The curious case of déjà vu

The curious case of déjà vu

13, February, 2025

Episode 247: The curious case of Déjà Vu

Ever had the feeling that you know what is going to happen next? Ever thought you have been to a place before, even though you know you haven’t been there before? This could be Déjà Vu – to find out more, listen to the podcast …

New Year's Resolutions

In this episode we look at that feeling that we feel things and situations are strangely familiar – that somehow we have already lived these experiences, this is the curious case of Déjà Vu!

Notes

Have you ever walked into a place for the first time and felt like you’ve been there before?

Or had a conversation that seemed oddly familiar, even though you know it’s never happened?

That eerie, mysterious feeling is déjà vu.

In this episode, we’re diving into the science, psychology, and theories behind this strange phenomenon.

What causes it?

Is it a glitch in the brain, a trick of memory, or something more?

Let’s explore the curious case of déjà vu.

Recap & Takeaways

Takeaways for Language Learners:
Interestingly, déjà vu can also happen when learning a new language.

Have you ever encountered a word or phrase that feels strangely familiar, even though you don’t recall learning it?

This could be your brain recognizing patterns, drawing connections between languages, or tapping into subconscious memory.

The more you immerse yourself in a language, the more these moments happen—so trust the process!

Exposure, repetition, and curiosity are key to making the unfamiliar feel familiar.

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Making Resolutions for the New Year

Making Resolutions for the New Year

13, February, 2025

Episode 245: Making Resolutions for The New Year

In this podcast, we look into setting resolutions for the New Year, and should we even bother setting resolutions?

New Year's Resolutions

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we examine the good and the bad of setting resolutions for the New Year. Is it of any use? Did you know that 93% of all resolutions made on 31 December are abandoned just a week or two later?

Notes

Whether or not to set New Year’s resolutions depends on your mindset, personal goals, and what works best for you. Here’s a breakdown to help decide:

Reasons to Set Resolutions:

  1. Fresh Start Effect: The new year feels like a clean slate, which can motivate you to pursue goals.
  2. Reflection and Growth: Resolutions can help you evaluate your past year and set intentions for growth.
  3. Structure: Setting goals gives you direction and a framework for self-improvement.
  4. Accountability: Declaring a resolution often makes people more committed to their goals.

Challenges with Resolutions:

  1. Unrealistic Expectations: If goals are too lofty, it can lead to frustration and burnout.
  2. Pressure and Guilt: Not achieving resolutions can cause feelings of failure.
  3. Short-Term Mindset: Many resolutions fade by February because they lack a long-term plan.
  4. External Influence: Resolutions driven by societal pressure rather than personal desire often lack meaning.

Recap & Takeaways

Alternatives to Resolutions:

  1. Set Intentions: Focus on a word or theme for the year (e.g., “balance” or “growth”) rather than rigid goals.
  2. Break It Down: Set small, achievable goals throughout the year instead of one big resolution.
  3. Reflect Regularly: Monthly or quarterly reviews can help you adjust goals as life changes.
  4. Celebrate Progress: Focus on the process and celebrate small wins along the way.

Ultimately, if resolutions inspire and motivate you, go for it! If they feel overwhelming, there are other ways to reflect and grow without the pressure. What’s your take—do you set resolutions, or do you prefer another approach?

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Desert Island Discs, Chris’ choice

Desert Island Discs, Chris’ choice

13, February, 2025

Episode 243: Desert Island Discs, Chris’ choice

In this podcast, we imagine we are castaway on a desert island with just 8 discs. The discussion around the choice of discs is a great way to remind us of certain moments in our lives.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about music and link it to some significant moments in our lives. It’s a great way to talk about the past as well as musical preferences. 

Notes

Desert Island Discs is a well known radio show on the BBC, in fact it’s been on air since 1942 ! That first Desert Island Discs was recorded in the BBC’s bomb-damaged Maida Vale studio on 27th January 1942 and aired in the Forces Programme at 8pm two days later. Nowadays it is a staple of BBC radio with over 1000s of people interviewed over the years.

The principle of the show is that the interviewee has to imagine they are castaway on a desert island with only 8 discs to listen to. That is a real challenge ! 

Which discs would you choose? Would you choose music which reminds you of people, of situations or significant experiences in your life ?

Listen in to our choices and reasons for chosing them. In this podcast you can hear Chris’ choice and in another podcast you can hear Sue’s choice. 

Recap & Takeaways

Talking about 8 discs is a great way to talk about your life and important experiences.

While listening to the podcast, make a note of Chris’ songs and why he choose them.

Now think about your choice. How would you explain your choice? Do you know all the vocabulary? Can you explain in a clear and engaing way? This is an opportunity to practice talking about events and experiences in your life…. get going and enjoy your moment as a castaway on a desert island !

Why not go to the BBC Sounds website and listen in to some of the interviews. You might become a fan !

 

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Desert Island Discs Sue’s choice

Desert Island Discs Sue’s choice

13, February, 2025

Episode 242: Desert Island Discs, Sue’s choice

In this podcast, we imagine we are castaway on a desert island with just 8 discs. The discussion around the choice of discs is a great way to remind us of certain moments in our lives.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about music and link it to some significant moments in our lives. It’s a great way to talk about the past as well as musical preferences. 

Notes

Desert Island Discs is a well known radio show on the BBC, in fact it’s been on air since 1942 ! That first Desert Island Discs was recorded in the BBC’s bomb-damaged Maida Vale studio on 27th January 1942 and aired in the Forces Programme at 8pm two days later. Nowadays it is a staple of BBC radio with over 1000s of people interviewed over the years.

The principle of the show is that the interviewee has to imagine they are castaway on a desert island with only 8 discs to listen to. That is a real challenge ! 

Which discs would you choose? Would you choose music which reminds you of people, of situations or significant experiences in your life ?

Listen in to our choices and reasons for chosing them. In this podcast you can hear Sue’s choice and in another podcast you can hear Chris’ choice. 

Recap & Takeaways

Talking about 8 discs is a great way to talk about your life and important experiences.

While listening to the podcast, make a note of Sue’s songs and why she choose them.

Now think about your choice. How would you explain your choice? Do you know all the vocabulary? Can you explain in a clear and engaing way? This is an opportunity to practice talking about events and experiences in your life…. get going and enjoy your moment as a castaway on a desert island !

Why not go to the BBC Sounds website and listen in to some of the interviews. You might become a fan !

 

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Subscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.

Planning a Holiday Getaway

Planning a Holiday Getaway

13, February, 2025

Episode 236: Planning a Holiday Getaway

In this podcast, you can hear us plan a holiday getaway in real time. You’ll be challenged by numbers, numbers and more numbers!

Planning a holiday getaway
Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we plan a holiday getaway in real time, you’ll hear us clicking away, making mistakes and finally coming up with a good destination which fits Sue’s budget.

Notes

Have you ever tried to book a holiday on line? It’s pretty confusing, isn’t it?

Listen to Chris and Sue go through the different options, flights and prices. There’s a lot of detailed information in this podcast, so you may need to listen several times.

This podcast is a great way to practice number comprehension; listen out for the times of flights, the dates of the holiday, the holiday budget, and the times of the stopovers.

There’s plenty of work do with this one! Not forgetting that planning a holiday getaway is a great way to boost your morale in these cold winter months.

 

Recap & Takeaways

BEFORE LISTENING, THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS

What’s the furtherest you’ve ever travelled?

How do you feel about flying?

Where have you been?

What’s your usual budget for a holiday?

What do you usually do on holiday?

What type of souvenirs do you buy from your holiday?

AFTER LISTENING

Write down all the numbers you heard. Can you reconsitute the flight itinery?

 

 

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Describing pain and symptoms

Describing pain and symptoms

13, February, 2025

Episode 235: Describing pain and pain symptoms

In this podcast, we hear from 4 people who describe very different health mishaps. You’ll hear plenty of useful vocabulary.

Describing pain and symptoms

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we hear from 4 people who’ve experienced varying degrees of pain ranging from a bee sting to a hangover. Listen up for great vocabulary!

Notes

It can be surprisingly difficult to describe pain and symptoms. What does pain really feel like….

Each of us experiences our pain differently, making it highly subjective—and that makes it a challenge for a doctor to evaluate.

Before listening check out this website describe pain and symptoms to a doctor to help with the vocabulary.

These to 4 people describe the ailments and accidents that they had, including a last one that is more self-inflicted than an accident.

 

Recap & Takeaways

When we talk about illness we often use the Passive Voice e.g. “I have been stung”, rather than “A bee stung me”.

Listen out for these words:

To be stung – a sting

To be swollen – to swell – a swelling

My ankles were broken  – a broken ankle – to break

A slipped disc

My head is trobbing – a head ache

 

 

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