The story of Northern Soul

The story of Northern Soul

October 25, 2023

Episode 202: The story of Norther Soul

In a series, Beat by beat, on the history of music genres, this episode is dedicated to the cultural sensation that is Northern Soul.

Episode 202: The story of Northern Soul

From the popular dance halls of the north of England in The Wigan Casino and the Spinning Wheel club in Manchester to its influence on music in The 21st century.

Northern Soul is not just a music genre, it also represents a thriving community of music and dance enthusiasts that brought obscure American music to the masses.

Listen along to find out about this musical phenomenum that started in the north of The UK and spread throughout the world, without most of us even knowing it.

Notes

Welcome to another episode of “Beat the Beat” the podcast where we delve into the fascinating world of music history. I’m your host, [Your Name], and today, we have a special journey planned for you as we explore the unique and enduring phenomenon known as Northern Soul. Over the next 15 minutes, we’ll chart the beginnings and the popularity of Northern Soul and see where it stands in today’s music landscape.

Recap & Takeaways

In this episode we will see how this subculture, Northern Soul, born out of a love for obscure American soul music, has left an indelible mark on music history. Its impact can still be felt today, from the dance floors of underground clubs to the inspiration it provides to contemporary artists.

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Practice number skills

Practice number skills

Test your number skills with these 20 questions about numbers in Sport.

Numbers can be a difficult part of learning a new language.

New learners often confuse “hundreds” and “thousands”, “fifteen” and “fifty”, “half past six” with “six and a half hours” etc etc etc.

The only way to improve your number skills is with practice.

Start by learning important numbers for you: your age, your address, your phone number.

Then practice well known expressions such as “fifty-fifty”, “One Hundred and One Dalmatians”.

Top Tip: Say the numbers out loud when doing this quiz, then PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE !

Test your number skills: numbers in sport

Try this quiz to consolidate your number skills while learning fun facts about different sports.

Greetings in English

Greetings in English

27, July, 2026

Episode 207: Greetings and goodbyes in English

Greetings and goodbyes in English are the first and last things you say in a conversation, so getting it right is essential.

In this short, podcast, we introduce you to some ways of saying hello to people you meet for the first time and some ways of gretting and saying goodbye to people that you know.

Notes

Sometimes we are not always sure of how to greet strangers or people we haven’t met before.

In this podcast we look at typical ways to greet people we know or those that we meet for the first time.

Listen in to find out more.

Recap & Takeaways

It is essential that we get it right. We look at ways of feeling at ease meeting people for the first time and ways to say hello and goodbye to people we know – friends, family and aquaintances.

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The history of reggae music

The history of reggae music

27, July, 2026

Episode 206: The history of reggae music

Reggae music is one of the most recognisable and popular genres of music in the world, but where does it come from and what are the origins of reggae music?

In this short, potted history of reggae music we take you through the birth of reggae music in The Carribean from it’s beginnings in Manto and Calypso music to the various genres and rebirths of the reggae music we know today.

Notes

We all know reggae music, one of the most recogniseable music genres on the planet, but did you know that reggae’s roots are in the music of African slaves?

That the first well known reggae song came from a film?

That there are at least seven different genres or styles of reggae?

Listen in to find out more.

Recap & Takeaways

Learn about how reggae formed from a blend of Mento and Calypso music into the forms of reggae we listen to today.

Bob Marley is one of the most famous reggae stars, but he died at the young age of 36, which did nothing for his influence on worldwide music.

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What is thanksgiving all about?

What is thanksgiving all about?

’July

Episode 204: What is Thanksgiving all about?

Thanksgiving is a North American tradition that comes around every year at this time of year, but what is it all about?

Episode 204: What is Thanksgiving all about?

The last Thursday in November is a major celebration day in the USA, it is a national holiday and a time for friends and family to get together.

You have surely heard of Thanksgiving, it is often portrayed in American movies and TV series, but do you really understand why it’s so important to Americans.

In this podcast Chris and Sue, as 2 Brits, discuss some of the interesting traditions, facts and controversies surrounding this North American national holiday .

Why is it celebrated? How many Thanksgiving Dinners were there? Who were the first Pilgrims? Where did they come from? What do people eat at this dinner?

Notes

But even though Thanksgiving is a special holiday and a precious time spent with friends and family for many North American, Chris and Sue raise the issue that for many others it is considered to be a “national day of mourning” to be viewed as a terrible time when colonists wiped out Native Americans and their culture. They feel that this period of history is “white-washed” out of history – which leads many Americans to ignore the holiday.

Recap & Takeaways

Enjoy the podcast and listen out for useful vocabulary, and of course you can consolidate your knowledge and vocabulary by doing the Thanksgiving quiz with 20 great questions.

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Can I improve my listening skills?

Can I improve my listening skills?

November 03, 2023

Episode 203: How can I improve my listening skills?

The ability to listen, hear and understand English is a vital skills in order to learn a language and without good listening skills, it is almost impossible to learn any language?

Episode 203: How can I improve my listening skills?

Understanding what people are saying to you is the first step to taking part in a conversation….. but the problem for many learners is UNDERSTANDING ! But just what is the problem? Accent ? Vocabulary? Speed of speech ?

Many learners say “Accent” and as we know there are many, many English accents this can really cause difficulties. In this podcast we talk about accents and how to get used to them.

Notes

Improving listening skills is one of the most important aspects of language learning and one of the skills that is often not focused on by teachers and trainers of languages.

The long and short of it is that if you can’t hear, listen to or understand what is being said, then you have very little chance of learning that language.

Recap & Takeaways

Here we give some ideas of how you can work independently on listening skills – nobody else can do it for you.

However, it is not a quick fix and takes a lot of work and time – but a vital element of language learning.

Stay Tuned For Our Latest Episodes

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

Start Listening Today!

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