What happens when your reason for learning Chinese changes?

In this interview, Jared talks with Anastasia Tulupova about her journey from a goal-driven teenager in Ukraine, determined to master the “hardest language in the world” and become a translator, to a Chinese teacher who now helps others learn more effectively. Along the way, she realized that the path she started on wasn’t the one she actually wanted.

After years of structured study and passing HSK exams, everything changed when she arrived in China and discovered she couldn’t actually communicate. That moment pushed her to rethink not just how she was learning, but why.

We discuss the trap of perfectionism, the gap between knowing and using the language, and how consistent, real-world practice, often messy and repetitive, became the key to her breakthrough. Her story is a strong reminder that progress doesn’t come from getting everything right, but from showing up, speaking up, and sticking with it.

If your Chinese learning journey has ever felt frustrating, unclear, or like your goals are shifting, this episode will help you refocus on what actually works, and what really matters.

Links from the episode:

• Xiya Chinese Teacher | Anastasia on Instagram

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

What does it actually mean to be at a “level” in Chinese and why does moving up feel so slow?

In this episode, Jared and John dig into the concept of leveling from both the perspective of the learner and from decades of experience in creating Chinese learning content. With John’s decades of experience building structured learning systems, from ChinesePod to Mandarin Companion, you’ll gain insight into what goes into defining levels and why it’s much harder than it seems.

Along the way, they dig into why vocabulary lists alone don’t define your level, how “Swiss cheese” gaps in knowledge form, and why reinforcement, not just new content, is key to long-term progress. You’ll also hear practical insights on how immersion, motivation, and structured input all play a role in helping you truly level up.

John also shares a new project from Allset Learning: a set of free, level-based Chinese newsletters designed to provide consistent, engaging input for learners at three different stages. Follow the links below to subscribe for free.

Links from the episode:

• ABC (All the Basics of Chinese) | Substack

• AIC (Accessible Intermediate Chinese) | Substack

• ARC (Advanced Readings in Chinese) | Substack

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
  

Most people struggle to find time to learn Chinese. Adam started learning it in the middle of one of the most intense study periods of his life, and kept going.

A pre-med student at the University of Illinois, Adam didn’t begin with a clear plan or a class requirement. Instead, it started with curiosity: books on cross-cultural healthcare, exposure to Chinese classmates, and a growing realization that language could open doors not just academically, but humanly.

In this episode, Jared sits down with Adam to unpack how that curiosity turned into real progress in just a year and a half. From grinding through Anki decks and ChinesePod to forming friendships that pushed his speaking skills forward, Adam shares what actually made the difference and what didn’t.

They dig into the moments that changed everything: discovering how Chinese characters really work, moving from inconsistent self-study to structured learning, and pushing past the mental barrier of “I understand the words, but not the sentence.”

But the real payoff? Adam is already using Chinese in the real world. Whether it’s bonding with friends over hot pot or helping comfort a Chinese-speaking patient during a painful procedure, his story is a reminder that language learning isn’t just about fluency, it’s about connection.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your efforts will actually lead to something meaningful, this episode shows exactly how they can.

Links from the episode:

• Kid Learning Chinese | Adam Syed on Instagram

• Mandarin Companion Graded Readers