ESL Podcast - Previous Episodes

Special annoucement about our new Select English Membership!

When you friends and family die, will they leave any money to you? Find out how not to get your inheritance in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:22 Explanations: 3:11 Fast dialog: 17:58 Vince: That’s it! I’ve had it with Daniel defying me at every turn. I want him to follow in my footsteps and study law, but he wants to be an artist. He dates girls I don’t approve of. But this! This is beyond the bounds of what I’ll tolerate. Alana: I know you’re upset, but don’t do anything rash. I’m sure Daniel didn’t mean what he said. Vince: Oh, he meant it. That’s it! I’m disowning and disinheriting him. Alana: I’m sure you don’t mean that. You both spoke in anger. I’m sure a cooling-off period of a few days will change his mind. Vince: It’ll be too late. I’m cutting him out of my will tomorrow. I have other descendants who’ll appreciate inheriting my money and property. Alana: But Daniel is your rightful heir. He’s your only child. Vince: Then he should have known how his hateful words would hurt me. Alana: What did he say exactly? Vince: He said he has become a San Francisco Giants fan. A Giants fan! Alana: That’s it? Vince: That’s it?! He’s wounded me to the core! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans – Charles and Ray Eames; The Black Fives Leagues and The Negro Baseball Leagues; inner and outer versus inside and outside; severely versus seriously Words: architecture fellowship experimental design form fitting plywood splint to mass-produce league pitcher to sponsor YMCA to integrate inner outer inside outside severely seriously slash ( / ) backslash ( )

Renting a place for your business can be expensive. Find out about one of the many costs in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:18 Explanations: 2:55 Fast dialog: 18:24 Jane: Our lease is up at the end of this year and we need to negotiate a new one. Monty: I know, but if I bring it up first, the landlord will think I’m desperate to renew. Jane: We are desperate to renew. We’ve built our business here, and it would be really difficult to uproot it and reestablish it elsewhere. Monty: I know, but given our antagonistic dealings in the past, I’m afraid the landlord is going to jack up our rent and we’ll be forced out. Jane: It’s in the best interest of the landlord to keep a steady business leasing his property. Monty: He might not see it that way. He might see this as an opportunity to bring in a higher-paying tenant. Jane: Or he may realize that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Monty: Or he might think, “Out with the old and in with the new.” Jane: You won’t know until you contact him. Monty: Right, but I think I’ll let him stew just a little longer. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Some people say that going out on a first date can be as painful as root canal. Find out if that’s really true in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:16 Explanations: 3:21 Fast dialog: 17:30 Sadie: Hi, I’m Sadie. You must be Gordon. Gordon: Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you. It’s a little strange to be set up, isn’t it? Sadie: It was nice of Felina and Jaime to arrange this date. Gordon: It was. Jaime told me that you’re a dentist. Is that right? Sadie: Yes. Gordon: That must be interesting work. Sadie: Well, I think so. Just today, I did a root canal and removed a set of wisdom teeth. Oh, but you wouldn’t want to hear about that. Gordon: Sure, I do. I want to get to know you better. Sadie: In that case, since I live in a small town, I do basic dental work, but also act as a periodontist, oral surgeon, and orthodontist when the need arises. Gordon: Wow, that’s a lot of dental knowledge to keep up on. Sadie: I don’t mind. One day, it’s cavities and crowns, and the next, extractions, bridgework, dentures, implants, and inlays. I had a very interesting case the other day... Gordon: Go on. Sadie: It’s a little unpleasant, maybe not good dinner conversation. Gordon: Maybe you’re right. It’s not always a good idea to talk shop over dinner. Sadie: Felina didn’t mention what you did for a living. Gordon: I’m a proctologist. Sadie: Ah, I see your point. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Movies – Sunset Boulevard; the Borscht Belt and the Chitlin’ Circuit; renumeration/remuneration versus reimbursement versus kickback; to print off (copies) versus to photocopy; nitty-gritty Words: narrator scriptwriter to be in dire straits mansion to be in touch with (someone or something) director stable vintage resort staple segregation venue remuneration (renumeration) reimbursement kickback to print off (copies) to photocopy nitty-gritty

Looking for a sweet ride? Test drive an expensive automobile in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:26 Explanations: 3:19 Fast dialog: 17:26 Narin: This car is amazing. Daniel: I know. It has every luxury option available. Narin: This sumptuous interior is so comfortable. Daniel: You haven’t seen anything yet. It has a climate control system for every seat and a voice-activated entertainment system. It also has the best navigation system money can buy. Let me turn this car on with the remote starter. Narin: That’s impressive. How does it drive? Daniel: It drives like a dream. It has the most responsive handling of any car I’ve driven, and it has such a smooth ride you’d hardly know we’re moving. Narin: You’re right. It’s like riding on a cloud. Daniel: And this car is safe, too. It has seven air bags and an alert system for blind spots, which helps to avoid front and rear collisions. Narin: Can you give me a ride home? Daniel: No, I have to get this car back to the car lot before my boss notices it’s gone. Narin: Couldn’t you just tell him you were taking a potential customer out on a test drive? Daniel: Again? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Something smells good! No soup for you unless you listen to this episode. Slow dialog: 1:31 Explanations: 3:20 Fast dialog: 17:54 Charlotte: Mmm, something smells good. Mohamed: Hey, put down that lid! Charlotte: Sorry, I just wanted to see what you’re making. Mohamed: I’m making chicken soup. Charlotte: I’m really in the mood for a hearty stew. There’s nothing more appetizing on a cold day than a good stew. Mohamed: Right, well, this is a simple chicken soup with a clear stock and vegetables. Charlotte: All you would have to do is thicken the soup and let it simmer a little longer. Then, presto! You have a stew. Mohamed: I get it. You’re partial to thick soups, but I feel like making a simple chicken soup. I don’t have time to cook a stew in a slow cooker, which is how I usually make it, not in a pot. Charlotte: All right, all right. Oh, a nice purée or bisque would be nice too. Doesn’t a chowder sound good right now? I could really go for a nice bowl of chowder. Mohamed: Fine, we’ll have chowder for dinner tomorrow. Charlotte: Really? Mohamed: Yes, and it’ll be the best chowder you’ve ever tasted – that comes out of a can. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents – William Howard Taft; deprecated versus obsolete versus outdated; to insist versus to persist; to set (one’s) jaw square Words: justice to appoint ally appeal to turn down advisor successor campaigning conservation to rig to split the vote efficient deprecated obsolete outdated to insist to persist to set (one’s) jaw square

What’s in? What’s out? Don’t be caught with last year’s styles! Listen to find out how to talk about the latest trends in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:10 Explanations: 2:54 Fast dialog: 17:10 Heidi: You look very relaxed reading magazines in the middle of the workday. Tim: It’s my job. I’m tasked with spotting new trends. Heidi: And you do that by reading magazines with your feet up? Tim: Why not? I also frequent places where hipsters hang out, listening to their conversations and observing what they’re wearing, eating, drinking, and doing. Heidi: That doesn’t sound too onerous. Tim: It’s all about finding the trendsetters, the people who are beta testers and early adopters. These are also the bellwethers for when a trend has run its course. Heidi: Can’t you just see what people are buying? Tim: By then, it’s too late. Those are people who are jumping on the bandwagon, not the movers and shakers. Heidi: Well, don’t look at me. I lag behind every trend and don’t have any idea what’s in or out. Tim: Luckily, you have me to tell you. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your choice of footwear... Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Bring up a child can be expensive. Learn how to talk about all the things you’ll need for a new baby in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:17 Explanations: 3:36 Fast dialog: 16:30 Wanda: Oh hi, I wasn’t expecting you today. Enrique: We’ve been cleaning out our garage and your sister said I should come by with a few things for your baby. Wanda: That’s really sweet of you guys, but I’m not due for another six months. Enrique: But you’ll need these things to get the baby’s room ready, right? Wanda: Well, we don’t actually have a baby room set up yet. Enrique: There’s no time like the present. Here’s a crib and the mattress. It just needs to be assembled. Oh, here are some bumper pads that go with it. Wanda: Great. Enrique: Here’s a changing table. Wanda: Wow, that’s really big. Enrique: Here are two car seats, one for infants and one for toddlers, and here’s a booster seat. Wanda: That’s a lot of stuff. Are you sure you want to part with all this? Enrique: Positive. Here’s a basic baby monitor and a video monitor so you can keep tabs on the little one. Wanda: Whoa, what’s in all these bags? Enrique: They’re baby and kids clothes. You’ll need more than you think. Wanda: That’s really generous of both of you, but are you sure you want to give it all to me? Enrique: Of course, you’re family and this will help you save a lot of money. Wanda: And it’ll free up garage space for your new workshop? Enrique: Well, why not kill two birds with one stone? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Authors – Willa Cather; the basics of hockey; oblivious versus forgetfulness; carnivore versus predator; equal versus identical Words: frontier Great Plains trilogy spirit remote to edit intellectual property puck jersey intermission to substitute penalty oblivious forgetfulness carnivore predator equal identical

Being a single man isn’t so bad. Find out why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:16 Explanations: 3:21 Fast dialog: 15:53 Iris: I’m thinking of inviting Simone and Jerry over for dinner. Alex: This isn’t another attempt at matchmaking, is it? Jerry is a confirmed bachelor and he’s not looking to marry or become involved in a relationship. Iris: He’s not a confirmed bachelor. In this neighborhood with so many single women, he’s an eligible bachelor. Alex: You mean in this neighborhood full of old spinsters! Stop trying to set him up with one of them. Iris: How do you know he doesn’t want a relationship? Maybe he’s just shy and needs a little prodding. Maybe he has a fear of commitment and we can all help him overcome it. Alex: Maybe he just wants to be left alone by meddling neighbors and ladies on the prowl. There are many benefits to remaining a bachelor. Iris: You mean living a celibate and empty life? Alex: You’re making too many assumptions. You don’t know the first thing about his life and whether he’s happy or not. In many ways, a bachelor’s life is idyllic. Iris: How can you say that? Alex: Would any bachelor have to have this conversation with anyone, ever? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

I hate shopping for shoes. This episode explains why. Slow dialog: 1:31 Explanations: 4:05 Fast dialog: 19:05 Curran: I like these tennis shoes. I need a new pair. Beth: We’re here to buy you some dress shoes for attending Chelsey’s wedding. You can’t go wearing those worn out loafers, and you need time to break them in. Curran: All right. Just pick whatever you think is suitable and let’s go. Beth: Don’t you want to have a say in what you wear? I think these oxfords are nice. What do you think? Curran: Great. I’m a size 10 and a half. I’ll try them on and we’ll go. Beth: You can’t just buy the first pair of shoes you see. How about these? Curran: Those patent leather shoes? They have purple laces. Well, if you think they’re okay... Beth: No, they’re not. These shoes are totally wrong for the occasion, not to mention hideous. I was just trying to get a rise out of you so you’ll pick the shoes you like. Curran: But I don’t care what I wear. Just pick a pair. Beth: No, you pick. Curran: Fine. How about these? Beth: No, they’re not dressy enough. They look more like sandals than dress shoes. Curran: Then how about these? Beth: Those boots? Definitely not. Curran: Okay, these then. Beth: Those shoes fasten with Velcro. Are you kidding me? Curran: Okay, why don’t you just tell me what my taste should be and I’ll buy what you want me to buy? Beth: And leave you with no say in your own purchase? What kind of cousin would I be if I did that? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Sometimes paper is safer than the Internet. Find out why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:21 Explanations: 3:18 Fast dialog: 16:55 Marcus: All right, let’s get started. These documents won’t sort themselves. Rebecca: I really don’t think sorting through documents is the best use of my time. Can’t the company find an intern to do this? Marcus: We have confidential information in these files and unless we want a security breach, only people who are authorized to see it are allowed to do this job. Rebecca: Lucky us. Marcus: Okay, we need to purge these files of outdated material. Let’s start by sorting them into two piles for either retention or destruction. Rebecca: And then what? Marcus: Then we have to further sort the destruction pile, either for disposal in the recycling bin or to be shredded. Rebecca: And who are the lucky people who get to do the shredding? Marcus: We get that honor, too. Rebecca: You’re kidding! I’m all for safeguarding confidential information, but couldn’t we just burn it all in a giant bonfire? Marcus: And who do you think would be responsible for doing that, and for extinguishing the wildfire we start? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Sometimes it is better to sleep before an important test than to study for it all night. Learn why in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:09 Explanations: 3:02 Fast dialog: 16:12 Adam: Sit still and stop bouncing your leg like that! Ellen: Sorry, I didn’t realize I was doing it. I’m just a little jittery. Adam: Well, try to chill out. We’re supposed to be studying and your restlessness is distracting. Ellen: I can’t help it. I’m like this because I had a lot of coffee. That’s the only way I can do an all-nighter. Adam: But how can you study when you’re fidgeting all the time? Stop tapping your pen on the table! Ellen: Sorry. It’s either I’m worked up or I fall asleep, and tomorrow’s test is a make-or-break one for me. I’ve got to do well. Adam: I don’t see how you can get any studying done when you’re strung out on caffeine. You’re so jumpy and I think you’re starting to twitch. Why don’t you try to counteract the caffeine by drinking lots of water? Ellen: Do you know how long it took me to get this keyed up? I’m not doing anything to reduce the effects. Adam: Fine. Ellen: Hey, where are you going? Adam: Anywhere but here! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Musicals/Movies – The Sound of Music; Public Housing and “The Projects”; to soak versus to immerse versus to dip versus to pickle; so-called and so to speak Words: abbey nun nanny widower public housing rent income disabled to apply eligible inner city suitable to soak to immerse to dip to pickle so-called so to speak (say)

Some college students drink too much, but what can you do about it? Find out in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:13 Explanations: 3:13 Fast dialog: 16:17 Danielle: They’re at it again. Those college kids next door are having another kegger. Nabil: That’s what we get for buying a house this close to a college. College students will have keggers and they’ll binge drink. It’s a rite of passage. Danielle: It’s dangerous to their health and a menace to the neighborhood, and I’m going to do something about it. Nabil: There’s nothing we can do. If it gets out of hand, we can call the cops, but let’s not overreact. Danielle: I’m not overreacting. They’re college students so I’m going to teach them about the dangers of binge drinking. Nabil: What are you going to do? Danielle: I’m going to wait on the sidewalk and pass out flyers as people arrive. This flyer lists the many health reasons they should moderate their drinking. It’s for their own good. Nabil: And you think college students are going to give you the time of day? Danielle: I won’t let them pass unless they agree to drink responsibly. Nabil: I have a feeling we’ll see the cops tonight. Danielle: You think the party will get out of hand? Nabil: No, I think they’ll be here to arrest the crazy lady waylaying people outside of their house! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

What should you do when you cook more food than you can eat for dinner? Learn the answer in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:09 Explanations: 2:57 Fast dialog: 16:23 Lee: Wow, what are we going to do with all these leftovers? Sarah: Let’s store them in different containers and we can each take some to work to share. We won’t be able to eat all of this ourselves, and I don’t want it to go to waste. Lee: Okay, I’ll get some plastic containers and sandwich bags for the cookies. Sarah: Can you also grab some wax paper, too? We’ll need to put some between each brownie so they don’t stick together. Lee: We’re not going to have enough plastic containers. How about wrapping up some of this food in Saran wrap or aluminum foil? Sarah: Great idea. I think I have some freezer bags, too. We might as well freeze a couple of pieces of cake to eat later. Lee: I wish we could vacuum seal them and store more pieces. That cake was really good! Sarah: I know. I could eat three pieces in one sitting. Lee: Hmm. On second thought, for the sake of our waistlines, maybe that wouldn’t be such a good idea. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents – James K. Polk; beach versus shore versus coast; concept versus conception Words: to make up for tutor charismatic confidant Speaker of the House candidate dark horse annexation latitude slogan to negotiate beach shore coast concept conception hey