Are humans actually getting dumber? And does it even matter to us as individuals? 00:30 The movie Idiocracy 04:21 Are humans really getting dumber? 06:06 The Flynn Effect and the reverse Flynn Effect 09:46 Reason one: our use of tools 12:24 Reason two: AI 14:32 Reason three: fragmented attention 17:05 Were ancient people actually smarter than us? 18:21 IQ is not the only measure of intelligence 21:01 A global trend and what it means for the individual人类真的有在变笨吗？但这和我们每个人有关系吗？00:30 电影Idiocrasy04:21 人类真的在变笨吗？06:06 Flynn效应与逆Flynn效应09:46 原因一：工具的使用12:24 原因二：AI14:32 原因三：注意力碎片化17:05 古人其实比我们更厉害？18:21 IQ不是唯一标准21:01 宏观趋势与个体的关系Relevant articles:Humans are getting dumberHuman intelligence sharply declining95后成了第一代“不如父母聪明”的年轻人？-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared why writing Chinese lyrics is intrinsically more difficult than writing English or Japanese ones.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/VDmTXny-VMUAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

Learning a language feels like riding a roller coaster: recently, I’ve felt like my language learning has entered another plateau. I’ve been feeling a bit drained and lacking motivation.So, I decided to adjust my language-learning methods to help myself feel excited about learning languages again.In this episode, I’ll share the changes I’ve made, as well as some broader thoughts on finding the right rhythm for language learning.01:06 Learning three languages at the same time: challenges and finding what works for you05:36 Why I decided to change my learning method07:40 Learning in a relaxed state09:19 A new approach to shadowing10:57 A new way I use Anki12:30 Audiobooks14:49 The learning method I’ve always stuck with学习语言就像坐过山车：我最近感觉自己的语言学习又进入了一个瓶颈期，并且感觉有些乏力，没有多少动力。于是我调整了自己的语言学习方法，让自己再次为学习语言这件事感到“激动”。这期播客里我就来分享一下我的调整，以及在总体层面上对语言学习节奏的思考。01:06 同时学习三门语言：挑战与适合自己的方式05:36 为什么决定改变学习方法？07:40 放松状态下的学习09:19 跟读的新方法10:57 Anki 的新用法12:30 有声书14:49 一直坚持的学习方法TED Talk mentioned:How to learn any language in six months | Chris Lonsdale -------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared some fun facts about Chinese lyrics writing and how listening to Chinese music can give you extra help on familiarizing yourself with the tones.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!

Creativity has a methodology. That’s the perspective I gained after reading two books (one from the Western world and one from the Eastern world) and having a conversation with a creative director.In this episode, you’ll hear why creativity doesn’t belong only to artists, and how ordinary people can become more creative by finding the right medium, focus time, and inspiration.02:44 What is creativity?06:49 Insights from two books and one conversation07:00 Advice from John Cleese09:43 Peak creativity – morning shower time 14:40 Stan Lai’s Creativity Studies and the “Creativity Pyramid”19:10 Three practical tips from a creative director创意是有方法论的。这是我在读了两本书（西方和东方世界）以及和创意总监的一次对话后得到的观点。这期播客里，你可以听到：为什么创意不只属于艺术家，以及普通人如何通过找到合适的媒介、专注时间和灵感，让自己变得更有创造力。02:44 什么是创意06:49 两本书和一次对话带来的启发07:00 John Cleese的建议09:43 早晨洗澡时的创造力14:40 《赖声川的创意学》和“创意金字塔”19:10 创意总监给出的三个实用建议Books mentioned:赖声川的创意学 by 赖声川 Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese -------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared my opinion on the myth that there is no dyslexia in Chinese society.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/J9KoPHND5vUAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

Let’s talk about how cultural export has changed people’s impressions of China, and why Japan’s cultural export has been so successful.I also share how these changes have affected my life in Europe.00:19 What is cultural export?04:08 Let’s talk about Chinatown06:33 Milk tea culture08:38 Labubu and Pop Mart09:49 Li Ziqi11:13 YouTubers12:37 Japanese cultural export15:46 How cultural export has affected me17:38 Countries with successful cultural export聊聊文化输出如何改变了别人对中国的印象，以及日本的文化输出为什么成功。这些变化对我在欧洲生活的影响。00:19 什么是文化输出？04:08 聊聊唐人街06:33 奶茶文化08:38 Labubu和泡泡马特09:49 李子柒11:13 YouTube博主12:37 日本文化输出15:46 文化输出对我的影响17:38 成功的文化输出国家-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared my opinion on the myth that there is no dyslexia in Chinese society.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/DdXydrlp_IcAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, I talk about my experience hiking in Italy for over a week, and also explore the differences between hiking in China and Europe.Why did hiking make time feel slower, almost like it “extended my life”?If you’re thinking about starting hiking, I’ll also share some simple and practical tips.00:37 Hiking in Italy in April01:52 Differences between hiking in China and Europe04:17 Why it’s harder to start hiking in Europe06:53 How beginners can start hiking09:31 Accommodation tips and gear for beginners13:52 Why I love hiking: making time slow down聊聊我在意大利徒步一个多星期的经历，也聊聊在中国和欧洲徒步有什么不同。为什么徒步让我觉得时间变慢，像是“延长了生命”？如果你也想开始徒步，这期也会分享一些简单实用的建议。00:37 四月意大利徒步经历01:52 中国和欧洲徒步方式的不同04:17 为什么在欧洲开始徒步更难06:53 新手如何开始徒步09:31 新手住宿建议与装备准备13:52 为什么喜欢徒步：让时间变慢-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared my opinion on the myth that there is no dyslexia in Chinese society.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/5zJwbqxadLYAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

Chinese festivals are completely different from those in Europe. By looking at the origins and customs of traditional Chinese festivals, I’ll explore Chinese culture on a deeper level.00:47 The relationship between Dutch holidays and religion01:50 The system behind Chinese holidays: the lunar calendar and nature03:08 The differences and coexistence of the lunar and Gregorian calendars05:22 Calendar systems in different countries (the example of Thailand)06:31 The fundamental differences between Chinese and Western festivals07:16 Talking about the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival15:32 Non-public festivals and folk beliefs in China中国的节日和欧洲完全不一样，从中国传统节日的来源和习俗的角度，我从更深的层面来聊聊中国文化。00:47 荷兰假期与宗教的关系01:50 中国假期的机制：农历与自然 03:08 阴历与阳历的区别与共存05:22 不同国家的日历系统（泰国例子）06:31 中国 vs 西方节日本质差异07:16 聊聊春节，清明节，中秋节， 端午节15:32 中国的非公共节日与民间信仰-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared why many people in China are “raising lobsters.” 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/GoXqtSkc2MQ Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

Recommended non-traditional apps for learning Chinese. The Last One Is the Most Recommended!00:19 Intermediate learners should immerse themselves in native Chinese resources02:53 Recommended Tool #105:31 Tips for learning Chinese through videos08:13 Recommended Tool #212:13 Recommended Tool #314:12 Recommended Tool #4. The Best Recommendation!非传统中文学习app推荐，最后一个最推荐！00:19 中级学习者应该使用母语者资源沉浸语言环境02:53 推荐工具一05:31 使用视频学习中文的建议08:13 推荐工具二12:13 推荐工具三14:12 推荐工具四 – 最佳推荐！少数派网站：https://sspai.com/-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared why many people in China are “raising lobsters.” 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/eJ18-Jz6NjgAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

How can you learn anything you want to learn? I’d like to share some of my thoughts.00:43 Why I want to talk about “how to learn anything you want”01:23 Childhood success experiences are important05:28 My experience with sports07:24 My experience learning piano08:25 What to do as an adult if you didn’t have successful experiences in childhood09:21 Suggestion 113:12 Suggestion 214:56 Suggestion 3怎么才能够让自己学会任何想学的东西呢？我想分享自己一点思考。00:43 为什么想聊“如何学会任何想学的东西”01:23 童年的成功经验很重要05:28 我的体育经历07:24 学钢琴的经验08:25 如果没有小时候的成功经验，成年后该怎么学09:21 建议一13:12 建议二14:56 建议三-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared why many people in China are “raising lobsters.” 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/rIqCWjxoNGI Additional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

The Chinese name for ADHD is “注意缺陷多动障碍”, also commonly called “多动症”. Both terms tend to carry quite negative associations.But is it possible that the ADHD brain is simply a different way of existing, rather than something “abnormal”? Perhaps modern society is simply structured in a way that favors non-ADHD brains.00:40 The Chinese name of ADHD and the negative connotations of “hyperactivity disorder”01:51 Why more and more people are talking about ADHD03:05 Three ADHD tendencies I notice in myself10:58 My understanding of ADHD: reward circuits, stimulation, and hyperfocus12:53 The “Hunter vs. Farmer” hypothesis17:12 Looking at ADHD from a new perspective18:28 What kinds of jobs suit a “hunter-type brain”21:21 Accepting my ADHD tendencies and incorporating them into life choicesADHD的中文名叫做“注意缺陷多动障碍”，也叫“多动症”，这两个词都给人很负面的联想。但是有没有一种可能，ADHD的大脑只是一种不同的存在方式，而非“不正常”，只是这个社会更偏向于非ADHD的大脑。00:40 ADHD的中文名称与“多动症”的负面联想01:51 为什么现在越来越多人讨论ADHD03:05 我自己身上的三种ADHD倾向表现10:58 我理解的ADHD本质：奖励回路、刺激与超级专注12:53 “猎人与农夫”假说17:12 用新的视角看待ADHD18:28 什么样的工作更适合“猎人型大脑”21:21 接纳自己的ADHD倾向，并把它纳入人生选择Useful video about ADHD:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp805f-j1VI-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared a few Chinese memes I’ve been seeing frequently on Chinese social media in 2025.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/T9ZwbEgEQngAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]

I believe Attack on Titan is the best anime of the past ten years.Why do I think so? In this episode, I’d like to share my perspective from a storytelling point of view.00:33 Finished Attack on Titan in three weeks. This episode is about it01:45 My feelings after watching it straight through for the second time02:26 There may be spoilers, but spoilers might actually enhance enjoyment05:29 Foreshadowing and setup08:12 An ever-expanding world view10:38 Playing with the timeline11:55 Character development and moral dilemmas15:23 The sense of emptiness after finishing Attack on Titan. A bit of loneliness我认为《进击的巨人》是过去这十年里，最好的一部动漫。为什么我这样认为？这期播客里我想从故事讲述的角度而言聊一聊我的看法。00:33 三个星期看完《进击的巨人》，这期想聊它01:45 第二次连着看完的感受02:26 可能剧透，但剧透也可能更好享受05:29 伏笔与铺垫（foreshadowing）08:12 不断扩大的世界观10:38 玩弄时间线11:55 人物发展与道德困境15:23 看完《巨人》后的落差，有点寂寞The research about spoilers: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/spoiler-alert-spoilers-make-you-enjoy-stories-more#:~:text=Extra%20knowledge%20about%20a%20work,couldn't%20admire%20the%20garment.-------------------------------------In the latest newsletter, I shared a few Chinese memes I’ve been seeing frequently on Chinese social media in 2025.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/5hpSIVBl1pgAdditional learning materials: https://www.patreon.com/RealChineseTalk Support me via Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/realchinesetalk Contact: [email protected]