podcastsinenglish

Join the hosts as they dive into a quiz that tests memory of 2018's biggest headlines! From the harrowing details of the Florida school shooting to Stephen Hawking's surprising prognosis at age 21, the trivia is both eye-opening and entertaining. Discover which country dominated the Winter Olympics and who took home the Eurovision crown. The hosts also reflect on the dramatic World Cup final and the inspiring Thai cave rescue. Topping it off, they discuss notable personalities who passed away and a journalist's tragic fate.

Jackie shares her adventures running a market stall for two Sundays. She and Anne featured hand-knitted toys and unique hand-dyed yarn. Arriving early for the best spot was key, thanks to a helpful friend. They faced stiff competition from vendors with festive decorations and secondhand treasures. Jackie had a great November, selling sock knitting kits and all her Christmas trees, but faced a sales slump in December. Now she’s torn about returning due to the early morning hustle, despite having had fun.

Food allergies can be especially challenging during the festive season. Discover how the immune system mistakenly targets harmless foods and the range of allergic reactions from mild to life-threatening. With a surge in cases, especially among children, clear labeling of food allergens has become crucial. Learn which 14 allergens must be declared and the importance of specific labeling practices. Plus, don't forget about keeping your pets safe from holiday treats that can be harmful to them!

Discover the cutting-edge technology revolutionizing wildlife filming! From stable aerial shots using gimbals to affordable drones capturing stunning close-ups, the advancements are fascinating. Dive deep with underwater submersibles that provide crystal-clear views and learn how rebreathers help divers silently observe marine life. Explore remote insect cameras for intricate details and thermal imaging that makes night filming possible. This technology not only enhances visual storytelling but also reveals new animal behaviors.

The hosts dive into nostalgic gadgets that have faded away, starting with the revolutionary VCR, which changed how we watched TV by allowing recording and rentals. They reminisce about the Sony Walkman, a game-changer for personal music with its portable design. The discussion continues with pagers, the early mobile alerts that required a phone hunt. Last but not least, they invite listeners to share their own memories of things that were once new but are now gone, sparking a sense of collective nostalgia.

Dive into the quirks of film versus reality as Jackie and Richard explore why cinema often glosses over everyday details. Discover the contrast between glamorous restaurant scenes and the frustrating truths of real dining experiences. They also tackle the absurdities of driving in movies, where seatbelts seem optional and safety takes a backseat. Their light-hearted banter on these pet peeves will have you chuckling and shaking your head in agreement!

Dive into the captivating world of genealogy as Richard shares his journey uncovering family secrets. His sister's passion for family history ignites a quest through birth, marriage, and death records. Discover the challenges of researching the Isle of Man records and the striking revelations, including a great-grandfather's surprising past. Could Richard's lineage trace back to a Viking king? With plans for DNA testing on the horizon, the hunt for royal ancestry takes an exciting turn, leaving listeners intrigued and entertained.

Diving into a New Zealand company's groundbreaking four-day workweek, the hosts unveil impressive results from their trial: reduced stress, heightened job satisfaction, and boosted productivity. They explore different models, contrasting the Kiwi approach with the U.S. method of compressing hours. Cautionary tales arise as they discuss potential downsides, like meeting pressures and fatigue from longer days. Additionally, they highlight France's efforts to curb after-hours contact. Is the four-day week the future of work? The debate continues!

Jackie and Richard share their charming morning routine, featuring their dog Betty who wakes them instead of an alarm. They discuss who takes the dogs out and the delightful breakfast options, from toast with homemade jam to pancakes made with their own eggs. Quiet breakfasts foster personal conversations, while Sundays bring unique traditions and pancake feasts. The pair reflects on the predictability of mornings contrasted with the unpredictable adventures that unfold later in the day.

Explore the fascinating golden section, defined by the number 1.618, also known as phi. Discover how to divide a line using this elegant ratio and why it exhibits self-similarity. Learn about its appearances in nature, from tree branches to sunflower seeds. Dive into the world of art as da Vinci's masterpieces, like The Last Supper, elegantly incorporate this mathematical wonder. Finally, connect the golden spiral found in shells and hurricanes, showcasing the beautiful intersection of art and mathematics.