

The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast
Jack McBain
Welcome to The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, where we take you on a journey from learning the basics to mastering the nuances of the English language. Our podcast is designed for non-native speakers who are looking to improve their English skills in a fun and interactive way. Each episode covers a wide range of topics to help you navigate the English-speaking world with ease. Join us every week as we explore the English language and help you build confidence in your communication skills. Let's get started!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 11, 2023 • 10min
A to Z Am I the Jerk? 20 | Cancelling a Week-long Trip
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack and guest host, Alyssa, discuss the following Am I the Jerk? situation:Scenario: You and your friends have planned a weekend getaway for months. However, a few days before the trip, you receive a work opportunity that could significantly boost your career if you take it over the weekend. You decide to cancel your plans with your friends and take the work opportunity.Are you the jerk in this situation?Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-am-i-the-jerk-20-cancelling-a-week-long-trip/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 11, 2023 • 9min
A to Z Quick Tok 16 | 3 More Chinese Proverbs
In this Quick Tok episode, Jack discusses three Chinese proverbs that we use in English."Kill two birds with one stone." (直捉两只鸟)This proverb suggests achieving multiple goals or objectives with a single action, thereby maximizing efficiency. Just as using one stone to catch two birds saves time and effort, this saying encourages finding solutions that yield multiple benefits simultaneously."If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else." (若欲一时之快乐,躺下小睡;若欲一日之快乐,钓鱼去;若欲一年之快乐,继承财产;若欲一生之快乐,助人为乐)This proverb emphasizes the different levels of happiness one can experience. It suggests that short-term pleasures like napping or fishing may provide temporary joy, while more substantial happiness can be found in selfless actions such as helping others. The ultimate happiness, according to this saying, comes from making a positive impact on someone's life."When you drink water, remember the spring." (饮水思源)This proverb serves as a reminder to remain grateful and acknowledge the origins or sources of the things that sustain us. Just as water originates from a spring, our accomplishments and well-being often trace back to the support and efforts of others or to our beginnings.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-quick-tok-16-3-more-chinese-proverbs/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 10, 2023 • 8min
A to Z OREO 26 | Would you rather always have to speak your mind without a filter, or never be able to express your true thoughts and feelings?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack surprises Alyssa a would you rather question. Play along by sending you answer to atozenglishpodcast.com or (email) atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com!Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-oreo-26-would-you-rather-always-have-to-speak-your-mind-without-filter-or-never-be-able-to-express-your-true-thoughts-and-feelings/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 10, 2023 • 13min
A to Z Games 01 | The First Ever A to Z Games Episode!
In the very first A to Z Games episode, Jack reads three listeners of the show three stories from the United States. Some of the stories are true and some are false. Play along and guess whether or not the stories are true or false!Story 1: The Lost Ring ReunionA man lost his wedding ring while on vacation in a foreign country. Heartbroken, he returned home without it. A year later, he received a package containing his lost ring. It turned out that a local had found the ring, searched for its owner through inscriptions, and managed to track him down.Story 2: The Library ConnectionTwo strangers met in a library when they both reached for the same book. They struck up a conversation, realizing they shared many interests. Over time, their friendship grew, and they eventually started a business together based on their mutual passion for literature and art.Story 3: The Magical Lottery TicketA woman found an old lottery ticket while cleaning her house. To her amazement, the ticket turned out to be a winning one, with a substantial prize. However, the ticket had expired a few days prior. She decided to contact the lottery officials anyway, who were so touched by her honesty that they extended the deadline and awarded her the prize.Which one do you think is the false story?Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-games-01-the-first-ever-a-to-z-games-episode/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 9, 2023 • 9min
A to Z Quick Tok 15 | 3 Crazy Stories from the USA
In this Quick Tok episode, Jack discusses three crazy stories from the USA.The Jersey Devil Legend (Early 18th Century): The legend of the Jersey Devil originates from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. According to the myth, a woman named Mother Leeds gave birth to a 13th child who transformed into a hideous creature with hooves, wings, and a forked tail. The creature is said to haunt the region, causing mischief and fear. While considered a folklore tale, the Jersey Devil remains a popular and spooky legend in the United States.The Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, California): The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling mansion with intricate, nonsensical architecture that was continuously constructed by Sarah Winchester, widow of the firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester. Legend has it that Sarah believed she was haunted by the ghosts of people killed by Winchester rifles and that the mansion's odd design was intended to confuse these spirits. The mansion features staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and other baffling architectural features.The Monkey Mania of 1930s America: In the 1930s, there was a brief but strange trend of people keeping monkeys as pets in the United States. This "monkey mania" led to a surge in pet monkey ownership, with celebrities and regular citizens alike adopting monkeys as household companions. However, this trend quickly fizzled out due to the challenges of raising monkeys and the realization that they were not suitable domestic pets.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-quick-tok-15-3-crazy-stories-from-the-usa/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 8, 2023 • 9min
A to Z Quick Tips 19 | A Pronoun Party
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about common mistakes non-native English speakers make when using pronouns."He/him/his" and "she/her/hers" are sets of pronouns commonly used to refer to individuals based on their gender identity. Pronouns are words used to replace nouns in sentences to avoid repetition and make the language more efficient. In English, the three sets of pronouns generally used are:He/him/his:"He" is used as a subject pronoun, replacing the male person's name or noun in the subject position of a sentence.Example: He is going to the store."Him" is used as an object pronoun, replacing the male person's name or noun in the object position of a sentence.Example: Mary saw him at the party."His" is used as a possessive pronoun, showing ownership or association with the male person.Example: John lost his keys.These pronouns are typically used when referring to individuals who identify as male or use masculine pronouns.She/her/hers:"She" is used as a subject pronoun, replacing the female person's name or noun in the subject position of a sentence.Example: She is a doctor."Her" is used as an object pronoun, replacing the female person's name or noun in the object position of a sentence.Example: Peter called her yesterday."Hers" is used as a possessive pronoun, showing ownership or association with the female person.Example: The book is hers.These pronouns are typically used when referring to individuals who identify as female or use feminine pronouns.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-quick-tips-19-a-pronoun-party/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 8, 2023 • 11min
A to Z Listener Emails | Episode 04
In this episode of Listener Emails, Jack reads several emails from listeners of the podcast. Send your emails to atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com if you'd like Jack to read your email on the show.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-listener-emails-episode-04/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 7, 2023 • 6min
A to Z Quick Tok 14 | Hold the phone!
In this Quick Tok episode of the podcast, Jack explains the meaning of the idiom "Hold the phone!""Hold the phone" is an idiomatic expression that means to stop or wait for a moment, typically in response to surprising or unexpected information or to ask someone to pause or stop what they are doing in order to consider or address something important. It can be used figuratively in conversations to ask for a brief interruption or to indicate that the speaker needs time to process new information before proceeding further with the discussion or action.For example:Person A: "I just found out that the concert has been canceled!"Person B: "Hold the phone, let me double-check the details."It's an informal way of saying "wait a moment" or "hold on" in a more expressive manner.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-quick-tok-14-hold-the-phone/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 7, 2023 • 8min
A to Z Quick Chat 78 | A Disappointing Experience
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack share disappointing experiences from their lives.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-quick-chat-78-a-disappointing-experience/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 6, 2023 • 9min
Quick Tok 13 | 3 More Amazing Stories from China
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack talks about three amazing stories from China.The Traffic Jam That Lasted for Days:In August 2010, a massive traffic jam occurred on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway, stretching for over 62 miles (100 kilometers) and lasting for an astonishing 12 days. The congestion was primarily caused by a combination of ongoing road maintenance, an influx of heavy trucks carrying supplies to Beijing, and a surge in holiday travelers. The gridlock became so severe that some drivers were stuck in their vehicles for days, and roadside vendors took advantage of the situation by selling food and water to stranded motorists.The Building that "Walked":In the city of Changsha, there was a bizarre case where a large building, dubbed the "Walking Building," was seen to move over the course of several days in 2015. The 12-story building was being demolished to make way for a new development. However, the construction workers reportedly didn't follow the approved demolition plan, and instead of collapsing in one piece, the building leaned precariously and appeared to "walk" a few meters each day, causing concern among the local residents. The authorities later intervened and demolished the building safely.The Panda Escapade:In 2019, two adventurous pandas at the Beijing Zoo made headlines when they managed to escape their enclosure. The two pandas, Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, took advantage of a door that was accidentally left open and went exploring outside their designated area. Videos and pictures of the pandas wandering around the zoo went viral on social media, capturing the hearts of people worldwide. Fortunately, the zoo staff swiftly responded and managed to coax the pandas back into their enclosure without any harm.China's vast size, rich history, and rapid modernization have led to a wide range of interesting and sometimes unbelievable events that have made headlines both nationally and internationally. These stories showcase the diversity and unpredictability of life in the world's most populous country.Email: atozenglishpodcast@gmail.comPodcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/quick-tok-13-3-more-amazing-stories-from-china/Social Media:Threadshttps://threads.com/invitation/34520051596/RLLHXJPPFMTFXUHE5NSUT6OLMUSSLEJBUI227Z6DXCO2XVBOWQCK7N4UA to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastTik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22Check out the Free Online English Lessons YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Learn English by listening to our podcast. Each lesson has an interesting topic that will help you improve your English listening skills. You can also comment on the episodes in our Whatsapp group or send emails to our email address atozenglishpodcast@gmail.com.Join our WhatsApp group here: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Check out Jack’s course books here:http://www.darakwon.co.kr/books/listProduct.asp?pc_id_2=7&pc_id_3=29Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy