

podcastsinenglish
The pie team
The top esl/efl listening resource for those learning English and teaching English. We provide real conversations recorded for all levels of English learners. In addition, the supporting worksheets and transcripts can be used for self access or in the classroom to provide valuable English language lessons for learners of English at Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 29, 2018 • 5min
Level 2.147 Filming the wild
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.

Nov 15, 2018 • 4min
Level 1.146 Come and gone
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.

Nov 1, 2018 • 3min
Level 2.146 Life v films
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!

Oct 25, 2018 • 5min
Level 3.146 My family tree
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.

Oct 18, 2018 • 4min
Level B.76 The four-day week
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!

Oct 4, 2018 • 3min
Level 1.145 Good morning!
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.

Sep 27, 2018 • 4min
Level 2.145 The golden section
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.

Sep 13, 2018 • 4min
Level 3.145 Tutor YouTube
Richard and Jackie explore the value of YouTube as a learning tool. Richard shares how he successfully replaced his laptop battery with a helpful video guide. They discuss building custom PCs using online tutorials, which can cut costs significantly. Jackie highlights her journey mastering advanced knitting techniques through video demonstrations. The duo also addresses some drawbacks of instructional videos, like excessive introductions and pacing issues, ultimately concluding that quality tutorials can be incredibly effective for learning.

Aug 30, 2018 • 4min
Level B.75 Cash or card?
Explore the rising trend of cashless transactions and how they're reshaping businesses, especially in hospitality. Discover how card processing has transformed with simpler machines, making payments easier. Learn about the surprising statistic that while card use increases, cash circulation remains high. The discussion dives into why some still prefer cash, including economic behaviors from the 2008 crash and the need for anonymity in transactions. Ultimately, the balance between cash and card is crucial for different businesses.

Aug 16, 2018 • 4min
Level 1.144 Summer jobs
Jackie and Richard reminisce about their quirky summer jobs as students. Richard shares his fun experiences at a go-kart track and later as a white goods delivery man, highlighting the joy of customer interactions. Jackie chats about her time at a tobacco kiosk in a bustling supermarket and how she found some camaraderie there. She also reflects on the monotony of factory work with its early commutes. Ultimately, they emphasize how these summer gigs helped fund their memorable holidays.


