Into the Story: Learn English with True Stories

#36 | Searching for the Northern Lights (with Brigitte Lessard)

Feb 8, 2022

Experience the captivating journey of Brigitte as she searches for the Northern Lights twice in her life, finding connection, inspiration, and beauty in a changed world. Overcoming loneliness and depression caused by COVID-19, she captures the Northern Lights on her phone, discovering the presence of her departed loved ones. Brigitte's story inspires her to become a speaker and storyteller and launches her new travel and storytelling business venture.

16:57

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Quick takeaways

Storytelling can have a positive impact on our brain and help us remember things.

Experiencing the beauty of unfamiliar surroundings, like the Northern Lights, can provide a sense of belonging and appreciation for cultural differences.

Deep dives

The Power of Storytelling and the Northern Lights

The podcast episode explores the impact of storytelling and the beauty of the Northern Lights. The host explains that when we listen to an interesting story, our brain releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps us remember things. Storyteller Bridget shares her personal experiences with the Northern Lights, which helped her feel connected and find her way in unfamiliar and lonely situations. As a teenager, she witnessed the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights in Fort McMurray, Alberta, which made her see the beauty of her new home. Later in life, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bridget felt isolated and depressed again. However, when she witnessed the dimmer Northern Lights in Calgary, she realized the mystical powers of the lights and perceived the presence of her departed loved ones. Bridget emphasizes the importance of storytelling and provides tips on how to tell better stories.

Introduction

2min

Finding Connection Through the Northern Lights

8min

Searching for the Northern Lights in a Time of Loss

2min

Searching for Inspiration and Connecting with Departed Loved Ones

3min

Finding Beauty in a Changed World

2min

Twice in her life has Brigitte felt alone and lost, and both times she decided to search for the northern lights.

Level: upper intermediate

Accent: Canadian (Quebec)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- UPROOT: to pull something—especially a tree or plant—out of the ground.

Examples: "The strong winds uprooted the old tree." or "They had to uproot the weeds from the garden."

Metaphorically: to move (someone) from their home or a familiar location.

Examples: "His family was uprooted when they moved to a new city." or "The war uprooted many families from their homes."

- OUTGOING: Friendly and socially confident.

Examples: "She is very outgoing and makes friends easily." or "His outgoing personality makes him popular at parties."

- FIRST NATIONS: Indigenous peoples that are the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada.

Examples: "First Nations have a rich cultural heritage and history." or "The government works with First Nations to preserve their traditions."

- PITCH-BLACK: Completely dark.

Examples: "The night was pitch-black without any stars." or "The power outage left the house in pitch-black darkness."

- STAY PUT: To not move or go anywhere.

Examples: "She told the dog to stay put while she answered the door." or "During the storm, we decided to stay put at home."

- DIM: Not shining brightly or clearly.

Examples: "The room was lit by a dim lamp." or "The dim light made it hard to read."

Episode Links:

- Find out more about Brigitte at ⁠The Story Warrior⁠

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Into the Story: Learn English with True Stories

#36 | Searching for the Northern Lights (with Brigitte Lessard)

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Power of Storytelling and the Northern Lights

Cultural Differences and Finding Home

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Inspiration

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts