podcastsinenglish

Linda shares her passion for Italy, describing her first cycling trip filled with stunning scenery and delicious food. She explains why the country keeps calling her back, highlighting its diverse landscapes, rich art, and vibrant culture. Though an injury has affected her cycling confidence in London, she enjoys driving around Italy. Linda offers insider tips for first-time visitors, recommending both Rome and Bologna. She also expresses excitement about a potential future trip to Sicily, which she hasn't explored yet.

The hosts dive into Airbnb's massive impact on the holiday rental scene. They explore its explosive growth and the varying levels of activity in major cities. Legal issues emerge as they discuss hosts not declaring income and dodging local regulations. They highlight how Airbnb affects local rental markets, leading to soaring prices and fewer long-term rentals. Concerns from small cities, like infrastructure strain in Reykjavik, are also examined. Finally, insights into neighbor frustrations over noise and short-term rentals round out the discussion.

Jackie and Richard delve into the vibrant world of bicycles in Vietnam. From schoolgirls to mothers, everyone rides, showcasing an array of remarkable cargo. They share stories of plants and flowers being ferried on bikes, while discussing the ingenious use of lightweight baskets that sometimes obscure the bicycles altogether. Intriguingly, they highlight the transport of household items, fish traps, and even animals like chickens and goldfish. They end with a nostalgic reflection on the changing landscape of bicycle transport.

The hosts delve into the controversial highlights of Donald Trump's speeches, sparking lively discussion. They dissect his immigration rhetoric and the infamous border wall promise. Trump's insults toward women and mocking of opponents' traits are revisited. The conversation takes a turn towards Trump's appeal to voters and concerns over foreign interference in elections. Lastly, they touch on his controversial comments about attraction and consent, wrapping up with a reflection on the media's reaction to his polarizing statements.

Discover the buzz around parkrun, a fun 5-kilometer run that's gaining popularity. Learn about its relaxed beginnings in Bushy Park during the 1980s. It's more about community than competition, welcoming everyone from seasoned runners to casual walkers. With events every Saturday morning in various parks, some host over a thousand participants! And yes, furry friends are more than welcome to join in on the fun. Tune in to explore why this event is becoming a weekend favorite!

Discover how a massive cyber-attack disrupted Internet service across Europe and the US. Learn about hacking and DDoS attacks, and how they can bring websites crashing down. Delve into the world of malware and botnets, where everyday devices can be hijacked for malicious purposes. The discussion also touches on potential culprits behind these attacks, ranging from governments to amateur hackers. Plus, hear reflections on how small sites and listeners are impacted, inviting shared experiences with cyber threats.

Celebrate World Food Day with insightful tips on reducing food waste! Discover how climate change complicates farming, especially in poorer regions. Learn clever strategies like planning meals and loving your leftovers to help minimize waste. Explore sustainable seafood options, emphasizing species like mackerel over overfished cod. And don’t forget the value of shopping local and seasonal to cut down transport emissions. Join in and pick four habits to make a difference!

Hosts dive into the fascinating world of dining etiquette, exploring the quirks of cutlery usage across cultures. They tackle the confusion of mixed utensils, and compare European and American practices of knife-and-fork handling. Discover unique dining habits, like the Thai preference for forks and spoons instead of chopsticks. The conversation also highlights how pizza and burgers are enjoyed differently in the Americas and shares surprising insights about hand-eating sardines in Portugal. Cultural norms around table manners definitely vary globally!

Sue shares her gripping tale of flying from Heathrow to Cape Town, highlighting a tumultuous twelve-hour journey filled with severe turbulence. The distressing moments were eased by the compassionate crew, especially a steward named Mark, who held her hand and provided comfort. Crew members reassured her that turbulence is safe, while a steady stream of support continued throughout the flight. Sue praises the British Airways staff for their kindness, making a daunting experience just a little more bearable.

Discover the thrilling world of competitions through Di's journey. She won her first prize, a trip to Iceland, which sparked a passion for entering contests. Di has won around 50 vacations, transforming her lifestyle significantly. Learn about her winning strategy, focusing on free, effortful contests with fewer entrants. Discover her daily routine, entering 400 competitions a week and earning substantial money. Finally, hear about her generous nature, gifting her prizes, and why many shy away from such challenges.