秋月慢谈 Real Chinese Talk - Immersion for Intermediates

Qiuyue
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Authentic, slow, and clear Chinese — about things that matter. Hosted by Qiuyue 秋月, a native Chinese speaker who speaks multiple languages and works in tech and the creative industry. Topics range from language learning and personal life to psychology, culture, and technology. Thoughtful, relevant, and always human.

  1. #51 获取内心平静的3个习惯 3 Habits That Give Me Peace Of Mind| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    4D AGO

    #51 获取内心平静的3个习惯 3 Habits That Give Me Peace Of Mind| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    Gaining inner peace actually isn’t that hard. Small changes can lead to big results. 00:30 Lately I’ve been in a pretty good mood 01:17 What is inner peace? 03:26 Habit 1: Write things down instead of relying on your brain to remember them 07:10 Specific tools 09:21 Habit 2: Keep a journal — a “brain cleanse” 11:55 Extra benefits and the language of the mind (mentalese) 14:28 Habit 3: Get good sleep (it’s hard but extremely important) 17:32 Sleep is the “ultimate medicine” 18:22 Four standards for measuring good sleep 获取内心的平静其实并不难。 微小的改变可以带来巨大的变化。 00:30 最近心情不错 01:17 什么是内心平静 03:26 习惯一：把要记的事写下来，而不是靠大脑记忆 07:10 具体工具 09:21 习惯二：写日记——“大脑的清洗” 11:55 额外好处与心灵语言 mentalese 14:28 习惯三：拥有好的睡眠（难但非常关键） 17:32 睡眠是“万能的药” 18:22 衡量好睡眠的四个标准 ------------------------------------- In the latest newsletter, I recommended a few recently released Chinese TV dramas that are said to be quite good. Interested in more Chinese content beyond the podcast and the video? Subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read practice for you! Guidance to improve your sleep from Huberman Lab https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/improve-your-sleep ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/GBfhbIT0m2c Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    22 min
  2. #50 人在荷兰 Life in the Netherlands as a foreigner | Chinese Comprehensible Input

    FEB 1

    #50 人在荷兰 Life in the Netherlands as a foreigner | Chinese Comprehensible Input

    What life is like for a foreigner living in the Netherlands (from the perspective of an office worker), and what I like and don’t like about the Netherlands. 00:59 Looking at the Netherlands from a Chinese perspective and introducing culture shock 02:02 The “Dutch rhythm” you can see from my daily routine 06:02 Office atmosphere and management style 08:22 Overall impressions: a relaxed life, simple relationships, and not much socializing/obligation 09:43 My love-hate relationship with Amsterdam 12:16 Three advantages of life in the Netherlands 16:14 Three drawbacks of life in the Netherlands 19:45 Culture shock in the Netherlands 21:30 Must-see places when visiting the Netherlands 聊聊一个外国人在荷兰的生活（从上班族的角度而言），以及我喜欢和不喜欢荷兰的点。 00:59 从中国人的视角看荷兰与文化冲击 02:02 从我的日常生活能看到的“荷兰节奏” 06:02 办公室氛围与管理方式 08:22 总体感受：生活轻松、人际关系简单、应酬少 09:43 对阿姆斯特丹的爱与恨 12:16 荷兰生活的三个优点 16:14 荷兰生活的三个缺点 19:45 在荷兰的文化冲击 21:30 来荷兰一定要看的地方 ------------------------------------- In the latest newsletter, I recommended a few recently released Chinese TV dramas that are said to be quite good. Interested in more Chinese content beyond the podcast and the video? Subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read practice for you! ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/YVRmjxM2u2k Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    26 min
  3. #49 通往幸福的方法 How to find happiness in mundane life: Identity Diversification |Chinese Comprehensible Input

    JAN 18

    #49 通往幸福的方法 How to find happiness in mundane life: Identity Diversification |Chinese Comprehensible Input

    Even in a life that feels messy and overwhelming, we can still find our own paths to happiness. 00:33 Halfway through January 2026: Have you taken action on your New Year plans? 02:30 One of the main reasons 2025 was a happy year: identity diversification 03:39 How to understand identity diversification 06:06 The benefits of diversifying time and identity 09:05 The ideal state: your main job and side projects reinforcing each other 09:40 My personal example 12:55 The results brought by synergy 13:26 How to get started 即使是在一地鸡毛的生活中，我们还是可以找到通往幸福的方法。 00:33 2026年一月过半：新年计划有没有行动？ 02:30 2025过得开心的主要原因之一：身份多元化 03:39 怎么理解身份多元化？ 06:06 多元化时间与身份的好处 09:05 理想状态：主业与副业互相增强 09:40 我的个人例子 12:55 协同效应带来的结果 13:26 如何开始------------------------------------ 秋月慢谈 Real Chinese Talk is a Chinese-only podcast for intermediate and advanced Chinese learners, providing comprehensible input of relevant and interesting topics. ------------------------------------- In the latest newsletter, I introduced a very interesting and extremely common way of expressing meaning – the numeric expressions in Chinese. Interested in more Chinese content beyond the podcast and the video? Subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read practice for you! ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/SuwUjnEDwl8 Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    17 min
  4. #48 满意的2025年：进步，减法，以及音乐 An 8 out of 10 out of 2025 |Chinese Comprehensible Input

    JAN 4

    #48 满意的2025年：进步，减法，以及音乐 An 8 out of 10 out of 2025 |Chinese Comprehensible Input

    2025 is over! I used the week off after Christmas to look back on 2025 and make plans for 2026. I’d give my 2025 an 8 out of 10. What score would you give your own 2025? 00:31 A week off after Christmas spent staying at home 01:29 Reflecting on 2025 and planning for 2026 02:14 Three principles for making plans 05:56 Language-learning progress in 2025 and language plans for 2026 08:25 2025 as a year of “doing less” 10:09 Changes brought about by Stoicism 13:50 The best thing that happened in 2025: starting to learn music 16:27 Realizing my strengths and learning preferences in 2025 2025结束了！我用圣诞节后的假期，回顾了2025年并制定了2026年的计划。 我给自己的2025打8分（10分满分）！你给自己的2025年打几分呢？ 00:31 留在家的圣诞节后的一周假期 01:29 回顾2025、规划2026 02:14 制定计划的三个原则 05:56 2025语言学习进步及2026语言计划 08:25 2025是做减法的一年 10:09 斯多葛主义带来的改变 13:50 2025发生的最好的事情：开始学习音乐 16:27 2025意识到自己的优势与学习偏好 ------------------------------------ I'm Qiuyue 秋月, a native Chinese speaker who speaks multiple languages and works in tech and the creative industry in the Netherlands. In 秋月慢谈, I talk about language learning, personal life, productivity, culture, and technology, using authentic, slow, and clear Chinese. My goal is to give you Chinese comprehensive input of interesting and relevant content. ------------------------------------- In the latest newsletter, I introduced a very interesting and extremely common way of expressing meaning in Chinese – the numeric expressions. Interested in more Chinese content beyond the podcast and the video? Subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read practice for you! ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/0mkpLT8QfzI Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    21 min
  5. #47 The best language learning methods 最好的语言学习方法 | Chinese Comprehensible Input

    12/21/2025

    #47 The best language learning methods 最好的语言学习方法 | Chinese Comprehensible Input

    I feel like I’ve recently found the best way to learn a language, and I can’t wait to share it with you! 00:00 Sharing what I think is the best language learning method 00:48 Method 1: Using the language you’re learning to study things you’re genuinely interested in 01:35 My practice: Learning music in Japanese (music theory classes, finding teachers, all-Japanese communication) 06:00 Challenges and how to transfer this method to other languages 07:42 Method 2: Writing as a stable form of output 14:30 Method 3: Learning “small words” 17:52 Review of the three methods 我感觉最近找到了最好的语言学习方法，迫不及待想和你分享！ 00:00 分享我觉得最好的语言学习方法 00:48 方法一：用正在学习的语言去学习真正感兴趣的事情 01:35 我的实践：用日语学音乐（上乐理课、找老师、全日语交流） 06:00 难点与迁移思路 07:42 方法二：写作作为稳定输出 14:30 方法三：学习“小词” 17:52 三种方法回顾 ------------------------------------ I was in a talk with Lao Liu, another Chinese polyglot/YouTuber/Podcaster who’s also making Chinese content. We talked a lot about how language changed our lives, how I started learning languages and recommendations on language learning. I was talking in my normal speaking speed with another Chinese native speaker. Curious about the content or wondering if you could understand me there? Check it out via the link: https://youtu.be/BBwxnjTdJVg?si=hqk7hcGoVsC0SHUd ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/8NsJVoNnv8A Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    20 min
  6. #46 Quitting social media 为什么要戒掉社交媒体？| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    12/07/2025

    #46 Quitting social media 为什么要戒掉社交媒体？| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    Social media always brings me all kinds of negative emotions: anxiety, addiction, anger… More importantly, my time slips away among endless short videos. So I made up my mind to quit social media. I can’t say I’ve completely succeeded yet, but I’ve already seen some progress. The most immediate result: my life has become much more relaxed. :) 00:00 I want to talk about social media 00:40 Why quitting social media is difficult 04:15 I uninstalled almost all social media apps, only kept WeChat 06:07 The most direct benefits after quitting 06:43 Deeper changes: less anxiety, smaller emotional ups and downs, etc. 10:42 Xiaohongshu’s particular impact and reflections; social media also has benefits. So what’s the key? 社交媒体总是给我带来各种各样负面的情绪：焦虑、上瘾、愤怒…… 更重要的是，时间流失在了各种短视频之间。 所以我下定决心，想要戒掉社交媒体。目前虽然不能说完全成功了，但是已经小有成效。 最直接的一个结果：我的生活变得更轻松了:) 00:00 想聊聊社交媒体 00:40 戒掉社交媒体的难点 04:15 卸载几乎所有社交App，只留微信 06:07 戒断后的直接好处 06:43 更深层的变化：焦虑减少、情绪起伏变小，等等 10:42 小红书的特殊影响与反思；社交媒体也有好处。那关键是什么？ ------------------------------------ In the latest newsletter, I introduced the number superstitions of in Chinese, which might demystify some unique phenomenon in China. Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you! ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/pd_FcV5vPLk Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    17 min
  7. #45 How should we read? 我们应该如何阅读？| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    11/23/2025

    #45 How should we read? 我们应该如何阅读？| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    A few months ago, I decided to change my reading habits, and I immediately felt the benefits of that change. Even though many books and articles are “teaching” us how to read, I think any method that helps you keep reading is a good method — everything else is secondary. Do you have a habit of reading? 00:00 Winter in the Netherlands, time to read 01:25 Sisyphe Bookstore and the university library 04:05 The sense of achievement and pressure brought by reading check-ins after starting work 06:01 Three adjustments to my reading habits: stop forcing myself, return to paper books, and only note what matters 09:37 The Courage to Be Disliked and “separating tasks,” plus its connection to Stoicism 14:55 Stan Lai’s Creativity and Picture This: How Pictures Work 几个月前我决定改变我的阅读习惯，现在我立马感受到了改变的好处。 尽管有很多书和文章都在“教”我们怎么阅读，但我认为，能让自己读下去的方法，就是好方法，其他的都是次要。 你有读书的习惯吗？ 00:00 荷兰入冬、阅读时间到 01:25 西西弗书店与图书馆 04:05 工作后的阅读打卡习惯带来的成就与压力 06:01 阅读习惯的三项调整：停止强迫、回归纸质、只记关键 09:37 《被讨厌的勇气》与“课题的分离”、斯多葛主义的对应思路 14:55 《赖声川的创意学》、Picture This: How Pictures Work ------------------------------------- In the latest newsletter, I introduced some unique words/concepts in Chinese, which show some unique mindset of Chinese people. Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you! ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/dG1MDDkv_QE Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    23 min
  8. #44 Are we slowly losing the art of writing by hand? 你还用手写字吗？| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    11/09/2025

    #44 Are we slowly losing the art of writing by hand? 你还用手写字吗？| Chinese Comprehensible Input

    Most Chinese people are gradually losing the ability to write by hand, and I think that’s a real pity. For us, handwriting is not just something that takes time to do, but a way to create a connection between people. 00:00 Why I want to talk about handwriting 01:18 The decline of handwriting ability 04:06 Handwriting and calligraphy in Chinese culture 06:04 From “ugly handwriting” to being asked to write for others 08:24 The emotional value of handwriting 13:27 The importance of writing culture in the Chinese-speaking world and some suggestions 15:01 How writing methods may change in the future 大部分中国人正在丧失手写的能力，我觉得这是非常可惜的一件事情。 手写对我们来说并不仅仅是一件需要花时间做的事情，而是一个和人产生连结的方式。 00:00 为什么想聊手写 01:18 手写能力退化的现象 04:06 中国文化中的手写与书法 06:04 从“字丑”到别人让我帮忙写字 08:24 手写的情感价值 13:27 中文世界里书写文化的重要性与建议 15:01 未来书写方式的变化 ------------------------------------- In the latest newsletter, I introduced some unique words/concepts in Chinese, which show some unique mindset of Chinese people. Interested in more Chinese learning tips and resources beyond the comprehensible input from the podcast? Subscribe to the Real Chinese Talk newsletter at https://www.realchinesetalk.nl/ The newsletter is available in both Chinese and English, making it a great read for you! ------------------------------------- Podcast Video (with bilingual subtitles): https://youtu.be/oA8MSCc95Ms Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: qiuyue@realchinesetalk.nl

    19 min
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Authentic, slow, and clear Chinese — about things that matter. Hosted by Qiuyue 秋月, a native Chinese speaker who speaks multiple languages and works in tech and the creative industry. Topics range from language learning and personal life to psychology, culture, and technology. Thoughtful, relevant, and always human.

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