父子英文尬聊

E075. From Shanghai to Suzhou

This is an old episode we recorded during the National Day holiday.

E074. Winning Gold: A Young Orator's Journey (Part 2)

Here comes part 2. Finally!!!

E073. Winning Gold: A Young Orator's Journey (Part 1)

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Messy English Chats! I'm joined by my incredible son, Pineapple. We've been waiting a long time to record this special episode, as Pineapple accomplished something truly remarkable this summer: he won a gold prize – the first prize – in a big English competition in Beijing! I couldn't be prouder.For this episode, we're diving into his competition journey, specifically showcasing his prepared speeches from the first two rounds. You'll hear him bravely recite several of his orations, many of which delve into Chinese culture and traditions, often featuring his popular robot friend, Sparky.As you'll notice, it's getting "messier and messier" as the night goes on. Pineapple is quite tired, and his voice isn't sounding quite right, but he's a true champion for sharing these wonderful speeches. We'll go through the rest of his 25 prepared speeches in the next episode. So, settle in, and enjoy Pineapple's triumphant (and sometimes sleepy) tales!

E072. Preparing for the Big Competition

In this episode, recorded over a month ago, Daddy coach Toby tries to prepare Pineapple for a big English competition. Tune in to revisit their challenging and fun training session!

E071. An Afternoon Walk in Central Park

This is about the shortest episode ever. Recorded on Jun 28, 2025.

E070. An Eventful Day: Sock Bowling & Fun with Friends

Welcome to another episode of Messy English Chats! In this episode, I prompted my son, Pineapple, to share the events of his day. We covered a lot, starting with his morning routine.Pineapple then recounted playing Chinese chess, a game he'd only recently learned, and winning. He also described an impromptu "sock bowling" game he invented, using a sock as a bowling ball, which sounds quite fun.The highlight of his day seemed to be at the Neighborhood Center, where he met friends from school and played a lively game of cat and mouse. The day concluded with friends vanishing as the center closed, marking a truly wonderful and adventurous day for Pineapple.

E069. Evening Walk and Talk after Final Exam

Another rambling "walk & talk" episode.

E068. Boating Lights, Haunted Kindy, Homework Wins and Stuff

Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of Messy English Chats (MECs) where we take our chat on the road! We recorded this one while walking after dinner, which turned out to be quite an adventure. As always, we tried playing our game: talk only in English and explain words if we can't remember them.You'll hear about the interesting sights we encountered, like people boating on the river with yellow headlights, and a kindergarten that Pineapple found a bit "scary" because of its booming purple lights. We also discuss Pineapple's amazing homework success today (finished in like 10 minutes!) compared to past struggles with writing compositions, moments where maybe I didn't handle things perfectly. Oh, and we made a pit stop for a new Transformer toy! Join us for this messy mix of walking, talking, and English practice.

E067. May Day Holiday

Hello everyone. Welcome to another Messy English Chats episode. This Walk-and-Talk episode finds Toby and his seven-year-old son, Pineapple, reflecting on their recent experiences from the May Day holiday. Recorded on the last day of the holiday, May the 1st, while in Central Park, they look back on their adventures. Pineapple shares how sad he feels about the holiday ending and going back to school. The conversation covers a challenging hike on the first day of the holiday at Qionglong Mountain, where they faced thirst, tired legs, and even got separated from mom. They recount trying to find water and navigating the mountain using a map on a phone that showed their positions and mommy's position. They also touch upon other parts of the holiday, like playing with grandma, meeting cousins and receiving a gold Lego toy, and Pineapple's recent Go lesson where he won four out of five rounds. They also talk about observing people running circles in the park and Pineapple's enjoyment of buying and looking at the instructions for a new Transformers toy.

E066. Story Relay: The Adventure of Caterpillar

Join Toby and Pineapple, for a new episode of Messy English Chats. In this episode, We engage in a "story relay". This format involves taking turns to tell a story, with no idea where the narrative will go, making it entirely impromptu. The story we create together in this relay is titled "The Adventure of Caterpillar".

E065. Writing for Myself: A College Essay

Hello everyone. Welcome back to the podcast! Today, it's a special episode as we're going to be doing something different: reading and discussing the article 'Writing for Myself' by Russell Baker, a piece I actually use with my college English students. The idea for this came about because we were chatting recently, and it reminded me of some of the themes in this essay. Get ready to hear Pineapple's unfiltered reactions and interpretations as we explore Baker's early experiences with English and his discovery of writing for his own joy. Let's dive in!

E064. Walk 'n' Talk with Walkie-Talkies

Today we are having a "flowery" tour at Soochow University.Warning: super long and boring. Proceed at your own risk!

E063. The Mountains/Heavy Boxes of Homework and Transformers

In this short unscripted bedtime chat, Pineapple talks to Toby about homework that overwhelms him, like big moutains and heavy boxes. He also mentions his high fever and his Transformers Lego collections.

E062. Lucky Red Envelopes: Hongbao Fun with Pineapple

In this episode, we explore the tradition of hongbao, or lucky red envelopes, often given during Chinese New Year. We discuss the significance of the color red, which symbolizes luck and protection from bad spirits. We also try to explain the evolution of hongbao to include digital versions sent via smartphones. We examine the meaning behind hongbao, such as generosity, fortune, and celebration. The discussion explores different ways to use the money received in hongbao, including saving, spending on experiences, and donating to charity.

E061. New Plans for Episodes in 2025 & Happy New Year

Greetings from Pineapple and Toby. Happy Chinese New Year and all the best!

E060. Reflecting on 2024

E059. Pineapple's in Charge: Ball, Competition & Crazy Boats

In this episode, Pineapple is in charge! It centers on Pineapple's experiences in an English speaking competition, including his anxieties and ultimate progress. We also explore a unique glowing ball I bought him and his drawings, which are described in detail.0:34 Introduction and Ball Discussion: Pineapple introduces a unique ball with flashing lights that Toby bought for him.Vocabulary: transparent, glittering, layers, flashingExpressions: bounce back, see-through5:16 English Competition Review: Pineapple shares his experience in the second round of an English speaking competition, including his performance, topic selection, and thoughts about the upcoming third round.Vocabulary: scores, provincial, contestants, mythExpressions: make it to (the next round), face the judges, so to speak, speak in front of a crowd10:37 Pineapple's Fear of Public Speaking: Toby and Pineapple discuss his past experience with stage fright during the first round of the competition last year. They talk about the fear of public speaking and how Pineapple overcame it.Vocabulary: nervous, afraid, confidence, eloquent, mentallyExpressions: public speaking, dead silence, poor memory, bad memories22:27 Pineapple’s Drawings: Pineapple describes several drawings he made, including a self-portrait, airplanes, boats, and trees. He shares his creative process and the inspiration behind each drawing.Vocabulary: salute, hook, chimney, canal, pointy, roof, harm, sofas, violins, sail, headless, three-dimensional, glueExpressions: riding the waves, magical shoes, take a picture, wrap up, take home message44:46 Wrap-up and Farewell: Toby and Pineapple summarize the episode and encourage listeners to leave comments.Expressions: wrap it up, leave a commentC1 Level Vocabulary and ExpressionsBearing with: To be patient with someone or something that is annoying or difficult.Eloquent: Able to speak or write clearly and effectively.so to speak: used to indicate that you are using a particular word or expression in a way that is not exact but helps to make your meaning clearer.

E058. Road to School, Road Home, Cat Watching, and More

0:30 Leaving for School: Toby and Pineapple set off for school, stepping out of their door and discussing Pineapple’s feelings for the day.0:56 Pineapple's Plant: Pineapple reveals the source of his good mood - the first pink flower has bloomed on his plant.1:47 Flower Talk: Toby and Pineapple discuss the appearance of the flower and Pineapple's desire to know how long it takes for a seed to come out.5:34 The Road Home: After picking up Pineapple from school, Toby and Pineapple are on their way home. It has been a long school day.6:55 Post-School Chat: Toby attempts to have a conversation with Pineapple about his day, but Pineapple is initially unresponsive.8:08 The Missing Markers: Pineapple tells the story about forgetting his markers for art class and having to call Toby from the school gate with the help of the security guard.10:38 Cat in a Tree: While on their evening walk, Toby and Pineapple spot a cat attempting to catch a bird in a tree.19:14 Pineapple tried to tweet like a bird.21:45 Pineapple tried to speak Cat.23:04 "We are eating the walk!"23:24 "An afternoon walk is better than the tea / See the cat climbing on a tree."24:59 Pineapple's Poem:Go the the woods and have a teaI didn't see the teaI see a beeLike that timeI see a cat climbing a tree27:53 Seeking a Dead End: Pineapple expresses a desire to see a dead end, leading to a back-and-forth as Toby tries to explain that they've changed directions.29:29 Talking about the projector.31:15 Pineapple's Story: Pineapple creates a violent story.38:26 Harry Potter Analogy: Toby attempts to relate Pineapple's story to a scene in the Harry Potter books where wizards run into a wall to reach a hidden train station.41:12 Wrap Up.

E057. Geronimo Stilton and Swimming Lesson

E056. National Day Holiday

E055. Special Episode Generated by NotebookLM

This is a special episode, a "deep dive" conversation generated by NotebookLM based on Episode 054 titled "National Day Holiday Plans". Check that episode out before you listen to this one.Can you believe this episode is generated by AI? It's definitely mind-blowing!

E054. National Day Holiday Plans

Table of Contents:Source: "National Day Holiday Plans" I. Opening Monologue and Holiday Plans * Toby begins by explaining the phrase “it just slipped my mind” to his son, Pineapple. * Toby asks Pineapple about his plans for the upcoming National Day holiday, to which Pineapple replies that he will finish his homework first. * Toby suggests they go hiking, noting that many hiking areas will be crowded.II. Hiking Around Suzhou * Toby suggests hiking around Suzhou along the canal, taking the opportunity to explain what a canal is to Pineapple. * Pineapple asserts that he knows what a canal is from watching Peppa Pig. * Toby and Pineapple discuss the characteristics of a canal and the impossibility of large boats traversing it. * Toby highlights the defensive advantages of canals in ancient cities like Suzhou. * They continue their discussion of hiking routes around Suzhou, with Toby explaining that hiking isn’t limited to hills. * Toby describes a route that goes around the city with the canal on their right.III. Imaginary Scenarios and Games * The conversation shifts to underwater tunnels and cars driving beneath the sea. * Pineapple expresses concern about quicksand. * The conversation transitions again, this time to what they will eat, with Pineapple requesting milk tea. * Pineapple describes a game he played involving drawing cards and assigning gold values. * Toby attempts to understand the game and asks clarifying questions about its rules.IV. Life Lessons and Closing * Transitioning from the game description, Toby reiterates the importance of standing up for oneself and not letting others take your belongings. * He emphasizes that it's okay to refuse requests if something is truly yours and important to you. * Toby ends the conversation by reassuring Pineapple that he will always keep his promises, bidding him farewell.(Generated by AI)

E053. An Episode for the Mid-autumn Festival

A "Walk & Talk" episode. Our longest episode ever.Happy Mid-autumn Festival!

E052: Swimming, Skipping, and Summer Fun

Recorded on Aug. 29, 2024.In this podcast episode, we engage in a casual conversation covering various topics, ranging from Pineapple's swimming lessons to thoughts on video game addiction. The dialogue is light-hearted, with Pineapple frequently leading the conversation in unpredictable directions.Swimming Lessons00:00:51 Pineapple talks about his swimming lessons, where Max, the instructor, gives feedback on his backstroke technique.00:02:04 Max gives Pineapple and other students armbands to help with their swimming.Toby's Injury00:02:43 Toby explains how he cut his thumb while washing dishes.00:03:39 Pineapple discusses his discomfort with seeing blood and Toby's use of a band-aid.Writing and Picture Composition00:04:00 Pineapple talks about spending two hours on a picture composition.00:16:01 They discuss Pineapple's progress and how his teacher commented on one of his compositions.Video Game Addiction00:06:07 Pineapple and Toby discuss the game of Go and how apps can be addictive.00:09:08 Pineapple shares a story about a child who becomes addicted to a game, illustrating the potential dangers of too much screen time.Skipping Rope00:19:52 Pineapple talks about his progress in skipping rope, from being able to skip only one time to skipping three times.00:23:00 Toby encourages Pineapple, emphasizing that the most important thing is his progress and not comparing himself to others.Dubbing Exercise00:27:10 Toby and Pineapple discuss a dubbing exercise that Pineapple did, where he scored very well.Summer Vacation Highlights00:13:59 Pineapple and Toby reflect on their summer vacation, including a trip to Yunnan and Pineapple's achievements.00:31:59 They mention a poetry reciting competition where Pineapple won a bronze trophy.Vocabulary for Kids Backstroke:A way of swimming where you lie on your back and move your arms in big circles. Armbands:Soft, air-filled bands that you wear on your arms to help you float in the water when you're learning to swim. Band-Aid:A small sticky piece of cloth you put on a cut to help it heal and keep it clean. Practice:Doing something over and over again to get better at it, like practicing your reading or riding a bike. Addicted:When you like doing something so much that you can’t stop, even when you should, like playing video games all day. Trophy:A special prize that you get when you win a game or do something really well, like a shiny cup or statue.(The shownotes in this episode are created by AI.)

E051. Poetry Recitation Competition: The Grand Finale!

Yes, we made it to the final! At the end of this episode, Pineapple reads '木兰辞' (The Ballad of Mulan), the poem we performed during the final.00:40 What happens during a so called Poetry Recitation Competition (朗诵比赛).03:03 We won a bronze prize and received a bronze trophy, but it of course wasn't the championship05:02 The three rounds of the competition07:17 And two grown-ups they cried!08:22 You need to sound more dramatic15:28 Our performances17:39 The story about Mulan32:42 You are so talented, especially considering you've received no professional training33:27 Overcoming nervousness34:17 Pineapple reciting The Ballad of Mulan in Chinese

E050. Up at 5 & Poetry Recitation Competition 2024.8.19

My son woke up at 5 a.m. and did his homework all by himself in his room! We also talked a bit about the semi-final of the poetry recitation competition we participated in.

E049. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

Recorded on Aug. 17, 2024.

E048. Boring Rambling Walk & Talk at Night

Recorded on Aug. 16, 2024. An episode with no particular topic.

E047. Walk and Talk on an Early Autumn Night with My Son

Walk and Talk on an Early Autumn Night with My Son. Recorded on Aug. 13, 2024.18:22 You will Ge Pi (嗝屁)

E046. Another Swimming Lesson and A Lot of Other Stuff

Recorded on Aug. 9, 2024. I was nearly dozing off while recording this, so you can imagine how dull it might be. Sorry, son.