In Episode 24 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we look at change and exploring what drives people to move jobs, cities, or even countries, especially as expats. The episode reflects on the challenges of transitioning to new environments and discusses thought-provoking questions like "What if?" and "How would I do it?"

We also review the 2024 Beijing Cafe Show, showcasing China's growing coffee industry and its global connections.

Additionally, the episode introduces the world of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), emphasizing the value of CELTA certification and the growing opportunities in online teaching.

Wrapping up, we also discuss the free Chinese Course by Email, designed for busy learners seeking a quick, impactful introduction to Mandarin.

This episode offers a mix of personal reflection, practical advice, and language learning resources for listeners navigating life abroad.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:29 Podcast Overview and Purpose

03:10 Challenges of Producing Content

04:18 Discussion on Moving and Changing Jobs

12:06 The Cafe Show 2024 Experience

18:09 Exploring ESL and CELTA

24:02 Chinese Course by Email

26:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The Language Vlog Podcast, we discuss airports that have carpeted floors and how many airports (and train stations) in China have opted for granite tiles instead. We look at a Ukrainian New Year's tradition from childhood. And we also look at some of the reasons why Steve came to China, what makes him stay, and what would make him leave.

Oh, and NOW LAUNCHED is our NEW Chinese Course by Email! Sign up here!

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

00:48 Reflections on Returning to China

01:15 Holiday Seasons in China and the West

04:55 Travel Experiences and Airport Observations

11:04 Ukrainian New Year Traditions

13:01 Why I Came to China and Why I Stay

29:52 Launching the Chinese Course by Email

33:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recorded from YVR (Vancouver Airport) during a layover on my way back to Beijing, this episode of The Language Vlog Podcast reflects on some of the Ukrainian-Canadian traditions that take place during the Christmas season. Traditions include what is done on Christmas Eve, what types of food are eaten around this time, and the origins of the famous song "Carol of the Bells".

Also discussed are modern books that have been translated into ancient languages and the start of a new Chinese Course by Email that we will be launching on January 1st, 2025.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:47 Recording at the Airport

01:23 Reflections on Being an Expat

02:33 Holiday Season and Published Videos

02:50 Harry Potter in Latin

05:27 Ukrainian Christmas Traditions

10:29 Origins of Carol of the Bells

12:52 Ice Hockey Memories

14:51 Taking Time for Yourself

19:24 Upcoming Chinese Course

21:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Language Vlog Podcast. In this episode we talk a little about reading some of the "Classics", ie, some of Plato's works in the original language; we also cover reading religious texts in ancient languages and whether or not it's an appropriate form to learn a language these days; and, finally, we check in with my Chinese language abilities in a new video released on the YouTube channel.

At the end of this week's episode, we also talk about our upcoming launch of a Chinese-by-email course that we will be releasing in January for those who are interested in dipping their toes into the world of Chinese characters, language learning, and preparing to come to China.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

https://sendfox.com/stevenslanguagevlog

Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee!

https://buymeacoffee.com/stevenslanguagevlog

Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:38 Holiday Season Reflections

02:10 Chinese Language Check and Video Editing

06:41 Approach to Language Learning Videos

11:44 Exploring Plato's Dialogues

18:43 Using Religious Texts for Language Learning

27:12 Upcoming Chinese Email Course

32:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 20 of the Language Vlog Podcast!

Finally returning to a structured language study routine, especially as my Cantonese lessons on iTalki near expiration.

This week’s podcast features discussions on expat life, hometowns, and appreciating the moment:

• Best Smelling Bookstore in Canada: What makes a bookstore smell so good? And should it? McNally Robinson in Winnipeg does exactly that. (Not sponsored!)
• Have Expats Given Up on Their Hometown?: Discussing why some leave home and some stay.
• Retirement Language: If you retired abroad, which language would you learn to live somewhere cheaper?
• Appreciating the Moment: How do you appreciate the moment when it's either bitterly cold or hot and humid?

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

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Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee!

https://buymeacoffee.com/stevenslanguagevlog

Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:41 Winter in Different Parts of the World

02:13 Challenges of Studying Languages While Traveling

05:17 Exploring Local Delicacies and Nostalgia

06:49 The Best Smelling Bookstore in Canada

11:18 Have Expats Given Up on Their Hometown?

14:25 Choosing a Retirement Language

18:38 Appreciating the Moment

23:55 Upcoming Projects for the Language Vlog

26:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 19 of The Language Vlog Podcast and we're talking about hometown memories, holding onto books for too long, and why China, why Canada?

Recorded on Sunday, December 8, 2024, this episode was shot in front of a bookcase of books I've had since my university days. Some might say it's been a long time, others might say too long. When do you get rid of a book that's just sitting on your shelf?

And if you're just joining in, be sure to join our newsletter (link below) as we're about to launch TWO new email campaigns: an introductory Chinese course and a "10-minute reminder" which we hope will help you better achieve your language goals.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

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Buy me a coffee!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Weather and Life in Winnipeg

02:30 Canadian Herbal Remedies

03:45 Books and Manuscript Tradition

09:53 YouTube Shorts Recap

14:20 Herodotus and His Histories

19:21 Who Was Saint Nicholas?

23:49 Why China, Why Not Canada?

27:12 Upcoming Projects and DONATE!

It's got cold and snowy here in Winnipeg, Canada, and this week's episode was recorded while walking around the block. Today we discuss what a Canadian prairie winter and Christmas time is typically like, the current language studies regimen, what it's REALLY like to be an expat (including what you miss and don't miss), and the new email-only Chinese language course we're developing.

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

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Time stamps:

00:00 Welcome to Winnipeg

00:45 Winter in Winnipeg

00:51 Christmas Around the World

02:40 Learning Russian

05:26 Expat Life Realities

07:47 Missing Home

08:51 Making Pierogies

15:32 Returning Home as an Expat

22:27 Developing a Mandarin Course

27:24 Wrapping Up

In this episode of the Language Blog Podcast, we talk a little about my trip back to Canada, touching on Winnipeg's harsh winters, the differences between Canada and China, and the challenges of maintaining language studies while traveling.

We also discuss some potential book projects for language learners and reflects on life as an expat.

Tune in for tips on language learning apps, a glimpse into downtown Vancouver, and thoughts on the reality of living abroad!

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

Keep in touch! Join our newsletter!

https://sendfox.com/stevenslanguagevlog

Enjoying what you hear? Buy me a coffee!

https://buymeacoffee.com/stevenslanguagevlog

Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:38 Canada's Cold Winters

03:09 Back in Canada: Personal Experiences

04:15 Vancouver Visit Highlights

09:46 Challenges of Studying While Traveling

13:19 Upcoming Video Ideas

16:35 Creating Language Learning Books

24:41 Going Forward