In this episode, we explore one of the most fascinating questions: what if life were a game? Starting from a personal intuition and moving through art, science, video games, and philosophy, we reflect on “play” as a hidden thread connecting human culture.

Resources
Johan Huizinga - Homo Ludens

Immersive Italian

Life is a Game - Immersive Italian Podcast Ep.8

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. 


Being a Cloud

Lola the Snowflake 

Why do I freeze when I speak Spanish? Maybe I’m just too slow…

If you’ve ever thought that, this episode is for you.
🎙️ Hoy rompemos uno de los mitos más tóxicos del aprendizaje de idiomas:
que hablar lento es hablar mal.

🚫 No. Hablar lento no es un error.
💡 Hablar lento es una herramienta.
Una forma de respirar, organizar tus ideas y hablar con intención.
Cuando te das permiso para hablar a tu ritmo, algo cambia: desaparece la ansiedad y aparece la seguridad.

En este episodio descubrirás:
✅ Por qué hablar despacio no es un problema, sino parte de tu proceso.
✅ Cómo usar tu pausa como poder.
✅ Frases útiles para hablar con claridad (no con velocidad).
✅ Técnicas para dejar de sabotearte y empezar a disfrutar hablar en español.

🎧 Slow is powerful. Clarity beats speed. Connection wins.
Este podcast es tu recordatorio: no necesitas sonar como un nativo, necesitas sonar como tú… con seguridad.


Español No Excuses: Level-Up Your Mind, Speak Out Loud

No necesitas hablar rápido para hablar bien

Intermediate Chinese Listening：压力 Pressure

Intermediate Chinese Listening

I discuss some of my favorite idioms! 
Can't see the forest for the trees
better late than never 
fishing for compliments 
could care less 
go above and beyond (the call of duty) 
go the extra mile 
You give them an inch and they take a mile. 
on the fence/in two minds about
Take it easy

Nit-Picky English with Nika 

Interesting Idioms


   a. Plug and play - Something that is easy to install or use without much effort.
      Example: "The new printer is plug and play; you can start using it right away."
   b. Crash course - An intensive and brief learning experience.
      Example: "I took a crash course in coding to prepare for the project."
   c. Hit the delete button - To eliminate or remove something completely.
      Example: "Let's hit the delete button on that idea; it's not feasible."
   d. On the same wavelength - To have a shared understanding or similar thinking.
      Example: "We work well together because we're on the same wavelength."
   e. Digital footprint - The trail of information left behind by someone's online activity.
      Example: "Be mindful of your digital footprint; it can impact your reputation."


IELTS Podcast 雅思博客

Technology-related idioms:

This time, I'm talking about the Japanese nursery rhyme "Oshogatsu".
This was written by Kume Higashi and the music was composed by  Rentaro Taki.
This song was written about  120 years ago, but it is still often played in the city at the end of the year.The meaning of this song is as folows.

How many more nights will it be New Year's?
Let's fly kites and play with a spinning top at New Year's.
Come, come quickly New Year's Day

今回は　日本の童謡『お正月』について　お話しています。
作詞（さくし）：東くめ（ひがし　くめ）・　作曲（さっきょく）：滝廉太郎（たき　れんたろう）
歌詞（かし）
1.もういくつ寝（ね）ると  お正月（しょうがつ）　お正月には  凧（たこ）あげて　こまをまわして 　あそびましょう　　はやく 来い来い（こい こい） お正月
2.もういくつ寝（ね）ると  お正月（しょうがつ）　お正月には  毬（まり）ついて　追羽根（おいばね）ついて  あそびましょう　はやく　来い来い　 お正月
意味（いみ）：
１ばんは、「あと　何回　ねたら、お正月かな？　お正月には　たこあげや　こままわしをして　あそぼう。はやく　来て　来て　お正月」　２ばんは「まりつきや　はねつきをして　あそびましょう」に歌詞が　変わります。
この曲は、お正月を楽しみにしている気持ちを歌っています。

120年ぐらい昔に作られた曲ですが、今でも　年末になると　スーパーなどで　よくこの曲が流れます。この曲をきくと、「もうすぐお正月だなあ」と思います。







やさしい日本語（にほんご）

童謡『お正月』　Children’s song"Oshogatsu(New Year)"

小明是一个很喜欢运动的人。他每天都会去健身房锻炼。他不仅喜欢锻炼，还喜欢踢足球。周末的时候，他经常和朋友们一起踢足球。他的朋友们也都很喜欢运动。
有一天，小明和朋友们决定去旅行。他们选择了去北京，因为九月去北京旅游最好。他们提前预约了酒店，并且安排了一些旅游景点的参观。小明特别期待这次旅行，因为他以前去过北京，成都，重庆旅游，他觉得这次的旅行一定会非常有趣。
旅行的前一天，小明感到有些不舒服。他去楼下的药店买了一些药，还给公司请了假。虽然身体有些不舒服，但他还是决定按计划进行旅行。为了不让朋友们担心，小明没有告诉他们自己生病了。
旅行结束后，小明觉得自己真的很需要好好休息一下。他回到家后，把自己喜欢的礼物送给了家人，并和他们分享了旅行中的趣事。
阅读理解题：
1.小明最喜欢的运动是什么？
A. 跑步
B. 篮球
C. 足球
D. 游泳

2.小明和朋友们选择去北京旅游的原因是什么？
A. 北京的天气很好
B. 九月去北京旅游最好
C. 北京的食物很好吃
D. 北京的酒店很便宜


3.小明旅行前做了什么准备？
A. 买了新衣服
B. 安排了旅游景点的参观
C. 买了很多礼物
D. 学习了北京的历史

4.小明旅行前一天为什么去药店？
A. 买药给朋友
B. 给家人买礼物
C. 自己生病了
D. 买一些零食

5.旅行结束后，小明做了什么？
A. 继续和朋友们踢足球
B. 去健身房锻炼
C. 给家人送礼物并分享旅行趣事
D. 再次去旅行


每日汉语练习

小明的运动与旅行生活

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11-FJfZl6I6lQQwSQeSE4OphI-Kdw1wn2/view?usp=drivesdk