ESL Podcast - Previous Episodes

Topics: Ask an American: underage drinking; to chalk (something) up to; fluke; quite; ain’t; domino effect and chain reaction Words: access consistency rebellious binge drinking DUI DWI assault date rape to model sexually transmitted disease unintended addiction go ahead to lower to chalk up to fluke quite ain’t domino effect chain reaction

Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 3:00 Fast dialogue: 14:23 Tim: Damn it! Pam: What’s the matter? Tim: It’s this copier. My original didn’t come out of the feeder and there’s a paper jam. Pam: Let me see if I can clear it. This machine is really temperamental. Tim: Tell me about it. Pam: Okay, I found your original, but it’s stuck. I’m afraid if I pull too hard, it’ll tear. Tim: Let me try. I got it! Okay, I need to shrink the first page and adjust the contrast so that it’s more readable. Then I need to enlarge the second page. After that, I need to make 20 collated copies. Pam: Oh, oh, don’t look now, but the toner light is on. You’ll need to put in a new cartridge. Tim: Is there anything else that can go wrong with this stupid copier?! Pam: Don’t tempt fate. It could be worse. The whole thing could break down! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:26 Explanations: 3:13 Fast dialogue: 10:54 Silvia: What are you watching? Hermann: I’m watching a show about the health problems in developing countries. Silvia: Don’t we have enough healthcare problems here, in this country? Hermann: We do, but there are countries that have a lot more acute problems than we do. Silvia: Oh, those kids are so cute. Hermann: Yeah, but a lot of them are going to die of malnutrition and infectious diseases, things that are preventable. Silvia: I thought the biggest problem was the spread of AIDS and HIV. Hermann: Those are huge problems, no question about it, but a lot of people die of other preventable diseases, too, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and measles. Believe it or not, we’ve had immunizations for measles for over 40 years! Silvia: That’s terrible. I can see why you’re studying medicine. I wish I could be a doctor. Hermann: You could, but first, you’ll need to get over your fear of blood. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Brown v. Board of Education; yearbooks in American schools; indeed; none of them is/are; down to the wire Words: case party landmark decision inferior to rule to enroll to desegregate yearbook keepsake peers hairdos autograph indeed none of them is/are down to the wire

Slow dialogue: 1:10 Explanations: 2:39 Fast dialogue: 14:12 Maggie: What did you think of the book you started last week? Kurt: Oh, I liked it well enough. Maggie: Wow, that’s a glowing recommendation. Kurt: Well, it started off with a bang and the suspense in the first half was great. I couldn’t put it down. Then, the pace changed in the second half and it was an effort to finish it. Maggie: Really? I read it a few months ago and I loved it. I thought the characterization was really good. I could really relate to the two main characters. Kurt: Yeah, that’s true enough, but the plot dragged, don’t you think? The author just couldn’t pull it off and the ending was laughable. Maggie: I really liked the ending! I can’t wait for the sequel. Kurt: Well, that makes one of us. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:14 Explanations: 3:07 Fast dialogue: 12:35 Part of my job as school principal is to hand out awards and scholarships to students. We recently had a ceremony to do just that. _________ Principal: Miguel, I want to commend you for your work this year and congratulate you for winning the science award. It is well deserved. The recipient of this year’s community service award is Monique for her outstanding achievements. My heartiest congratulations to you, Monique. I am also very proud of another one of our students, Yugo, who has been awarded the ESL Podcast award. This prestigious award honors the achievements of outstanding students. Yugo, a job well done. Finally, we are also honoring one of our teachers today. For her dedication to her students and to the school, we are recognizing the achievements of Ms. Niehbur. I cannot imagine a more deserving teacher. Please accept my sincere congratulations. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: U.S. Mint; how auctions work; cache versus cash; listen to versus listen for Words: mint coins circulation worn out to melt down to deface pennies auction high-end antique bid cash cache cachet to listen to to listen for

Slow dialogue: 1:30 Explanations: 3:17 Fast dialogue: 12:11 Tandia: Do you want these want ads after I’m finished with them? Hank: No, I’m not going to find my dream job in the classifieds. I’m going to have to get more creative with my job search. Tandia: What are you looking for? Hank: I want a job that’s rewarding and fast-paced, and with good growth potential, but all I see are dead-end jobs. Tandia: I know what you mean. I’m looking for something that’s challenging, but also with flexible work hours. All of my friends have great jobs. Why can’t I land one of them? Hank: Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we need a better game plan. Tandia: What do you have in mind? Hank: I’m not sure, but we need to get noticed. Tandia: Why don’t you take out a billboard? That should get you noticed. Hank: Hey, that’s really thinking out of the box. Tandia: I was joking! Hank: I’m not. That’s an inspired idea. Now what should we put on the billboard? Tandia: You’re crazy! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:35 Explanations: 3:42 Fast dialogue: 14:04 Becky: I want to thank all of you for coming today. I think we all agree that we need to organize a protest... Pedro: Hold on, Becky. We all want to voice our opinion that we oppose what is going on here, but I’m not sure a protest is the answer. Becky: With all due respect, Pedro, I think a rally is the best way to do that. Pedro: That may be, but I think we need to consider a few things first. Taking to the streets means coordinating a lot of people. That means getting them to show up, to march, and to hold up signs. I’m not sure we have enough time to pull it all off. Becky: Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in favor of doing anything half-assed. If we decide to protest, we want to do it right so that we get a lot of media coverage. I’m confident that we have enough people and time to get it all done. Pedro: Okay, but another thing we should be ready for is a counter protest. The other side isn’t going to take things lying down. Becky: You’re right, and we’ll take that into consideration. Is there any more discussion before we start on the planning? No? Okay, let’s get down to business. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Naming Rights; Famous Americans: Cesar Chavez; Why Americans have middle names; future perfect tense; American versus U.S. as an adjective Words: naming rights donation connotations deal civil rights leaders migrant farm worker charismatic to protest pesticide boycott to fast legacy middle name

Slow dialogue: 1:17 Explanations: 2:53 Fast dialogue: 13:54 Brenda: It’s fun shopping for a new cell phone, don’t you think? Yoji: Sure, but I just need one with the bare basics. Brenda: Not me. I want one that’s top-of-the-line. My old phone was cheap and flimsy, and it started acting up after only a few months. Yoji: I want something that’s good quality, but I don’t think I should have to pay top dollar for it, especially since I don’t need the bells and whistles. Brenda: The bells and whistles are the best part! Yoji: I like this one. It seems sturdy and it should last me for years. Brenda: That is one ugly phone! Yoji: I don’t care about its looks. I just want something functional and that won’t fall apart. Brenda: I’m not arguing for style over substance, but that phone is hideous. Yoji: I’ll get over it. Brenda: Yes, but I’m not sure I will! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:19 Explanations: 3:32 Fast dialogue: 14:27 Spencer: I’m practicing making drinks for the party tonight. Do you want to try one? Heidi: You’re the bartender? I didn’t know you knew how to mix drinks. Spencer: I can hold my own. Okay, name it and I’ll make it – any mixed drink or cocktail. Heidi: Okay, I’ll have a Screwdriver. Spencer: A Screwdriver? Hmm...what’s in that? Heidi: Aren’t you supposed to know, Mr. Bartender? Spencer: I’ve never made one of those before, that’s all. Try something else. Heidi: How about a Bloody Mary? Spencer: A Bloody Mary, a Bloody Mary...do you want that on the rocks? Heidi: Sure, that’ll be great. Spencer: Here you are – a Bloody Mary in a highball. Enjoy! Heidi: [Makes a gagging sound] This doesn’t taste like a Bloody Mary. It tastes like you poured an entire bottle of alcohol into this. Spencer: Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. Here, I’ll add a little soda, and oh, I forgot the garnish. Heidi: I don’t think that’s going to help. Can I give you some advice? Stick to shots and drinks served straight up. Spencer: Ah, don’t lose faith in me. Let me make you one more drink. Heidi: Okay, but make it virgin. My mouth is still on fire from the last one. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Make-a-Wish Foundation; American Cities: Key West and the Florida Keys; must versus ought to versus need to; nuts and bolts; to buy Words: foundation wish to come true to grant to be (something) when one grows up honorary archipelago hurricane ecotourism scuba diving cruise ships seashell southernmost point must have to ought to need to nuts and bolts to buy

Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 4:18 Fast dialogue: 15:50 Chang: I don’t mean to be nosey, but all of those bills are red or pink. Are you behind on all of those bills? Ilya: I am, but it’s no big deal. I can catch up on them next month. Chang: You know that being late on bills is bad for your credit score, right? You also have to pay exorbitant interest if you have credit card debt. Ilya: Don’t worry about it. Everything will be fine. Chang: I’m only speaking from experience. When I first started working, I had a loan that I defaulted on and I ran up my credit cards. I had to borrow money from my family and friends to pay my bills. I was so desperate at one point, I even went to see a loan shark. Ilya: Did he lend you money? Chang: I decided against borrowing money from him after talking to my brother about it. With his help, I found a good credit counselor and got my finances under control. My two main creditors agreed to defer payment for a couple of months, but not before I sold my car and most of what I owned to raise money. Ilya: Maybe I can do that. Chang: Do what? Ilya: Work with a credit counselor so I don’t have to pay my bills. Chang: You’ve got it all wrong. It took me years to pay off those bills. I just didn’t have debt collectors calling me at all hours of the day, that’s all. A little advice: A little restraint now will save you a lot of pain. Ilya: Okay, okay. I got the message. Remind me never to pay my bills in front of you again! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:36 Explanations: 3:40 Fast dialogue: 15:02 I never read food labels until I started going out with Wendy. She’s studying to be a nutritionist. When we go grocery shopping, she reads every label. _____________ Wendy: You’re not buying that, are you? Ichirou: Well, I was thinking about it. Why? Wendy: Each serving size has 30 grams of fat, and 10 of those are trans fat. The sodium level is through the roof, and it’s full of carbohydrates. Do you really want to put that in your body? Ichirou: Um, I guess not. Wendy: What are these cookies doing in the basket? Ichirou: Those are my favorite. I always get them. I got the low-fat kind, see? Wendy: Even so, they’re full of calories. They may be reduced fat, but they’re not low fat. You don’t eat this kind of cereal do you? Ichirou: Yeah, I do. Wendy: Look at the percent daily values. You get nearly no nutrients and no dietary fiber, and it’s full of sugar. _____________ I really like Wendy, but I’m not sure how long I can take this. She has the best of intentions, but will my stomach ever forgive me if I keep going out with her? That’s the question. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse