English Conversation Club podcast
312 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago -Who would you be if you dared to speak up in English? Let’s find out! The English Conversation Club Podcast features authentic conversations in real-life English on topics handpicked for international professionals. Listen to our lively team of business English coaches discuss topics like productivity, business trends, success, work-life balance and more. And if you want to practice speaking English? Meet us at our English Conversation Club to for small group discussions with international professionals in a judgment-free zone. Feeling shy? Feeling nervous--this is for you! For details, go to https://mybusinessenglishcourses.com/english-conversation-club
Whether you need English when you travel, to answer the phone at work, or give presentations, this is for you.
Suggestions:
productivity less important “Different cultures” more important “Topics like business trends, success and work-life balance but also cultural differences and social topics.”Previous version:
Learn to speak English fluently, faster in the English Conversation Club. This podcast is one of the resources that you use to become more confident understanding and speaking English in our English Conversation Club. The English Conversation Club is the best way to become fluent speaking English. It combines vocabulary, listening comprehension, ECC Leader support, and speaking practice. Our members are professionals from around the world who are becoming more confident in English, just like you. Come for the English practice, stay for the community. For details, go to https://mybusinessenglishcourses.com/english-conversation-club
The new one should be about the same length, but if you have fresh ideas based on customer intel, that would be great! Thanks!
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
A culture you would love to experience
April 09, 2021 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.57 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: why we get interested in certain cultures going through phases of liking different cultures the cultures we are interested in at the moment The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to lose ground = to go into a position where you are less strong, advanced, or successful than someone else to get back into something = to become interested in something again, after taking a break a stereotype = a widely h...
Things we appreciate about other cultures
April 02, 2021 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.76 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: camping and hospitality in Vietnam meeting new neighbors being respectful of vacation time The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): transition = passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another hospitality = the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers drop off the face of the earth = completely gone; vanished without a trace; you haven't heard from ...
Good habits monthly review
March 26, 2021 12:00 - 10 minutes - 7.37 MBIn this episode, Christina, Matthew and Nicolas talk about: ways to make sure you continue a new habit you have started ways to be good at planning things ways to find time in your schedule The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to go back = to return to make something your own = to personalize something "to use your time wisely" = to make the most of your time in a productive manner Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resourc...
What good habits have you developed thanks to COVID-19?
March 19, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.29 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: some positives that have come out of COVID rearranging our schedules setting aside time for thinking The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to put a positive spin on [something] = to take a situation or event, usually a negative one, and turn it into something good/beneficial/favorable to work out the kinks= to try to fix the small problems or flaws to feel reassured = to feel less worried about somet...
The importance of sleep habits
March 12, 2021 13:00 - 6 minutes - 4.36 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: whether we are good sleepers things we do to help us fall asleep waking up in the middle of the night The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): "a good night's sleep"= an expression used to say that someone slept well to stick to something = to adhere to a commitment, belief, or rule to stay up = remain out of bed at a time when most people have gone to bed or at a time when you are normally in bed yourse...
How to create good habits
March 05, 2021 12:00 - 8 minutes - 5.75 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: living in an all-or-nothing culture the book "Atomic Habits" taking baby steps The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to pat yourself on the back = to congratulate yourself to show up = to be present to get into the habit of doing something = to begin doing something regularly or often Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join the Faster...
Expressing gratitude
February 26, 2021 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.08 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: things we are thankful for being grateful for what we do have during Covid appreciating the little things in life The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to take [something] for granted = to fail to properly appreciate (someone or something), especially as a result of overfamiliarity the small things = the little things; things we often do not appreciate every day "and things like that" = a phrase use...
Netflix night
February 19, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.22 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: shows we're currently watching time-travel shows shows we're not interested in The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a (TV) show = a program on TV/streaming platform a (TV) series = a television program that has the same characters or deals with the same type of subjects, and is usually broadcast every week, or released by season on a streaming service a parallel world = an imaginary world that exis...
Taking risks in life and in business
February 12, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.87 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: whether we are risk takers or not taking risks by doing extreme physical activities taking risks when making business decisions The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a risk taker = a person who likes to take chances a calculated risk = a chance a person takes after carefully considering all possible outcomes to manage to do [something] = to be able to do something Do you want the transcript of the po...
Interesting public figures
February 05, 2021 12:00 - 8 minutes - 5.57 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: how there are so many interesting people on social media the people we follow minimalism The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): off the beaten path = a direction that most people do not take emotional intelligence = the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically minimalism = design or style in which the simple...
If there was one small thing you could change...
January 29, 2021 13:00 - 5 minutes - 3.97 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: being busy wanting to have more time universal basic income The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): frantic = desperate or wild with excitement, passion, fear, pain, etc. to tie into = to bring into connection with something relevant fundamental = forming a necessary base or core; of central importance Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice?...
Things most people don't know about you
January 22, 2021 13:00 - 6 minutes - 4.4 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: whether to share secrets or not on a podcast random things we're interested in things we like to do over and over The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): skeleton in the closet = a discreditable or embarrassing fact that someone wishes to keep secret practical = (of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible geeky = unfashionable and socially inept Do y...
Rhymin' and stealin'
January 15, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.41 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: what this episode is about the value in using rhymes, songs and poems to learn English pronunciation how to use rhymes, songs and poems to learn English pronunciation The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to get a feel for [something] = to develop a good knowledge or understanding of something catchy = (of a tune or phrase) instantly appealing and memorable to be into [something] = to like and be int...
Causes, charities and fundraisers
January 08, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.81 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: charities they are involved with different types of ways to raise money fundraising by doing a physical challenge The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): change = the money you get back after buying something; coins or small bills a good cause = something worth doing or giving to because it will help other people to donate = to give (money or goods) for a good cause, for example to a charity Do you wa...
A night out
January 03, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: Kristina's 20-year wedding anniversary seeing a Broadway show going to a safari The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a milestone = an important event in the development or history of something or in someone's life exotic = unusual and exciting because of coming from far away, especially a tropic country to improvise = to invent or make something, such as a speech or a device, at the time when it...
A night out
January 03, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: Kristina's 20-year wedding anniversary seeing a Broadway show going to a safari The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a milestone = an important event in the development or history of something or in someone's life exotic = unusual and exciting because of coming from far away, especially a tropic country to improvise = to invent or make something, such as a speech or a device, at the time when it...
New Year's Resolutions
December 26, 2020 06:00 - 6 minutes - 4.68 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: whether or not we make resolutions making monthly resolutions instead of yearly ones looking back on the year The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): on a (monthly) basis = a particular method or system used for organizing or doing something (monthly) to fall off the track = to go off course; to stop doing a plan step-by-step = so as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next Do ...
Junk food you can't resist
December 18, 2020 13:00 - 5 minutes - 3.53 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: food we find yummy whether or not chocolate is junk food trying to eat junk food in moderation The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to pig out on [something] = to eat a lot of something to treat yourself to [something] = to reward yourself with something in moderation = within reasonable limits; not to excess Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversati...
How do you manage setbacks & difficulties?
December 11, 2020 13:00 - 5 minutes - 3.96 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: how we deal with setbacks falling off the horse and getting back on it making the most of difficult situations The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): "deal with it" = to manage or handle someone or something to get over the hump = to get past the most difficult part "in the end" = eventually, or on reflection Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation ...
Negotiating Skills
December 04, 2020 12:00 - 7 minutes - 4.94 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: whether we are good at negotiating or not not needing to "win" negotiations Chris Voss The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to have an ace up your sleeve = a powerful and often secret weapon, advantage, etc. to tip the balance = (of a circumstance or event) be the deciding factor; make the critical difference to hold [one's] ground = to refuse to change your opinion, stance, position, decision, etc....
Matchmakers
November 27, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.17 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: the statement, "It's not what you know, but who you know." meeting people on social media networking The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to interact with [someone/something] = to communicate or work together "Half the battle" = an expression used to mean that something is the most important (and typically the first) step towards achieving something "You never know" = an expression used to say that ...
How to feel more confident speaking in English
November 20, 2020 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.36 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: faking it till you make it other tips to feel more confident how to create a virtuous cycle The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): "fake it till you make it" = acting a certain way more and more to begin to believe the act about ourselves to hack [something] = to find a creative solution to something that takes less time than a conventional method to associate [something] with [something else] = To ...
Artificial intelligence and the impact it could have on your industry
November 13, 2020 13:00 - 7 minutes - 4.96 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: how the thought of AI makes them feel how technology has improved over time the ways that AI is already affecting our lives The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to grasp = to comprehend; to understand exponential = a very rapid increase an existential threat = a threat to something's survival Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join ...
What's new with you? (catching up with someone)
November 06, 2020 13:00 - 5 minutes - 3.85 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: some different expressions used to ask someone what they have been up to a particularly difficult expression for some English language learners to understand picking up where you left off The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to catch up with someone = to update one another on life events that occurred since the last time seeing each other same old, same old = an expression used to say nothing has ...
Business hospitality customs in your country
October 30, 2020 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: how hard it is to talk about customs specific to the US how it depends on the work environment how making small talk is one custom that is pretty standard The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to generalize = to draw a broad conclusion from particular facts one's work environment = one's physical and social surroundings at work not (very) cool = rude Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more v...
Are you optimistic or pessimistic in general?
October 23, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.09 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: being optimistic or pessimistic dealing with bad things trying to understand other people's attitudes The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a glass half empty = an expression used to say a person/attitude is pessimistic a glass half full =an expression used to say a person/attitude is optimistic giving someone the benefit of the doubt = believing someone, or thinking about someone in a good way, eve...
What are you afraid of?
October 16, 2020 11:00 - 7 minutes - 4.98 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: Trisha's fear of sharks Christina's fear of not doing what she really wants to do Christina's fear of jellyfish The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a phobia = an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something irrational = not logical or reasonable to reassure someone = to say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of someone Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary...
Common business practices in your country
October 09, 2020 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.3 MBIn this episode, Christina and Fluency Club Leader [NAME] talk about: business practices in the US how a casual, polite sounding request is an order the importance of observing others around you The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a higher up = a senior person in an organization; someone whose position is above yours on the surface = something obvious or superficial; lacking substance subtle = not obvious; a clever and indirect method of achieving...
Buying or renting a home in your country
October 03, 2020 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.52 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: living in an apartment or a house the advantages and disadvantages of each tiny houses The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a yard = a piece of ground adjoining a building or house the country = a rural area to downsize = to move to a smaller house/apartment; to get rid of unnecessary items Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join th...
Hobbies and passions
September 25, 2020 13:00 - 6 minutes - 4.46 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: how native English speakers rarely use the word 'hobby' how 'What do you do in free time?' is used far more frequently the difference between a hobby and things we like to do in our free time The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): downtime = a time to relax; a time when you're not busy to get together with [someone] = to hang out with someone; to do something with someone to escape = to get away fro...
The impact technology has had at the workplace
September 18, 2020 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.75 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: the pros and cons of technology how technology affects our work disconnecting from the internet The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to get duped = to get deceived; tricked urgent = (of a state or situation) requiring immediate action or attention to unplug = to relax and avoid using electronic devices Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation pract...
How to introduce yourself in English
September 11, 2020 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.96 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: how to introduce yourself progressively what questions to avoid how to sound less direct The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a tick box = a small square on a form, questionnaire, or test in which you put a checkmark to show that you agree with something or have completed something to be direct = to be straightforward, which can sometimes be considered impolite [something] defines [one] = somethin...
Sports
September 04, 2020 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.26 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: the sports we played in school popular sports in our area sports injuries The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to be a big fan of [something] = an admirer; someone who really likes something to rehab = to return to a healthy or good way of life to pivot = to turn or twist Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join the Faster Fluency Con...
Good first impressions
August 28, 2020 15:00 - 6 minutes - 4.79 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: making a good first impression in the US being formal vs. informal things not to be surprised by The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to take into consideration = to give something some thought; to think about something firm = solid; strong [to do something] as a sign of respect = [to do something] to show you respect someone Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and...
Favorite podcasts and Youtube channels
August 21, 2020 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.39 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: our favorite podcasts what they are about why we find them interesting The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to have the time (to do something) = to be unoccupied or idle and thus able to do something. to do a deep dive into [something] = to do a significant examination or analysis to be hit or miss = when something is good sometimes and bad other times Do you want the transcript of the podcast, mo...
Shopping experiences in different countries
August 14, 2020 10:00 - 4 minutes - 3.46 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: grocery shopping in the US shopping at supercenters buying in bulk The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): bulk= a large amount a bunch of [something] = a lot of [something] to unload= to remove something (usually from a truck/car) Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join the Faster Fluency Conversation Club! You'll become more fluent...
Parts unknown
August 07, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.3 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: strange foods from where they are from whether or not they would try chitterlings animals people eat that have been hunted The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): strange food = food that we've never had before and perhaps never even heard of "It tastes like chicken" = a common expression used when trying a new meat gamey = a stronger, wilder flavor Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vo...
Free your mind
July 31, 2020 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.68 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: the Black Lives Matter movement the protests and looting in the US people waking up to the injustice in the US and having real conversations about it The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a movement = A large body of people interested in a common issue, idea, or concern that is of continuing significance and who are willing to take action. Movements seek to change attitudes or institutions, not just p...
Your favorite jams
July 24, 2020 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.54 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: our favorite bands when/why we listen to different kinds of music using YouTube to discover different kinds of music The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a jam = a song a song's message = the backstory that we can pick up from the lyrics eclectic = selecting or choosing from various sources Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join th...
Zero Waste
July 17, 2020 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.31 MBIn this episode, Christina and Cara talk about: the definition of "zero waste" ways to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle how zero waste can be a win-win The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to evoke = to bring to mind packaging = materials used to wrap or protect goods a win-win situation= when something is advantageous for all parties involved Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join the ...
Mentor's you've had
July 11, 2020 02:00 - 8 minutes - 5.92 MBIn this episode, Christina and Cara talk about: the difference between a role model and a mentor mentors we've had throughout our careers people we have mentored The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to take [one] under [one's] wing = to protect or care for someone, ex: My new boss has really taken me under her wing. to know the ropes = to know how to do a job or activity to look out for someone = to take care of someone; to make sure they are treate...
A Special Interview with Jacques, a Faster Fluency Conversation Club Member
July 08, 2020 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.4 MBIn this special interview, I am speaking with Jacques who has been a member of the Faster Fluency Conversation Club for a couple of months. In this special "Member Spotlight" episode, he talks with Christina about: how he has stopped translating in his head before speaking overcoming the fear of being judged when speaking in English the value of speaking in English every day and getting useful practice and repetition the importance of having fun while you learn The extra mile (useful En...
Aging and getting older
July 03, 2020 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.45 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: how we approach aging the next 20 to 30 years how we feel about different ages The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to think back = to recall a past event or time to feel like it was yesterday = used when something seemed like it happened recently, but it was actually quite a while ago to be over the hill = to be past the midpoint of life Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary r...
Seasonal traditions in your country
June 26, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.16 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: summer traditions the 4th of July summer vacation The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a tradition = a custom or belief that is passed down from generation to generation the 4th of July = a holiday in the US to celebrate its independence a school year = a period of time that school is open each year Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice...
Recipe Swap
June 20, 2020 10:00 - 5 minutes - 3.83 MBIn this episode, Christina and Kristina talk about: a zucchini bread recipe the American measuring system miso almond butter cookies The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to justify something = to show or prove something to be reasonable to convert = to change from one form to another form to swap = to exchange; to trade Do you want the transcript of the podcast, more vocabulary resources and live conversation practice? Join the Faster Fluency Conve...
A Special Interview with Meire, a Faster Fluency Conversation Club Member
June 18, 2020 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.54 MBMeire is a teacher in Brazil, and she has been a member of the Faster Fluency Conversation Club for a few months. In this special "Member Spotlight" episode, she talks with Christina about: why she decided to sign up for the club the different topics that are covered in the club, and why they're interesting for learning English the benefits she has gotten out of the club The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to sign up for something = to join something,...
A Classic Story (all-time favorite books, movies, series in your culture)
June 12, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.64 MBIn this episode, Christina and Matthew talk about: a couple of our favorite stories Alice in Wonderland American Girl The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): a deeper meaning = something that has more importance than it seems to stick with you = when something is almost impossible to forget to check something out = to do more research on something; to look into; to possibly read/watch/listen to something later Do you want the transcript of the podcas...
A guided tour (tell us about your city)
June 05, 2020 11:00 - 7 minutes - 4.87 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: where we grew up a few things to do in San Diego and some things to do in New Orleans The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): to grab (a meal / drink) = to eat/drink with someone; i.e. Wanna grab dinner? to enjoy a night out = to have fun or do something entertaining at night- dinner, drinks, dancing, etc. to get out of = to leave somewhere; i.e. Wanna get outta here? Do you want the transcript of the...
What will you have done…(future perfect simple)
May 28, 2020 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.55 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: grammar! the future perfect simple tense how rarely we use this tense some situations where it might be used The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): when will you have it done by? = used when asking someone when they expect to have completed something (in the future) this is she/he = the grammatically correct way to answer the phone when the person calling wants to speak to you to run into something/som...
Being outdoors or in the wild
May 22, 2020 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.65 MBIn this episode, Christina and Trisha talk about: our plans after de-confinement what we've been able to do during confinement going to the mountains The extra mile (useful English vocabulary you'll hear in the podcast): in the wild = out in nature and away from civilization to give an impression of = to make someone think about something in a particular way to block off time in a calendar/schedule = to create a period of free time for yourself to do whatever you want Do you want ...