podcastsinenglish

Jackie and Richard dive into the quirks of sibling dynamics. Richard shares stories about his sociable, city-loving older sister, while Jackie contrasts with her adventurous younger sister, who is a serious cyclist and marathon runner. They explore their shared hobbies like gardening and knitting but highlight their differences in creativity and interests. It's a fun and relatable look at how siblings can mirror or differ from one another, leaving listeners to reflect on their own family ties.

The hosts dive into the fascinating world of the World Cup, exploring its historical dominance by Europe and South America. They ask if an African nation can finally claim victory, highlighting the potential of homegrown talent in the Premier League. The conversation shifts to Asia's rising contenders and China's ambitious football investments, including hiring top managers and fostering youth programs. It's a lively discussion filled with insights on the future of global football!

A decade after the no smoking ban, hosts explore its impact on society. They dive into historical smoking rates, revealing staggering figures from the past. The conversation highlights a significant decline in smoking prevalence since 2007 and how social norms have shifted, with fewer friends lighting up. Youth smoking rates have plummeted, showcasing a positive trend. The discussion wraps up with new laws like age restrictions and plain packaging, leaving listeners optimistic about tobacco control initiatives.

This discussion delves into the alarming world of fake content on social media. Highlights include a lawsuit against scammers using celebrity images for deceitful adverts. They also reveal a fake Black Lives Matter page that misled followers and collected donations. Additionally, the impact of Russian-linked pages spreading false political claims is examined. Finally, a debate on Facebook's accountability prompts advice for users on verifying ads and pages, stressing the importance of discernment in a digital age.

Explore the vibrant culture of Liverpool beyond football! Discover why Liverpool holds a special place for locals, including its rich history and connections. Learn about its iconic landmarks, such as the stunning cathedrals and the famous Cavern Club. Delve into the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, positioning the city as England's football capital. And don’t miss the quirky Scouse accent, a unique feature that adds character to this lively city!

Explore the charm of a tiny Portuguese village where creative minds gather. Jackie shares her journey through spinning raw wool, from brushing techniques to mastering a spinning wheel. She compares the experience to learning to drive—it's all about rhythm and coordination! The natural dyeing techniques steal the show, with vibrant colors extracted from lichens, roots, and leaves. Discover the art of crafting as Jackie collects materials for future projects, proving that creativity knows no bounds!

Jackie and Richard delve into the remarkable life of Stephen Hawking, from his early education in Oxford to his iconic public persona. They discuss his unexpected longevity after an ALS diagnosis, showcasing his resilience and family life. The conversation highlights the profound impact of his book, 'A Brief History of Time,' which catapulted him to fame. They also touch on his ambition to explore space and the innovative tech that kept him connected to the world, cementing his legacy as a British icon.

Jackie and Richard unveil their website's exciting redesign, celebrating its new look after years in the digital landscape. They delve into technical updates like HTML5 and HTTPS, explaining the importance of browser security. The duo aims for a fresher aesthetic, embracing English countryside imagery over clichéd urban visuals. They discuss simplified navigation, the evolving acceptance of long scrolling, and the significance of responsive design for mobile users. Future improvements for SEO and speed are also highlighted, inviting listener feedback.

Jackie shares her lifelong struggle with math, recalling her early flight from arithmetic and the dread of multiplication. Even her father's attempts to help with times tables couldn't bridge her confusion about fractions and angles. The podcast dives into her tumultuous secondary school years, tackling algebra and pi without calculators. As an adult, shopping calculations and cooking measurements pose continuous challenges, leading her to rely on calculators or Richard for help. It's a humorous and relatable journey through the trials of mathematics!

Hosts dive into a recent school shooting, detailing the timeline and victim count. They explore how the shooter legally acquired a semi-automatic rifle. The discussion highlights the alarming prevalence of assault rifles in the U.S., referencing significant past tragedies like Sandy Hook and Columbine. They also analyze the statistics of gun deaths related to rifles versus handguns. Activism for gun control is emphasized, alongside the complexities of implementing effective bans on assault weapons.