Steven's Language Vlog Podcast
A podcast dedicated to learning about languages, studying and using them both at home and abroad. How do you find the time, energy and motivation to learn a language? Tune in to find out how one expat makes time each and every day to learn and teach languages.
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SLV | Episode 11 | Deconstructing Chinese Characters, Russian Grammar Tests, and What Makes a Good Teacher?
10/13/2024
SLV | Episode 11 | Deconstructing Chinese Characters, Russian Grammar Tests, and What Makes a Good Teacher?
In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we talk about this past week's live streams including deconstructing Chinese characters (both Simplified and Traditional), failing Russian grammar tests, and what makes a good English teacher. We also ask: what does it mean to be self-taught and can you be a self-taught language learner? Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:22 Welcome to the Language Vlog Series 01:19 Weekly Language Learning Update 02:02 Deep Dive into Chinese Character Practice 10:22 Exploring Effective English Teaching 18:16 Russian Language Challenges and Resources 23:50 Self-Taught vs. Teacher-Led Language Learning 25:55 Conclusion and Community Engagement
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SLV - PODCAST - Episode 10 - October 5, 2024
10/06/2024
SLV - PODCAST - Episode 10 - October 5, 2024
In the 10th episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we discuss how the Beijing autumn is now settling upon the city and touch on how the Chinese holiday "make up work day" system works. This episode also marks our foray into the land of podcast streaming, as we are now on all the major broadcast channels. I also discuss a little bit about a new habit I'm trying to form each and every morning: reading some Russian before going about my day (and before I fit in my Chinese studies, too!) We talk a little bit about the hutong neighbourhoods here in Beijing and an electric pipa performance that was put on at a recent event in GuoMao. This podcast serves as a complement to Steven's YouTube channel focused on language learning and living abroad. Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:26 Life in Beijing: Weather and Holidays 04:45 Podcast Expansion and Listening Experience 07:11 Weekly Recap: Live Streams and Language Studies 09:12 Exploring Beijing: Hutongs and City Layout 14:00 Language Learning Approaches: Chinese vs. Russian 17:39 Morning Routine: Incorporating Russian Reading 20:22 Cultural Experience: Electric Pipa Performance 22:15 Traditional Chinese Writing: A Personal Journey 25:46 Conclusion and Farewell
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SLV - PODCAST - September 29, 2024
10/01/2024
SLV - PODCAST - September 29, 2024
In this week's episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I provide some updates on my language learning journey, focusing primarily on Mandarin Chinese and Russian. We discuss the intricacies of living in China, exploring the unique nature of Chinese national holidays. I recap the past week's live streams and address the technical challenges faced, such as using a spectrogram to analyze Chinese tones and troubleshooting internet issues during broadcasts. Highlights include a detailed look at my Russian extensive listening practice, thoughts on English teaching overseas, and my gaming experience with 'Black Myth: Wukong'. Tune in for an engaging conversation on language learning, overcoming technical difficulties, and living as an expat. LINKS: Spectrogram: Livestream on working and living overseas: Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:29 Podcast Overview and Host Introduction 01:21 Living in China: National Day and Holidays 02:16 Weekly Recap: Live Streams and Videos 04:03 Technical Difficulties and Solutions 05:32 Using a Spectrogram for Chinese Tones 08:51 Russian Live Stream and Extensive Listening 10:36 English Live Stream: Living and Working Overseas 12:38 YouTube Short: Teaching English Overseas 14:27 Gaming Experience: Playing Wukong 16:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Content
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SLV - PODCAST - September 15, 2024
09/29/2024
SLV - PODCAST - September 15, 2024
Welcome to the Language Vlog Podcast for September 15, 2024! Reflecting on living in China for 10 years, new podcast website, and live stream updates. We also delve into Beijing's autumn season and our current status studying Chinese, Russian, and English. Tune in for insights on gym routines, Cyrillic typing, and English grammar resources. Plus, find out about the Read the Classics series and upcoming projects. Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Like what you hear? Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:25 Introduction and Welcome 01:17 Living in China for 10 Years 03:07 Podcast Website and Accessibility 04:26 Beijing's Autumn Season 06:31 Weekly Live Streams and Content Schedule 08:43 Chinese Live Stream: Gym and Language Practice 12:09 Russian Live Stream: Cyrillic Typing Practice 15:19 English Live Stream: Grammar Resources and Black Myth Wukong 19:51 Reading the Classics in English 22:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
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SLV - PODCAST - September 7, 2024
09/29/2024
SLV - PODCAST - September 7, 2024
In this week's episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we give an update our language learning journeys, focusing on Mandarin Chinese and Russian. We also discuss choosing a podcast hosting service and the challenges of distributing the podcast across different platforms. The episode touches on living as an expat in China, Beijing's cooler autumn weather, and the scenic beauty of the Great Wall during this season. We also review some of the recent YouTube videos, covering topics such as Chinese calligraphy, Russian reading practice, and the Black Myth Wukong video game. We look at the balance between using AI teachers versus human teachers and the efficacy of ChatGPT in various languages. Tune in for insights and tips on language learning, expat life, and more! Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:45 Choosing a Podcast Host 02:15 Weather Update in Beijing 04:18 Channel Updates and Video Releases 05:38 Practicing Chinese Calligraphy 08:04 Russian Language Practice 11:04 Exploring Black Myth: Wukong 12:02 Teaching English Overseas 14:17 Is China Safe? 18:01 AI Teachers vs. Human Teachers 19:51 ChatGPT and Language Learning 21:45 Conclusion and Contact Information
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SLV - PODCAST - September 1, 2024
09/29/2024
SLV - PODCAST - September 1, 2024
In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, we take a look back at the year so far, what we've accomplished and what we'd like to see done in the remainder of this year, particularly continuing with Mandarin Chinese and Russian. The episode also covers a visit to the CAFE Show 2024 and weekly video updates, including live streams focused on Chinese reading and Russian grammar. Steven looks at his progress with traditional Chinese characters and Russian language maintenance, as well as the potential to introduce English grammar streams. The episode also highlights short video content, addresses whether China is safe, and includes some of the comments received through the YouTube channel. We finally discuss the importance of balancing language study methods and the benefits of using a language hours tracker. Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:18 Introduction to the Language Vlog Podcast 00:41 Attending the CAFE Show 2024 01:22 Weekly Video Recap 02:47 Live Streams: Learning Chinese and Russian 03:57 Exploring Chinese Reading Levels 05:34 Diving into Russian Grammar 06:47 Future Live Stream Plans 08:02 Short Videos of the Week 13:12 Is China Safe? 17:33 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement 18:49 Farewell and Upcoming Plans
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SLV - PODCAST - August 24, 2024
09/29/2024
SLV - PODCAST - August 24, 2024
In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I discuss recent updates in my language learning journey, focusing on Mandarin Chinese and Russian. I also delve into creating YouTube content, the challenges of running a channel, and the frequency of video uploads. A significant part of the conversation revolves around ESL certifications like the DELTA and TESOL, including personal experiences, the pros and cons of each, and advice for potential candidates. Moreover, I share an clip about a unique sound you'll hear in China when a vehicle is backing up: 请注意！倒车！ Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:08 Balancing YouTube and Full-Time Job 01:53 Starting a YouTube Channel: Tips and Insights 03:20 Unique Chinese Vehicle Sounds 05:52 Join the Email List! 07:14 Reading Strategies for Language Learners 10:08 ESL Certifications: DELTA vs. MA in TESOL 16:57 Upcoming Videos and Final Thoughts
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SLV - PODCAST - August 17, 2024
09/29/2024
SLV - PODCAST - August 17, 2024
In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I discuss our YouTube content strategy, including YouTube Shorts and long-form videos. We also take a deep dive into my recent visit to Universal Studios Beijing and share insights on dealing with Beijing's summer weather. Additionally, I introduce a new podcast idea aimed at making our content more accessible and talk about the upcoming videos we're working on. Join me as I explore language learning, expat life in China, and more! Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Language Vlog Podcast 01:13 Beijing Weather Update 01:39 YouTube Content Overview 02:27 Universal Studios Beijing Experience 04:21 Practicing Chinese Characters 05:22 Dinosaurs, Aliens, and Human Languages 06:02 Living in China: Your Questions Answered 07:19 Upcoming Long Form Videos 08:50 Podcast Idea and Workflow 10:40 Conclusion and Contact Information
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SLV - The Language Podcast - Episode 03
09/29/2024
SLV - The Language Podcast - Episode 03
In this episode of the Language Podcast, we dive into the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) levels, explaining why they matter for Mandarin Chinese learners. We also discuss the structure of the HSK exams, their relevance, and why you might or might not want to pursue them based on your goals. We review recent YouTube videos on the language vlog, covers language learning strategies including watching TV, and provides practical tips for mastering Mandarin Chinese. Tune in for insights on navigating the HSK levels, effective study methods, and more! Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Language Podcast 00:05 Recent Language Vlog Updates 01:54 Discussing HSK Levels and Certification 04:13 HSK Test Structure and Preparation 05:43 Challenges and Benefits of HSK 07:29 Certification and Its Implications 12:56 Time Commitment for HSK 20:20 Learning Mandarin: HSK vs. Immersion 26:54 Can You Learn a Language by Watching TV? 32:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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SLV - The Language Podcast - Episode 02
09/29/2024
SLV - The Language Podcast - Episode 02
In this episode of the podcast, I take a walk around my neighborhood in Beijing and answer some frequently asked questions about living in the city. We discuss the presence of security cameras, popular local food spots like the roast duck stall and Daoxiangcun dessert shop, and address common concerns about pollution and traffic. I also share insights on the extensive bike-sharing system, navigating the Beijing subway, and the cultural nuances of dining and commuting. Additionally, I touch on learning Mandarin, the challenges of the local payment system, and the vibrant art scene. Overall, this episode provides a look at the daily life and unique aspects of living as an expat in Beijing. Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Beijing 00:24 Security Cameras in Beijing 01:39 Exploring Local Food and Cuisine 03:17 Pollution and Traffic in Beijing 05:38 Public Transportation and Subway System 07:26 Share Bikes and Convenience 10:38 Living in Beijing: Daily Life and Amenities 19:04 Navigating the Crowds and City Life 21:29 Learning Chinese and Language Challenges 26:23 Art and Culture in Beijing 27:03 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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SLV - The Language Podcast - Episode 01
09/29/2024
SLV - The Language Podcast - Episode 01
In the first episode of the Language Podcast, I introduce this new format as a way to dive deeper into language learning beyond YouTube shorts. I discuss the challenges of uploading longer videos, potential solutions, and my motivations for starting this channel. I delve into a bit of my language learning journey, covering Mandarin Chinese and Russian, and share my experiences preparing to learn Korean in just three weeks. I also touch on the importance of effective pronunciation and the challenges faced by ESL teachers. Join me as I explore language learning techniques, cultural insights, and some personal progress in the languages I'm focusing on right now. Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee! Keep in touch! Join our newsletter! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Language Podcast 00:02 Purpose and Format of the Podcast 00:49 Challenges of Video Podcasting 01:43 YouTube Shorts and Channel Growth 02:41 Personal Language Learning Journey 05:19 Teaching ESL and Language Proficiency 10:22 Experiences in China and Korea 13:39 Reflections on Learning Korean 17:56 Conclusion and Future Plans
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