Working from home; a dream or a nightmare?

Working from home; a dream or a nightmare?

13, March, 2026

Episode 254: working from home; a dream or a nightmare?

In this podcast,  Sue  speaks to 5 people about their experience of workingh from home; some people love it, others find that it’s not very efficient. What’s your view?

Help my workplace is stressing me out

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about working from home. This podcast was recorded during the Covid pandemic, and since then we’ve become more used to working from home. What do you think? What’s your experience?

Notes

Since the Covid pandemic and the lockdown, working from home has now become the new normal. It’s not only office based jobs that have had to adapt to home working but also jobs which are traditionally more “people” based. It seems that almost overnight there has been a major attitude shift as a huge quantity of work tasks have been transferred on-line. But how easy is it to re-organise the working day to these new conditions? Is working from home a dream or a nightmare for you ?

Listen to these 5 people talk about the ups and downs of home/remote working.

Stephen has had to adapt his car showroom to new Covid-19 guidelines. What does he say about the new regulations regarding test driving a prestige car ? 

Anne is a lawyer, who is conducting her legal work on-line. What does she say about assessing the body language of witnesses in a trial?

Philippe as a doctor is doing consultations on the phone. What does he say about his patients’ attitude to remote consultations? 

Victoria as a primary school teacher is having to find creative ways to engage her young students. What does she mean when she says her experience has been a “mixed bag”?

Cyann as a high school student is not a huge fan of on-line lessons. What reasons does she give ?

Recap & Takeaways

Before you listen take a look at some of these points that several business studies have identified as the biggest struggle people have with remote working. What is your experience?

Unplugging after work

Loneliness

Communication with colleagues

Distractions at home

Being in a different timezone to colleagues

Staying motivated

Finding reliable wi-fi

 

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Fes, Morocco; a fascinating cultural hidden gem

Fes, Morocco; a fascinating cultural hidden gem

13, March, 2026

Episode 253: Visit Fes, the cultural center of Morocco

In this podcast, Chris asks Sue about her trip to Fes, Morocco. What did she think ot it? What surprised her? What did she think of the food? What did she buy?

Buying and selling on-line

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about visiting Fes in Morocco. How does it compare to other cities in Morocco? Listen in to a natural conversation between 2 people comparing their holiday experiences.

Notes

Fes (Fez) is a  13th-century city imperial city with a long multicultural history, that reserves unexpected surprises for its visitors.

The famous medina of Fez, with its 9,000 streets is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural interest. The beautiful gates (14 of them) lead you into a warran of small streets full of local life, indeed 100,000 live within the walls of the Medina.

Fez is like an absolute open-air museum.  Its medina being the oldest and largest city in Morocco, all the craftsmen are gathered, from tanners to weavers, dinandiers and potters. Its streets are decorated with architectural masterpieces of blue and jade mosaics.

If you visit Fes, you would definately need a guide to help you through the thousands of streets and the centuries of history.

For more information and pictures, check out this website https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel/fez

 

Recap & Takeaways

As a language learner listen out for useful phrases to ask about holiday experiences.

Where is Fes?

Why was it built there?

What is the history of Fez?

Are there any tourist traps?

What would you recommenrd?

What about the food?

Also did you hear these expressions? What do you think they mean?

“When in Rome”

“I wasn’t keen on…”

“You put your finger right on it”

 

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Why are we so addicted to British soaps?

Why are we so addicted to British soaps?

13, March, 2026

Episode 252: Why are we addicted to the British soaps?

In this podcast, we have to own up…we are addicted to the British soap operas, and we are far from being alone. Many millions in the UK tune in every week, usually several times a week, to follow the ups and downs in the storylines in the British TV soaps. But why? In this podcast, we try to answer the question.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk about Brtish TV series which are known as “the soaps”. Find out what they are and why they are so popular with British people.

Notes

British soap operas have been a cornerstone of television for decades, captivating audiences with their compelling storytelling and relatable characters. The most popular ones are called Coronation Street and EastEnders; these shows offer a unique blend of drama, humor, and real-life issues that resonate with viewers.​

One of the reasons we adore British soaps is their ability to mirror everyday life. They tackle real-life issues allowing viewers to see their own experiences reflected on screen. This relatability fosters a deep connection between the audience and the characters, making the highs and lows of the storyline all the more impactful.

Over the years, British soaps have delivered some of the most memorable moments in television history. For instance, the 1986 EastEnders episode where Den Watts served his wife Angie with divorce papers drew a staggering 30.15 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes ever. Similarly, Coronation Street‘s 1987 Christmas episode, featuring Hilda Ogden’s departure, attracted 26.65 million viewers. These episodes have become cultural touchstones, sparking conversations and leaving lasting impressions on the audience.​​

So, watching British soaps has become a cherished tradition for many households, creating a sense of community among viewers. Whether it’s discussing the latest plot twist at work or debating character decisions with friends, these shows bring people together, fostering connections beyond the screen.

 

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Recap & Takeaways

Focus on these questions;

What is the origin of the word “the soaps”?

When were the British soaps first broadcast?

What are the typical plot twists in these TV shows?

What is the name of the soap opera aired on the radio, and when did it start?

Why do we get attached to them so much?

Are they a good way to learn English?

What is your favourite soap?

 

 

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Why do we love doing quizzes?

Why do we love doing quizzes?

13, March, 2026

Episode 251: Why do we love quizzes so much?

In this podcast, we wonder why we love doing quizzes so much. People seem to love quizzes because they’re like tiny brain workouts—minus the sweat and there’s something oddly satisfying about proving you know the capital of Uzbekistan! Listen in for why we like doing quizzes so much.

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk “intelligence”… or is it? Do quizzes really test our intelligence, our memory or our zxperience. Listen in to find out.

Notes

All quizzes are popular and these days pub quizzes are especially popular because they combine socializing, entertainment, and friendly competition in a relaxed setting. They offer a fun way for friends, colleagues, or strangers to test their knowledge while enjoying food and drinks, making for a lively and engaging night out. The mix of trivia categories ensures that everyone can contribute, fostering camaraderie. Additionally, the challenge of answering questions correctly, the chance to win prizes, and the bragging rights of being the smartest team in the room add to the excitement. Plus, even if you don’t win, you still get to have a good time and maybe learn a few fun facts!

However, we delve into why quizzes primarily test the “what” i.e. factual knowledge—specific pieces of information that can be recalled quickly. For example, a quiz might ask, “What is the capital of France?” This type of question evaluates recognition and recall but doesn’t necessarily require deep understanding.

Whereas the “why” and “how” questions require explanation, reasoning, and critical thinking. Quizzes, especially multiple-choice or short-answer formats, typically aren’t suited for these in-depth explorations because they prioritize quick assessment over deep comprehension.

 

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Recap & Takeaways

LEARNING TIP

What would you say are the benefits of doing quizzes? Listed below are 4 reasons; can you expand on them after listening to the podcast. Try to write 50 words for each reason and then speak about it naturally. 

  1. Boosts Memory & Learning –  Can you expand on this point?
  2. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills –  Try to say more about this.
  3. Provides Instant Feedback – What is your experience?
  4. Fun & Engaging – Do you do quizzes with your friends and family?

 

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The curious case of why we get hangry

The curious case of why we get hangry

13, March, 2026

Episode 250: The curious case of Why we get hangry

Welcome to The Curious Case of Why We Get Hangry! We’ve all felt it—that sudden burst of irritation when we haven’t eaten.

But why does hunger mess with our emotions?

The curious case of Why we get hangry

In this episode, we’re unpacking the science behind hanger, from blood sugar drops to stress hormones, and exploring ways to keep your cool when your stomach starts to rumble.

Notes

We’ve all been there—you’re hungry, you’re cranky, and suddenly, even the smallest inconvenience feels unbearable.

But why does hunger make us lose our patience?

In The Curious Case of Why We Get Hangry, we’ll explore what’s happening inside your body when your mood takes a nosedive due to hunger.

From the role of glucose in brain function to the stress hormones that fuel irritation, we’ll break down the science of hanger and why some people experience it more than others.

Plus, we’ll share simple strategies to keep your mood stable, even when your stomach is empty. Let’s dive in!

Recap & Takeaways

Takeaways for Language Learners:

  1. Hunger affects mood – When you don’t eat, your blood sugar drops, making it harder for your brain to regulate emotions.
  2. Stress hormones kick in – Your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can make you feel irritable or anxious.
  3. Some people get hangrier than others – Genetics, personality, and diet all play a role in how strongly hunger affects emotions.
  4. Preventing hanger is possible – Eating balanced meals and snacks can help keep your blood sugar steady and your mood in check.
  5. Words to rememberHanger, glucose, irritability, hormones, metabolism, cranky, and adrenaline.

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The curious case of why we procrastinate

The curious case of why we procrastinate

13, March, 2026

Episode 249: The curious case of why we Procrastinate

Welcome to The Curious Case of Why We Procrastinate! In this episode, we explore the science behind procrastination—why we put things off, how our brains trick us into delaying tasks, and what we can do to break the cycle. 

The curious case of why we procraste

Whether you’re a chronic procrastinator or just looking to improve your productivity, this episode has something for you. Let’s dive in!

Notes

We’ve all been there—staring at a deadline, telling ourselves we’ll start soon, only to find ourselves scrolling through social media or reorganizing our desks instead.

But why do we procrastinate, even when we know it’s not in our best interest?

In this episode of The Curious Case of Why We Procrastinate, we take a deep dive into the psychology and neuroscience behind procrastination.

Is it laziness, fear of failure, or something deeper?

We’ll explore expert insights on how our emotions, habits, and even our biology play a role in delaying tasks.

Plus, we’ll uncover practical strategies to help you stop procrastinating and start making progress.

If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, this episode is for you!

Recap & Takeaways

Takeaways for Language Learners:

  1. Understanding Procrastination – Learn about the common reasons people procrastinate and how it affects productivity.
  2. Emotional Triggers – Discover how emotions like fear, perfectionism, and anxiety contribute to putting tasks off.
  3. Practical Strategies – Get tips on how to overcome procrastination, including time management techniques and mindset shifts.
  4. Boosting Motivation in Language Learning – Find out how to apply these strategies to stay consistent with your English practice.

This episode is not just about procrastination—it’s about taking action. So let’s get started!

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