Kate Billington, an English teacher, stand-up comedian, and professional cake maker, discusses her cycling trip to Berlin, a nasty bicycle accident in Paris, the expression 'should have would have could have', shocking news, cricket and the expression 'she had a good innings', phone distractions, the etiquette of eating on a podcast, awkwardness, laughter, and speed of speech, interpretations of 'it's all downhill', finding the perfect Instagram handle, 'top of the Bill' and cake, cycling from Jermont to Berlin, a cycling accident and concussion, premium content and different types of episodes with pronunciation practice, accessing English language learning resources online, and cycling adventures and funny stories.
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Quick takeaways
Adapting to different language styles is part of effective communication.
The phrase 'it's all downhill from here' can have both positive and negative connotations.
The speaker recounts her cycling trip from Paris to Berlin, facing challenges and enjoying the sense of achievement.
The speaker highlights the importance of wearing a helmet and praises the excellent healthcare system in France.
The speaker explains the benefits of using the Warm Showers app and staying with other cyclists during long-distance cycling trips.
Deep dives
The Joy of Cycling to Berlin
In this podcast episode, Kate Billington and Luke engage in a natural conversation that flows from one topic to another, eventually arriving at Kate's cycling journey to Berlin.
The Delight of Victoria Sponge Cupcakes
Kate brings delicious Victoria Sponge cupcakes with buttercream frosting and a raspberry on top. The cupcakes have a surprise filling, adding to their sweetness.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Speed and Understandability
Some listeners have commented that Kate talks too quickly, but speaking more slowly can also receive criticism. Finding the right balance between clarity and natural speech can be a challenge but adapting to different language styles is part of effective communication.
The Ambivalence of Going Downhill
The phrase 'it's all downhill from here' can have both positive and negative connotations. On one hand, it can mean that things will get easier, like coasting downhill on a bike. On the other hand, it can imply a decline or worsening of a situation. The context in which the phrase is used determines its meaning.
Cycling from Paris to Berlin
The speaker talks about her cycling trip from Paris to Berlin. She opted to take a train to a town called Jermont to cut off about 200 kilometers. She planned the most direct route possible and stayed in various places along the way, including a pig farm and a wooden house on the edge of a forest. She cycled around 130 kilometers on the longest day and faced challenges such as headwinds and hilly parts. She enjoyed the sense of achievement when cycling up hills and the thrill of going downhill.
A Concussion from a Bike Crash
The speaker recounts a bike crash she experienced in Paris, which resulted in a concussion. She describes the incident and the effects of her injury, including headaches and difficulty with language. She received medical attention, underwent a brain scan, and was signed off work for a week. She emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet and highlights the excellent healthcare system in France.
Couchsurfing and Warm Showers
The speaker explains that she stayed at various accommodations during her cycling trip, including hotels and using the Warm Showers app. Warm Showers is like couchsurfing, but specifically for cyclists. She stayed with six different hosts who provided a comfortable bed, food, and showers. She also highlights the benefits of staying with other cyclists who understand their needs.
Cycling Challenges and Joys
The speaker talks about the challenges and joys of long-distance cycling. She mentions that headwinds can be more difficult than cycling uphill and enjoys the sense of achievement when conquering hills. The speaker also mentions the excitement of downhill rides and the thrill of achieving high speeds. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey and taking breaks when needed.
Kate talks about her interaction with a little girl while cycling
Kate shares an experience she had while cycling in Düsseldorf. As she stopped on a bridge to unclip her shoes from the pedals, a family walked past, and the little girl remarked, 'Cool bicycle' in German. Kate was thrilled that she understood the girl and had a genuine interaction in a language she had only been learning for three months. This experience made her feel as though she had successfully tricked the family into thinking her German was better than it actually was.
Kate describes her touring bike and its features
Kate explains that she rides a touring bike, which is similar to a road bike but has thicker tires, allowing for off-road cycling. The bike is heavier than a road bike and has a rack on the back for carrying luggage. It also features drop handlebars, which allow riders to lean forward for a more aerodynamic position. The bike is custom-made for Kate's tall stature, and she purchased it as a birthday present with the help of her parents, who are avid cyclists.
Kate Billington returns for her 4th appearance on LEP to create some fun English conversation for you to listen to. We talk about lots of things, as usual, including her cycling trip to Berlin and a nasty accident she had on her bicycle in Paris earlier this year. Expect tangents, vocab, idioms, jokes, stories, cups of tea and some very "professional" podcast eating.
