Christmas Market in Toulouse

Christmas Market in Toulouse

29, September, 2026

Episode 241: Discover The Christmas Market in Toulouse, France

In this Vodcast, we visit and discover what is in store at The Christmas market, as we do every year. Sue, who is a huge fan of Christmas continues her mission to get Chris into the Christmas spirit.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we get out and about with our video camera to discover the food and drink of the Christmas season in the centre of Toulouse, France. Will Sue be able to ‘sell’ Christmas to Chris, who is not 100% convinced?

Notes

Join us in the bustling centre of Toulouse on an unusually cold evening.

See the stalls and produce that is on sale, some of it quite original and others that are the stalwarts of the Christmas Market.

We discover some the unique and the traditional, along with the things that seem a little off-the-wall for the Christmas season.

One thing is for sure, love it hate it, The Christmas Market is certainly a lively and a very friendly place to go.

Recap & Takeaways

Packed with vocabulary about the Christmas season, along with lots of expressions to describe the tastes and sensations about food and drink.

Once again we visit the growing Christmas market in the centre of the beautiful city of Toulouse to soak up the Christmas spirit.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cultural explorations!

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Living in Sydney; is it all good?

Living in Sydney; is it all good?

29, September, 2026

Episode 228: Is Sydney really the best city in the world?

In this podcast, we talk about some of the best places to live in the world and Sydney comes out pretty much on top.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about one of the best cities in Australia and apparently, throughout the world as it is widely recognised as one of the best places to live in the world.

Notes

Recently a marketing company carried out a survey to find out which city people perceived as being the best in the world….. and Sydney came out on top !

While on holiday there Sue caught up with Laura, who’s been living there for the past three and a half years, to see if the city really does live up to the hype.

Listen as they talk about the glorious weather, the job opportunities, the people, the food and the cost of living.

 

Sue also mentions a popular Australian TV show called Bondi Rescue, so if you want to hear some real Aussie accents click here.

Recap & Takeaways

Think you know where the best places to live in the world are?

Was Sydney top of your list?

Well, apparently it gets to the top of many people’s lists and you can listen to find out why.

Is it the weather?

The Food?

The people?

The accommodation?

 

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So, are the French pessimistic?

So, are the French pessimistic?

29, September, 2026

Episode 240: Are French people naturally pessimistic?

In this podcast, we answer a question from a listener, Mathieu, about whether the French are naturally more pessimistic than other nations.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we dive into the psychology and cultural aspects of being French and attempt to answer the question posed by a listener, Mathieu, on whether the French are more pessimistic than other nations.

Notes

Join us in this thought-provoking and lighthearted podcast as we delve into the intriguing question: Are French people naturally pessimistic?

From the existential musings of Sartre and Camus to everyday French habits like discussing the world’s woes over coffee, we explore the cultural, historical, and philosophical roots of France’s reputation for embracing the darker side of life.

Are French people simply realists with a flair for drama?

Or is their pessimism a misunderstood passion for depth and authenticity?

Recap & Takeaways

Packed with anecdotes, surprising stats, and insightful analysis, this episode will challenge stereotypes while giving you a fresh perspective on what it means to see the glass as half-empty—or perhaps, simply a bit less than full.

Hit play to discover if the French really deserve their reputation or if there’s more joie de vivre lurking behind that iconic Gallic shrug.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cultural explorations!

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Managing phone calls in English

Managing phone calls in English

29, September, 2026

Episode 238: How to manage  phone calls in English

In this podcast, you can pick up tips on the best way to take control phone calls in English by reducing stress and slowing down the conversation to suit you.

Writing effective emails
Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode we cover hot tips to help you master phone calls in English. We’ll help you take control of the call. Listen in.

Notes

Many learners prefer sending an e-mail to making a phone call for one reason…. it’s easier as it avoids the stress of actually speaking and listening ! However, sometimes a quick phone can can solve a problem in minutes rather than having to wait for the “to and fro” of e-mails.

 

Recap & Takeaways

BEFORE LISTENING, THINK ABOUT YOUR DIFFICULTIES WITH PHONE CALLS.

How do you feel?

Are you concerned more about speaking or understanding ?

HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS (to be completed later)

 

 

 

 

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Top Tips for Writing E-mails

Top Tips for Writing E-mails

29, September, 2026

Episode 237: Tips for Writing E-mails

In this podcast, you can pick up tips on the best way to start and finish your mails without causing any cultural misunderstandings!

Writing effective emails
Welcome back to English-Podcasts. In this episode we discuss the cultural minefield of modern communication. How are e-mails different to letters and phone calls? No need to worry anymore, we have the answers.

Notes

Email has become the top method of communication in the workforce. Reasons for emails vary from business correspondences to personal messages.

They can be as short as one word and as long as a novella, but that does not mean that these are all appropriate or even effective.

It’s important  to learn how to effectively use email at work.

Worldwide email use continues to grow at a healthy pace. In 2015, the number of worldwide email users will be nearly 2.6 billion. By the end of 2023, the number of worldwide email users will increase to over 4 billion.

E-mail communication has taken over other forms of communication; how often do you write a letter ? It’s even taking over phone calls. All the more reason to have the correct forms of introduction and closing….. listen up to our tips.

Recap & Takeaways

BEFORE LISTENING, THINK ABOUT YOUR E-MAILS

Who do you write to?

How does your relationship change over time with your correspondants? Are you friendly, but not friends? Are you in a position of authority or not?

What kind of information are you asking for in your e-mails? Should the tone be friendly or firm?

THESE CULTURAL ASPECTS SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

How long are your e-mails? Would a phone call have been quicker?

As language learners, an e-mail may seem an easier option than picking up the phone. Take a listen to our upcoming podcast on phone calls to great some useful tips.

 

 

 

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Describing pain and symptoms

Describing pain and symptoms

29, September, 2026

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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