podcastsinenglish

Jackie and Richard recount their first ski trip in two decades, exploring the modest slopes of Portugal's Serra de Estrela. They share amusing stories from the drive, including their initial worries about the snow conditions. Choosing style over safety, they donned sunglasses instead of goggles at the rental shop. While Richard finds skiing effortless, Jackie faces challenges on icy terrain. Limited snow leads to some less-than-ideal conditions, but they contemplate a return before the season wraps up in April.

Jackie and Richard explore the vital role of customer feedback in business success. They highlight the stark difference between family praises and genuine customer reviews. Frustration bubbles up when online feedback goes unanswered. A suggestion to include real contacts on receipts aims to enhance accountability. Personal responses from companies can foster customer loyalty. Observing customer behaviors, like leftover food, can pinpoint issues needing attention. Listening to customers is essential for businesses to identify and rectify problems.

Jackie and Richard share their feelings about their home, emphasizing their love for the garden and nearby nature. They highlight their favorite rooms, especially the inviting living room and luxurious bathroom. However, they candidly discuss drawbacks like a small spare bedroom and limited local amenities. A major issue is their unreliable internet connection, which disrupts their podcasting. Ultimately, despite the imperfections, they fondly declare their house as home sweet home.

Jackie and Richard kick off the new year venting about their courier woes. They detail the struggle of packages going missing in their remote Portuguese village, despite having accurate addresses. Frustration mounts as they share tales of unhelpful drivers, false excuses from couriers, and the irony of high-tech tracking failing them. Time wasted on calls and online searches adds to their exasperation. They hope that a new street name will finally resolve their delivery dilemmas, ending on a note of cautious optimism.

Join the hosts as they put your memory to the test with a year-in-review quiz packed with shocking statistics. Discover the grim details of US mass shootings and compare it to the staggering number of plastic bottles sold every minute. Dive into significant milestones like the women who won Nobel Awards in 2017 and Chris Froome's impressive Tour de France wins. Plus, learn about Hurricane Harvey's impact and the astonishing depth tolerance of the Mariana snailfish. It's a fun and eye-opening quiz adventure!

Delve into the festive spirit with a charming scene featuring Paddington and a mistaken Santa delivering gifts in London. Join the delightful antics as Paddington lends a paw to help load the sleigh. A humorous news report adds to the excitement, revealing a bear alongside Santa instead of an elf. End on a merry note, encouraging listeners to embrace the Christmas cheer. This heartwarming narrative is filled with holiday warmth and a touch of whimsy!

Explore the financial frenzy that surrounds Christmas as hosts dive into its significance for retail. They reveal staggering holiday sales figures, comparing spending habits between the US and UK. The shift to online shopping is highlighted, alongside a decline in physical store traffic. Discover which industries thrive during the festive season and which sectors struggle to stay afloat. Key shopping days like Black Friday and Super Saturday also make an appearance, ensuring listeners are reminded to shop smart this Christmas.

Discover how seemingly random factors influence our decisions! The hosts dive into price anchors, revealing how steep discounts can trick our perceptions. A fascinating dice experiment shows that numbers can sway judges' sentencing. You'll learn how the temperature of your drink impacts your view of others—holding a warm cup makes strangers seem friendlier. It's a deep dive into the hidden forces shaping our choices and relationships, leaving you pondering what affects your daily decisions!

Jackie and Richard delve into the fascinating world of toilets for World Toilet Day. They compare British and American toilet vocabulary, exploring informal terms like 'loo' and historical euphemisms. The conversation takes a serious turn as they address the global sanitation crisis affecting billions. They also touch upon the past when outside toilets were common and the significance of modern plumbing. Listeners are encouraged to raise awareness and contribute to sanitation efforts, reminding everyone that even a little help can go a long way.

Explore the surge in electric cars, learning about their design and emissions-free benefits. Discover how they cost more upfront but save money in the long run, with the Nissan Leaf showcasing impressive savings. Hear about the practicalities of recharging at home, especially for those without dedicated parking. The discussion highlights the growing public charging infrastructure, and the hybrid option emerges as a popular compromise for drivers. It's clear: electric vehicles are paving the way for a greener future!