贝有着极大的保护欲。En: The owner of the teahouse, Ming, was renowned for his stories and collection, holding a deep protective desire for these family heirlooms.Zh: 这天晚上，意外的停电让茶馆陷入一片黑暗，连觉得这是一个揭开谜底的好机会。En: That night, an unexpected power outage plunged the teahouse into darkness, and Lian sensed it was a perfect opportunity to unveil the mystery.Zh: 连犹豫了片刻，决定直截了当地告诉明她的来意。En: Lian hesitated for a moment, then decided to be straightforward with Ming about her intentions.Zh: “明先生，”她诚恳地说，“我对你收藏的那件传说中的文物很感兴趣。或许，我们可以一起找到它？”En: "Mr. Ming," she said sincerely, "I'm very interested in the legendary artifact in your collection. Perhaps we can find it together?"Zh: 明微微皱眉，显得有些犹豫但并未直接拒绝。En: Ming frowned slightly, appearing a bit hesitant but did not directly refuse.Zh: “好吧，”他点燃了一根蜡烛，温暖的光芒在黑暗中跳动，“跟我来，看看到底有什么。”En: "Alright," he said, lighting a candle whose warm glow flickered in the darkness, "come with me, let's see what there is."Zh: 他们在茶馆里缓慢而又小心地移动，连看着架子上的每一个角落，心中充满期待。En: They moved slowly and carefully around the teahouse, with Lian examining every corner of the shelves, filled with anticipation.Zh: 明一边走，一边给连讲述这些藏品的故事，从出口处的青花瓷壶到角落里的古书，每一件都有着独特的背景。En: As they walked, Ming recounted stories behind the items in his collection to Lian—from the qinghuaci vase at the exit to the ancient books in the corner, each item had a unique background.Zh: 突然，连在一个隐秘的木箱旁停下。En: Suddenly, Lian stopped by a hidden wooden box.Zh: “就是它！”她的声音中带着一丝激动。En: “This is it!” she exclaimed with a hint of excitement in her voice.Zh: 她轻轻地打开箱子，发现里面是那件传说中的文物—一个精美的玉饰。En: She gently opened the box and discovered the legendary artifact—a beautiful jade ornament.Zh: 是明祖上传下来的，他的眼神中闪过一抹惊讶和自豪。En: It was passed down from Ming's ancestors, and his eyes flashed with surprise and pride.Zh: “这个玉饰我一直以为只是个传说，”明感慨道，“没想到它真存在。”En: "I always thought this jade ornament was just a legend," Ming remarked with emotion, "I never expected it actually existed."Zh: 借着烛光，连和明分享着关于祖辈和传承的故事。En: By candlelight, Lian and Ming shared stories about ancestry and heritage.Zh: 连从明的故事中领悟到，文物的真正价值不仅仅在于它的历史，更在于它所承载的故事。En: Lian realized from Ming's stories that the true value of an artifact lies not only in its history but also in the stories it carries.Zh: 这一刻，连不仅找到了她所要的文物，也从明的故事中获得了为她新书的灵感。En: In that moment, Lian not only found the artifact she was looking for but also drew inspiration from Ming's stories for her new book.Zh: 明则在此过程中，开始欣然接受分享他的家族珍宝。En: In the process, Ming began to willingly share his family treasures.Zh: “或许，珍宝的意义，在于它能让更多人知道它的故事。”明笑着说。En: “Perhaps the significance of a treasure is that it allows more people to know its story,” Ming said with a smile.Zh: 离开九份时，连感受到一种从未有过的满足，En: As she left Jiufen, Lian felt a sense of fulfillment she had never experienced before.Zh: 她知道，这段旅程给她带来了新的视野，也让她交到了一位令人尊敬的朋友。En: She knew that this journey had opened new perspectives for her and allowed her to gain a respected friend. Vocabulary Words:solstice: 至artifact: 文物wulongcha: 乌龙茶waft: 弥漫nestled: 坐落curious: 好奇heirloom: 传家宝outage: 停电plunge: 陷入straightforward: 直截了当sincerely: 诚恳hesitant: 犹豫recount: 讲述anticipation: 期待vase: 青花瓷壶heritage: 传承exclaim: 激动地说ornament: 玉饰ancestry: 祖辈sigificance: 意义perspective: 视野renowned: 闻名protective: 保护欲unexpected: 意外flicker: 跳动legendary: 传说中的background: 背景hidden: 隐秘historians: 历史学家fulfillment: 满足

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Tradition Meets Wanderlust: Mei's New Year Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-22-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅站在北方小城热闹的市场街上，周围是阵阵喧闹声。En: Mei stood on the bustling market street of a small northern town, surrounded by bursts of noise.Zh: 街上挂满了红红的灯笼和绚丽的装饰，空气中弥漫着冬季的寒意和新年食物的香气。En: The street was filled with red lanterns and splendid decorations, the air a mix of winter's chill and the aroma of Xinnian food.Zh: 商贩们热情地叫卖着糖葫芦、小吃，还有琳琅满目的年货。En: Vendors enthusiastically hawked tanghulu, snacks, and a dazzling array of New Year goods.Zh: 李和陈是梅的朋友，也忙着为春节做准备。En: Li and Chen, friends of Mei, were also busy preparing for the Chun Jie.Zh: 梅却显得有些心不在焉。En: However, Mei seemed somewhat absent-minded.Zh: 她望着拥挤的人群，想着自己的愿望。En: She gazed at the crowded throngs, pondering her own wishes.Zh: 她渴望有一天能离开这个小镇，去看看外面的世界。En: She longed for the day she could leave this small town and explore the world beyond.Zh: 自小，家人的期望总是压在梅的肩上。En: Since childhood, her family's expectations had always weighed on Mei's shoulders.Zh: 春节期间，梅需要帮忙准备年夜饭、贴春联、购买年货。En: During the Chun Jie period, Mei needed to help prepare the New Year's Eve dinner, put up chunlian, and purchase New Year goods.Zh: 这些都是家庭的传统，她不能反抗。En: These were family traditions she couldn't defy.Zh: 可是，她想要一点点自由，哪怕是暂时的。En: Yet, she yearned for a bit of freedom, even if just temporarily.Zh: 一天晚上，全家人围坐在一起吃饭。En: One evening, the whole family sat together for dinner.Zh: 梅鼓起勇气，说道：“爸，妈，我有话想说。”En: Mei mustered the courage and said, "Dad, Mom, I have something I want to say."Zh: 大家都停下筷子，看着她。En: Everyone stopped their chopsticks and looked at her.Zh: “我想出去旅行，看看外面的世界。”梅的声音坚定。En: "I want to go traveling, to see the world outside," Mei said firmly.Zh: 父亲皱眉说：“可是春节我们要一起过，你怎么能离开？”En: Her father frowned and said, "But we have to spend Chun Jie together, how can you leave?"Zh: “我并不想打破传统，”梅解释，“我只是希望我们能有新的方式庆祝。En: "I don't want to break tradition," Mei explained, "I just hope we can have a new way of celebrating.Zh: 比如说，我们可以邀请朋友来家里，一起分享不同地方的故事。”En: For example, we could invite friends home to share stories from different places."Zh: 母亲思索了一会儿，说：“也许这样不错。En: Her mother thought for a moment and said, "Maybe that's not a bad idea.Zh: 我们可以一起准备丰盛的饭菜，让更多人参与我们的春节。”En: We can prepare a sumptuous meal together and involve more people in our Chun Jie celebrations."Zh: 李和陈也表示赞同：“梅的想法挺好的，我们也可以一起帮忙。”En: Li and Chen also agreed: "Mei's idea is great, we can help too."Zh: 经过一番讨论，梅的家人最终同意了她的提议。En: After a discussion, Mei's family finally agreed to her suggestion.Zh: 春节那天，他们邀请了许多朋友来家里。En: On Chun Jie, they invited many friends over.Zh: 梅不仅参与了家庭的传统，还表达了自己的愿望。En: Mei not only partook in the family's traditions but also expressed her wishes.Zh: 她体会到，她可以在不违背家人期望的情况下实现自己的梦想。En: She realized that she could achieve her dreams without defying her family's expectations.Zh: 冬日的清晨，梅站在窗前，看着院子里的欢声笑语，心中充满了喜悦。En: On a winter's morning, Mei stood by the window, watching the happy laughter and cheerful voices in the yard, and felt a sense of joy.Zh: 她明白了，无论走到哪里，家庭的根永远在这里，而她的梦想可以与传统携手并存。En: She understood that no matter where she goes, her family's roots are always here, and her dreams can coexist with tradition. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 热闹的burst: 阵阵splendid: 绚丽的aroma: 香气hawk: 叫卖dazzling: 琳琅满目absent-minded: 心不在焉throng: 人群ponder: 思索yearn: 渴望defy: 反抗muster: 鼓起chopstick: 筷子frown: 皱眉sumptuous: 丰盛的partake: 参与realize: 体会到achieve: 实现roots: 根coexist: 携手并存decorate: 装饰prepare: 准备tradition: 传统invite: 邀请celebrate: 庆祝gaze: 望courage: 勇气enthusiastic: 热情的meal: 饭菜joy: 喜悦

Today, my guest is Adam Dickinson, whose journey took him from planning a career in medicine, to becoming a Mandarin-speaking intelligence analyst with the FBI for 15 years, covering everything from cyber issues to counterintelligence and even terrorism. In this episode, we dig into what led Adam to the FBI, the unexpected turns in his career, and how pivotal moments—both personal and professional—prompted deeper reflection on identity, growth, and purpose. We discuss how he's translated those experiences into his new chapter as a business owner, and talk about the importance of intuition, critical thinking, and balancing logic with your gut in decision-making. Whether you're grappling with change, rethinking your direction in business, or fascinated by journeys from federal service to entrepreneurship, there's something here for you. So, let's jump right in! -- This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.

Today's Episode:Have you noticed that many Chinese tour groups are full of older people? In this episode, we talk about why 大爷大妈 love group travel, how time, language and safety play a role, and what this says about travel culture in China. Simple Chinese, real life, real culture.Membership Preview:Very cheap group tours can look attractive, but they often come with hidden problems. In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we talk about what can go wrong on low-price tours, how people feel when things aren't as expected. Be careful, and be mindful of those traps in cheap group tours!Support MaoMi & Get exclusive   to premium content!https://www.buzzsprout.com/1426696/subscribe ↗️Transcript and translations are available on https://maomichinese.comInterested in any topics? Leave me a message on: https://maomichinese.com or https://www.instagram.com/maomichinese/?hl=en*Please note that Spotify does not support the membership program.Text me what you think :)Support the show

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Tea Dreams: A Journey of Love and Independence Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-21-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在杭州的一个清晨，茶园被冬日晨光轻轻地照亮。En: In the early morning in Hangzhou, the tea garden was gently illuminated by the winter morning light.Zh: 寒冷的空气中弥漫着清新的茶香。En: The cold air was filled with the fresh fragrance of tea.Zh: 梅在茶园的角落忙碌，为冬至节后的茶叶采摘做准备。En: Mei was busy in the corner of the tea garden, preparing for the tea picking after the Winter Solstice Festival.Zh: 申是茶园的新来者，对这美丽的地方充满了好奇。En: Shen was new to the tea garden, filled with curiosity about this beautiful place.Zh: 他带着梦想，希望能够学到制茶的技巧。En: He came with dreams, hoping to learn the art of tea-making.Zh: 他看到梅在茶园忙碌，走了过去，想帮忙。En: He saw Mei busy in the tea garden and walked over, wanting to help.Zh: "你好，我是申，”他微笑着说，“我刚到这里，请多指教。En: "Hello, I am Shen," he said with a smile, "I just arrived here, please guide me."Zh: ”梅抬起头，脸上带着微笑回应，“你好，申。En: Mei looked up, smiling in response, "Hello, Shen.Zh: 我是梅。En: I am Mei.Zh: 我们一起工作吧。En: Let's work together."Zh: ”梅和申边聊边工作。En: Mei and Shen chatted as they worked.Zh: 梅告诉申，自己的家庭一直经营着这片茶园，她感受到传承的压力。En: Mei told Shen that her family had always run this tea garden and she felt the pressure of heritage.Zh: 申则分享了自己开一家茶店的梦想。En: Shen shared his dream of opening a tea shop.Zh: 日子一天天过去，梅和申的友谊越来越深。En: Day by day, the friendship between Mei and Shen grew deeper.Zh: 梅喜欢和申分享自己的烦恼，而申总是用他的乐观来安慰她。En: Mei liked to share her troubles with Shen, and Shen always comforted her with his optimism.Zh: 丽娟，梅的妹妹，则不时提醒梅要小心，不要因为恋爱耽误了工作。En: Lijuan, Mei's sister, would occasionally remind Mei to be cautious and not let romance interfere with work.Zh: 冬至节那天，梅在茶园里忙碌，心里下定决心：她要向家人证明，她不仅能做好茶园的工作，也能追求自己的幸福。En: On the day of the Winter Solstice Festival, Mei was busy in the tea garden, determined to prove to her family that she could not only manage the tea garden well but also pursue her own happiness.Zh: 晚上，茶园的工人们聚在一起庆祝冬至节。En: In the evening, the workers of the tea garden gathered to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival.Zh: 在热闹的气氛中，梅站了起来，向家人说出了自己的想法：“我想要更多的独立，我希望你们相信我的能力。En: In the lively atmosphere, Mei stood up and expressed her thoughts to her family: "I want more independence, and I hope you believe in my abilities."Zh: ”屋子里一片寂静，但很快家人们理解地点点头。En: There was silence in the room, but soon her family nodded in understanding.Zh: 接着，申也站了起来，说：“我非常感谢大家的支持。En: Then, Shen also stood up and said, "I am very grateful for everyone's support.Zh: 我想学到更多，努力实现自己的梦想。En: I want to learn more and work hard to achieve my dream."Zh: ”申的坦率和梅的勇敢赢得了大家的掌声和尊重。En: Shen's frankness and Mei's courage earned them applause and respect.Zh: 从那天起，梅的家人决定给她更多的自主权，鼓励她去追求自己的目标。En: From that day on, Mei's family decided to give her more autonomy, encouraging her to pursue her own goals.Zh: 梅和申的关系也在这个特别的夜晚发生了变化。En: The relationship between Mei and Shen also changed on this special night.Zh: 他们开始认真考虑共同的未来。En: They began to seriously consider a future together.Zh: 梅更加自信地在家族事业和个人幸福间找到平衡，申也在梅的支持下，更勇敢地追梦。En: Mei became more confident in finding a balance between her family business and personal happiness, and Shen, with Mei's support, pursued his dreams more bravely.Zh: 茶园在冬日的阳光下静静地生长着，像是象征着他们新生活的开始。En: The tea garden quietly grew under the winter sun, symbolizing the beginning of their new life. Vocabulary Words:illuminated: 照亮fragrance: 香气heritage: 传承comforted: 安慰cautious: 小心romance: 恋爱solstice: 冬至determined: 下定决心independence: 独立autonomy: 自主权confidence: 自信balance: 平衡pursue: 追求optimism: 乐观symbolizing: 象征着gathered: 聚enthusiastic: 热情dreams: 梦想bravely: 勇敢地encouraged: 鼓励whispered: 低声说presence: 存在感chatted: 聊天nodded: 点头shared: 分享growth: 成长support: 支持expression: 表达art: 技巧quietly: 安静地

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Legacy of the Solstice: Rekindling Family Ties in Rural China Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-21-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在中国南方的一个安静的农村稻田，空气中弥漫着轻轻的冬霜。En: In a quiet rural rice field in southern China, the air is filled with a gentle winter frost.Zh: 稻田周围是连绵起伏的山丘，冬至节让这里显得格外祥和。En: The rice fields are surrounded by rolling hills, and the Winter Solstice festival makes the place look especially peaceful.Zh: 稻田旁的农舍发出温暖的灯笼光芒，熟悉的传统佳肴的香气扑鼻而来，迎接着远道而来的家人。En: The farmhouse beside the rice field emanates the warm glow of lanterns, and the familiar aroma of traditional delicacies wafts through the air, welcoming family members who have traveled from afar.Zh: 贾浩是家中长子，En: Jia Hao is the eldest son in the family.Zh: 他常年在农田劳作，承担着家庭的责任。En: He has been working in the fields year-round, bearing the family's responsibilities.Zh: 他担心灿烂的家族传统在下一代中渐渐消逝。En: He worries that their brilliant family traditions are gradually fading in the next generation.Zh: 他的表妹美丽从城市回到乡村，虽然久别重逢，她却显得与这里格格不入。En: His cousin Meili returns from the city to the countryside; although it has been a long-awaited reunion, she seems out of place here.Zh: 这时是一年一度的重要节日——冬至。En: It is a significant annual festival—the Winter Solstice.Zh: 贾浩决心趁此机会向美丽展示农村的魅力和冬至节的意义。En: Jia Hao is determined to take this opportunity to show Meili the charm of rural life and the meaning of the Winter Solstice festival.Zh: 他希望美丽能更了解和珍视他们的家族传统。En: He hopes Meili can better understand and cherish their family traditions.Zh: 起初，美丽并不习惯稻田的生活。En: Initially, Meili is not accustomed to life in the rice fields.Zh: 她觉得这里的一切都既陌生又充满挑战。En: She feels everything here is both unfamiliar and challenging.Zh: 城市的快节奏和乡村的悠然自得形成鲜明对比，她不确定是否能找到属于她的平衡。En: The fast pace of the city starkly contrasts with the leisureliness of the countryside, and she is uncertain whether she can find her balance.Zh: 傍晚时分，贾浩带着美丽在稻田间散步。En: At dusk, Jia Hao takes Meili for a walk among the rice fields.Zh: 他告诉美丽，冬至不仅仅是一个节日，更是象征着亲情和传承。En: He tells her that the Winter Solstice is not just a festival; it also symbolizes family ties and heritage.Zh: 美丽静静地听着，心里慢慢生出些许触动。En: Meili listens quietly, gradually feeling somewhat touched.Zh: 晚餐时刻到了，家人围坐在一起，欢声笑语不断。En: Dinner time arrives, and the family gathers around the table, laughter filling the air.Zh: 餐桌上摆满了饺子和汤圆，象征着团圆和幸福。En: The table is laden with dumplings and tangyuan, symbolizing reunion and happiness.Zh: 就在这时，美丽举起酒杯说道，“我今天感受到了咱们家的温暖和力量。En: It is at this moment that Meili raises her glass and says, "Today, I felt the warmth and strength of our family.Zh: 我愿意更多地参与到这些传统中，感受我们家族的根。”En: I am willing to become more involved in these traditions and feel the roots of our family."Zh: 贾浩听后，感到无比欣慰。En: Hearing this, Jia Hao feels immensely gratified.Zh: 他相信他们的传统会得以传承，也为此感到满怀希望。En: He is confident that their traditions will be passed on, and he is filled with hope because of it.Zh: 冬至节之后，美丽决定每个周末都来农场，帮助准备节日。En: After the Winter Solstice festival, Meili decides to visit the farm every weekend to help prepare for the festivals.Zh: 她与贾浩之间的亲情重新焕发活力，也让家族的传统在这片古老而生机勃勃的土地上得以延续。En: The familial bond between her and Jia Hao is rejuvenated, allowing the family's traditions to continue on this ancient yet vibrant land.Zh: 贾浩心中的担忧消散了许多，他知道，家族传统在未来，仍会在这片土地上传承，直到更远的地方。En: Much of Jia Hao's worries have dissipated; he knows that the family traditions will continue to be passed down on this land and beyond.Zh: 美丽心中也多了一份归属感，她知道，根在这里，她会继续珍惜。En: Meili also feels a greater sense of belonging; she knows her roots are here, and she will continue to cherish them.Zh: 这个冬至节，不仅是团聚，更是心灵的回归。En: This Winter Solstice festival is not just a reunion, but a return of the heart.Zh: 所有的故事，都会在这个满是希望的冬天里展开。En: All stories will unfold in this hopeful winter. Vocabulary Words:rural: 农村frost: 霜emanates: 发出aroma: 香气delicacies: 佳肴bearing: 承担responsibilities: 责任brilliant: 灿烂的fading: 消逝generation: 下一代accustomed: 习惯starkly: 鲜明的leisureliness: 悠然自得uncertain: 不确定balance: 平衡dusk: 傍晚symbolizes: 象征heritage: 传承laden: 摆满dumplings: 饺子tangyuan: 汤圆rejuvenated: 焕发活力dissipated: 消散sense: 感cherish: 珍惜feeling: 触动reunion: 团聚determined: 决心gratified: 欣慰opportunity: 机会

Yu Qing's date asks if she's free. She teasingly guesses he wants to ask her out, and he replies playfully, “That goes without saying!” They agree to meet up. —————————————————————————————————约会对象： 你今天下班后有事吗？雨晴：嗯……没什么事。怎么啦？你想约我出去吗？约会对象：那还用说？哈哈。可以吗？雨晴：可以是可以。不知道今晚天气怎么样  …..约会对象：如果天气不好，我们可以呆在室内。看电影什么的。雨晴：行吧。那我们见面再说吧。约会对象：好！—————————————————————————————————If you're enjoying this story, there's so much more waiting for you inside maayot:✅ Daily bite-sized stories that suit your level ✅ native audio ✅ One tap Pinyin, explain in context for words and sentences✅ Writing and speaking exercises with teacher feedback ✅ Track your learning streak — never lose your momentum! Use promotion code “Podcast” , get a 50% off today !If this episode made you smile, laugh, or learn something new. Please Take just 30 seconds to leave us a rating and short review. It helps other Mandarin learners discover us !

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Luminous Adventures: Wei's Quest for the Perfect Lantern Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-20-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在冬天的北京，一个热闹的新年集市像都市丛林般充满活力。En: In the winter of Beijing, a lively New Year market is vibrant like an urban jungle.Zh: 街道上熙熙攘攘，彩色的小摊位挤满了每一个角落，浓郁的食物香气在空气中飘荡。En: The streets are bustling; colorful stalls fill every corner, and rich aromas of food waft through the air.Zh: 繁忙的人群来回穿梭，天上的圣诞灯闪烁着，为这个节日增添了一抹光彩。En: Busy crowds weave in and out, while Christmas lights twinkle in the sky, adding a touch of brilliance to the festival.Zh: 魏是个年轻、开朗的人，虽然有点笨手笨脚，但总是充满好奇心。En: Wei is a young, cheerful person, though a bit clumsy, always filled with curiosity.Zh: 他想为他的好朋友李买一盏漂亮的灯笼，作为新年的惊喜礼物。En: He wants to buy a beautiful lantern for his good friend Li as a New Year surprise gift.Zh: 为了他的这个计划，魏走进了集市的喧嚣中。En: For this plan, Wei ventures into the hustle and bustle of the market.Zh: 魏从摊位到摊位，寻找完美的灯笼。En: Wei goes from stall to stall searching for the perfect lantern.Zh: 他常常分心，被各种诱人的小玩意儿吸引。En: He often gets distracted, drawn to various tempting trinkets.Zh: 就在他全神贯注地看一盏飘雪的水晶球时，转身不小心走进了一个圣诞灯的展示区。En: Just as he is intently gazing at a snow globe, he accidentally steps into a Christmas light display area.Zh: 一瞬间，彩灯缠绕在他身上，像是穿上了一件花里胡哨的“衣服”。En: In an instant, colored lights wrap around him like a garish "outfit."Zh: 四周的人纷纷停下来看热闹。En: People around stop to watch the fun.Zh: 魏发现自己被灯光点缀得像一棵行走的圣诞树。他没有生气，反而开心地向周围人挥手，假装这一切都是计划好的，引得人们忍俊不禁。En: Wei, adorned like a walking Christmas tree, doesn't get angry but instead waves to the crowd, pretending it was all planned, provoking chuckles from the onlookers.Zh: 碰巧，一个路过的年轻人名叫明，见状前来帮忙。En: By chance, a passing young man named Ming sees the situation and comes to help.Zh: 他小心翼翼地帮魏解开了那些缠绕的灯，魏对他的帮助表示了由衷的感谢。En: He carefully untangles the lights from Wei, who expresses his heartfelt gratitude for the assistance.Zh: 集市快要结束时，魏心里有些失落。En: As the market is about to end, Wei feels a bit disappointed.Zh: 然而正当他准备放弃的时候，他看到在市场边缘的一个不起眼的小摊里，一盏古色古香的灯笼吸引了他的目光。En: However, just when he's about to give up, he spots an inconspicuous small stall at the edge of the market, where an archaic lantern catches his eye.Zh: 那灯笼是红色的，灯罩上绘着精致的金色龙纹。En: The lantern is red, with a shade intricately painted with golden dragon patterns.Zh: “就是它！这是我要找的，”魏兴奋地自语。En: "This is it! This is what I've been looking for," Wei murmurs excitedly to himself.Zh: 他赶紧走过去，用节省下来的钱买下了灯笼。En: He quickly goes over and uses his saved money to buy the lantern.Zh: 终于，魏带着这份精心挑选的礼物去找李。En: Finally, Wei brings the meticulously chosen gift to Li.Zh: 当他把灯笼递给李时，李的脸上露出了惊喜和感动的笑容。En: When he hands over the lantern, Li's face lights up with a surprised and touched smile.Zh: 经过这一刻，魏也变得更加自信。En: After this moment, Wei becomes more confident.Zh: 他明白，有时候生活中的意外往往会带来更多的快乐和收获，他内心充满了对未来的期待。En: He understands that sometimes the surprises in life often bring more joy and gains, and his heart is filled with anticipation for the future.Zh: 集市的灯光逐渐暗淡，而它点亮的友谊之光却长存心中。En: The market lights gradually dim, but the light of friendship it kindled remains in the heart forever. Vocabulary Words:lively: 热闹的vibrant: 充满活力的bustling: 熙熙攘攘的waft: 飘荡intently: 全神贯注地garish: 花里胡哨的adorned: 点缀provoking: 引发onlookers: 旁观者untangles: 解开heartfelt: 由衷的gratitude: 感谢inconspicuous: 不起眼的archaic: 古色古香的intricately: 精致地meticulously: 精心地anticipation: 期待dim: 暗淡urban: 都市的jungle: 丛林curiosity: 好奇心ventures: 冒险tempting: 诱人的trinkets: 小玩意儿clumsy: 笨手笨脚的weave: 穿梭twinkle: 闪烁brilliance: 光彩surprise gift: 惊喜礼物shades: 灯罩

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Inspiration: A Winter Solstice Awakening Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-20-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬至节这天，天坛笼罩在一片宁静与庄严之中。En: On the day of the Winter Solstice, the Tiantan was enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and solemnity.Zh: 阳光微弱，如同薄纱，洒在雕刻精美的建筑和广阔的园林上。En: The sunlight was faint, like a thin veil, cascading over the intricately carved buildings and vast gardens.Zh: 冷风轻轻吹过，树叶沙沙作响，为这一场景增添了一份特有的冬日气息。En: A cold breeze gently passed by, rustling the leaves, adding a unique winter atmosphere to the scene.Zh: 梁和梅走在天坛的石板路上。En: Liang and Mei walked on the stone pavement of the Tiantan.Zh: 四周的热闹似乎和梁的心情形成鲜明的对比。En: The lively surroundings seemed to be in stark contrast to Liang's mood.Zh: 他深深困扰于即将到来的艺术展览。En: He was deeply troubled by the upcoming art exhibition.Zh: 他的灵感仿佛被冬季的寒风冻结了，甭说画出好作品，他连纸上的一笔都不敢下。En: It was as if his inspiration had been frozen by the winter chill, and he dared not even make a single stroke on paper, let alone produce good artwork.Zh: 梅注意到了梁的沉默，轻轻握住他的手。En: Mei noticed Liang's silence and gently held his hand.Zh: “不要太着急，”她微笑着说，“有时候过于用力反而迷失方向。”En: "Don't worry too much," she said with a smile, "sometimes pushing too hard can make you lose your way."Zh: 梁点点头，却依旧眉头紧锁。En: Liang nodded, but his brow remained furrowed.Zh: 他抬头看向祈年殿。En: He looked up at the Qiniandian.Zh: 它在冬日的阳光下熠熠生辉，仿佛在静静等待他们的到来。En: It shone in the winter sunlight, as if quietly waiting for them to arrive.Zh: “我们去看看祭祀仪式吧，”梅建议道，希望通过这些传统能激发梁的灵感。En: "Let's go see the sacrificial ceremony," Mei suggested, hoping that these traditions could ignite Liang's inspiration.Zh: 两人绕过园林，跟随人群来到仪式进行的地方。En: The two of them walked through the gardens, following the crowd to where the ceremony was taking place.Zh: 冬至节的仪式庄严而美丽，色彩斑斓的服饰，悠扬的乐声，烛火的摇曳，与天坛的古老建筑融为一体。En: The Winter Solstice ceremony was solemn and beautiful, with colorful costumes, melodious music, and flickering candle flames blending seamlessly with the ancient architecture of the Tiantan.Zh: 梁感受到内心的震撼。En: Liang felt a deep sense of awe.Zh: 这一切仿佛是一幅流动的画，每一个细节都在他的心里留下了深刻的印象。En: It was as if everything around him formed a moving painting, with each detail leaving a profound impression on his heart.Zh: 忽然间，灵感如一束光闪过梁的心灵。En: Suddenly, inspiration flashed through Liang's mind like a beam of light.Zh: 他看到的不再是一个单一的画面，而是一个充满活力的世界。En: What he saw was no longer a single image, but a vibrant world.Zh: 他的心跳加速，焦虑一扫而空。En: His heart raced, and his anxiety vanished completely.Zh: 仪式结束后，梅见梁眼中重新燃起光芒，便知道他的创作欲望再次被点燃。En: After the ceremony, Mei saw the renewed spark in Liang's eyes and knew that his desire to create had been reignited.Zh: “我想，我找到我要的东西了，”梁激动地说。En: "I think I've found what I needed," Liang said excitedly.Zh: 回到工作室，梁几乎是不眠不休地工作。En: Back in the studio, Liang worked almost tirelessly.Zh: 他所创造的，是一幅名为“冬至礼赞”的画。En: What he created was a painting titled "Praise of the Winter Solstice."Zh: 画中，天坛在冬日光影中宁静而又充满生气，仿佛在那里完成了一场跨越时空的对话。En: In the painting, the Tiantan appeared serene yet full of life in the winter's light and shadow, as if a dialogue transcending time and space had taken place there.Zh: 梁捕捉到了节日的核心，捕捉到了自己的心灵。En: Liang captured the essence of the festival and his own spirit.Zh: 展览的那一天，这幅画成了全场的焦点。En: On the day of the exhibition, this painting became the focal point of the entire event.Zh: 来看展的人们纷纷停在画前驻足，他们能感受到那份从内到外的生命力。En: Visitors stopped in front of the painting, able to feel the vitality emanating from within.Zh: 这次经历让梁明白，灵感不必强求，En: This experience taught Liang that inspiration should not be forced.Zh: 有时放松心情，沉浸于美好的体验中，自然会有意想不到的收获。En: Sometimes, by relaxing the mind and immersing oneself in beautiful experiences, unexpected rewards can come naturally.Zh: 创作的压力消减了，他的心灵也因此更加自由。En: The pressure of creation diminished, and his spirit became freer.Zh: 他默默地握着梅的手，感谢她一直以来的支持。En: He silently held Mei's hand, grateful for her unwavering support.Zh: 天坛依旧宁静，而梁心中的那座天坛却充满了光芒。En: The Tiantan remained tranquil, yet the Tiantan in Liang's heart was filled with light. Vocabulary Words:tranquility: 宁静solemnity: 庄严enveloped: 笼罩intricately: 精美cascading: 洒rustling: 沙沙作响pavement: 石板路stark: 鲜明troubled: 困扰exhibition: 展览faded: 凋谢frozen: 冻结furrowed: 紧锁inspiration: 灵感sacrificial ceremony: 祭祀仪式awe: 震撼melodious: 悠扬flickering: 摇曳seamlessly: 融为一体beam: 一束vibrant: 充满活力anxiety: 焦虑ignited: 点燃tirelessly: 不眠不休serene: 宁静dialogue: 对话essence: 核心focal point: 焦点emanating: 散发rewards: 收获

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: From Darkness to Light: A Christmas Presentation Surprise Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-19-08-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在学校的深处，有一个不常用的地下室，大家称它为“秘密地堡”。En: Deep within the school, there is an infrequently used basement that everyone calls the "mìmì dìbǎo" (Secret Bunker).Zh: 墙上挂满了过去的海报，地上是积尘已久的旧家具。En: The walls are covered with old posters, and the floor is littered with dusty old furniture.Zh: 雪悄然无声地下着，为冬天增添了一丝浪漫。En: Snow was silently falling, adding a touch of romance to the winter day.Zh: 在这个特别的地方，小文和连准备着他们的圣诞演讲。En: In this special place, Xiǎowén and Lián were preparing their Christmas presentation.Zh: 小文是个非常细致的学生。En: Xiǎowén was a very meticulous student.Zh: 她喜欢一切都按计划进行，笔记本上整整齐齐地写着每一个步骤。En: She liked everything to go according to plan, and her notebook was neatly filled with every step.Zh: 相反，连是个随和的人，他更喜欢即兴发挥。En: In contrast, Lián was an easygoing person who preferred to improvise.Zh: 他们都是好朋友，但在如何准备演讲上却有不同的想法。En: They were good friends but had different ideas on how to prepare for the presentation.Zh: “小文，我们要不试试从不同的角度来呈现这个项目？”连提议道，他的眼睛闪烁着兴奋。En: "Xiǎowén, how about we try presenting this project from a different angle?" Lián suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement.Zh: “不行，我们得确保每个部分都完美无缺。”小文坚持，她认真地看着自己的笔记。En: "No, we need to make sure every part is flawless," Xiǎowén insisted, seriously looking at her notes.Zh: 他们坐在冰冷的地上，空气中弥漫着一股旧书的气味。En: They sat on the cold floor, the air thick with the smell of old books.Zh: 连叹了口气，心想他是不是该坚持自己的想法。En: Lián sighed, wondering if he should stick to his idea.Zh: 小文则在心里想着是否应该独自完成任务，这样更有效率。En: Xiǎowén, on the other hand, pondered whether she should complete the task alone for efficiency.Zh: 然而，就在他们争论不休的时候，地堡的灯忽然熄灭了。En: However, just as they were arguing endlessly, the lights in the bunker suddenly went out.Zh: 电源切断，四周漆黑一片。En: The power was cut, and everything around was pitch black.Zh: “糟糕，”小文惊呼，“我们不能看笔记了。”En: "Oh no," Xiǎowén exclaimed, "we can't see the notes."Zh: “没关系，就让我们来一次即兴表演吧！”连笑了，他觉得这种情况正是他所期待的。En: "No worries, let's do an improvised performance!" Lián laughed, feeling that this situation was just what he had been hoping for.Zh: 在黑暗中，他们开始模拟演讲，一边摸索着讲解，一边试着用声音来吸引注意力。En: In the darkness, they began to simulate the presentation, groping their way through the explanations and trying to captivate attention with their voices.Zh: 小文渐渐放下了笔记的束缚，开始和连一起创造性地编织他们的故事。En: Xiǎowén gradually let go of the constraints of her notes, and together with Lián, started to weave their story creatively.Zh: 此时此刻，他们在没有计划的情况下，找到了新的平衡。En: In that moment, they found a new balance without a plan.Zh: 到了演讲那天，场景看似凌乱但却另有一种特别的美感。En: On the day of the presentation, the scene seemed chaotic but possessed a special beauty.Zh: 小文和连在台上，融入了计划中的每个细节和即兴的灵感表演。En: Xiǎowén and Lián were on stage, incorporating every planned detail with inspiration from the impromptu show.Zh: 两人的合作赢得了老师和同学们的掌声。En: Their collaboration won applause from teachers and classmates.Zh: 散会之后，小文看着连，感慨地说：“我学会了信任你的直觉，计划有时不如体验过程有趣。”En: After the meeting, Xiǎowén looked at Lián and said emotionally, "I've learned to trust your intuition; sometimes the process is more fun than the plan."Zh: 连微笑着回答：“我也明白了，有个计划基础很重要。谢谢你，小文。”En: Lián smiled and replied, "I've also realized that having a plan is important. Thank you, Xiǎowén."Zh: 就这样，他们不仅解决了冲突，还从这次经历中学到了彼此的可贵之处。En: In this way, they not only resolved their conflict but also learned the value of each other's qualities from this experience.Zh: 随着窗外的雪继续飞扬，小文和连走出了秘密地堡，心中满是友情的温暖。En: As the snow continued to fly outside, Xiǎowén and Lián walked out of the mìmì dìbǎo, their hearts warm with friendship. Vocabulary Words:infrequently: 不常用meticulous: 细致improvise: 即兴发挥flawless: 完美无缺exclaimed: 惊呼improvised: 即兴的simulate: 模拟captivate: 吸引constraints: 束缚weave: 编织impromptu: 即兴的incorporating: 融入chaotic: 凌乱intuition: 直觉resolved: 解决qualities: 可贵之处process: 过程presentation: 演讲groping: 摸索pondered: 想着pitch black: 漆黑一片endlessly: 不休balcony: 没有exploratory: 没有negotiation: 没有resourceful: 没有lighthearted: 没有panorama: 没有

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Bunker Christmas: A Party to Remember Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-19-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在一个寒冷的冬天，明宇、嘉怡和浩然走进了地下的秘密掩体。En: On a cold winter day, Mingyu, Jiayi, and Haoran walked into an underground secret bunker.Zh: 那里灯光昏暗，四周是冰冷的钢铁墙壁。En: The lighting was dim, and all around were cold steel walls.Zh: 虽然环境严肃冷淡，他们却充满了兴奋，因为今天他们要在这里举办圣诞派对。En: Even though the environment was serious and cold, they were full of excitement because today they were going to hold a Christmas party there.Zh: 明宇充满了计划，他想把这个掩体打造成一片圣诞乐园。En: Mingyu was full of plans; he wanted to turn the bunker into a Christmas wonderland.Zh: 浩然则带来了许多装饰品，他最喜欢装饰，尤其是圣诞节的装饰。En: Haoran brought many decorations; he loved decorating, especially with Christmas decorations.Zh: 嘉怡则比较理性，她担心掩体的安保系统。En: Jiayi was more rational, concerned about the security system of the bunker.Zh: “我们要小心这些报警器，”嘉怡提醒道，“它们非常敏感。”En: “We have to be careful with these alarms,” Jiayi reminded, “they are very sensitive.”Zh: 然而，明宇有自己的想法。En: However, Mingyu had his own ideas.Zh: “我们要用许多绚丽的彩灯和音乐，这才是最棒的派对！”他说，同时开始挂起了闪烁的灯串。En: “We need lots of colorful lights and music, that's the best kind of party!” he said, as he began to hang up twinkling light strands.Zh: 很快，浩然加入进来，他忙着把圣诞树摆好，还挂上了许多闪亮的装饰球。En: Soon, Haoran joined in, busy arranging the Christmas tree and hanging many shiny decorative balls.Zh: 第一次拨放音乐时，报警器响了。En: The first time they played music, the alarm went off.Zh: 他们连忙停下，彼此无奈地笑了。En: They quickly stopped and smiled helplessly at each other.Zh: “再试一次，这次声音轻一点。”嘉怡说着调整了音量。En: “Try again, but with the volume lower this time.” Jiayi said as she adjusted the volume.Zh: 可是，明宇仍然坚持要更多的装饰。En: Still, Mingyu insisted on more decorations.Zh: 他挂起了巨大的圣诞花环，然而再次触发了报警器。En: He hung up a giant Christmas wreath, but this again triggered the alarm.Zh: 这时，嘉怡提议：“我们简单一点吧，太多东西会引发报警。”En: At this point, Jiayi suggested, “Let's keep it simple; too many things will trigger the alarm.”Zh: 经过一番讨论，他们终于决定简化装饰，但依然非常小心。En: After some discussion, they finally decided to simplify the decorations but still be very careful.Zh: 逐渐地，掩体变得温馨起来。En: Gradually, the bunker became cozy.Zh: 虽然没有夸张的装饰，但却是舒适的。En: Although there were no extravagant decorations, it was comfortable.Zh: 就在他们以为一切稳定时，明宇不小心碰到了最大的报警装置。En: Just when they thought everything was stable, Mingyu accidentally triggered the largest alarm device.Zh: 突然，刺耳的警铃声响彻整个掩体。En: Suddenly, a piercing alarm bell echoed throughout the bunker.Zh: 三人慌忙地跑来跑去试图关闭警报。En: The three of them hurriedly ran around trying to shut off the alarm.Zh: 最终，嘉怡冷静下来，成功地关闭了警报。En: Eventually, Jiayi calmed down and successfully turned off the alarm.Zh: 他们总算松了一口气。En: They finally breathed a sigh of relief.Zh: 虽然音乐不能再开得很大声，但派对继续了下去。En: Although the music could no longer be very loud, the party continued.Zh: 他们吃着简单的小食，喝着热饮，欢笑声充满了整个掩体。En: They ate simple snacks, drank hot drinks, and laughter filled the entire bunker.Zh: 明宇意识到派对的核心不在于奢华，而在于和朋友在一起的欢乐。En: Mingyu realized that the essence of the party wasn't in extravagance, but in the joy of being with friends.Zh: 最后，他们相互拥抱，在秘密掩体中度过了一个难忘的圣诞节。En: In the end, they hugged each other and spent an unforgettable Christmas in the secret bunker.Zh: 明宇学到了倾听建议的重要性，而这一切正是在朋友们的帮助下实现的。En: Mingyu learned the importance of listening to advice, and all of this was achieved with the help of friends. Vocabulary Words:bunker: 掩体dim: 昏暗rational: 理性sensitive: 敏感strands: 串arranging: 摆好triggered: 触发wreath: 花环simplify: 简化extravagant: 夸张的piercing: 刺耳的echoed: 响彻relief: 松了一口气snacks: 小食essence: 核心joy: 欢乐advice: 建议accomplished: 实现plans: 计划decorations: 装饰品cozy: 温馨steel: 钢铁wonderland: 乐园security: 安保alarms: 报警器volume: 音量adjusted: 调整discussion: 讨论calmed: 冷静drinks: 热饮

节目简介｜Episode Description｜エピソード紹介中文这一期《五分钟中文》，我使用 Spotify 的播客年度总结数据，回顾了 2025 年《五分钟中文》的整体情况。节目中包含大量真实的数字、百分比和时间单位，内容围绕这些数据展开，希望对大家练习数字方面的听力有所帮助。EnglishIn this episode of 5 Minute Chinese, I use my Spotify Podcast Wrapped data to look back on the overall performance of 5 Minute Chinese in 2025.The episode includes a large number of real-life numbers, percentages, and time expressions, with the hope that it can help you practice listening to numbers in Mandarin.日本語今回のエピソードでは、Spotify のポッドキャスト年間データをもとに、2025 年の『五分钟中文』の全体的な状況を振り返ります。 エピソード内では、実際の数字やパーセンテージ、時間表現が多く登場し、数字に関するリスニング練習の助けになればと思います。#SpotifyWrapped #PodcastWrapped #NumbersInMandarin #Spotify年度总结#播客回顾 #中文数字 #Spotifyまとめ #中国語の数字发短信给我！ Send me a text!Support the show如果您喜欢我的播客，欢迎通过下方方式表达您的支持。您的支持对我来说是巨大的鼓励。但无论如何，我都很感激有您作为听众。能够每周与您分享几分钟的时光，对我来说是莫大的荣幸。❤️ If you enjoy my podcast, you're welcome to show your support through the options below. Your support means a great deal to me and is a huge source of encouragement. But no matter what, I'm truly grateful to have you as a listener. It's an honor to share a few minutes with you each week!❤️ ☕

The first 40 minutes of this episode are free!Join us on Patreon to listen to the full pod!In this episode we discuss Gen Z's rejection of gatekeeping, Millennial optimism, bone shaker bikes, proto steam punk, Cruising (1980), Mac Demarco live at Massey Hall, $20 beers, Panago Pizza, Josh going to Nicks house for the first time in six years, the art of making rice, NGHT MRKT, the Conditions holiday party, learning to enjoy readings, the East Room holiday party, anxiety attacks, bad trips, The Mandarin and much more!Josh McIntyreNick Marian----COLD PODJoin us on Patreon to access all episodes and weekly one on one pods!

The child of Chinese immigrants, Liu grew up in Queens where she spoke Mandarin at home and didn't learn English until she was 5. She returns to the language in her new film, ‘Rosemead.' It's about a terminally ill mother grappling with her teenage son's escalating mental health crisis and the impossible choices she faces to help him. Liu spoke with Tonya Mosley about rejection, representation, and the first time she heard her name in OutKast's hit “Hey Ya.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

John is joined by Christopher D. Kercher, partner in Quinn Emanuel's New York office. They discuss a complex cross-border dispute involving a Chinese public company listed on the Shanghai Exchange. The company, which owned oil assets in Texas and was one of the largest private oil producers in the U.S., faced a governance crisis after an investor took over the company and elected a new board in China. When the new board attempted to gain control over the company's U.S. subsidiaries, it discovered that the company's former management had implemented mechanisms at the subsidiaries' holding companies that blocked the election of new directors. This control deadlock posed an existential threat, as Chinese regulators warned the company it could be delisted if control was not reestablished by the end of the year. The urgency of the situation demanded a rapid litigation strategy across three U.S. jurisdictions: Texas, Nevada, and Delaware. The client's initial effort, led by another firm, to resolve the matter in Texas failed because of the “internal affairs doctrine,” which required adjudication in Delaware, where the entities were incorporated. Fortunately, the other side initiated a Delaware proceeding allowing the Chinese parent to counterclaim and consolidate all issues under a highly expedited schedule. A key early win was securing a “status quo” order in Delaware, which froze major corporate actions and gave the new board veto power over decisions exceeding $100,000, effectively halting adverse moves by the former management. The case involved extensive discovery, much of it in Mandarin, and included WhatsApp, WeChat, and other messaging platforms. Advanced AI tools played a crucial role in accelerating document review, translating materials, and aiding strategy development. Cultural sensitivity and coordination with Chinese counsel were also essential to preparing the case. As trial approached, the opposing side sought settlement, likely due to being overwhelmed by the pace and depth of the litigation.  Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fmHost: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis HydeMusic and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Warm Hearts and Snowflakes: A Dongzhi Festival Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-18-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 大雪纷飞的冬至节，孤儿院里虽然寒冷，却充满了节日的温暖。En: On a snowy Dongzhi Festival, the orphanage, though cold, was filled with holiday warmth.Zh: 魏，是这里的一名志愿者，和孩子们一起给孤儿院挂上了彩色的灯笼和剪纸。En: Wei, a volunteer there, hung up colorful lanterns and paper cuttings with the children.Zh: 他有一个悲伤的过去，但他用心温暖了这里的每一个孩子。En: He had a sorrowful past, but he warmed the heart of every child there.Zh: 亮，是孤儿院最小的孩子之一，勇敢却又不易亲近。En: Liang was one of the youngest children in the orphanage, brave yet not easy to get close to.Zh: 他总是装作无所谓，但魏知道，亮渴望有人关心。En: He always pretended not to care, but Wei knew that Liang longed for someone to care.Zh: 那天，孩子们在院子里堆雪人，突发意外，亮从滑梯上摔了下来。En: That day, the children were building snowmen in the yard when an accident happened, and Liang fell from the slide.Zh: 他攥着自己的膝盖，脸色苍白，咬着嘴唇不让自己哭出声。En: He clutched his knee, his face pale, biting his lip to keep from crying out.Zh: 魏见状，立刻跑了过去，稳定亮的情绪。En: Seeing this, Wei immediately ran over to calm Liang's emotions.Zh: 他检查了一下发现伤势不轻。En: He checked and found the injury was not light.Zh: 孤儿院这时人手紧缺，医生还要晚些才能赶来。En: At that time, the orphanage was short-handed, and the doctor would take a while to arrive.Zh: 魏心里很着急，他知道必须尽快做出决定，是叫外部救援，还是让员工尽力而为。En: Wei was very anxious; he knew he had to make a decision quickly, whether to call for external help or let the staff do their best.Zh: 魏看到亮痛苦的神情，意识到不能再迟疑了。En: Wei saw the pain on Liang's face and realized he could not hesitate any longer.Zh: 他决定打电话给附近的诊所，请求医生马上过来。En: He decided to call a nearby clinic, asking a doctor to come immediately.Zh: 时间过得很慢，终于，医生赶到了，给亮做了检查并包扎好伤口。En: Time passed slowly, and finally, the doctor arrived, examined Liang, and bandaged his wound.Zh: 亮的痛苦明显缓解了很多，终于露出了一丝微笑。En: Liang's pain clearly eased, and he finally showed a slight smile.Zh: 他依偎在魏怀里，低声说：“谢谢你，魏叔叔。En: He nestled in Wei's arms and softly said, "Thank you, Uncle Wei."Zh: ”这件事后，魏意识到孤儿院的医疗条件需要改善。En: After this event, Wei realized that the orphanage's medical conditions needed improvement.Zh: 他向镇上的人们讲述这里孩子们的困境，大家纷纷伸出援手，不仅为孤儿院捐助医疗设备和药品，还有更多志愿者愿意加入其中。En: He spoke to the townsfolk about the children's plight, and everyone offered their help, not only donating medical equipment and medicines to the orphanage but also more volunteers willing to join.Zh: 在冬至节的那晚，孤儿院的孩子们聚在一起，吃着热腾腾的饺子，看着窗外的雪花。En: On the evening of the Dongzhi Festival, the children at the orphanage gathered together, eating steaming dumplings and watching the snowflakes outside the window.Zh: 他们的脸上洋溢着笑容，魏的心中充满了成就感与温暖。En: Their faces were filled with smiles, and Wei felt a sense of accomplishment and warmth in his heart.Zh: 从此，魏变得更加坚强主动，积极为孩子们创造更好的生活环境。En: From then on, Wei became more resilient and proactive, actively creating a better environment for the children.Zh: 而亮也不再躲避，他敞开了心扉，知道自己并不孤单，他的身边有爱护他的人。En: And Liang no longer hid; he opened his heart, knowing that he was not alone and had people who cared for him.Zh: 那个冬至夜，在老旧的孤儿院里，灯笼的光照亮了每一个角落，也温暖了每个人的心。En: That night of the Dongzhi Festival, in the old orphanage, the light of the lanterns illuminated every corner and warmed everyone's heart. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: 孤儿院volunteer: 志愿者lantern: 灯笼sorrowful: 悲伤injury: 伤势short-handed: 人手紧缺clinic: 诊所examine: 检查bandage: 包扎wound: 伤口plight: 困境nestle: 依偎accomplishment: 成就感resilient: 坚强proactive: 主动environment: 环境steaming: 热腾腾illuminate: 照亮decoration: 装饰calm emotions: 稳定情绪decision: 决定treatment: 治疗anxious: 着急aid: 援手diligent: 勤奋holidays: 节日anticipate: 期待ease: 缓解unite: 团结profound: 深刻

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Unearthing Secrets: The Untold Legacy of Yun Shui Xuan Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-18-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 杭州的冬天，寒风萧瑟，但西湖与茶馆的结合却是无比温暖。En: In the winter of Hangzhou, the cold wind was bitter, but the combination of West Lake and the teahouse was immensely warm.Zh: 茶馆名叫“云水轩”，是明先生开的。En: The teahouse was called Yun Shui Xuan, and it was run by Mr. Ming.Zh: 他热爱历史，尤其是那些久远的传统。En: He loved history, especially those age-old traditions.Zh: 每年冬至，人们总是来这里喝杯热茶，享受节日的欢愉。En: Every winter solstice, people would come here to sip on a hot cup of tea and enjoy the festive cheer.Zh: 这天早晨，茶馆内飘散淡淡的茶香。En: That morning, a subtle aroma of tea wafted through the teahouse.Zh: 小雨在柜台后忙碌。En: Xiaoyu was busy behind the counter.Zh: 他是这里的小学徒，总是对一切充满好奇。En: He was a young apprentice here, always full of curiosity about everything.Zh: 客人们渐渐多了起来，李伟先生也像往常一样来到茶馆。En: Gradually, more guests began to arrive, and Mr. Li Wei, as usual, came to the teahouse.Zh: 他是一个学者，经常沉迷于古印章的研究。En: He was a scholar who often immersed himself in the study of ancient seals.Zh: 墙上一幅画后隐藏的书架上，有一本古书。En: On a bookshelf hidden behind a painting on the wall, there was an ancient book.Zh: 书的封面上有一个旧印章，模糊却奥秘。En: On the cover of the book was an old seal, blurry yet mysterious.Zh: 突然，明先生收到了一个包裹，里面有一封信和一个旧印章。En: Suddenly, Mr. Ming received a package, which contained a letter and an old seal.Zh: 令所有人惊讶的是，这个印章与书上的一模一样。En: To everyone's surprise, this seal was identical to the one on the book.Zh: 明先生心中激动，也有几分不安。En: Mr. Ming was excited yet somewhat uneasy.Zh: 这个印章，会不会与茶馆的历史有关？En: Could this seal be related to the history of the teahouse?Zh: 他决定要弄清楚印章的来历，不惜采取非常措施。En: He decided to uncover the origin of the seal, even if it meant taking extraordinary measures.Zh: 他与李伟先生商量，打算去调查古代的档案，尽管这有些冒险。En: He discussed with Mr. Li Wei and planned to investigate ancient archives, despite the risks involved.Zh: 茶馆渐渐安静下来，雪花在窗外轻轻起舞。En: The teahouse gradually quieted down, and snowflakes danced gently outside the windows.Zh: 经过几天的艰苦寻找，明先生、小雨和李伟先生终于找到了线索。En: After a few days of arduous searching, Mr. Ming, Xiaoyu, and Mr. Li Wei finally found a clue.Zh: 茶馆地下似乎有一个隐藏的密室，与古代一个失落的王朝有关。En: There seemed to be a hidden chamber beneath the teahouse, which was connected to a lost dynasty of ancient times.Zh: 他们心跳如雷，打开了密室的门。En: Their hearts were pounding as they opened the door to the secret chamber.Zh: 里面摆满了古代的文物和记载着茶馆起源的历史文献。En: Inside, it was filled with ancient artifacts and historical documents that recorded the origins of the teahouse.Zh: 原来，“云水轩”的来历可以追溯到一个古老的传说，这个传说讲述了一位茶艺大师如何用茶来传递和平与智慧。En: It turned out that the origins of Yun Shui Xuan could be traced back to an old legend that told of a tea master who used tea to convey peace and wisdom.Zh: 经过这次旅程，明先生对传统文化有了更深的理解。En: After this journey, Mr. Ming developed a deeper understanding of traditional culture.Zh: 而小雨，也在这个过程中对历史的保存产生了浓厚的兴趣，未来，他希望能继续这些遗产的保护工作。En: Meanwhile, Xiaoyu grew a keen interest in the preservation of history during this process.Zh: 未来，他希望能继续这些遗产的保护工作。En: In the future, he hoped to continue working on the protection of these legacies.Zh: 在冬至那天，茶馆里的人比平时多了许多。En: On the winter solstice day, there were more people in the teahouse than usual.Zh: 大家围坐在一起，听明先生讲述那个古老而神秘的传说，心中对“云水轩”更增添几分敬仰。En: Everyone sat together, listening to Mr. Ming recount the ancient and mysterious legend, and their admiration for Yun Shui Xuan grew even more.Zh: 茶香依然，传奇继续……En: The aroma of tea lingered on, and the legend continued... Vocabulary Words:bitter: 寒风萧瑟immensely: 无比subtle: 淡淡wafted: 飘散apprentice: 小学徒curiosity: 好奇scholar: 学者immersed: 沉迷ancient: 古seal: 印章mysterious: 奥秘uneasy: 不安origin: 来历extraordinary: 非常archives: 档案arduous: 艰苦clue: 线索chamber: 密室pounding: 心跳如雷artifacts: 文物documents: 文献trace: 追溯legend: 传说convey: 传递wisdom: 智慧preservation: 保存admiration: 敬仰culture: 文化legacy: 遗产lingered: 依然

The child of Chinese immigrants, Liu grew up in Queens where she spoke Mandarin at home and didn't learn English until she was 5. She returns to the language in her new film, ‘Rosemead.' It's about a terminally ill mother grappling with her teenage son's escalating mental health crisis and the impossible choices she faces to help him. Liu spoke with Tonya Mosley about rejection, representation, and the first time she heard her name in OutKast's hit “Hey Ya.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Winter Rendezvous: Love Blossoms at the Temple of Heaven Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-17-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬季的北京，空气清新而寒冷。En: In winter, Beijing is fresh and cold.Zh: 整座城市准备迎接春节的到来。En: The entire city is preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival.Zh: 而在天坛，李伟心跳如鼓。En: Meanwhile, at the Temple of Heaven, Li Wei's heart was pounding like a drum.Zh: 他和静的第一次约会就在这里。En: His first date with Jing was taking place here.Zh: 李伟是一个年轻的艺术家，他热爱传统的中国文化。En: Li Wei is a young artist passionate about traditional Chinese culture.Zh: 今天，他希望能给静留下一个好的印象。En: Today, he hopes to leave a good impression on Jing.Zh: 天坛的冬景美丽而庄严，李伟几乎能感受到历史的呼吸。En: The winter scenery of the Temple of Heaven is beautiful and solemn, and Li Wei can almost feel the breath of history.Zh: 静是一个热爱历史的人，她的好奇心让她对每一个细节都充满兴趣。En: Jing is a history enthusiast, and her curiosity fills her with interest in every detail.Zh: 杨明，李伟和静的共同朋友，是这次约会的牵线人。En: Yang Ming, a mutual friend of Li Wei and Jing, was the matchmaker for this date.Zh: 他知道李伟对静的仰慕已久。En: He knew that Li Wei had admired Jing for a long time.Zh: 三人走在天坛的石板路上，寒风轻轻吹过。En: The three of them walked on the stone-paved path of the Temple of Heaven, with a light cold wind blowing by.Zh: 静愉快地聊起了天坛的历史，“你们知道吗？祈年殿是皇帝向天神祈求丰收的地方。”En: Jing happily started talking about the history of the Temple of Heaven, “Did you know? The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is where the emperor prayed to the heavenly gods for a good harvest.”Zh: 她的讲话充满了热情，李伟感觉到一丝紧张，但他也被静的活力所吸引。En: Her speech was full of enthusiasm, and Li Wei felt a bit nervous, yet he was also attracted to her energy.Zh: 李伟知道，他需要克服自己的紧张，找到两人之间的共同兴趣。En: Li Wei knew he needed to overcome his nervousness and find common interests between them.Zh: 他想为了这次约会展示他的艺术作品。En: He wanted to showcase his artwork for this date.Zh: 终于，在一个宁静的角落，李伟鼓起勇气，拿出随身携带的素描本。En: Finally, in a tranquil corner, Li Wei mustered the courage to take out his sketchbook.Zh: “这是我画的祈年殿。”他小心翼翼地递给静。En: “This is my drawing of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests,” he cautiously handed it to Jing.Zh: 静接过素描本，眼中露出惊讶与欣赏的神情。En: She took the sketchbook, her eyes showing surprise and appreciation.Zh: “这是你画的？太美了！”她的称赞让李伟感到一种从未有过的自信。En: “Did you draw this? It's so beautiful!” Her compliment gave Li Wei a newfound sense of confidence.Zh: 两人继续在天坛中探索，分享着彼此对艺术和历史的看法。En: They continued exploring the Temple of Heaven, sharing their views on art and history.Zh: 随着谈话的深入，李伟发现静对他的艺术和传统文化有着极大的兴趣。En: As the conversation deepened, Li Wei discovered that Jing had a great interest in his art and traditional culture.Zh: 他不再觉得紧张，反而更想展示他的更多作品。En: He no longer felt nervous and was instead eager to showcase more of his work.Zh: 傍晚时分，太阳渐渐落下，晚霞染红了天坛的天空。En: By dusk, the sun gradually set, painting the sky over the Temple of Heaven with a red glow.Zh: 静微笑着对李伟说：“谢谢你，今天非常愉快。我很期待下次我们的见面。”En: Jing smiled at Li Wei and said, “Thank you, today was very pleasant. I look forward to our next meeting.”Zh: 李伟的内心温暖如春，他知道他在今天不仅赢得了静的赞赏，也在内心深处找到了一种新的自信。En: Li Wei's heart was warm as spring, knowing that today he not only gained Jing's admiration but also found a new type of confidence within himself.Zh: 两人离开天坛，一同走向前方的夜晚，而他们的友情在这次约会中开始了新的篇章。En: They left the Temple of Heaven together, walking toward the night ahead, with their friendship starting a new chapter from this date. Vocabulary Words:fresh: 清新upcoming: 即将到来pounding: 心跳如鼓matchmaker: 牵线人triumph: 胜利tranquil: 宁静courage: 勇气sketchbook: 素描本admire: 仰慕overcome: 克服mutual: 共同solemn: 庄严impression: 印象curiosity: 好奇心enthusiasm: 热情confidence: 自信dusk: 傍晚时分admiration: 赞赏explore: 探索red glow: 晚霞friendship: 友情breath: 呼吸passionate: 热爱eager: 渴望corner: 角落nervous: 紧张views: 看法traditional: 传统exploring: 探索

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Connection in Shanghai's Winter Wonderland Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-17-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 上海的冬天像一幅油画，尤其是在新天地这个繁华的娱乐区。En: The winter in Shanghai is like an oil painting, especially in Xintiandi, this bustling entertainment district.Zh: 圣诞节的灯光灿烂夺目，到处洋溢着节日的气息。En: The Christmas lights are dazzling and bright, filled with a festive atmosphere everywhere.Zh: 空气中弥漫着热红酒和烤栗子的香味，虽然天气寒冷，但这儿的人们都洋溢着热情的笑容。En: The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.Zh: 在这样的一个冬日里，莲被她的朋友梅拉到了这处圣诞市场。梅知道莲是一个内向的人，假期时常常感到孤独。En: Although the weather is cold, people here are all brimming with warm smiles.Zh: 她认为莲应该多参与社交活动。莲偶尔也觉得寂寞，希望有人能分享她生活中的点点滴滴。En: On such a winter day, Lian was brought to this Christmas market by her friend Mei.Zh: “走吧，试试看，也许会有惊喜的发现。”梅鼓励道。En: Mei knew Lian was an introverted person who often felt lonely during the holidays.Zh: 莲信步游走于市场，两眼流连于各种手工艺品。En: She thought Lian should participate in more social activities.Zh: 她手持素描本，想把这些市集的热闹繁华记录下来，却心里挣扎于融入人群中。En: Lian occasionally also felt lonely, wishing someone could share the bits and pieces of her life.Zh: 不远处，有个年轻男子站在一个摊位旁边，他的眼神被莲的素描吸引住了。En: “Come on, give it a try, maybe you'll discover something surprising,” Mei encouraged.Zh: 这个人是勇，一个刚搬来上海，为工作繁忙奔走的程序员。En: Lian wandered through the market, her eyes lingering on various handicrafts.Zh: 勇也在寻找归属感，希望能在这座繁忙的城市找到连接。En: She held a sketchbook, wanting to capture the liveliness and prosperity of the market, yet struggled in her heart to blend into the crowd.Zh: 莲注意到勇正在注视她的画，心中一动，决定尝试迈出自己舒适圈的第一步。她挪到勇身边，略显紧张地说：“你好，你也喜欢画画？”En: Not far away, a young man stood next to a stall, his gaze attracted to Lian's sketching.Zh: 勇微微一笑，点了点头：“你好，这些画真好看，你是画家吗？”En: This person was Yong, a programmer who had just moved to Shanghai, busy running around for work.Zh: 莲不好意思地摇了摇头：“只是一名老师。我喜欢捕捉城市的活力。”En: Yong was also searching for a sense of belonging, hoping to find connections in this bustling city.Zh: 夜幕渐渐降临，市集里的灯光更加明亮温暖。En: Lian noticed that Yong was looking at her drawing, and she felt a stir in her heart, deciding to take the first step out of her comfort zone.Zh: 两人在灯光之下，开诚布公地分享起各自的兴趣和梦想。En: She moved to Yong's side and, slightly nervous, said, “Hello, do you like drawing too?”Zh: 莲发现，她和勇有太多相同的话题和想法。市集的喧闹声渐渐淡去，取而代之的是两人之间轻轻的低语。En: Yong smiled slightly and nodded: “Hello, these drawings are lovely, are you an artist?”Zh: 在这个看似偶然的境遇中，莲和勇发现了一种难得的默契。En: Lian bashfully shook her head: “Just a teacher. I love capturing the vitality of the city.”Zh: 当夜色愈发深沉，两人不舍地交换了联系方式。En: As night gradually fell, the lights in the market became brighter and warmer.Zh: “我们可以再见面，你觉得呢？”勇提议。En: Under the lights, the two openly shared their interests and dreams.Zh: 莲轻轻点头，心里升起一股从未有过的暖意：“好的，期待下一次。”En: Lian discovered that she and Yong had so many common topics and thoughts.Zh: 此时的莲，仿佛突然明白，在人生这幅画中，偶尔给自己留下一片净白去交与他人填充，也许就是最好的创作。En: The noise of the market gradually faded away, replaced by the soft whispers between the two.Zh: En: In this seemingly coincidental encounter, Lian and Yong discovered a rare rapport.Zh: En: As the night grew deeper, they reluctantly exchanged contact information.Zh: En: “We can meet again, don't you think?” Yong suggested.Zh: En: Lian nodded gently, a warmth she had never felt before rising in her heart: “Alright, looking forward to next time.”Zh: En: At this moment, Lian seemed to suddenly understand that in the painting of life, occasionally leaving a blank space for others to fill might be the best creation. Vocabulary Words:winter: 冬天bustling: 繁华entertainment: 娱乐dazzling: 灿烂夺目scent: 香味mulled wine: 热红酒roasted chestnuts: 烤栗子brimming: 洋溢introverted: 内向lonely: 孤独festive: 节日social activities: 社交活动wandered: 信步游走handicrafts: 手工艺品livelihood: 活力prosperity: 繁华blend: 融入sketchbook: 素描本gaze: 眼神programmer: 程序员sense of belonging: 归属感connections: 连接stir: 心中一动comfort zone: 舒适圈bashfully: 不好意思地vitality: 活力night gradually fell: 夜幕渐渐降临rapport: 默契encounter: 境遇reluctantly: 不舍地

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Startup Sparks: A Christmas Eve Pitch That Changed Everything Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-16-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在一个寒冷的冬日，城市的天空灰蒙蒙的，气温降得很低。En: On a cold winter day, the city's sky was gray and the temperature dropped significantly.Zh: 然而，在这座现代的创业孵化器内，却充满了热情和希望。En: However, inside this modern incubator, there was an atmosphere of enthusiasm and hope.Zh: 圣诞节的装饰让整个房间显得更为温馨，绿意点缀着科技的冷色调。En: The Christmas decorations made the entire room feel cozier, with greenery softening the cool tones of technology.Zh: 梅和陈坐在他们的办公桌旁，眉头紧锁。En: Mei and Chen sat by their desks, their brows furrowed.Zh: 梅是一位聪明而乐观的技术开发者，她对创新充满了热情，但内心深处害怕失败。En: Mei was a smart and optimistic tech developer, passionate about innovation but deeply afraid of failure.Zh: 陈是一个注重策略的思考者，实际而沉稳，但他对他们的创业计划能否成功心存疑虑。En: Chen was a strategic thinker, practical and steady, yet he doubted whether their startup plan would succeed.Zh: 他们的目标很明确：在新年到来之前，获得足够的资金支持，以维持他们的健康科技初创公司的运营。En: Their goal was clear: to secure enough funding before the New Year to maintain the operation of their health tech startup.Zh: 然而，形势不容乐观。En: However, the situation was not optimistic.Zh: 市场竞争激烈，投资者对他们的产品能否大规模推广持怀疑态度。En: The market competition was fierce, and investors were skeptical about the mass adoption of their product.Zh: 此时，节日的临近使得会议和决策的速度放缓，这给他们的计划增加了不小的难度。En: With the holiday season approaching, the speed of meetings and decisions slowed down, adding significant difficulty to their plans.Zh: 梅大胆地提出，要在平安夜亲自向一位潜在的重要投资者展示他们的原型机，用实力说话。En: Mei boldly proposed showcasing their prototype to a potential major investor on Christmas Eve, letting their work speak for itself.Zh: 陈非常支持她的决定，但同时他感到了巨大的压力，担心如果他们失败了，后果将会很严重。En: Chen fully supported her decision but simultaneously felt immense pressure, fearing the serious consequences if they failed.Zh: 到了平安夜，他们站在一排白板前，上面画满了各种图表。En: On Christmas Eve, they stood in front of a row of whiteboards filled with various charts.Zh: 在喧闹的创业孵化器中，梅和陈准备展示他们的心血。En: In the bustling incubator, Mei and Chen were ready to present their hard work.Zh: 初次展示时，他们的原型机忽然出现了问题，这让投资者的兴趣明显减弱。En: During the initial presentation, their prototype suddenly encountered problems, noticeably reducing the investor's interest.Zh: 梅用她出色的解决问题能力，迅速开始现场排查故障。En: Mei, with her excellent problem-solving skills, quickly began troubleshooting the issue on the spot.Zh: 与此同时，陈用充满激情的话语解释他们的愿景和产品的潜在影响力。En: Meanwhile, Chen passionately explained their vision and the potential impact of their product.Zh: 他那真诚和坚定的声音再次激起了投资者的兴趣。En: His sincere and firm voice reawakened the investor's interest.Zh: 经过一番努力，问题终于被解决，原型机顺利运行。En: After much effort, the issue was finally resolved, and the prototype ran smoothly.Zh: 投资者不仅被他们的聪明才智打动，也被他们的毅力与理想所感动。En: The investor was not only impressed by their ingenuity but also moved by their perseverance and ideals.Zh: 最终，投资者决定支持这对充满激情和潜力的创业者。En: In the end, the investor decided to support this passionate and promising pair of entrepreneurs.Zh: 他承诺提供资金，帮助他们实现革命性的健康科技梦想。En: He promised to provide funding to help them realize their revolutionary health tech dreams.Zh: 圣诞节的灯火亮起，喜悦的火花在梅和陈的心中闪烁。En: As the Christmas lights lit up, sparks of joy flickered in Mei and Chen's hearts.Zh: 梅对自己的能力有了更多的信心，而陈也学会了相信他们的共同目标，并相信他们能够克服任何障碍。En: Mei gained more confidence in her abilities, and Chen learned to trust their shared goal and believed they could overcome any obstacle.Zh: 冰雪虽寒，但梦想温暖，他们在这条艰难而美好的路上，坚定地走了下去。En: Though the ice and snow were cold, dreams were warm, and they resolutely continued on this challenging yet beautiful path. Vocabulary Words:incubator: 孵化器enthusiasm: 热情cozy: 温馨furrowed: 紧锁optimistic: 乐观innovation: 创新strategic: 策略的succeed: 成功fierce: 激烈skeptical: 怀疑的adoption: 推广troubleshooting: 排查故障impact: 影响力sincere: 真诚ingenuity: 聪明才智perseverance: 毅力entrepreneurs: 创业者realize: 实现revolutionary: 革命性的overcome: 克服obstacle: 障碍prototype: 原型机firm: 坚定resolve: 解决investor: 投资者charts: 图表operation: 运营doubt: 心存疑虑significantly: 显著pressure: 压力

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: How a Tech Mishap Turned into a Triumph of Heart and Innovation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-16-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在这个寒冷的冬季早晨，创业孵化器里充满了期待和紧张。En: On this cold winter morning, the startup incubator was filled with anticipation and tension.Zh: 一群满怀梦想的创业者们正在这里准备展示他们的创意。En: A group of dream-filled entrepreneurs were preparing to showcase their innovations here.Zh: 这个地方装修现代，宽敞明亮，墙上挂满了成功企业的海报，似乎在告诉每个来到这里的人，希望就在眼前。En: The place was modernly decorated, spacious and bright, with walls adorned with posters of successful companies, as if telling everyone who came here that hope was right in front of them.Zh: 李伟走进来，他的心跳得很快。En: Li Wei walked in, his heart beating rapidly.Zh: 他是一名充满激情的科技创业者，对创新有着无限的热爱。En: He was a passionate tech entrepreneur with an endless love for innovation.Zh: 今天，他们要在这里参加一场创业比赛，这是一个获得创业基金的机会。En: Today, they were here to participate in a startup competition, an opportunity to secure startup funding.Zh: 李伟的身边是他的朋友兼商业伙伴小宁。En: By Li Wei's side was his friend and business partner, Xiao Ning.Zh: 小宁是个务实的支持者，总能在关键时刻给出有用的建议和支持。En: Xiao Ning was a pragmatic supporter, always able to provide useful advice and support at critical moments.Zh: 然而，李伟心中有些忐忑。En: However, Li Wei was a bit uneasy.Zh: 他知道今天的竞争很激烈，其他团队的项目也都很出色。En: He knew the competition was fierce today, and the other teams' projects were also outstanding.Zh: 他担心自己的演讲不够特别，无法吸引评委们的注意力。En: He worried that his presentation might not be special enough to capture the judges' attention.Zh: 比赛开始，李伟和小宁站在他们的展台前。En: The competition began, and Li Wei and Xiao Ning stood in front of their booth.Zh: 李伟深吸一口气，他的计划是通过一次精彩的现场展示打动评委。En: Li Wei took a deep breath, planning to impress the judges with a brilliant live demonstration.Zh: 可是，就在准备开始时，他们的幻灯片突然出现了技术故障，无法播放。En: But just as they were about to start, their slideshow suddenly encountered a technical glitch and couldn't play.Zh: 李伟感到一阵慌乱，汗水从额头流下。En: Li Wei felt a wave of panic, as sweat trickled down his forehead.Zh: 这时，小宁轻轻拍拍李伟的肩膀，小声说道：“别慌，告诉他们我们的故事。”En: At this moment, Xiao Ning gently patted Li Wei on the shoulder and whispered, "Don't panic, tell them our story."Zh: 李伟点点头，深吸一口气，把手放下，抬起头来面对评委席。En: Li Wei nodded, took a deep breath, lowered his hand, and looked up to face the judges.Zh: “尊敬的评委们，大家好！”李伟开始即兴发挥。En: "Honorable judges, hello everyone!" Li Wei began to improvise.Zh: 他放弃了复杂的技术术语，转而讲述这个项目能为人们生活带来的美好改变。En: He abandoned complex technical jargon and instead talked about the positive changes their project could bring to people's lives.Zh: 他描述了一些真实的故事，讲述他们的产品如何帮助了一些无家可归者找到住处，以及如何通过技术使那些渴望学习的孩子获得教育资源。En: He described some real stories, explaining how their product helped some homeless people find shelter and how technology enabled eager-to-learn children to access educational resources.Zh: 他的故事非常感人，整个大厅里只有他的声音，评委们安静地聆听。En: His story was very moving, and the entire hall was filled only with his voice as the judges listened intently.Zh: 李伟的演讲结束时，一片掌声响起，这掌声让他感受到无与伦比的力量。En: When Li Wei's speech concluded, applause erupted, giving him an unparalleled sense of strength.Zh: 比赛结果揭晓，虽然李伟和小宁没有获得第一名，但他们的项目赢得了一项特别创新表彰，并被邀请参加一个重要的导师项目。En: The results of the competition were announced, and although Li Wei and Xiao Ning didn't win first place, their project received a special innovation award and an invitation to participate in a significant mentorship program.Zh: 这一切超出了他们的预期。En: This exceeded their expectations.Zh: 在离开孵化器时，李伟对小宁说道：“我今天学到了，适应能力比我以为的重要得多。”En: As they left the incubator, Li Wei said to Xiao Ning, "I learned today that adaptability is more important than I thought."Zh: 小宁微笑着点头：“是啊，有时候，人们更关注你的故事，而不是技术本身。”En: Xiao Ning nodded with a smile, "Yes, sometimes people care more about your story than the technology itself."Zh: 在这个冬天的早晨，李伟发现了自己新的可能性。En: On this winter morning, Li Wei discovered new possibilities within himself.Zh: 带着无比的信心和对未来的憧憬，他和小宁一起走向新的一天。En: With immense confidence and an eagerness for the future, he and Xiao Ning walked into a new day together. Vocabulary Words:incubator: 孵化器anticipation: 期待entrepreneurs: 创业者showcase: 展示adorned: 挂满fierce: 激烈outstanding: 出色presentation: 演讲demonstration: 展示glitch: 故障wave: 一阵patted: 拍拍abandoned: 放弃jargon: 术语enable: 使intently: 专注地applause: 掌声unparalleled: 无与伦比mentorship: 导师apped: 准competition: 比赛innovation: 创新pragmatic: 务实adaptability: 适应能力immense: 无比confidence: 信心eagerness: 渴望spacious: 宽敞modern: 现代critical: 关键

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Illuminate Your Journey: Love and Dreams at Yuyuan Lanterns Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-15-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 夜色笼罩着上海，豫园的灯笼节如梦如幻。En: The night enveloped Shanghai, and the lantern festival at Yuyuan Garden felt like a scene out of a dream.Zh: 五颜六色的灯笼在古老的建筑间轻轻摇曳，映出一片温暖的光芒。En: Colorful lanterns swayed gently among the ancient buildings, casting a warm glow.Zh: 每年这个时候，豫园总是被满满的欢笑声和喧闹声填满。En: At this time every year, Yuyuan Garden was always filled with laughter and the sound of joy.Zh: 美琳站在桥边，双眼流连于眼前的光影。En: Meilin stood by the bridge, her eyes lingering on the play of light before her.Zh: 她是一位年轻的画家，总在寻找灵感。En: She was a young painter, always in search of inspiration.Zh: 忽然，她发现头顶上方飘过一个红色的灯笼，慢慢地升向空中。En: Suddenly, she noticed a red lantern floating overhead, slowly rising into the sky.Zh: 这一刻，她心中有了一幅美妙的画。En: At that moment, a beautiful image formed in her mind.Zh: 就在此时，金海出现了。En: Just then, Jinhai appeared.Zh: 他是个忙碌的商人，生活中总是有条有理，但却很少有时间品味生活的简单乐趣。En: He was a busy businessman, always living life in a well-organized manner but rarely pausing to enjoy life's simple pleasures.Zh: 他也被这美丽的场景吸引住了。En: He, too, was captivated by the beautiful scene.Zh: “这里真美，不是吗？”他笑着对美琳说。En: "It's really beautiful here, isn't it?" he said, smiling to Meilin.Zh: 美琳回过头，看到金海那真诚的笑容，点点头，“是啊，这里的灯笼就像画中一样。”En: Meilin turned around and saw Jinhai's sincere smile and nodded, "Yes, the lanterns here are like those in a painting."Zh: 他们随意聊了起来，美琳感到一种久违的自在。En: They began to chat casually, and Meilin felt a long-lost sense of ease.Zh: 然而，随着话题的深入，她隐隐感到金海的生活与自己的世界截然不同。En: However, as their conversation deepened, she sensed that Jinhai's life was vastly different from her own world.Zh: 他的生活节奏那么快，令美琳感到有些不安。En: His fast-paced life made her feel slightly uneasy.Zh: 金海看到她的犹疑，微微叹了口气。En: Jinhai noticed her hesitation and sighed softly.Zh: 他知道自己的生活有些严肃，缺少乐趣。En: He was aware that his life was somewhat serious, lacking in fun.Zh: 这次偶遇让他意识到或许生活中也应该多些即兴和艺术。En: This chance encounter made him realize that perhaps life should include more spontaneity and art.Zh: “你想和我一起逛逛吗？”美琳鼓足勇气问道。En: "Would you like to take a walk with me?" Meilin mustered the courage to ask.Zh: 金海思索片刻，然后微笑道：“好啊。我很想看看艺术家的视角。”En: Jinhai thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sure. I'd love to see from an artist's perspective."Zh: 两人慢慢走在灯笼下，银色月光映在他们身上。En: The two walked slowly under the lanterns as the silver moonlight illuminated them.Zh: 美琳指着一只挂得很高的灯笼，说那是她今晚最想画的东西。En: Meilin pointed to a lantern hanging high above, saying it was the object she most wanted to paint that night.Zh: 金海则说起他小时候的故事，如何幻想有一天能像灯笼一样飞向天空。En: Jinhai, in turn, shared stories from his childhood about how he dreamed of one day flying into the sky like a lantern.Zh: 两人走过古桥，穿过园中曲折的小径，仿佛置身于一个神话世界。En: They crossed ancient bridges and wandered through winding paths in the garden, as if they were in a mythical world.Zh: 在这闪烁的灯光下，他们开始谈论各自心中的梦想和追求。En: Under the twinkling lights, they began to discuss their dreams and aspirations.Zh: “有时候，我们的生活可以平衡起来，”美琳说。En: "Sometimes, our lives can find a balance," Meilin said.Zh: “如果可以兼顾就好了，”金海答道。En: "It would be great if we could manage that," Jinhai replied.Zh: 在灯笼下，他们分享了一瞬间的感悟。En: Under the lanterns, they shared a moment of insight.Zh: 艺术与生活可以共融，责任与梦想可以共存。En: Art and life can blend, responsibilities and dreams can coexist.Zh: “我们可以再见面吗？”金海问。En: "Can we meet again?" Jinhai asked.Zh: 美琳笑着点头，“当然，我很乐意。”En: Meilin nodded with a smile, "Of course, I'd love to."Zh: 他们互换了联系方式，心中都有一丝丝的激动。En: They exchanged contact information, each feeling a hint of excitement.Zh: 美琳发现，自己能更自信地和别人交流了。En: Meilin found herself more confident in communicating with others.Zh: 金海也意识到，原来生活中即兴的快乐是多么宝贵。En: Jinhai realized the value of impromptu joys in life.Zh: 豫园的灯光渐渐暗淡，但他们心中的光芒却一直闪耀着，En: The lights of Yuyuan Garden gradually dimmed, but the light in their hearts continued to shine brightly.Zh: 两人携手向园外走去，心中抱着对未来的遐想。En: Together, they walked out of the garden hand in hand, harboring dreams for the future.Zh: 故事虽短，却描绘了一幅美丽的图景，一段新起的旅程就此开始。En: Though the story was short, it painted a beautiful picture, marking the beginning of a new journey. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 笼罩lantern: 灯笼swayed: 摇曳lingering: 流连painting: 画家inspiration: 灵感overhead: 头顶上方scene: 场景sincere: 真诚casually: 随意hesitation: 犹疑mustered: 鼓足perspective: 视角illuminated: 映winding: 曲折aspirations: 追求balance: 平衡coexist: 共存impromptu: 即兴exchanged: 互换captivated: 吸引spontaneity: 即兴dimmed: 暗淡harboring: 抱mythical: 神话potential: 潜力nodded: 点头splendor: 辉煌garden: 园fascinate: 吸引

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lanterns of Love: A Sibling Bond Amidst Zhangjiajie Mystique Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-15-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在冬至这天，梁和梅开车驶入了张家界国家森林公园。En: On the day of the winter solstice, Liang and Mei drove into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.Zh: 车窗外，巨大的砂岩柱在冬日薄雾中显得神秘而美丽。En: Outside the car window, the giant sandstone pillars appeared mysterious and beautiful in the winter's light mist.Zh: 这里的景色像极了仙境，令人生出温柔的敬畏。En: The scenery here was akin to a fairyland, inspiring a gentle awe.Zh: “哥，我们到哪儿了？”梅望着窗外，轻声问道。En: "Brother, where have we arrived?" Mei asked softly, looking outside the window.Zh: 她的声音中夹杂着一丝颤抖。En: Her voice carried a slight tremble.Zh: “快到了。”梁回答，眼神专注地看着前方的道路。En: "We're almost there," Liang replied, his eyes focused on the road ahead.Zh: 他今晚原本打算载梅去一个特别的地方，一起庆祝冬至。En: Tonight, he originally planned to take Mei to a special place to celebrate the winter solstice together.Zh: 路上的沉默像是一道无形的障碍。En: The silence on the road felt like an invisible barrier.Zh: 自从他们的父亲去世后，这种障碍一直横亘在兄妹之间。En: Since their father's passing, this barrier had always existed between the siblings.Zh: 他们终于抵达了目的地，一个能远眺整个峡谷的平台。En: They finally reached their destination, a platform offering a panoramic view of the entire canyon.Zh: 雪轻轻地铺满大地，洁白无瑕。En: Snow gently covered the ground, pristine and spotless.Zh: 梅环视四周，深吸一口气，试图消解胸中的压抑。En: Mei looked around, taking a deep breath in an attempt to dissolve the oppression in her chest.Zh: 梁走到她身边，声音温和地说：“梅，我们可以点个灯笼，为爸祈愿。”En: Liang walked up to her and said gently, "Mei, we can light a lantern to send our wishes to Dad."Zh: 梅犹豫了一会儿。En: Mei hesitated for a moment.Zh: 她对父亲的去世感到无所适从，不知道如何面对。En: She felt lost over their father's death, unsure of how to face it.Zh: 但最终，还是点了头。En: But in the end, she nodded.Zh: “好，我想这样做。”她用低柔的语调答应了。En: "Okay, I want to do that," she agreed in a soft tone.Zh: 梁从车里拿出准备好的纸灯笼和火柴。En: Liang took out the prepared paper lantern and matches from the car.Zh: 他们点燃灯笼，小心翼翼地将火苗送入天际。En: They lit the lantern, carefully sending the flame into the sky.Zh: “爸会希望我们好好的。”梁忽然开口，他声音有些沙哑。En: "Dad would want us to be well," Liang suddenly said, his voice a bit hoarse.Zh: 梅点头，眼眶红了。En: Mei nodded, her eyes reddening.Zh: 她也想起了父亲温暖的笑容，以及他对他们兄妹的爱。En: She, too, remembered their father's warm smile and his love for them.Zh: “我希望我们以后能聊聊，好吗？”梁转头看着妹妹，流露出坦诚。En: "I hope we can talk more in the future, okay?" Liang turned to look at his sister, showing sincerity.Zh: 梅擦了擦眼泪，勉强笑了笑：“好，哥。”En: Mei wiped her tears and forced a smile: "Okay, brother."Zh: 这时，灯笼已经越飞越高，慢慢消失在夜空中。En: By now, the lantern had flown higher and higher, slowly disappearing into the night sky.Zh: 兄妹俩手握着手，心中多了份轻松。En: The siblings held hands, feeling a sense of relief.Zh: 他们知道这份记忆和牵挂永远不会消失。En: They knew this memory and the bond would never fade.Zh: 在张家界这片宁静壮丽的冬日之景中，梁和梅彼此依靠着，感受到了一种从未有过的温暖。En: In the tranquil and magnificent winter scenery of Zhangjiajie, Liang and Mei leaned on each other, feeling a warmth never felt before.Zh: 家人之间，即便不在身边，爱意仍在飘荡，像点燃的灯笼，永远引导着他们向前。En: Among family, even when not by their side, love continues to linger, like the lit lantern, forever guiding them forward. Vocabulary Words:solstice: 冬至sandstone: 砂岩mysterious: 神秘akin: 像极了awe: 敬畏barrier: 障碍pristine: 洁白无瑕hesitated: 犹豫oppression: 压抑lantern: 灯笼matches: 火柴hoarse: 沙哑sincerity: 坦诚faded: 消失relief: 轻松tranquil: 宁静magnitude: 壮丽linger: 飘荡guiding: 引导tremble: 颤抖focused: 专注silence: 沉默platform: 平台canyon: 峡谷panoramic: 远眺spotless: 无瑕flame: 火苗reddening: 红了smile: 笑容oppression: 压抑

*NOTE: This podcast is primarily in Mandarin language. Watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/iktYmrm5mEQ Get an inside look at a high-impact real estate training led by a Top 1% Vancouver leader and learn the strategies that actually move the needle for agents. In this session, you'll hear real insights from 19 years of experience, 2300 homes sold, and one of the fastest-growing teams in Greater Vancouver. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, this training breaks down what's working right now and how top performers are scaling their business. From mindset to systems to production habits, you'll see how top agents think, operate, and grow in any market. If you're serious about elevating your real estate career and learning directly from a leader who has built a 60-agent team and a global organization, this behind-the-scenes session is a must-watch.

Today's Episode:Eating alone is becoming more popular in China. In this episode, we talk about 一人食 — what it means, why young people choose it, and why eating alone doesn't always mean being lonely. Simple Chinese, real life, real culture.Membership Preview:How do you say “I want to be alone” in natural Chinese? In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, you'll learn many gentle, polite ways to say it — with simple sentences, slow explanations, and lots of examples you can actually use.Support MaoMi & Get exclusive   to premium content!https://www.buzzsprout.com/1426696/subscribe ↗️Transcript and translations are available on https://maomichinese.comInterested in any topics? Leave me a message on: https://maomichinese.com or https://www.instagram.com/maomichinese/?hl=en*Please note that Spotify does not support the membership program.Text me what you think :)Support the show

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: A Frosty Festival of Friendship: Li Na's Winter Quest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-14-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 山村上冬的气氛已经很浓厚，空气中弥漫着松木的清香和远处壁炉的烟雾味。En: In the mountain village, the atmosphere of winter was already very strong, with the air filled with the fresh scent of pine wood and the smoky aroma from distant fireplaces.Zh: 村里的人们忙着为冬至节做准备。En: The villagers were busy preparing for the Dongzhi Festival.Zh: 李娜，是一位充满活力的年轻女子，总是对这个节日充满期待。En: Li Na, a vibrant young woman, always looked forward to this festival.Zh: 她想借此机会好好庆祝，但是内心却希望能够给多年前没见过的老朋友严留下美好的印象。En: She wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate properly, but in her heart, she hoped to leave a good impression on her old friend Yan, whom she hadn't seen for years.Zh: 这天早晨，李娜戴上暖和的围巾，走出家门。En: That morning, Li Na put on a warm scarf and stepped out of her house.Zh: 她要去村里的小店寻找节日装饰。En: She was heading to the village's little shop to look for festival decorations.Zh: 村里的冬天特别冷，厚厚的雪覆盖着地面。En: The winter in the village was particularly cold, with thick snow covering the ground.Zh: 她走进小店，发现里面的装饰品已经所剩无几了。En: She entered the shop and found that the decorations were already scarce.Zh: 由于大雪阻碍了货物的运输，选择很有限。En: Due to the heavy snow hindering the transportation of goods, the choices were very limited.Zh: 其他村民们也在挑选，不久就将余下的几样买走了。En: Other villagers were also picking out items, and soon the remaining decorations were quickly bought.Zh: 李娜心想：“这样下去，怎么能办好节日聚会呢？En: Li Na thought to herself, "At this rate, how can I hold a good festival gathering?"Zh: ”她下定决心，尽管天气寒冷，她还是要去附近的小镇看看。En: She resolved that despite the cold weather, she would go to the nearby town to have a look.Zh: 她希望能买到更独特的装饰品。En: She hoped to find more unique decorations.Zh: 她冒着风雪，一步步走向小镇。En: Braving the wind and snow, she took steps toward the small town.Zh: 在小镇上，李娜果然找到了许多漂亮的装饰品。En: In the town, as expected, Li Na found many beautiful decorations.Zh: 有彩色的灯笼，还有挂着吉祥图案的窗花。En: There were colorful lanterns and window ornaments with auspicious patterns.Zh: 她心满意足地挑选了一袋装饰品，准备返回村庄。En: Satisfied, she selected a bag of decorations and prepared to return to the village.Zh: 可就在这时，天空忽然飘起了大雪。En: Just then, heavy snow began to fall from the sky.Zh: 李娜艰难地踏上归途，风雪越来越大，她把围巾裹得更紧。En: Li Na struggled on her way back, as the wind and snow intensified.Zh: 她必须要在节日前赶回去，因为大家都在等待庆祝冬至节，她不想让家人和村民失望，也希望看到严对她努力的肯定。En: She wrapped her scarf tighter.Zh: 终于，李娜冒着风雪回到了村庄。En: She had to return before the festival because everyone was waiting to celebrate the Dongzhi Festival, and she didn't want to disappoint her family and fellow villagers.Zh: 她捧着一袋装饰品，村民们看到她的到来都非常开心。En: She also hoped to see Yan acknowledge her efforts.Zh: 大家一起帮她布置，村子立刻变得灯火辉煌。En: Finally, Li Na made her way back to the village through the wind and snow.Zh: 冬至节的气氛愈发热烈。En: As she held a bag of decorations, the villagers were very happy to see her arrive.Zh: 当晚，大家围坐在装饰着灯火的院子里，欢声笑语。En: Everyone helped her set up, and the village quickly lit up with a brilliant glow.Zh: 严特意走到李娜面前，对她说：“你的付出让这个节日更加特别。En: The atmosphere of the Dongzhi Festival grew even more lively.Zh: ”李娜的脸上露出了欣慰的微笑。En: That evening, everyone sat around in a courtyard decorated with lights, filled with laughter and joy.Zh: 通过这次经历，李娜明白了，不仅仅是装饰品能带来节日的快乐，更多的是努力和坚持的暖意。En: Yan specially approached Li Na and said, “Your efforts have made this festival more special.” A relieved smile appeared on Li Na's face.Zh: 村民们的笑脸就是对她最大的肯定。En: Through this experience, Li Na understood that it wasn't just the decorations that brought joy to the festival, but more so the warmth of effort and perseverance.Zh: 而严对她的赞美，更加坚定了她的信心。En: The smiling faces of the villagers were the greatest affirmation for her, and Yan's praise further strengthened her confidence.Zh: 冬至的夜晚，月亮高挂，雪地反射着微微光芒，整个村庄显得格外宁静而美丽。En: On the night of the Dongzhi, the moon hung high, the snow reflecting its faint light, making the entire village appear particularly tranquil and beautiful. Vocabulary Words:atmosphere: 气氛scent: 清香aroma: 烟雾味vibrant: 充满活力impression: 印象scarce: 所剩无几hinder: 阻碍resolve: 下定决心unique: 独特struggled: 艰难intensified: 越来越大acknowledge: 肯定perseverance: 坚持affirmation: 肯定tranquil: 宁静distant: 远处fireplaces: 壁炉prepare: 做准备celebrate: 庆祝decorate: 布置brave: 冒着auspicious: 吉祥courtyard: 院子laughter: 欢笑efforts: 付出praise: 赞美gathering: 聚会perseverance: 坚持reflection: 反射decorations: 装饰品

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Winter Bonds: A Sibling Journey on the Great Wall Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-14-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 长城在冬天有一种特别的魅力。En: The Changcheng has a special charm in the winter.Zh: 白雪轻轻躺在墙头，仿佛给这历史悠久的建筑披上了一层洁白的披风。En: The white snow gently lies on the walls, as if draping a white cloak over this ancient structure.Zh: 在这个冬至节，连和她的哥哥伟决定来到这里旅行。En: On this Dongzhi Festival, Lian and her brother Wei decided to travel here.Zh: 对连来说，这不仅是一次简单的旅行，更是一个修复与哥哥感情的机会。En: For Lian, it was not just a simple trip; it was an opportunity to mend her relationship with her brother.Zh: 连满怀期待地看着伟，但他一直盯着手机，手指在屏幕上飞快地滑动。En: Lian looked at Wei with anticipation, but he kept staring at his phone, his fingers swiftly sliding across the screen.Zh: 他正忙着处理工作邮件，对连的盛情视而不见。En: He was busy dealing with work emails, ignoring Lian's enthusiasm.Zh: 连知道伟是个工作狂，但她希望在这个特别的节日里，能够让他停下脚步，享受与家人共度的时光。En: Lian knew Wei was a workaholic, but she hoped that during this special holiday, he could pause and enjoy time with family.Zh: 为了引起伟的注意，连决定带他来到一个长城上著名的景点。En: To catch Wei's attention, Lian decided to take him to a famous spot on the Great Wall.Zh: 这里景色壮丽，既能让人忘记城市的喧嚣，也是重温历史的好地方。En: The scenery here is magnificent, capable of making one forget the noise of the city and a good place to revisit history.Zh: 伟勉强答应了，心不在焉地收起了手机。En: Wei reluctantly agreed, absentmindedly putting away his phone.Zh: 他们沿着蜿蜒的长城缓缓前行。En: They slowly walked along the winding Great Wall.Zh: 寒风呼啸，但连心里却是温暖的。En: The cold wind howled, but Lian felt warm inside.Zh: 忽然，天空中降下了雪花，开始时零零落落，不久后便化作一场雪暴。En: Suddenly, snowflakes began to fall from the sky, sparse at first, but soon turned into a snowstorm.Zh: 大雪遮蔽了视线，脚下的路变得滑溜不堪。En: The heavy snow obscured their vision, and the path beneath their feet became treacherously slippery.Zh: 连和伟必须携手合作，找到安全的回程路。En: Lian and Wei had to work together to find a safe way back.Zh: 在这一刻，伟放下了他的手机，专注地帮助连。En: At that moment, Wei put down his phone and focused on helping Lian.Zh: 他用手护着连的肩，指引着她小心前行。En: He sheltered her shoulder with his hand, guiding her carefully forward.Zh: 一路上，他们并肩而行，彼此靠近，渐渐找回了昔日的亲密。En: Along the way, they walked side by side, drawing closer to each other, gradually rekindling their old closeness.Zh: 最终，他们安全地回到了避风处。En: Eventually, they safely returned to a sheltered place.Zh: 夜幕降临，连和伟围坐在餐桌前，共享节日的团圆汤圆。En: As night fell, Lian and Wei sat around the table, sharing the holiday reunion tangyuan.Zh: 甜甜的汤圆象征着团圆，连微笑着对伟说：“试着多和家人在一起，也许会发现其中的快乐。”En: The sweet tangyuan symbolized reunion, and Lian smiled at Wei and said, “Try to spend more time with family, and maybe you'll find joy in it.”Zh: 伟点了点头，若有所思地回答：“也许工作不是一切。”En: Wei nodded thoughtfully and replied, “Maybe work isn't everything.”Zh: 这个冬至夜，连和伟在讲述过去的故事中，重新找到了彼此。En: On this Winter Solstice night, Lian and Wei found each other again through stories of the past.Zh: 他们明白，家人才是人生中最重要的陪伴，哪怕在寒冷的冬天，也能带来温暖。En: They understood that family is the most important companionship in life, bringing warmth even in the coldest winter.Zh: 通过这次长城之旅，连收获了表达自己的勇气，而伟领悟到了家庭的重要。En: Through this trip to the Great Wall, Lian gained the courage to express herself, and Wei realized the importance of family.Zh: 就这样，在灯火明亮的屋内，她和哥哥一起迎来了一个温暖的冬至节。En: Thus, in the brightly lit house, she and her brother welcomed a warm Winter Solstice together. Vocabulary Words:charm: 魅力draping: 披上ancient: 历史悠久的anticipation: 期待swiftly: 飞快地workaholic: 工作狂magnificent: 壮丽absentmindedly: 心不在焉地winding: 蜿蜒的howled: 呼啸obscured: 遮蔽treacherously: 滑溜不堪sheltered: 避风处gradually: 渐渐rekindling: 找回tangyuan: 汤圆symbolized: 象征着joy: 快乐thoughtfully: 若有所思地companionship: 陪伴courage: 勇气express: 表达lit: 明亮snowscape: 雪景trek: 旅行relationship: 感情swift: 迅速的leisure: 休闲sentiment: 情感perspective: 视角

Yu Qing can't stop talking about her new favorite sport! Zhang Li is surprised at first, but then realizes: “Oh! That's super popular in China lately!” —————————————————————————————————安娜：你在想什么？高月：我在想今晚我们吃什么好？安娜：不用想了，我们去吃自助火锅吧。你觉得呢？高月：自助火锅？安娜：嗯，对。两人行，一人免单。高月：喔？我怎么不知道。好啊！安娜：我朋友告诉我的。高月：我也想吃火锅了！—————————————————————————————————If you're enjoying this story, there's so much more waiting for you inside maayot:✅ Daily bite-sized stories that suit your level ✅ native audio ✅ One tap Pinyin, explain in context for words and sentences ✅ Writing and speaking exercises with teacher feedback ✅ Track your learning streak — never lose your momentum!Not using these features yet? Open our app or visit maayot.com and explore everything your Mandarin journey needs.Want to join maayot.com for more real-life conversations? Use promotion code “Podcast” , get a 50% off today ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️If this episode made you smile, laugh, or learn something new. Please Take just 30 seconds to leave us a rating and short review. It helps other Mandarin learners discover us !

We're going full Cena on today's show! · Cena x Rogan: 3-hour deep dive—philosophy, controversy, and surprises · SNME Showdown: Cena vs. Gunther—five moves of doom or tap out? Plus: · Pete Alonso leaves the Mets · Stern vs. Kim K · Andy Dick drama · Cena speaks Mandarin (and sparks backlash) · White guy rap gimmicks · Did Trainwreck change Cena's Hollywood game? · WWE done touring? · Who is iShowSpeed? · Vince McMahon on Rogan? · Did LA Knight get buried? · Groo loves old AC/DC · Moody recommends Marines on Netflix Next up: Tulsa King Season 3 Wrap-Up Rip 'Em!

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Rekindling Family Ties Under the Winter Solstice Moon Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-13-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬至的黄昏，飘着细细的雪花，明怀着复杂的心情走进了乡下的家。En: On the winter solstice evening, fine snowflakes were falling as Ming entered his rural home with a complicated heart.Zh: 房子虽小但温馨，内壁上的春联已经有些褪色，但仍显得喜庆。En: The house was small but cozy, and the spring couplets on the inner walls had faded a bit but still looked festive.Zh: 桌子上满是饺子和年糕，空气中弥漫着扑鼻的香气。En: The table was filled with jiaozi and niangao, and the air was filled with an enticing aroma.Zh: 今天是冬至，象征着团圆的日子。En: Today was the winter solstice, a day symbolizing family reunion.Zh: 明是家里最大的孩子，En: Ming was the eldest child in the family.Zh: 他住在大城市里，工作繁忙，很少回家。En: He lived in a big city, where his work kept him busy, so he seldom returned home.Zh: 他对家里的责任感到沉重，同时又对自己长期的疏离感到内疚。En: He felt a heavy sense of responsibility towards his family and also felt guilty for his long absence.Zh: 他已经很久没有和家人一起过冬至了。En: He hadn't spent the winter solstice with his family for a long time.Zh: 这次回来，他希望能和莉和花好好聚聚。En: This time, he hoped to have a good gathering with Li and Hua.Zh: 莉是家里的二女儿，她留在家乡照顾父母。En: Li, the second daughter in the family, stayed in her hometown to take care of their parents.Zh: 对明的长期缺席，她心里有些不满。En: She was somewhat resentful of Ming's long absence.Zh: 她一直觉得，明把所有的负担都扔给了她。En: She always felt that Ming had left all the burdens on her shoulders.Zh: 尽管她心里也很想和哥哥和好，但心里的芥蒂总是阻止她迈出第一步。En: Although she also desired to reconcile with her brother, her grievances held her back from taking the first step.Zh: 小妹花不断劝说，希望能促成哥哥姐姐的和解，她不愿看到家人不和，特别是在这样的节日里。En: Their younger sister Hua continuously mediated, hoping to bring about peace between her brother and sister, for she disliked seeing family discord, especially on such a festive day.Zh: 晚餐开始后，家人围坐在桌旁，气氛显得有些尴尬。En: As dinner began, the family sat around the table with a somewhat awkward atmosphere.Zh: 花端上了一盘热腾腾的饺子，兴奋地说道：“哥哥，这次我们一起包的饺子特别好吃呢！”En: Hua brought a plate of steaming jiaozi and excitedly said, “Gege, these dumplings we made together are especially tasty!”Zh: 明微笑着点头，心里却在想着该如何开始他和莉之间的对话。En: Ming smiled and nodded, while pondering how to initiate a conversation with Li.Zh: 过了不久，话题逐渐转向了过往的家庭生活。En: After a while, the topic gradually shifted to their past family life.Zh: 莉有些情绪化地说：“明，你很久都没回来看我们，每次都是我一个人在家撑着。”En: Li, a bit emotional, said, “Ming, you haven't come home for so long. Every time, I'm the one holding up things at home.”Zh: 她说完，用筷子拨弄着碗里的饺子，不再看明。En: After speaking, she poked at the jiaozi in her bowl with her chopsticks, no longer looking at Ming.Zh: 明放下了筷子，深吸一口气，正视着莉。他知道这个时刻迟早要来。En: Ming put down his chopsticks, took a deep breath, and looked Li in the eye. He knew this moment was inevitable.Zh: 他诚恳地说：“莉，对不起，这些年我没有尽到哥哥的责任。我知道你付出了很多，承担了很多。我也很想回家，但是每次想到家里的负担，我觉得无从下手。”En: Sincerely, he said, “Li, I'm sorry I haven't fulfilled my duties as a brother these years. I know you've given and taken on a lot. I also want to come home, but every time I think of the burden at home, I feel lost.”Zh: 花见气氛有些紧张，赶紧插话道：“我们都希望能多一些时间在一起，毕竟今天是冬至，团圆很重要。”En: Hua, sensing the tension, quickly interjected, “We all hope to spend more time together, especially since today is the winter solstice, and reunion is important.”Zh: 明继续说道：“我这次回来就是想告诉你，我会试着改变，更多参与家里的事。我知道不是一句话就能解决的，但我会努力。”En: Ming continued, “I came back this time to tell you that I'll try to change and be more involved with family affairs. I know it can't be resolved in just a few words, but I'll try my best.”Zh: 莉沉默了片刻，然后低声说道：“我也是。我也不该一直埋怨，今后我会尽量放下过去。”En: Li remained silent for a moment, then whispered, “Me too. I shouldn't keep holding grudges; I'll try to let go of the past.”Zh: 在花的调和下，兄妹俩终于冰释前嫌。En: With Hua's mediation, the siblings finally reconciled.Zh: 随着时间的推移，他们的话语渐渐轻松起来，欢声笑语又回到了家中。En: As time passed, their conversation grew lighter, and laughter returned to the house.Zh: 那个夜晚，他们围坐在炉火旁，聊起了小时候的趣事。En: That night, they sat around the stove, reminiscing about childhood fun.Zh: 冬至的夜空，皎洁的月光洒在院子里，覆盖了一层银白色的薄霜。En: Under the winter solstice night sky, the bright moonlight shone in the courtyard, covering it with a layer of silvery frost.Zh: 通过这次坦诚的沟通，明明白了亲情的重要，而莉则学会了宽恕和包容。En: Through this candid communication, Ming understood the importance of family affection, and Li learned about forgiveness and tolerance.Zh: 家人间的那份温暖，在这冬至的夜晚，愈发浓厚。En: The warmth among the family grew even stronger on this winter solstice night. Vocabulary Words:solstice: 冬至rural: 乡下complicated: 复杂cozy: 温馨aroma: 香气reunion: 团圆seldom: 很少responsibility: 责任guilty: 内疚absence: 疏离resentful: 不满burden: 负担reconcile: 和好grievances: 芥蒂discord: 不和awkward: 尴尬initiate: 开始emotional: 情绪化poke: 拨弄chopsticks: 筷子fulfill: 尽到inevitable: 迟早要来sincerely: 诚恳mediate: 劝说tension: 紧张reconciliation: 冰释前嫌reminisce: 聊起moonlight: 月光silvery frost: 银白色的薄霜tolerance: 包容

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Solstice Ties: A Family's Journey to Harmony and Understanding Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-13-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 窗外飘着雪，屋内暖意融融。En: Snow was falling outside, while indoors it was warm and cozy.Zh: 梅围着围裙，忙着准备冬至家宴。En: Mei, wearing an apron, was busy preparing the winter solstice family feast.Zh: 她是姐姐，觉得自己有责任让家人保持在一起。En: As the elder sister, she felt it was her responsibility to keep the family together.Zh: 妹妹莲在房间里，离厨房远远的。En: Her younger sister, Lian, was in her room, far from the kitchen.Zh: 她不喜欢按照传统过节，而哥哥建远在国外工作，这次梅特意邀请他参加冬至团圆饭。En: She didn't like celebrating holidays according to tradition, and their brother, Jianyuan, was working abroad.Zh: En: This time, Mei specifically invited him to join the winter solstice reunion dinner.Zh: 梅打了一个电话给建：“哥，今年冬至回来吧？大家都很想你。”En: Mei made a phone call to Jian, “Bro, come back for the winter solstice this year? Everyone misses you.”Zh: 建犹豫了一下，点了头说：“好吧，我请假试试。”En: Jian hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, I'll try to take leave."Zh: 莲则不愿意参与，她觉得这些都是老一辈的期待。En: Lian was unwilling to participate; she felt these were just the expectations of the older generation.Zh: 梅走到她面前，轻声说：“你可以不用穿传统服装，这次更随意些。”En: Mei approached her and softly said, “You don't have to wear traditional clothing this time, be more casual.”Zh: 莲看着姐姐，勉强地点了头，但她心里还是有些不快。En: Lian looked at her sister and reluctantly nodded, but still felt a bit displeased inside.Zh: 终于到了冬至夜，梅的小家在皑皑白雪中显得格外温馨。En: Finally, it was winter solstice night, and Mei's small home appeared particularly warm amidst the snowy landscape.Zh: 桌上摆满了饺子、汤圆和各种传统菜肴。En: The table was filled with jiaozi, tangyuan, and various traditional dishes.Zh: 这是梅精心准备的，希望能让建和莲感到家的味道。En: These were carefully prepared by Mei, hoping to give Jian and Lian a taste of home.Zh: 饭桌上，大家一开始还挺和谐。En: At the dining table, everyone initially got along well.Zh: 梅努力调节气氛，不断地为大家夹菜。En: Mei tried hard to set the mood, continuously serving food to everyone.Zh: 突然，莲打破了沉默：“我们不应该老是这样回忆过去，做些无谓的期待吧？”En: Suddenly, Lian broke the silence, "Shouldn't we stop always reminiscing about the past and having pointless expectations?"Zh: 建也停下筷子，皱起眉头：“这就是我不喜欢回来的原因，每次都这样吵。”En: Jian also put down his chopsticks, frowning, "That's why I don't like coming back; it's always like this, arguing."Zh: 梅深吸一口气，她知道必须说些什么。En: Mei took a deep breath, knowing she had to say something.Zh: “我们是家人，过去的误会应该弄清楚。En: “We are family; past misunderstandings should be clarified.Zh: 我们都是在乎彼此的。”En: We all care about each other.”Zh: 在她的引导下，三人最终在灯下慢慢敞开了心扉，说出了心里的不满和期望。En: Guided by her, the three eventually opened up under the light, expressing their grievances and expectations.Zh: 是夜，虽有争吵，更多的是让彼此更加理解的沟通。En: Though there were arguments that night, there was also communication that led to better understanding.Zh: 家宴结束后，建说：“以后，我会尽量多回来。”En: After the family feast, Jian said, “In the future, I'll try to come back more often.”Zh: 莲也放下了心中的不满：“我会常联系，不是为了传统，而是因为我也想知道大家的生活。”En: Lian also let go of her discontent, “I'll keep in touch more, not because of tradition, but because I want to know about everyone's lives.”Zh: 梅松了一口气，她明白自己不能控制一切，但可以通过理解和耐心让家人走得更近。En: Mei breathed a sigh of relief, realizing she couldn't control everything, but through understanding and patience, she could bring the family closer together.Zh: 雪还在下，屋内却充满了温暖的笑声和尘封消融的情感。En: The snow continued to fall, but indoors, it was filled with warm laughter and feelings once sealed away melting away.Zh: 这个冬至夜，他们又多了一份理解，少了一份隔阂。En: This winter solstice night, they gained more understanding and lessened their estrangement. Vocabulary Words:solstice: 冬至apron: 围裙reunion: 团圆reluctantly: 勉强地displeased: 不快landscape: 风景jiaozi: 饺子tangyuan: 汤圆prepared: 准备的reminiscing: 回忆expectations: 期待chopsticks: 筷子frowning: 皱眉头grievances: 不满misundertandings: 误会estrangement: 隔阂harmony: 和谐patience: 耐心laughter: 笑声snowy: 皑皑白雪seal: 尘封mood: 气氛trepidation: 犹豫bonding: 结合illuminate: 敞开comprehension: 理解marrow: 深入tenacity: 顽强introspection: 反省nourishment: 滋养

Born in Taiwan, raised in Austria, and educated in Europe and America, Pianist Jenny Lin has built a vibrant international career, notable for innovative collaborations with a range of artists and creators. In recent seasons, Jenny has performances – both digital, and in person – for Washington Performing Arts; at Hudson Hall performing the American premiere of William Bolcom's Suite of Preludes; at Boston Conservatory's piano series; at Little Island in NYC; and at Winnipeg New Music Festival. She now serves as director of music for The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC.Recently, she performed a recital of Philip Glass's music for the Morris Museum – a continuation of a close collaboration with Glass, with whom she has appeared regularly since 2014.  This experience has inspired the creation of her own commissioning initiative, The Etudes Project, in which she works with a range of living composers to create new technical piano etudes, pairing each new piece with an existing etude from the classical canon.  Her catalogue includes more than 50 albums.A passionate advocate for education, Jenny created “Melody's Mostly Musical Day“, a musical album and picture book for children, following the adventures of an imaginative little girl from breakfast to bedtime, told in a collection of 26 classical piano works from Mozart to Gershwin.  We'll hear some of these in this episode.Fluent in English, German, Mandarin, and French, Jenny Lin studied Noel Flores at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna, with Julian Martin at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, and with Dominique Weber in Geneva. She has also worked with Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, and Blanca Uribe, and at Italy's Fondazione Internazionale per il pianoforte with Dimitri Bashkirov and Andreas Staier. In addition to her musical studies, Lin holds a bachelor's degree in German Literature from The Johns Hopkins University. Jenny Lin currently resides with her family in New York City and serves on the faculty of Mannes College The New School for Music.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Winter Solstice Reunion: Healing at the Temple of Heaven Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-12-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬至节的清晨，阳光透过薄雾洒在天地之间，笼罩着整个北京。En: On the morning of the Dongzhi Festival, sunlight seeped through the light fog, enveloping the entire city of Beijing.Zh: 天坛，古老而神圣，静静地伫立在冬日的寒风中。En: The Temple of Heaven, ancient and sacred, stood quietly in the winter's chill winds.Zh: 空气中弥漫着一种静谧，访客们轻声私语，尊敬地向天地神灵致意。En: The air was filled with a sense of tranquility as visitors whispered softly, respectfully paying homage to the deities of heaven and earth.Zh: 明和佳在天坛前停下脚步，冷风裹挟着回忆扑面而来。En: Ming and Jia paused in front of the Temple of Heaven, the cold wind carrying memories rushing over them.Zh: 许多年未见，他们此刻站在一起，是为了逝去的父亲。En: After many years apart, they stood together now, for their deceased father.Zh: 明是一个沉思的人，他常常后悔未能和父亲和解。En: Ming was a reflective person, often regretting not reconciling with his father.Zh: 冬至这天，他和佳站在青瓦红墙间，心情沉重。En: On this winter solstice, he and Jia stood amidst the green tiles and red walls, feeling heavy-hearted.Zh: “我们应该为父亲做些什么，”佳说。En: "We should do something for father," Jia said.Zh: 她的声音坚定，眼里却有一丝不安。En: Her voice was firm, but there was a hint of unease in her eyes.Zh: 家族仪式是她的责任，更是一种希望。En: The family ritual was her responsibility, and also a form of hope.Zh: 明点点头，尽管他的内心充满挣扎。En: Ming nodded, though he was filled with internal struggle.Zh: 过去的误解让他犹豫不决。En: Past misunderstandings made him hesitant.Zh: 害怕自己无法尽到责任，他在心底与自己的负罪感挣扎。En: Afraid of failing his responsibilities, he wrestled with his feelings of guilt.Zh: “你知道父亲生前一直希望我们团结在一起。”佳轻声说，“冬至是个好机会。”En: "You know father always wished for us to unite," Jia softly said, "The winter solstice is a good opportunity."Zh: 他们在广场上走着，冬日的阳光洒在他们身上。En: They walked across the square, the winter sun shining on them.Zh: 佳停下脚步，转向明：“我也有很多心结，我希望你能理解我。”En: Jia stopped and turned to Ming: "I also have many concerns; I hope you can understand me."Zh: 明吃惊地看着她，随后叹了口气。En: Ming looked at her in surprise and then sighed.Zh: “我很抱歉，很多事情都是我的错。”En: "I'm sorry; a lot of it is my fault."Zh: 佳摇了摇头，“我们都需要原谅自己，原谅彼此。”En: Jia shook her head, "We both need to forgive ourselves and each other."Zh: 他们停在祭坛前，点上香，向天地神灵祈祷。En: They stopped before the altar, lit incense, and prayed to the heavenly deities.Zh: 随着一缕缕烟雾升起，他们的心也渐渐平静。En: As wisps of smoke rose, their hearts gradually calmed.Zh: 明想起小时候，全家一同来这儿，父亲微笑着告诉他们关于冬至的故事。En: Ming recalled coming here as a child with the family, hearing his father smile and tell them stories about the winter solstice.Zh: 那一刻，过去与未来似乎交织在一起。En: In that moment, the past and future seemed intertwined.Zh: 明觉察到一种不曾有过的安宁。En: Ming felt a peace he had never known before.Zh: 他和佳交换了一个默契的微笑，所有的误解和遗憾仿佛都在这一刻消散。En: He and Jia exchanged a knowing smile, and all misunderstandings and regrets seemed to dissolve in that instant.Zh: 仪式结束后，明对佳说：“我们要保持联系。”En: After the ceremony, Ming said to Jia: "We need to stay in touch."Zh: 佳微笑着点头，“家庭是最重要的。”En: Jia smiled and nodded, "Family is the most important."Zh: 在这片古老的土地上，两个曾经疏远的兄妹重拾亲情。En: On this ancient land, the once estranged brother and sister rediscovered their familial bond.Zh: 他们承诺，今后不再让误解和距离阻碍他们。En: They promised not to let misunderstandings and distance come between them again.Zh: 尽管寒风依旧，心中却涌动着温暖。En: Despite the continued cold wind, warmth flowed through their hearts.Zh: 明放下了心中的负担，他明白了，家庭的团结原来如此强大。En: Ming set down his burden, realizing the incredible strength of family unity.Zh: 佳也意识到，脆弱与宽恕才是真正的力量。En: Jia also understood that vulnerability and forgiveness were true strengths.Zh: 于是，他们肩并肩，走向天坛外，迎接新的明天。En: Thus, side by side, they walked out of the Temple of Heaven, ready to embrace a new tomorrow. Vocabulary Words:seeped: 透过enveloping: 笼罩sacred: 神圣tranquility: 静谧whispered: 私语homage: 致意reconciled: 和解solstice: 冬至tiles: 青瓦altitude: 高度internal: 内心misunderstandings: 误解hesitant: 犹豫不决responsibilities: 责任wrestled: 挣扎unease: 不安tangible: 可触摸的vulnerability: 脆弱forgiveness: 宽恕responsibility: 责任intertwined: 交织estranged: 疏远的ceremony: 仪式dissolve: 消散promise: 承诺embrace: 迎接regretting: 后悔deities: 神灵incense: 香past: 过去

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Midnight Meets: Kindred Spirits in Taipei's Night Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-12-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 台北的冬夜，夜市的灯笼在空中轻轻摇曳。En: On a winter night in Taipei, the lanterns at the night market swayed gently in the air.Zh: 街道两旁，燃起的小吃摊飘出各种诱人的香味。En: On both sides of the street, the small food stalls emitted a variety of enticing aromas.Zh: 美丽的红色和黄色装饰让这个地方充满了节日的气氛。En: The beautiful red and yellow decorations filled the place with a festive atmosphere.Zh: 梅，一个来自外地的年轻艺术家，漫步在这繁忙的夜市中。En: Mei, a young artist from out of town, wandered through this bustling night market.Zh: 她寻找灵感，也寻找一种归属感。En: She was looking for inspiration and a sense of belonging.Zh: 梅有点迷茫，这座城市让她感到陌生。En: Mei felt a bit lost; the city seemed unfamiliar to her.Zh: 在人群中，许多人穿着厚重的衣物，面带微笑。En: Among the crowd, many people were dressed in thick clothing, wearing smiles on their faces.Zh: 梅注意到人们手里端着一碗碗热乎的食物。En: Mei noticed people holding bowls of hot food.Zh: 她心想：“也许美食能温暖我的心。”En: She thought, "Perhaps food can warm my heart."Zh: 就在此时，梅的目光停留在一个繁忙的食物摊前。En: At that moment, Mei's gaze stopped on a busy food stall.Zh: 摊主正在卖臭豆腐，小吃摊前满是排队的人。En: The vendor was selling stinky tofu, and there was a long line of people waiting.Zh: 梅好奇地走近，视线刚好与一位年轻男子相遇。En: Mei curiously approached, her eyes meeting those of a young man.Zh: 那就是君，一个热爱美食的在地年轻人。En: He was Jun, a local young man who loved food.Zh: 君注意到了梅，她显得有些孤单又有些好奇。En: Jun noticed Mei; she seemed a bit lonely and somewhat curious.Zh: 君决定帮助她。En: Jun decided to help her.Zh: 他走上前，微笑着说：“你好，我叫君，要不要一起尝尝这些小吃？”En: He stepped forward with a smile and said, "Hello, I'm Jun. Would you like to try these snacks together?"Zh: 梅虽然有些犹豫，但她觉得也许应该多与人交流，于是点头答应了。En: Although a bit hesitant, Mei felt maybe she should interact more with people, so she nodded in agreement.Zh: 两人一起在摊位前坐下，品尝各种美食。En: The two of them sat down at the stall, tasting various foods.Zh: 君告诉梅，台北夜市有很多故事，小摊主们都有各自的特色和秘方。En: Jun told Mei that the Taipei night market had many stories, and each vendor had their own specialties and secret recipes.Zh: 他指着一碗热腾腾的牛肉面说：“试试看这个，非常地道！”En: Pointing to a bowl of steaming beef noodles, he said, "Try this; it's very authentic!"Zh: 梅微笑着，品尝了一口，温暖的味道让她感受到一种久违的安心。En: Mei smiled and tasted a bite, the warm flavor giving her a long-lost sense of comfort.Zh: 她和君分享自己的故事，谈到自己来到这座大城市的原因，谈到她对艺术的热爱和对人际关系的渴望。En: She shared her story with Jun, talking about her reasons for coming to this big city, her love for art, and her longing for human connections.Zh: 君也慢慢打开了心扉，分享了自己对美食的热爱，以及与家人朋友一起探索夜市的乐趣。En: Jun also slowly opened up, sharing his love for food and the joy of exploring night markets with family and friends.Zh: 就在他们聊得正欢时，突然间雨点滴答落下。En: As they were happily chatting, raindrops suddenly began to fall.Zh: 两人跑到一个狭窄的店铺前，挤在一起躲雨。En: They ran to a narrow shop front, squeezing together to avoid the rain.Zh: 在这个温暖的小空间里，他们继续聊天，分享彼此的生活和理想。En: In this warm, small space, they continued to chat, sharing their lives and dreams.Zh: 梅看着君，感到不再孤单。En: Mei looked at Jun and felt no longer alone.Zh: 而君发现，与梅分享自己的世界也是一种享受。En: Meanwhile, Jun found that sharing his world with Mei was also a pleasure.Zh: 雨停了，天空露出几颗星星。En: When the rain stopped, a few stars appeared in the sky.Zh: 梅望向夜空，心中充满灵感和希望。En: Mei looked up at the night sky, filled with inspiration and hope.Zh: 而君则感到一种信任和期待。En: Jun felt a sense of trust and anticipation.Zh: 他们互相道别，并约定很快再见。En: They bid each other farewell, promising to meet again soon.Zh: 梅带着新的信心和灵感走进这座城市的生活，君也更加愿意与他人分享他的美食和快乐。En: Mei entered the city's life with newfound confidence and inspiration, while Jun was more willing to share his food and happiness with others.Zh: 他们的故事，在这繁忙而美丽的台北夜市中，刚刚开始。En: Their story, in the busy and beautiful Taipei night market, had just begun. Vocabulary Words:lanterns: 灯笼swayed: 摇曳stalls: 摊emitted: 飘出enticing: 诱人的festive: 节日的atmosphere: 气氛wandering: 漫步inspiration: 灵感belonging: 归属感unfamiliar: 陌生thick: 厚重vendor: 摊主curiously: 好奇地hesitant: 犹豫authentic: 地道comfort: 安心connections: 人际关系explore: 探索raindrops: 雨点squeezing: 挤trust: 信任anticipation: 期待farewell: 道别confidence: 信心hope: 希望lonely: 孤单secret recipes: 秘方steaming: 热腾腾joy: 乐趣

How Strategic Thinking Transforms Leadership: Insights from Charlie CursonIn this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Charlie Curson, strategist, leadership coach, author, and Founder & Director of Mandarin Associates. Their conversation explores the deeper meaning of strategic thinking—beyond planning—and reveals how leaders can elevate their impact through self-awareness, open-mindedness, creativity, and influence. This blog distills Charlie's most valuable insights, showing professionals how to approach leadership with greater clarity, adaptability, and long-term strategic focus.Building a Stronger Strategic Mindset for Modern LeadershipCharlie Curson explains that strategy is fundamentally different from planning—planning is about predictability and control, while strategy is about making courageous, future-focused choices. He emphasizes that real strategy begins with self-awareness, helping leaders understand their own biases, beliefs, and behaviors so they can make decisions from a place of clarity rather than fear or habit. Without this foundation, even the smartest plans fail to address the real levers that drive performance and growth within organizations.Charlie also shares how open-mindedness and critical thinking shape effective strategy. Leaders must actively challenge assumptions, invite diverse perspectives, and create environments where constructive disagreement can surface the best ideas. Creativity plays an equally vital role—too often, “strategy” becomes a recycled version of last year's plan, but true strategic thinking requires imagining new possibilities, exploring different futures, and generating innovative pathways to achieve meaningful outcomes.Finally, Charlie highlights the importance of communication and influence in scaling the impact of strategy. Even the strongest strategic insights collapse without team alignment and buy-in. By co-creating strategy with their teams, communicating with clarity, and fostering open dialogue, leaders can translate ideas into action. He encourages leaders to embrace uncertainty, experiment early, and treat every new initiative as a learning opportunity—allowing strategy to evolve dynamically as the business landscape shifts.About Charlie CursonCharlie Curson is a strategist, leadership coach, speaker, and author of Be More Strategic: 12 Essential Practices to Build the Life and Career You Want. He is the Founder and Director of Mandarin Associates, where he helps organizations develop strategic thinking capabilities, improve leadership effectiveness, and foster high-performing cultures. Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn.About Mandarin AssociatesMandarin Associates provides strategic consulting, coaching, leadership development, and facilitation services for global organizations. Their work centers on helping teams think more strategically, improve communication, and create purposeful, aligned results across all levels of leadership.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeCharlie Curson on LinkedIn ProfileMandarin Associates WebsiteKey Episode HighlightsStrategy is about choices, not control or comfortSelf-awareness is the foundation of strategic leadershipOpen-mindedness and diverse perspectives improve decision-makingCreativity enables leaders to imagine new futures and opportunitiesCommunication and influence determine...

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Tea, Friendship, and the Perfect Balance: A Winter Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-11-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 丽娟坐在茶馆的窗边，透过窗户看着外面厚厚的雪。En: Lijuan sat by the window in the teahouse, looking out at the thick snow.Zh: 北方的冬天很冷，茶馆里却温暖如春。En: The winter in the north is very cold, but inside the teahouse, it was as warm as spring.Zh: 茶馆里飘着热茶的香味，墙上挂着圣诞节的装饰，空气中弥漫着节日的气氛。En: The aroma of hot tea filled the air, Christmas decorations hung on the walls, and the atmosphere was festive.Zh: 她的心情却有些沉重，因为公司的年终报告快到截止日期了。En: However, her mood was somewhat heavy because the company's year-end report was approaching its deadline.Zh: 为了完成报告，她熬夜工作，几乎没有时间休息。En: To finish the report, she stayed up working late, with hardly any time to rest.Zh: 丽娟知道如果表现出色，可能会得到晋升，为父母提供更好的生活。En: Lijuan knew that if she performed well, she might get a promotion, providing a better life for her parents.Zh: 然而，这份巨大的压力也让她感到无比疲惫。En: Yet the huge pressure also made her feel incredibly exhausted.Zh: 她的朋友阿伟看出了她的疲惫，经常安慰她，鼓励她放松一下。En: Her friend Awei noticed her fatigue and often comforted her, encouraging her to relax a bit.Zh: "丽娟，我们一起去喝茶吧，透透气。" 阿伟提议。En: "Lijuan, why don't we go have some tea to get some air," Awei suggested.Zh: 丽娟犹豫了一下，最终决定听从阿伟的建议。En: Lijuan hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to follow Awei's advice.Zh: 茶馆是一个理想的地方。En: The teahouse was an ideal place.Zh: 温暖的灯光，氤氲的茶香，使得每一位匆忙的客人在这里都能找到暂时的宁静。En: The warm lighting and the lingering scent of tea allowed every hurried guest to find a moment of peace here.Zh: 就在这时，一个她常在这里见到的客人——明，从角落里走过来，微笑着坐在了她的对面。En: Just then, a customer she often saw here—Ming—walked over from the corner, smiling as he sat across from her.Zh: 明总是带着从容的笑，有一种令人安心的力量。En: Ming always carried an unhurried smile, exuding a reassuring strength.Zh: "你看起来很累。" 明说道，声音温和如掠过茶面的清风。En: "You look very tired," Ming said, his voice gentle like a breeze skimming over the surface of the tea.Zh: "工作太多了，我必须在圣诞节前交出完美的报告。" 丽娟无奈地回答。En: "Too much work. I have to submit a perfect report before Christmas," Lijuan answered helplessly.Zh: "为什么不放松一下呢？家人也很重要。" 明意味深长地说道。En: "Why not relax a bit? Family is important too," Ming said meaningfully.Zh: 丽娟沉默了。En: Lijuan was silent.Zh: 她知道自己为了工作，缺掉了太多与家人在一起的时间。En: She knew she had missed out on too much time with family because of work.Zh: 阿伟补充：“即使你想为父母提供一切，他们更在乎的是你能多花时间陪伴。”En: Awei added, “Even if you want to provide everything for your parents, what they care about more is spending time with you.”Zh: 听了他们的话，丽娟忽然明白，工作虽然重要，但家人也不可或缺。En: Hearing their words, Lijuan suddenly realized that while work is important, so is family.Zh: 她意识到自己需要重新思考生活的优先级。En: She realized she needed to rethink her life's priorities.Zh: 喝完茶后，丽娟回到公司。En: After finishing their tea, Lijuan returned to the company.Zh: 心态焕然一新，她重新整理思路，专注地完成了报告。En: With a renewed mindset, she reorganized her thoughts and concentrated on completing the report.Zh: 管理层看到了她的创新，给予了很高的评价。En: Management noticed her innovation and gave her high praise.Zh: 最重要的是，丽娟在节日期间选择与家人共度，享受了一段珍贵的时光。En: Most importantly, Lijuan chose to spend the holidays with her family, enjoying precious time together.Zh: 在冬日的茶馆之行后，丽娟学会了在工作和生活之间找到平衡，懂得如何让心灵得到滋养。En: After the winter day at the teahouse, Lijuan learned to find balance between work and life, understanding how to nourish her soul.Zh: 这个圣诞节，不仅仅是工作的胜利，更是她生活中重要的一课。En: This Christmas was not just a victory at work, but also an important lesson in her life. Vocabulary Words:thick: 厚厚的festive: 节日的deadline: 截止日期promotion: 晋升pressure: 压力exhausted: 疲惫fatigue: 疲劳comforted: 安慰hesitated: 犹豫advice: 建议ideal: 理想的lighting: 灯光lingering: 氤氲的unhurried: 从容的reassuring: 令人安心的skimmed: 掠过gentle: 温和breeze: 清风submit: 交出helplessly: 无奈地meaningfully: 意味深长地priorities: 优先级renewed: 焕然一新mindset: 心态reorganize: 重新整理innovation: 创新praise: 评价balance: 平衡nourish: 滋养victory: 胜利

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Warm Reunion in Shanghai's Cozy Coffee Roastery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-11-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在上海的一个寒冷冬日，梅走进了位于市中心的一家咖啡烘焙房。En: On a cold winter day in Shanghai, Mei walked into a coffee roastery located in the city center.Zh: 这里的空气中弥漫着浓郁的咖啡香味，为外面冰冷的街道提供了一片温暖的避风港。En: The rich aroma of coffee filled the air, providing a warm haven from the icy streets outside.Zh: 新年将至，梅心中怀揣着一个特别的计划：举办一次大学好友的重聚会。En: With the New Year approaching, Mei had a special plan in mind: to host a reunion for her college friends.Zh: 梅总是充满热情和怀旧情怀，她决定在这家咖啡烘焙房里庆祝，回忆他们共同度过的快乐时光。En: Mei, always full of enthusiasm and nostalgia, decided to celebrate at this coffee roastery, reminiscing about the joyful times they had spent together.Zh: 她联系了莉娜和浩，希望他们能一同参加。En: She reached out to Lina and Hao, hoping they could join the gathering.Zh: 然而，梅的计划并不容易。En: However, Mei's plan wasn't easy.Zh: 莉娜总是忙于工作，时常忘记享受生活；而浩，在世界各地旅行多年，早已对重聚感到有些紧张。En: Lina was always busy with work, often forgetting to enjoy life; while Hao, after years of traveling around the world, felt somewhat anxious about reunions.Zh: 为了吸引莉娜和浩，梅决定在聚会中加入个人化的元素。En: To attract Lina and Hao, Mei decided to add personal touches to the gathering.Zh: 她精心准备了一些旧照片和大学时期的小纪念品，希望能唤起大家的回忆。En: She carefully prepared some old photos and small keepsakes from their university days, hoping to evoke memories.Zh: 她给莉娜发信息：“亲爱的莉娜，我知道你很忙，但有些特别值得的事，记得一定要来哦！”En: She texted Lina: "Dear Lina, I know you're busy, but some things are worth it. You must come!"Zh: 对于浩，她则写道：“老朋友，世界再大，亦不如友情深厚。希望在这特别的夜晚一起喝杯咖啡。”En: To Hao, she wrote: "Old friend, no matter how big the world is, it cannot compare to the depth of friendship. Let's share a cup of coffee on this special night."Zh: 新年前夜的时钟渐渐逼近午夜，梅的心中既期待又有些忐忑。En: As the New Year's Eve clock approached midnight, Mei felt both anticipation and a bit of apprehension.Zh: 她希望这次聚会能成功。En: She hoped the reunion would be a success.Zh: 渐渐地，门被缓缓推开，莉娜和浩相继走了进来。En: Gradually, the door was gently pushed open, and Lina and Hao walked in one after the other.Zh: 莉娜依旧忙碌，但看见梅的精心准备，她被朋友的心意所打动，决定放下工作，享受这份温暖。En: Lina, still busy, was touched by Mei's thoughtful preparations and decided to put work aside and enjoy the warmth.Zh: 浩虽然刚开始有些犹豫，但当看到老朋友那熟悉的笑脸时，他的不安瞬间消失了。En: Hao, although initially hesitant, felt his anxiety vanish when he saw the familiar smiling faces of old friends.Zh: 在温暖的咖啡烘焙房中，梅、莉娜和浩欢笑着，回忆过去的点滴。En: In the cozy coffee roastery, Mei, Lina, and Hao laughed and reminisced about the past.Zh: 午夜钟声响起，他们共同举杯，庆祝新年的到来，在笑声中重拾了珍贵的友谊，并承诺在未来的日子里互相保持联系。En: As the midnight chimes rang, they raised their glasses together, celebrating the arrival of the New Year, rekindling their precious friendship with laughter, and promising to stay in touch in the days to come.Zh: 故事的尾声，梅心中充满了喜悦和满足，感受到友情的美好。En: As the story came to a close, Mei's heart was filled with joy and contentment, appreciating the beauty of friendship.Zh: 莉娜意识到工作和生活的平衡有多重要，而浩，因为这次聚会，重拾了归属感和联系感。En: Lina realized the importance of balancing work with life, and Hao rediscovered a sense of belonging and connection through this reunion.Zh: 这个新年，他们在温馨的咖啡烘焙房中许下心愿，带着美好的回忆迎接全新的开始。En: This New Year, they made wishes in the welcoming coffee roastery, embracing the new beginning with wonderful memories. Vocabulary Words:roastery: 烘焙房aroma: 香味haven: 避风港nostalgia: 怀旧情怀reminiscing: 回忆keepsakes: 纪念品evoke: 唤起anticipation: 期待apprehension: 忐忑gradually: 渐渐地hesitant: 犹豫anxiety: 不安rekindling: 重拾contentment: 满足belonging: 归属感connection: 联系感balancing: 平衡reunion: 重聚会chimes: 钟声touch: 感动memories: 回忆precious: 珍贵midnight: 午夜cherish: 珍惜vibrant: 充满活力的embracing: 迎接commemorate: 纪念sentiments: 情感jubilant: 欢腾的harmonious: 和谐的

“Is your grocery cart blocking the aisle, or are you the one laying on the horn the second the light turns green?” 

On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean's guest is Mitchell A. Silk, author of “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Global Economic Revolution.” Mr. Silk served as assistant secretary for International Markets at the US Department of the Treasury and was the first Hassidic Jew to ever serve in a presidentially nominated and Senate-confirmed role. This is PART TWO of a two-episode interview, which is a deeper dive into Mitchell Silk's foray into: the upper echelons of the US Department of the Treasury; formality and protocol with the Chinese delegation; and formulating the historic Abraham Accords! Recap from Part One of this interview: From his earliest beginnings as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant to his work in international law and finance, Mitchell A. Silk's story illustrates how perseverance and divine providence led him to become the first Hassidic Jew ever confirmed by the Senate for a position in the US Federal government and a consequential leader in Trump's Treasury. Mr. Silk is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and he actively engages in pro bono work within the Jewish community. = = = Show Notes: Featured author interview: Mitchell Silk, author of “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Economic Revolution” To Purchase “A Seat at the Table” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seat-Table-Account-Economic-Revolution/dp/B0F318DTSH To Purchase “A Seat at the Table” through the publisher, Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Seat-at-the-Table/Mitchell-A-Silk/9798895652268 To Purchase “Searching for Heather Dean: My Extraordinary Career as a Celebrity Interviewer and Why I Left It” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Heather-Dean-Extraordinary-Interviewer/dp/965927050X Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger Michael's contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/ SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Peace: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-10-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在南半球的夏季，宁静疗愈的一个修养地，绿意盎然的小山丘中，坐落着一个心灵静修所。En: In the summer of the southern hemisphere, nestled in a green, verdant hill, there is a serene and healing retreat.Zh: 这里有宁静的花园，潺潺的小溪，还有古朴的木屋，让每一个来访者都感受到心灵的宁和。En: This tranquil place lies a spiritual retreat center.Zh: 美玲正坐在小溪旁的一块石头上，轻轻闭上双眼，听着水流的声音。En: There are peaceful gardens, babbling streams, and quaint wooden cottages, allowing every visitor to feel a sense of inner tranquility.Zh: 她最近经历了一次轻微的意外，虽然身体有所恢复，却依然担心自己的恢复情况。En: Meiling is sitting on a rock beside the stream, gently closing her eyes and listening to the sound of the flowing water.Zh: 美玲是个内省且坚韧的人，但这次意外让她感到有些脆弱。En: She recently experienced a minor accident.Zh: 这时，她的朋友金海走过来，坐在她旁边。En: Although her body is recovering, she still worries about her recovery.Zh: 金海是一位乐观而支持的朋友，总是希望能帮助美玲恢复自信。En: Meiling is an introspective and resilient person, but the accident left her feeling somewhat vulnerable.Zh: 他微笑着说：“美玲，这里很适合心灵修养。我们可以一起练习冥想。”En: At this moment, her friend Jinhai comes over and sits next to her.Zh: 美玲点点头，她知道来这里是一个明智的选择。En: Jinhai is an optimistic and supportive friend, always eager to help Meiling regain her confidence.Zh: 她想借助这个静谧的环境，重新获得身体的健康和内心的平和。En: He smiled and said, "Meiling, this place is perfect for spiritual cultivation. We can practice meditation together."Zh: 尽管心中有些不安，但她也明白，接受金海的建议，去尝试冥想和全方面的疗养，或许对自己有益。En: Meiling nodded, knowing that coming here was a wise decision.Zh: 日子在简单的日程中悄然度过。En: She wants to use this tranquil environment to regain physical health and inner peace.Zh: 每天的冥想课，美玲渐渐学会放下心中的忧虑。En: Despite some anxiety, she also understands that accepting Jinhai's suggestion to try meditation and comprehensive therapy might be beneficial to her.Zh: 在某一个午后的冥想中，阳光透过树叶洒下斑驳的阴影，美玲顿时感受到一种前所未有的安宁。En: Days quietly pass by in a simple routine.Zh: 她仿佛看见了自己克服恐惧，接纳现状的样子，心中释然。En: With every day's meditation class, Meiling gradually learns to let go of her worries.Zh: 当美玲睁开双眼，她对金海露出一个温暖的微笑。En: In one afternoon's meditation, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, and Meiling suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of calm.Zh: “谢谢你，金海。我似乎豁然开朗，”她说道，“虽然康复之路还很长，但我不再害怕了。”En: It was as if she could see herself overcoming her fears and accepting her current situation, feeling relieved at heart.Zh: 从那以后，美玲对自己多了几分慈爱和理解。En: When Meiling opened her eyes, she gave Jinhai a warm smile.Zh: 不再急于求成，而是学会欣然接受不完美。En: "Thank you, Jinhai. I seem to have come to a realization," she said, "Although the road to recovery is still long, I'm no longer afraid."Zh: 她明白，康复是一个过程，而寻求帮助并不代表软弱。En: From then on, Meiling had a little more compassion and understanding for herself.Zh: 此时，有金海的陪伴，她愿意坚定地走下去，即便挑战不断，她也自信满满。En: She no longer rushed to succeed but learned to accept imperfection graciously.Zh: 在这个绿树葱茏的静修所，美玲找到了心灵的平和与勇气。En: She understood that recovery is a process, and seeking help does not signify weakness.Zh: 在往后的日子里，她将以一个新的视角面对生活的每一次小波折，带着从容和勇气。En: With Jinhai's company, she was willing to move forward steadfastly, facing challenges with confidence.Zh: 在往后的日子里，她将以一个新的视角面对生活的每一次小波折，带着从容和勇气。En: In this lush and serene retreat, Meiling found peace and courage in her heart.Zh: 在往后的日子里，她将以一个新的视角面对生活的每一次小波折，带着从容和勇气。En: In the days to come, she would face every small hurdle in life with a new perspective, carrying composure and courage. Vocabulary Words:nestled: 坐落着verdant: 绿意盎然serene: 宁静healing: 疗愈retreat: 静修所tranquility: 宁和babbling: 潺潺quaint: 古朴cottage: 木屋introspective: 内省resilient: 坚韧vulnerable: 脆弱optimistic: 乐观cultivation: 修养anxiety: 不安comprehensive: 全方面therapy: 疗养dappled: 斑驳unprecedented: 前所未有calm: 安宁realization: 豁然开朗afraid: 害怕compassion: 慈爱imperfection: 不完美graciously: 欣然steadfastly: 坚定confident: 自信满满lush: 绿树葱茏courage: 勇气hurdle: 波折

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Healing Bonds: A Winter's Tale of Courage and Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-10-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬天的峨眉山，被白雪覆盖，静谧而庄严。En: In winter, Emei Mountain is covered with white snow, serene and solemn.Zh: 空气清新，隐约传来僧侣们的诵经声。En: The air is fresh, with the faint sound of monks chanting in the distance.Zh: 灯笼点亮了通往寺庙的小路，为热闹的腊八节增添了几分欢乐的气氛。En: Lanterns light the path to the temple, adding a touch of joy to the bustling Laba Festival.Zh: 晓玲是一名医学院的学生，此次来到峨眉山，暂别繁忙的学业，希望能借此放松心情，庆祝腊八节。En: Xiaoling is a medical student who came to Emei Mountain to take a break from her busy studies, hoping to relax and celebrate the Laba Festival.Zh: 她心中藏着对考试失败的恐惧，却未曾显露。En: She harbors a fear of failing her exams, yet never shows it.Zh: 她的老朋友金海是这里的僧侣，向往内心的宁静与精神的指引。En: Her old friend Jinhai is a monk here, seeking inner peace and spiritual guidance.Zh: 一天，晓玲在寺庙的禅房外，遇见了梅芬。En: One day, Xiaoling met Meifen outside the temple's meditation room.Zh: 梅芬表面上是一个普通的游客，但无人知晓她正在与一种疾病抗争。En: On the surface, Meifen is just an ordinary tourist, but no one knows she is battling an illness.Zh: 她看起来非常疲惫，脸色苍白，这让晓玲感到不安。En: She looked very exhausted, her complexion pale, which made Xiaoling uneasy.Zh: 突然，梅芬倒下了，晓玲慌了神，但也意识到她必须采取行动。En: Suddenly, Meifen collapsed, and Xiaoling panicked, but realized she had to take action.Zh: 她压下心中的恐惧，凭借所学的医学知识为梅芬做紧急处理。En: She suppressed her fear and used her medical knowledge to administer emergency treatment to Meifen.Zh: 金海见此情况，赶来协助。En: Jinhai saw the situation and hurried over to help.Zh: 在这个紧张的时刻，高悬的灯笼闪烁着暖光，笼罩着她们。En: In this tense moment, the lanterns above flickered warmly, enveloping them.Zh: 在金海的稳定帮助下，晓玲为梅芬注射了药物，并采取了简单的急救措施。En: With Jinhai's steady help, Xiaoling administered medication and performed simple first aid.Zh: 很快，梅芬苏醒过来，脸色渐渐恢复，露出了感激的笑容。En: Soon, Meifen regained consciousness, her complexion slowly returning to normal, revealing a grateful smile.Zh: 随后，当夜幕降临，三人在寺庙的斋堂中，同桌分享一碗简单的腊八粥。En: Later, as night fell, the three of them shared a simple bowl of Laba porridge at the temple's dining hall.Zh: 这碗粥承载着各自内心的成长——新生的友谊与深深的感激。En: This bowl of porridge carried within it their own inner growth—newfound friendship and deep gratitude.Zh: 通过这次经历，晓玲找回了对自己医学能力的信心。En: Through this experience, Xiaoling regained her confidence in her medical abilities.Zh: 她意识到，所学的一切都有其价值，唯一需要的便是信任与勇气。En: She realized that everything she learned has its value, and all she needed was trust and courage.Zh: 在这个温暖的节日夜晚，晓玲心中不再有任何怀疑，她知道自己能将所学付诸实践，帮助需要的人。En: On this warm festive night, Xiaoling no longer had any doubts; she knew she could put her knowledge into practice and help those in need. Vocabulary Words:serene: 静谧solemn: 庄严chanting: 诵经声lanterns: 灯笼harbors: 藏着fail: 失败seeking: 向往inner peace: 内心的宁静spiritual guidance: 精神的指引meditation: 禅房ordinary: 普通的tourist: 游客battling: 抗争illness: 疾病exhausted: 疲惫complexion: 脸色uneasy: 不安collapsed: 倒下panicked: 慌了神administer: 做紧急处理emergency treatment: 急救措施tense moment: 紧张的时刻flickered: 闪烁enveloping: 笼罩regained consciousness: 苏醒过来grateful: 感激porridge: 粥confidence: 信心trust: 信任courage: 勇气

This week's conversation opens a gateway into the deeper roots of Reiki. Kenloch Cheung joins us again to share stories from Hong Kong, Australia, and Mount Kurama, along with his remarkable insights into the origins and meaning of the Usui DKM. This episode offers a rare blend of history, philosophy, and lived experience. In this inspiring conversation, Colleen and Robyn welcome back Reiki teacher and ICRT Licensed Reiki Master Teacher, Kenloch Cheung, joining us from Melbourne after his recent move from Hong Kong. Kenloch bridges Eastern and Western Reiki communities with fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, and his teaching reflects a blend of technique, spiritual understanding, and practical everyday Reiki. We explore what it has been like for Kenloch to relocate to Australia, where Reiki is widely recognized and integrated into daily wellness culture. He shares heartwarming stories about meeting Reiki-aware strangers on mountains in Switzerland, having conversations with immigration officers about Reiki, and settling into a new rhythm of life shaped by self-care, peace, and personal health. The highlight of this episode is Kenloch's detailed teaching on DKM, including: The historical and cultural origins of the symbol Insights from Mount Kurama's prayer to Sonten How the kanji themselves illuminate the DKM deeper meaning The relationship between the symbol, the sun, the moon, and the earth Connections with universal laws, duality, spiritual understanding, and enlightenment Colleen and Robyn share their own experiences with DKM as Reiki practitioners and teachers, including its role in healing belonging, unity, and the alignment of spiritual and human selves. Together, they weave modern Reiki practice with ancient context, bringing new understanding to DKM symbol and its relevance today. Kenloch also speaks about hosting William Rand in Hong Kong, teaching multilingual classes, and his plans for English-language courses in Australia. His joy for community, sharing Reiki, and living a grounded, healthy life shines throughout this conversation. Listen NowThis episode is available on all major podcast platforms and on our YouTube channel.  Connect with Kenloch Cheung: Website: https://kenlochhealingspace.boutir.com/ Email: hernetheancientforest@outlook.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenlochtheoaktree Enjoy the episode, Colleen & Robyn ✨Connect with Colleen and Robyn 
Classes: https://reikilifestyle.com/classes-page/
FREE Distance Reiki Share: https://reikilifestyle.com/community/ 
Podcast: https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/  (available on all major platforms too)
Website: https://reikilifestyle.com/ Colleen Social Media:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikilifestyleofficialempo **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction, which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Join us for a deep-dive into Marvel's ORIGINAL Iron Man movie, the 2007 animated feature film “Invincible Iron Man”! The year before the MCU began, the year before Robert Downey Jr, Jon Favreau, and Kevin Feige brought Tony Stark to the big screen, Marvel partnered up with Lionsgate to create the first and original Iron Man movie - a feature length animated film on DVD. We'll take you behind-the-scenes on the Marvel / Lionsgate deal, the talent of the writers and animators involved, the different animation styles, and everything it took to make this movie. We'll also go behind-the-page on Iron Man in the 2000's, how a series of terrible creative decisions at Marvel were ruining the character, and what it took to make the character relevant again in time for the birth of the MCU! And then we'll deep-dive the movie itself, to explore what it got right, what it got VERY wrong, all the things it changed about Iron Man, and all the differences with the live-action movie that would come out the following year! Plus there's tons of history and trivia about Tony Stark's childhood, his different armours, the Mandarin, the Jade Dragon, Fin Fang Foom, and so much more! For awesome bonus episodes visit https://www.patreon.com/marvelversusmarvel marvelversusmarvel@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/marvelversusmarvel https://twitter.com/marvelversus https://twitter.com/robhalden https://robhalden.com https://will-preston.co.uk

Join us for a deep-dive into Marvel's ORIGINAL Iron Man movie, the 2007 animated feature film “Invincible Iron Man”! The year before the MCU began, the year before Robert Downey Jr, Jon Favreau, and Kevin Feige brought Tony Stark to the big screen, Marvel partnered up with Lionsgate to create the first and original Iron Man movie - a feature length animated film on DVD. We'll take you behind-the-scenes on the Marvel / Lionsgate deal, the talent of the writers and animators involved, the different animation styles, and everything it took to make this movie. We'll also go behind-the-page on Iron Man in the 2000's, how a series of terrible creative decisions at Marvel were ruining the character, and what it took to make the character relevant again in time for the birth of the MCU! And then we'll deep-dive the movie itself, to explore what it got right, what it got VERY wrong, all the things it changed about Iron Man, and all the differences with the live-action movie that would come out the following year! Plus there's tons of history and trivia about Tony Stark's childhood, his different armours, the Mandarin, the Jade Dragon, Fin Fang Foom, and so much more! For awesome bonus episodes visit https://www.patreon.com/marvelversusmarvel marvelversusmarvel@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/marvelversusmarvel https://twitter.com/marvelversus https://twitter.com/robhalden https://robhalden.com https://will-preston.co.uk

聊中西文化，也聊很多东西！第八十期，不好意思让大家久等了，其实11月已经录好了，一直没有时间剪辑。一起来读一下评论吧！ 欢迎给我们来信： ttmiChinese@gmail.comHave online class with Candice, please email candicex2018@gmail.comYouTube: Candice X Chinese MandarinInstagram: CandiceXMandarin2022免费学习资料 Free study materials please visit Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/candicexPDF full script for episode 80: coming soonFull subtitles with Pinyin for episode 80: coming soon