nǐ hǎo!
In order to start learning some useful phrases in Chinese, I started searching for free podcasts to listen to on my iPod. I figured with a few weeks of preparation and a considerable of time stuck in a car commuting each day, I could pick up a few useful phrases to help Mr. Wood and myself while in China. Not to mention the 13 hour plane flight!
I began with a search of podcasts that were available free in the podcast section of the iTunes store.
I am listening to two so far and have found them enjoyable.
Learn Chinese- Chinesepod.com 
Mandarin Chinese Lessons with Serge Melnyk
Hopefully these podcasts will help me learn some new words and phrases!
zàijiàn
Mr. Crawford