In this podcast for adult, independent English learners I talk about the importance of practising talking about controversial issues. How will we ever make authentic connections in a second language if we haven't practised the vocabulary needed to express nuance, and delicately, cautiously and respectfully present opposing perspectives? In this podcast I present some of that language, and discuss the importance of using it before we need it! 

In this video, I give an example to better understand present perfect tenses. If you think you understood, listen to the audio again and comment below the sentence in which I used a present perfect tense at the beginning of this episode! *Winner gets to ask for help with their problem areA and will get an answer through podcast!* Bonus points if you can comment below another way to say the example sentence in the podcast so that it really means it has been a looooong time! *Advanced challenge! Good luck :)*

This is the first short episode in the story where two people meet. See the transcript below to help aid your comprehension. Welcome English learners! Today we’re going to begin a story that will last for several episodes. You can listen to the story episode by episode and grow your vocabulary and listening skills. Enjoy! James looked over his shoulder. He saw something running toward him very fast. His heart started beating rapidly. He thought it was a person, but when he turned to face them, he realized that it wasn’t a person. It was a large black dog. The dog was getting closer and closer, but it wasn’t barking at him. In fact, the dog looked happy. Then he saw why the dog was running. There was a tennis ball bouncing and rolling toward him and the dog was chasing it. James looked up and saw a woman about one hundred yards away from him. She was short and blonde. The dog grabbed the ball with his mouth and started running back toward her. “Good boy!” she said. “That’s a beautiful dog you have,” James said to her. “Thanks! Actually, he’s not my dog. I’m just watching him for a friend this weekend.” she replied. “Oh, I see,” said James. “Well, how did your friend get you to dog-sit for them?” James asked. “That’s actually along story,” she answered with a smile. James liked her smile and he had time to spare. He walked casually toward her and the dog. “I’ve got time. What’s the story?” James asked. “My name’s James, by the way.” “Jennifer. Nice to meet you. Well, it actually started a few months ago when I was hanging out with my friend…” she said. Well, that’s the end of the story for this episode. Tune in to the next episode to hear more about what happens with Jennifer and James. Be sure to write down any new vocabulary and listen again to improve your comprehension. See you next time!

Tonight, hundreds of thousands of snowflakes are floating above a cute village. Among these snowflakes there’s one the size of a small pot plant. It’s twirling and spinning like a beautiful ballet dancer. This snowflake’s name is Lola. She has just been joined by her rich green fairy friend named Fairy. “Lola, I’m sorry to disturb you right before sleep... But I had to come see you. The wedding date has been moved. We must have it in one week’s time. Do you think the dress will be ready?” “One week? Sure thing,” says Lola. “I’ll work on it during the (yawn) weekend. You have nothing to worry about.” “Oh Lola, you’re the best! Thank you! Here, let me take you to the ground—you’re tired—I can take you there in a few minutes.” Fairy takes Lola in her arms to flies towards the village. But something isn’t right. The wind is becoming stronger and colder. Fairy is trying her best to fly straight, but the wind is pushing her to the left and to the right. The little green light is struggling against the wind. A storm is coming.

a variety of contexts, meanings and clearing up any doubts about this very common phrasal verb

In this episode I will talk about what I studied after high school and some of the jobs I had.

Mr. Fat wakes up from a deep and enjoyable sleep. He rolls out of bed, leaving behind him a mattress covered with money. He walks over to his bedroom mirror and wipes oil off his face. “You are looking very handsome today,” says Mr. Fat, speaking to himself. “You are doing such a great job at ruling Planet Meat. Everyone loves and respects you. This planet is so lucky to have you.” Looking at his delicious meat hamburger, Mr. Fat says “Oh my, I’m starving. I can’t wait for breakfast. I’m going to eat my own meaty, juicy body! Hah!” Mr. Fat lives in a giant house made of meat, vegetables and potato chips. He is the boss of the whole meat planet. He became the boss because he has the biggest, toughest belly. Whenever someone tried to punch Mr. Fat, meat flew out of his belly and attacked his opponent. The fat hamburger walks over to the window. He opens his lettuce curtains and he almost faints in shock. “OH MY GOD!” screams Mr. Fat. He can’t believe what he’s seeing. “It’s raining tomato sauce! Yuuuuk!!”

Let's look at the some natural disasters, words that appear regularly in the newspapers. 1 Earthquakes 2 Tsunamis 3 Avalanches 4 Droughts 5 Heat waves and wildfire 6 Floods and flash floods 7 Landslides and sinkholes 8 Ice storms and blizzards 9 Meteors 10 Tropical cyclones hurricanes and typhoons 11 Tornados 12 Volcanic eruptions