Struggling with the /th/ sound in English? You're not alone! In this episode, we’ll break down the two types of /th/—voiced and unvoiced—explaining how to position your mouth, common pronunciation mistakes, and easy ways to practice. Whether you mix up think and sink or those and doze, this episode will help you master this tricky sound with clear explanations and practical exercises. Tune in and start speaking with confidence!

 Pronunciation and Accent Reduction with a Focus on North American English

Sink or Think? Those or Doze?  Mastering the TH Consonant

Each week I read an interesting news article from the BBC. Listen along to the words and pronunciation and I will also share with you the link to the story so that you can read along as well. This week's news article can be found here: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63562005

The Breaking News Podcast

Cornwall space mission: Satellites prepared for first UK orbital launch

speaker: 
俞敏洪Yú Mǐnhóng   新东方教育集团创始人，英语教学与管理专家。
Yu Minhong, or Michael Yu is the founder and president of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.. As the owner of one of the largest private educational services, Yu is known as the "richest teacher in China", and "Godfather of English Training".
script: 
城市孩子上不了大学，对城市孩子影响不是那么大。但是农村孩子上不了大学，其实他就变成一辈子农民了。我觉得一个农民的孩子如果说能上上正规的大学的话，对他来说，扩大他的视野也好；扩大他对这个世界的理解以及人脉关系也好；以及他的自我认知也好，一定是有大大的好处。我相信进了大学整体来说命运总会变得更好。因为人们的想法是被观念改变的。那能够改变观念的人最好的地方就是大学。那他只要考上大学，哪怕是三本，是吧？那他大学四年给他的磨练；带来的眼光、感觉、格局肯定就不一样的。那个时候他再回到农村,他可能就变成农村的创业者，或者是变成农村中间最有想法的人。我觉得想法是改变世界的基础。
高考   gāo kǎo   College Entrance Examination
命运   mìng yùn  n. 1.destiny ；fate；lot  悲惨的命运a tragic lot
                   2.trend of development；tendency of change  国家的命运
eg.他想要掌握自己的命运。He wants to be in control of his own destiny.
      我们是自己命运的主人。We are masters of our own destiny.
translation:
Being able to go to university or not has little effect on students from cities. But for students from rural areas, if they don't go to college, they will be lifelong farmers.
I think it would be good for a peasant's child to expand his horizons, understanding of the world， connections, and self-perception if he went to a proper university.
I think going to college will change your destiny. Because people's thoughts are changed by perspective. College is the best place to build a new perspective. As long as you can get into a university, even if it is just a third-class university. Four years of college life will change his new ideas and views. Then he goes back to the countryside, and he may start his own business, or he may become the most thoughtful person there. I think ideas are fundamental to changing the world.

One Minute Chinese—— Celebrity speeches & interviews with Chinese & English script

10.俞敏洪：高考，农村孩子“改变”命运的唯一机会 Gaokao is the only chance for rural students to change their destiny.

Welcome back, and you’re watching the Olympic Winter Games Review… and they are getting ready now… about to start the race… This will be a very exciting skiing event. Everyone is talking about it. Almost ready now… 

“Aaron… Aaron… Can you hear me? Or are you too busy watching TV?” says an angry voice. 

Aaron is a handsome black cat. Right now, he’s lying on the couch watching TV. His hands are on his belly and his head is on a pillow. 

His mother is standing over him. She looks upset and angry. She is wearing wet rubber gloves. 

“When will you stop?” says Aaron’s mother while looking for the TV remote. “You have been watching this show all day!”

She finds it under a pillow. She turns off the TV.

“Hey!” cries Aaron. “I was watching that! They were just about to start!” 

“I should tell your father. He won’t approve of this.”

Aaron sits up and grabs the remote from his mother’s hands. “Go tell him! I don’t think he will hear you. He’s in his bedroom watching TV too!” 

Aaron turns the TV back on and lies back down. 

Aaron’s mother breathes deeply and gives up. She goes back into the kitchen and continues washing the dishes. 

Being a Cloud

Aaron the Black Cat

Hola. Bienvenidos a mi canal “Aprendiendo español con una argentina”.

En este episodio vas a escuchar un cuento breve que tiene una enseñanza relacionada con el dinero. Este podcast está recomendado para estudiantes de español con niveles intermedio y avanzado del idioma.

Al finalizar, podrás realizar los quizzes asociados a este material para evaluar tu comprensión y fijar nuevos conceptos en español.


Aprendiendo español con una argentina

Un cuento sobre el dinero

Clara, a brilliant data analyst with a mind for numbers, walked into my office looking like a storm cloud. Networking events were her kryptonite. "I freeze up," she confessed, "Small talk? Forget it! I just stand there awkwardly, feeling like a total outsider."

Clara's shyness was hindering her career. Her analytical skills were top-notch, but promotions often went to colleagues who could "schmooze" with decision-makers. I knew I could help.

Our first step was reframing networking. Instead of a dreaded chore, we saw it as an opportunity to connect with people who shared her passion for data. We practiced "elevator pitches" - concise introductions highlighting her expertise. We focused on open-ended questions, like "What's the biggest data challenge you're facing?" to spark engaging conversations.

Next, we tackled the "shy freeze." Role-playing helped Clara practice making eye contact, smiling warmly, and using active listening techniques like nodding and acknowledging what the other person said. We even practiced "exit strategies" - polite ways to excuse herself from a conversation when she felt overwhelmed.

The turning point came when I suggested Clara volunteer at a data analysis conference.  She'd be interacting with people who shared her interests, but in a less intimidating setting.  It worked! Clara's passion for data analysis shone through, and she ended up having stimulating conversations with attendees.

The next networking event was a different story. Armed with her practiced pitch and newfound confidence, Clara actively approached people, discussed data trends, and even shared a few insights herself. She even left with a business card from a potential mentor!

Today, Clara is a networking pro.  She still gets nervous, but she no longer lets shyness hold her back.  Clara's story proves that anyone can become a confident networker with the right tools and a supportive coach.

The Global Professional Podcast

How to overcome shyness with a coach - Episode 76

Ser capaz de ver el lado bueno de la vida. 


Mucho que decir

Pensamiento positivo 🎧

How to maximize your performance in every class?!

The podcast is about mental preparation before each class but you can extend that into your life.

How to prepare for a business meeting? The same way I described.
How to prepare mentally for IELTS test? The same way I described.
How to succeed in a job interview? The same way I described.

If you'll look into your successes and analyze why you succeeded - you'll find yourself realizing what were your individual keys and so you can insert those keys into nex experience whether it's a test or a date. The mental process is the same!

Send me your results and how you are going to use it in the future.

To Your Success,
Anatoly - Your Fluency Coach!

The Habits of Highly Effective English Communicators

How to maximize your performance in every class?!

Casi todas las ciudades y pueblos de España tienen al menos una celebración durante los meses de verano. En este episodio te menciono algunas de las que no te puedes perder.

Después de escuchar el episodio, deja un comentario o visita mi Instagram para decirme si:

-¿Has estado en alguna fiesta de verano española? ¡Cuéntame tu experiencia!

-¿Habías escuchado estas fiestas antes?

-¿Conoces alguna otra fiesta de verano?
