podcastsinenglish

Discover quirky facts about the River Thames, from whether it's the longest river in the UK to its alternate name, Isis, in Oxford. Explore how many bridges and tunnels span its length, and delve into the history of the original London Bridge built by the Romans. Learn about Tower Bridge’s unique opening mechanism for tall ships and the surprising story of a polar bear swimming in the Thames. Finally, get insightful tips on the best walks along the riverbanks for a perfect London day out.

Join Jackie and Richard as they explore the famous London landmarks they've never visited. Discover why the British Museum tops the charts, while St Paul's Cathedral's hefty price tag kept Jackie away. Richard shares his avoidance of Madame Tussauds due to long queues. The discussion shifts to the shift towards online bookings for most attractions, including the National Gallery. They also ponder why locals often skip tourist hotspots and Richard dreams about attending Wimbledon someday. Tune in for fascinating insights!

Are household appliances becoming too complex? The hosts delve into the struggles with modern induction hobs, which require multiple presses and can be tricky to turn off. A survey reveals many stick to familiar settings, while confusion reigns with various dishwasher programmes. They discuss how microwaves have evolved from simple dials to button overload, and washing machines top the list of confusing appliances due to their extensive features. The conversation concludes with a nod to similar issues in cars.

Exploration of household chores division and responsibilities including cooking, cleaning, and shopping, with a light-hearted banter on sharing responsibilities in the home.

The podcast discusses the success of a startup company that grew into a billion-dollar business. It explores the journey of Airbnb from renting spare rooms to renting entire properties, facing challenges from the hotel industry and housing associations.

Explore the enchanting European tradition of Christmas markets! Discover unique handmade decorations and tempting stalls with gifts galore. Delight in festive foods like potato pancakes, sausages, and scrumptious crepes. Don't forget to sip on mulled wine and hot cocoa while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere filled with street music and colorful lights. It's a joyful celebration that brings families together and gets you in the holiday spirit!

Explore the fascinating elements of nativity scenes beyond Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Discover who typically joins this holy family, including shepherds and wise men. Learn that while the Gospels don't mention animals, their presence is implied in traditional displays. Uncover the origins of the Magi, their significance, and why they're often depicted as three. Delve into the deeper message of the nativity story, highlighting its appeal to both local shepherds and distant elites. Wrap it all up with festive greetings!

Dive into the rise of online shopping and the sneaky tactics that come with it. Discover what dark patterns are and how they manipulate consumers into hasty decisions. Learn about countdown timers that create a false sense of urgency and low stock messages that deceive buyers about scarcity. Find out how extensive yet lower-rated reviews can surprisingly sway purchasing decisions. The legality of these tactics is murky, leading to valuable advice to step back and think twice before buying.

Life has significantly shifted since the pandemic, with the phrase 'the new normal' capturing these changes. Football now accommodates five substitutes to safeguard players. Social gatherings and interviews feature increased physical distance, reducing contact. Working from home has become widely accepted, offering flexibility for both employees and employers. Video calls have transformed business practices, cutting travel costs. Meanwhile, restaurant closures have led to a boom in takeaway services, reshaping eating habits.

The speakers discuss how emotions are influenced by the weather and sports, expressing feelings of sadness, happiness, worry, and anger. They also touch upon feeling bored during certain sports and feeling lucky and safe indoors during rainy weather.