podcastsinenglish

Jackie shares a surprising incident where a brick smashed her window, highlighting how police responded with kindness. Richard recounts a roadblock experience in Portugal, shedding light on the differences between UK and Portuguese police forces. The duo discusses the unique structure of Portugal's civilian police versus the UK's single police force, revealing intriguing contrasts. They also touch on how recent times have seen an increase in police presence, prompting reflections on the evolving role of law enforcement.

Jackie and Richard dive into their experiences with a high-tech Renault SUV. They navigate keyless entry systems and the complexities of electronic brakes. With a dashboard featuring 25 controls, they find humor in adapting to digital navigation and GPS, leaving paper maps behind. Assisted parking and safety sensors earn Jackie’s praise, while Richard grapples with eco-driving advice. They reflect on the steep learning curve of modern technology, questioning if younger drivers will adapt more easily to the flood of features.

Product placement is a growing trend in film and TV, providing brands with unique visibility. Iconic examples include Ray-Ban's 40% sales boost from Top Gun and FedEx's global recognition surge from Cast Away. Even brief placements can yield impressive results, like the 150% spike attributed to a quick snack scene in Parasite. The hosts humorously reflect on the impact of these placements, especially in relation to Korean audiences.

This week, the hosts dive into a series of unfortunate events, starting with their dog Yussi falling ill and the vet visits that followed. Medications caused some old issues to resurface, but thankfully, Yussi shows signs of recovery. Jackie shares her struggles with a nasty bug that left her needing bed rest. Adding to the chaos, Richard lost his wallet packed with important documents, sparking a whirlwind of paperwork. Despite the challenges, they're all slowly bouncing back!

Step right up to a thrilling discussion about the magic of the circus! Feel the unique atmosphere that only a live performance can provide. Dive into childhood memories of awe and fear, from trapeze artists to clowns. Explore the heart-pounding acts of acrobats and tightrope walkers and their wild balancing feats. Discover the difference between witnessing these acts live versus on screen. It's a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and a bit of fear that makes the circus truly special!

Jackie and Richard dive into their quest for a new car, sharing insights on why their truck isn't cutting it anymore. They tackle parking troubles, visibility issues, and fuel economy for upcoming road trips. Preferences for manual transmissions and reliable brands come into play as they dream of high seating and sunroofs. The duo also expresses concerns over modern cars’ tech overload and maintenance challenges, debating how to balance functionality with reliability. Their journey ends with plans to explore car options in person.

The hosts dive into the shift from tobacco to gambling sponsorship in sports, tracing the impact of the 2005 Gambling Act that loosened advertising restrictions. They reveal how betting firms have exploded in visibility through sports broadcasts, with ads permeating every facet of live football. The conversation highlights alarming statistics about gambling harm, tied to easy online access and relentless advertising. They also address Manchester United's potential move away from betting sponsorship, sparking hopes for a healthier sponsorship landscape.

Dive into a future-themed quiz as the hosts predict 2020 events. Brexit timelines spark hope and fatigue. Richard shares his doubts on the UK’s Eurovision chances. They discuss Japan’s dominance in karate at the Tokyo Olympics and Richard’s optimism for England’s Euro 2020 success. Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes are on the table, alongside a prediction for Egan Bernal’s Tour de France win. The looming US presidential election raises some eyebrows, but personal aspirations for a fantastic year are shared.

Jackie and Richard recount their holiday mishaps, including heavy rain and power cuts that disrupted their Christmas plans. They delve into the closure of the local Christmas market and the annoying delay in postal deliveries. Despite a dental emergency and watching a lackluster film, Christmas Day was brightened by sunny weather and a delicious meal. Richard humorously admits to overindulging in festive treats, sparking his post-holiday diet plans. They wrap up with stories of refreshing winter walks in the countryside.

Get ready for an emotional ride as the hosts dive into this year's touching Christmas advert! They begin with essential English phrases, practicing subject pronouns and the verb 'to be.' You'll learn simple greetings and how to ask for directions to the beach. The conversation gets heartfelt with a lesson on saying 'I love you' and affirming that someone is perfect. Plus, prepare your travel checklist with essential vocabulary like slippers and toothbrushes. This is a delightful mix of language learning and festive spirit!