Shows
Ethos EnglishThe proof is in the pudding: Paul Nation and the power of readingWhat's the single most transformative habit for language learning? Listen to find out.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-10-0810 minEthos EnglishSeason 3 coming soon!I'll be back with season 3 of Ethos English in September!
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-08-1400 minEthos EnglishSpanish stalemate: a deep dive into the vocabulary of electionsLearn useful vocabulary related to voting and the democratic process based on an article from the Guardian on the recent snap election in Spain.
Read the full transcript here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-08-0111 minEthos EnglishPrecision before adornment: EFL and George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language"George Orwell's essay "Politics and the English Language" tells us a lot about what it really means to be an advanced English speaker. (Hint: Value precision over adornment.)
Interested in Ethos English Lab? Book a call with me here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-07-1711 minEthos EnglishThe monk who made Apple possibleWhat does Steve Jobs learning calligraphy from a Trappist monk at university have to do with the creation of what is now the single most valuable company in the world? Listen to find out.
For the shownotes go to: https://ethosenglish.com/podcast/
Subscribe to my newsletter here: https://ethosenglish.com/subscribe
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-07-0308 min
Ethos EnglishDialling it back: a metaphor that might change your lifeThis week I talk about metaphors, coaching and the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) pioneer Dr. David Burns.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-06-0508 minEthos EnglishPrint over pixels: Marshall McLuhan and the cognitive benefits of reading physical booksResearch shows that reading from physical books, rather than on screens, significantly enhances our ability to understand, remember and reflect on the content. Worryingly, many universities are choosing to replace readings with video content in an en effort to engage with students. Is this a step backwards?
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-05-2809 minEthos EnglishMicrofluency: SMART goals and context-specific language learning strategiesInstead of focusing on overall fluency start defining the specific contexts in which you need English. The skills you need for a given context can be thought of as a microfluency and can be developed at a faster pace. I give my own experience learning German when I was a flight attendant and discuss related concepts such as SMART goals and narrow reading and listening.
Show notes and interactive vocabulary activity
Information and free tickets to my online webinar for English teachers on 27 May
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2023-05-2214 minEthos EnglishNavigating the content tsunami: stop mixing the trivial and the transformativeWhat is the impact of unlimited access to both trivial and transformative online content? Should we limit the information we take in and be more reflective information "consumers"? I also give informaiton on a free online event for English teachers on 27 May.
Click here for the show notes
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-05-1407 minEthos EnglishA royal pain: King Charles and monarchy idioms in EnglishAlthough the monarchy may be on its way out, the same can't be said for monarchy-inspired idioms.
Read the shownotes here and sign up for my newsletter too.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-05-0809 minEthos EnglishThe artist's dilemma: EU copyright law and generative AIThis week we look at articles from the Verge and Reuters on a proposed EU copyright law. Copyrighted text and images are being used to build generative AI platforms like ChatGPT through a process called scraping yet the owners of this intellectual property stand to gain nothing. What is the future for creators?
Click here for the show notes including an interactive vocabulary activity
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-05-0108 minEthos EnglishFox News' record-setting defamation lawsuit and the unmasking of Tucker CarlsonThis week we look at articles from The Financial Times and The Economist on Fox News' record-breaking $787.5 million defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. Find out how corrupt journalists allowed conspiracy theories to become mainstream and the role played by former Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson in compromising media integrity.
Click here for the shownotes and to subscribe to my newsletter and get Quizlet study materials.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-04-2411 minEthos EnglishSurprising lessons from my coaching training: being well-rounded is overratedI share insights from my coach training programme, specifically ideas taken from a talk by Marcus Buckingham called "9 Lies About Work" and how real progress depends on our ability to focus on our strengths and giving up on the fantasy of being well-rounded.
Click here to see the show notes
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-04-1712 minEthos EnglishMaking language sticky - the many uses of "stake"The word "stake" has a variety of metaphorical meanings. It can represent ownership, risk, investment, commitment - and even belonging and is used to talk about everything from territorial disputes to the health of the planet. When we explore the etymology and metaphors behind everyday expressions they become cognitively sticky and therefore easier to remember.
Click here to access the show notes.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-03-1911 minEthos EnglishThe overlooked skill you need to stand out in oral exams, job interviews and even on first datesThis week I share insights from Psychology Today and the book Nonviolent Communication that will help you communicate far more effectively in high-stakes situations like speaking exams, job interviews... and on your next date.
For the show notes click here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-03-1312 minEthos EnglishBreaking free from the native-speaker ideal: the incredible journey of Joseph ConradOne of the greatest writers in our language only started learning English at the age of 21. This week I look at more compelling goals than sounding like a native-speaker.
Click here to access the show notes.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-02-2612 minEthos EnglishRoald Dahl and the censorship debate: the ethics of bowdlerisation in children's literaturePuffin Random House, publisher of Roald Dahl’s works, has hired a company to make the author’s books more politically correct by removing references to race, gender, body size and other potentially offensive content. The move has prompted criticism that children are being shielded from difficult truths about the world, with some critics arguing that sanitising Dahl’s work removes important cultural commentary. I explore the history of bowdlerisation from Shakespeare in the 19th century to the more recent example of a revised version of Huckleberry Finn that removes the "n" word.
Click here for the show n...2023-02-2012 minEthos EnglishUnlocking inversions: the grammar shortcut to speak English confidentlyMany learners overlook everyday uses of inversion. This grammar structure is not limited to formal and literary English and should be part of your repertoire as a proficient English speaker. Learn a few of the most frequently used inversions, conveniently presented in sentence frames and chunks.
Click here to access the full text version of the episode.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-02-1206 minEthos EnglishAre we in a friendship recession?Surveys suggest that we're spending far less time with friends than we used to. More and more people - especially men - report having fewer or even no close friends. This week I explore psychological concepts like learned helplessness and mere exposure to help you reflect on how to make your own social life more rewarding.
To read the transcript of the episode go to https://ethosenglish.com/podcast/
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-02-0513 minEthos EnglishQatargate: corruption, whistleblowers and the European ParliamentThe World Cup might be a distant memory but the political scandals linking Qatar to European lawmakers are far from over. This week find out about corruption in Brussels as well as the origin of the suffix -gate to refer to scandals.
Click here for this week's shownotes.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-01-2208 minEthos EnglishUniversity student creates reliable AI detection appFind out how a 22 year-old year old undergraduate has managed to create a tool that detects AI-generated text with a low margin of error. Is this a dream come true for educators?
Access the interactive transcript here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2023-01-1709 minEthos EnglishNew year same old you? My experience choosing an alcohol-free lifeInterested in changing your habits? Start with your beliefs! In this episode I share two books that helped me quit drinking and smoking and how my experience is relevant even if you don't have ANY bad habits to speak of! I also recommend an episode of the brilliant NPR podcast Hidden Brain that is more insightful than 99% of the information on personal transformation out there. As always, I provide definitions and examples for all of the advanced English vocabulary in this week's show. Go to the show notes at https://ethosenglish.com/podcast/ to subscribe to my monthly newsletter...2023-01-0910 minEthos EnglishNuclear fusion breakthrough and adjectives ending in -worthyThis week I explore news reports of advances in nuclear fusion from The Financial Times and The Economist and discuss adjectives that end in -worthy.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-12-2610 minEthos EnglishIs ChatGPT the future of language learning?In this week's show I talk about how ChatGPT and artificial intelligence more generally will affect language learning. I discuss articles from The Atlantic and The New York Times and explain the concept of neo-Luddites.
Show notes
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-12-1913 minEthos EnglishThe power of patterns: why your brain loves alliterationThis week I'm going to teach you about the importance of alliteration. From advertising to journalism to fiction, alliteration is all over the place. Listen to become a better English speaker.
See the show notes with a full transcript here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-12-1210 minEthos EnglishCelebrating 1 year and 30 episodes of Ethos EnglishIn this episode I discuss my first year of podcasting why I'm happy that my early episodes make me cringe... and why they're still worth listening to!
I go over my some of my favourite episodes and some useful language related to advent.
Click here to go to show notes
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-12-0409 minEthos EnglishBack on the royal road to fluency - adverbs, reading and two powerful writing toolsThis week I continue my exploration of adverb collocations and share with you two powerful (and free!) online writing tools to dramatically improve your writing.
Episode transcript
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-11-2810 minEthos EnglishWant to make the leap from B2 to C2? Understanding adverb use is key!Advanced English learners use adverbs in strikingly different ways. (You see, I just did it! Strikingly different - that's an adverb + adjective collocation.) Research has shown that C2 English speakers use not only more adverbs but also a wider range of them. In this week's episode I draw your attention to some key adverb + adjective collocations to help you make the shift from an intermediate to a truly advanced English learner.
Episode Transcript
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify...2022-11-2114 minEthos EnglishOf slow growing coconuts, the true nature of genius and MC HammerWe live in a world that seems to value productivity and external accomplishments over everything else. How can we shift our mindset so that we not only survive but thrive as teachers, students and human beings? Today I explore the deceptively simple insights of Zena Hitz on the true nature of genius. (Hint: think attitude not inborn trait). As a bonus I share one of my favourite websites for thought-provoking essays and articles.
https://ethosenglish.com/advancedenglishpodcasts2e5/
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a...2022-11-0709 minEthos EnglishBlind dates, hot button issues and an introduction to cognitive biasesThis week I share with you an entertaining and very unintellectual newspaper column that will have you laughing out loud and ask whether you are as open-minded as you think. I discuss a fascinating New York Times video on the hypocrisy of the political left and how the concepts of belief perseverance and the backfire effect will have you rethinking how you argue with others.
https://ethosenglish.com/advancedenglishpodcasts2e4/
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify...2022-10-3022 minEthos EnglishPutting my tips into practice - a vocabulary scavenger huntIn this week's show I remind you of the importance of resetting your attentional filter to notice key categories of vocabulary in English, including "empty" verbs and binomials. You'll be putting into practice my tips and I've even come up with a scavenger hunt for you to play while listening.
For the complete show notes, including the transcription of the entire episode and the scavenger hunt results, go to https://ethosenglish.com/advancedenglishpodcasts2e3/
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters...2022-10-2311 minEthos EnglishNeuroscience and language learning: what's the attentional filter?This week I explore key concepts from neuroscience in Daniel J. Levitin's book The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload and how they apply to language learning. Specifically, I explain the concept of the attentional filter as it relates to language learning and how using categories allows us to learn better. I go over last week's tip related to delexicalised verbs as exemplified in news stories on the political situation in the UK and then introduce this week's tip on binomials as a useful category of chunk in everyday English. As always, at the end...2022-10-1721 minEthos EnglishThe zombies in our midst: an antidote to bad economics and bad EnglishWhat does the recent political and economic turmoil in the UK have to do with improving your English? Listen and find out how to avoid becoming an intellectual zombie. For the shownotes go to https://ethosenglish.com/podcast/
Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-10-1124 min
Ethos EnglishEthos English: a new name and a new seasonSeason 2 is coming soon! Music is from "Strings" by Another Day under a Creative Commons license.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-09-2102 minEthos EnglishBig news! A new name and a new advanced English membershipI'm taking a break over the summer to plan my upcoming advanced English membership, which I'll be launching in the fall. What's more, my website, podcast and membership will all be given a single (new) name, which I'll be announcing later this summer. Have any suggestions or special requests for this membership? Send me an email to info@BetterLanguageLearning.com!
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ethosenglish/message2022-07-0807 min
Ethos EnglishThe US Supreme Court and abortionLast week the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, thereby depriving women in many parts of the U.S. access to legal abortion. In this episode we look at key vocabulary related to the law as well as discuss the American Supreme Court and new evidence-based studies on abortion.
Click here for the interactive transcript, including vocabulary flashcards.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-06-2909 minEthos EnglishPesticides, scientific fraud and the moral arc of the universeIn this week's episode I discuss a recent court ruling in the United States on the safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in the world's most widely-used pesticide and why this coming year is crucial for improving food safety and wildlife protection in the European Union.
Click here for the interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcard set.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-06-2316 minEthos EnglishThe Great Stink of 1858What can London's sewage crisis of the 19th century teach us about our own environmental crisis?
Do we have grounds for optimism? Read the interactive transcript and self-study materials, including Quizlet flashcards by clicking here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-06-0912 min
Ethos EnglishEco-anxiety, ikigai and the power of artWhat is eco-anxiety? How we can use art as a way of processing grief caused by climate change? I have a brief chat with the environmental scientist, policy maker - and award-winning mosaic artist - Julie Sperling about the therapeutic value of art and how we can use the principles of ikigai to find ways to do our part in the fight against climate change.
Click here to access the interactive transcript, links and Quizlet sets.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-05-3112 min
Ethos EnglishWe all have an inner voice - what's yours telling you?In this episode I look into the concept of ANTS (automatic negative thoughts) and rumination. I discuss three techniques for coping with self-criticism. As it turns out, speaking to ourselves in our second (or third/fourth/etc.) language can help us when dealing with emotionally charged situations. Click here for the interactive transcript and Quizlet self-study materials.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-05-2515 min
Ethos EnglishSpeaking exams: Key language to boost your performanceIn this episode I delve into key words and phrases to help you talk about a topic that is very common in speaking exams, namely the importance of learning English or another foreign language. This is a very popular topic and one for which you can prepare yourself by learning some key vocabulary that will help you boost your performance. What's more, I explore the idea of educational inequality and how requiring English for professional and academic use has a dark side. Specifically I discuss a BBC article on subtractive bilingualism in Holland.
I also raise the...2022-05-1813 min
Ethos EnglishOf binomials, jingoism and inhumane empiresIn this episode we find out about binomials as well as some interesting facts about the British Empire, jingoism and why British civil servants are threatening to revolt agains the government's latest plans to deal with refugees.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-04-2115 min
Ethos EnglishTalking about Atomic Habits with Tim WarreThe teacher, writer and podcaster Tim Warre joins me to discuss the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. We talk about ways in which language teachers and learners can benefit from this insightful book on habit formation. To watch the video recording of this conversation go to https://betterlanguagelearning.com/episode-15/
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-04-0647 min
Ethos EnglishThe road to Ukraine is paved with good intentions"The road to hell is paved with good intentions" is a common saying in English. In short, having good intentions does not always lead to good outcomes. I argue that condemnation of Putin's war in Ukraine is not enough. We need to understand the conditions that allowed his rise to power and the ways in which Western powers might be partly responsible for this tragic war. I bring in Slavoj Žižek, Aditya Chakrabortty, Naomi Klein, John Mearsheimer and Masha Gessen. Lots of food for thought.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/et...2022-03-2315 min
Ethos EnglishTalking about supply chain economics with IvánIn this conversation with Iván, who's both a student and teacher of English, we talk about an issue of interest to him, namely economics and supply chain issues that have been affecting the world economy. We also exchange ideas on effective language learning approaches, and discuss things such as translation and the use of flashcards.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-02-2342 min
Ethos EnglishCarrie Bradshaw and the overlooked advantages of being singleIn this episode I discuss Valentine's Day and its Catalan equivalent Sant Jordi as well as delve into research on the hidden benefits of being single. What's more, I look into the concept of "greedy marriages" and why it's okay to want a relationship if you aren't in one. As always, you'll find an interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcard sets by going to my podcast page.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-02-1508 min
Ethos EnglishTalking about books you've never readWhat does it mean to be well-read? In this episode I talk about Pierre Bayard's book How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read and why book reviews are an underrated tool for your personal development.
Click here to access the interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcard sets.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-02-0827 min
Ethos EnglishSeek and ye shall findIn this episode I talk about embracing being a nerd and the expression "Seek and ye shall find" and how the Bible, specifically the King James translation, has provided English with a wealth of idioms still in use today.
Access the interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcards here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-02-0210 min
Ethos EnglishIs text messaging killing your social life?Find out how Marshall McLuhan's media theory might just save your relationships.
Click here to access the interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcard sets.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-01-2610 min
Ethos EnglishJ'accuse! Overcoming the philistinism of English language teachingIn this episode I talk about some counterintuitive yet helpful advice from one of my favourite columnists and address the issue of philistinism in English language teaching. Why does literature play such a small role in the teaching of English? Why are we so unambitious in our approach to writing?
Click here to go to the interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcard set.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-01-1909 min
Ethos EnglishAn oasis in the desert? Dubai Expo and post-covid cultureIn this week's episode I talk about my recent trip to Dubai. This year the emirate is hosting Expo, so I decided to explore a bit of the cultural impact of this international event throughout history. I come to the conclusion that the post-Covid world needs more catharsis-inducing art.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-01-1212 min
Ethos EnglishNew Year's resolutions worth makingIn this episode I talk about New Year's resolutions. Where did they originate? Are they worth making?
Go to betterlanguagelearning.com/ep06 for the interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcards.
This Naked Mind podcast by Annie Grace
Dr. Kristin Neff's interview on 10% Happier podcast
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2022-01-0408 minEthos EnglishIn conversation with GorkaIn this episode I introduce a new series of YouTube interviews with advanced English learners. This week I’m in conversation with Gorka from the Basque country. Go to BetterLanguageLearning.com/ep05
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2021-12-2906 min
Ethos EnglishAre you in your prime?What does it mean to be in your prime?
For the full interactive transcript and Quizlet flashcard set go to https://betterlanguagelearning.com/episode-4/
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2021-12-2105 min
Ethos EnglishAn inconvenient truthReading is the keystone habit that will transform your English.
In this episode I discuss why you need to supplement your coursebook with LOADS of challenging, authentic reading and why this will make you not just a better English speaker but a better thinker and communicator.
I recommend some great newspapers and magazines as well as free online websites with high-quality writing suitable for advanced learners.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2021-12-1412 min
Ethos EnglishThere's more to advent than calendarsIn this episode I talk about motivation and the concept of advent.
You'll learn useful chunks for essay writing and speaking.
For the annotated transcript with all key words and chunks and flashcards go to BetterLanguageLearning.com/podcast
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2021-12-0812 min
Ethos EnglishWhat's your Holy Grail?Find out why as an advanced English learner:
you need to shift your focus from receptive to productive skills and
how chunks are the key to fluency
For an interactive transcript and vocabulary flashcards go to BetterLanguageLearning.com/podcast.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethosenglish/message2021-11-3008 min