For all you TV addicts, you might be relieved to know that in China, too, satellite TV can offer you the hundreds of channels you desire. Sure, they're all pirated, and you'll need to get a new descrambler code every few months, but that's all part of the service and of the "Chinese satellite TV experience." Listen and learn. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1652

A few years ago, both Washington State and Colorado passed initiatives to decriminalize personal possession of marijuana. However, the debate in the US as to whether or not marijuana should be legalized is one that continues on the national level. In this lesson, two Chinese friends discuss the issues surrounding marijuana legalization. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2084

You don't live in modern China without a cell phone (or, as they say in the Old World, "mobile phone"). You can get by without a new-fangled smartphone, but you must be able to send text messages to people. In this Chinese lesson, learn all the essential verbs, and even a key measure word. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1648

Elections are a contentious issue anywhere... even in a classroom. In this lesson, students are asked to elect their leaders. What results is a demonstration in electioneering that would make even seasoned politicos blush! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2080

In modern China, city-dwellers have quite a few options for assistive childcare. Beyond just nannies, there's also a very Chinese, first-month expert. Listen in to this Chinese lesson and learn all about these childcare options. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1642

American favorites from Chinese take out include dishes like crab rangoon, General Tso's chicken and orange beef. However, these dishes are more American than Chinese. In fact, most Chinese people are unlikely to even have heard of these dishes. In this lesson, listen as two Chinese friends talk about American style Chinese food while looking for a bite to eat in the Big Apple. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2074

If you've ever had a roommate, you know how essential it is to be able to accuse someone of snoring. In this Chinese lesson, learn the key vocabulary surrounding snoring, sleeping, and being unable to sleep. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1639

China's recent prosperity has made many of its citizens richer, even the beggars! Realizing that they can make more money from the goodwill of others as opposed to working on their own, some beggars on China's streets aren't in desperate need; they're professionals looking to make a living. In this lesson, learn about the phenomenon of professional beggars and what you can do to tell the real ones from the fake ones. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/2062