Podcasts about Mandarin

Are you wondering whether Wonder Man is worth your time? In this episode, we break down Marvel's latest Disney+ series, give you the essential background on the character, and explain what you actually need to know before diving in. From Simon Williams' comic book origins to his surprising connections with Vision, Scarlet Witch, and the Avengers, we cover the fun facts, controversies, and powers that shaped Wonder Man long before his MCU debut. We also dig into how Wonder Man fits into the MCU under the Marvel Spotlight banner—designed to be more grounded, character-driven, and accessible without deep MCU homework. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a struggling actor hiding dangerous superpowers, and Ben Kingsley returning as Trevor Slattery, the series leans hard into Hollywood satire, mentorship, and the bizarre "Doorman Clause" that bans super-powered people from acting. Our reactions are… mixed. While the show shines as a personal story about ambition, insecurity, and creative survival—anchored by a standout performance from Ben Kingsley—it struggles with tone, realism, and the weight of its MCU identity. We talk about what works, what doesn't, and whether Wonder Man feels like a forgotten experiment or a meaningful setup for something bigger down the road. Watch the YouTube version here for the best experience. Listen to the podcast episode here: Written WONDER MAN Review Wonder Man is the 19th television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (including both live-action and animated projects) and arrives as part of Phase 6. The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Andrew Guest (Hawkeye, Community, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, crossing superhero franchises after playing Black Manta in DC's Aquaman films, stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor auditioning for the lead in a remake of Wonder Man, a low-budget 1980s action film that Simon once bonded over with his father. Simon carries a dangerous secret: he has explosive superpowers that he can't fully control. Worse, he must keep those powers hidden if he wants any chance at an acting career thanks to the Doorman Clause, a rule that bars super-powered individuals from working as actors. One episode dives into the origins of this clause, and it's easily among the series' most entertaining and imaginative chapters. Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, the infamous actor hired to portray the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Since then, the character has appeared in the Marvel short All Hail the King and film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Here, Trevor is once again chasing relevance—and is also auditioning for a role in the Wonder Man remake. Interestingly, the series never clearly states where it fits into the MCU timeline. There are only light references—photos on walls, casual mentions of "shield throwing." Frankly, that restraint is welcome. It's firmly set in the present day on the main MCU Earth, and that's more than enough. Had this been set on another timeline or Earth, this review probably wouldn't exist. Character Over Capes At its core, this is a strong, personal story about two people supporting each other in a brutal industry. Simon approaches acting with intense seriousness—reminiscent of Dustin Hoffman's character in Tootsie—while Trevor, as a mentor figure, pushes him to loosen up and trust the words on the page. Wonder Man is far more interested in the relationship between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery than in building a new costumed icon. Through their conversations, the series thoughtfully explores what it actually means to be an actor. Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley make for an engaging, surprisingly balanced duo. The show wisely avoids leaning into easy odd-couple clichés, which elevates their dynamic. If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at show business in The Studio or Hacks, there's a lot here to like. Wonder Man ups the stakes by adding uncontrollable superpowers into an already stressful industry where almost nothing goes your way. Tone & Reality Gaps Tonally, Wonder Man struggles. It can't always decide whether it wants to be serious and emotional or silly and farcical. It oscillates between the two. The dialogue is often grounded and well-written, but the situations frequently feel forced—bent to serve the script rather than emerging naturally from reality. Living in Los Angeles, where the series is set, makes some of these moments especially hard to ignore. Being under a tight deadline to submit an audition tape and deciding to drive from Hollywood to Malibu and back—congratulations, you've just wasted three hours. These issues extend to the on-set scenes. Having worked in the film industry, many of these moments rang false. A day player wouldn't halt production because they have extensive notes. There are numerous story hiccups where disbelief must be suspended simply to keep the plot moving. A test audience likely would have flagged many of these. Performances & Standout Moments Any time Ben Kingsley is on screen, he's impossible not to root for. Simon, by contrast, is difficult to like until the final two episodes. That's clearly intentional—he's closed off and emotionally blocked—but watching someone repeatedly sabotage themselves is frustrating, even if it's thematically justified. One unquestionable highlight is the episode centered on the Doorman Clause, "Doorman". Josh Gad's appearance, along with his reworked version of "In Summer," is delightful and injects much-needed energy and creativity into the series. Release Strategy & Final Verdict Marvel continues to undermine its TV output with its release strategy. Ironheart dropped its six episodes across two days. Echo released all five at once. Wonder Man follows suit with all eight episodes dropping in a single day. The result? These shows are consumed quickly and forgotten just as fast. By the time Daredevil Season 2 arrives in March, this will likely be one of those "Oh yeah… what happened on Wonder Man again?" series.I went in with an open mind and high expectations—this is Marvel, after all. In the end, I liked Wonder Man, but too much got in the way of loving it. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

[Skip to 9:22 for To Be Hero X talk]We checked out our first donghua, or Chinese anime, this week: To Be Hero X, thanks to a Patreon supporter. We even watched it in Mandarin! Did we like it as much as Japanese stuff? Listen and find out. We also talk about gout, Mozart's age, family stand-ins, and the languages our grandparents spoke. | Follow us on Apple Podcasts | Support us on Patreon | Follow us on BlueSky | We're on Threads/Instagram | Subscribe to us on YouTube | Join the fan Discord

SEGMENT 9: ORIGINS OF THE CHINA LOBBY Guest: Lee Smith, Author of "The China Matrix" Smith traces the China lobby's origins to a pivotal October 1997 White House dinner with the Clintons where VIPs secured immense personal wealth through Beijing connections. Nancy Pelosi and Daniel Moynihan protested these arrangements, but the pact enriching American elites at China's service was firmly established.1793 Mandarin

Gen 48:1-49:33, Matt 15:29-16:12, Ps 20:1-9, Pr 4:20-27

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Courage Under Snow: A Doctor's New Year Breakthrough Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-24-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 雪静悄悄地覆盖着紫禁城，整个北京都被厚厚的白雪包围着。En: The snow quietly covered the Zǐjìnchéng, and all of Běijīng was surrounded by thick white snow.Zh: 在历史悠久的医院里，梅透过窗户看着外面的雪景，心中充满不安。En: In a historically significant hospital, Méi looked through the window at the snowy scene outside, filled with unease.Zh: 她是一名实习医生，正在为春节的到来做准备，但一场突如其来的雪暴打乱了所有计划。En: She was an intern doctor preparing for the upcoming Chūnjié, but a sudden snowstorm disrupted all the plans.Zh: 医院里，紧急情况响起：病人连需要立即手术。En: In the hospital, an emergency call sounded: a patient named Lián required immediate surgery.Zh: 梅的导师贾医生，一位经验丰富的外科医生，本应在场指挥。En: Méi's mentor, Dr. Jiǎ, an experienced surgeon, was supposed to be there to guide the procedure.Zh: 但这场暴风雪使他的团队无法赶到医院。En: However, the snowstorm had prevented his team from reaching the hospital.Zh: 手术室里，灯光微弱。En: In the operating room, the lights were dim.Zh: 梅深吸一口气，努力平静下来。En: Méi took a deep breath, trying hard to calm down.Zh: 贾看到她的小心翼翼，上前鼓励她：“梅，相信自己。En: Seeing her cautiousness, Jiǎ stepped forward to encourage her, "Believe in yourself, Méi.Zh: 我们可以做到。En: We can do this."Zh: ”手术开始，梅小心翼翼地递工具，尽力不让自己手抖。En: The surgery began, and Méi carefully handed over instruments, trying her best to keep her hands steady.Zh: 突然，冷空气影响了设备，心电监护仪失灵了。En: Suddenly, the cold air affected the equipment, and the heart monitor malfunctioned.Zh: 空气中弥漫着紧张。En: The air was thick with tension.Zh: 梅心里顿时一阵慌乱，但她很快镇定下来，想起了在学校学过的应急措施。En: Méi felt a wave of panic, but she quickly composed herself, recalling emergency measures she had learned in school.Zh: 她利用简单的工具和旧电池，照常工作。En: Using simple tools and an old battery, she made things work.Zh: 贾医生转头对她微微一笑：“干得好。En: Dr. Jiǎ turned and gave her a slight smile, "Well done."Zh: ”手术顺利完成，连安全地躺在病床上。En: The surgery was successfully completed, and Lián lay safely on the hospital bed.Zh: 贾拍了拍梅的肩膀：“你做得很好，梅。En: Dr. Jiǎ patted Méi's shoulder, "You did very well, Méi.Zh: 你的勇气和智慧救了他。En: Your courage and wisdom saved him."Zh: ”走出手术室，积雪在静谧的夜里闪烁，远处隐约传来新年庆祝的鞭炮声。En: Stepping out of the operating room, the snow glistened in the still night, with the faint sound of New Year celebrations and firecrackers in the distance.Zh: 梅仰头看着白茫茫的紫禁城，感觉一切那么不真实。En: Méi looked up at the snow-blanketed Zǐjìnchéng, feeling as if everything was surreal.Zh: 她知道，自己的心结终于解开。En: She knew that the knot in her heart had finally unraveled.Zh: 脸上挂着暖暖的微笑，梅深知，无论未来多么艰难，她都能凭借自己的力量去克服。En: With a warm smile on her face, Méi realized that no matter how difficult the future might be, she could overcome it with her own strength.Zh: 那一晚，梅不再怀疑自己，她获得了勇气和信任。En: That night, Méi no longer doubted herself, gaining courage and confidence.Zh: 大雪依旧不停，但梅的心却不再寒冷，春节的喜悦就在前方。En: The heavy snow continued, but Méi's heart was no longer cold, and the joy of the New Year lay ahead. Vocabulary Words:quietly: 静悄悄地covered: 覆盖着historically significant: 历史悠久的unease: 不安intern: 实习医生surgery: 手术mentor: 导师experienced: 经验丰富的dim: 微弱cautiousness: 小心翼翼encourage: 鼓励malfunctioned: 失灵tension: 紧张panic: 慌乱composed: 镇定emergency: 应急措施surreal: 不真实unraveled: 解开doubted: 怀疑courage: 勇气confidence: 信任glisten: 闪烁celebrations: 庆祝new year: 春节snowstorm: 暴风雪plans: 计划equipment: 设备monitor: 监护仪measures: 措施joy: 喜悦

Gen 46:1-47:31, Matt 15:1-28, Ps 19:1-14, Pr 4:14-19

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Quiet Reflections: Li Wei's Journey Through Lijiang's Heritage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-23-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 湄公大街上，红灯笼在寒风中轻轻摇曳，空气中弥漫着春节的热闹气息。En: On Meigong Avenue, red lanterns sway gently in the cold wind, and the air is filled with the lively atmosphere of the Spring Festival.Zh: 丽江古城，冬天的阳光温柔地洒在那石铺的小巷里。En: In the Lijiang Ancient Town, winter sunlight softly bathes the stone-paved alleys.Zh: 李伟、梅玲和金浩是高中的好朋友，他们参加了一次特别的学校旅行，目的地就是这座古老而美丽的城镇。En: Li Wei, Mei Ling, and Jin Hao are good friends from high school, and they are on a special school trip to this ancient and beautiful town.Zh: 李伟非常喜欢传统文化和建筑，但他性格内向，总是默默观赏。En: Li Wei is very fond of traditional culture and architecture, but his introverted nature means he always observes in silence.Zh: 今天，他的目标是了解尽可能多的历史建筑，特别是它们的文化意义。En: Today, his goal is to learn as much as possible about historical buildings, particularly their cultural significance.Zh: 然而，春节假期的人群让古城更加拥挤，游客们的欢声笑语淹没了李伟想要安静观察的愿望。En: However, the holiday crowds during the Spring Festival make the ancient town even more crowded, and the cheerful laughter of the tourists drowns out Li Wei's wish for quiet observation.Zh: “我要单独去看看。”李伟决定。En: "I want to go look on my own," Li Wei decided.Zh: 他告诉梅玲和金浩自己想走一会儿，仔细看看那些老房子。En: He told Mei Ling and Jin Hao that he wanted to walk around and take a closer look at the old houses.Zh: 他们都点头支持。En: They nodded in support.Zh: 于是，李伟迈开脚步，走进了一条安静的小巷。En: So, Li Wei began to walk, entering a quiet alley.Zh: 街角处，一个隐蔽的小院吸引了李伟的注意。En: At the street corner, a secluded courtyard caught Li Wei's attention.Zh: 那里没有人声，老柳树在微风中轻轻摇曳，木雕的窗格透露出古色古香的韵味。En: There was no sound of people; an old willow swayed gently in the breeze, and the carved wooden window lattices revealed an antique charm.Zh: 李伟心中一动，他轻轻推开院门，走了进去。En: Li Wei felt a stir in his heart, and he gently pushed open the courtyard gate and walked inside.Zh: 院子里，一个老人正在修补一件老旧的木雕。En: In the courtyard, an elderly man was mending an old wooden carving.Zh: 老人面容慈祥，笑着看向李伟。En: The old man had a kindly face and smiled at Li Wei.Zh: 他是镇上的老匠人，专注于传统工艺。En: He was an old craftsman in the town, dedicated to traditional crafts.Zh: 看到李伟有兴趣，老人便开始讲述那些老房子的历史和他的工作。En: Seeing Li Wei's interest, the craftsman began to tell the history of those old houses and his work.Zh: 李伟听得入神，觉察到这些建筑所承载的故事和价值。En: Li Wei listened intently, realizing the stories and value carried by these buildings.Zh: 不知过了多久，李伟意识到自己要回去了。En: He did not know how much time had passed, but eventually Li Wei realized he needed to return.Zh: 他感谢老人，带着丰富的体会和激动的心情回到朋友身边。En: He thanked the elder, returned to his friends with a wealth of experiences and a heart full of excitement.Zh: 梅玲和金浩见了他，问道：“你发现了什么？”En: Mei Ling and Jin Hao saw him and asked, "What did you discover?"Zh: 李伟眼中闪着光芒，说：“我遇到了一位很特别的匠人，我了解到了很多关于这些建筑的事情。”En: The light in Li Wei's eyes shone as he said, "I met a very special craftsman, and I've learned a lot about these buildings."Zh: 他向朋友们分享了从老人那里听来的故事，脸上是从未有过的自信。En: He shared the stories he heard from the old man with his friends, his face showing newfound confidence.Zh: 这次旅行改变了李伟。En: This trip changed Li Wei.Zh: 虽然他依旧内向，但他找到了表达自己热情的方法。En: Although he remained introverted, he found a way to express his passions.Zh: 他明白了建筑背后的故事，感受到文化的力量，也更加珍惜朋友们的陪伴。En: He understood the stories behind the architecture, felt the power of culture, and cherished his friends' companionship even more.Zh: 丽江古城的冬季在他们的心中留下了温暖的回忆。En: The winter in Lijiang Ancient Town left warm memories in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:sway: 摇曳secluded: 隐蔽breeze: 微风courtyard: 小院lattice: 窗格carved: 木雕antique: 古色古香charm: 韵味craftsman: 匠人mend: 修补intently: 入神companionship: 陪伴cherish: 珍惜fond: 喜欢introverted: 内向observe: 观赏cultural significance: 文化意义crowds: 人群cheerful: 欢声笑语stir: 心动elderly: 老人kindly: 慈祥historical: 历史realize: 意识到confidence: 自信express: 表达passions: 热情architecture: 建筑dedicated: 专注wealth: 丰富

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Heartfelt Connections on the Great Wall's Wintry Eve Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-23-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 长城在冬天有一种特别的魅力。En: The Changcheng in winter has a particular charm.Zh: 白雪覆盖在古老的砖石上，远远望去，像是一条威严的巨龙，蜿蜒在起伏的山丘之间。En: White snow covers the ancient bricks and stones, and from a distance, it looks like a majestic dragon winding through the rolling hills.Zh: 空气冷冽而清新，而此时也是农历新年的前夕。En: The air is crisp and fresh, and it is also the eve of the Nongli Xinnian (Lunar New Year).Zh: 灯笼高挂，烟火耀眼，四处洋溢着喜庆的气氛。En: Lanterns are hung high, fireworks are dazzling, and a festive atmosphere is everywhere.Zh: 廉生一直渴望重新探索他的根。En: Liansheng had always longed to explore his roots.Zh: 在新年到来之际，他终于有机会来到长城。En: With the arrival of the new year, he finally had the opportunity to visit the Changcheng.Zh: 他希望能找到与家族过去更深层的联系。En: He hoped to find a deeper connection with his family's past.Zh: 他的堂姐美玉也一同前来，她热衷于与廉生分享他们家族的故事。En: His cousin Meiyu also came along, eager to share the stories of their family with Liansheng.Zh: 对于美玉来说，能在这样一个重要的节日陪伴自己的兄弟，是她最大的快乐。En: For Meiyu, being able to accompany her brother on such an important holiday was her greatest joy.Zh: 他们的导游是景伟，一个了解长城每一寸土地的当地人。En: Their guide was Jingwei, a local who knew every inch of the Changcheng.Zh: 他热爱向游客分享长城的历史和秘密。En: He loved sharing the history and secrets of the Changcheng with tourists.Zh: 景伟不仅是个出色的向导，他还充满热情，总是能感染身边的人。En: Jingwei was not only an excellent guide but also incredibly passionate, always able to infect those around him with his enthusiasm.Zh: 在游览长城的过程中，廉生步履沉重。En: During the tour of the Changcheng, Liansheng walked with heavy steps.Zh: 他想要感受更多，却总是感到有些力不从心。En: He wanted to experience more but always felt a bit helpless.Zh: 突然，他的胸口一阵剧痛，令他不得不停下脚步，捂着心口，满脸痛苦。En: Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, forcing him to stop, clutching his heart with a face full of agony.Zh: 美玉和景伟赶紧靠过来，紧张地询问发生了什么。En: Meiyu and Jingwei quickly came over, anxiously asking what had happened.Zh: 景伟立刻意识到这是心脏病发作，必须马上休息。En: Jingwei immediately realized it was a heart attack and that rest was urgently needed.Zh: 美玉又急又担心，她不想失去这个和兄弟一起共度新年的机会。En: Meiyu was both worried and concerned; she didn't want to lose the chance to spend the new year with her brother.Zh: 面对心脏病的威胁，廉生陷入了两难。En: Facing the threat of a heart attack, Liansheng found himself in a dilemma.Zh: 他想继续他的探索之旅，这也许是他唯一的机会。En: He wanted to continue his journey of exploration, as this might be his only opportunity.Zh: 但他也知道，自己的健康更为重要。En: But he also knew that his health was more important.Zh: 在景伟和美玉的劝说下，廉生决定放下执念，留在安全的地方，静静等待夜幕降临。En: With Jingwei and Meiyu's persuasion, Liansheng decided to let go of his obsession and stay in a safe place, quietly waiting for nightfall.Zh: 随着新年的烟火在空中绽放，廉生感受到一种既胜利又恐惧的情感交织。En: As the new year's fireworks lit up the sky, Liansheng felt a mix of triumph and fear.Zh: 他意识到，过去的联系固然重要，但和亲人在一起的当下才是最珍贵的。En: He realized that while connections to the past are important, the present with family is the most precious.Zh: 在美玉和景伟的陪伴下，廉生和他们一起欣赏着漫天烟花。En: In the company of Meiyu and Jingwei, Liansheng watched the fireworks filling the sky.Zh: 他终于明白，家庭是他真正的过去和现在的连接。En: He finally understood that family is his true connection to both past and present.Zh: 在这璀璨的烟花下，廉生心中充满了温暖和感激。En: Under these dazzling fireworks, Liansheng's heart was filled with warmth and gratitude.Zh: 故事的结尾，廉生虽未能实现他心中最初的愿望，但他找到了更深层的满足。En: By the end of the story, Liansheng may not have fulfilled his initial desire, but he found deeper satisfaction.Zh: 他的改变不在于对过去的追寻，而是对身边亲人关系的珍惜。En: His change was not about the quest for the past, but in cherishing the relationships with the loved ones around him.Zh: 长城在他眼中不再只是历史的象征，而是承载着他与家人共同度过的珍贵时光。En: The Changcheng no longer appeared only as a symbol of history but as a bearer of precious moments spent with his family. Vocabulary Words:particular: 特别charm: 魅力majestic: 威严的winding: 蜿蜒crisp: 冷冽eve: 前夕dazzling: 耀眼festive: 喜庆的atmosphere: 气氛longed: 渴望explore: 探索opportunity: 机会eager: 热衷于accompany: 陪伴inch: 寸passionate: 热情infect: 感染tour: 游览helpless: 力不从心agony: 痛苦anxiously: 紧张地immediately: 立刻dilemma: 两难persuasion: 劝说obsession: 执念triumph: 胜利present: 当下gratitude: 感激cherishing: 珍惜symbol: 象征

Gen 44:1-45:28, Matt 14:13-36, Ps 18:35-50, Pr 4:11-13

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Snowy Meditations: Finding Peace Among the Firecrackers Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-22-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在杭州的冬季，灵隐寺被皑皑白雪覆盖，En: In the winter of Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple was covered in a blanket of white snow.Zh: 寺院四周是古老的森林，它们在淡淡的雾气下显得神秘而宁静。En: The surrounding ancient forest appeared mysterious and tranquil under the light mist.Zh: 正值春节期间，寺庙里挂满了鲜红的灯笼，金色的横幅在风中轻轻飘舞。En: It was the Spring Festival period, and the temple was adorned with bright red lanterns, with golden banners gently waving in the wind.Zh: 尽管冷风刺骨，这里显得异常热闹。En: Despite the biting cold wind, the place felt unusually lively.Zh: 黎亮，一个向往安静与顿悟的青年，决定在春节期间来到灵隐寺进行冥想。En: Li Liang, a young man who yearned for peace and enlightenment, decided to visit Lingyin Temple during the Spring Festival for meditation.Zh: 他渴望在新年到来之际寻求内心的平和。En: He longed to seek inner peace as the new year approached.Zh: 他的朋友周和梅陪同前来。En: His friends Zhou and Mei accompanied him.Zh: 周是个心地善良但总是笨手笨脚的人，而梅则是个活泼风趣的人，她总能在任何境地中找到乐趣。En: Zhou was a kind-hearted but often clumsy person, while Mei was lively and witty, always able to find joy in any situation.Zh: 黎亮找到寺中一个安静的角落，打算开始他的重要冥想。En: Li Liang found a quiet corner in the temple to begin his important meditation.Zh: "我只需要一刻的宁静，"他对自己说。En: "I just need a moment of silence," he told himself.Zh: 闭上眼睛，他开始进入冥想状态。En: Closing his eyes, he began to enter a meditative state.Zh: 可是，寺庙里正在为春节做准备，四处都是喧闹声。En: However, preparations for the Spring Festival were underway in the temple, and there was noise everywhere.Zh: 首先，周不小心踢翻了一个装满小铜铃的篮子，叮当作响。En: First, Zhou accidentally kicked over a basket full of small copper bells, which rang out loudly.Zh: 这声音打断了黎亮的冥想，En: This sound interrupted Li Liang's meditation.Zh: 他皱了皱眉，但还是继续努力集中注意力。En: He frowned but continued to concentrate.Zh: 接着，梅嬉笑着模仿寺庙里的钟声，笑声不断传入黎亮的耳中。En: Next, Mei giggled as she imitated the temple's bell sounds, her laughter continuously reaching Li Liang's ears.Zh: "真不凑巧，"他想，但他并没有生气。En: "Such bad timing," he thought, but he didn't get angry.Zh: 随着时间的推移，庙里的准备更加繁忙。En: As time went by, the preparations in the temple became even busier.Zh: 到了高潮时刻，就在黎亮几乎达到完美的冥想状态时，寺庙门外忽然有人点燃了一串巨大的炮竹声，巨响冲天而起。En: At the climax, just as Li Liang was almost reaching a perfect meditative state, someone suddenly set off a string of giant firecrackers outside the temple door, with a thunderous noise rising into the sky.Zh: 黎亮张开眼，显得极为震惊，但当他看向身边的周和梅，他们正捂着耳朵笑得前仰后合。En: Li Liang opened his eyes, looking extremely startled, but when he looked at Zhou and Mei beside him, they were covering their ears, laughing uproariously.Zh: 黎亮再次闭上眼，这一次，他不再强求完美的宁静。En: Li Liang closed his eyes again, this time no longer striving for perfect peace.Zh: 慢慢地，他意识到了周围的热闹和快乐，也感到了那份暖意。En: Slowly, he became aware of the liveliness and joy around him, and he also felt a sense of warmth.Zh: 他放下了执念，脸上露出释然的笑容，和朋友们一起开怀大笑。En: He let go of his obsessions, a relieved smile appearing on his face, as he laughed heartily with his friends.Zh: 黎亮终于明白，顿悟不在于绝对的静谧，而在于欣然接受生活的变化与无常。En: Li Liang finally understood that enlightenment is not about absolute tranquility, but about gladly accepting the changes and impermanence of life.Zh: 他找到了内心的宁静，虽然不是在他所预想的方式里。En: He found inner peace, although not in the way he had envisioned.Zh: 春节的烟花照亮了半边天，灵隐寺在热闹与宁静之间找到了平衡，而黎亮，也找到了心灵的启迪。En: The fireworks of the Spring Festival lit up half the sky, with Lingyin Temple finding balance between liveliness and tranquility, and Li Liang finding enlightenment in his soul. Vocabulary Words:blanket: 覆盖biting: 刺骨yearned: 向往enlightenment: 顿悟adorned: 挂满concentrate: 集中tranquility: 宁静obstructions: 障碍imitation: 模仿uproariously: 开怀大笑meditative: 冥想striving: 强求obsessions: 执念relieved: 释然impermanence: 无常giggled: 嬉笑thunderous: 巨响exuberant: 热闹liveliness: 活泼firecrackers: 炮竹gently: 轻轻climax: 高潮perfect: 完美startled: 震惊tranquil: 神秘accompany: 陪同appeared: 显得preparations: 准备meditation: 冥想banners: 横幅

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Whispers of the Forest: Linna's New Year Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-22-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 四川的密林里，冬天的空气清冽而安静。En: In the dense forests of Sichuan, the winter air is crisp and quiet.Zh: 森林中，常青树上披着一层厚厚的白雪，点缀着过年的红灯笼，流淌着温暖的光。En: In the forest, the evergreen trees are draped with a thick layer of white snow, adorned with red lanterns for the New Year, casting a warm glow.Zh: 在这灯火映照下，林娜、魏和陈一家人正忙着准备他们一年一度的家庭聚会。En: In the light of these lanterns, Linna, Wei, and Chen's family are busy preparing for their annual family gathering.Zh: 林娜是个活泼的年轻女孩，她热爱家里的传统。En: Linna is a lively young girl who loves her family's traditions.Zh: 每年春节，他们全家都会到这片森林里露营。En: Every year during the Spring Festival, their whole family goes camping in this forest.Zh: 她的父母和魏、陈一起准备丰盛的年夜饭，火锅的香味飘散在空中。En: Her parents, along with Wei and Chen, are preparing a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner, the aroma of hot pot wafting through the air.Zh: 但林娜渴望一些新的体验，她希望在保存旧传统的同时，也能给家里带点新鲜感。En: But Linna longs for some new experiences; she hopes to bring a bit of freshness to her family while preserving the old traditions.Zh: 当魏和陈认真地挂着鞭炮时，林娜决定尝试一个新主意。En: As Wei and Chen carefully hang firecrackers, Linna decides to try a new idea.Zh: 她提前从村里的老人那里搜集了一些关于森林的传说。En: She gathered some legends about the forest from the elders in the village.Zh: 晚上，大家围坐在火堆旁，她清了清嗓子，开始讲故事。En: That evening, as everyone sat around the campfire, she cleared her throat and began to tell a story.Zh: 大家渐渐被她的讲述吸引，眼光里闪烁着好奇。En: Gradually, everyone was captivated by her storytelling, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.Zh: 一时间，四周连风声都静止了下来。En: For a moment, even the sound of the wind seemed to pause.Zh: 林中的传说说，几百年前，这里住着一个守林的仙子。En: The legend of the forest says that hundreds of years ago, a forest guardian fairy lived here.Zh: 每到除夕，她便显身于森林中，祝福来年丰收。En: Every New Year's Eve, she would appear in the forest, blessing the coming year with a bountiful harvest.Zh: 人们渐渐忘记了这个故事，但今天，林娜让它重现于此。En: Over time, people forgot this story, but today, Linna brought it back to life.Zh: 讲完故事，林娜心中忐忑不安，但家人们都露出了欣喜的笑容。En: After finishing the story, Linna's heart was filled with unease, but her family all showed delighted smiles.Zh: 魏说：“这是我第一次听到这样的故事，很有趣。En: Wei said, "This is the first time I've heard such a story, very interesting."Zh: ” 陈也点头赞同，其他亲戚纷纷表示希望明年能听到更多。En: Chen also nodded in agreement, and other relatives expressed their hope to hear more next year.Zh: 林娜的努力得到了大家的认同，她感到一种浓厚的自豪。En: Linna's efforts were recognized by everyone, and she felt a strong sense of pride.Zh: 春节的欢声笑语依旧在森林中回荡，林娜内心的紧张也化为一阵暖意。En: The joyful sounds of the Spring Festival continued to echo in the forest, and Linna's inner tension transformed into a warm feeling.Zh: 她发现，传统和创新并不矛盾，反而可以共同延续家族的欢庆。En: She realized that tradition and innovation are not contradictory; instead, they can jointly perpetuate the family's celebration.Zh: 家人也因此增加了了解，传统愈加活跃。En: This also deepened the family's understanding of each other, making the traditions even more lively.Zh: 冬夜，红灯笼的光映着白雪，林娜在这新的故事中找到了她与家庭间更深的联结。En: On a winter night, the light of the red lanterns reflecting on the white snow, Linna found a deeper connection with her family in this new story.Zh: 她明白，勇敢地尝试和坚定地守护，两者结合会生成意想不到的美好。En: She understood that brave attempts combined with steadfast guardianship can create unexpected beauty.Zh: 而这，将是她给家人最珍贵的新年礼物。En: And this would be her most precious New Year gift to her family. Vocabulary Words:dense: 密crisp: 清冽evergreen: 常青adorned: 点缀着sumptuous: 丰盛的wafting: 飘散longs: 渴望freshness: 新鲜感firecrackers: 鞭炮captivated: 吸引sparkling: 闪烁pause: 静止bountiful: 丰收unease: 忐忑不安pride: 自豪echo: 回荡tension: 紧张perpetuate: 延续steadfast: 坚定地guardianship: 守护attempts: 尝试unexpected: 意想不到的connection: 联结innovation: 创新contradictory: 矛盾blessing: 祝福curiosity: 好奇delighted: 欣喜recognized: 认同guardian: 守林的

Gen 42:18-43:34, Matt 13:47-14:12, Ps 18:16-34, Pr 4:7-10

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Journey to the Oasis: Enlightenment Beneath the Dunes Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-21-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在无尽的沙丘下，天空纯净得仿佛让人感受到一种超越时空的世界。En: Beneath the endless dunes, the sky was so pure that it seemed to evoke a world beyond time and space.Zh: 在塔克拉玛干沙漠的深处，紫涵一步一步地走着，汗水顺着脸颊流下。En: Deep within the Taklamakan Desert, Zihan walked step by step, sweat streaming down his cheeks.Zh: 他的目标是赶在春节前到达一个古老的圣地，寻求精神上的启迪。En: His goal was to reach an ancient sacred place before the Lunar New Year to seek spiritual enlightenment.Zh: 他身边陪伴着一位经验丰富的向导，美霖。她对这个沙漠的每一个角落都了如指掌。En: Accompanying him was an experienced guide, Meilin, who knew every corner of this desert intimately.Zh: 尽管天空晴朗，白天的热浪如同一条巨蛇，紧紧地缠绕在紫涵的身体上。En: Despite the clear sky, the daytime heat waves coiled around Zihan like a giant snake, tightly binding his body.Zh: 他感到头晕目眩，脚步变得越来越沉重。En: He felt dizzy, his steps becoming increasingly heavy.Zh: 美霖注意到了紫涵的异样，她停下脚步，轻声说道：“紫涵，我们需要休息了。En: Meilin noticed Zihan's condition and stopped, softly saying, "Zihan, we need to rest.Zh: 再继续走下去，你的身体会撑不住的。”En: If you keep going, your body won't hold up."Zh: 紫涵心中挣扎着，他非常渴望在春节到来前实现自己的目标，但他也知道必须听从美霖的建议。En: Zihan struggled internally, eager to achieve his goal before the New Year, but he also knew he must heed Meilin's advice.Zh: 他们在有限的树荫下停了下来。En: They stopped under the limited shade of some trees.Zh: 美霖随手擦去紫涵额头上的汗水，用沙漠中的干草和毯子为他搭建了一个简单的遮阳处。En: Meilin casually wiped the sweat from Zihan's forehead and used desert grass and blankets to set up a simple shelter.Zh: “我们必须离开这里，找到水源。”美霖用坚定的目光看着他。En: "We must leave here and find a water source," Meilin said, looking at him with determination.Zh: 紫涵点了点头。En: Zihan nodded.Zh: 他明白自己没有选择，只能信任美霖的判断。En: He understood he had no choice but to trust Meilin's judgment.Zh: 就在这时，紫涵的身体不再支持，他突然晕倒在地。En: Just then, Zihan's body could no longer support him, and he suddenly fainted to the ground.Zh: 美霖不惊慌，她凭借多年的经验找到了一条通往隐藏绿洲的小路。En: Without panicking, Meilin relied on her years of experience to find a path leading to a hidden oasis.Zh: 她用尽全力将紫涵扶起，带他前往那片生机勃勃的绿洲。En: She used all her strength to lift Zihan and take him to the vibrant oasis.Zh: 当紫涵在绿洲清凉的水中感受到生命的回归时，他心头的焦虑消散了。En: When Zihan felt life returning to him in the cool waters of the oasis, his anxiety dissipated.Zh: 他开始明白，自己追求的目标虽要紧，但领悟智慧的路上有时需要耐心，也需要接受别人的帮助。En: He began to understand that although his goal was important, the path to enlightenment sometimes required patience and accepting help from others.Zh: 当他苏醒过来，看到美霖已经为他们准备好了简单的食物和温热的喝水。En: When he woke up, he saw that Meilin had already prepared simple food and warm water for them.Zh: 紫涵微笑着点头，感激而坚定地对美霖说：“谢谢你，我学到了一课。”En: Zihan nodded with a smile, grateful and determined, saying to Meilin, "Thank you, I've learned a lesson."Zh: 美霖微微一笑，拍拍他的肩膀。En: Meilin smiled slightly and patted his shoulder.Zh: 太阳在天空中缓缓下沉，他们凝望着远处金色的沙丘，意识到这次旅程不只是为了到达，而是为了在路上获得成长与启迪。En: As the sun slowly set in the sky, they gazed at the golden dunes in the distance, realizing this journey wasn't just about reaching a destination but growing and gaining insight along the way.Zh: 在这片无人区中，紫涵找到了他理解的那份智慧，旅程才刚刚开始。En: In this wilderness, Zihan found the wisdom he sought to understand, and the journey had just begun. Vocabulary Words:dunes: 沙丘evoke: 感受到enlightenment: 启迪accompanying: 陪伴intimately: 了如指掌coiled: 缠绕dizzy: 头晕目眩heed: 听从oasis: 绿洲anxiety: 焦虑patience: 耐心vibrant: 生机勃勃insight: 领悟faint: 晕倒nodded: 点头determination: 坚定struggled: 挣扎judgment: 判断shelter: 遮阳处returning: 回归grateful: 感激patted: 拍拍destination: 目的地gazes: 凝望wilderness: 无人区wisdom: 智慧experienced: 经验丰富source: 水源sank: 下沉lifeless: 无生命的

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: A Chinese New Year Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-21-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在北京的冬天，天坛公园被白皑皑的雪覆盖，透着无尽的宁静。En: In Beijing during the winter, Temple of Heaven Park is covered in a blanket of white snow, exuding an endless tranquility.Zh: 古老的建筑优雅地矗立着，红色的灯笼和传统的中国装饰点缀在灰蒙蒙的冬日中，把节日的气氛布满整个园区。En: The ancient buildings stand elegantly, with red lanterns and traditional Chinese decorations adorning the gray winter days, filling the entire park with a festive atmosphere.Zh: 此时，三位主要人物一起策划一个中国新年庆祝活动。En: At this time, three main characters were planning a Chinese New Year celebration together.Zh: 明华是一位拘谨严谨的活动策划师，心里藏着一个目标：要比去年办得更好。En: Minghua is a meticulous and disciplined event planner with a goal hidden in his heart: to do better than last year.Zh: 灵是一名创意十足的设计师，他的设计风格总是出人意料。En: Ling is a highly creative designer whose design style is always unexpected.Zh: 虽然常常拖到最后一刻完成，但他总能吸引住所有人的视线。En: Although he often finishes at the last minute, he always manages to capture everyone's attention.Zh: 腴是志愿者协调员，他希望一切都完美无瑕，喜欢控制流程，然而对灵过于自由的想法感到不安。En: Yu is the volunteer coordinator who hopes everything will be flawless and likes to control the process, yet feels uneasy about Ling's overly free ideas.Zh: 随着春节的脚步临近，他们坐在公园的小亭子中开会。En: As the Spring Festival approaches, they sit in a small pavilion in the park to have a meeting.Zh: 明华打开笔记本，开始计划活动细节。En: Minghua opens his notebook and begins planning the event details.Zh: 腴正在担心志愿者的安排是否会被灵的设计搞乱。En: Yu is worried whether the volunteer arrangements will be disrupted by Ling's designs.Zh: 灵却兴奋地展示了一张新颖的设计草图。En: Meanwhile, Ling excitedly presents a novel design sketch.Zh: "天坛的草地上，我们可以用五颜六色的灯光投影龙和凤凰。"灵兴奋地说。En: "On the grass of Temple of Heaven, we can use colorful lights to project dragons and phoenixes," Ling says excitedly.Zh: 腴皱起眉头：“这会不会太过激进？传统元素都在哪里呢？”En: Yu frowns, "Wouldn't that be too radical? Where are the traditional elements?"Zh: 明华沉思良久。En: Minghua ponders for a long time.Zh: 去年他们遵循传统路线，但今年的目标是突破。En: Last year, they followed a traditional route, but this year's goal is to break through.Zh: 而灵的提议似乎是个大胆的选择。En: And Ling's proposal seems like a bold choice.Zh: 经过几次讨论，明华决定给灵一个机会。En: After several discussions, Minghua decides to give Ling a chance.Zh: 也许创新和传统可以结合起来。En: Perhaps innovation and tradition can be combined.Zh: 时间一天天过去，终于来到最后的彩排日。En: Days pass by, and finally, it's the day of the final rehearsal.Zh: 灵的设计果然夺人眼球：五光十色的灯光洒在雪地上，仿佛龙和凤凰在空中翱翔。En: Indeed, Ling's design is eye-catching: colorful lights cast over the snowy ground as if dragons and phoenixes are soaring in the sky.Zh: 但是，结构安排却出现了问题，灯光设备没有按预期安装，整个场地一片混乱。En: However, there were problems with the setup; the lighting equipment was not installed as expected, and the entire venue was in chaos.Zh: 眼看活动即将开始，明华冷静下来，经过一番思考，他想到了一个折衷方案。En: Seeing that the event is about to start, Minghua calms down, and after some thought, he comes up with a compromise.Zh: 他在灯光设计中增加了一些传统的红灯笼，以平衡视觉效果。En: He adds some traditional red lanterns to the lighting design to balance the visual effect.Zh: 腴迅速协调人手调整布置，大家齐心协力，终于顺利完成了准备工作。En: Yu quickly coordinates people to adjust the setup, and everyone works together, finally completing the preparations smoothly.Zh: 活动的那天夜晚，灯光和灯笼交相辉映，吸引了无数人驻足观赏。En: On the night of the event, the lights and lanterns complement each other, attracting countless people who stop to admire them.Zh: 闪烁的光影和古老的建筑完美结合，游客们欢笑着拍照留念。En: The flickering lights and ancient buildings combine perfectly, as visitors laugh and take pictures to capture the memories.Zh: 最终，明华意识到创新与传统并不矛盾，它们可以和谐共存，使得这个中国新年庆祝活动成为一次难忘的体验。En: In the end, Minghua realizes that innovation and tradition are not contradictory; they can coexist harmoniously, making this Chinese New Year celebration an unforgettable experience.Zh: 有关创新的体会也让他对未来的策划工作充满了信心。En: The insights on innovation also fill him with confidence for future planning. Vocabulary Words:exuding: 透着trapped: 笼罩meticulous: 拘谨严谨的disciplined: 严谨unexpected: 出人意料的flawless: 完美无瑕的radical: 激进的ponder: 沉思novel: 新颖的chaos: 混乱compromise: 折衷方案coexist: 共存harmoniously: 和谐地insights: 体会contemplate: 思索enthusiastically: 兴奋地frowns: 皱眉头unforgettable: 难忘的coordination: 协调disciplined: 纪律严明的adorn: 点缀ventured: 尝试complement: 补充drastic: 激烈的deliberate: 深思熟虑的nostalgic: 怀旧的festive: 节日的elegantly: 优雅地relay: 传达captivating: 迷人的

In today's episode we continue to look at the man they called “Mandarin.” Several books, television programs and many podcasts have been focused of an ex-Dallas police officer that many researchers think was the trigger man who really killed JFK. That man was Roscoe White. Roscoe Anthony White sits at the intersection of rumor, coincidence, and unresolved historical tension. His story is a tangle of alleged intelligence ties, photographic evidence controversies, and family claims that surfaced decades after the assassination.

The 2025 Rooted Medicine Circle FREE Mini-Course is now LIVE! Learn how to make herbal remedies that you can confidently rely on. LEARN MORE & REGISTER In honor of the reopening of the Rooted Medicine Circle, we're replaying our Herbalist Hour episode with Rosalee de la Forêt & Emily Han. For full shownotes, and to get the Mandarin and Evergreen Shrub PDF recipe, CLICK HERE.  In the free Rooted Medicine Circle Mini Course, you'll find out how to:  Avoid 7 common herbal pitfalls so that you can make powerful remedies that heal Make high-quality herbal teas and know when to use them Connect with other herb lovers in the mini course forum And more!  The Rooted Medicine FREE Mini-Course is only available for a limited time.  LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Gen 41:17-42:17, Matt 13:24-46, Ps 18:1-15, Pr 4:1-6

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Ming's Winter: A Journey from Stress to Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-20-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬天的早晨，明早早地走进学校。En: On a winter morning, Ming walked into school early.Zh: 他用力地裹紧自己的围巾，寒冷的风呼啸而过。En: He wrapped his scarf tightly around himself as the cold wind howled past.Zh: 学校的走廊上挂满了红色灯笼和新年的横幅，提醒着大家，春节快到了。En: The hallways of the school were adorned with red lanterns and New Year banners, reminding everyone that the Spring Festival was approaching.Zh: 明是个勤奋的学生，总是希望能在考试中取得好成绩。En: Ming was a diligent student, always hoping to achieve good grades in his exams.Zh: 他的心里充满了对成绩的担忧，因为他希望在新年期间带给家人一个好消息。En: His heart was filled with worry about his grades, as he hoped to bring good news to his family during the New Year.Zh: 可是最近，他却频繁地感到头晕，甚至在课堂上突然晕倒。En: However, recently he frequently felt dizzy and even suddenly fainted in class.Zh: 这让明非常不安，他担心自己不能如愿地保持优异的成绩。En: This made Ming very uneasy; he worried that he might not be able to maintain his excellent performance as he wished.Zh: 李，是明的好朋友。En: Li was Ming's good friend.Zh: 李注意到明的变化，他觉得明看起来很疲惫。En: Li noticed Ming's changes and felt that he looked very tired.Zh: 于是，一个午休时间，李和明坐在操场一角，李轻声问：“明，你最近还好吗？En: So, during one lunch break, Li and Ming sat in a corner of the playground, and Li softly asked, "Ming, have you been okay recently?"Zh: ”明犹豫了一下，终于说：“李，我很担心。En: Ming hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Li, I'm very worried.Zh: 我老是晕倒。En: I keep fainting.Zh: 我怕去看医生会耽误学习。En: I'm afraid going to the doctor will delay my studies."Zh: ”李安慰他说：“健康最重要。En: Li comforted him, saying, "Health is the most important.Zh: 你若不健康，怎么能好好学习呢？En: If you're not healthy, how can you study well?Zh: 我们一起去找医生吧。En: Let's go see a doctor together."Zh: ”在李的建议下，明决定勇敢地去医院检查。En: Following Li's advice, Ming decided to bravely go to the hospital for a check-up.Zh: 几天后，学校正在为春节举办彩排活动，舞台上张灯结彩。En: A few days later, the school was holding rehearsal activities for the Spring Festival, and the stage was festively decorated.Zh: 同学们忙着排练，而明却在紧张的气氛中再次晕倒。En: Students were busy rehearsing, and Ming fainted again amidst the tense atmosphere.Zh: 老师立刻叫了救护车，把明送到医院。En: The teacher immediately called an ambulance and sent Ming to the hospital.Zh: 在医院里，医生仔细检查后告诉明：“你这是压力过大，加上营养不良。En: At the hospital, after a careful examination, the doctor told Ming, "Your problem is excessive stress combined with malnutrition.Zh: 你需要多休息，合理饮食。En: You need to rest more and eat properly."Zh: ”听到这样的诊断，明松了一口气。En: Hearing this diagnosis, Ming breathed a sigh of relief.Zh: 他决定听医生的话，从那天起，他每天都安排时间好好休息和吃饭。En: He decided to follow the doctor's advice; from that day on, he scheduled time for proper rest and meals every day.Zh: 春天的脚步接近了，明的情况逐渐好转。En: As spring approached, Ming's condition gradually improved.Zh: 他在期末考试中取得了优异成绩，这使得他的家人都很高兴。En: He achieved excellent results in his final exams, which made his family very happy.Zh: 明明白到，即使是学习，也必须注重健康，只有强壮的身体才能支撑一颗不断追求上进的心灵。En: Ming realized that even with studying, he must pay attention to health, as only a strong body can support a mind that continually strives for progress.Zh: 新年的钟声敲响，红色的灯笼在风中摇曳。En: As the New Year's bell rang, the red lanterns swayed in the wind.Zh: 李站在一旁，为朋友的改变感到欣慰。En: Li stood by, feeling relieved for his friend's change.Zh: 这个春天，明不仅学会了如何更好地学习，也学会了如何更好地生活。En: This spring, Ming not only learned how to study better but also how to live better. Vocabulary Words:scarf: 围巾howled: 呼啸adorned: 挂满diligent: 勤奋achieve: 取得worry: 担忧dizzy: 头晕faint: 晕倒uneasy: 不安hesitated: 犹豫delay: 耽误comforted: 安慰bravely: 勇敢地rehearsal: 彩排festively: 张灯结彩atmosphere: 气氛ambulance: 救护车examination: 检查malnutrition: 营养不良properly: 合理diagnosis: 诊断breathed a sigh of relief: 松了一口气improved: 好转gradually: 逐渐excellent: 优异realized: 明白到pursue: 追求progress: 上进swayed: 摇曳relieved: 欣慰

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Rekindling Friendship: A Lantern Festival Reunion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-20-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 小镇广场在冬日的傍晚，灯火通明，充满了节日的欢愉。En: On the town square in the winter evening, the lights were bright, filled with festive joy.Zh: 是春节期间，小镇每年都举行热闹的灯笼节。En: It was during the Chunjie period, and the town held its lively Lantern Festival every year.Zh: 各种颜色的灯笼挂在广场上方，随着微风轻轻摇曳。En: Lanterns of various colors hung above the square, gently swaying with the breeze.Zh: 人们熙熙攘攘，还有红色的灯笼高高挂着。En: People bustled about, and red lanterns hung high.Zh: 明宇驻足在一家小吃摊前，望着昏黄灯光下飘起的热气。En: Mingyu stopped in front of a snack stall, watching the rising steam under the dim yellow light.Zh: 他心里想着老朋友们，尤其是丽芬。En: He thought of his old friends, especially Lifen.Zh: 他不知道她是否还住在这个小镇。En: He wondered if she still lived in this town.Zh: 这么多年过去，彼此竟毫无联系。En: So many years had passed, and they had completely lost touch.Zh: 突然，他在音乐声中听到了一声熟悉的笑声。En: Suddenly, amidst the music, he heard a familiar laugh.Zh: 他转过身，看到丽芬正忙碌地替游客讲解灯笼的历史。En: He turned around and saw Lifen busily explaining the history of lanterns to tourists.Zh: 丽芬，还是那么活泼开朗。En: Lifen was still so lively and cheerful.Zh: 丽芬也恰好看到明宇。En: Lifen happened to see Mingyu as well.Zh: 她先是愣了一下，继而露出灿烂的笑容。En: She was stunned for a moment, then broke into a brilliant smile.Zh: “明宇，真的是你！”En: "Mingyu, is that really you?"Zh: 明宇笑了，回应道：“是我，好久不见。”En: Mingyu smiled, responding, "It's me, long time no see."Zh: 两人走到一起，空气中似乎还留着一些尴尬和不确定。En: The two walked towards each other, and there seemed to be a bit of awkwardness and uncertainty in the air.Zh: 明宇仔细打量着丽芬，她似乎未曾改变，仍旧充满了活力。En: Mingyu carefully observed Lifen; she seemed unchanged, still full of vitality.Zh: “你现在在做什么呢？”丽芬开始好奇地问。En: "What are you doing now?" Lifen asked curiously.Zh: “哦，我只是回来探亲，”明宇简单回答，“没想到会遇到你。”En: "Oh, I'm just back to visit family," Mingyu answered simply, "I didn't expect to run into you."Zh: “今晚你有什么计划？不如和我一起参与灯笼节的活动吧。”丽芬建议。En: "Do you have any plans for tonight? Why not join me for the Lantern Festival activities?" Lifen suggested.Zh: 明宇笑着点头。“好啊，我也想看看我错过了些什么。”En: Mingyu nodded with a smile. "Sure, I'd love to see what I've been missing."Zh: 两人一起走在灯笼下，丽芬带他去看烟火表演，品尝糖葫芦。En: The two walked together under the lanterns, and Lifen took him to see a fireworks show and taste tanghulu.Zh: 过了一个冬天的晚上，广场越来越温暖。En: As the winter evening passed, the square became increasingly warm.Zh: 偶尔的沉默，也因为这份熟悉的陪伴，变得不再尴尬。En: The occasional silence became less awkward with the familiarity of their company.Zh: 到了放灯笼的时刻，广场上的人把心愿写在灯笼上，然后轻轻松手，让它漂向夜空。En: When it came time to release the lanterns, people in the square wrote their wishes on the lanterns and then gently let them float into the night sky.Zh: “这很美，”丽芬轻声说，“每年都会有新的愿望。”En: "This is beautiful," Lifen whispered, "there are new wishes every year."Zh: “你会是什么愿望呢？”明宇好奇地问。En: "What would your wish be?" Mingyu asked curiously.Zh: 丽芬微微一笑。“希望朋友都快乐。”En: Lifen smiled slightly. "I hope all my friends are happy."Zh: 明宇心底里被触动，心愿灯初放时，空气中多了份清新的温暖，也多了份理解。En: Mingyu felt touched deep inside, and as the wish lanterns were first released, the air carried a fresh warmth and a deeper understanding.Zh: 明宇和丽芬并肩站在回家的路上。En: Mingyu and Lifen stood side by side on the way home.Zh: “以后我们一定要保持联系。”丽芬很认真地说。En: "We should definitely keep in touch from now on," Lifen said earnestly.Zh: “当然，”明宇思索着，点了点头，心中似乎放下了多年积聚的心事。En: "Of course," Mingyu pondered and nodded, seemingly letting go of many years of accumulated concerns.Zh: 夜渐深，而小镇灯光依旧闪烁。En: The night deepened, yet the town lights continued to twinkle.Zh: 在这个愉快的春节灯笼节里，明宇和丽芬重新找到了曾经的友谊，甚至更多的可能性。En: During this joyful Lantern Festival of the Chunjie, Mingyu and Lifen rediscovered their past friendship and even more possibilities. Vocabulary Words:square: 广场festive: 节日的lantern: 灯笼breeze: 微风bustled: 熙熙攘攘stall: 摊dim: 昏黄steam: 热气amidst: 在...之中tourists: 游客stunned: 愣awkwardness: 尴尬uncertainty: 不确定vitality: 活力activities: 活动fireworks: 烟火tanghulu: 糖葫芦silence: 沉默familiarity: 熟悉release: 放float: 漂whispered: 轻声说earnestly: 很认真地twinkle: 闪烁rediscovered: 重新找到possibilities: 可能性period: 期间explanations: 讲解curiously: 好奇地pondered: 思索

in this episode, Jared sits down with Alexander Brose, President & CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, to trace his remarkable journey learning Chinese and how it shaped his life and career in unexpected ways.From his early years living in South Korea with his family, to choosing Mandarin over Cantonese at an international school in Hong Kong, Alex shares how Chinese gradually became part of his identity. He continued studying the language through high school and later majored in Asian Studies at Cornell University. A pivotal summer in Harbin with the CET immersion program further deepened both his language skills and cultural connection to China.Alex's path led him to build cross-cultural musical collaborations between China and the U.S., eventually becoming the founding Executive Director of the Tianjin Juilliard School. He reflects on how speaking Chinese created unique professional opportunities, opened doors to deep cultural understanding, and enabled him to be at the forefront of classical music education in China.Throughout the episode, Alex offers thoughtful reflections on the value of immersion, the challenges of maintaining language confidence, and the power of music as a bridge between cultures.Links from the episode:Alexander Brose | Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada)Mandarin Companion Graded ReadersCET Academic ProgramsFrom Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China | IMDB 

Gen 39:1-41:16, Matt 12:46-13:23, Ps 17:1-15, Pr 3:33-35

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Connection on the Great Wall: A New Year's Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-19-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 长城在冬天的天空下显得格外壮丽。En: The Great Wall of China appears particularly majestic under the winter sky.Zh: 雪轻轻地洒在古老的石墙上，四周飘荡着节日音乐和欢声笑语。En: Snow gently falls on the ancient stone walls, with festive music and laughter drifting through the surroundings.Zh: 红灯笼挂满了长城，空气中弥漫着冬天的清香。En: Red lanterns decorate the Great Wall, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of winter.Zh: 这是春节的时节，En: It's the Spring Festival season.Zh: 梅从上海来到这里，En: Mei has traveled from Shanghai to this place.Zh: 她是一位独立的旅行爱好者，喜欢探索历史遗址。En: She is an independent travel enthusiast who enjoys exploring historical sites.Zh: 梅想在长城上度过一个特别的节日体验。En: Mei wants to spend the festival experiencing something special on the Great Wall.Zh: 然而，拥挤的人群让她感到无奈，她努力想要找到宁静的一角，但似乎无处可去。En: However, the crowded scenes leave her feeling helpless; she tries hard to find a tranquil corner but seems to have nowhere to go.Zh: 与此同时，梁正忙着带领一群游客。En: Meanwhile, Liang is busy leading a group of tourists.Zh: 他是来自北京的一名历史爱好者，节日期间义务做向导。En: He is a history enthusiast from Beijing, volunteering as a guide during the festival.Zh: 梁希望能分享他对长城历史的热爱，但游客们被各种活动分了心，使得他很难管理这群人。En: Liang hopes to share his passion for the history of the Great Wall, but the tourists are distracted by various activities, making it difficult for him to manage the group.Zh: 在熙熙攘攘的人群中，梅和梁相遇。En: Amidst the bustling crowd, Mei and Liang meet.Zh: 梅看出了梁的困扰，梁也注意到了梅的困惑。En: Mei notices Liang's struggle, and Liang also sees Mei's confusion.Zh: 他们决定一起合作——梅作为同伴旅行者，梁提供他的专业知识，去探索长城上较为安静的部分，悠闲地享受节日。En: They decide to collaborate—Mei as a fellow traveler and Liang offering his expertise—to explore quieter parts of the Great Wall and leisurely enjoy the festival.Zh: 经过一段时间的行走，他们找到一个人迹罕至的观景点。En: After a while of walking, they find a rarely visited viewpoint.Zh: 此时，夕阳西下，红色的灯笼开始亮起，灯光映照在他们脸上，营造出一种神奇的氛围。En: As the sun sets, the red lanterns begin to light up, the glow illuminating their faces, creating a magical atmosphere.Zh: 梅和梁站在那里，欣赏着广阔的风景，感受到了一种特别的连接。En: Mei and Liang stand there, appreciating the vast scenery, feeling a special connection.Zh: 他们共享这份安静时光，意识到这段旅程让他们的关系变得意义深远。En: They share this quiet moment, realizing that this journey has deepened their relationship.Zh: 梅和梁交换了联系方式，期待将来一起旅行。En: Mei and Liang exchange contact information, looking forward to future travels together.Zh: 梅在旅途中变得更加开放，愿意接纳伙伴，而梁则学会了在历史热情与个人联系之间找到平衡。En: Mei becomes more open during the trip, willing to embrace companionship, while Liang learns to balance his historical passion with personal connections.Zh: 长城上，他们的新年愿望是——继续探索，继续分享这份美好。En: On the Great Wall, their New Year's wish is to continue exploring and sharing this beauty. Vocabulary Words:majestic: 壮丽gently: 轻轻地ancient: 古老festive: 节日laughter: 欢声笑语decorate: 挂满scent: 清香independent: 独立enthusiast: 爱好者exploring: 探索historical: 历史helpless: 无奈tranquil: 宁静sand: 无处可去leading: 带领volunteering: 义务distracted: 分了心manage: 管理bustling: 熙熙攘攘confusion: 困惑collaborate: 合作expertise: 专业知识viewpoint: 观景点illuminating: 映照atmosphere: 氛围vast: 广阔connection: 连接realizing: 意识到companionship: 伙伴balance: 平衡

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Snowstorm on the Wall: A Journey of Friendship and Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-19-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 长城在冬天，有着磅礴的美。En: The Great Wall in winter has a majestic beauty.Zh: 白雪覆盖着古老的墙砖，天空灰暗，只有狂风时不时地呼啸着打破寂静。En: White snow covers the ancient bricks, the sky is gray, and only the howling wind occasionally breaks the silence.Zh: 梅、亮和伟三人站在长城的一处，望着远处似乎没有尽头的墙。En: Mei, Liang, and Wei stand at a section of the Great Wall, gazing at the seemingly endless wall in the distance.Zh: 梅是一位年轻的历史学家，充满探险精神。En: Mei is a young historian full of adventurous spirit.Zh: 她一直渴望深入探索那些少有人触及的古迹，以完成她对古代中国的研究。En: She has always longed to explore little-visited ancient sites to complete her research on ancient China.Zh: 然而，现在的她内心有些纷乱，En: However, at the moment, her mind is somewhat in turmoil.Zh: 雪已经开始下得很大，寒风刺骨，她的心里既有紧张也有犹豫。En: The snow has begun to fall heavily, and the biting cold wind fills her with both anxiety and hesitation.Zh: 亮和伟是她的同伴，也是她的朋友。En: Liang and Wei are her companions and friends.Zh: 他们来看望梅，并希望可以过一个特别的农历新年，但没想到天气骤变，遇上了猛烈的暴风雪。En: They came to visit Mei and hoped to have a special Lunar New Year, but unexpectedly, the weather changed suddenly, and they encountered a fierce snowstorm.Zh: 风雪打乱了他们原本的计划，大家只得停下脚步。En: The blizzard disrupted their original plans, and they had no choice but to stop.Zh: 梅知道这一路很危险，但她无法停止去那座鲜有游人到达的高塔的渴望。En: Mei knows that this path is dangerous, but she cannot stop yearning to reach the tower that few tourists visit.Zh: 她相信那里一定藏着她需要的答案。En: She believes it holds the answers she needs.Zh: 然而，亮劝她留下，他们在这里等风雪停下来再做打算。En: However, Liang advises her to stay; they should wait for the storm to pass before making any plans.Zh: 梅犹豫不决。En: Mei is indecisive.Zh: 她本可以和朋友们回去找个避风之处，但内心的驱动力让她决定独自向前。En: She could go back with her friends to find shelter, but her inner drive compels her to move forward alone.Zh: 但当她走出一段路，暴风雪更为猛烈，她的每一步变得无比艰难，寒冷刺入骨髓。En: Yet as she walked a bit further, the blizzard became more intense, and each step turned exceedingly challenging, the cold penetrating her bones.Zh: 终于，梅意识到这样的坚持可能让她付出极大代价。En: Eventually, Mei realized that such persistence might come at a great cost.Zh: 她转身，忍着失望回到亮和伟身边。En: She turned back, enduring her disappointment, and returned to Liang and Wei.Zh: 朋友们看到她平安回来，露出欣慰的笑容。En: Her friends, seeing her safe return, gave relieved smiles.Zh: 三人依靠彼此的鼓励，寻找了一处墙体的拐角避开风雪，共同度过了这段艰难的时光。En: The three of them, encouraged by each other, found a corner of the wall to avoid the wind and snow, and together they weathered this difficult time.Zh: 在这里，他们找到了一些老兵遗留的物品，像是一块历史的碎片。En: There, they found some items left behind by old soldiers, like a piece of history.Zh: 这让梅兴奋不已，她和朋友们一起仔细研究。En: This thrilled Mei, and she and her friends studied them carefully.Zh: 对他们来说，这是一次难得的经历。En: For them, it was a rare experience.Zh: 一同的经历让他们间的友情更加深厚。En: The shared adventure deepened their friendship.Zh: 暴风雪过去了，阳光重新洒在长城上。En: The blizzard passed, and sunlight once again shone on the Great Wall.Zh: 梅感受到，自己不仅仅收获了研究的灵感，还有在人生旅途中不可或缺的友情和团队协作。En: Mei felt that she had not only gained inspiration for her research but also irreplaceable friendship and teamwork on her life journey.Zh: 她明白，学术成果固然重要，但与朋友们共同经历这片风雪后的温暖，才是生命中无可替代的财富。En: She understood that academic achievements are undoubtedly important, but the warmth experienced with friends after the storm is an invaluable treasure in life.Zh: 这份体验，她将永远珍藏。En: This experience, she will cherish forever. Vocabulary Words:majestic: 磅礴的howling: 呼啸ancient: 古老的adventurous: 探险turmoil: 纷乱biting: 刺骨anxiety: 紧张hesitation: 犹豫companions: 同伴unexpectedly: 没想到fierce: 猛烈blizzard: 暴风雪disrupted: 打乱yearning: 渴望indecisive: 犹豫不决shelter: 避风之处compels: 驱动力intense: 猛烈exceedingly: 无比persistence: 坚持disappointment: 失望relieved: 欣慰corner: 拐角weathered: 度过items: 物品thrilled: 兴奋不已adventure: 经历deepened: 更加深厚inspiration: 灵感irreplaceable: 无可替代

  'I think that flow is quite important. It's almost like a cultural logic.' Intercultural communication is always complex, but for Western leaders seeking to build relationships as a way in to the mighty Chinese market, it's particularly tricky. From seating plans to changing job titles to how to ask for a solution to a problem, there are very different assumptions and unspoken rules. Which is why Catherine Xiang,  UK Director for LSE's Confucius Institute for Business, wrote Bridging the Gap:  An introduction to intercultural communication with China, named Specialist Business Book of the Year. It's tricky enough when everyone is speaking English, but if you're learning Mandarin, it gets even trickier: get the stress on a word wrong and you could easily proposition someone by mistake! For writers with an eye to the global market, there's a deeper significance too: not only language and metaphor but even the way the book opens or an argument is structured can embody a particular cultural bias.  Practical strategies and a thoughtful perspective on how to build genuine, effective cross-cultural relationships, at the meeting table and on the page.

Gen 37:1-38:30, Matt 12:22-45, Ps 16:1-11, Pr 3:27-32

Today's Episode:Is “losing weight” on your 2026 resolution? In this episode of MaoMi Chinese, we talk about a new policy in Hangzhou where the city begins to manage residents' body weight. Is it about health, control, or good habits? Let's explore what this rule means and why it has sparked debate.Membership Preview:In next MaoMi Chinese+, we will look at real Chinese news headlines about Hangzhou's weight management plan. We will break down simple words, read between the lines, and see how media language shapes opinions. A great chance to learn Chinese through real, current news.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: Finding Her Voice: A Winter Journey at the National Museum Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-18-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在冬天的一个早晨，梅琳和金海跟随学校一起去中国国家博物馆参观。En: On a winter morning, Meilin and Jinhai went with their school to visit the China National Museum.Zh: 博物馆坐落在北京的中心，宏伟壮观，有着数不清的历史文物。En: The museum is located in the center of Beijing, majestic and spectacular, with countless historical relics.Zh: 每个人都很兴奋，因为这是一次特别的机会，他们也正值过年期间，博物馆里充满了节日的气氛。En: Everyone was excited because it was a special opportunity, and it was during the New Year period, so the museum was filled with a festive atmosphere.Zh: 梅琳是一个内向的女孩，她很喜欢历史和文物，总是安静地观察、思考。En: Meilin is an introverted girl who loves history and cultural relics, always quietly observing and thinking.Zh: 少言的性格让她在小组活动中常常显得安静。En: Her quiet nature often makes her seem silent in group activities.Zh: 相反，金海总是充满活力，喜欢和同学分享他的见解，对任何事物都充满好奇。En: In contrast, Jinhai is always full of energy, enjoys sharing his insights with classmates, and is curious about everything.Zh: 导游带着大家到了古代文物馆。En: The tour guide led everyone to the Ancient Relics Hall.Zh: 金海在大家面前滔滔不绝地谈论古代兵器，引得同学们都围着他，表现出浓厚的兴趣。En: In front of everyone, Jinhai talked eloquently about ancient weapons, attracting his classmates who showed great interest.Zh: 梅琳站在一旁，她想参与讨论，但内心的羞涩让她犹豫不决。En: Meilin stood to the side, wanting to join the discussion, but her inner shyness made her hesitate.Zh: 时间有限，梅琳决定独自离开团队，去找寻自己心中的宝藏。En: With limited time, Meilin decided to leave the group on her own to search for her own treasure.Zh: 她静静地走到另一边的展厅，那是一片安静的角落，展示着关于传统节日的文物。En: She quietly walked to another exhibition hall, a quiet corner displaying artifacts related to traditional festivals.Zh: 一个精美的陶瓷灯笼吸引了她的目光。En: A beautifully crafted ceramic lantern caught her eye.Zh: 灯笼的旁边摆放了一块说明牌，上面讲述了这盏灯笼在古代春节时如何被用作祈福用具的故事。En: Next to the lantern was an information board, recounting the story of how this lantern was used as a blessing tool during the ancient Spring Festival.Zh: 梅琳被深深打动，她觉得这是一个很好的机会。En: Meilin was deeply moved, feeling it was a great opportunity.Zh: 回到团队后，看到大家还在讨论，她鼓起勇气走到金海身边，“金海，大家，我发现了一个有趣的东西！En: Upon returning to the group and seeing everyone still in discussion, she mustered up the courage to walk over to Jinhai's side, "Jinhai, everyone, I found something interesting!"Zh: ”大家安静下来，看向梅琳。En: Everyone quieted down and looked at Meilin.Zh: 梅琳稳了稳心神，开始讲述陶瓷灯笼的故事，解释它如何与春节的传统相关联，并描述了那个年代的人们如何通过灯笼来祈求好运。En: She steadied herself and began to tell the story of the ceramic lantern, explaining how it is related to the Spring Festival traditions and describing how people of that era used lanterns to pray for good luck.Zh: 随着她的讲述，更多的同学也被吸引过来，他们对梅琳的分享产生了浓厚的兴趣。En: As she spoke, more classmates were drawn over, taking a keen interest in Meilin's sharing.Zh: 金海惊讶地看着她，“这真是一个精彩的故事！En: Jinhai looked at her in surprise, "That's truly an amazing story!Zh: 你知道的真多。En: You know so much."Zh: ”他鼓励她讲更多。En: He encouraged her to tell more.Zh: 大家开始积极讨论这个文物的意义，气氛变得活跃而热烈。En: Everyone started actively discussing the significance of the artifact, and the atmosphere became lively and enthusiastic.Zh: 在这次经历后，梅琳意识到，其实她有很多可以分享的，不用害怕被忽略。En: After this experience, Meilin realized that she had a lot to share and didn't need to fear being overlooked.Zh: 她找到了自己的声音，明白了在团队中，她同样可以贡献出自己珍贵的视角和思想。En: She found her voice, understanding that in a group, she too can contribute her valuable perspectives and thoughts.Zh: 这个冬日的博物馆之旅，不仅让她亲眼看到了历史，也让她发现了内心的勇气。En: This winter museum trip not only allowed her to see history firsthand but also helped her discover the courage within her heart. Vocabulary Words:introverted: 内向的relics: 文物majestic: 宏伟spectacular: 壮观festive: 节日的opportunity: 机会curious: 好奇的eloquently: 滔滔不绝地weapons: 兵器hesitate: 犹豫不决exploring: 找寻treasure: 宝藏ceramic: 陶瓷lantern: 灯笼blessing: 祈福significance: 意义artifact: 文物mustered: 鼓起perspectives: 视角lively: 活跃enthusiastic: 热烈courage: 勇气steered: 稳了稳recounting: 讲述observe: 观察participation: 参与shyness: 羞涩mustering: 激起insights: 见解discovery: 发现

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Bright Sparks: Art and Technology Illuminate New Beginnings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-18-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 北京科技馆在冬日的太阳下闪闪发光，红色的灯笼和新年祝福的横幅装点着这个现代化的建筑，充满了喜庆的气息。En: The Beijing Science and Technology Museum gleams under the winter sun, adorned with red lanterns and banners of New Year blessings, imbuing this modern structure with a festive atmosphere.Zh: 今天，这里正在举行一场机器人展览，吸引了许多对科技充满热情的人们。En: Today, a robotics exhibition is being held here, attracting many people passionate about technology.Zh: 明浩，一个刚毕业的工程专业学生，在人群中慢慢走着。En: Minghao, a recent engineering graduate, walks slowly in the crowd.Zh: 他对机器人技术充满热爱，但总是怀疑自己的能力。En: He is passionate about robotics but often doubts his abilities.Zh: 他站在一个展台前，认真观察着一个正在展示的机器人手臂。En: He stops in front of a booth, attentively observing a robotic arm on display.Zh: 就在此时，他的视线被一位正在仔细拍摄的女孩吸引住了。En: At that moment, his attention is drawn to a girl who is meticulously taking photographs.Zh: 这是丽娜，一个充满活力的艺术专业学生。En: This is Lina, a vivacious art student.Zh: 她对艺术和科技的结合充满了兴趣，希望能将互动艺术带到人们的生活中。En: She is intrigued by the fusion of art and technology, hoping to bring interactive art into people's lives.Zh: 丽娜对刚才展示的机器人充满了好奇，她努力想理解其工作原理。En: Lina is curious about the robot just displayed and is trying hard to understand its working principle.Zh: 明浩觉得这次是一个与某人分享自己热情的好机会，于是他鼓起勇气，走上前去和丽娜交谈。En: Minghao felt this was a great opportunity to share his enthusiasm with someone, so he mustered up the courage to approach Lina and start a conversation.Zh: 起初话题略显尴尬，但随着对科技和艺术的讨论逐渐深入，他们的谈话变得越来越自然。En: Initially, their conversation was slightly awkward, but as they delved deeper into discussions about technology and art, it became increasingly natural.Zh: 就在这时，突然的停电让馆内一片漆黑，参观者们小声抱怨着。En: Just then, a sudden power outage left the museum in darkness, prompting quiet complaints from visitors.Zh: 明浩却不慌不忙，从口袋里拿出一个他自己制作的小型手电筒，迅速点亮周围。En: Unfazed, Minghao reached into his pocket to pull out a small flashlight he made himself, quickly illuminating the area around them.Zh: 这一举动让丽娜惊叹不已，她对明浩充满了敬佩和好奇。En: This action left Lina amazed, full of admiration and curiosity towards Minghao.Zh: “你自己做的？”丽娜问道，眼中闪烁着好奇的光芒。En: “Did you make it yourself?” Lina asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.Zh: “是的，”明浩微微一笑，“我一直都很喜欢这种小项目。”En: “Yes,” Minghao replied with a slight smile, “I've always enjoyed these little projects.”Zh: 通过这次对话，他们交换了联系方式，决定合作一个结合艺术和科技的项目。En: Through this conversation, they exchanged contact information and decided to collaborate on a project that combines art and technology.Zh: 明浩感到信心倍增，而丽娜也找到了让她的艺术作品更具科技感的方法。En: Minghao felt a surge of confidence, and Lina found a way to make her artworks more tech-infused.Zh: 展览结束时，两人走出馆外，冬日的阳光照在他们身上，仿佛预示着一个充满希望的新开始。En: As the exhibition concluded, they walked out of the museum, the winter sunshine shining upon them, foreshadowing a hopeful new beginning.Zh: 在中国新年的喜庆氛围中，他们看到了一个可以结合各自兴趣的未来。En: Amid the celebratory atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, they saw a future where their interests could converge.Zh: 不仅是专业的合作，还是一段新的友谊的开始。En: It marked not only a professional collaboration but also the beginning of a new friendship.Zh: 随着红色的灯笼在风中轻轻晃荡，明浩和丽娜感受到前所未有的希望与热情。En: As the red lanterns swayed gently in the wind, Minghao and Lina felt an unprecedented sense of hope and enthusiasm. Vocabulary Words:museum: 博物馆gleams: 闪闪发光adorned: 装点lanterns: 灯笼banners: 横幅imbuing: 充满festive: 喜庆robotics: 机器人技术graduate: 毕业生booth: 展台attentively: 认真meticulously: 仔细vivacious: 充满活力的fusion: 结合awkward: 尴尬delved: 深入outage: 停电unfazed: 不慌不忙flashlight: 手电筒illuminating: 点亮enthusiasm: 热情converge: 结合collaboration: 合作foreshadowing: 预示celebratory: 喜庆的unprecedented: 前所未有的admiration: 敬佩sparkling: 闪烁contact: 联系方式confidence: 信心

Yu Qing checks in with her roommate, who has been staying peacefully on a farm currently. Her roommate loves the quiet solitude. But Yu Qing feels the opposite. She craves conversation and connection. As they talk, they realize how differently they recharge.Want to join maayot.com for more real-life conversations? Use promotion code “Podcast” , get a 50% off today !—————————————————————————————————雨晴：在农场的生活怎么样？同屋：我非常享受这里的生活。感觉特别安静，自由，除了工作的时间，没人打扰我。雨晴：你交了些新朋友吗？同屋：没有。你懂的。我不擅长交朋友。我觉得一个人待着挺舒服的。雨晴：我正好相反。越安静我觉得越空。有时候一整天不和别人说话，心里就发慌。你不在的这段时间，我可孤单死了。同屋：我知道。我们就是感受力很不同的两个人。对我来说，独处时充电。我一定要有自己独处的时间。雨晴：真羡慕你能这样。我不敢想我一个人在你那种农场待那么久。一想就孤单。同屋：哈哈，你靠热闹补充能量。快让你的约会对象带你出去玩玩，感受一下热闹啊。雨晴：啊，我正想说呢。我和上次跟你提到的那个哥哥去看脱口秀了。我们都特别喜欢。这段时间我们约了几次会，感觉挺好的。同屋：那不就很好？可是你要分清楚啊。你是不是因为感到孤单才喜欢跟他出去玩的？这个也能影响你的感受力。雨晴：我知道。哈哈。—————————————————————————————————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 & interaction with natives ✅ 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.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 !

Gen 35:1-36:43, Matt 12:1-21, Ps 15:1-5, Pr 3:21-26

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lantern Lights and Family Bonds: A Night of Reconciliation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-17-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在这寒冷的冬天，柳园的灯笼节如约而至。En: In this cold winter, the Liuyuan Lantern Festival arrived as expected.Zh: 柳园布满了五光十色的灯笼，灯光温暖地洒在石板路上，空气中弥漫着传统节日食品的香味，四周满是欢声笑语。En: Liuyuan was filled with colorful lanterns, the warm light spreading over the cobblestone streets, and the air was permeated with the aroma of traditional festival foods, surrounded by laughter and cheerful voices.Zh: 连漫步在灯笼之下，她的心情有些忐忑。En: Lian was strolling under the lanterns, feeling a bit apprehensive.Zh: 连是一个深思熟虑且内敛的人，但今天她鼓起勇气来到这里，因为她想与家人和解。En: Lian is a thoughtful and introspective person, but today she gathered the courage to come here because she wanted to reconcile with her family.Zh: 自从那次争吵后，她与家人之间隔着一层无法穿越的墙。En: Ever since that argument, there had been an unbreachable wall between her and her family.Zh: 在大红灯笼旁，连看见了勇和美。En: By the big red lantern, Lian saw Yong and Mei.Zh: 他们站在一颗大树下，似乎在观看花灯。En: They were standing under a large tree, seemingly admiring the lanterns.Zh: 连深吸一口气，走近他们。En: Lian took a deep breath and walked towards them.Zh: 她带来了一份礼物，一盏精致的荷花灯，希望它象征着和解与团聚。En: She brought a gift, an exquisite lotus lantern, hoping it would symbolize reconciliation and reunion.Zh: “勇，美，我很抱歉。”连轻声说道。En: "Yong, Mei, I'm really sorry," Lian said softly.Zh: 她把荷花灯递给他们。En: She handed them the lotus lantern.Zh: 灯盏在风中微微晃动，柔和的光照亮了他们三人的面庞。En: The lantern swayed slightly in the wind, its gentle light illuminating the faces of the three.Zh: 勇皱起了眉，似乎还在思考过去的争执。En: Yong frowned, seemingly still contemplating past disputes.Zh: 美则望着连，目光中有些复杂。En: Mei looked at Lian, her gaze somewhat complex.Zh: 连继续说道：“我不希望争吵再继续下去。En: Lian continued, "I don't want the quarrels to continue.Zh: 我想要一个温暖的家，一个我们都能好好相处的地方。”En: I want a warm home, a place where we can all get along."Zh: 灯笼的光晕下，连的声音满是诚恳。En: Under the halo of the lanterns, Lian's voice was full of sincerity.Zh: 她知道自己的戒心，但愿能打破这段僵局，重新建立家人之间的信任。En: She knew her own reservations, but hoped to break through the stalemate and rebuild the trust between family members.Zh: 勇叹了口气，伸出手轻握住连的肩膀。En: Yong sighed, reaching out to gently grasp Lian's shoulder.Zh: “过去的事情，谁都不想再提。”他说，目光温柔了一些。En: "No one wants to mention the past again," he said, his eyes softening a little.Zh: 美也放下心中的芥蒂，点了点头。En: Mei also let go of her inner grudges and nodded.Zh: “我们都应该向前看。”En: "We should all look forward."Zh: 在这个灯火辉煌的夜晚，三人紧紧抱在一起。En: On this bright and bustling night, the three hugged each other tightly.Zh: 过去的误会与怨恨在灯笼的光辉下化作云烟消逝。En: The past misunderstandings and resentments dissipated like smoke in the glow of the lanterns.Zh: 连感受到了心灵的释放和归属感，她终于鼓起勇气，治愈了心中的伤痛。En: Lian felt a release and a sense of belonging in her heart, finally summoning the courage to heal her inner wounds.Zh: 灯笼节的夜晚依旧热闹非凡，但对于连、勇和美来说，今天是特别的一天。En: The Lantern Festival night remained lively as ever, but for Lian, Yong, and Mei, today was special.Zh: 在这个特别的节日，流逝的旧时光被温暖的光芒替代，他们决定珍惜当下，携手迎接未来。En: On this special day, the warmth of the glowing lights replaced the bygone times, and they decided to cherish the present and face the future together. Vocabulary Words:apprehensive: 忐忑introspective: 内敛reconcile: 和解unbreachable: 无法穿越exquisite: 精致swayed: 晃动illuminating: 照亮contemplating: 思考quarrels: 争吵stalemate: 僵局sincerity: 诚恳trust: 信任grudges: 芥蒂resentments: 怨恨dissipated: 消逝release: 释放belonging: 归属感courage: 勇气glowing: 辉煌cherish: 珍惜admiring: 观看halo: 光晕reservations: 戒心permeated: 弥漫surrounded: 四周strolling: 漫步argument: 争执symbolize: 象征release: 释放heal: 治愈

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Guiding Democracy: A Brother's First Vote in Taiwan Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-17-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 台北的投票站，一片繁忙的景象。En: The voting station in Taipei was a scene of bustling activity.Zh: 冬天的寒风在外面轻轻吹拂，墙上挂着的公民骄傲横幅增加了一种庄重的气氛。En: The cold winter wind gently blew outside, and the citizen pride banners hanging on the walls added a solemn atmosphere.Zh: 美丽和双庆正走进这里。En: Meili and Shuangqing were walking in together.Zh: 美丽比双庆大几岁，她总是感觉有责任去指导这个刚满20岁的小弟弟。En: Meili was a few years older than Shuangqing, and she always felt responsible for guiding this younger brother who had just turned twenty.Zh: 今天是双庆第一次投票。En: Today was Shuangqing's first time voting.Zh: 他对台湾的总统大选感到兴奋，也有点紧张。En: He was excited and a bit nervous about Taiwan's presidential election.Zh: “美丽，万一我投错了怎么办？En: "What if I vote incorrectly, Meili?"Zh: ”双庆在进门前小声问。En: Shuangqing asked quietly before entering.Zh: 美丽微笑，拍拍他的肩膀。En: Meili smiled and patted his shoulder.Zh: “别担心，双庆。En: "Don't worry, Shuangqing.Zh: 我们一起看看候选人的信息。En: Let's review the candidates' information together.Zh: 你会发现这不难。En: You'll find it's not difficult."Zh: ”她领着他找到信息展示台，耐心地解释每一个候选人的主张和计划。En: She led him to the information display table and patiently explained each candidate's policies and plans.Zh: 双庆认真地听，逐渐放松下来。En: Shuangqing listened attentively, gradually relaxing.Zh: 投票站里充满了窸窸窣窣的谈话声和纸张的翻动声。En: The voting station was filled with the rustling sounds of conversations and the flipping of papers.Zh: 人们排着长队等着投票，美丽和双庆也在队伍中。En: People lined up long to vote, and Meili and Shuangqing were in line, too.Zh: 美丽继续鼓励双庆，“投票是我们的权利，你的选择很重要。En: Meili continued to encourage Shuangqing, "Voting is our right, and your choice matters."Zh: ”终于轮到双庆了。En: Finally, it was Shuangqing's turn.Zh: 他走到投票间，看着面前的选票，还是有些犹豫。En: He walked to the voting booth and looked at the ballot in front of him, still a bit hesitant.Zh: 美丽站在他旁边，用坚定的眼神看着他，给他无声的支持。En: Meili stood beside him, looking at him with a determined gaze, providing silent support.Zh: 双庆深吸一口气，心里默念美丽的话。En: Shuangqing took a deep breath, silently repeating Meili's words in his heart.Zh: 他微微一笑，坚定地做出选择。En: He smiled slightly and made his choice with confidence.Zh: 走出投票站，阳光洒在妙丽和双庆身上。En: As they walked out of the voting station, sunlight fell on Meili and Shuangqing.Zh: 双庆感觉内心充满了自豪，也有一种新的力量。En: Shuangqing felt a sense of pride and a newfound strength.Zh: 他感谢妙丽的帮助。En: He thanked Meili for her help.Zh: 美丽点头，“你做得很好，双庆。En: Meili nodded, "You did great, Shuangqing.Zh: 以后你会发现，每次投票都很重要。En: You'll find that every time you vote, it matters."Zh: ”双庆微笑着，心里明白了一件事：他的声音是有力量的，是值得被听到的。En: Shuangqing smiled, understanding one thing in his heart: his voice is powerful and deserves to be heard.Zh: 他知道，今天的经验是他未来民主参与的开始。En: He knew that today's experience was the beginning of his future participation in democracy. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 繁忙的atmosphere: 气氛solemn: 庄重的guiding: 指导responsible: 有责任的candidate: 候选人nervous: 紧张ballot: 选票hesitant: 犹豫attentively: 认真地review: 查看policies: 主张lining: 排着rustling: 窸窣flipping: 翻动determined: 坚定的gaze: 眼神support: 支持confident: 坚定地choice: 选择participation: 参与democracy: 民主pride: 骄傲experience: 经验voice: 声音powerful: 有力量的sunlight: 阳光newfound: 新的strength: 力量flip: 翻动

In this episode of Dashu Mandarin, we dive headfirst into the AI revolution. We're joined by our dear friend and tech-savvy educator, Pei Pei (Real Talk Mandarin), to showcase how Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing how we teach and learn Mandarin.Is it just about translation and grammar? Far from it. From building interactive "Zootopia" courseware in seconds to using AI for crypto investment strategies, we explore the "AI Spectrum" of four different creators

Gen 32:13-34:31, Matt 11:7-30, Ps 14:1-7, Pr 3:19-20

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: High-Stakes Showdown: A Gambler's Quest for Family Honor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-16-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 澳门的冬天，虽没有北方那般寒冷，但微凉的海风依然能让人感受到季节的更迭。En: The winter in Macao, although not as cold as the north, still allows people to feel the change of seasons with the slightly cool sea breeze.Zh: 豪华赌场内，红灯笼和金灿灿的剪纸随处可见，为即将到来的春节增添了几分喜庆。En: Inside the luxurious casinos, red lanterns and golden paper cuttings are everywhere, adding a touch of festivity to the upcoming Spring Festival.Zh: 然而，在这热闹的氛围中，赌桌旁却弥漫着紧张的气息。En: However, amidst this lively atmosphere, a tense air hangs around the gambling tables.Zh: 李伟坐在桌前，神情专注。En: Li Wei sat at the table, his expression focused.Zh: 他是一个精明而有经验的生意谈判专家，以策略和冷静著称。En: He is a shrewd and experienced business negotiation expert, renowned for his strategy and calm demeanor.Zh: 今晚，他坐在这高风险的扑克牌桌前，不仅仅为了赢得一场游戏，更是为了家族生意的存亡。En: Tonight, as he sits at this high-stakes poker table, he's not just playing to win a game; he's playing for the survival of his family business.Zh: 近来，李家生意每况愈下，他知道这个赌局将决定未来的走向。En: Recently, the Li family business has been deteriorating, and he knows this gamble will determine the future direction.Zh: 对手们亦不容小觑。En: The opponents are not to be underestimated.Zh: 陈荣，扑克老手，善于隐藏自己的真实意图。En: Chen Rong, a veteran poker player, is skilled at concealing his true intentions.Zh: 张明，则像是一只伺机而动的猎豹，总能在关键时刻出其不意。En: Zhang Ming, like a leopard waiting to strike, always manages to surprise at critical moments.Zh: 此时的牌局不仅仅是纸牌游戏，更是三位高手的心理博弈。En: The card game at this moment is not just about playing cards, but a psychological battle among three masters.Zh: 李伟心中的压力与日俱增，春节临近，家中长辈们寄予厚望。En: The pressure in Li Wei's heart increases by the day, with the Spring Festival approaching and the elders at home with high expectations.Zh: 他需要在这场牌局中赢得一项至关重要的商业合作，挽救家族企业。En: He needs to win a crucial business partnership in this card game to save the family enterprise.Zh: 决胜时刻，他一面考虑着保守策略，一面又掂量着放手一搏的代价。En: At the decisive moment, he considers a conservative strategy while also weighing the cost of taking a risk.Zh: 轮到李伟发牌，他摸到了一手好牌，却仍不确定对手的策略。En: When it was Li Wei's turn to deal, he received a good hand but was still unsure of his opponents' strategies.Zh: 对手的微表情、轻微的动作，他都一一收入眼中。En: He meticulously observed their micro-expressions and subtle movements.Zh: 最终，李伟深吸一口气，眼神坚定，推上所有筹码，选择了全压。En: Finally, Li Wei took a deep breath, his eyes firm, and pushed all his chips forward, choosing to go all in.Zh: 这一举动出乎意料，四周的人屏住呼吸，等待着结果。En: This unexpected move made everyone around hold their breath, waiting for the outcome.Zh: “赢了！”在荷官宣布结果的瞬间，全场爆发出欢呼声。En: "Won!" At the moment the dealer announced the result, the entire crowd erupted in cheers.Zh: 李伟胜出，不仅赢得了合约，也赢得了对手的尊重。En: Li Wei not only won the contract but also gained the respect of his opponents.Zh: 他心中长舒一口气，战略与勇气的结合令他在这场游戏中崭露头角。En: He let out a long breath of relief, as the combination of strategy and courage had made him stand out in this game.Zh: 这一次，李伟不仅为家族争取到了生存的机会，也在业务界树立了全新的形象。En: This time, Li Wei not only secured survival for the family but also established a new image in the business world.Zh: 他意识到，适时的勇气与谨慎至关重要。En: He realized that timely courage and caution are crucial.Zh: 新一年，他将继续以自己的方式，开创出属于李氏家族的新篇章。En: In the new year, he intends to continue paving a path for the Li family in his own way.Zh: 随着窗外鞭炮声的响起，澳门的夜色愈发绚丽。En: As the sound of firecrackers rang out outside the window, the night in Macao became even more magnificent.Zh: 李伟望向远方的天空，心中涌起无限希望。En: Li Wei looked towards the distant sky, filled with boundless hope.Zh: 春节，为他带来新的开始，也预示着好运的降临。En: The Spring Festival brings him a new beginning and heralds the arrival of good fortune. Vocabulary Words:luxurious: 豪华festival: 节日atmosphere: 气氛tense: 紧张shrewd: 精明renowned: 著名的deteriorating: 每况愈下opponents: 对手concealing: 隐藏intentions: 意图leopard: 猎豹psychological: 心理的battle: 博弈pressure: 压力crucial: 至关重要的partnership: 合作decisive: 决胜conservative: 保守的meticulously: 一一micro-expressions: 微表情subtle: 轻微的breath: 呼吸unexpected: 出乎意料的relief: 长舒一口气courage: 勇气secured: 争取到heralds: 预示着survival: 存亡contract: 合约established: 树立了

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Soulful Bargain: Lian's Quest for the Jade Dragon Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-16-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在寒冷的冬夜，连走进了熙熙攘攘的夜市。En: On a cold winter night, Lian walked into the bustling night market.Zh: 红色的灯笼在头顶轻轻摇曳，温暖的光芒照亮了石板街道。En: Red lanterns gently swayed overhead, and their warm glow illuminated the cobblestone streets.Zh: 人群中充满了忙碌和期待，大家都为即将到来的春节准备着。En: The crowd was filled with busyness and anticipation as everyone prepared for the upcoming Spring Festival.Zh: 连是个喜欢古董的人，他知道自己需要找到一件特殊的宝物。En: Lian is someone who loves antiques, and he knew he needed to find a special treasure.Zh: 今年，他想要一尊罕见的龙玉雕，它象征着好运和和谐，可以为他的家带来繁荣。En: This year, he wanted a rare jade dragon sculpture, which symbolizes good fortune and harmony and could bring prosperity to his home.Zh: 龙的形象在中国文化中代表着力量和好运，连心中充满了渴望。En: The dragon's image in Chinese culture represents strength and good luck, and Lian was filled with longing.Zh: 然而，那位贩卖者秀是个精明的商人。En: However, the vendor Xiu was a shrewd businesswoman.Zh: 她的摊位前挂着一块标价牌，价格高得让人咋舌。En: A price tag hung in front of her stall, with a price so high it made people gasp.Zh: 连知道，若想要那个龙玉雕，他必须好好谈判。En: Lian knew that if he wanted that jade dragon sculpture, he needed to negotiate well.Zh: 而就在这时，魏也在摊位前出现，他也在打量那件雕塑。En: Just then, Wei appeared at the stall, also eyeing the sculpture.Zh: 连看着魏，与他交换了一个心照不宣的眼神。En: Lian looked at Wei and exchanged a tacit glance with him.Zh: 然而，他无法忽视他的内心的渴望。En: However, he couldn't ignore his inner desire.Zh: 他轻轻走近秀的摊位。En: He gently approached Xiu's stall.Zh: “这个龙玉雕很漂亮。”连说道，假装不太在意。En: "This jade dragon sculpture is very beautiful," Lian said, pretending to be indifferent.Zh: “是啊，手工雕刻，非常精美。”秀回答，她的语气透露出这雕纹的珍贵。En: "Yes, it's handcrafted, very exquisite," Xiu replied, her tone revealing the sculpture's preciousness.Zh: 魏插话道：“我也对它很感兴趣。”En: Wei interjected, "I'm also interested in it."Zh: 气氛瞬间紧张。En: The atmosphere instantly became tense.Zh: 连意识到必须做出明智的决定。En: Lian realized he needed to make a wise decision.Zh: 他决定揭露自己的真实想法：“秀，这件龙玉雕对我来说不仅仅是一件物品。En: He decided to reveal his true feelings: "Xiu, this jade dragon sculpture is more than just an item to me.Zh: 春节就快到了，我想把它放在家里做我们家的中心，它将带来好运。”En: The Spring Festival is coming soon, and I want to place it in my home as our centerpiece; it will bring good luck."Zh: 秀微微思索，显然被连的话打动了。En: Xiu pondered slightly, clearly moved by Lian's words.Zh: 她重视传统，也忠于家族的价值观。En: She valued tradition and was loyal to her family's values.Zh: 在最后一刻，连加了一句：“如果我能用它来庆祝新年，那将是无价的。”En: At the last moment, Lian added, "If I can use it to celebrate the New Year, it would be priceless."Zh: 最终，秀微笑着说：“我想这龙应当跟随你的家人过新年。”En: In the end, Xiu smiled and said, "I think this dragon should accompany your family for the New Year."Zh: 她降了价，连成功买下了龙玉雕。En: She lowered the price, and Lian successfully bought the jade dragon sculpture.Zh: 连面带笑意，感到格外满足。En: Lian smiled with satisfaction, feeling particularly fulfilled.Zh: 他意识到，真正的价值不仅存在于物品本身，更在于人与人之间文化和情感的交流。En: He realized that true value lies not only in the item itself but also in the cultural and emotional exchange between people.Zh: 在走回家的路上，连的心中充满了对即将到来的新年的期待。En: On the way home, Lian's heart was filled with anticipation for the upcoming New Year.Zh: 他不仅带回了一件珍贵的古董，更学会了如何透过传统连接内心的热情。En: He not only brought back a precious antique but also learned how to connect his inner passion through tradition. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 熙熙攘攘cobblestone: 石板antiques: 古董jade: 玉sculpture: 雕prosperity: 繁荣shrewd: 精明vendor: 贩卖者negotiate: 谈判tacit: 心照不宣exquisite: 精美interjected: 插话道tension: 紧张decision: 决定pondered: 思索tradition: 传统loyal: 忠于centerpiece: 中心precious: 珍贵indifferent: 不太在意illuminated: 照亮overhead: 头顶anticipation: 期待symbolizes: 象征fortune: 好运longing: 渴望gasp: 咋舌revealing: 透露出emotional: 情感passion: 热情

Gen 31:17-32:12, Matt 10:24-11:6, Ps 13:1-6, Pr 3:16-18

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: From Tension to Triumph: A Team's Journey to Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-15-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 忙碌的办公室里，玻璃墙闪烁着光芒，盆栽植物点缀其间，气氛中弥漫着春节将近的兴奋情绪。En: In the bustling office, the glass walls shimmered with light, and potted plants adorned the space, with an atmosphere filled with the excitement of the approaching Chunjie (Spring Festival).Zh: 在这样的背景下，梅琳、君和晓玉正埋头于一个重要的项目。En: Against this backdrop, Meilin, Jun, and Xiaoyu were engrossed in an important project.Zh: 他们要在春节前完成并向董事会展示一个新颖的提案。En: They needed to complete and present an innovative proposal to the board before Chunjie.Zh: 梅琳是项目经理，目标明确。En: Meilin was the project manager, with clear goals in mind.Zh: 她知道这个项目的重要性，希望通过它在公司高层面前展现实力。En: She understood the significance of this project and hoped to demonstrate her capabilities to the company's senior management.Zh: 君是团队里经验丰富的成员，但他一直比较谨慎，不愿冒险。En: Jun was an experienced team member, but he was always rather cautious and reluctant to take risks.Zh: 晓玉则充满创意，尽管他对自己的想法不太有信心。En: Xiaoyu, on the other hand, was full of creativity, though he wasn't very confident in his ideas.Zh: 三人之间的合作并不总是顺利。En: The collaboration among the three was not always smooth.Zh: 梅琳感觉到压力，她要寻找一个平衡点，在创新和稳妥之间徘徊。En: Meilin felt the pressure of finding a balance between innovation and caution.Zh: 每当晓玉提出一些新奇的创意，君总是先持怀疑态度，担心这些想法太冒险。En: Whenever Xiaoyu brought up novel ideas, Jun was always initially skeptical, worried that these ideas were too risky.Zh: 面对这样的情况，梅琳决定勇敢一试，支持晓玉的创意，同时也要说服君。En: Faced with this situation, Meilin decided to be brave and support Xiaoyu's creativity while also persuading Jun.Zh: 随着项目截止日期的临近，团队内部的紧张程度也在增加。En: As the project deadline loomed closer, the tension within the team also increased.Zh: 一天晚上，办公室里只剩下梅琳、君和晓玉。En: One night, only Meilin, Jun, and Xiaoyu remained in the office.Zh: 他们一起定稿，准备第二天的展示。En: They finalized the draft together, preparing for the next day's presentation.Zh: 梅琳耐心地倾听，协调两人之间的争议，努力让大家拧成一股绳。En: Meilin patiently listened, mediated the disputes between the two, and worked hard to unite everyone.Zh: 终于到了展示日，董事会成员坐定。En: Finally, the day of the presentation arrived, and the board members took their seats.Zh: 梅琳带着自信走上前，项目信息一一呈现。En: Meilin confidently stepped forward, presenting the project details one by one.Zh: 然而，正当晓玉演示他的创意时，技术故障突然出现，投影仪停了下来。En: However, just as Xiaoyu was demonstrating his creative ideas, a technical glitch suddenly occurred, and the projector stopped.Zh: 梅琳迅速冷静下来，让团队临时切换到备用方案。En: Meilin quickly regained her composure and had the team switch to a backup plan.Zh: 她机智地讲述，君也在一旁传递重要的数据，晓玉则用手绘图解释他的设计。En: She skillfully narrated the points, Jun assisted by providing crucial data, and Xiaoyu used hand-drawn diagrams to explain his design.Zh: 团队的努力没有白费。En: The team's efforts were not in vain.Zh: 演示结束时，董事会给予了他们热烈的掌声，特别是对晓玉创意性的认可。En: By the end of the presentation, the board gave them a rousing applause, particularly recognizing Xiaoyu's creativity.Zh: 他们的提案成功通过，团队的声誉也得到了提高。En: Their proposal was successfully approved, and the team's reputation was also elevated.Zh: 梅琳学会了如何在不同观点之间取得平衡，增强了对自己决定的信心。En: Meilin learned how to balance differing viewpoints, gaining confidence in her decisions.Zh: 君变得更为接受新想法，而晓玉则找到了信心。En: Jun became more open to new ideas, and Xiaoyu found his confidence.Zh: 办公室内外的风雪逐渐消散，带来了节日的温暖。En: The snow and wind outside the office gradually dissipated, bringing the warmth of the festival.Zh: 而他们的收获，不仅是一个成功的项目，还有一份更加紧密的合作关系。En: Their rewards were not only a successful project but also a stronger collaborative relationship. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 忙碌的shimmered: 闪烁adorned: 点缀engrossed: 埋头significance: 重要性capabilities: 实力reluctant: 不愿cautious: 谨慎creativity: 创意novel: 新奇skeptical: 怀疑态度persuading: 说服loomed: 临近mediated: 协调disputes: 争议glitch: 故障composure: 冷静narrated: 讲述crucial: 重要的applause: 掌声elevated: 提高viewpoints: 观点confidence: 信心dissipated: 消散warmth: 温暖collaborative: 合作proposal: 提案innovative: 新颖senior management: 高层backup: 备用

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Team Triumph: How Li Ming and Xiaolei Beat the Clock Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-15-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在繁忙的冬季，临近春节的脚步如同雪花般匆匆而至，公司的办公室里充满了紧张的气氛。En: In the busy winter season, the approach of the Chunjie felt as swift as falling snow, and the office was filled with a tense atmosphere.Zh: 电脑嗡嗡作响，键盘声此起彼伏。En: The computers hummed, and the sound of keyboards was constant.Zh: 李明坐在他的办公桌前，思索着。En: Li Ming sat at his desk, deep in thought.Zh: 他是一位勤奋的项目经理，最近却被迫承受着巨大的压力。En: He was a diligent project manager, but recently, he had been under a lot of pressure.Zh: 他们的团队项目将在春节前需要完成，时间紧迫。En: Their team's project needed to be completed before Chunjie, and time was tight.Zh: 李明望向一旁的同事小雷。En: Li Ming glanced at his colleague Xiaolei next to him.Zh: 小雷才能很出众，但最近的工作进度却总是不尽如人意。En: Xiaolei was talented, but his recent work progress was not satisfactory.Zh: 对于即将到来的展示会，小雷也感到忐忑不安。En: He was also anxious about the upcoming exhibition.Zh: 为了提升在公司里的地位，他必须做好自己的部分。En: In order to enhance his position in the company, he needed to perform well.Zh: 离项目截止日期还剩三天，李明不断在考虑自己是否应该独自承担更多工作，或者，是时候与小雷摊开话题，正面沟通。En: With three days left until the project deadline, Li Ming continually pondered whether he should take on more work alone or if it was time to have an open conversation with Xiaolei.Zh: 在此之前，小雷的工作一直没有跟上计划，这让李明的内心充满了矛盾与焦虑。En: Until now, Xiaolei's work had always been behind schedule, filling Li Ming with inner conflict and anxiety.Zh: 终于，时间走到了关键的前一晚。En: Finally, the time came to the crucial night before the deadline.Zh: 李明意识到再也不能这样拖延下去了。En: Li Ming realized he could no longer delay.Zh: 会议室静悄悄的，只有几盏昏黄的灯还亮着。En: The meeting room was silent, with only a few dim lights still on.Zh: 他叫小雷来参加一个小会。En: He called Xiaolei for a small meeting.Zh: “我们需要谈谈，”李明说，声音中带着一丝焦急。En: "We need to talk," Li Ming said with a hint of urgency in his voice.Zh: 小雷有些尴尬，但还是坐了下来。En: Xiaolei felt a bit awkward but sat down nonetheless.Zh: 经过一番交流，小雷坦诚了自己的问题：“我真的需要帮助。En: After some discussion, Xiaolei admitted his problems: "I really need help.Zh: 我想我需要一些有序的计划。”En: I think I need some orderly planning."Zh: 李明深思熟虑后，决定和小雷一起彻夜工作。En: After careful consideration, Li Ming decided to work through the night with Xiaolei.Zh: 他们制定了一个紧凑的清单，分配了职责，明确了每一个步骤。En: They devised a compact list, assigned tasks, and clarified each step.Zh: 随着灯光从办公室的一边亮到另一边，李明和小雷的合作也渐渐顺利起来。En: As the lights switched on one end of the office to the other, their cooperation gradually smoothed out.Zh: 第二天早晨，团队成员疲惫但兴奋地走进会议室，En: The next morning, team members walked into the meeting room, exhausted but excited.Zh: 他们的设计和计划获得了管理层的极大赞赏。En: Their design and plans received great acclaim from the management.Zh: 成功不仅带来了喜悦，也带来了一份值得信任的团结。En: The success not only brought joy but also a trustworthy unity.Zh: 春节来临时，李明明白了团队支持与沟通的重要性，En: When Chunjie arrived, Li Ming understood the importance of team support and communication.Zh: 他决定不再一个人承担所有重担，而是善于借助团队的力量。En: He decided not to bear all burdens alone but to effectively utilize the power of the team.Zh: 小雷学会了如何更好地管理时间，并在团队的支持下，勇敢地寻求帮助，变得更加自信。En: Xiaolei learned how to better manage his time and, with the team's support, bravely sought help, becoming more confident.Zh: 华灯初上，节日的氛围充盈着整个城市。En: As the festive lights lit up, the festive atmosphere filled the entire city.Zh: 李明和小雷站在窗前，望着窗外的雪景，心中满是新一年的愿景和期待。En: Li Ming and Xiaolei stood by the window, looking at the snowy scene outside, their hearts full of hopes and expectations for the new year. Vocabulary Words:approach: 临近swift: 匆匆diligent: 勤奋pressure: 压力satisfactory: 不尽如人意exhibition: 展示会enhance: 提升pondered: 思索delayed: 拖延crucial: 关键urgency: 焦急orderly: 有序compact: 紧凑assigned: 分配clarified: 明确cooperation: 合作acclaim: 赞赏trustworthy: 值得信任unity: 团结utilize: 借助manage: 管理confident: 自信festive: 节日atmosphere: 氛围exhausted: 疲惫glanced: 望向anxiety: 焦虑admitted: 坦诚scenario: 场景expectations: 期待

Dana White has an eclectic background as a veteran marketing and communications executive as a consultant and for major corporations, as well as in the U.S. Department of Defense and to Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign. She is a gifted communicator with fluency in Mandarin and French. As Founder and President of the Randolph L. White Foundation, she is committed to building bridges and durable alliances between the Black and Jewish communities through dialogue, education, and shared civic engagement. Join us to hear about the connection between Historic Black Colleges and Universities, the rise of antisemitism, and how can HBCUs become the cornerstone of the solution. PLEASE DONATE TO THE GENESIS 123 FOUNDATION AT WWW.GENESIS123.CO To read Dana's powerful article https://sapirjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/why-hbcus-are-key-to-fighting-antisemitism.pdfTo read about Julius Rosenwald https://www.britannica.com/money/Julius-RosenwaldFor information about and how to register for Root & Branch, please go to www.RootandBranchIsrael.comConnect with the Genesis 123 Foundation at www.Genesis123.co and learn how you can host Shabbat in your community.FB - www.facebook.com/Genesis123Foundation Twitter - @Genesis123FIG - Genesis_123_FoundationFind out how you can be part of Run for Zion and bless Israel with every step at www.RunforZion.com.

Gen 30:1-31:16, Matt 10:1-23, Ps 12:1-8, Pr 3:13-15

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: The Snowflake Letters: Unveiling Artful Secrets in Beijing Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-14-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在北京的一个寒冷冬夜，飞舞的雪花轻轻飘落，覆盖着整个居民小区。En: On a cold winter night in Beijing, fluttering snowflakes gently fell, covering the entire residential community.Zh: 这个小区安静而祥和，四周围着高大的围墙，像是一个独立的小世界。En: This neighborhood was quiet and peaceful, surrounded by tall walls like a self-contained little world.Zh: 春节就要到了，家家户户都挂上了红色的灯笼和喜庆的饰品。En: With the Spring Festival approaching, every household hung up red lanterns and festive decorations.Zh: 此刻，小区的每个角落都充满了节日的气息。En: At this moment, every corner of the community was filled with a festive atmosphere.Zh: 然而，在这欢乐的氛围中，一件神秘的事情令小区居民们心生忐忑。En: However, amidst this joyful ambiance, a mysterious occurrence made the residents of the community feel uneasy.Zh: 每到夜深人静的时候，会有一封封神秘的信悄悄出现在家门口。En: Late at night, mysterious letters would quietly appear at the doorsteps.Zh: 这些信没有署名，却总是带来不一样的思考与感悟。En: These letters were unsigned, yet they always brought different thoughts and insights.Zh: 居民们纷纷猜测，这些信的背后会是怎样的人呢？En: The residents speculated about what kind of person could be behind these letters, and what their purpose might be.Zh: 而他们的目的又是什么？En: Ming was a middle-aged writer living in the neighborhood.Zh: 明，是小区里的一位中年作家。En: Recently, he had been struggling with writer's block, his words seemed frozen.Zh: 最近，他陷入了写作的困境，笔下的文字如同冻结了一般。En: He was somewhat anxious, hoping that this mystery could bring him inspiration and also prove his worth.Zh: 他略显焦躁，渴望这个谜团能给他带来灵感，同时也是为了证明自己的价值。En: Ming started thinking, deciding to stay alert and secretly observe by the window, hoping to find some clues.Zh: 明开始思索，他决定保持清醒，偷偷留在窗边观察，希望能找到蛛丝马迹。En: Late at night, Ming quietly watched by the window.Zh: 夜深时分，明静静守在窗前。En: The cold wind howled, the street was empty and silent.Zh: 寒风凛冽，街道空旷无声。En: Suddenly, in the faint light of a streetlamp, a small figure appeared.Zh: 忽然，影影绰绰中，一个小小的身影出现在路灯昏暗的光芒下。En: Ming's eyes lit up, and he decided to act.Zh: 明的眼睛一亮，他决定行动。En: He put on his coat and quietly followed the figure, finally discovering the answer at the edge of the community.Zh: 他穿上外套，敛声细步地跟随那身影，终于在小区的尽头发现了答案。En: It turned out the author of these mysterious letters was a small artist in the community named Xiao.Zh: 原来，这些神秘信件的作者是小区中一个名叫肖的小艺术家。En: He used this method to convey his thoughts and artistic inspiration, hoping to bring some beauty to everyone during this holiday.Zh: 他用这种方式传达自己的思考和艺术灵感，希望在这个节日里给大家带来一些美好。En: Ming was moved.Zh: 明心中一动，他突然明白，创作并不一定需要声名远扬，安静的贡献同样有其价值。En: He suddenly understood that creating doesn't always need widespread fame; quiet contributions have their own value.Zh: 他选择保守这个秘密，并帮助肖组织了一次艺术展示，让大家感受到这些作品的美。En: He chose to keep this secret and helped Xiao organize an art exhibition to let everyone feel the beauty of these works.Zh: 在这个特别的春节，小区中的人们互相分享着艺术所带来的欢乐与感动，邻里之间更增添了几分暖意。En: During this special Spring Festival, the people in the community shared the joy and emotion brought by art, and the warmth between neighbors grew.Zh: 明也从中获得了新的创作灵感，不再苦恼于那块“创作瓶颈”。En: Ming also gained new inspiration for his writing and was no longer troubled by the “creative block.” He realized that true value doesn't lie in widespread recognition, but in the heartfelt process of creation.Zh: 他意识到，真正的价值不在于广泛的认同，而在于用心创造的过程。En: The community, under the warm glow of the lights, regained its vitality.Zh: 小区在暖暖的灯光中重新焕发了活力，大家一起迎接着新年的到来，把对未来的期许写在夜空中。En: Everyone welcomed the arrival of the New Year together, writing their hopes for the future across the night sky.Zh: 雪花仍在飘着，但每个人的心中都感受到了一种温暖的平和。En: The snowflakes continued to fall, but a sense of warmth and peace filled every heart. Vocabulary Words:fluttering: 飞舞的snowflakes: 雪花residential: 居民quiet: 安静surrounded: 围着joyful: 欢乐的ambiance: 氛围mysterious: 神秘occurrence: 事情unsign: 没有署名speculated: 猜测purpose: 目的middle-aged: 中年struggling: 挣扎frozen: 冻结anxious: 焦躁inspiration: 灵感alert: 清醒observe: 观察clues: 蛛丝马迹howled: 凛冽streetlamp: 路灯figure: 身影convey: 传达artist: 艺术家exhibition: 展示contributions: 贡献vitality: 活力warmth: 温暖peace: 平和

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Harmony in Tradition: A Modern Spring Festival Blend Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-14-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅看着窗外的雪花，微笑着想到了春节的欢庆。En: Mei looked out at the snowflakes outside the window and smiled as she thought of the festive Spring Festival.Zh: 小区里安静祥和，偶尔有孩子的欢笑声传来。En: The community was peaceful and harmonious, with the occasional sound of children's laughter.Zh: 这个社区一向注重现代化，但是梅心里一直以来有一个愿望：让大家一起过一个传统而热闹的中国新年。En: This neighborhood has always focused on modernization, but in Mei's heart, there has always been a wish: to have everyone celebrate a traditional and lively Chinese New Year together.Zh: 梅是个热心肠的人，她觉得春节是一个能把大家凝聚在一起的好机会。En: Mei is a warm-hearted person, and she felt that the Spring Festival is a great opportunity to bring everyone together.Zh: 于是，她决定在这个冬天的居民委员会会议上提议这个想法。En: So, she decided to propose this idea at the residents' committee meeting this winter.Zh: 在社区的中心活动区，白雪覆盖的草地显得异常宁静。En: In the community center activity area, the snow-covered lawn looked particularly serene.Zh: 会议当天，梅早早地来到现场，调整着自己的发言稿。En: On the day of the meeting, Mei arrived early, adjusting her speech.Zh: 居民代表陆续到来，金也在其中。En: Residents began to arrive one after another, including Jin.Zh: 金是一个实用主义者，他认为传统的骄闹并不符合社区的现代生活方式。En: Jin is a pragmatist and believes that the noise of tradition does not align with the community's modern lifestyle.Zh: 对于梅的提议，金表示了他的担忧。En: He expressed his concerns about Mei's proposal.Zh: “我们可以过个安静的春节，”金坚定地说，“这样既不扰民，也能更现代化。En: "We can have a quiet Spring Festival," Jin said firmly, "that way, it doesn't disturb the residents and can be more modern."Zh: ”梅感到有些挫败，但她并不想放弃。En: Mei felt a bit frustrated, but she didn't want to give up.Zh: 她在会上诉说着传统春节的意义和家庭团聚的重要性，希望能得到大家的支持。En: At the meeting, she spoke about the significance of traditional Spring Festival and the importance of family gatherings, hoping to gain everyone's support.Zh: 一场激烈的讨论随即展开，气氛有些紧张。En: A heated discussion ensued, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense.Zh: 就在这时，慧站出来，她是社区里一个善于调节矛盾的人。En: At that moment, Hui stood up; she is someone in the community known for resolving conflicts.Zh: “梅的提议是好的，金的担忧也有道理，”慧平和地说，“我们为何不将传统和现代结合起来呢？En: "Mei's proposal is good, and Jin's concerns are valid too," Hui said calmly, "Why not combine tradition and modernity?Zh: 举行一个融合两者的春节庆祝活动，不仅有传统的习俗，也可以融入一些现代元素。En: Hold a Spring Festival celebration that incorporates both, featuring traditional customs as well as some modern elements."Zh: ”这个提议得到了梅的支持和金的赞同。En: This proposal received support from Mei and agreement from Jin.Zh: 大家决定筹办一个既有舞狮，又有现代音乐表演的活动。En: Everyone decided to organize an event that included both lion dances and modern music performances.Zh: 在这个寒冷的冬天，居民们为这个即将到来的节日准备着，期待着一个别样的春节。En: In this cold winter, residents prepared for the upcoming festival, looking forward to a unique Chinese New Year.Zh: 当春节真正到来时，邻里之间欢声笑语不断。En: When Spring Festival finally arrived, laughter and joy filled the neighborhood.Zh: 孩子们放着烟花，舞狮队在敲锣打鼓中经过，现代的音乐声也在空中飘扬。En: Children lit fireworks, the lion dance team paraded through the sound of gongs and drums, and modern music floated in the air.Zh: 梅看着这一切，明白了妥协和包容带来了怎样的变化。En: As Mei watched it all, she understood the changes that compromise and inclusiveness had brought.Zh: 她心里感到无比温暖，因为她知道，将传统与现代结合，不仅满足了她的愿望，也将社区更紧密地联系在了一起。En: Her heart felt incredibly warm because she knew that combining tradition with modernity not only fulfilled her wish but also brought the community closer together.Zh: 这个春节，是她记忆中最难忘的一个。En: This Spring Festival was the most unforgettable one in her memory. Vocabulary Words:festive: 欢庆harmonious: 祥和modernization: 现代化pragmatist: 实用主义者align: 符合proposal: 提议significance: 意义ensued: 随即展开tense: 紧张resolving conflicts: 调节矛盾inclusiveness: 包容compromise: 妥协unique: 别样serene: 宁静fireworks: 烟花tradition: 传统customs: 习俗integrate: 结合incorporates: 融合inclusive: 融入exceptionally: 异常warm-hearted: 热心肠proposal: 提议heated discussion: 激烈的讨论gatherings: 团聚parade: 经过residents: 居民lively: 热闹incorporate: 融入expressed: 表示

Gen 28:1-29:35, Matt 9:18-38, Ps 11:1-7, Pr 3:11-12

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Homeward Bound: Ming's Journey and the Gift of Kindness Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-13-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 北京首都国际机场灯火辉煌，迎接即将到来的春节。En: Beijing Capital International Airport is brilliantly lit, welcoming the approaching Chinese New Year.Zh: 红色和金色的装饰遍布整个机场，浓浓的节日气氛扑面而来。En: Red and gold decorations are spread throughout the airport, engulfing everyone in a festive atmosphere.Zh: 寒冷的冬季空气和机场内热闹的人群形成鲜明对比，旅客们行色匆匆，期盼着与家人团聚。En: The contrast between the cold winter air and the bustling crowds inside the airport is striking, as travelers move hastily, eager to reunite with their families.Zh: 明是一名年轻女性，一年前搬到了美国。En: Ming is a young woman who moved to the United States a year ago.Zh: 今年春节，她第一次回国，心情既紧张又兴奋。En: This year, she is returning home for the first time for Chinese New Year, feeling both nervous and excited.Zh: 她想念家人，期待着除夕夜的团圆饭。En: She misses her family and looks forward to the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.Zh: 明拖着行李箱，在人群中穿梭。En: Ming weaves through the crowd, dragging her suitcase behind her.Zh: 然而，空气中弥漫的香水味和紧张的情绪让她感到呼吸困难。En: However, the scent of perfume lingering in the air and her tense emotions make breathing difficult.Zh: 她知道自己的哮喘发作了。En: She realizes her asthma is acting up.Zh: 就在明努力挣扎时，连，一个机场的工作人员，注意到了她的状况。En: As Ming struggles, Lian, an airport staff member, notices her situation.Zh: 连在这个繁忙季节工作时间长，但她非常认真。En: Despite working long hours during this busy season, Lian is very dedicated.Zh: 她看到明逐渐加重的呼吸困难，连忙上前询问：“您好，需要帮助吗？En: Seeing Ming's breathing difficulties worsening, she quickly approaches and asks, "Hello, do you need help?"Zh: ”明用力点头，努力控制自己的呼吸。En: Ming nods vigorously, trying hard to control her breathing.Zh: 连马上带明去找附近的医务室，并帮助她进行快速疗程。En: Lian immediately takes her to the nearby medical room and helps her receive quick treatment.Zh: 时间一分一秒过去了，明担心错过接下来的航班会耽误回家。En: As time ticks by, Ming worries about missing her connecting flight and the delay it might cause in getting home.Zh: 连没有放弃，利用自己的关系，确保明能够快速办理登机手续。En: Lian does not give up, using her connections to ensure Ming can quickly complete her boarding procedures.Zh: 连的努力没有白费。En: Lian's efforts do not go to waste.Zh: 明得到了及时的治疗，感觉好多了。En: Ming receives timely treatment and feels much better.Zh: 她感激地看着连说：“谢谢你，我不知道该怎么办，没有你的帮助。En: Gratefully, she looks at Lian and says, "Thank you, I don't know what I would have done without your help."Zh: ”最终，明顺利登上了飞机。En: In the end, Ming boards the plane smoothly.Zh: 飞机起飞的时候，她透过窗户看着渐渐远去的城市灯光，心里满是感激和温暖。En: As the plane takes off, she gazes out the window at the receding city lights, her heart full of gratitude and warmth.Zh: 她意识到旅途中，陌生人的善意是如此珍贵。En: She realizes how precious the kindness of strangers can be during a journey.Zh: 在进入梦乡前，她想着能够与家人一同庆祝春节，倍感幸福。En: Before drifting into dreams, she thinks about celebrating the Chinese New Year with her family, feeling immensely happy.Zh: 明这一趟旅程，她不仅仅是回家。En: This journey was not just about returning home for Ming.Zh: 她领悟了善良的力量，也更深地感受到了对自己文化传统的珍视。En: She came to understand the power of kindness and felt a deeper appreciation for her cultural traditions.Zh: 在明心中，团圆和家的重要性从未如此清晰。En: In Ming's heart, the importance of reunion and home has never been clearer. Vocabulary Words:capital: 首都brilliantly: 辉煌engulfing: 扑面而来contrast: 对比bustling: 热闹hastily: 匆匆reunion: 团聚dragging: 拖weaves: 穿梭lingering: 弥漫tense: 紧张emotions: 情绪breathing: 呼吸asthma: 哮喘struggles: 挣扎dedicated: 认真worsening: 加重connections: 关系timely: 及时gratefully: 感激smoothly: 顺利receding: 渐渐远去precious: 珍贵dreams: 梦乡celebrating: 庆祝immensely: 倍感appreciation: 珍视importance: 重要性realizes: 意识到understand: 领悟

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Snowy Delays and Heartwarming Decisions: A Journey Home Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-13-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在北京首都国际机场，寒风吹拂着出口，外面雪花纷飞。En: At Beijing Capital International Airport, the cold wind swept through the exit, and snowflakes were fluttering outside.Zh: 旅客们在大厅里来来往往，有的拖着大包小包回家过年，有的不停地查看航班信息。En: Travelers were coming and going in the hall; some were towing large bags to go home for the New Year, and others were continually checking their flight information.Zh: 李娟站在机场大堂，手紧紧握着手机，看着航班延误的通知，不由得长叹了一口气。En: Li Juan stood in the airport lobby, tightly gripping her phone, looking at the flight delay notification, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.Zh: 这是个特别繁忙的季节。En: This was an especially busy season.Zh: 春节快到了，每个人都期盼着与家人团聚。En: The Spring Festival was approaching, and everyone was looking forward to reunions with their families.Zh: 但对李娟来说，她此刻面临着一个艰难的决定。En: But for Li Juan, she was facing a difficult decision at this moment.Zh: 新加坡的重要商务会议就在眼前，如果成功，她的事业将更进一步。En: An important business meeting in Singapore was just around the corner; if she succeeded, her career would advance further.Zh: 但这场大雪让她的航班推迟，而她的心正在动摇——是留下来与家人过节，还是飞往新加坡去完成她的职业目标？En: However, the heavy snow had delayed her flight, and her heart wavered—should she stay and celebrate the holiday with her family, or should she fly to Singapore to achieve her professional goals?Zh: “小明，这么冷的天，你过来看我，真不容易。”李娟轻声对身边的朋友小明说。En: "Xiao Ming, on such a cold day, it's really not easy for you to come see me," Li Juan softly said to her friend Xiao Ming beside her.Zh: 小明是她的老同学，总是在她需要帮助的时候出现。En: Xiao Ming was her old classmate who always appeared when she needed help.Zh: “李娟，我知道这个决定很重要。不过，春节一年只有一次。”小明看着她，语重心长地说。En: "Li Juan, I know this decision is important. But Spring Festival only comes once a year," Xiao Ming looked at her and said earnestly.Zh: 就在此时，李娟的手机响了。En: At that moment, Li Juan's phone rang.Zh: 是女儿小美打来的。En: It was her daughter Xiao Mei calling.Zh: “妈妈，你什么时候回来呀？我好想您。”电话另一头，小美兴高采烈。En: "Mom, when are you coming back? I miss you so much," Xiao Mei said cheerfully on the other end of the line.Zh: 李娟的心里一暖，女儿的声音轻轻触动了她心底最柔软的部分。En: Li Juan's heart warmed; her daughter's voice gently touched the softest part of her heart.Zh: “对不起，小美，妈妈有点忙。”她心里很难过。En: "I'm sorry, Xiao Mei, mommy is a bit busy," she felt quite sad inside.Zh: 挂了电话后，李娟陷入了深深的沉思。En: After hanging up the phone, Li Juan fell into deep thought.Zh: 她一直以来都把事业放在第一位，错过了很多家庭时光。En: She had always put her career first, missing out on a lot of family time.Zh: 现在，小美的这通电话让她重新审视了自己的优先次序。En: Now, this call from Xiao Mei prompted her to reassess her priorities.Zh: “我要回去。”李娟下定决心，声音坚定。En: "I want to go back," Li Juan made up her mind, her voice firm.Zh: 小明微微一笑：“我想，你做了个很好的选择。”En: Xiao Ming smiled slightly, "I think you made a very good choice."Zh: 李娟决定和家人一同过年，并将会议重新安排。En: Li Juan decided to spend the holiday with her family and reschedule the meeting.Zh: 她意识到，家庭的幸福比任何事业成就都重要。En: She realized that family happiness is more important than any career accomplishment.Zh: 或许，只有这样的平衡，才是真正的成功。En: Perhaps only this kind of balance is true success.Zh: 机场的广播继续播报着航班信息，但李娟的心已经不再摇摆。En: The airport broadcast continued announcing flight information, but Li Juan's heart was no longer wavering.Zh: 在这个冰雪覆盖的冬季，她得到了心灵的温暖和新的启示。En: In this snow-covered winter, she gained warmth and new insight for her soul.Zh: 随着李娟踏上回家的旅途，她发誓要珍惜每一个与家人共度的时刻，让自己的生活更加完整。En: As Li Juan embarked on her journey home, she vowed to cherish every moment spent with her family, making her life more complete. Vocabulary Words:swept: 吹拂fluttering: 纷飞towing: 拖着continually: 不停地gripping: 握着notification: 通知sigh: 叹气reunions: 团聚advance: 进一步delayed: 推迟wavered: 动摇earnestly: 语重心长地cheerfully: 兴高采烈prompted: 促使reassess: 重新审视firm: 坚定accomplishment: 成就balance: 平衡broadcast: 广播wavering: 摇摆insight: 启示cherish: 珍惜complete: 完整hall: 大厅decision: 决定career: 事业approaching: 快到了celebrate: 过节vow: 发誓soul: 心灵

In this episode, 10 Family Office Myths exposed (and debunked). https://youtu.be/j1cgcZZcRBM Welcome back and Happy New Year on the Wealth Actually podcast. I’m Frazer Rice. We have a fun show today where we talk about 10 myths in the family office space. Mark Tepsich, who runs the family office governance practice at UBS is here as we dish into the ideas and concepts that are misunderstood in the family office world. Summary This conversation delves into the complexities and myths surrounding family offices, exploring their structure, governance, and the unique challenges they face in wealth management. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the specific needs of families and the role of family offices in managing complexity and preserving wealth across generations. It also addresses common misconceptions about family offices, including their necessity, governance, and their relationship with institutional investors. Takeaways Family offices are established to manage complexity in wealth.Not all family offices are the same; each has unique needs.Governance frameworks are essential for effective family office management.Many family offices outsource functions rather than internalizing them.The myth that 85-90% of family offices shouldn’t exist is false.Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves is a debated concept in wealth preservation.Family offices need to adapt to the evolving needs of families.Investment functions in family offices are often secondary to administrative roles.Family offices are driven by complexity rather than just size.The future of family offices may involve more direct investment opportunities. Chapters: Family Office Confidential 00:00 Understanding Family Offices: Myths and Realities02:02 The Complexity of Family Office Structures04:37 Debunking Common Myths About Family Offices06:17 The Role of Outsourcing in Family Offices07:54 Generational Wealth: The Shirt Sleeves Myth10:51 Flexibility vs. Permanence in Family Offices12:48 Governance and Decision-Making in Family Offices15:49 Investment Functions in Family Offices18:05 Size vs. Complexity in Family Offices20:09 Family Offices vs. Institutional Capital21:19 The Aspirational Nature of Family Offices23:30 The Relationship Between Family Offices and Institutions25:36 Technology in Family Offices: Current Trends29:03 Family Offices and Private Equity: A Comparative Analysis Myths 85-95% of FO’s should not exist vs. “there is no such thing as a family office’ Family office internalize everything A Family Office Anchored by an operating business is the same that is one funded solely by liquidity event Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves is myth Family offices are designed to be permanent’ Family Offices don’t need high end (almost SOX) like governance Family Offices are driven by net worth (no, by complexity) Family Offices are built on a robust investment function (no, it”s complexity management- often rooted in bookkeeping and accounting) Family Offices are like institutional Capital (no, many more motivations than pure returns- including whimsy and the knee-jerk ability to override the IPS) Family Offices are the right result for a career (they could be, but it is extremely unlikely- a lot of things have to be “just right” and there is little to know patience for development Family Offices make great wealth clients (very much depends on the function and the product- they can be difficult consumers) Family office tech is best – in – breed (No and it probably never will be) Family offices shun Large institutions (Surprisingly, no- needed for deals, expertise, and most importnatly financing and introductions) Keywords family offices, wealth management, governance, investment strategies, family dynamics, myths, financial planning, family wealth, complexity management, family governance Transcript: Family Office Myths Busted Frazer Rice (00:04.462): Welcome board, Mark. Mark Tepsich: Hey, Frazer, good to see you again. Appreciate the opportunity. Frazer Rice: Likewise. So let’s get started first. We’re going to go into some of the myths around family offices. But you really participate in kind of an interesting subset of that in terms of helping families design and govern them. What exactly does that mean on a day-to-day basis for you? Mark Tepsich: Yeah, good question. So, you know, it means a couple of things, right? So if you think about a family office, you have families that are at the inception point, right? Where things are getting too complex for them. They need to set up some sort of infrastructure. And it’s really like, what is a family office? What can it do for me? What are the pros, cons, and trade-offs? Where do I start? What’s the infrastructure, the systems? Who do I hire? How do I structure a compensation? So you’ve got families maybe coming at it. From post liquidity event, maybe coming at it from, we need to lift up, lift out this embedded family office out of the business to, hey, we’re an existing family office. We’ve got, you know, we’re evolving, right? The family’s growing, their enterprise is changing, the world around us is changing. People are leaving the family office, the next gen’s getting incorporated into the family office in some way. We’ve got some questions that could be, how do we engage the next generation through the family office? Mark Tepsich (01:21.614): How do we make decisions, communicate around our shared assets and resources, which could be a portfolio, maybe even a business, or hey, how do we come together and hire? What is this profile of this person look like? Who should we hire and not hire? What’s the structure of their compensation, carry co-investment, leverage co-investment? What’s the tech stack look like across accounting, consulting, reporting? Now, how do we insource and outsource? So it’s sort of. I like to call it organizational capabilities. So, you know, sometimes it’s soup to nuts, like starting from zero, other times it’s, we’ve been around for a long time, but we have a couple of questions. So that’s kind of my day to day. And, you know, I’ve been living this really since 2008 pre-global financial crisis. Frazer Rice So we’re going to go into, I think, some of the craziness of the family office ecosystem where we have people who wear many hats, people who wear masks, some people who are jokers and other people who are really good technicians and provide a lot of great insight. One of the things you were talking about is that the different types of mandate can be different. And I think maybe one of the first myths we should tackle is the The bromide that if you’ve seen one family office, you’ve seen one family office, which is thrown around at every family office conference and everybody chuckles for a minute and then it sort of washes away and no one cares anymore. What do you think about that statement? Mark Tespich (03:19.006): So I don’t necessarily think it’s true. And here’s what I mean. Let’s make an analogy to this, right? A business needs certain core infrastructure to just operate, right? And using accounting back office, you know the inflows, the outflows, you know, if you’re make a decision, these are the steps you have to go through. And so a family office, right? It needs to incorporate that, but it needs to incorporate it with the family and the family enterprise that is existing for that family, right? So, yeah, each family office is different because each family is different, but that’s like saying you’ve seen one business, you’ve seen one business, right? The strategy could be, the culture could be different, but, you still need some core operating infrastructure. And again, there’s accounting infrastructure, and that’s the basics, right? So there’s a curl of truth, but largely I think that it is false. Well, and at the same time, yes, families are different, but in general, families are trying to get to the same place, which is, know, they want to steward the wealth. They want to make sure it benefits the family and the other constituencies. And they want to make sure that it’s preserved over time. And those functions, you know, it’s very infrequent. You’d find the functions not there. And so how you get from A to B may be different, as you said, but there are a lot of universal truths to setting one of these things up. Frazer Rice So one of the other myths that we’ve come across is the idea that 80 to 90 percent of family offices shouldn’t exist. is, people and families set these up for, let’s call it the wrong reasons. Maybe it’s fear of missing out, maybe it’s great cocktail party chatter, maybe it’s an overdiagnosis of their needs. What do you think about that? Mark Tepsich Again, false. know, family offices are largely a function. They largely exist because there’s a market scale here. And what I mean by that is when you look under the hood at a family office, you’ve got basics of an accounting firm. You’ve got basics of an investment slash wealth management firm. You’ve got the basics of a legal slash tax firm. And then you’ve got essentially everything in between. And when you look at professional service firms out there, They can’t provide all of those under one roof, whether compliance or regulatory reasons. But the other reason is because no business model out there can really scale the complexity that each one of these families has. So yeah, you could outforce a lot of this stuff, but at the end of the day, family offices often exist because of a market failure. so, false, 85 to 90 % of family offices should exist. Frazer Rice (05:41.164) One of the other things, I’ve been around enough of these getting set up, is that the family office, if we get into sort of a technical structure, such that you set up a structure so that you’re able to deduct the expenses related to administering the wealth around that, that’s a valid reason to do things in addition to the organizational component. So I agree with you that there’s, to say that they shouldn’t exist is sort of belying the notion that these functions should take place internally. And I think you spoke to that. And I guess that gets to another myth, which is that family offices should internalize all of these functions. You just talked about it a little bit, that that’s not a great business model either. Mark Tepsich No, mean, yeah, so, you know, 85 to 90 % of family members out there, you just use that statistic, outsource a fair amount of things, right? And what that means is let’s just use tax counsel, for instance, right? This is something that these issues exist in every family office, they exist for every individual, but at the end of the day, should you have, you know, a tax counsel in-house in a family office that’s only doing, you know, income tax advisor work? Probably not. For 95 % of family offices because the frequency just isn’t there, right? So, you if you look at general councils alone, right? So they should have a broader mandate than income tax. should have well-transferred estate planning. Every family has those issues, but do they have the frequency to warrant bringing that individual, that professional and the rate, the cost? Probably not. a lot, you know, most family offices outsource a fair amount of whether it’s investment management, manager selection and due diligence. So false. Most fair amount offices do outsource a fair amount. Frazer Rice (07:31.374) One the things, this is one of my favorite controversial topics in the family office ecosystem of vendors that are out there is this notion that shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves is a myth. that the, and for those who don’t know what that means is, know, the first generation has generated the wealth, the second one enjoys it. And then the third one for a variety of reasons is ill-equipped to carry the wealth forward. And then everyone kind of goes back. It transcends culture. It’s lily pad to lily pad. You know, there’s a British version and a Russian version and whatever version. But the advice ecosystem around this is such that there’s a lot of debate about the statistics that have, quote unquote, proven that. And I can listen to that and say, yes, those may be very narrow. But there is a myth out there that shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves is a myth. Maybe you have some comments on that. Mark Tepsich Man, this is a tough one. I will say this will probably be the toughest one. So I think once a family becomes wealthy, right? And you can kind of define that as, the wealth, meaning the financial wealth will last a few generations with really out, with really nobody working, right? Let’s just define it that way. It’ll last a couple of generations if you make some not dumb decisions, we’ll call it. I think such as the financial markets today, right, as long as you’re diversified, you will stay wealthy. Does that mean you are going to have the same amount per capita over time? Maybe not, right? So if you look at it today, is a nuclear family of four, and you look at it 50 years from now, and the family is 30 people, right? I don’t know what the growth rate would have to be on those assets. So I think the family will remain wealthy whether they remain, you know, on a per capita basis, right? That’s a different story. I think what this is missing, however, I think the numbers kind of overshadow what this is getting at. I think when you look at it, when you take a step back, that first generation wealth creator, right? Will the family continue to be builders and entrepreneurs down the road? Frazer Rice (09:50.26) That I think that’s the question. Will they continue to kind of reach their full potential? I think that is that should be the focus. I’m going to punt on this one. I think it’s TBD and it’s there’s no set answer. I think the idea that the returns, To get back to your point is that as you go from generation to generation, the complexity increases, I’d say geometrically. Whereas the assets in many ways are going to be designed to increase linearly. And so at some point it may be 14 generations down the line when you’ve got 300 people that you have to take care of, are those assets gonna be in place to be able to support the level of living that people expected in generation one, two, and three? I think that’s the equation we’re all trying to fight. And so I’d say while Shirt Sleeves to Shirt Sleeves isn’t necessarily a prophecy, it’s definitely something that has to be addressed. So I’m gonna say that the fact that Shirt Sleeves to Shirt Sleeves is a myth, I think that’s the myth. Mark Tepsich So that’s where I draw my line in the sand there. think there’s an equation you constantly have to fight. Okay, so here’s another one. Family offices are designed to be permanent. I happen to think that they start out trying to be permanent, but in actuality, they really have to be more flexible and flex with the needs of the family, even at the first or second generation. Yeah, I would agree. Often they’re established for a good reason, right? That reason is complexity. Whether that complexity continues to exist for the family is a different story, right? You might have a business being sold. The family might just say, “hey, we don’t need to do all these direct investments, these alternate investments. Let’s just keep it simple, keep it passive.” I don’t think they’re designed to be permanent. I think families don’t really think about that too much. They want to exist for probably the existing generation that’s leveraging it and they wanna transition it, to your point, be flexible over time. But I don’t think anyone like a business, right? If you think about a business, the business generally speaking, it’s meant to exist in a perpetuity. That’s why you have a business, right? It’s not a sole proprietorship, but a family office, I think it’s TBD, right? So, you know. I don’t think anyone’s setting up a family that will say this is going to exist a thousand years from now. And I think if they came out and said that, think that it would add question and motivations. Frazer Rice Maybe we may be welcoming the Martians, we may be speaking Mandarin. There’s a thousand things that could happen in between here and then, that’s for sure. Here’s a myth that I think you and I are both going to agree is one, which is that family offices, for the ones that we think are going to try to persist, don’t demand necessarily Sarbanes-Oxley or high-end governance. Mark Tepsich I think as family offices mature, meaning as the family evolves, they do need some sort of decision-making framework. Especially if they’re going to really come together and act like somewhat of an institution. What I mean by that is, under the hood of a family office or under the hood of a family, let’s say there’s 10 family members. Let’s say there’s 20 to 25 trusts within that. You know, you could come together and pull your assets, right? And pull your resources. That’s part of the reason for having a family office. And so you just have a larger pool of capital. When you’re doing that, you do need governance. Okay? But if you’re gonna have, it’s just like, hey, we’re gonna have our separate portfolios. We’re not gonna come together and have pooled investment vehicles. You might not need an investment company, okay? And there might be good reasons to have an investment committee. In fact, many the investment committees I see, they’re not like college endowments where, we got eight people or nine people on here. We need to agree at least have five people to agree to allocate to this manager or change the allocation or change the IPS, depending on where that authority resides. I often see many investment committees for families, hey, we’re just collaborative in nature. We’ll get together. We’re going to have a meeting and talk about different strategies. Different advisors, things we should be doing. But if they’ve always had to agree at the family business level, they might not wanna have that same construct in the family office slash investment portfolio. If they’ve always struggled, know, come into agreement at the family business, now they’re gonna like, hey, we’re gonna recreate this dynamic. don’t have a binding construct. In fact, we ran a report, it’s coming out hopefully in the next couple of weeks. on family enterprise governance and a component obviously is the investment committee. 70 % of the investment committees out there are advisory in nature, meaning they don’t make binding decisions. They take it back to the trustees or whoever the authority is and they say, hey, here’s what we think, right? So individual family investors, whoever that is, co-trustees, it’s a, okay. So I do think governance is important, but it depends on what you mean by that, right? Should there be an IPS in place? I 100 % think that each family investor should have an IPS in place. The biggest mistake I see there is, hey, we’ve got this shared pool of capital. We’ve got 50 trusts. We’ve got one single IPS, right? I think that is a big mistake. don’t think that’s good governance. So it really depends on what you mean, but I think, yes, there should be some decision-making framework that you’re following. Otherwise, what exactly are you? Adhering to it, right? Like, what is your framework? What is your decision making tree? Frazer Rice (15:53.902) On top of that, possible myth. Family offices are built on a robust investment function. I mean, yes, there are some that are like that, right? You know, there’s a big names out there, MSD, Pritzker, so on and so forth. Those are the exceptions rather than the rule. Most family offices, 85 to 90 % are formed to manage the complexity, right? So again, otherwise you’re gonna have all these outsourced providers and that just doesn’t make sense when you’re trying to make a decision, because you need all the different parts to come together. They’re often built as administrative functions first, rather than, we’re gonna go start the next, you know, a private equity firm. that’s false. Frazer Rice The, as I like to say, probably to the boredom of a lot of people who talk to me a lot is that a lot of these really are built on a bookkeeping or an accounting spine. You’ve got to manage the inflows and outflows of everything and keep track of what you have or else you can have a great investment function, but things are going to spill all over the place. Mark Tepsich (17:30.872) I’ll never say, yeah. mean, and that actually goes back to good governance, right? So I always say, it’s not provocative. I’ll say, listen, this is not a provocative answer, but you need to create that first. And most of the people that are considering this rate are business owners. So they’ll intuitively get that. In fact, that function might exist somewhere at the business, but it’s really not organized. And without that function, like, it’s hard to make a decision, right? If you’re going to allocate 20 % of your portfolio, to private equity drawdown vehicles. got cap calls, capital commitments, distributions, like that needs to be budgeted and forecasting, right? So a lot of these families will have, one nuclear family can have three to four homes, 10 bank accounts, 20 entities. It’s not like a single piggy bank that you could take cash out of and move it every which way, right? Those are owned by different vehicles, different trusts, different assets and things like that, so. Frazer Rice Here’s a myth that I espouse which is Family offices and whether you have one or not is driven solely by size whether you have five billion or two hundred million or something like that that if you aren’t a certain size you shouldn’t have one and if you’re Of a certain size you must have one. Mark Tepsich That’s a myth. It’s driven by complexity first. I’ve seen, I’ve spoken to people that are worth two to $3 billion. It’s concentrated in a few stocks, meaning like they were early stage employees, right? They’re still in it. They’re getting a healthy dividend at this point. Guy talked to couple years ago. He had two homes, two cars, probably 95 % of his network was tied up into two separate securities that were probably traded. And he’s like, I don’t think I need a family office. You want to know what one was, what it could do from. And I’m like, listen, if you don’t have the complexity, it probably doesn’t make sense. Okay, if you can make a decision within whatever framework you have, whatever complex you have. Now, the other, you know, there is a cost factor to it, right? It gets easier to start a family office, meaning hire a couple of people, if you’ve got the… asset base for it to make sense on a cost perspective. So most of the time it’s driven by complexity, but cost does become a factor, right? If you’re worth a hundred million dollars, you’re to go hire 10 people. That probably doesn’t make sense. Frazer Rice (19:28.342) Right. Well, on top of that too, if you, and there’s a sort of the difference between a family office driven by a liquidity event and meeting that’s, that’s all you have versus a family office that’s tethered or sorry, a family business that’s tethered to it, that is also generating cash flows to help pay for things that that’s a big part of the decision. Because if you’re hiring people, you know, a CIO minimum, absolute minimum is probably $500,000. They’re going to need people, you know, you’re looking at at least 3 million. just to get the thing up and running before you start figuring out what you actually have to do. And so the concept that the size is going to dictate completely, it underscores sort of that cost component that you described there. Frazer Rice This is an interesting one and I like this concept to talk about. Family offices are like institutional capital as investors. Mark Tepsich Again, myth, there are some, again, there are some that are like institutions. They have the size and the sophistication. Oftentimes you see them, they’re former PE or hedge fund founders, right? That just aren’t doing any more of it. They made their wealth in the financial ecosystem, in the markets. And so they’re very sophisticated. But by and large, I mean, they’re sort of quasi-institutional, right? So I’ve seen multi-billion dollar family offices that Again, they’re more of the administrative hub rather than, we’re gonna be splashing around and playing in the markets and using a lot of leverage and doing a lot of control equity investments. So by and large, it’s the myth. 85 to 90 % are institutional-like. They are there to fill a need and that need is complexity management. Frazer Rice Here’s one on a different angle, which is family offices are the goal for people in the wealth management industry to work for, meaning family offices are a great aspiration for people who work in the industry and that that’s universal. Mark Tepsich (21:34.35) Myth, I think it’s an option. I think it’s interesting. I think it is a growing opportunity for folks that work in, you know, maybe wealth management or investment management or the financial ecosystem. But you didn’t, again, family has been around for a long time, but they’ve really only became, you know, kind of popular post global financial crisis with the rise of PE because of ZERP. You know, I’ll talk to a lot of people that are like in the hedge fund ecosystem looking for a change, right? And I say like, listen, like these opportunities for you are out there, but it depends on the family. It depends on their compensation philosophy as on the culture that you’re going to have to live within. There’s a lot of key man risk. Is it an opportunity? Yes. But again, it is, it is family office by family office. Frazer Rice I tell people too, it’s for people who are used to having lots of clients or lots of institutional support that is going to be a shift. It’s different to have one client. It’s different to have a scenario where the business of a family office, the business model of that particular family office can change on a dime. And if you don’t share the last name of the family you’re working for, you could be in a tough spot. Mark Tepsich Yeah, “we’re gonna build out a sustainability impact portfolio. We’re gonna build out, we’re gonna have a direct investment initiative. We’re gonna allocate whatever, a few hundred million dollars to it.” That person, that professional gets there and then a year or two or three years goes by and the strategy changes because a family member too had to change a heart. And then it becomes, okay, why am I here? Where am I gonna go now? So again, they could be great opportunities. I had a great experience.but it really just depends on the family. Frazer Rice (23:26.894) Here’s one, and you’ve got UBS over your shoulder there, so this is dramatic foreshadowing in some ways, but I think it bears talking about. It’s that family offices shun the large institutions, and that they want it bespoke, they want something peculiar all the time. What do you think about that? Mark Tepsich No, I mean, it goes back to the earlier myth that, you know, basically we’re saying family office should, family office do outsource a lot, right? So again, most family offices are five to eight people, right? I call it family office island, meaning you’re there on the island and you’re like, what is going on outside of the island or off of the island? You know your island really well, right? You know the family, know all the facts inside and out, but they are, I mean, there’s a reason why all these institutions, including UBS, has built out the resources to cater to family offices, right? I’m the perfect example. They brought me on to help our clients build family offices, right? They would not do that if it was gonna cannibalize their business. So they could be great clients and other times it’s like, hey, we’re very insular and we’re gonna keep everything close to the vest. Again, it’s family office to family office. But by and large, they’re great wealth clients. Frazer Rice No, and they also, you know, they need institutions to partner with of size, whether it’s at custody or lending or any number of other functions that are out there. Sometimes, you know, the RIA space is such that, you know, they try to be all things to all people and the appeal of being in, you know, the billionaire space. It takes a lot of people and a lot of effort and frankly a different business model to deal with that and to just sort of wander in and say we’re great and we can do these things. I think that’s a short road for a lot of institutions. Frazer Rice (25:17.602) Again, like we are brutally honest too. And I’ll, and here’s what I mean by that. Well, like we’re rated a lot of things, but I’ll say like, listen, there’s things that we can’t do for you. We can’t be your accounting back office, right? Like we just don’t offer that. We don’t have it. We’ve got a couple firms that would do that. They’re pure plays on it. So they’ve got to be good at it. but you know, use the various institutions for what they’re good for. They’re, know, again, that’s why you’ve got a family office. You can kind of pick or choose and be agnostic as to what you’re using them for. Frazer Rice If we wind down here a couple of last ones: The tech that family offices rely on is going to be best in breed. Mark Tepsich I, listen, I have this power station all the time with family office meeting, like what, what, you know, what tech providers should we be looking at? Listen, family office have grown in, right over the past 10, 15 years that there’s not a question. they’re historically, right. had to use in a family office, had to take basically institutional tools, try to repurpose them for the family office and they just, they’re just kind of clunky, right? The family office is still a cottage industry. If you’re trying to sell the family offices, you’re selling the two firms with five to eight employees, right? So the tools are going to continue to get better. But in my opinion, they’re always going to lag the institutional tools and kind of sophistication. But that’s also because institutional tools are very kind of narrow and deep, whereas the family office tech tools, you’ve got the accelerated reporting, but it needs to link to the accounting. That’s an issue. And so the family of standard day is left with like a bunch of disparate fragmented systems that have a challenge talking to each other. With that said, AI, I’ve been talking to a lot of these sort of mom and pop shops, I’ll call them. They’re firms that are trying to incorporate AI to break down these walls. So it’s not fragmented disparate systems. I use the analogy of it’s like jailbreaking an iPhone. I don’t know where this is gonna be in a couple of years, but I think the tools are going to continue to improve. But again, you’re probably not going to take a family office tech tool and deploy it at institutional scale. So if that answers your question, I guess it’s a measure. Frazer Rice First of all, I think it’s going to take a long time before something, quote unquote, replaces Excel, which is still a powerful tool that is flexible and does what it says it’s going to do. And people use it sometimes at their own peril to be the underpinning of everything. the one thing I would add is that the mom and pop software components, I think, have a lot of great ideas. The total market to sell into that, though, does not necessarily make for a great software business. As you say, to get those tools that are specific and required at the family office level to be profitable, you got to figure out a way to sell that into something bigger. I’m not sure there is anything bigger. Mark Tepsich (28:49.358) Yeah, I mean, you’d be better selling it to, you know, small businesses, right? So, I mean, the tools are going to get better, but there’s been a lot of interest recently in the past couple years. I don’t think, I think most of them are not going to survive. I don’t want to say there’s only going to be a couple winners, but on the Consolidated Reported Front, I really think there’s only going be a couple winners because you need scale. And again, family office, if you’re looking to make a decision, you’re like, well, okay, well, 5,000 users use Adapar and 50 use this other platform. So which one are you gonna choose? You don’t wanna onboard to the one that has 50 and then three years down the road, they’re out of business, or there’s fold or something like that. So with scale comes a little bit of security that at least you know that a lot of other people are using. You could point to that. Frazer Rice Last question. Family offices will rival PE firms in terms of influence in the investing market? 85 to 90 % will not rival PE firms. That’s not what they’re set up for. That’s not the goal of most family offices. Again, it’s complexity management. Will some rival PE firms? Yeah. But again, you… Listen, I’ve seen some family office go out there and raise their party capital. When they do that, they’re not a family office anymore. They might have a component in there, but they’re private equity firms. What you’re getting at is private equity firms are raising a fund every couple of years. Can a family office do that? No, because once they do that, they will be a private equity firm. So PE by and large has an infinite capital source, as long as they are good at what they do, right? So with that said, you know, there’s a lot of entrepreneurs that are are post liquidity events have played in the direct investment space, they really wanna do it. They’re still young, right? They’re billers, operators created. They wanna do it from a different vantage point. They’re coming to a realization: “that w”We need to start a fund.” I really love that story because again, they’re founders and operators. They didn’t come from the financial ecosystem first to do this. So I think they’re putting a different spin on PE. I think it’s great for the PE industry as a whole, by the way. And I think, if you’re a founder or a business owner, you might have an easier time taking an equity investment from somebody like that, who’s known in that specific industry that they made their money in, who’s had to make payroll. And they probably have a different timeline than normal PE that’s looking to flip every three to five years. So I think as an investor, I think that would be an interesting investment opportunity, right? And so it’s like, okay, well, part of my PE allocation, you know, This might look interesting. I hesitate to make, you know, I’m not an investment person, so. Frazer Rice Great stuff. Mark, how do people find you and reach out? Mark Tepsich I’m on LinkedIn. I would attempt to just spell my name with my email address at ubs.com, but it’s very lengthy. You just hit me up on LinkedIn. But, Frasier, I appreciate the time. This was great. Frazer Rice I’ll have that in the show notes and as a final parting, we sort of listen to people say, the family space is getting loud. I’m not sure it is. I think the vendors are more loud than the family offices are. I don’t know what your experience is there. Mark Tepsich 100%, the family members themselves are still quiet. You don’t see them out there on LinkedIn. It is the ecosystem to your point around them that is getting loud, right? It’s LinkedIn. It’s like, you know, every time I’m on there, it’s like somebody’s got something to say about families, which is good. Again, if you think about every boom in history, they attract people, right? You could say the same thing about AI, right? But again, it’s become loud, but that’s the industry. It’s not the family offices themselves. Frazer Rice Great stuff. Thanks, Mark. Mark Tepsich Thank you, Frazer. Appreciate it. FAMILY OFFICE DEFINED MORE ON FAMILY OFFICE DESIGN WITH ED MARSHALL https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Gen 26:17-27:46, Matt 9:1-17, Ps 10:6-18, Pr 3:9-10

Spoken Mandarin can feel like an onslaught of similar sounds, half-recognised tones and unknown words. To add insult to injury, it's often too fast! Should you slow it down? If so, how?#learnchinese #listening #speed #rateofspeech #fast #slowLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-listening-fast-and-slow-three-ways-of-slowing-down-mandarin-speech/Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 4: Learning to process spoken Mandarin quickly and effortlessly: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-4-learning-to-process-spoken-mandarin-quickly-and-effortlesslyThe Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-like-a-fish-in-waterLearning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputLearning the third tone in Mandarin Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone-mandarin-chineseLearning the neutral tone in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-neutral-tone-in-mandarinListen more than once: How the replay button can help you learn more Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-more-than-once-how-the-replay-button-can-help-you-learn-more-chineseUsing Audacity to learn Chinese (speaking and listening): https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-audacity-to-learn-chinese-speaking-and-listeningThe 10 best free C listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learnersBeginner Chinese listening practice: what to listen to and how: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice-what-to-listen-to-and-howThe best YouTube channels for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chineseMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

Gen 24:52-26:16, Matt 8:18-34, Ps 10:1-5, Pr 3:7-8