ESL Podcast 1i6j1v

Topics: American Presidents – Barack Obama; Famous Songs – “Anchors Aweigh”; diffidence versus timidity versus shyness; receipt versus reception; no problem versus not at all versus no big deal Words: community organizer healthcare candidate rising star biracial campaign slogan grassroots polarized affordable anchor ashore foam diffidence timidity shyness receipt reception no problem not at all no big deal

Topics: Famous Americans – Casey Jones; Classic TV – Happy Days; to try out versus to examine versus to test; dude and buddy; courtesy of Words: railroad flagman (train) engineer whistle shift hero ballad middle-class drive-in epitome cool season to try out to examine to test dude buddy courtesy of

Topics: American Authors – Edith Wharton; American Songs – “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”; to matriculate versus to enroll versus to ; to bid versus to tender; period versus dot Words: high society debut mirth values appropriate reverend national anthem hymn liberty pilgrims pride to matriculate to enroll to to bid to tender period dot

Get on your feet, talk a walk, and listen to this episode on how to talk about feet in English. Slow dialog: 1:23 Explanations: 3:37 Fast dialog: 14:58 Walt: What are you doing? sca: I’m selecting and organizing my photos for a presentation. Walt: Oh, can I see? All of these photos are of feet! sca: Well, I am a podiatrist and I’m giving a talk about foot conditions. Walt: Ew, some of these are really disgusting! sca: You’re looking at some of the most common foot conditions: blisters, corns, bunions, calluses, and athlete’s foot. Walt: What is that? sca: That’s an ingrown toenail and those are infected toenails. Walt: I’m really glad I don’t have either one of those problems. sca: You should be even happier you don’t have one of the more serious conditions such as fallen arches, a clubfoot, or arthritis in your feet. Walt: But I do have one problem. Let me take these shoes off and show you. sca: Pee-ew! I don’t even need to look at them to know you have very bad foot odor. Walt: What should I do? sca: Get some new shoes, keep them dry, and change your socks every day. Walt: Every day? You mean I have to own more than one pair? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Learn how not to spend the next 35 years in prison in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:30 Explanations: 3:27 Fast dialog: 20:14 Nancy: Hey, where have you been? Geraldo: I’ve been in the other courtroom watching the sentencing of that murderer. Nancy: Which murderer? Geraldo: The one who failed to get the charges reduced through a plea agreement. During the trial, her attorneys tried to show that there were mitigating circumstances, but the judge didn’t buy it. Nancy: Didn’t she commit two murders? Geraldo: That’s right. The judge sentenced her to 35 years to life in prison for each crime. Nancy: Will she serve them consecutively or concurrently? Geraldo: She’ll be serving them consecutively, so even with time off for good behavior, she’ll be spending the next 50 years or so in prison. Nancy: So her only hope now is an appeal, right? Geraldo: That’s right. I’ll be following this case for a long time to come. Nancy: And getting lots of good copy. Geraldo: Of course. What would we crime reporters do without juicy murders? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Some people actually like bad weather. Learn why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:20 Explanations: 3:36 Fast dialog: 16:05 Shana: Hey, did you hear that? There’s a severe storm coming. Let’s hope for the best. Aecio: Yeah, I hope it doesn’t leave a lot of damage. We haven’t recovered from the aftermath of the last big storm. Shana: No, when I said I was hoping for the best, I meant I’m hoping to catch it on film. The weather forecaster says that their radar has detected a big cyclone forming over this area. Aecio: Let me get this straight. You’re hoping for a big storm? Shana: Yeah, I’m a storm chaser. I’ve captured lots of tropical storms on film, and even a small tornado, but never a hurricane or typhoon. Aecio: You mean you actually chase after storms? Shana: Yeah, it’s fun. I hope one day to be there for a really big one and somehow get into the eye where it’s calm. Aecio: You understand that with big storms come strong winds and floods, resulting in the destruction of homes and general chaos. Shana: I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I’m just looking for a thrill. Aecio: Right, just a little harmless fun! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Jason Bourne Films; American Presidents – Andrew Johnson; to shiver versus to tremble versus to quiver; at-risk student Words: identity amnesia troubled supremacy ultimatum rumor tailor to secede to veto citizen to impeach reputation to shiver to tremble to quiver to shake at-risk student

This is the greatest podcast episode in the history of the world! Find out why by listening to it today. Slow dialog: 1:44 Explanations: 3:49 Fast dialog: 17:03 My boss is a complete blowhard. He likes to boast about his accomplishments and acquisitions every chance he gets. Unfortunately, I seem to be his favorite audience. Boss: You won’t believe what I did over the weekend. I went mountain climbing and skydiving. What I wanted to say was, “Uh, spare me!” But what I said instead was, “Oh, really? How exciting.”It doesn’t take much encouragement to get him going. Boss: And I found time to test-drive the new McQ sports car yesterday. I’m thinking of buying one. Do I really look that gullible? I knew that the boss didn’t have that kind of money, but I didn’t let it show on my face and simply said, “That’s a very impressive car.” Boss: I have my eye on a luxury vacation condo by the lake. Some lucky girl will get to stay there with me. Now I knew he was blowing smoke, but what could I say? I just muttered, “Lucky girl,” and left it at that. What was the point of all that, unless… Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you think the air and water are dirty, find out what you can do about it in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:19 Explanations: 3:39 Fast dialog: 15:55 Julia: Stop poisoning us! Stop poisoning us! Robert: Why are you picketing in front of this factory? Julia: This factory is polluting our air and water. They’re responsible for contaminating the environment with dangerous chemicals and waste. Robert: But your entire family works here. Aren’t you concerned you’ll cause trouble for them and the other workers? Julia: What’s more important is their health. The air quality in and out of this factory is at toxic levels and it’s endangering their health, not to mention what it’s doing to the ozone. Robert: That’s terrible. Maybe I should help you picket. Julia: Here’s a sign. Robert: Okay, but maybe picketing is taking things a little too far. Julia: No way! Did you know that runoff from the factory has tainted the groundwater? Did you know that workers and people in the community are breathing in dangerous particulate matter? Robert: I didn’t know that. Do you have proof of all that? Julia: Of course I have proof. Environmental groups have done independent tests. Robert: Then it’s actually dangerous for me to be standing here talking to you and breathing in this toxic air. Julia: That’s true and your willingness to help me picket is really commendable. Hey, where are you going? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans – Benjamin Franklin; Lowriders; mentor versus role model versus hero; take it ‘til you make it; dice roll Words: apprentice printer colony currency almanac to invest to invent electricity spy to emigrate generation enthusiast mentor role model hero fake it ‘til you make it dice roll

Who says you only get 15 minutes of fame? Learn about becoming famous a second time in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:27 Explanations: 3:51 Fast dialog: 14:56 Eileen: What are you doing with all that band equipment? Dex: The guys in the band are planning a reunion. It’s time for our comeback. It will be the stuff of legends! Eileen: Aren’t you afraid of being called has-beens after all these years? Dex: Bite your tongue. There is a groundswell of for this reunion and we’re not going to disappoint the fans. Eileen: Groundswell? Are you referring to that local news article about one-hit wonders asking, “Where are they now?” Dex: There was a lot of good response to my quote about our possible reunion. After a 20-year hiatus, I think fans are ready for more music from us. It should lead to a tour. Eileen: Resurrecting your music career might be harder than you guys think. Dex: Stop being such a killjoy. This reunion could lead to an entire new generation of fans. Eileen: Or you could become the laughingstock of the music world. Dex: Okay, that’s enough. You’re officially out of the band. Eileen: I didn’t know I was in the band. Dex: I had considered making you a backup singer, but I can’t deal with your negativity. Eileen: Oh, poor me. I’ll never find stardom. Dex: You’ve had your chance! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Movies – Planet of the Apes; American Presidents – Zachary Taylor; to improve versus to boost versus to enhance; to grow on (someone) and (one’s) bark is worse than (one’s) bite; Script by Dr. Lucy Tse versus Scripted by Dr. Lucy Tse Words: ape alternate to crash to capture inhabitant to escape special effects prosthetic to rule to promote border against all odds to improve to boost to enhance to grow on (someone) (one’s) bark is worse than (one’s) bite

Be careful what you say when you are in front of children! Find out why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:24 Explanations: 3:18 Fast dialog: 14:02 Cameron: Oh, f-! Dorothy: Watch your language. I don’t want the kids to hear foul language. Cameron: Sorry, I stubbed my toe. What’s the big deal? Kids hear all kinds of cursing on TV and in movies. Dorothy: Not my kids, at least not yet. I don’t want them learning to swear before they learn to walk. I don’t want them to grow up to be rude and offensive people. Cameron: You can’t protect them from every damn thing people say. Dorothy: Okay, that’s it. If you’re going to live here, we’ll need a swear jar. Cameron: A what?! Dorothy: A swear jar. For every swear word you say, you’ll need to put a dollar into the jar. We’ll save the money for the kids’ education. Cameron: What the f-?! Dorothy: Hey, there will be no profanity of any kind in this house. I don’t want you to be a bad influence on my children. Go ahead. Put a dollar into that jar. Cameron: I’m not putting a dollar into that jar. Dorothy: My house, my rules. Cameron: Unbelievable! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Nobody walks in L.A. But if you do, find out why you need to be careful by listening to this episode. Slow dialog: 1:15 Explanations: 3:03 Fast dialog: 16:38 Rueben: I never imagined walking our daughter to school could be so dangerous. Carla: What happened? Rueben: We were walking on the sidewalk approaching the intersection. The crossing guard was there to stop traffic so we could cross the street. We were halfway through the designated crosswalk when a guy driving like a demon whips around the corner. Carla: And he didn’t stop at the stop sign? Rueben: No, he didn’t even slow down. Carla: Didn’t he see the crossing guard or the other pedestrians? Rueben: There are several big trees there, so it’s a blind corner with limited visibility. Carla: Still, he should have stopped. Was anyone hurt? Rueben: No, we were able to get out of his way, but he could have easily taken out five or six people! Carla: That’s crazy. What we need are flashing crosswalk signs. Maybe that would get drivers’ attention. Rueben: And maybe armor for our daughter, too? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans – Sally Ride; American Presidents – Millard Fillmore; rational versus rationale; killing it in the cost per wear category; to requite Words: physics outer space astronaut to train space shuttle satellite to investigate role model comptroller balance compromise fugitive rational rationale killing it cost per wear to requite

If you didn’t get a raise last year, maybe it isn’t because you’re lazy. Find out whom you may be able to blame for your troubles in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:15 Explanations: 3:28 Fast dialog: 16:41 Gloria: Did you hear that Manuel is quitting? He took a job with another company. Sam: I’m not surprised. He came up against the glass ceiling and he decided to jump ship. Gloria: Really? I didn’t know he was bucking for promotion. Sam: He’s been trying to become a manager for three years, but other people have been promoted over him or they’ve hired from outside the company. Gloria: I didn’t know that. I was aware of the wage disparities within the company and the gender pay gap within each department, but this is news to me. Sam: Haven’t you noticed that people who take extended leave to have children or try for some type of work-life balance are ed over for plum assignments, raises, and promotions? There are definite limits to advancement. Gloria: I thought it was just favoritism on the part of the bosses. Their friends got promoted and other people didn’t. Sam: That’s certainly true, but that’s only part of the story. Gloria: Why are we still working for a company with such unfair policies? Sam: Speak for yourself. I’m giving notice today. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans – Daniel Boone; Famous Songs – “Somewhere over the Rainbow”; to distract, to foil, and to thwart; to reach versus to achieve; pronouncing “h” Words: to explore wilderness rural frontier to capture hero expansion rainbow wizard imaginary lullaby to melt to distract to foil to thwart to reach to achieve

Don’t ever ask me to film your wedding. Find out why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:25 Explanations: 3:24 Fast dialog: 14:01 Amelia: I wish we had hired a professional videographer to film it instead of asking your friend Lenny to do it. Victor: This video isn’t so bad. The production quality isn’t the best, but he did a pretty good job. Amelia: It’s not bad if you like your video out-of-focus. There are no transitions between scenes and the lighting is terrible. At best, it looks like a rough cut. Victor: It is a little rough, I it. Amelia: There are problems with the audio, too. There are sections of dead air when the audio cuts out. And when there is audio, the volume isn’t uniform. Victor: That’s true, too, I guess… Amelia: And the handheld camera footage is so shaky that I feel ill watching it. Victor: Lenny was just having a good time, getting into the spirit of it. Amelia: Is that why he got close-up shots of all of the pretty women and none of the other guests? Victor: Well, you know Lenny. He’ll do better next time. Amelia: Next time?! How many times do you plan to get married? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Sometimes a cheap airline ticket ends up costing you more than you planned. Learn why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:31 Explanations: 4:18 Fast dialog: 18:36 Anton: It’s amazing that we were able to get these airline tickets so cheaply. Federica: It’s great, isn’t it? We can fly to Lawrence City for a fun weekend. Let’s check in using this kiosk. Anton: Hmm, this is asking me to pay $50 to bring a piece of luggage aboard. I didn’t know there were such strict baggage restrictions. Federica: I didn’t realize it either. Anton: And we have to pay another fee to reserve a seat. I didn’t know that the default was open seating. Federica: Me, neither. Anton: Did you know that we’re not flying directly to Lawrence City, but making two stops on the way? Federica: Oh, no! Anton: And there are other hidden fees for what they consider add-ons, things we would normally get for free on other airlines, like a soda, snack, blanket, and in-flight entertainment? Federica: No, that’s news to me. Anton: Here’s the kicker. We’re not flying into Lawrence City Airport but to a remote airport 60 miles away. We’ll pay a lot for ground transportation to our hotel. Should we get a refund and forget about the trip? Federica: Sorry, one thing I do know is that there are no refunds or changes allowed. Anton: I should have known flying on a budget airline would be like this. It doesn’t seem like such a good deal now, does it? Federica: No, this airline has turned nickel-and-diming into an art form! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Planning your next big meeting at somewhere other than your office? Listen to this episode to learn how to talk about it in English. Slow dialog: 1:27 Explanations: 3:28 Fast dialog: 17:43 Roberto: All right, we have to find meeting rooms and a banquet hall for the annual sales meeting and luncheon. Do you have any ideas? Nicole: We could hold it at a hotel as we’ve done in past years or we can try the convention center. Roberto: The company has grown so much in the past year. I don’t think the hotel has the capacity we need. The convention center sounds like a better option. Nicole: The advantage of the hotel is that it has in-house catering and waitstaff for the luncheon. Roberto: Yes, but we can bring in outside catering, which would give us more food options. The large convention center rooms will also allow us to configure the space the way we want it. Nicole: But the hotel meeting rooms have built-in A/V. I’m not sure that’s available at the convention center. Roberto: All right, I think we should visit both venues and book after we’ve met with the event managers. Agreed? Nicole: Agreed. And we’ll need to sample the catering options, right? Roberto: Of course. What are expense s for? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse