When was the last time you did absolutely nothing? In this counterintuitive episode, we explore the surprising science behind intentional stillness and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for creativity, clarity, and connection. Spoiler: doing nothing isn’t laziness—it’s a game-changer. Ready to embrace the pause? Click play and transform how you see productivity forever.

LEARN BY LISTENING

Just STOP:The Power of Doing Nothing

In this episode, I explain the difference between the verbs 'to borrow' and 'to lend', as well as talking about hiring and renting. 

English with Nici!

Lend and borrow!

In this episode, we further discuss the concept of word-stress in English by practicing its different rules through shadowing. 

All Things Pronunciation

Rules of Word-Stress

Do you find it difficult to manage your time? What about other people you know? Do you think this is an effect of the modern world or something else? Today Nick discusses some ideas around this to help you with IELTS speaking Part 3 and Writing Part 2.

IELTS with Nick - World Knowledge 

Why do some people struggle to manage their time effectively?

寒くなってきましたね。
皆さんは、どんなときに冬が来たと感じますか。
今回は、雪の降らない地域で生まれ育ったアヤが冬の訪れを感じる瞬間について話します。
 
Winter has come! 
When and what makes you feel the beginning of winter?
This time, Aya, who was born and raised in an area that has no snow in winter, talks about when she feels the beginning of the winter.

♤ キーワード
・立冬（りっとう：the first day of winter by the lunar calendar）
・風情がある（ふぜいがある：tasteful） 
・鍋（なべ：Japanese hotpot with various vegetables and meat or fish）
・鍋の素（なべのもと：ready-made soup stocks for 鍋）
・陳列する（ちんれつする：display） 
・もつ鍋（もつなべ：鍋 with beef tripe and vegetables）
・精肉店（せいにくてん：butcher shop） 

♧ 理解度チェッククイズ 
1.  今年の立冬は何月何日？
2. アヤが冬の訪れを感じるのはどんなとき？

♢ 前回のクイズの答え 
1. フミが子どものときに憧れていた２つの職業は？
①とうもろこしのおばちゃん（販売員）
②建設工場のおじちゃん（作業員）

BGM special thanks：MusMus

アヤさんとフミさんの日本語雑談（Aya and Fumi’s Japanese Chit-Chat）

Episode 17：冬の訪れ

Don't learn English before knowing this! 20-minute meditation and visualization masterclass.

For job interview & IELTS speaking test takers and those who want to be more confident in spoken English.

Please listen with your eyes relaxed, breathe deeply, and allow your creative side of the mind to offer you images of your success, growth, and development.

This is a training like no other—it will instruct your mind to succeed and will do so with state-altering music and alpha-centering technique to help you go deeper and have a profoundly relaxed and productive experience to improve your English ability.

When you feel ready - book my classes now.

The Habits of Highly Effective English Communicators

Don't learn English before knowing this! 20 minute meditation & visualisation master-class.

Tops, bottoms, shoes, formal wear and pajamas, we cover it all in this episode! Let’s get learnin’! 


Chillchat (Learn Chinese and Chill)

(Intermediate) 聊聊衣服 Let's chat about clothes!

In this podcast I talk about 5 small things that bring me happiness.
What small things bring you happiness?
Leave me feedback if you like this type of podcast . Thanks!

1. Being awake at the crack of dawn and holding and smelling a hot cup of coffee
2. A fresh pair of sneakers
3. The smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
4. A hot shower
5. A hug from a loved one
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take an English Lesson with Carl https://italki.com/teacher/1947582

Streetwise English

SWE 166 - 5 Small things that make me happy

IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Telephoning.

How often do you make telephone calls? 
Who do you spend the most time talking to on the telephone? 
When do you think you’ll next make a telephone call? 
Do you sometimes prefer to send a text message instead of telephoning?

How can you answer these basic questions? What would you include? Should you make it complicated or should it be simple and straighforward?