The Learner Journals: Real Language Learning Stories, Tips and Strategies

By Mandarin Monkey

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Category: Language Learning

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Episodes: 15

Description

The Learner Journals is a podcast for anyone learning a language and wondering why it sometimes feels impossible.


In each episode, Tom speaks to real language learners about how they study, practise, stay motivated, make mistakes, build confidence, and slowly turn confusing sounds into actual human communication.


These are honest conversations about what works, what doesn’t, and what people wish they knew earlier.


Expect practical language learning tips, personal stories, study routines, motivation, speaking advice, and plenty of reminders that struggling is not a sign you’re bad at languages. It’s basically the entry fee.


Perfect for learners of Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese, English, and anyone trying to learn a second language without losing the will to live.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Episode Date
How Shanley learns Mandarin: Taiwan, grammar, dramas, and finding her way back
Jun 03, 2026
How Brandon learns Mandarin: Clubhouse, DuChinese, music, and building immersion from Georgia
Jun 03, 2026
How Ija learns Mandarin: Passive listening, Anki, aphantasia, and the art of acquiring Chinese
Jun 01, 2026
How Manuel learns Mandarin: Anki, Taiwan, Bavarian German, and the slow art of getting 1% better
May 24, 2026
How Emma learns Mandarin: grief, anxiety, journals, and finding a way round
May 21, 2026
How Ragnar learns Mandarin: passive input, personal mnemonics, and treating language like training
May 19, 2026
How Jane learns Mandarin: grammar, Chinglish, flashcards, and doing it for fun
May 18, 2026
How Alex learned Mandarin: factories, French, characters, and getting comfortable with being wrong
May 12, 2026
How Dan learned Mandarin: from a unicycle dream to 20 hours a week of Chinese
May 07, 2026
How Stephen learned Mandarin: from divorce, distraction and running away to Taiwan
May 06, 2026
How Fiona Learned Mandarin: Factories, Fear and a Bowl of Intestines
May 01, 2026
How Charlie Learned Mandarin: Flashcards, Anime and Moving to Taiwan
Apr 30, 2026
How Jemima Learned Mandarin: Taiwanese Dramas, Reading and Chinglish Confidence
Apr 27, 2026
How Darian Learned Mandarin: Apps, Bopomofo and Breaking Through Plateaus
Apr 27, 2026
How Ashley Learned Mandarin: Confidence, Speaking Practice and Making Mistakes
Apr 27, 2026