In this podcast, we talk about the rise of child influencers in China — kids who appear in livestreams, short videos, or reality shows. Why do so many parents let their children become online stars? What are the benefits and hidden risks behind fame at such a young age? We explore this issue from the perspectives of education, family, social values, and mental health. Perfect for intermediate and upper-intermediate Chinese learners, this episode helps you learn natural Chinese while under...

News about Barbie Hsu’s passing has sparked talks about inheritance and wills. 💰 Many avoid this topic, but without a will, family disputes can happen. 📜 Is writing a will really necessary? Let’s talk about why it matters for everyone. 👇 大S（徐熙媛）去世的消息引发了关于遗产和遗嘱的讨论。💰 很多人避讳这个话题，但没有遗嘱容易引发家庭纠纷。📜 立遗嘱真的有必要吗？ 我们一起来聊聊为什么每个人都该重视它。👇 Love my content? Buy me a coffee and help me create more! ☕https://buymeacoffee.com/annieandkerin https://www.buzzsprout.com/2448476/su....

In this episode, we discuss emotional spending. What is it, and why are people willing to spend money to improve their mood or relieve stress? From massages, spa sessions, concerts, movies, to buying small items that make you happy — these are all examples of emotional spending. We explore the psychology behind it and compare attitudes toward emotional spending between Chinese and Western cultures. 在这一期《天涯北京姑娘闲聊》中，我们聊聊“情绪消费”。什么是情绪消费？为什么人们愿意花钱来改善自己的心情或缓解压力？无论是去做按摩、SPA、听演唱会、看电影，还是买一些小东西让自己开心，这些...

In this episode , we dive into the rising trend of “buddy culture” in China. From gym buddies to lunch buddies to even parenting buddies – more and more people are choosing companionship without commitment. Is this a smart and efficient way to deal with loneliness, or does it lead to shallow relationships and emotional detachment? We share personal stories, pros and cons, and ask: Do you really need a “buddy”… or are you actually looking for a real friend? 在这期《听俩北京姑娘闲聊》中，我们聊聊当下年轻人中流行的“搭子文化”。什...

In this episode, we dive into the hot topic of Xibei restaurants and pre-packaged food in China. We discuss why pre-packaged meals have sparked controversy domestically, while comparing how similar products are received in Western markets. By exploring cultural habits, convenience, and taste preferences, we aim to uncover the differences in attitudes between Chinese and Western consumers. 在本期节目中，我们深入聊了最近国内引发热议的西贝餐厅事件以及预制菜的话题。我们讨论了为什么预制菜在国内引起争议，同时对比了欧美市场对类似食品的接受度。通过文化、便利性和口味偏好的分析，我们尝试揭示背后中西方消费...

📌 English Description In this special episode, we answer questions from our listeners about the podcast itself: Why did we choose this name? What kind of content can you expect here? What style and atmosphere do we want to create? Most importantly: How can you use our podcast to improve your Chinese? We share the story behind the podcast, our vision, and practical tips on how to listen, take notes, and reflect so that each episode becomes a tool for better language learning. 🎧 Perfect fo...

In Chinese culture, saying “no” directly can be seen as rude or impolite. People often choose to be vague or give indirect responses, even when they want to decline. In this video, I’ll explore the cultural reasons why many Chinese people find it hard to say "no," and how this differs from Western communication styles — especially in the UK and the US. This is a key part of understanding cross-cultural communication! 在中国文化中，“拒绝别人”常常被视为不礼貌、不近人情，很多人即使不愿意，也会勉强答应。这种“委婉”、“含蓄”的表达方式，和西方文化中直接说“不”的方式形...

Some people insist on making life harder than it needs to be — whether to save money, out of habit, or because of deep-rooted beliefs — even when modern technology could make life much easier. In this episode, we discuss: What does “无苦硬吃” (enduring unnecessary hardship) mean? Why do some people refuse to make life easier? How modern tools and technology can improve quality of life Balancing hard work and enjoying life Would you spend extra money for convenience, or stick to doing things ...

In this podcast, Kerin and I talk about our summer trips — I traveled to Africa, and she went to Dubai. We share our stories and reflections, and also discuss: Why do we travel? What does travel really mean in our lives? How does travel change our perspective of the world and ourselves? Is it about “seeing sights” or “experiencing life”? 🎧 Perfect for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners. Improve your Chinese listening while exploring the deeper meaning of travel with us. 这一次，我和 Ke...

AI can now write stories, create art, and even become a companion for your emotions. In this episode, we explore: How can AI provide emotional support to humans? Why are more young people in China turning to AI chatbots for comfort? The benefits and risks of emotional AI companionship Could human–AI relationships ever become “real” love? 🎧 This podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners. Improve your listening skills while reflecting on how technology is changing t...

Should we enjoy life now or save it for the future? In this episode, we explore one of the biggest dilemmas of modern life — Delayed Gratification vs Instant Enjoyment. What does "delayed gratification" really mean? Why are more and more young people choosing to enjoy the present? What are the psychological and cultural differences behind these choices? 🎧 This podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners. Improve your listening skills while reflecting on your own life...

In this episode, we discuss a question many overseas Chinese face: Should we stay and build a life abroad, or return to China for a new chapter? We share our own stories, what we’ve heard from friends, and the key factors influencing such decisions — from children's education to caring for ageing parents, career opportunities, cultural identity, and more. Have you thought about moving back to China? Or do you feel completely settled overseas? Share your thoughts in the comments! 这一期《听俩北京姑娘闲聊》...

In this podcast episode,we talk about the stereotypes people often have about Chinese people: Are Chinese people really all good at math? Do they really avoid expressing emotions? What about stereotypes like “eating dog meat” or “lacking privacy boundaries”? We explore where these ideas come from, which are true, and which are misunderstandings. We’ll also discuss stereotypes Chinese people may have about foreigners. 🧠 Perfect for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners to improv...

In this episode, we talk about the importance of emotional stability in everyday life. Whether it's work pressure, family stress, or relationship conflicts, staying emotionally steady often determines how well we deal with challenges. Emotional stability doesn’t mean never getting angry — it’s about learning how to manage our reactions. Tune in to hear our real-life stories and thoughts on emotional control and resilience. 在这一期节目中，我们聊了聊“情绪稳定”在生活中的重要性。无论是工作压力、家庭琐事，还是与伴侣的争执，情绪稳定其实决定了我们能不能...

“Fan culture” in China has grown beyond entertainment, now touching sports, social media, and daily life. In this episode, we explore: What is Chinese fan culture (“饭圈文化”)? Why do fans go to extremes? What happened with table tennis star Fan Zhendong and his fans? Where's the line between passionate support and over-obsession? Can being a fan be a healthy lifestyle? Perfect for intermediate–advanced Chinese learners. Listen in and join the conversation! “饭圈文化”已经从娱乐圈蔓延到体育圈、网络世界，甚至影响到我们的日...

In this episode, we shared how we learned English — from our childhood learning experiences to how we keep up with the language today. Most importantly, we talked about some real, effective learning strategies that we hope will inspire our viewers who are learning Chinese! Whether you're learning Mandarin or English, we hope our stories motivate you. Let us know your own language-learning journey in the comments! 在这一期的《听俩北京姑娘闲聊》中，我们分享了我们是如何学英语的。我们聊了小时候的学习经历，也谈到现在如何保持语言习惯。更重要的是，我们总结了一些真正...

In Chinese culture, “saving face” is a powerful concept that influences many life decisions—from marriage to buying a house. But is it really worth the emotional and financial stress? In this video, we talk about what “face” really means, how it shapes behaviour, and whether it's time to rethink this tradition. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 在中国文化中，“面子”几乎无处不在。不管是结婚、生孩子、买房买车，很多决定都是为了给自己或家人“争面子”。但这种“死要面子活受罪”的现象，也让不少人感到压力山大。在本期视频中，我们来聊聊“面子”到底是怎么回事？它的好处和坏处各是什么？你怎么看？欢迎留言讨论！ 中文词汇 英文翻译 ...

在中国，有一种被称为“996”的工作制度——早上9点上班，晚上9点下班，一周工作6天。这到底是“拼搏精神”的体现，还是严重违反劳动法的加班文化？ 在本期播客中，我们将讨论： 什么是“996”工作制？它是怎么来的？ 哪些行业最常见“996”？互联网、制造业还是其他？ 为什么有些人支持996，有些人坚决反对？ 中国年轻人对“奋斗”与“躺平”的态度发生了什么变化？ 这是一个为中高级中文学习者设计的节目，通过真实社会话题提升语言能力和文化理解。 关键词：996、加班文化、劳动法、职场压力、躺平、奋斗、现代青年 In China, “996” refers to working from 9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week. Is this a symbol of dedication and hustle — or a violation of labor rights? In this episode, we explore: What is the “996” work system and how did it come about? Wh...

In this episode , we discuss China’s National College Entrance Exam, known as the Gaokao, which has just concluded. We reflect on our own experiences, how much pressure students face, and whether this one exam should define someone’s future. Is Gaokao really a life-or-death turning point? Or is it just one step on a much longer road? We also share: Thoughts on alternative paths in life and education The differences between Chinese and Western mindsets about success Messages of encouragement f...

Why are more and more adults obsessed with toys and cute little figures like Labubu? It’s not just about how they look — it’s about emotional value. In this video, we’ll explore: What is emotional value in consumer culture? Why is “emotional spending” becoming a trend? How does Labubu offer emotional comfort for adults? What’s behind popular ideas like “treat yourself,” blind boxes, and “ugly-cute” designs? This is a podcast-style video made for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners,...