- Idiom Academy | Drop the ball and Fall off
Here are the meanings of the phrases "drop the ball" and "fall off":
Drop the Ball
"Drop the ball" is an idiom that means to make a mistake or fail to meet an obligation or responsibility. It suggests that someone has let something important slip through the cracks, leading to a failure or mishap. The phrase likely originates from sports, where dropping the ball can lead to a loss of possession or a missed opportunity.
Example:
"I really dropped the ball on that project. I forgot to submit the report on time."
Fall Off
"Fall off" can have a few different meanings depending on the context:
Literal Meaning: To physically fall from a higher place to a lower place.
Example: "Be careful on the ladder so you don't fall off."
Decrease or Decline: To experience a reduction in amount, quality, or intensity.
Example: "Sales have fallen off since the holiday season."
Lose Focus or Consistency: To stop maintaining a certain level of performance, attention, or engagement.
Example: "He was doing well in his studies, but his grades fell off after he started working part-time."
Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, and their meanings can often be inferred from the context in which they are used.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/idiom-academy-drop-the-ball-and-fall-off/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE11 - 7m - Jul 26, 2024 - Topic Talk | More Silly Questions
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack answer more silly questions.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:48
Jack
Welcome to the Ados English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a fun topic talk.
00:00:57
Jack
And this one is. These are just silly questions, social and.
00:01:02
Jack
We're going to do three of them, and if you join our English corner through the WeChat group, you can also discuss these. We we discussed these questions last week, but we will discuss questions like this in the future as well. And #1 is what are your most random pet peeves?
00:01:22
Jack
We we talked.
00:01:22
Jack
About pet peeves before, but what's your like most random one? That probably no one else is annoyed by, but only you?
00:01:30
Xochitl
My most random pet peeve.
00:01:35
Xochitl
The leading the chair not pushing, as we discussed before.
00:01:39
발표자
Mm-hmm.
00:01:41
Xochitl
What's another one?
00:01:44
Xochitl
I'm trying to think I'm not too much of A picky person, so it's kind of hard for me. I hate this is kind of a like a weird one. It's not really my business, but I just hate seeing like.
00:01:57
Xochitl
Like useless men like this sounds weird, but it's kind of a pet peeve of mine when there's, like, a a woman with like like this just happened in the airport. There's a woman was literally the she she and her husband were at the airport and she had like, seven kids. And I think she's pregnant with another kid and.
00:02:17
Xochitl
He the man just like there's he was supposed to get like dinner for all the kids and the wife with his oldest son, and they just disappeared for like 2 hours and then came back with nothing.
00:02:30
Xochitl
And the kids were, like, running around and screaming, and the lady looked, like, devastated. And it was like, oh, my God, I just, you know what I mean? I hate seeing stuff like that every time I see a man, a useless partner. That's a huge piece. And it's funny because it's not really my business, but it just makes me angry.
00:02:48
Jack
Yeah, it's kind of I'm. I'm just, I think.
00:02:50
Jack
It's funny that you were.
00:02:51
Jack
Just watching that whole scenario play out and just seething, just so angry.
00:02:57
Xochitl
Yes, I was sitting across from the waiting and I was just like, oh, my God, this poor lady. And this, like, older lady sitting next to her was like, helped ended up helping her with distract her kids for a while, which was really nice. Of the older lady to step in. But it was just.
00:03:12
Xochitl
Crazy that the woman has a whole husband. That's like doing nothing.
00:03:17
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:17
Xochitl
Just absolutely insane.
00:03:19
Jack
I wonder, I wonder if my wife would have stories. And then I thought fortunately there might be some examples of me checking out for a moment, but I I try not to. I I try to, you know, we we try to divide and conquer. You know, the best that we can.
00:03:34
Xochitl
I don't think he would have been that useless like this guy was a a new level. You know what I mean? From what I've seen of you, I have a hard time believing you would have been that.
00:03:39
발표자
Yeah.
00:03:43
Xochitl
Bad.
00:03:43
Xochitl
You know, so that's a.
00:03:45
Xochitl
Big Tip team of mine and I think.
00:03:49
Xochitl
Those are those are two big ones, I.
00:03:53
Xochitl
I don't think that I have another one. I guess another, maybe third one is like noise makes me irritated really fast. So like.
00:04:04
Xochitl
I like things to be pretty quiet, but if I have to hear like a bunch of noise.
00:04:10
Xochitl
I can just get so angry quickly for no reason kind of. So that peeve is like just really noisy environments can really grate on my nerves if I'm not expecting it. You know, if I'm at like a concert or something, obviously I don't really care. You expect it to be loud, but it's.
00:04:25
Jack
Yeah, you can't really complain about the noise at a concert.
00:04:28
Xochitl
Yeah, but it's just like sudden loudness or something out of nowhere. Like it just kind of grates on my nerves.
00:04:36
Xochitl
Yeah. How about you, Jack? What are your pet peeves?
00:04:39
Jack
I've got a couple. Well, my the first one, I said this one was in another podcast too, but I it bothers me when people say, you know what I mean like that. It's like, yeah, because I'm. I'm always like, yeah, I I know exactly what you mean. You don't have to ask me. You know, I'm not stupid, but.
00:04:49
Xochitl
Yes, I remember that.
00:04:59
Jack
But it's not, that's just me projecting because people.
00:05:03
Jack
Are they're not really asking me a question. They're just, it's just a filler, right? It's it's a.
00:05:09
Xochitl
Or they're worried that they don't make sense. Like when I ask people. Ohh, do you know what I mean? Like I'm. I'm asking because I think I don't make sense.
00:05:18
Jack
Yeah, you're being like you're being an active listener. You're you're actually really, genuinely trying to be understood and making sure the other person understands you. So yeah, that that pet peeve is is just it's it's actually it's it's on me. It's not. It's my fault. It's not other people being annoying. It's just me being annoying.
00:05:38
Jack
UM.
00:05:40
Jack
Another one is that I noticed that really bothers me is when, like people, when did people stop using headphones and just start listening to their stupid phones out loud like is there?
00:05:50
발표자
Oh my God, that has not happened.
00:05:53
Xochitl
To me, at the airport. Sorry, go ahead.
00:05:55
Jack
Oh, no, I yeah, I mean, but was it music or was it, uh, talking?
00:05:59
Xochitl
Just random stuff like videos and talking and music and like and phone calls and stuff. And I'm like, why are you listening to everything out loud? Like where are your heads?
00:06:10
Jack
Yeah.
00:06:10
Xochitl
And it's so funny, because just before that I was like seeing a video and like, oh, I don't want to listen to this cause I don't have headphones. And so I'm not going to listen to it and I'll just save it for later. And then there's person next to me. He's like blasting this video and like, it's so weird, you know? Yeah.
00:06:25
Jack
I know, I know what you mean. It's it happened to me yesterday. Guy in the elevator is listening.
00:06:30
Jack
To.
00:06:30
Jack
His stupid YouTube channel about baseball or something and everyone has to listen to it. Then another person in the elevator takes their phone out and starts listening to their thing, and none of them are putting any headphones in as if we all want to.
00:06:42
Jack
Listen to your garbage.
00:06:44
Jack
You know.
00:06:44
Jack
It's like if if I wanted to listen to it, I would listen to it my myself. There's there's no is there, is there no respect anymore? What? What happened to to people? It's just.
00:06:55
Xochitl
It I just grew, actually. I grew up. You just sound like such a boomer when you said that. But it's kind of funny because my boomer dad would actually do that. We would be watching like soap operas like my mom and I would be watching soap opera. And my dad would come in listening to baseball on his iPad and just sit in the room listening to the baseball like.
00:07:15
Xochitl
In the middle of us watching soap opera and I'd be like, can you leave like or turn that off?
00:07:19
Xochitl
Off and he's like, I just want to spend time with you guys. I'm like, then put some headphones in or watch this with us or and watch that way or something. It was just so annoying because it's like we can't even hear the soap opera that we're watching cause he's too busy listening to the baseball game on full blast in the middle of the room. We were sitting in. So yeah, it's really annoying.
00:07:37
Jack
Yes, headphone headphone etiquette. Come on, people. What's the craziest thing you've ever done? I mean, this is a hard question because.
00:07:47
Jack
I've done too many crazy things, but.
00:07:50
Xochitl
Are you feeling something?
00:07:52
Xochitl
Well, maybe it's just like deciding I was gonna move to Korea. Like, I don't know where I just pulled that out of thin air. And I was like, yeah, what I could. Yeah, I'll move to Korea. That was kind of crazy, I think. Yeah. Yeah. It it ended up working out fine. Another really crazy one that I always remember is we went to Spain when I was a little kid, I was like.
00:08:12
Xochitl
9 or 10 years old and my dad.
00:08:19
Xochitl
We were like going to this castle and my dad decided to crawl up through the castle like there's there. Was this an old sewage hall hole in the castle wall and my dad decided to that we should, like, cut through.
00:08:37
Xochitl
And go through there instead of walking around the into the castle entrance like normal people.
00:08:45
Xochitl
My mom was not.
00:08:45
Jack
I think your dad the craziest thing. Your.
00:08:47
Jack
Dad's ever done.
00:08:48
Xochitl
Yes, we were little kids, but I unfortunately with Dragon and I was like, no, I don't want to do this. And then my sister and my dad were, like, getting angry at me because I was like on the verge.
00:08:57
Xochitl
Of tears because.
00:08:58
Xochitl
I was like, we're gonna get in trouble and we didn't get in trouble. By the way, somehow we did. We did that and then jumped over this like police orange mesh.
00:09:08
Xochitl
Us and just acted like we were there the whole time.
00:09:12
Jack
Wow, you guys got away with it. Nice.
00:09:13
Xochitl
Egg.
00:09:15
Xochitl
Yeah, it's. It was very weird. My dad is an insane person. So. So yeah, that was definitely a crazy thing. And I do remember it still vividly, because something that I didn't want to do and was still doing. So yeah. How about you, Jack? Crazy thing you've done.
00:09:33
Jack
That's funny. I mean, I I think probably the craziest thing I've ever done is.
00:09:39
Jack
Yeah, I I would say move to to Asia. I mean just kind of on a whim, just like I'm going to go to Thailand.
00:09:47
Jack
And teach English without any teaching experience or anything. I just I just went and.
00:09:54
Jack
Yeah, I didn't even know where Thailand was on a map. I think I could have been going to Taiwan like it didn't. I didn't even know. I I put so little thought into it.
00:10:05
Jack
I just got on a plane and and landed and hoped for the best, you know? And yeah, 20 some years later it worked out great, but it was just. It was one. It was a crazy thing because it it changed the entire.
00:10:11
Xochitl
Hmm.
00:10:22
Jack
Outcome of my life like it just said, the direction it changed the entire direction of my life, and so it took me. It took me to places that I've I never dreamed I would ever go to.
00:10:34
Jack
Or had never even heard of before. When I was a kid. So yeah, I think, yeah, travel doing doing what we did is is pretty crazy.
00:10:44
Jack
That definitely qualifies.
00:10:44
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:10:46
Xochitl
Most people never do that.
00:10:49
Jack
Yeah, I think I don't have people think about it, but they they they rarely pull the trigger and do it.
00:10:55
Jack
And.
00:10:55
Xochitl
I think the the like hardest part though from the athletes is like uh, sorry Jack, did I interrupt.
00:11:00
Xochitl
You. No, no.
00:11:01
Xochitl
OK. I was just thinking, I think the weirdest part for me is like when you get to Korea and you meet a bunch of other people who were just as crazy as you and then, like, some of them are actually crazy people because you know what I mean? There's, like, a lot of really weird expats.
00:11:11
Jack
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:11:15
Xochitl
Because.
00:11:19
Xochitl
There's a lot of weird ex. That's because it takes a certain level of audacity and craziness to do to to do that to, like, uproot your life and move somewhere else. And so there's other people who are also crazy for different reasons, though. You know what I mean? Or am I not?
00:11:37
발표자
I.
00:11:37
Jack
I have a theory about this actually because no, I know exactly what you mean.
00:11:41
Jack
There's kind of 222 groups, you know, there's like, normal. There's normal people that want an adventure and they they, they kind of do something crazy because they're like, cause it is kind of crazy to move to a country where you don't speak.
00:11:49
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:11:55
Jack
The language you don't know the culture.
00:11:58
Jack
And you're going to live there indefinitely.
00:12:01
Jack
And that's crazy. But there are also kind of crazy people that just don't fit into society back home.
00:12:10
Jack
And so they they go to another place where they can, where the local population, the local people, can't distinguish between crazy people and normal people. So there's normal people who are adventurous and then crazy people. And we all get lumped in together as foreigners.
00:12:10
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:12:30
Jack
And I always want to feel like that person over there is crazy. That person does not represent me.
00:12:37
Jack
I'm not.
00:12:38
Xochitl
Right.
00:12:39
Jack
That person, that person, is weird. That person is weird in America. That person is weird in Canada.
00:12:45
Xochitl
Yes, yes.
00:12:45
발표자
That person is.
00:12:46
Jack
A weirdo, you know, like you you. Yeah.
00:12:50
Xochitl
I had that experience with few different times. I had, like I had a lot of kind of bad experiences with other expats in Korea because you find out there's a lot of people that are there for a reason.
00:13:00
Xochitl
That is not the reason that you're there. No, they're like escaping all the bridges that you burn back in their home country, like different weird things. I I had one person that I knew that was extremely weird, like.
00:13:14
Xochitl
He was really friendly at first and then became like, really hostile and it was like super weird. And I just stopped talking like she totally misinterpreted a situation that we had. And I was like, huh, maybe I actually came off like a jerk. I feel terrible. I'm so sorry.
00:13:34
Xochitl
And she was like, no, you definitely did that on purpose. You're a horrible person. And I was like, Ohh Dang, maybe I am a horrible person. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean, you know, to do that. And then that person had the same exact problem with everyone else that we knew mutually. And I was like, oh, OK, it wasn't you.
00:13:50
Jack
And every person that she knows back home, she's had that problem.
00:13:52
Jack
With.
00:13:53
Xochitl
Yes, that's exactly what happened. And then?
00:13:57
Xochitl
What's another crazy one that happened? I had this one I had, like. It happened to me like a few different times, with different people and On the contrary, I have friends that I'm people that I met, that I'm still friends with, you know that I still stayed.
00:14:09
Xochitl
In.
00:14:09
Xochitl
Touch with, but there there was another like, there's a couple that was like super racist and I was like, Oh my God. Like they just started saying racist stuff in front of me, thinking I'd be cool.
00:14:21
Xochitl
With that, and I was like, what the heck, you know what?
00:14:24
Xochitl
I mean like.
00:14:25
Jack
No.
00:14:25
Xochitl
It was so.
00:14:26
Xochitl
Weird. And also to know like expat to like go to Korea and are racist like towards Asian people and I'm like why are you here?
00:14:35
Jack
Yeah, yeah, I that is. That is bizarre behavior. I mean, because they're, you know, they're no one. No one will take them anywhere. They they don't. They don't fit in anywhere. And it's it's like they have to, you have to fix yourself it. It's it's you can't just if you're broken in America and then you come to Korea and you.
00:14:53
Jack
Think you're going to be fixed?
00:14:54
발표자
It's.
00:14:55
Jack
It's not, it's not. It doesn't work that way. You know, you gotta fix yourself wherever you are. And but I. But I feel like they can blend in a little bit more here in, in an odd way or get away with their behavior a little bit more because people are just just chalk it up as.
00:15:14
Jack
Well, that person's a foreigner, so they don't understand, but it's like, no, it's not. Has nothing to do with them being a foreigner. They're just.
00:15:23
Jack
A weird person. They're just strange, and they behave strangely, and so they deserve they. You should avoid that person, you know, that's what.
00:15:32
Jack
I want to tell people.
00:15:32
Xochitl
Yes, I know I I've had that happen so many times. So ultimately, yeah, it's it's an interesting experience.
00:15:44
Xochitl
So I don't know listeners, let us know what the craziest thing you've ever done was. Have you ever lived in another country and also do you know about the phenomenon that Jack and I are talking about? I'm curious if you guys know what we're talking about. Leave a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the WeChat and also.
00:16:04
Xochitl
To talk to Jack and I directly.
00:16:06
Xochitl
Anne, Jack and I did start an English corner, as I'm sure you've heard, it's Monday through Friday for an hour a day and we have a lot of Members now. It's really cool. We get to discuss different topics just like the ones we discussed today, and everyone gets to chime in with their opinion and it's a really great time and environment to be able to practice your English.
00:16:26
Xochitl
So if you want to join us, make sure to send a message to Jack on WeChat or WhatsApp, or shoot us an e-mail at aznewspodcast@gmail.com and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.
00:16:36
Jack
Bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-more-silly-questions/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE42 - 16m - Jul 25, 2024 - Topic Talk | What if I don't want children?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl explains why she may not want to have children.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:49
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and.
00:00:52
Jack
I'm here with my co-host social.
00:00:54
Jack
And today we have an interesting topic.
00:00:56
Jack
For you and social, I'm going to.
00:00:58
Jack
Let you introduce the topic today.
00:01:04
Xochitl
Today, we're going to talk about.
00:01:07
Xochitl
Societal pressures and expectations kind of in this upcoming generation, which includes, you know, people my age and younger, and we're going to talk about how I maybe don't want to have kids.
00:01:22
Jack
MHM.
00:01:24
Xochitl
Yeah. So I don't know what to say about that, except I guess I've gotten to an age finally.
00:01:29
Xochitl
There, you know one once people know like they ask me how old I am and once they know, you know, they they sometimes ask, you know, do I want to have kids or am I thinking about having kids? And the answer is kind of no. I mean whenever I hear screaming children, it just dries up, it dries.
00:01:50
Xochitl
The uterus right up, Jack to the side.
00:01:51
Xochitl
Of.
00:01:52
Xochitl
Something I just I hate. I I can't really stand the shrill shrieking of of joyous children. I'm just kidding. But it is it. It is really hard and and I just see there's so much responsibility. I admire people who are parents. Of course I know it's really hard.
00:02:01
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:10
Xochitl
But I do see there's so much responsibility and it kind of makes me feel like you just never know where things are gonna go. Like a lot of things are kind of out of your control when you have kids and.
00:02:25
Xochitl
It's scary because I I I I guess I always go to the darkest, you know, recess of my mind and think you know what? If someone murdered my kids or you know what? What kid murdered someone you know and and not just that. It's like every decision that you make for the rest of your life will revolve around your kids and even when your kids are adult.
00:02:36
Jack
Hmm.
00:02:49
Xochitl
You're going to worry about them every single day, and you're gonna.
00:02:54
Xochitl
Like put your energy into that bill. Never stop being your kids, you know.
00:03:00
Jack
Oh, I I know exactly what you mean. It's. But can I go back and back a little bit? Are you are you offended when people ask you that?
00:03:05
Xochitl
Oh yeah, Jack, rewind.
00:03:09
Xochitl
I don't really care but, but I know some people. Some people do get offended and I think that's their right because it's kind of like it's not really anyone's business, you know, and if.
00:03:19
Jack
Yeah, it's kind of an inappropriate question in some in some ways.
00:03:22
Jack
I feel like.
00:03:23
Xochitl
It's kind of a crazy question because it's like if I wanted kids and could have kids, wouldn't I have them right now? And then it's like, and if I didn't want kids, then why are you asking me and like?
00:03:29
Jack
You're right.
00:03:35
Xochitl
Like there's just or if I want kids and couldn't have them like, then we're just about to open a really uncomfortable can of worms, especially if you don't know me super well. Like, what if you asked me that and I have on my, like, fifth round of IVF and we know it's not gonna work anymore. And I'm like, I start sobbing my eyes out. And you just ask me, you know, if I want to have kids, you know what I mean? Like, it's just why.
00:03:55
Xochitl
I don't get why people ask that, and I and I can see like if I wanted kids and I had issues.
00:04:00
Xochitl
Conceiving I would probably be really I could easily be hurt and I can see why people would be, you know, it's a.
00:04:06
Xochitl
Weird question to ask.
00:04:07
Jack
Yeah, it seems like it kind of a dangerous area to to ask questions about, you know, because it's so personal and and also, you know, do you feel like you do, you feel obligated to explain yourself after when you say no like because I feel like just saying no is should be enough.
00:04:27
Jack
But but I I feel like you feel like you have to qualify that with like an explanation and that that's I think the crux of today's topic, right is the.
00:04:38
Jack
The this kind of idea that like you have to have kids like it's just and and I'm I'm I'm my we were talking about this before the the podcast before we started recording.
00:04:43
Xochitl
Right.
00:04:53
Jack
And uhm, I told you, I I mentioned to my daughter. I said, you know. Well, I think I told her don't have any kids or something like that. But that's a little harsh, you know? Like I mean, of course, if she wants to have kids, I I hope she has kids. And I would love to be a grand a granddad. But because then you just get to do all the fun stuff.
00:05:13
Jack
None of the hard work.
00:05:15
Xochitl
Right. You get to spoil your kids rotten and she has to discipline them.
00:05:19
Jack
Exactly. That's. I'm looking forward to that actually that's that's that's kind of the reward for going through and parenting is you get to then you get to be a grandparent but.
00:05:30
Jack
The but I just feel like like more, more and more people in your age.
00:05:34
발표자
Group.
00:05:35
Jack
Are are, are choosing not to have kids and choosing not to get married, especially women you know are are are just going into the workforce focusing on their jobs and their careers and realize that having a kid is also a full time job.
00:05:40
Jack
Hmm.
00:05:55
Jack
By itself, and I know because I've I've gone through it, my daughter, and we're coming out of, we're kind of coming out of it on the on the other end a little bit because my daughter is now 15, almost 16. So she's basically like a little adult. And, you know, all the.
00:06:13
Jack
Annoying stuff is is is done, you know, I mean it. It's lovely when they're they're little and cute, but sometimes it can be.
00:06:19
Jack
Like.
00:06:20
Jack
Exhausting. You know, I just remember my daughter crying uncontrollably for no reason in about two in the morning, and I'm just beside myself and you know.
00:06:33
Jack
Lying on the floor on her bed, bedroom in or in her bedroom, holding her hand, saying, you know, will you go to sleep if I hold your hand? And then she said yes, OK. And so I'm holding your hand. And then she finally falls asleep. And then I fall asleep and.
00:06:48
Jack
To wake up on this hardwood floor.
00:06:51
Jack
And not well rested the next day. And you know, it's just it. It's it's tough. Like I I just think like having kids going into it without, like thinking about it really and really knowing that you want to be a parent. I think some people just jump into it too too quickly.
00:07:09
Jack
Do you think?
00:07:09
Xochitl
Uh.
00:07:10
Xochitl
Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think actually some of the most responsible people are like end up not having kids because they just know I'm not trying to knock anyone who's who's had kids. I'm sure a lot of people.
00:07:24
Xochitl
Are responsible parents, but I'm just saying that a lot of people who would be responsible parents also just don't end up having kids because they think about everything that has to go into raising a child. You know, it's like a lot of effort, a lot of money, a lot of time, a lot of sacrifices.
00:07:42
Xochitl
And UM.
00:07:44
Xochitl
I think one of the most common arguments now for for children is or for people who don't want to have children is like, oh, you're selfish and it's.
00:07:51
Xochitl
Like, I mean, I think it's more selfish to bring a child in the world when you're not fully prepared to take care of that child.
00:07:59
Jack
Right. Being neglectful. Not to, you know, be still trying to live your selfish life because you you you have to. Once you have a kid, you, you're, it's done. It's not life is no longer about you.
00:08:13
Jack
So.
00:08:14
Jack
So you know, I I know some people that that have kids and they still want to live like they don't have kids. And you what happens is in either one of the spouses, the husband or the wife ends up, you know, doing most of the heavy lifting. Most of the work and then resentment.
00:08:15
Xochitl
Right.
00:08:34
Jack
Pros and then divorce happens and those kinds of things and.
00:08:40
Jack
That's like you said, way more selfish than just deciding not to have kids.
00:08:46
Xochitl
Right.
00:08:48
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah, I I completely agree. And I just, you know.
00:08:55
Xochitl
I just can't. I just can't. I I notice a lot less people in my generation are having kids. In fact, the the next door neighbor here at my mom's house, she just went to staying on a girls trip. She's like a she's a doctor, and her mom came over to take care.
00:09:09
Xochitl
Of her cats.
00:09:10
Xochitl
And my aunt went over there and to pick something up, I think. And the lady told her the mom of this doctor was like, it's funny, we used to take care. My, my parents generation used to take care of the of their grandkids. And now I'm taking care of my grand pets, you know.
00:09:32
Jack
That's.
00:09:33
Xochitl
And that's so true. A lot of people are just opting to have pets and not have children because all the responsibility, you can't really leave a young kid alone for that long to go on a summer trip or, you know, just so many factors that make it.
00:09:51
Xochitl
And possibly hard, especially in today's economy, to have and raise a child.
00:09:57
Jack
I think you hit on a big point there. The the economic factor is huge. The societal pressure for women to have children is very is very strong, right? Because we just talked about that. People will just randomly ask you if you're, you know, why don't you have kids and and but what they.
00:10:17
Jack
What people forget is that, like, women are discriminated against in the workforce for taking pregnancy leave.
00:10:26
Jack
You know, they're that they're, they're you. I don't want to hire a woman. Who?
00:10:26
Xochitl
Yep.
00:10:30
Jack
Was.
00:10:31
Jack
At that age of around the age that a person would have children because she's going to have to leave for for three months or six months or whatever the, you know, there's no free daycare, you have to pay for daycare. It's very expensive and and you are raising.
00:10:50
Xochitl
Yes.
00:10:52
Jack
I mean, and for the economy, you're providing another?
00:10:55
Jack
A future worker.
00:10:57
Jack
And you, but you get no benefits or respect for that all you all you get is the pressure to have the kid, but none of the help on the other end and so.
00:11:08
Jack
That's, that's what kind of makes me angry about the system is that it's it's very much designed to encourage women to have children, make more workers, but we're not going to. We're not going to consider that a job, but we're not going to consider that worthy of any benefits. You just do that on your own.
00:11:27
Xochitl
When in company.
00:11:29
Jack
And you work a full time job because these days both parents need to work just to to make ends meet.
00:11:35
Jack
So.
00:11:36
Xochitl
Right.
00:11:37
Jack
So economically, it just doesn't make sense to even have kids. And I think that a lot of people are opting out of the of having kids and and even families because they're like, well, the system is rigged. It's it's not fair. It's it doesn't value the children, the, the, the.
00:11:57
Jack
Are the the people that that raised the children and the women that that that create the children so?
00:12:03
Jack
I'm I'm very much you know, if the system changed then maybe my attitude.
00:12:09
Jack
Would change a little.
00:12:10
Jack
Bit but under the current model I just feel like I totally respect that decision for when when people say I don't want to.
00:12:19
Jack
Have.
00:12:19
Jack
Kids, I'm like, good for you. Like.
00:12:23
Jack
I think I think that's a a strong choice. It's it's a hard one to make, but it makes a lot of sense to me.
00:12:30
Xochitl
I'm curious about when you told your daughter, like, don't have kids you you want to expand on that a little bit more. I'm kind of curious about.
00:12:37
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:12:38
Jack
Yeah, I I want her to. I want her to find her happiness. You know? I don't want her to feel like she has to put her dreams on the back burner.
00:12:50
Jack
UM, just because.
00:12:54
Jack
Of some like societal norm, you know, like ohh, you're still dancing ballet it if she's still dancing ballet at 30 and it's her, career's going well. You don't have to sidetrack yourself to, you know, start a family just because society tells you to, if you if she wants to, then I totally support it.
00:13:14
Jack
But I'm not going to be one of the parents. That's like, every time I see her at Christmas, you know, start bothering her and nagging her about, you know, when are you gonna? When am I gonna get some grandkids? Like, I'll, I'll never do that. You know? So that was more of where I was coming from when I said don't have kids. I didn't really mean don't have kids. I just said.
00:13:34
Jack
Have kids when you want to have kids and if you don't, it's totally OK.
00:13:42
Xochitl
I'm curious about why that or how that conversation came up.
00:13:47
Jack
I can't remember. I I don't. I don't remember where it might have.
00:13:51
Jack
Just been an off the cuff.
00:13:53
Jack
Thing that I said to her one day. We're just, you know, we're sometimes, you know, she's a teenager, she doesn't like having.
00:14:01
Jack
Deep conversations with her dad, you know, or or mom? It's it's everything's uncomfortable, right when you're. I think I was driving her to. I was driving her to ballet, and I think it just. I just. It kind of hit me in that moment. I'm like, I've got 10 minutes to kind of she can't run away from me, you know, she has to listen.
00:14:23
Jack
So I I just gave her a little lecture right there. It wasn't a lecture. It was just I was trying to be thoughtful about it, but I was just, you know, I just wanted her to know.
00:14:33
Jack
That, that it's OK. You know, it's it's to focus on you and your career and and be a.
00:14:40
Jack
A strong woman and and you know.
00:14:43
Jack
It's it's like there's a.
00:14:44
Jack
Lot of pushback on that these days.
00:14:48
Jack
Women are supposed to be.
00:14:51
Jack
This, and men are supposed to be that, and I just think that I'm.
00:14:55
Jack
I I I feel like some of those foundations are starting to crumble a little bit, and maybe that's why there's a resurgence like a a resurgence of this, like, idea that women need to be traditional and and and and and. But I I just reject it fully. I I don't believe in that.
00:15:17
Jack
I want to I want to raise a a strong independent woman that doesn't need any man to take care of her, doesn't need to be a mother if she doesn't want to. I don't want her to feel any pressure to be anything other than what she wants to be.
00:15:34
Xochitl
MHM.
00:15:36
Xochitl
I think that's admirable. Yeah. My mom is the same way. She she got married young. She got married at 24, and she told us don't get married. Young only told us that. And and I.
00:15:50
Xochitl
I guess we.
00:15:51
Xochitl
Ended up taking it to heart. My sister always wanted to get married young, but now she's 30 and she's not married. And I'm also not married. And and I don't want to or plan to get married soon, though people have started asking me.
00:16:05
Jack
Yeah, yeah, the older generation, the boomers, right. I always ask you. Yeah.
00:16:06
Xochitl
Also and.
00:16:09
Xochitl
Yeah, like you know, I'm not too interested in getting married right away because.
00:16:14
Xochitl
It just it takes a long time and when you get married, you're picking someone that you're going to be tied to for the rest of your life. So you want to.
00:16:20
Xochitl
Make that decision wisely.
00:16:22
Jack
Yeah, yeah, I I I was 30. So I waited, you know, till I I knew. You know, when I met my wife, I kind of had had a an idea. Like, uh, in English we say an inkling. A little bit of an idea that.
00:16:36
Jack
You know, we're we're going to end up together forever. I knew it, but we waited, you know, we waited a year and a half or so, you know, dating before we decided to get married. And but. But you know it in just because it worked out really well. In my case, it's not.
00:16:57
Jack
It doesn't mean that doesn't necessarily apply to everybody. You know, everyone's unique. And so I think some people feel like the, you know, they they're looking at their watch and they're like, ohh TikTok. I gotta hurry up and get married. And they just kind of go with somebody that they're not fully.
00:17:17
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:17:17
Jack
Yeah, I I don't know there. There might be like red flags or there might be just just certain things that that maybe you're not. You're not sure about and if you're not sure, don't. If you hesitate, don't do it because once you do, you're you're in it, you know and and it's and once you have kids.
00:17:37
Jack
You're forever linked to that person, regardless of whether you stay married or not. So.
00:17:43
Jack
It's it's. It's a decision not to be taken lightly. It's it's a it's I think it's a very serious decision.
00:17:50
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah, I definitely agree. Yeah, I'm curious what our our viewers think, whether they.
00:17:59
Xochitl
You know whether they want to have kids, whether they feel the pressure to have kids and their culture, whether they feel pressure to get married, whether they got married young under pressure or had kids young under pressure and what their thoughts are about, you know, the coming general.
00:18:16
Xochitl
And and how things are different now or you know, if you're my generation or younger, what you feel is different about us and how we're growing up versus how our parents were at our age. Yeah, I'm curious. So let us know at A-Z. Englishpodcast.com leave us a comment down below. Shoot us an e-mail at AZ.
00:18:37
Xochitl
Podcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the WeChat and WhatsApp group to talk to Jack and I. And if you guys are interested.
00:18:45
Xochitl
Make sure to join our English corner. That's where you can talk to Jack and I on Monday through Friday for an hour, and there are a lot of members in our English corner now and we discussed things just like this topic and other interesting and fun topics and it's really cool. You get to practice your English and I think everyone really enjoys it.
00:19:04
Xochitl
Or if you're interested, make sure to, uh, shoot us a A we chat a WhatsApp or an e-mail and we'll talk to you guys later. Bye bye bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-what-if-i-dont-want-children/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE43 - 19m - Jul 20, 2024 - Vocabulary Spotlight | play sports, do martial arts, and run track and cross country
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack explain when to use play, do, and run with activities related to exercise.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:49
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are doing a vocabulary builder and social. We're going to talk about sports and activities today and I think there there are some verb differences that we use when we're talking about.
00:01:08
Jack
Certain sports and then certain kind of.
00:01:10
Jack
Sport like activities.
00:01:13
Jack
And so, like, what would we use to to describe like, basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer? Which verb do we use with with those sports?
00:01:28
Xochitl
Uh, I would say we use play with those, right, with those sports.
00:01:32
Jack
Exactly. We say I play basketball. He plays basketball, they play basketball, I play soccer. Do you?
00:01:41
Jack
Do you play any sports?
00:01:44
Xochitl
UM.
00:01:46
Xochitl
I used to.
00:01:49
Xochitl
But I don't anymore.
00:01:51
Jack
What? What did you used to? I bet you used to be on the soccer team, right?
00:01:54
Xochitl
Yeah, I used to.
00:01:55
Xochitl
Play soccer I I did used to play soccer, but I have another one and and I realize it conflicts with R2 but I used to run track.
00:01:56
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:05
Jack
Ohh, nice. Well, there's a third one we could throw in there. Yeah. Run. Run track. Yes.
00:02:06
Xochitl
Press.
00:02:10
Xochitl
I ran track or you can go. I ran cross cross country as well.
00:02:15
Jack
Ohh I ran cross country one year but I was I finished last every time I was the slowest.
00:02:20
Xochitl
I also finished last every time so I don't feel bad. I live in two last places and now it's podcast. Ohh, that's funny. Running a podcast. You also kind of run a podcast.
00:02:26
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:32
Jack
Yeah, right. We run an English corner. We run an English business.
00:02:34
Xochitl
You can run. Yeah. You run a business as well, that's just.
00:02:38
Jack
Right, yeah.
00:02:40
Xochitl
Thing.
00:02:41
Jack
OK. Yeah. So I used to, I used to play play basketball in in high school and college. That was my, my, my big sport was was basketball. But after graduating from university, I I stopped playing basketball and I, but I continued to play tennis.
00:03:01
Jack
So when?
00:03:01
Jack
When I go home to America, I play tennis with my brother. I play with my dad and I play with my mom. They they all play tennis and my dad is 75. My mom is 74, but they still play tennis almost every day, so they're very into fitness and and well and health.
00:03:22
Jack
MHM.
00:03:23
Jack
What about do what? What kind of so do is the second one and what what do we use? What activities do we use do for?
00:03:33
Xochitl
Do hmm.
00:03:37
Xochitl
I.
00:03:41
Xochitl
I do Taekwondo. I used to do Taekwondo.
00:03:44
Jack
Oh, did you do a little around self-defense? Yeah.
00:03:45
Xochitl
I did like.
00:03:48
Xochitl
A little martial arts, yeah.
00:03:49
Jack
Yeah, watch out or social's going to spin kick you around the chin.
00:03:55
Xochitl
Yeah, I actually kicked my dad once. He asked me to. So it's it was not my fault. And I told him I wouldn't do it. And then he said I would be grounded if I didn't kick him. So then I did kick him. I was a kid. I was like 13. I think I did kick him. And then he said I was grounded cause I kicked him and my mom said no, she's not.
00:04:13
Xochitl
Grow up.
00:04:15
Jack
So you your dad's like this is not going to hurt. And then it hurt really bad.
00:04:20
Xochitl
Yeah. And then he was like, you're grounded. And my mom, like, you literally forced her hand her her foot. Basically. You forced her foot so you can't play now. It was funny.
00:04:22
Jack
Grounded.
00:04:32
Jack
That's so.
00:04:33
Jack
Your dad is hilarious. That's great.
00:04:35
Xochitl
That's like crazy.
00:04:36
Jack
Yeah. So yeah, I was like martial arts, like, like, karate, Taekwondo, jujitsu. We generally say, like, we do, I do karate, I do Taekwondo. I do jujitsu.
00:04:49
발표자
Do.
00:04:50
Jack
We do not say I play those things and I guess I don't know, because maybe like martial arts is a little different. It's not necessarily like a game. It is a competition or it can be a competition.
00:05:02
Jack
But I just we just tend not to use the verb play with those because it's just, uh, it's it's a different kind of activity maybe because, like team sports, we tend to use play, although tennis can be a, a, an individual sport and we use play for tennis. So maybe if.
00:05:21
Jack
It has a ball.
00:05:23
Jack
We use play. Is that a a rule we could use?
00:05:26
Xochitl
I play. I think it's just I think the play is just cause it's a game like tennis is a game.
00:05:35
Xochitl
Basketball is a game. Soccer is a game. Football is a game. So we play those and then sports like it's not really a game. Like you said, it can be a competition or like a like a.
00:05:46
Xochitl
Uh, what do they call those? Not a skirmish, but a like a, not a duel. What do you call those when they fight against each other? A match or something. But yeah, it it can be a match or a competition of some sort. A spar. It can be a spar of some sort, but it's not. It's not a game. It's kind of a little bit more.
00:05:47
발표자
Well.
00:05:55
Jack
On match right.
00:06:07
Xochitl
Serious. Anyway, so I think that's. I think that's why we say do instead of play. I don't know. What do you think Jack?
00:06:14
Jack
Yeah, that's a good way to look at it.
00:06:16
Jack
Like you could get hurt doing it, right?
00:06:18
Xochitl
Ohh yeah, I mean you could get hurt playing.
00:06:21
Xochitl
Playing.
00:06:21
Jack
American football, of course. Yeah, that doesn't. That's not a good measure. Sorry.
00:06:26
Xochitl
But I think it's fine. I think it's just more like it's a game like like Football is a game and martial arts, it's like it's not a game in the same way, I think it's just a. It's like an art. Literally. It's an art. So.
00:06:40
Jack
Yeah. And we also use it for yoga too. Yoga and Pilates, we say do I do yoga? I do Pilates.
00:06:47
Jack
And those are those are not, because there's no, there's no competition there. It's just you're basically it's just a fitness type of thing. It's a a well-being thing, so.
00:06:58
Xochitl
Yeah. It's like a Wellness thing, yeah.
00:07:00
Jack
Yeah.
00:07:02
Jack
All right. Well, I hope we.
00:07:03
Jack
Cleared that up for everybody.
00:07:05
Xochitl
Yeah, we may have made it more confusing. Let us know in the comments if we confused you more, but hopefully our examples you know practicing with the examples that we provided will be helpful.
00:07:15
Xochitl
Well, and yeah, let us know if you have any further questions or any comments, leave them in the comments section below at azspodcast.com, shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the lead channel. WhatsApp groups too. Join Jack and I am a conversation. We're also having an English corner from Monday to Friday 1.
00:07:35
Xochitl
Hour a day.
00:07:37
Xochitl
And it's really fun. We have a lot of people in the group now and they we have these really cool discussion questions and everyone talks is just like hanging out with friends for an hour. And it's really great. You get some feedback from Jack and I and it's a great way to practice your English practice for the IELTS and.
00:07:57
Xochitl
Anything else you might want to get in, so if you want to. If you're interested in that, make sure to message Jack on we chat or WhatsApp or shoot us an e-mail and we will see you guys next time. Bye bye.
Podcast Website:
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE26 - 8m - Jul 15, 2024 - Topic Talk | We ask each other funny questions
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack ask each other funny questions.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:49
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my.
00:00:52
Jack
Co-host.
00:00:53
Jack
Social and today we're going to do some funny quiz questions. And so I'm going to ask social some questions. She's going to ask me. They're kind of silly, but I think it's it'll be fun to, you know, see what our answers are.
00:01:08
Jack
And so, uh, so. So the first one is.
00:01:12
Jack
If you could teach a dog your dog duende to do 1 human thing, what would it be?
00:01:21
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:01:22
Xochitl
Uh, Jack. That one's hard because initially I want to say I want to teach him to speak, but I think I would get annoyed like I love him to death, but he's like he's a little puppy and he has a lot of energy, so he just be talking my ear off, like how little kids do you know?
00:01:39
Jack
What's this? What's this? What's this? What's this you're like?
00:01:43
Xochitl
Yeah, constantly. Like, so you know.
00:01:47
Xochitl
But you know it's between.
00:01:49
Xochitl
Teaching them how to talk and this is kind of a cheating answer, but I'd like to teach him to be self-sufficient. That way I could just like go on trips without having to worry about him. I feel like he can feed himself and get himself water and take himself out for a walk or whatever if that was possible I would.
00:01:58
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:08
Xochitl
That would be great if you could just be self-sufficient and that.
00:02:10
Xochitl
Just.
00:02:10
Xochitl
Kind of that involves is kind of cheating because it involves a lot of human things under one umbrella.
00:02:16
Jack
You know, but I I just picture him sitting on the sofa like a human with, like, the remote control in his paw.
00:02:23
Jack
It's just kind of slipping through the channels looking for anything with dogs on TV.
00:02:24
Xochitl
Yeah, he would definitely.
00:02:30
Xochitl
Yeah, because there's some shoes he actually likes to watch. I think I was watching, like Sophia and the guard the other day. That's a YouTuber. And he was really intently watching the show. So he's very, yeah, there's some things he really likes. I think he likes Sophia and.
00:02:41
Jack
Wow, that's weird.
00:02:49
Xochitl
I don't know. There. Yeah. There's some things to seem to like more than others. I still haven't figured out the pattern yet with my other dog. He like to with Mouse, which is a dog. But my family had before I had went to. He liked The Walking.
00:03:01
Xochitl
Ed.
00:03:03
발표자
Ohh.
00:03:05
Jack
What? What does that mean?
00:03:05
발표자 2
And.
00:03:07
Xochitl
I don't know. You seem to like The Walking Dead and he like to watch the the show with like a a dog in it too. He would watch that, like, whenever we watched it, he would sit down.
00:03:18
Xochitl
And watch it.
00:03:18
Xochitl
The other shows and before him really quickly. So yeah, I think if if I could teach him to be self-sufficient, that's kind of.
00:03:25
Xochitl
What I would do?
00:03:26
Jack
Yeah. Yeah. Ohh.
00:03:27
Xochitl
Jack, how for your dog. Oh, sorry. Go ahead.
00:03:30
Jack
Oh, no. Yeah, Michael.
00:03:31
Jack
I was going to say the same thing that you said. I was going to say, like I wanted to teach my dog to speak, but actually I don't want.
00:03:37
Jack
My.
00:03:37
Jack
Dog to to talk because.
00:03:41
Jack
You know.
00:03:44
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:45
Jack
She might never stop talking. You know, it's like it could be like a blessing and then it turns into a curse. You know, like you be careful what you wish for.
00:03:57
Jack
I would teach I.
00:03:58
Jack
Would love her to UM.
00:04:01
Jack
Be able to use the toilet.
00:04:03
Xochitl
I knew you were gonna say that. I was like, I knew you were going to say that because she has that issue. Like she kind of poops and.
00:04:09
Xochitl
Pees all over the house, right?
00:04:10
Jack
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I would just love for her to just, like, go in the bathroom and jump up on the toilet, use use the bathroom flush.
00:04:20
Jack
And yeah, that would be amazing. That would be amazing. So huge convenience for us.
00:04:30
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah, that'd be great. That. Yeah, Blendy kind of already does that since he, like, just goes in the bathroom if he can't get outside.
00:04:40
Xochitl
Which just makes it really easy to pick up, so I don't really have to worry about them.
00:04:44
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:04:48
Jack
Let's let's do it. I got another one here.
00:04:52
Jack
This one is kind of interesting. Like what's your silliest selfie face, or do you do you have a selfie face?
00:05:03
Xochitl
Umm, I don't know if I have a selfie.
00:05:05
Xochitl
Face I think one time.
00:05:08
Xochitl
When I was like 14 like or something, the the uh.
00:05:13
Xochitl
What's it called?
00:05:15
Xochitl
The UM.
00:05:17
Xochitl
Duck lips trend was uh trending and my sister and her friend, who were like two to three years older than me. They're like 16 or 17. Wanna take a picture?
00:05:20
Jack
Yeah.
00:05:30
Xochitl
With me, and we all did like the duck lips trend. And if people don't know, you would kind of purse your lips and make this like, duck face. Kind of.
00:05:38
Jack
You. You they think it's the idea is that it makes your lips look bigger, right?
00:05:43
Xochitl
You know, like it's like a parodying face. It was supposed to be cute, I guess, like back in the day, I don't. I think you were making fun of the trend when we did it. So we already knew it was silly, but some people did it unironically. Like some people really thought it made them look cuter.
00:05:48
Jack
Yeah.
00:05:59
Xochitl
So I don't know, but yeah, that's probably that probably is number one for me. How about you, Jack?
00:06:06
Jack
This is really embarrassing. I'm disclosing too much information here, but.
00:06:12
Jack
Uh, I I had a period of time where I used to make a mirror face. I had a mirror face.
00:06:20
Jack
UM, where? I did something weird with my mouth every time I looked in the mirror.
00:06:26
Jack
And and and and I I didn't. I didn't know that I had this habit, you know.
00:06:32
Jack
UM and I don't know what I I can't explain it but.
00:06:39
Jack
But I I someone called me out on it at one point. It gave it. It was really embarrassing for me and I and I then I realized all the time that I that I was doing this like I would. I don't know. I'd push like my.
00:06:55
Jack
Bottom lip out with my tongue a little bit to maybe make my face like a little bit more.
00:07:01
Jack
What I thought was more attractive, more handsome or something I I don't know. Like it was. It was a very strange habit and.
00:07:09
Xochitl
Like I would do that too actually with the. Also with the with the the tongue on the bottom lip, and then I would also lose. I didn't know how doing it either. I would raise my eyebrows up.
00:07:21
Jack
Oh, OK. So yeah, there's different variations of this, uh and my my friend, but the friend that called me out on it, she's.
00:07:28
Jack
Like.
00:07:29
Jack
She caught me to I I I remember walking into an office. I remember this vividly because it's. It was so humiliating and she was on the inside of the office and I was on the outside. But the the the glass was reflective.
00:07:42
Jack
From my perspective, uh, my point of view.
00:07:46
Jack
And so when I caught a glimpse of my face in the the the window I did the mirror face just reflexively.
00:07:54
Jack
UM. And she's like, oh, you have a mirror face, you know, or something like that or whatever. And I'm like, what? What are you talking about? I didn't do anything. I just denied it, you know, and. And then she's like, I, I do this totally weird face when I look in the mirror, she told me she does the same thing, but at least she does it in the privacy of her own.
00:08:15
Jack
I was doing it in public and and I I really had to.
00:08:21
Jack
Like tamp it down, you know, like, make a conscious effort to stop doing that. And what I've realized is that we to look, look good in pictures is all about your eyes. You smile with your eyes. You don't smile with our mouth.
00:08:40
Jack
I mean, obviously our mouth does turn upward, but.
00:08:46
Jack
It's actually the eyes is what makes it a a good smile. And so when I, when I learned that I was, I make I I make a a real point to like really.
00:08:59
Jack
Really smile with my eyes. When I take a photo and it seems to help, like the photos are better when I smile with my eye, it looks more natural, you know, as opposed to this, like weird. Basically it's just a basically. I was doing the duck lips thing, you know, a different version of it.
00:09:20
Jack
And yeah, it was really embarrassing.
00:09:24
Xochitl
Yeah, that's funny.
00:09:25
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:28
Jack
Let's see here. What's another one we got? Let's do one more.
00:09:35
Jack
Yeah, what's the?
00:09:38
Jack
Let's see here. Let me find a better one. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?
00:09:43
Jack
I I shouldn't ask you this right now because you have food poisoning as you mentioned earlier today.
00:09:49
Xochitl
Right, yeah.
00:09:51
Xochitl
The weirdest thing I've ever eaten, though.
00:09:55
Xochitl
Ah, that's a that's a really hard one. I I'm in. I'm an adventurous eater and anytime I travel to the country, I'll eat anything. So I remember when I went to China, uh, it was. It was a group of students because we were going through the Confucius Institute and whatever they would serve us, me and this other.
00:10:16
Xochitl
Kid Adam, I think his name was would be the first to try.
00:10:20
Xochitl
Anything and the other students you know, they were kind of more picky, which annoyed me. I I'm I get I get kind of irritated by picky eaters. I'm like look you're.
00:10:28
Jack
That's a pet peeve of mine as well. Like, I really hate that. It's like some people eat like children, you know? It's like you're gonna eat Mac and cheese every day for the rest of your life. I mean, come on.
00:10:36
Xochitl
Yes.
00:10:42
Xochitl
Yeah, it'll be, like, really rude about other cultures, food, which I don't get either. So.
00:10:47
발표자 2
I don't. So I remember this.
00:10:50
Xochitl
One that I tried.
00:10:52
Xochitl
Was like.
00:10:54
Xochitl
It was Lotus Root, but it was also kind of presentation where it was cold.
00:11:00
Xochitl
And it tasted like it tasted like cold chapstick. I don't know if it was just the. I think it was just the the dish that I had. And the way it was prepared. I'm sure Lotus food is delicious, but it was. It was just really weird to me because it tasted it really the way that it was prepared in that specific.
00:11:20
Xochitl
Plates tasted like cold chapstick. It was very weird and.
00:11:24
Xochitl
And that was all.
00:11:24
Jack
On the on the.
00:11:25
Jack
On the positive side, your lips were.
00:11:28
Jack
Super moist after that.
00:11:30
Xochitl
Yeah, moisturize for sure. Right. So I think that would probably.
00:11:36
Xochitl
Uh, kind of up there and then I guess #2 would probably be in in Mexico, lead insects, you know, some insects. So I've had things that I guess Americans would consider weird.
00:11:44
발표자 2
Hmm.
00:11:50
Xochitl
Like uh.
00:11:52
Xochitl
We use the worm on the McGee, which is a type of cactus used to produce alcohol. We use it to make salt like worm salt, and we eat that on orange wedges.
00:12:00
Jack
Hmm, OK.
00:12:05
Xochitl
As a, we eat that on orange wedges like kind of as a snack, I guess, or people do when they drink, like after they drink, they eat one of those. But when I was a kid, I would just my parents would order a drink and then I would just eat the orange wedges with the warm salt.
00:12:18
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:12:20
Xochitl
Yeah. And so those that was really tasty. I didn't. I had no idea that it was made with the worms at all. And it has a pretty red.
00:12:27
Xochitl
Color, which comes from the worms.
00:12:30
Xochitl
And then crickets, which we also eat here in Mexico. Uh, I'm not a fan of crickets. They have, like, a very herby flavor.
00:12:38
Jack
Yeah.
00:12:39
Xochitl
Which makes me not really like them, but I have eaten them multiple times because they're pretty popular to include in many dishes in the HOKA, and it's the last one I know we're just going to do one. But here I just cutting up is the chica thana mole more is is basically just a sauce and the base.
00:12:59
Xochitl
This sauce and you can also use them in salsas or just fried.
00:13:03
Xochitl
Up. Is this these dying ants? They only come out during a certain season after like the first rains and and they kind of fall out. And I guess they're supposed to, like, hatch their eggs in the dirt or something. But some of them get lost and people harvest them up and you kind of toast them up and use them in salsas.
00:13:10
Jack
Yes.
00:13:25
Xochitl
And the lids. And you can also just eat them with lime and salt. And I've had them in mole before and.
00:13:31
Xochitl
Again, it's kind of a.
00:13:33
Xochitl
It's an interesting flavor. It's very hard to explain. It's like a little earthy and a little flower and a little bit herbaceous.
00:13:39
Jack
Yeah.
00:13:41
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:13:41
Jack
That's interesting because I like cricket fried crickets when I lived in Thailand that that was very common. Like they they they eat insects there in in the country.
00:13:50
Jack
Uh.
00:13:52
Jack
The Easan Province area and but they they they fry them in oil and then salt them. Is that how it's prepared and?
00:14:04
Xochitl
Yeah, that's exactly how they're prepared here. If they're like, they look like bacon bins, they're really.
00:14:06
발표자 2
Yes.
00:14:08
Xochitl
Start.
00:14:09
Jack
Yeah, there's a great source of protein.
00:14:12
Xochitl
Yeah, they're supposed to be really healthy. It's like the meat of the future or something. But I'm not a huge fan of them. They're a little bit herbies because they only eat like herbs, you know? So they they taste very herby. They only eat like glass and herbs. So they.
00:14:24
Jack
Right, right there. Cricket flower is a thing now. You can buy that. It's like a healthier protein flower.
00:14:25
Xochitl
Have.
00:14:26
Xochitl
Flavor strong.
00:14:32
Xochitl
You need to use it to like.
00:14:33
Xochitl
Make pancakes and stuff I had.
00:14:34
Jack
Right.
00:14:36
Jack
Yeah.
00:14:36
Xochitl
And worm worm flour or something too. You can use like make worm cake and worm pancakes and stuff.
00:14:41
Xochitl
Which I haven't tried.
00:14:41
Jack
Yeah, yeah. Silkworm is popular in Korea. It's called bandagi. And. Yeah, but but the smell, you know, I've never eaten it because it's just.
00:14:47
Xochitl
Yes.
00:14:55
Jack
It's not my. It's not my thing. You know, it's not my jam, but.
00:15:00
Xochitl
Does your wife eat?
00:15:01
Jack
Yeah, she loves Bandagi loves it. Yeah, but she doesn't eat it often. But if it if it, if it comes up, it's like, oh, what a surprise, you know?
00:15:08
Jack
Like if you're in a bar or something and there's a side dish and it might be bandagi and so.
00:15:16
Jack
You can you can get that, it's.
00:15:19
Xochitl
Does your daughter eat it?
00:15:21
Jack
My daughter would is has such a phobia of insects that I think the idea of bandagi might just.
00:15:30
Jack
She would need to. She would almost faint if I even brought up the idea of it to her.
00:15:37
Xochitl
That's so crazy. I I think it's kind of easy to have a phobia of insects in Korea because when I was there, I never once saw an insect in my apartment.
00:15:46
발표자 2
Oh.
00:15:47
Xochitl
On the 17th floor. So I guess that's probably why.
00:15:52
Xochitl
But I like never once saw an insect, and I saw a Roach like one time, and then there were spiders. They're really like big black spiders that were kind of scary, you know what I'm talking about, obviously.
00:15:59
Jack
Yeah.
00:16:02
Jack
Yeah, I think I don't know if it's like a brown recluse or they also have garden spiders that look absolutely terrifying, but they're quite innocent. They're they're not very, they're not dangerous.
00:16:12
발표자 2
Yeah.
00:16:13
Xochitl
Black spiders, and they only come out during a certain season and they all like flock to like the rooftop of different places like they're they were all over the 711 that was outside of my apartment building.
00:16:24
Jack
Yeah, a funny, funny quick aside here. There a story.
00:16:29
Jack
UM, many times this has happened, but I'll I'll be in my office and then I hear a a blood curdling scream come from the other room and.
00:16:41
Xochitl
Huh.
00:16:42
Jack
I thought, you know, intruder, you know, someones broken into our house is attacking my family. I run over. It's my daughter. It's like there's a bug, you know, like just a tiny.
00:16:54
Jack
Little little bug.
00:16:56
Jack
And I have to kill it, you know, because I'm.
00:16:59
Xochitl
Ohh so you kill it for her.
00:17:01
Jack
I kill her for her. Yeah, yeah.
00:17:02
Xochitl
That's nice. My dad was always very mean. He'd be like, uh, toughen up, you know, do yourself. No sport. I wasn't spoiled at all. So I.
00:17:08
Jack
Didn't.
00:17:13
Xochitl
I'm still scared of bugs, but you know, I kind of have to.
00:17:18
Xochitl
Have to toughen up because uh.
00:17:21
Xochitl
My you know.
00:17:21
Jack
Maybe your dad was right. Actually, he might have. You know, for me. I'm what? What's going to happen when my daughter has to kill her own bugs? That's going to be tough.
00:17:30
Xochitl
You know, you'll get to it eventually. I think when I moved out because my mom would still kill some bugs for me. So, like, I would see what I could get away with. And my dad wasn't around me. My mom killed bugs. But, you know, when I moved away.
00:17:41
Xochitl
And when I moved to Mexico especially, and they were like centipedes and all these other like tons of insects, because the weather's like more tropical. And I eventually just learned to, you know, toughen up and kill them all. The one I have a really hard time with still or Rd.
00:17:53
Xochitl
I have a phobia of roaches, but when it kills them so yeah, he just he likes to flip them over on their back and then let them die that way.
00:17:57
Jack
Oh really?
00:18:04
Jack
Oh, nice. OK. Yeah. Roaches are the worst. I I hate roaches. I hate them. Yeah.
00:18:05
Xochitl
And then once we right up.
00:18:07
발표자 2
Yeah.
00:18:10
Xochitl
They're so creepy.
00:18:11
Jack
Oh, they're awful. They're awful with those big long antennas.
00:18:14
Xochitl
Ohh yeah, because they're like big. Ohh. And some of them fly in Mexico it's like.
00:18:19
Xochitl
Worse.
00:18:20
Xochitl
What? What is? What is the weird thing you've ever eaten, though? Now where you know you have bugs.
00:18:24
Jack
Yeah, I don't know, I.
00:18:26
Jack
Mean, I think the weirdest thing I've ever eaten is probably frog legs. You know, I have eaten alligator before too, but it was like deep fried alligator, which I think is cheating. I mean, you could deep fry anything and it would taste good, you know.
00:18:33
발표자
Would you?
00:18:40
Xochitl
Yeah, that's true. I have deep fried alligator too, and I really liked it. I even think of it because it was so tasty. I made it myself and it it just kind of tasted the mix between chicken and white fish.
00:18:50
Jack
Yeah, exactly that. Ohh. Nice. I I I've always said chicken, but it's not exactly like chicken. It's.
00:18:56
Jack
Like, yeah, like, yes. Exactly, exactly.
00:18:56
Xochitl
It speaks the way that Whitefish does.
00:19:01
Xochitl
Like cod or something, it's like a mix between chicken and cod.
00:19:04
Jack
Yeah, the way it kind of kind of stacks on itself like it's there's like slices or something, it's hard for you.
00:19:11
Xochitl
Yeah, it's flakes. It's like flaking. Like it's it's. Yeah, it flakes like, but it has a meteor bite like.
00:19:13
Jack
Flaky, right?
00:19:18
발표자 2
10.
00:19:19
Jack
Yeah. I mean, frog legs are just like little tiny wings, you know? I mean, that's that's all it is really, because those are like chicken wings. So, like, little, little tiny chicken wings. You know, there's not a lot of meat on it. But I mean there it's you get a nice little, you know, the thigh is is pretty nice. It's like the tasty little snack.
00:19:25
발표자
Or chicken wings.
00:19:38
Jack
UM, it's not something I.
00:19:41
Jack
Would seek out again, but at the time you know when in Rome, do as the Romans do. So I I I ate it and and I enjoyed it. It was. It was fine. Yeah.
00:19:55
Xochitl
That's cool. I've noticed fog like I have had snail, which I wasn't a huge fan of. It was just kind of chewy and bland. Yeah.
00:20:03
Jack
Yeah, yeah, I mean, that's why in France they just, you know, drench it in butter and garlic sauce. You know, it's like.
00:20:12
Jack
It it's it's, it's not something you might eat.
00:20:17
Jack
You know, just just by itself, but if you put in garlic butter, you know then then escargot is is pretty good. It's it's not that terrible. It's a little bit rich for me. I just I it's just too.
00:20:29
Jack
Much the.
00:20:30
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah, definitely it. It can be overwhelming. Yeah. Alright. Seems well. If you would like to answer any questions that we answer today, don't be shy. Leave us an e-mail at uh. Sorry. Leave us a comment@azenglishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and make sure you join the week channel. Lots of groups.
00:20:50
Xochitl
Then.
00:20:51
Xochitl
And make sure that you check out our English corner Jack and I talk about questions just like these every single day. It's great practice for IELTS and it's great practice to talk to your peers and to improve your English. It's only 10 USD a month, so that gives you 20 classes Monday through Friday for one hour and it's really great positive.
00:21:10
Xochitl
Community. So uh yeah, I hope to see you guys there. If you have any questions or you're interested, make sure to shoot Jack A.
00:21:15
Xochitl
Message on WeChat.
00:21:16
Xochitl
Or laptop and we'll see you guys next time.
00:21:19
발표자 2
Bye bye bye bye.
Podcast Website:
Topic Talk | We ask each other funny questions – A to Z English (atozenglishpodcast.com)
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE42 - 21m - Jul 10, 2024 - IELTS | Xochitl and Jack take the IELTS
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack offer some tips for IELTS test takers and then each of them answer an IELTS speaking question.
Transcript:
IELTS Speaking Part 3 involves a two-way discussion with the examiner, typically lasting 4-5 minutes. This part requires you to express opinions, discuss abstract ideas, and provide detailed answers. Here are some effective strategies to excel in this section:
1. Expand Your Answers
- Develop Ideas: Don't give one-sentence answers. Expand your response by explaining your points, providing examples, and considering multiple perspectives.
- Structure: Use a clear structure. For example, start with a main point, provide a reason, give an example, and conclude with a summary.
2. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar
- Lexical Resource: Use varied and precise vocabulary. Avoid repeating the same words.
- Grammar: Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, passive voice, and conditionals.
3. Linking Words and Phrases
- Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. Examples include "however," "moreover," "on the other hand," "for instance," etc.
- Signposting: Indicate the direction of your thoughts with phrases like "to begin with," "another point to consider," "in conclusion," etc.
4. Express Opinions and Justify Them
- Opinion: Clearly state your opinion using phrases like "I believe," "In my view," "From my perspective."
- Justification: Justify your opinions with reasons and evidence. Use phrases like "because," "the reason is," "due to."
5. Speculate and Hypothesize
- Speculation: When discussing future scenarios or possibilities, use speculative language such as "might," "could," "it's possible that."
- Hypothesis: Use conditional sentences to talk about hypothetical situations. For example, "If I were in charge, I would..."
6. Stay Calm and Confident
- Calmness: Stay calm and composed. Take a moment to think before you answer if needed.
- Confidence: Speak confidently, even if you're unsure. It's better to attempt an answer than to stay silent.
7. Practice Common Topics
- Familiarity: Practice discussing common Part 3 topics such as education, technology, the environment, culture, and society.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs as they can provide content for your answers.
8. Engage in Real Conversations
- Practice: Engage in conversations with fluent English speakers or join language exchange groups.
- Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.
9. Time Management
- Balance: Ensure your answers are long enough to show your language skills but concise enough to stay relevant to the question.
- Pacing: Maintain a steady pace to avoid speaking too fast or too slow.
10. Active Listening
- Understanding: Listen carefully to the examiner's questions to ensure you fully understand before answering.
- Clarification: If you're unsure about a question, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Question 1: "How has technology affected the way people communicate?"
Answer:
"Technology has profoundly transformed the way people communicate, making interactions more immediate and accessible. One major impact is the shift from face-to-face conversations to digital communications. Nowadays, people frequently use messaging apps, social media, and video calls to stay connected, even across vast distances. This immediacy allows for real-time communication, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining relationships with friends and family who live far away.
Moreover, technology has democratized information sharing. Social media platforms enable individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and news with a broad audience instantly. This has led to a more interconnected world where people are more aware of global events and diverse perspectives.
However, there are downsides as well. The over-reliance on digital communication can lead to a decline in interpersonal skills. Many people, especially younger generations, may find it challenging to engage in face-to-face conversations and develop deep, meaningful relationships. Additionally, the prevalence of digital communication can contribute to a sense of isolation, as virtual interactions might not provide the same level of emotional connection as in-person interactions.
In summary, while technology has revolutionized communication by making it faster and more widespread, it also presents challenges that society must address to ensure healthy and effective interpersonal interactions."
Question 2: "What role do older people play in society today?"
Answer:
"Older people play a crucial role in society today, contributing in various significant ways. One important role is that of wisdom and experience. Older individuals often have a wealth of knowledge accumulated over their lifetimes, which they can share with younger generations. This can be particularly valuable in professional settings, where mentoring and guidance from experienced workers can enhance the skills and development of younger employees.
Additionally, many older people continue to contribute economically by remaining active in the workforce or engaging in volunteer activities. This can help alleviate some of the pressures on social security systems and provide essential services to communities. For example, retired professionals often volunteer their time and expertise in non-profit organizations, schools, and local communities, enriching society with their contributions.
Moreover, older adults often play vital roles within families, such as providing childcare for grandchildren or offering emotional and financial support to their adult children. This intergenerational support can strengthen family bonds and provide stability, particularly in times of economic or social hardship.
However, it's important to recognize that older people also face challenges such as ageism and health issues, which can limit their ability to contribute fully to society. Therefore, it is essential for societies to create inclusive environments that value and support older adults, ensuring they have the opportunities and resources to continue playing active and meaningful roles.
In conclusion, older people hold a vital place in society through their experience, economic contributions, and family roles. Supporting their active participation can benefit both individuals and communities at large."
Podcast Website:
IELTS | Xochitl and Jack take the IELTS – A to Z English (atozenglishpodcast.com)
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE4 - 14m - Jul 8, 2024 - Topic Talk | Funerals and the loss of a loved one
In this emotional episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about funerals and the loss of a loved one.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:48
Jack
Welcome to the Ages English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And I'm going to let social introduce today's topic. So social, what would you like to talk about today?
00:01:02
Xochitl
Jack, I kind of want to talk about funeral traditions in different cultures. So I was going.
00:01:08
Xochitl
To talk about, you know.
00:01:10
Xochitl
Mexican traditions because I just went through that with my grandfather passing, I guess he passed.
00:01:17
Xochitl
Let's like a week ago now, maybe or a little less than a week ago, so.
00:01:24
Xochitl
Yeah, I don't know. And I've been, uh, I guess I can just get into it.
00:01:30
Xochitl
Sure.
00:01:34
Xochitl
I don't know how to kick this off actually.
00:01:36
Jack
Ohh no, that's alright. Maybe start with the just just the process is in. In American culture there's a I guess there's kind of two, two aspects to it, right. There's the funeral and the.
00:01:52
Jack
Wake.
00:01:54
Xochitl
Hmm.
00:01:55
Jack
And the wake is more like a.
00:01:59
Jack
A gathering where people get together and there's maybe some. Sometimes there's food, I think is if I'm not mistaken, yeah.
00:02:07
Xochitl
Yeah, that's true.
00:02:09
Jack
Yeah. So and I think the interesting thing about that in American culture and maybe this is true in, in every culture.
00:02:18
Jack
It seems odd to be eating at that time. You know what, I.
00:02:22
Xochitl
But yeah.
00:02:22
Jack
Mean like no one?
00:02:23
Jack
Has an appetite that people are grieving, they're upset. But I feel like maybe the food preparation is a distraction.
00:02:36
Jack
It's it's, it's focusing on our executive function of our brain, the the part that is just very analytical and just doing things. And I think that is a distraction from the pain and the grief would.
00:02:52
Jack
You agree with that?
00:02:54
Xochitl
I think so I I think.
00:02:59
Xochitl
That also it's because a lot of people who aren't, like, super close family come and so they're like, you know, they're they're kind of there to help in certain in a certain way or just to, you know, for emotional support. But they're they're probably going to be hungry because I don't think they're mourning.
00:03:21
Xochitl
And really like the same way you know on, I mean they're they're sad, I'm sure, but it's like a little different. So I think it's like it's kind of a way for the family to say thank you in Mexican tradition that happened.
00:03:22
Jack
Right, right.
00:03:34
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:37
Xochitl
That happens too, but it's like a two day.
00:03:40
Xochitl
Affair where you have to be like awake all night.
00:03:45
Xochitl
You're like, up for 48 hours straight basically because you can't leave the body alone.
00:03:49
Jack
Oh, OK, OK. Because that's different than American culture, where the the body is.
00:03:58
Jack
Is is in the caskets.
00:04:02
Jack
But you don't have to stay up all night with with the body.
00:04:08
Jack
Hmm.
00:04:09
Xochitl
Yeah, this the body was in the casket. But we do have to stay with the body because.
00:04:15
발표자
It's.
00:04:16
Xochitl
It's like I don't know. I guess it's to prevent bad spirits, like in old, in old mythology or whatever, to prevent bad spirits from like latching on to the soul of the body. So you have to stay there like 48 hours.
00:04:33
Xochitl
And it's really hard. My sister and I kind of were with my mom.
00:04:36
Xochitl
And shift. So I would like stay up.
00:04:39
Xochitl
The whole time and then I would go to sleep.
00:04:41
Xochitl
Then she would stay up.
00:04:42
Jack
OK.
00:04:43
Xochitl
Uhm, so we didn't have to do the whole 48 hours thing. I did have to stay up.
00:04:50
Xochitl
More than my sister because she traveled.
00:04:53
Xochitl
Plus, she's in that school. So she was like sleeping for a lot large portion of it.
00:04:58
Xochitl
But when she finally woke up, she was she stayed with the body and then I went to sleep and I woke up and so.
00:05:08
Xochitl
And with the his like sisters and nieces and nephews, they kind of did shifts as well. So like, one day, I think my aunt was my great aunt was there. And the other day my.
00:05:23
Xochitl
Cousin, I guess was there and it's like their family just kind of did shifts, I guess.
00:05:29
Jack
But it sounds like.
00:05:30
Jack
You didn't get much sleep, though. You. You sound exhausted. Yeah.
00:05:32
Xochitl
No. Yeah, it was very tiring and very hard because you're, like, dealing with a lot of grief. And on top of that, you're, like, serving people food and running around with serving people like.
00:05:48
Xochitl
Drinks, not alcoholic drinks, but just regular drinks. But you still you're you're running around serving people with soft drinks and food, and it's just only something like you have to make these two giant. You have to make.
00:06:00
Xochitl
Like.
00:06:01
Xochitl
We had cinnamon tea and coffee and then.
00:06:03
Xochitl
Sweet bread like.
00:06:06
Xochitl
Uh, like pastries at night the first night, and then the next morning. We have, like, breakfast and we had.
00:06:14
Xochitl
Like we also had pastries, coffee and cinnamon tea, and then we had, like Morley, which is like a, it's a chocolate based like sauce, you know. And I've tried my.
00:06:26
Jack
Yeah.
00:06:28
Jack
No, but I I you've mentioned it before in the podcast, I think.
00:06:32
Xochitl
Yes, I have. It's kind of different. One of the yeah, it's different because it's not. It's just like it's a completely different dish. I don't know why they share the same name, but more like the paste is like a different dish.
00:06:44
Xochitl
And there's a there's like seven different types of molis. This one is like a black mullet, which is kind of sweet, a little bit sweet and spicy, and is very thick.
00:06:58
Xochitl
It has a bunch of ingredients like chocolate, chilies, charred tortilla, peanuts, I think, and different things like that. So and we ate that with rice and chicken, and then the next day after the funeral, we also or.
00:07:13
Xochitl
Before the funeral, I think.
00:07:15
Xochitl
Or after I can't remember we served. No, it was after the funeral. We served eggs and salsa Verde and black beans. But it's like kind of crazy because you're, like, running on no sleep and making all these meals for people. So it's kind of like.
00:07:34
Xochitl
And it was kind of wild. And then, like the family, like my mom, I think was up like the whole 48 hours.
00:07:41
Jack
Ohh wow.
00:07:42
Xochitl
I thought I sleep once and it was for like 15 minutes.
00:07:45
Jack
Right, right. Is she? And and you know, for her, this is both of her parents have passed in the within a very short period of time.
00:07:56
Xochitl
Yeah. Within four months from each other because my grandmother passed at the end of February, my grandfather passed at the very.
00:08:03
Xochitl
End of June.
00:08:05
Jack
Yeah.
00:08:06
Jack
Yes.
00:08:06
Xochitl
So yeah.
00:08:10
Xochitl
Choose up the whole night and serving people food and soft drinks and it just seemed like a really stressful night time for her and I feel really terrible for her because she's she's like in charge. She's also the executor of the world.
00:08:26
Jack
OK.
00:08:27
Xochitl
Which means she has she has a lot of work to do.
00:08:30
Jack
Right. A lot of lot of documents that have to be signed and.
00:08:35
Jack
Yeah. Yeah. A lot of responsibility in that in that respect, you know.
00:08:40
Xochitl
Yeah. So that's very difficult. So, yeah, I think it's just interesting. I think, I think it's it's kind of cool and very interesting how people are up for like for there's always people at your house for the whole 48 hours and it's kind of interesting. But I I just felt so suffocated like I wished it was just us.
00:09:01
Xochitl
Like his closest family, so I could just pull an address out and sleep on the floor, close to the buddy. But I just. I just kind of like.
00:09:06
Jack
Yeah, or or just cry, you know, like.
00:09:11
Jack
If you feel a little bit, maybe and I'm I'm just making an assumption here, but do you feel like you, you're you let you, you can't be vulnerable when there are people who you don't know very closely around is it is.
00:09:29
Xochitl
Yeah, it was definitely hard. But like when I first saw it, when like when I first got in there and saw like, yeah, I just wailed anyway because it was just so.
00:09:36
Xochitl
So intense.
00:09:38
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:40
Xochitl
It was like it was different because with my grandmother, it's like I didn't really cry. I didn't. I I cried a little bit with my grandfather. I cried a little bit with my grandmother, but with this grandfather, I cried a lot more, I think.
00:09:51
Xochitl
It's just like.
00:09:53
Xochitl
All the compound of them all lying so close together and then.
00:09:59
Xochitl
It was just.
00:09:59
Xochitl
Sadder because I felt like we didn't really get to say goodbye, cause the Mexican hospital system is really a mess. Yeah, and uh, with my grand, with my paternal grand grandfather, he was UM.
00:10:12
Xochitl
He had like dementia, so we kind of got to say slow goodbye.
00:10:16
Xochitl
To him.
00:10:16
Jack
Yeah.
00:10:18
Xochitl
So it was different and then he passed. But it's like, you know, he was, he was really suffering. It was a it was a slow burn kind of goodbye. And so it kind of felt like he was ready to go.
00:10:29
Xochitl
You know with my.
00:10:31
Jack
Yeah, this one was more sudden. It was.
00:10:34
Xochitl
Yeah. Well, like with my maternal grandmother who passed before my maternal grandfather.
00:10:39
Xochitl
I I was living.
00:10:40
Xochitl
With her at the time. So I, like, saw her decline in real time.
00:10:44
Jack
Yeah.
00:10:45
Xochitl
UM and I and we were there with her every step of the way. In the hospital we were. We also stayed at the ICU for like the whole week, basically. But we got to see her every single day and hear about, you know, what's going.
00:10:59
Xochitl
On.
00:11:00
Xochitl
So with this one it was just kind of a shock because.
00:11:04
Xochitl
Like, only one person could go in, I think per day and it would only be like 30 minutes for 30 minutes and.
00:11:15
Xochitl
It was very restricted and they didn't really keep you updated on anything.
00:11:20
Xochitl
So the last couple of days we thought he was stable and he was getting better, so.
00:11:25
Xochitl
I was like.
00:11:27
Xochitl
I was kind of slowly planning my way to get over there, if that makes sense.
00:11:32
Jack
Yeah, makes perfect sense.
00:11:33
Xochitl
But I was like he, he'll. He'll be fine. That's what we were understanding. So for me it was like ohh. Like I'm gonna. I'll. I'll plan my I'll just I have to get it together to plan with my aunt about when I'm going to Mexico City and when her and I are going to head to the US.
00:11:52
Xochitl
And and so we were. I was just looking at flights when I got the call. Uh, from my aunt that he had passed. And I was just like.
00:12:00
Xochitl
It really shocked me, you know? And so I was like, I really wasn't expecting it. And my my mom and aunt didn't even get to say goodbye. He had already passed so.
00:12:03
Jack
Yeah.
00:12:11
Jack
Yeah.
00:12:12
Xochitl
It's just, yeah, it's very hard. I think when there's less closure like that.
00:12:19
Jack
MHM.
00:12:20
Xochitl
And you think someones gonna get better and they don't. And it's just very like.
00:12:25
Xochitl
Confusing and.
00:12:28
Xochitl
Very hard on you. So yeah, with this one I I did cry. Even though there are people there, of course, I didn't feel like as comfortable.
00:12:35
Xochitl
UM, but I just broke down anyway. It's like I couldn't help it.
00:12:40
Jack
Oh no. And people are are very sympathetic to to that. I'm I I think we.
00:12:48
Jack
In in, in, in Mexican culture you you mentioned before in other podcasts that it's a kind of a masculine culture.
00:13:00
Xochitl
Yes, be careful.
00:13:01
Jack
So kind of suffocating, pushing down your feelings in in public, you know, trying to be stoic, you stoic means like, you know, trying to be strong. And. And I I feel like we that's also part of the United States culture when it comes to these things.
00:13:21
Jack
Is like, you know, don't breakdown and I wish we could be more vulnerable with each other. And in those situations and and just really let our true emotions come out. And it sounds like you. You did that and it probably was healthier to.
00:13:36
Xochitl
Now.
00:13:39
Jack
Dad.
00:13:40
Xochitl
Yeah, I pretty much was beyond giving a crap about whatever anyone around me thought. You know what I mean? So I I wrote down. So yeah, it was. It was very hard. And then, you know, we had the funeral procession kind of thing. And I carried the casket and.
00:13:46
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:13:57
Xochitl
We.
00:13:58
Xochitl
Sit around watching him get lowered into the.
00:14:01
Xochitl
Like the brave and kind of different in Mexico, the Mexico City is huge. So there's like one small lot and it kind of looks like a house from outside, like a small house like A1 room house or.
00:14:16
Xochitl
Ohh OK yeah, it has doors locked and like a window and like a roof and everything. And it's like kind of like a really tiny mausoleum. But like, a really tiny one. But not it doesn't look like a mausoleum. It just looks like a little tiny.
00:14:25
Jack
Yeah.
00:14:32
Xochitl
House like A1 room house so.
00:14:35
Xochitl
We opened it and then they like, pulled the concrete signs out and there's like 10.
00:14:42
Xochitl
It's like a.
00:14:44
Xochitl
Like a 15 foot hole or a 12 foot hole like and it's like 10 slabs that you could bury different people and on both sides.
00:14:52
Jack
OK. Is this a family plot here then?
00:14:55
Xochitl
Yeah, it's a family plot.
00:14:56
Jack
OK.
00:14:58
Xochitl
So.
00:14:58
Jack
I I think that if I'm, you know, I'm I I don't mean to be.
00:15:04
Jack
To diminish this or anything, but I I remember seeing a little house like that in the movie Coco.
00:15:12
Xochitl
Ohh yeah.
00:15:13
Jack
And.
00:15:14
Xochitl
Yes, that's kind of how it's like, yeah.
00:15:16
Jack
OK.
00:15:17
Xochitl
Yeah. Yeah, it is like that. And UM, so we we, uh, lowered him down and then they put my grandmother's ashes with him actually in the same casket that was that was a, a, A. That was a moment of anger for all of us because his freaking sister, my grandfather's sister.
00:15:29
Jack
Oh, that's sweet.
00:15:37
Xochitl
He's been going on said. If we wanted to put the ashes in with him, we could put her.
00:15:41
Xochitl
Ashes at his feet.
00:15:43
Jack
Oh.
00:15:44
Xochitl
Like why would?
00:15:45
Xochitl
You even say that you know what I mean? I wasn't there when you said that or I would have been so mad. But, you know, we just put them.
00:15:47
Jack
Then.
00:15:53
Xochitl
They were like next to his arm, I guess.
00:15:56
Jack
Yeah. You you want holding each other? Not. Yeah, yeah, you know.
00:16:00
Xochitl
Yes.
00:16:03
Xochitl
Not one like beneath the other one. It's like, you know, but.
00:16:07
발표자
Yeah.
00:16:07
발표자
So then.
00:16:08
Xochitl
Unless you get lured in the slab and then they like bricked him in. Basically they have to brick people in because they don't want them like stealing the body or like stealing anything that can't. That the body was buried with.
00:16:19
Jack
Like grave, grave robbers kind of situation.
00:16:21
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah. A great rubber situation. So they, like, break him in.
00:16:26
Jack
Yeah.
00:16:27
Xochitl
To his slab in the grave. So it was kind of a very interesting process. And and I I was getting very like light headed and nauseous and they everyone thought I was going to faint. And my great one of my other great aunts hold a lip lock bag and it had a white onion cut into quarters.
00:16:47
Xochitl
And she took the 1/4 of a white onion and sprayed it with rubbing alcohol that she had in a little spray bottle in her purse. And she handed it to me to, like, sniff. So that was supposed to help me not pass out. And it did help. Weirdly, I felt way better.
00:17:04
Jack
Really. OK. I was. I would have thought maybe the smell of onion would make it worse, but.
00:17:10
Xochitl
I definitely. It's like interesting because like, you don't really smell the onion that much because your face is like, right up against it and has rubbing alcohol in it.
00:17:18
Xochitl
So the only thing that the onion does is like it gets the juices from the onion, make the rubbing alcohol more mild so they like, burn your nose when it comes up, they like react together somehow. So like you can still smell the strong smell like alcohol, but it doesn't like burn your nostrils.
00:17:27
Jack
OK.
00:17:34
Jack
Yeah.
00:17:35
Xochitl
And so that was interesting. And my boyfriend and my sister said that the onion, like the smell of the onion, was kind of making them nauseous. But I didn't notice and they didn't tell me until after the.
00:17:47
Xochitl
No, because I guess they were further away so that, like, smelled weird to them. Yeah. And then my aunt really made me laugh because she kind of right next to me and she, but she didn't see she look right.
00:17:58
Xochitl
Kind.
00:17:58
Xochitl
Of in front of me. And so since she didn't see my onion she she was like, why does it smell guacamole?
00:18:08
Xochitl
And I'm like, huh?
00:18:10
Jack
That's. That's funny. Yeah, that's.
00:18:12
Xochitl
Yeah, that's a good moment of humor in all of it. So that really that.
00:18:15
Jack
Right, a little levity was probably what everyone needed in that.
00:18:20
발표자
Thanks.
00:18:21
Xochitl
Yeah. So you know, we had to laugh about that then it was. Yeah. There was some moments where definitely we had a couple laughs and then yeah, we went back home and and that was.
00:18:31
Xochitl
Kind of it.
00:18:32
Xochitl
There was some certain things you do with the body. Like I got to see his body and it was different because my grand, the way my grandmother passed her body.
00:18:41
Xochitl
Looked very different and then when my grandfather passed, when they put him in the casket, it just looked like he was sleeping.
00:18:48
Xochitl
And and they put like coins in his pocket for his passage and shoe. Special shoes. Like what? I took, just like on him, which are traditional shoes.
00:18:58
Xochitl
So and different things and and my sister and I said we why didn't we didn't give any of this to.
00:19:03
Xochitl
My grandmother and.
00:19:06
Xochitl
And so we just we gave him extra money to pay for our passage because we thought she might be waiting. Since no one gave her any money to pay for her passage.
00:19:16
Jack
Yeah.
00:19:18
Jack
You.
00:19:19
Jack
That's interesting. It sounds like there's like a lot of little little things that you have to to do.
00:19:19
Xochitl
And.
00:19:25
Xochitl
Yeah, like a lot of little.
00:19:26
Xochitl
Things you have to remember.
00:19:27
Jack
Yeah.
00:19:29
Jack
Yeah.
00:19:30
Xochitl
Big things, yeah.
00:19:31
Xochitl
How how are?
00:19:32
Xochitl
Korean funerals. Jack, I'm curious about that. I've never been to one. I've seen them in, like, catering those and movies. But I've never like.
00:19:39
Xochitl
Been to one.
00:19:40
Jack
Yeah. So the.
00:19:42
Jack
Korean funerals are interesting. They're they're very different. It's.
00:19:46
Jack
The my my wife's grandmother passed. Probably going on. Oh gosh, 10 or or.
00:19:55
Jack
12 years ago, something like that.
00:19:58
Jack
And what happens is there's there's kind of an extra wing of of a hospitals that are kind of set up for funerals.
00:20:10
Jack
And what happens is.
00:20:13
Jack
The the body is is cremated for the most part in Korea. That's the the tradition. I think it probably comes down to the size of the country land is.
00:20:28
Xochitl
Population.
00:20:30
Jack
Yeah, exactly. It's it's it's, it's it's rare to to bury a body.
00:20:38
Jack
And so the body is, is prepared and and cremated at the at that facility that is attached to the hospital I believe. And then in the hospital you get like a A room.
00:20:54
Jack
And it's it's a large room with an eating area, and then there's a a nice a very nice photograph of the deceased person.
00:21:06
Jack
And kind of like almost like a shrine kind of set up.
00:21:11
Jack
You know, flowers and things like that.
00:21:14
Jack
And outside, when you when you enter this this large room.
00:21:22
Jack
The.
00:21:24
Jack
Like your your the company you work for will always send flowers and it's the flower. Arrangements are always these kind of tall.
00:21:34
Jack
Flower arrangements with a big ribbon expressing condolences. And so I think the the more.
00:21:45
Jack
The more influential you were, or the more people you know, you knew, the more flowers are sent. You know, so it it can it. It's very important, I think, to to have a lot of those outside, outside the door. When people enter, when you when you.
00:22:05
Jack
Enter the room, people. You will give some money. And so there was one family member that's sitting there collecting an envelope of of money.
00:22:18
Jack
That goes to the family to pay for the fuel costs and whatever other things that need to be paid for.
00:22:32
Jack
Mm-hmm.
00:22:32
Jack
And and then there's there's some food where you can you sit, they invite you to, to sit down and have a meal. And there is no, there is no like, formal kind of ceremony thing in in that in, in that at that time you but what what happens is you have this this room.
00:22:52
Jack
This large room for three days.
00:22:56
Jack
So and that's what's so interesting to me is that the family stays there for three days, so there's like a I believe there's a bathroom and a shower and. And, you know, you can you sleep there and and, you know, people will get up at different hours and people will arrive at all.
00:23:16
Jack
Kinds of different hours.
00:23:19
Jack
And I think it goes back to maybe the older times during the.
00:23:27
Jack
The the Joseon dynasty, the the one before the the last dynasty in Korea.
00:23:35
Jack
And at those times, you know, if you were to hear about the passing of a relative, you would you would start your trek.
00:23:44
Jack
To that location. And so I think they three days is enough time for most people to make it there. Now. Nowadays it seems a little bit unnecessary or we could say antiquated, which just means like it's an older tradition that that no longer.
00:24:06
Jack
Is it still followed but it's it's not necessarily necessary because people can get there very quickly within, you know, a day you can get to the to the hospital and go to that special wing of the hospital where the.
00:24:25
Jack
I I guess the the.
00:24:28
Jack
The.
00:24:29
Jack
Paying respects to the.
00:24:31
Jack
Normally occurs and then there's an urn. An urn is is a a container, kind of a beautiful, ornate container that has the ashes inside of it. And that's also, I believe, up there with the photograph and.
00:24:51
Jack
People will, you know, come and and, you know, give their condolences to the fans.
00:24:56
Jack
Me, but that three day waiting period was kind of interesting to me and not waiting period. But the three day period of time where the family is stays together in that one place.
00:25:13
Jack
Kind of reminds me of what you were talking about of like staying awake with the body for of 48 hours.
00:25:22
Jack
UM.
00:25:24
Jack
There's there's something about that, and I I know there's another in the Jewish tradition, there's something called Sitting Shiva and Shiva is where?
00:25:34
Jack
The body is.
00:25:36
Jack
UM, sometimes it's in in a person's house and they sit with the body for.
00:25:44
Jack
I I don't remember exactly how many days, but people will come and they will sit down and they.
00:25:51
Jack
Will mourn with the family and then they will leave and other people will come and and come and go and it it's kind of interesting how some of these traditions seem to overlap.
00:26:06
Jack
A little bit like there's something about, maybe there's something.
00:26:12
Jack
Important about just sitting in your grief.
00:26:17
Jack
With your loved one who's past and.
00:26:21
Jack
And kind of getting a collective hug from all the people that knew that person and loved that person and you know, coming and sitting it with the family. I feel like in in American culture it's, you know, the the most we get is like.
00:26:38
Jack
You know someone will come up at the wake or or the funeral and say I'm sorry for your loss and then that's that's kind of it. You know, there isn't like a a longer it's kind of like this is uncomfortable. I want this to be over as quickly as possible and it seems like in Mexican culture and.
00:26:46
Jack
MHM.
00:26:56
Xochitl
Right.
00:26:58
Jack
Korean culture and and Judaism.
00:27:02
Jack
Jewish culture. There's something about.
00:27:05
Jack
Fighting through that discomfort and getting to a much more honest place where you can act, cry together, mourn together, laugh together sometimes there you know it. It's not always mournful. Sometimes they're happy.
00:27:25
Jack
Memories and and share they share stories and things like that. And so I thought it was. It was really beautiful. And there's one other aspect of Korean.
00:27:37
Jack
Funerals that are that are interesting and and that is the.
00:27:41
Jack
Close friends and family will do almost a a performative kind of weeping.
00:27:49
Jack
And now sometimes it's it's genuine. I'm, I'm sure. But I did see this happen and the woman was wailing and and and crying and and, you know, and I I don't understand Korean very well, but I, you know, it sounded like she's saying no, how can this be this is, you know.
00:28:10
Jack
Unfair and.
00:28:11
Jack
And then after she was done weeping all of a sudden, her face changed right back to normal.
00:28:18
Jack
And so I realized ohh this is a performative thing out out of, you know, paying respect to the person who's passed that, you know, showing how how much.
00:28:19
Xochitl
That's crazy.
00:28:33
Jack
You've stirred up my emotions internally, but it was interesting how she she kind of came out of it really quickly. And so I was, I was. I was really intrigued by by that aspect of it as well.
00:28:47
Xochitl
Yeah, I don't feel like a catharsis. I think as well, where, like, it's like, you get to let out all your mourning and wail as loudly as you want and everything. And then after it's over, you kind of just, like, empty, you know?
00:28:59
Jack
Yeah. Yeah, that's probably that's exactly what it is. I think that's what it is, because I I know that.
00:29:07
Jack
Some people were were a little bit uncomfortable with it or or I I noticed that maybe they because I'm a I'm a foreigner. They they were like ohh this. You know maybe I I don't know. If they were embarrassed a little bit or something of of this.
00:29:27
Jack
Happening, but I was just, you know, I didn't know. My wife's grandmother very closely. So for me.
00:29:38
Jack
Kind of being there was kind of an out of body experience. You know, I I felt like very much an observer kind of in a in a in a very foreign situation. And so almost like an anthropologist, I was kind of documenting all of this. The things that were occurring and kind of viewing it that way.
00:29:57
Jack
Yeah.
00:29:58
Xochitl
Hmm.
00:29:58
Jack
And yeah.
00:30:00
Xochitl
Like, just like it's it's funny, like. And they they come to our culture and they see, like, my mom was really shocked and cause actually in Mexican culture. Uh, I think it's normal to, you know, to cry like that to a little bit at least. And and American culture is really not we're kind of more cool than rigid. And so I remember when my mom.
00:30:20
Xochitl
Came to.
00:30:24
Xochitl
The US and had to attend a funeral. She thought it was so weird. How, like even the closest family wasn't like breaking down?
00:30:32
발표자
Yeah.
00:30:33
Xochitl
She saw it as like very strange. And it's funny because they have like a completely opposite experience when they come to our culture as well. And for me, it was fun. It was like such a moment of being by cultural because, like, when at the funeral going the casket, I.
00:30:52
Xochitl
And I thought I was going to think.
00:30:55
Xochitl
UMI was talking about it on the way back in the car.
00:30:59
Xochitl
On the way back to from Mexico City to Oaxaca, I met. So was my dad and my aunt and my mom there. And, you know, so driving back and.
00:31:09
Xochitl
I was like, oh, yeah, I I thought I was going to think, but I've never seen anyone pull out the like a bag of onions before, but it it really helped. And my mom said, yeah, it's a really common thing to take when you're bearing your body, at least in Mexico City, because it's like it's thought to help protect against people fainting.
00:31:29
Jack
Yeah.
00:31:30
Xochitl
And my dad said, why would? Why would you faint like he asked me that?
00:31:35
Xochitl
And my mom rolled her eye.
00:31:41
Xochitl
She looks so annoyed. It was very funny because it's kind of like I get.
00:31:45
Jack
The answer is.
00:31:45
Xochitl
Where what? He called me.
00:31:47
Xochitl
Yeah, they're, like, totally different.
00:31:48
Jack
Sorry, the answer is so obvious, it's just such a a funny question. You know it's like.
00:31:56
Jack
Be because you know my close, you know, relative has just passed. And of course, you know, that's why.
00:32:04
Jack
The in American culture, the the idea of Stoicism is, is so strong, it's like we almost respect it right when they don't cry, because they'll, they'll, you know, in the car ride home, they'll say, oh, look how brave she was. Look how brave he was. Those are things I've heard.
00:32:24
Jack
You know, my parents say before, after a funeral, and it's like, why do we need to be brave at this time? Shouldn't we be totally raw and vulnerable and just, you know, exposed to nerve?
00:32:27
Xochitl
Right.
00:32:38
Jack
And and and just. You know what it? Why does it have to be so clean and and and and and, dare I say cold? Yeah. Polished. Yeah.
00:32:47
발표자
Polished.
00:32:50
Xochitl
It's like a.
00:32:50
Xochitl
It's a performance as well. Just how it's funny, like just how you know, we might see other cultures performing grief and and like a vulnerable outward fashion. They probably see us performing. Stoicism is very like bizarre behavior.
00:33:09
발표자
Right.
00:33:10
Jack
Right when you because it's the because the actions don't match the gravity of the situation.
00:33:16
Jack
It's like.
00:33:17
Xochitl
Right.
00:33:18
Jack
The yeah, they're they're almost. It's almost like, uhm, you're accessing all this willpower to just not feel something.
00:33:28
Xochitl
Thank you.
00:33:30
Jack
And and and then and then when people get home and then they're alone, they completely break down.
00:33:38
Jack
Because they've been suppressing all of these emotions for the last couple days so.
00:33:45
Jack
I I don't know. I'm I I I really like the Korean funeral. If I if I got to choose, I would be OK with a a Korean funeral.
00:33:58
Jack
That'd be OK with me.
00:34:00
Xochitl
Hey I think I want a mix of both.
00:34:01
Xochitl
Cultures. For me, I like.
00:34:03
Xochitl
I don't want people to have to, like, sit in the hospital and watch me suffer to death, you know? But you know, it ultimately the funerals for.
00:34:10
Xochitl
The people who loved you during your life and If however they need to grieve, I think that's OK.
00:34:17
Xochitl
With me, you know.
00:34:18
Jack
Yeah, yeah, I absolutely, absolutely. And in the Korean funeral, there's, you know, there's soju, which is an alcoholic drink is served pretty.
00:34:31
Jack
Should I say liberally? Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. And I think that maybe helps suppress some of the emotions, but.
00:34:32
발표자
No problem.
00:34:45
Jack
Yeah. Ultimately I I, I I found it to be a beautiful experience, even though it was a a tragic one, but.
00:34:54
Jack
Yeah. I I yeah, maybe maybe there's something we can take away from each culture and, you know, put all the good parts together and and and have do it that way. You know, so.
00:35:11
Jack
Yeah.
00:35:12
Xochitl
You still have to let us know what few traditions are like in your home country. I'm really curious because I know there are some other cultures that also have extended like lakes and yeah, I'm just really curious to know how you guys celebrate the life of those who passed on or how you mourn. So make sure we just comment.
00:35:30
Xochitl
And below at A-Z englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at at English podcast.
00:35:34
Xochitl
At gmail.com.
00:35:36
Xochitl
And make sure to join the we chat on.
00:35:40
Xochitl
WhatsApp groups.
00:35:41
Xochitl
Remember the Jack and I are also having an English corner. Now that we do Monday to Friday and that is for one hour in the morning for me and in the evening Jack's time. So you'll have to message Jack directly to get the details.
00:35:56
Xochitl
But yeah, it's only $10 USD a month and you get 20 classes, so that's pretty good. $0.50 a class. Yeah, and it's just really great. You get to converse and we we have topics like these that we talk about and it's just really nice environment friendly environment in there.
00:36:04
Jack
Yeah.
00:36:14
Jack
Yeah, very friendly, yeah.
00:36:17
Xochitl
All right. See you. Thank you. Bye. Bye, bye.
00:36:18
발표자
Bye.
00:36:19
Jack
OK.
Podcast Website:
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE41 - 36m - Jul 7, 2024 - Topic Talk | Is it ethical to eat meat?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about whether or not they think it's ethical for people to eat meat.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A to Z English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:49
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social.
00:00:54
Jack
And today we're doing another topic talk and today's question is, should humans switch to a plant based diet to protect animal rights?
00:01:06
Jack
What do you think, social?
00:01:08
Xochitl
Should humans switch your plan beside? Well, I have been vegan in the past, Jack, and I've also been vegetarian in the.
00:01:16
Xochitl
So I had.
00:01:18
Xochitl
The even the plant based diet on multiple occasions, but I never judge anyone who didn't because it's a very hard switch because the world is kind of built around assuming that you have a normal diet and now vegan food is way more accessible. Back. When I was vegan in high school.
00:01:36
Xochitl
Uh, it was very hard to be vegan. You couldn't go out to eat anywhere. You couldn't buy any like ready made vegan food at the store and there weren't any products like, there weren't any good veggie burgers or vegan.
00:01:45
Jack
Yeah.
00:01:49
Jack
No impossible burgers or anything like that.
00:01:52
Xochitl
No. So it really sucked. And then?
00:01:56
Xochitl
I yeah. So I don't know. And then there.
00:01:59
Xochitl
Are there were there?
00:02:00
Xochitl
Was a phase where I would eat plant.
00:02:01
Xochitl
Based like uh?
00:02:04
Xochitl
Two weeks out of the month and then the other two weeks, I just see normal, but that was more. That was like, yeah, I mean, yeah, it was kind of a whole thing, not in the ways you might you might expect but but.
00:02:11
Jack
For health.
00:02:22
Xochitl
Yeah, so, so I don't know, this is a tricky 1 because to me now I like me, I enjoy me and I enjoy having food freedom and getting to eat whatever I want and.
00:02:37
Xochitl
I think that as people, us being vegan is like far less or us consuming meat or choosing not to consume meat or choosing to eat plant based or not plant based whatever it may be is far less damaging to the environment or has far less of an impact overall than these giant greedy.
00:02:57
Xochitl
Corporations and industries that are.
00:03:00
Xochitl
Choosing practices that are they know, have been harmful for years, like the fracking industry and. And so I think ultimately, yes, it's just like our little drop in a bucket or drop in the ocean and we can choose to do it or not to do it. I don't think it really necessarily makes you better.
00:03:20
Xochitl
Or not, or neither do I I I just think it's so much more impactful for a corporation to.
00:03:28
Xochitl
And the government to put in regulations than it is for people to just go like Meatless Mondays or something.
00:03:35
Jack
Yeah, my my problem with with eating meat and.
00:03:41
Jack
It's the factory farming is I have a real problem with that because I know that there are definitely animal abuses that are happening. And yet, even though I know that intellect.
00:03:51
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:03:55
Jack
Really, it's really hard for me to make the switch to vegan or vegetarian or be vegan or vegetarian, even though I know that it's probably morally the right thing to do until farming practices become more ethical.
00:04:15
Jack
And you know, because I think that like.
00:04:18
Jack
You know the the way that they, you know, pack chickens into tiny little space.
00:04:24
Jack
Is.
00:04:25
Xochitl
Right. These, like tiny cages and they can't, can't walk or anything.
00:04:29
Jack
Yeah. Yeah. And they, they Peck each other to death and they they all kinds of really horrible things happen. Same with like cows or sorry, the same with cows and same with pigs as well. And yet I just.
00:04:45
Jack
Love meat? That is funny. I really have no excuse. You know, it's just like and. And when I don't eat meat, I I kind of feel the color kind of drain out of my face, you know, like I I feel weak when I'm not eating protein. And and I know that you can get protein from other sources.
00:05:07
Xochitl
Right.
00:05:08
Jack
You can, you know, it's not like vegans don't eat protein.
00:05:12
Jack
But it's just so much cheaper and so much easier to just buy like a bag of chicken breasts and or some, you know, some pork or something like that.
00:05:24
Xochitl
Well, it's kind of tastier and it's like blade rip because like it, it's probably cheaper to buy like a big thing of tofu or a big thing of beans and cook it. Really. Hmm. But it's it is convenient. And it's like something that you're used to. Right. So it's like.
00:05:33
Jack
MHM.
00:05:39
Xochitl
It's just hard to break that like it's tasty. Like I'll be real with you. I don't want to eat like a like a.
00:05:39
Jack
Yeah.
00:05:48
Xochitl
I'd rather eat a plate of chicken wings than like a.
00:05:51
Xochitl
Tofu and beans dish or something.
00:05:54
Xochitl
Most of the time.
00:05:54
Jack
Yeah, you know.
00:05:56
Xochitl
If I lived, if.
00:05:57
Jack
I lived in Mexico and I could get like a really nice plate of like beans with rice.
00:06:03
Xochitl
Oh yeah.
00:06:04
Jack
I think I could actually. I I think in Mexico I could actually do it. You know it's.
00:06:10
발표자
At least.
00:06:11
Xochitl
They're like vegetarian, right? Yeah.
00:06:14
Jack
Yeah, maybe not vegan. I might not be. I might still want to eat like eggs or something like that.
00:06:20
Jack
And maybe drink milk or something like that, cause I do. I do like milk in my coffee. But you know there there are other alternatives. You know, I could. I could drink oat milk or almond milk or something like that and.
00:06:36
Xochitl
I like oat milk more than I like regular milk, but it's like worse for you, so.
00:06:40
Jack
Yeah, it's not right health wise, it's probably it's not better, it just might be better for the environment perhaps or or it might be.
00:06:48
Jack
Be more ethical to you know.
00:06:53
Xochitl
Well, one, one that interesting thing with like dealing with the ethics of it, Jack is like.
00:06:59
Xochitl
It's not necessarily like, uh, you could just eat. I mean, it's more expensive, but you could eat organic meat that has ethical practices you.
00:07:10
Jack
That's true. That's true. If you if you source the right the right product, you you, you can find stuff that's a little bit more ethically growing or whatever. That's true. That's true. Yeah, I guess, you know, for me.
00:07:13
Xochitl
Could.
00:07:30
Jack
It just comes down to dollars and cents in. In many ways it's just I just like, I don't want to pay the extra money for it.
00:07:39
Jack
And so I I just, I just kind of push it to the back of my mind that like ohh it's probably not as bad as they say it is, you know, but I do, I think it is pretty bad actually this the factory farming situation and I I think it's you know it it'll be interesting to see like in the future.
00:07:59
Jack
What happens when they start growing lab? You know, lab grown.
00:08:02
Jack
Eat.
00:08:04
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:08:04
Jack
That that'll be interesting because you know, there may may be a time when when they they don't need animals at all anymore, we we may not have to to deal with that at all. I don't know how people might be disgusted by it.
00:08:18
Xochitl
I definitely would be less disgusted by lab grown meat than I would be by like.
00:08:23
Xochitl
How the practice is you know what I mean?
00:08:26
Jack
Yeah, yeah, watching the animals torture each other into death in these tiny cages.
00:08:32
Jack
Seems less disgusting than than growing some meat in a lab, so.
00:08:36
Xochitl
Eat lamb meat seems like it would be really sterile. And like with the conditions that they have in these factory farms, like a lot of the meat probably has like nasty infections and stuff like so they think.
00:08:46
Jack
Antibiotics. Yeah, all that sort of stuff, yeah.
00:08:48
Xochitl
Yeah, like they have to have antibiotics to avoid infections and all that nasty. So I don't know. I. Yeah, I I honestly would would be more interested in love me because I would think it would. It would be so. I mean, I wouldn't want to like.
00:09:02
Xochitl
Die from some weird mutation, you know, stupid, but you know, I mean, I'm sure that would be unlikely, but.
00:09:07
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:09
Jack
Yeah. Yeah. Well, I'm thinking I I may. I may make. I may make another run at vegetarianism here in the in the near future, but I'm I. I've got to mentally prepare myself for it.
00:09:10
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah.
00:09:22
Xochitl
Yeah, you don't have to go all or nothing. You can. You can just like, slowly introduce more vegetarian meals into your diet.
00:09:30
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:31
Xochitl
And you know, like, you know, maybe have a.
00:09:36
Xochitl
Or go like pescatarian or something which is so easy to do in Korea. I think there's a lot of good. Yeah, you could go like pescatarian and you could just slowly like phase.
00:09:40
Jack
Yeah, that's true.
00:09:45
Xochitl
Out and.
00:09:46
Xochitl
There's not that much dairy.
00:09:50
Jack
Yeah. And for our listeners, pescatarian means seafood. So you could just go like fully seafood diet.
00:09:57
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:57
Xochitl
Yeah, you just go like a seafood diet pretty much. So, yeah. I mean, yeah, I don't know. I think that the. Yeah, I get it. I mean, most of the time here in Mexico.
00:10:09
Xochitl
So.
00:10:10
Xochitl
It's kind of more accessible to get like meat that's butchered locally and that you know the practices are good. Like, you know, you see the chickens running around and you know that they're healthy and happy.
00:10:24
Jack
Yeah, before before its head got lopped off at.
00:10:28
Jack
Least it had.
00:10:28
Jack
A good life, you know. Enjoy. Yeah, you know.
00:10:30
Xochitl
Yeah, it's like.
00:10:32
Xochitl
It was happy so.
00:10:38
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah.
00:10:41
Xochitl
Yeah, I don't know. It was kind of my thing, I think. I think it's really more up to corporations to to do things more ethically. I think what in what we can we should like just eating less meat and high quality meat that has more ethical practices overall. And I mean I think that's important. But at the same time, I think it's like up to corporations.
00:10:41
Jack
Yeah.
00:11:01
Xochitl
Tulip.
00:11:03
Xochitl
It's that's the core.
00:11:04
Jack
Yes.
00:11:04
Xochitl
Yeah. To behave. It's up to the government to put, to make laws that guarantee corporations behaving in a in an ethical manner. But they won't do that. These corporations can make more money behaving unethically. So it's kind of a crapshoot. Yeah, you know what I'm interested to hear what our listeners.
00:11:19
Jack
Right, right.
00:11:22
Jack
Yeah.
00:11:25
Xochitl
I have to say I know that many of our listeners, uh, come from vegetarian cultures and others come from meat dominant cultures. Many countries eat way less meat than the US does, so I'm just curious overall. You know what? What they have to say what they think.
00:11:39
Xochitl
And yeah, we just comment down below. It is englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at At's englishpodcast@gmail.com and join the WeChat once the groups to join the conversation. Remember that Jack and I are doing an English corner and we have discussion questions just like these every single day, Monday through Friday for an hour a day and needed to talk with a lot of your peers.
00:11:59
Xochitl
And also with Jack and I and have direct conversations with us during that time, UM and yeah, we have conversations just like these in the group. It really feels like hanging out with friends. So if you're interested, make sure to shoot us a message about that so you can join and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-is-it-ethical-to-eat-meat/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE40 - 12m - Jun 29, 2024 - Topic Talk | What kind of Barbie or Ken are you?
Did you enjoy the Barbie movie? Well, in this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl describes what kind of Barbie she thinks she would be, and Jack describes what kind of Ken he would be?
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A to Z English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:50
Jack
Welcome to the Ages English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a topic talk. And right now social something that's trending on on TikTok and on on the Internet right now is comes from the the Barbie movie and.
00:01:10
Jack
The question that people are asking themselves is what kind of Barbie are you like, could you describe your Barbie and what kind of Ken are you? So could you describe your Ken? So maybe you could describe your Barbie and I'll describe my Ken.
00:01:28
Xochitl
OK, I'm like uh.
00:01:32
Xochitl
I don't know.
00:01:35
Xochitl
I think I OK. Ideally what I would like to be in fashion Barbie, you know, I have all these clothes and I.
00:01:41
Xochitl
I love clothes.
00:01:42
Xochitl
But I don't really dress up that much anymore, like how I used to, but I used to love clothes, so I think I would be like fashion Barbie, you know. But now I'm kind of more like a.
00:01:56
Xochitl
Like.
00:01:59
Xochitl
Met Barbie or something? I don't know. Like, like a beige Barbie. Something I don't like. Kind of disillusioned with life. Ever so slightly. Yeah.
00:02:11
Jack
Trying trying to figure it out, Barbie.
00:02:13
Xochitl
Trying to figure it out, Barbie. Yeah, but you know, it's done better this year. I gotta say, the trend, the end of tail end of 27 was a great time where I started a bunch of projects, including our English corner. So with you. So I'm really excited.
00:02:29
Xochitl
About that and yeah, so maybe right now I would actually be like.
00:02:35
Xochitl
An iconic Barbie that had all the jobs like veterinarian, doctor, Fashionista like you know, the one that's doing everything I'm doing a lot like the English corner, the coffee business, selling clothes.
00:02:42
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:51
Jack
What? What kind of clothes, like, talk about the clothes you stuff. Cause I think that that's that would be like I can. I can picture your Barbies clothes because of the you know you you sell clothes on. I I see you post like dresses like you you're you're big into like thrifting right like.
00:02:51
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:03:09
Xochitl
Yes, yes.
00:03:10
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:11
Xochitl
Yeah, I saw.
00:03:11
Jack
So lots of like prints or something. Is that what they are kind of kind of prints with like UM?
00:03:16
Xochitl
It can be. I think they're just. It just really depends. It's more so for me right now I'm selling like American clothes. So and Mexico American clothes is is popular because it's higher quality. Traditional American garments are high quality like cotton and stuff. But like regular everyday wear.
00:03:37
Xochitl
Those is pretty low quality.
00:03:39
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:39
Xochitl
It's like worse than she and quality or whatever. Like it's very bad. So being that it's so bad, American clothes is quite popular here. So I just kind of pick whatever I think looks nice. And I think other people will like and bring that and sell it.
00:03:58
Xochitl
Beer so it could be like uh, dresses with plants or.
00:04:03
Xochitl
Dresses for graduation or like the.
00:04:07
Xochitl
You know, sweaters and different, just different articles of clothing that I think that will sell and and it's been going pretty well. I think the only issue is like the price point because it's in Mexican peso, so it's it's actually cheap for the US but for Mexicans a lot of people only make.
00:04:24
Xochitl
Like.
00:04:25
Xochitl
300 pesos. They're like $15 a day.
00:04:28
Xochitl
And as you know, most clothes is like.
00:04:28
Jack
Ohh.
00:04:32
Xochitl
At least 25 bucks or 25 feet.
00:04:34
Jack
Ohh yeah yeah, even if you buy off the clearance rack or something, you know at Macy's still going to be 20 or 25 bucks, you know.
00:04:39
Xochitl
Yes.
00:04:43
Xochitl
Right. Yeah. So that's kind of just the only thing that I'm struggling with and I'm kind of thinking about bringing in accessories and stuff that are like a little bit cheaper or or maybe like skin care. I've been thinking when I go to Korea about buying like cheap clothes and skin care, I'm selling them here as well. The cool thing about Korea is you can like.
00:05:03
Xochitl
She had like, boxes of stuff back, so.
00:05:06
발표자
Yeah.
00:05:07
Xochitl
It's kind of fun so.
00:05:08
Jack
What's your? What's your accessory? If you that goes with your your Barbie?
00:05:13
Xochitl
Ohh, they hadn't suffered one there.
00:05:15
Jack
20 right. Yes, of course, yes.
00:05:20
Xochitl
You basically have 4 successor. At this point it is like I left him for a day and a half to get a couple like that, which is a really, really beautiful village here in Laka.
00:05:31
Jack
MHM.
00:05:32
Xochitl
For my birthday trip and he came back and he's all sick and everything. I was like, what's wrong with him? So I took him to the vet today and he was like, oh, he was stressed cause you left him. And then like?
00:05:41
Xochitl
He, like his stomach, probably hurt because he ate like some different food. We we switched him to a different diet and like all that together, made him have like a problem. Like he got Giardia, which is like, you know, travelers area type thing. Yeah. And so it was really. It was really scary.
00:05:56
Jack
Yeah.
00:06:01
Xochitl
Because you seemed really safe.
00:06:02
Xochitl
But he's doing fine now.
00:06:04
Xochitl
But it's like a fourth successor. I gotta take him everywhere with me, or else he.
00:06:07
Xochitl
Gets sick, so.
00:06:08
Jack
Yeah, I'm not sure how how well this Barbie is going to sell the the Barbie with the the duende accessory with diarrhea, but.
00:06:17
Xochitl
No, no diarrhea, but just playing and they're just healthy. Then they're suffering. Yeah.
00:06:21
Jack
How's he doing today? OK.
00:06:23
Xochitl
It's just like a purse dog that you have to take everywhere.
00:06:26
Xochitl
He's looking at.
00:06:26
Jack
Right, right. You need you need a. You need a bag, maybe something maybe. Maybe a bag. That's a kind of.
00:06:27
Xochitl
Me.
00:06:27
Xochitl
Now I'm talking about.
00:06:38
Jack
A local like locally made you know what Hawken bag that you could put when they in. That'd be a pretty cool little Barbie, yeah.
00:06:45
발표자
Yes.
00:06:46
Xochitl
Yeah, I think that would be cool. He's wearing his little sweater right now, too. He's cold, so that would be be like a blue hoodie. Yeah, well, what kind of Ken are you?
00:06:51
발표자
Nice.
00:06:55
Jack
UM, yeah, so I'm. I'm definitely like teacher Ken. My my Ken is is has a shaved head. So that's the I'm I'm representing the bald.
00:07:00
Xochitl
Oh yeah.
00:07:08
Jack
There so bald can, but my accessory would be a a trucker hat, a trucker cap. So you can cover a KENS bald head with a with a nice trucker cap. And I'm trying to think like, what would Ken's what what's what's my uniform?
00:07:28
Jack
Let's say my uniform is pair jeans, some tennis shoes at T-shirt and then maybe like because I'm a teacher, I'll throw like a like a a a suit jacket over the top of that. So.
00:07:45
Xochitl
Hmm.
00:07:45
Jack
This is definitely of the the strangest can ever. But yeah, I think that would be my that would be my, my, my accessory and my outfit. And maybe maybe my school bag. You know, that would be my, you know, putting students, papers and and things like that.
00:08:05
Jack
Inside that would be my that would be my other accessory. So the trucker hat and and a a a school bag, yeah.
00:08:15
Jack
Yeah. I don't know. Yeah. Teacher. Teacher care.
00:08:18
발표자
Oh.
00:08:19
Jack
Yeah.
00:08:20
Xochitl
I often see.
00:08:20
발표자
Yeah.
00:08:25
Xochitl
What was I gonna say? I often see.
00:08:30
Xochitl
Gen. Z represented is wearing like beanies as well, which you also do.
00:08:34
Jack
Ohh, that's right. I'm. Yeah, that's when I try to be cool. But it's it's it's like dressing one generation below my my actual station in life.
00:08:46
Jack
So.
00:08:46
Xochitl
I don't think so, because every time I see Gen. X like represented in skits, they're always wearing like a they they dress exactly like you. It's so crazy when I see this guy like go skits because he's not Gen. XI. Think he's like a millennial. Maybe he's. No, I think he must be like a millennial and he he pulls, like skits like showing like.
00:09:06
Xochitl
Rumors that were genex that were ex millennial and Gen. Z.
00:09:09
Xochitl
Eric, you know, and I definitely relate hard to like a mix between the dense and millennial because you know I'm a customer, but when he does the Gen. X, it looks it's like looks just like you like. It looks so much like I gotta send you because I think you would get a kick out of it. It's so similar to you. And then like the the, the Gen. Z.
00:09:30
Xochitl
Like like for example they have like the meeting and the tenses still sleeping.
00:09:34
Jack
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:09:34
Xochitl
And that is me. That is kind of like me.
00:09:38
Jack
I think I'm. I'm a customer as well. Like I'm kind of right between millennial and and Gen. X because I'm like, you know, I'm like a really young Gen. X or a really old Gen. Z or sorry, really old millennial. Yeah.
00:09:45
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:09:50
Xochitl
Millennial, you mean? Yeah.
00:09:53
Xochitl
Yes.
00:09:54
Jack
No.
00:09:55
Jack
I can I can kind of. I can. I can go. I can go either way, depending on my mood for the uh for the day, I guess, yeah.
00:09:55
Xochitl
Yes.
00:10:03
Xochitl
Yeah, I'm gonna send you one of those gifts so you can take a look at it. Yeah. Alright. Well, listeners, let us know what kind of Barbie or Ken would you be? I'm curious to know. Leave us a comment down below at A-Z in this podcast at.
00:10:16
Xochitl
Or sorry leaves come down below at A-Z, englishpodcast.com students and e-mail at amazingnesspodcast@gmail.com and join the channel WhatsApp groups to join the conversation.
00:10:26
Xochitl
And let us know if you've seen the Barbie movie too, because I'm curious about that. I personally didn't get through it. I wasn't a.
00:10:31
Xochitl
Huge fan but.
00:10:32
Jack
I haven't seen it yet. Yeah, I need to. Yeah.
00:10:35
Xochitl
Fan, but we'll see and also make.
00:10:36
Jack
Yeah.
00:10:38
Xochitl
Sure that you guys.
00:10:39
Xochitl
Join us in the English corner if you are so inclined. It's UH-10 USD a month, and it's for 20 sessions so Monday though.
00:10:48
Xochitl
Today we have the English corner meetings for an hour and we have discussion questions and Jack and I are in there talking with the students and it's really fun. I really, really have enjoyed it so far. We have a lot of great English speakers and I think we have really great conversations in there. It's almost like just hanging out with your friends. So yeah, if you're interested in that, make sure to shoot.
00:11:08
Xochitl
The message and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-what-kind-of-barbie-or-ken-are-you/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy11m - Jun 26, 2024 - Topic Talk | Is cheating in a relationship ever justified?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss the question: Is cheating in a relationship ever justified?
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:49
Jack
Welcome to the Ados English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a topic talk and social. Today's topic is a little scandalous. The question is, can cheating in a romantic relationship ever be justified?
00:01:07
Jack
Should the couple try to work through it, or is the trust permanently broken?
00:01:15
Xochitl
Uh, I really don't think it's ever justified. I personally have never cheated, so I don't understand.
00:01:24
Xochitl
It's a decision, too, I hate when people say that it's a mistake. I don't think it's a mistake. It's a choice that people actively made and you have to live with the consequences of that choice. And I think, like, if you do want to try to work through it, then the person who cheated needs to be willing to really put in the majority of the work.
00:01:31
Jack
Right.
00:01:45
Xochitl
And.
00:01:47
Xochitl
Needs to be willing.
00:01:48
Xochitl
To see that there are going to be pretty big consequences like the that person is not going to trust you. Like for a good long while. And I I think that's perfectly acceptable and absolutely normal. It'd be kind of weird if they suddenly did trust you, you know.
00:02:05
Jack
Yeah, I.
00:02:06
Xochitl
Again, you've been good.
00:02:09
Jack
Oh, sorry, I I I really hate it. When. When?
00:02:13
Jack
Like cheaters, say something like UM.
00:02:16
Jack
Well, you weren't paying attention to me or you weren't being attentive as a as a partner. And so I started looking in, you know, other places to get my needs met or whatever and that sort of kind of nonsense, you know, it's like I I think this is one of those.
00:02:19
Xochitl
Ah.
00:02:36
Jack
Rare occasions where it's like 100 zero, you know, like it's yeah, it's it's 100% the cheaters fault and they they have to take full.
00:02:49
Jack
Responsibility for their actions. I I don't think there can be any Hemming and hawing about it. It's it's, you know, I I think it's such a it's such a red flag when when a cheater starts trying to push the blame onto.
00:03:10
Jack
His or her partner for you know, making.
00:03:13
Jack
Me do that it. It reminds me of, like, domestic violence, right where the domestic abuser tries to blame the, you know, you know, I I don't. I didn't want to hit you. But you make me so angry, you know, and and that that's that's that's just nonsense.
00:03:18
Xochitl
Ma'am.
00:03:30
Xochitl
Right, yeah.
00:03:34
Jack
Like, that's just garbage logic and so.
00:03:38
Jack
Yeah, I I just, I just don't. Yeah.
00:03:40
Xochitl
Yeah, I think I I'll go. I'll go a step further here and say that cheating is definitely a form of abuse because you have to be lying to cheat. And lying is emotional abuse by definition.
00:03:55
Xochitl
So yeah, in some ways you're gaslighting your partner. You're, uh, hiding information from them. You're lying to them. You're invalidating them constantly because you're trying to make them think that they're crazy when you're cheating so that they don't hold you accountable for your actions, and you're blaming them and and shaming them. And it just.
00:04:17
Xochitl
It's toxic and it is abusive in in the context. And I yeah, I just really, really am against cheating.
00:04:27
Jack
Yeah, I like he said. That's a form of emotional abuse for sure.
00:04:32
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:04:33
Jack
And also I think that like.
00:04:36
Jack
Commitment requires again I I there. There are a few times in life where I think it's like a 0 sum 0 sum, meaning like it's 100% zero.
00:04:47
Jack
You know, either you're committed to your partner or or you're not, you know, and if you're, if you're always, if you're with your partner, but you've always got, like, one eye kind of looking around for something better, something. It's I I I just really hate that.
00:05:04
Xochitl
I know.
00:05:07
Jack
That kind of behavior, it reminds me of like, UM, it happens in friendships as well, where it.
00:05:15
Jack
Like you, you know, Jack, you're good enough to hang out with at this party, but I'm going to keep my eye open looking around the the room for maybe somebody a little bit more interesting, a little bit cooler that I can go talk to. So you're good enough in the moment.
00:05:35
Jack
But you're not. You're you're not really good enough. And that's a real self esteem killer, I I think.
00:05:45
Xochitl
Yeah, he is a self esteem killer. And then ultimately though like like dealing with cheaters and talking to them, I don't think it's anything about their partner not being. Obviously it's not about the partner not not being good enough, but I don't even think it's about them thinking their partners and good enough. It's like they just have this black hole in their heart and mind.
00:06:06
Xochitl
And they need like constant validation and attention from other people.
00:06:09
Xochitl
People and most of the times they can't handle like critique. Like if something starts going wrong in a relationship instead of facing up to their responsibility and whatever is going on or talking it out with their partner. If they can't face criticism or face.
00:06:10
Jack
Yes.
00:06:27
Xochitl
Issues when things get real, so they would rather just find a way to like escape in a sense and source their validation from someone else.
00:06:37
Jack
It's almost like they're they're willing to if they don't get what they want completely, they're going to blow it. They're going to blow the whole thing up.
00:06:45
Jack
You know, and that is like the most childish kind of toddler behavior. Like, it's the ultimate. I'm taking my ball and going home kind of behavior, right? Yeah.
00:06:52
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:06:59
Jack
And it's so immature. So, you know, I think ultimately I the second part of that question was should the couple try to work through it?
00:07:09
Jack
You know, I honestly don't think I don't. I just think it's. I don't think you can come back from that, to be honest. So at least I know that I personally cannot come back from that. Cheating is A is a a deal breaker in in my for me. So if if I were in a.
00:07:29
Jack
You know, just hypothetically, I mean I'm. I'm married. I've been married for 17 years, happily married. But if I'm. I'm just thinking hypothetically in like a dating situation or something. If if that happened to me, I I would just cut my losses.
00:07:47
Jack
And and and and find find a new partner like that's. That's ultimately where I kind of land. And it. What what about you?
00:07:56
Xochitl
I think that I that.
00:08:02
Xochitl
I how do? How do I say this?
00:08:05
Xochitl
I think that.
00:08:08
Xochitl
People who stay and try to work through it like a lot, a lot of times they get almost worse judgment than the cheater. Like people calling them stupid and stuff. And I think that's so mean because they're already like a victim of this horrible situation and they like, they're really, I don't know, forgiving people, I think. But at the same time, I I.
00:08:28
Xochitl
I do think you can't come back for men even if you choose to try to work things out and try to come back from it or whatever, I personally think.
00:08:37
Xochitl
UM.
00:08:38
Xochitl
It's like you can't, like you will always remember.
00:08:44
Xochitl
When they cheated on you and it will always affect yourself esteem and you're always going to be wondering like where they are and what they're doing and you're going to start behaving like a person that you don't recognize sometimes I think.
00:08:58
Jack
Yeah, you're gonna turn into somebody you don't want to be like the that.
00:08:58
Xochitl
As.
00:09:01
Jack
The kind of paranoid looking under every every rock for some kind of evidence and it it it just consumes your your life and you're you're not really living at that point. You're you're you're more consumed with this this relationship, and nobody deserves to.
00:09:22
Jack
To have to live like that.
00:09:23
Xochitl
No, no one should have to live like that. So you.
00:09:27
Xochitl
Yeah, I think, yeah. I mean, I think it's cool to cut your losses. It's something that it's like cheating is very common in Mexican culture, like men, especially cheating on women. I think there's a I think there's also a whole sexist level to cheating where, like in marriages, it's more common for men to cheat.
00:09:47
Xochitl
The way that society is and to get away with it or like for.
00:09:51
Xochitl
It to be acceptable anyway.
00:09:54
Xochitl
To some.
00:09:54
Jack
This is like the the boys will be boys kind of mentality.
00:09:57
Xochitl
Yes, and men will be mankind equality. But I think that's.
00:09:59
Jack
I need that you.
00:10:01
Xochitl
I feel like that's true in at least every culture that I'm familiar with. To some extent, you know, and I don't. I definitely understand why people, especially people who already have kids or who are like, have been married for a long time, why they would like, want and try to work through it.
00:10:07
Jack
Hmm.
00:10:21
Xochitl
Like I definitely understand.
00:10:23
Jack
Yeah, that's true.
00:10:26
Xochitl
Yeah, but at the same time, like I if anyone is ever in that situation, I would say don't like, just don't just cut your losses. You'll you'll always regret investing more time in fixing things than just moving on to a new relationship where you could have all the trust and respect that.
00:10:46
Xochitl
You should have had from the start and deserved in someone else that will respect you and care about you and.
00:10:57
Xochitl
Be a reliable person that you can actually trust.
00:11:00
Jack
Yeah, and. And and cheating when you have kids is really a a new, just a deeper. Yeah. Like a new low. Like, that's about as low as you can go. Because I mean you.
00:11:07
Xochitl
Low.
00:11:14
Jack
The the psychic damage that you can that it that infidelity causes children is it has a ripple effect that that will go will last throughout their lives as well. So your selfish act is actually.
00:11:34
Jack
Affecting your children's lives and their happiness and and their future relationships. So even from that, from that point of view, it's almost just inexcusable.
00:11:47
Xochitl
Yeah. And it also it's traumatic to be cheated on. Like, I know that a lot of people might be like, oh, that's an overreaction or whatever, but it's not literally like.
00:11:56
Xochitl
It's it's traumatizing, and someone that you're supposed to love and trust and all this and the person that you're supposed to believe the most in, like when you're in a committed relationship, just throws all of that trust and belief in the trash and sacrifices your self esteem and your self worth and.
00:12:17
Xochitl
Everything that you've poured into the relationship just to cheat on you, it is very traumatizing and so.
00:12:27
Xochitl
It's like someone can be so selfish that they don't even.
00:12:34
Xochitl
Don't even think about how it's gonna affect others like, but rather than just breaking up or going their separate ways or something, they'd rather put you in such a painful situation is just a selfish.
00:12:48
Xochitl
Turd.
00:12:53
Xochitl
Yeah, it's like, what a, what? A turd man. It's just that bad, you know? So it's like, I don't know. I. So I think for me, yeah. I mean, sure you can get past it and all this, but it's really low. I remember there.
00:12:56
Jack
Yeah.
00:13:07
Xochitl
Was it? I don't know if you have you ever seen the try, guys? They're like the YouTube group of four different.
00:13:12
Jack
Ohh yeah I'm I'm.
00:13:13
Jack
Familiar with that YouTube channel? Yeah.
00:13:15
Xochitl
Well, there was a.
00:13:16
Xochitl
Guy named Ned in it and.
00:13:19
Jack
Ohh yeah, this scandal. Couple years ago I remember this one.
00:13:23
Xochitl
He would only talk about his wife like he loved his wife and he would always talk about his wife all the time on the show and he was known as the wife Guy of the Try Guys and I really liked Ned and Ariel's relationship and I was like, Oh well, I hope I find someone who who loves me that much someday and who I love that.
00:13:43
Xochitl
That's interest.
00:13:44
Xochitl
So much and I was like, they seem like really happy and everything. And then he was cheating on Ariel with a coworker and she has like, two kids by him. And he publicly cheated on her, like, the way that she found out was like, some fan saw him with this other girl, like dancing at a club and posted pictures of it on Reddit.
00:14:04
Jack
Yeah.
00:14:06
Xochitl
And like, that's how she found out. And like the level of horribleness and like selfishness and everything.
00:14:13
Xochitl
Like how low can you be?
00:14:16
Jack
Yeah, yeah, just a a worm. You know, just a belly crawl.
00:14:21
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:14:22
Jack
You know.
00:14:23
Xochitl
And then like they are, they stayed together anyway. I believe in and trying to work it out.
00:14:29
Xochitl
And I just like.
00:14:30
Xochitl
I feel bad for Ariel because I mean it. Ultimately it's her choice, so I shouldn't say ohh I feel bad for her. But like what it mean is like when you're cheated on in such a public context and then and you have the kids and everything and.
00:14:43
Xochitl
I just feel like she can do so much better than this worthless worm of a man, you know, like, yeah.
00:14:48
Jack
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Someone that's willing to just to to just blow the foundations out from under your your marriage. Your relation.
00:14:57
Jack
Chip, what? Whatever compels a person to do that is there's a it's pathological, you know? It's it's it, it it's it defies logic. I I just can't wrap my mind around it almost. You know, what would? What would compel someone to just.
00:15:15
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:15:20
Jack
I guess maybe and and the fact that what made it worse is that he, you know, he was the the marriage guy. You know, so.
00:15:26
발표자
Oh.
00:15:27
Xochitl
I know only talking about his wife, John Mulaney, who's a famous comedian, also did like something very similar, apparently.
00:15:35
Xochitl
It's just trash like, you know, thinking about these men that are, like, always parading around about their wives and everything and the whole time they're just like these worm cheaters. Like it really. It really took me when I found out that news, I was like, what a nasty turd.
00:15:53
Jack
Yeah, and. And a lot of a lot of.
00:15:55
Jack
Times the.
00:15:56
Jack
Is the the reason they give is because I can.
00:16:02
Jack
Which that that is so dark to me. That kind of thinking, you know, is is.
00:16:08
Xochitl
Bro like I could kill him right now. Sorry. That's that's a little much for the podcast. I could be. I could, like, push someone off a Cliff if figuratively. If I wanted to. But like, you don't do it because you're a human being and you like you don't. Why would you do something like that? It's so dark to think like there's no limit.
00:16:29
Xochitl
OK, this this is one thing that that one of the reasons that I think you shouldn't stay with the cheater like one of the big thing.
00:16:35
Xochitl
Is that I watch a lot of true crime and almost every man who's murdered his like pregnant wife or wife or whatever was a cheater. First they cheated first and they were cheating. They had, like, there's either lots of instances of cheating in their relationship, like Lacey Peterson with Scott Peterson, like Scott Peterson cheated on her multiple times before he killed her.
00:16:43
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:16:56
Jack
Chris Watts, yeah.
00:16:58
Xochitl
Watts was cheating all these like family Annihilators, and it's just nasty. Like they were cheaters also. And that really makes you think about it. Like when you said it gets dark like cause I can. It's like, yeah.
00:16:59
Jack
Yeah.
00:17:14
Xochitl
Because they can like.
00:17:18
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah. There's no limit to how far they'll go. Like, sometimes it's a slippery slope, and someone who's willing to cheat on you. And like, why do you betray you in that way and put your health at risk? In many instances, that physical health and emotional health.
00:17:35
Xochitl
How far are they really, truly willing to go? You have no idea.
00:17:39
Jack
Sometimes they're willing to go so far to cover up their their indiscretions that they'll commit murder. You know, now this is obviously that's a the a very small percentage, but.
00:17:46
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:17:48
Xochitl
Sleep and but.
00:17:51
Jack
Yeah, it's, yeah.
00:17:52
Xochitl
But still pretty much all these family Annihilators were cheaters. So think about that. Alright, listeners. Well, let us know what you think about cheating in the comments. I'm definitely curious to know. Do you think that cheating's ever justifiable?
00:17:56
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:59
Jack
Yeah. Well, there we go.
00:18:10
Xochitl
A. Do you have a a dark black and white thinking like Jack and I have about? Yeah, let us know in the comments. We're very interested in now. So leave us a comment down below at A-Z with podcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at at Oz with podcast@gmail.com and join the China WhatsApp groups to join our conversation and talk to Jack and I directly.
00:18:31
Xochitl
Remember that Jack and I are now hosting an English corner for $10, around 10 USD, or 80 RMB a month, so you get.
00:18:41
Xochitl
20 uh English corner sessions with Jack and I for that quantity, and you get to talk with other English speakers every single day that Monday through Friday. And yeah, there are a lot of perks and there's a lot of cool people who speak really great English and we have really fun discussion.
00:19:01
Xochitl
Questions. So make sure to shoot this message if you would be interested in that and we'll see you next.
00:19:07
Xochitl
Time. Bye bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-is-cheating-in-a-relationship-ever-justified/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE38 - 19m - Jun 25, 2024 - Topic Talk | Xochitl's Coffee Business
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl talks about the organic coffee business she has started with her partner.
Transcript:
00:01:24
Jack
Kind of a a sky blue or or light blue color with a a really cool logo and everything on there and so I was just wondering like what's going on with that?
00:01:36
Xochitl
Well, that I started selling organic coffee. My partner is a coffee farmer in the Sierra Juarez, which is an area mountainous area of Wahaca where I live.
00:01:50
Xochitl
Yeah. And he he's a farmer, so he does things like, uh, he plants beans, corn, coffee, pineapples, mangoes, avocados. But the big one of the big.
00:02:07
Xochitl
Sources of income for coffee farmers are for farmers here in Osaka is coffee, is coffee used to be quite well paid, but unfortunately the the price of coffee has really gone down a lot. I'm not sure what's going on, but the market.
00:02:22
Xochitl
It's not that there's more supply than demand. It's just I think, how.
00:02:29
Xochitl
Some things have been happening with exports to the United States and prices and the dollar and the peso and how they're moving up and down. It's caused a lot of issues and.
00:02:41
Xochitl
Well, I was talking to him and he was he was telling me that.
00:02:45
Xochitl
They can only sell their coffee in parchment at 41 pesos, which is about like 2 bucks a kilo. A kilo is 2 point.
00:02:53
Jack
Dollars a kilogram for. Oh my God.
00:02:56
Xochitl
Yes, it's parchment coffee, so it's not like roasted or anything. It's just it that has to go through a whole process before it's ready to drink, but it's.
00:03:05
Jack
MMM.
00:03:07
Xochitl
It's still far to cheap price for organic coffee, and they're not making any money off of it anymore. And also.
00:03:16
Jack
Someone's making money though. It's like the middleman, you know, they're.
00:03:19
Xochitl
Yeah, it's the middleman is making money because the the price of coffee, especially organic coffee and local coffee, has gone up on the market, but they're not paying coffee funds.
00:03:21
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:28
Jack
Right. But the farmers are getting screwed on the on the the back end, yeah.
00:03:33
Xochitl
Yes, it's exactly what's happening. So it's it's really been a disaster for a lot of people. And yeah, I was talking to him and I just had the idea to sell his coffee here in the city because I live here.
00:03:35
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:45
Xochitl
City.
00:03:46
Jack
Hmm.
00:03:47
Xochitl
And you know, we talked about it and we made some plans and we kind of it just got, I just kind of posted it on an expat wahaka group saying hey, guys like would you be interested in organic coffee?
00:04:01
Xochitl
And a bunch of people were like, oh, yeah, you know, we didn't know how to price it. Like, we didn't know.
00:04:05
Xochitl
Anything about it?
00:04:06
Xochitl
Because he's gonna coffee farmer and his family has done coffee farming for generations. But like he's never really been on the on this like market end of.
00:04:14
Xochitl
Things.
00:04:15
Xochitl
Because what they usually do is they they belong to an organization coffee organization called Niche.
00:04:21
Xochitl
Yeah. Which is like organic coffee organization and.
00:04:25
Xochitl
They they give them like.
00:04:28
Xochitl
Courses and stuff on how to grow organic coffee and different varieties that are worth more money and all these kind of.
00:04:34
Xochitl
Things.
00:04:35
Xochitl
But because of how the market's going and I don't know what's happening, they're only able to buy 200 kilos on average from each coffee farmer.
00:04:45
Jack
Oh, it's nothing. 200 kilos.
00:04:45
Xochitl
And.
00:04:47
Xochitl
Yeah, the the usual production is at least five. You usually at least have 500 kilos leftover after that, you know, even for a small farmer. So uh.
00:05:01
Xochitl
Yeah. So it got to the point, you know, they have they have like at least 300 kilos or leftovers. So I talked to him and we went through the whole process of deciding to sell it and we got a lot of attention on that's that's.
00:05:14
Xochitl
What I could do?
00:05:15
Xochitl
And so we kind of had hit the ground running because I posted this just out of curiosity and I got I got, like business out the wazoo and.
00:05:25
Jack
Yeah.
00:05:25
Xochitl
I was like.
00:05:27
Xochitl
Tons of people inquiring and and a lot to keep up with. And so at that point we had to go ahead and we hit the ground running.
00:05:34
Xochitl
So is he.
00:05:36
Xochitl
We we decided to go with an artisanal process because that's pretty much how he knows how to make the coffee. So what you have to do is you have to take a like mortar and pestle, which for those of our listeners who aren't familiar, a mortar is like kind of like a a stone or wooden bowl or something and a pestle.
00:05:42
Jack
MHM.
00:05:56
Xochitl
Like a giant one, though.
00:05:58
Xochitl
And a puzzle is like the thing that you use to pound it. So people used to do this to like grind flour and stuff. In the olden days.
00:06:05
Jack
Right now you see a lot of people using mortar and pestle for like medicine and stuff like that.
00:06:10
Xochitl
Yeah. Medicine are like herbs. A lot of people use it for, like, finely grinding herbs and teas, but he has to use a giant one to like, take all the the kind of peel the shell off of our coffee.
00:06:22
Jack
Right.
00:06:23
Jack
OK.
00:06:23
Xochitl
So he does that all by hand, so that's crazy. It's a lot of work and hard labor.
00:06:28
Jack
Wow, he must be in great shape then because.
00:06:31
Xochitl
He hasn't. Really. Yeah, he's a really good team. But yeah, he's very strong and honestly, I don't think I would probably last two minutes trying.
00:06:33
Jack
Strong.
00:06:39
Xochitl
To do that.
00:06:40
Xochitl
So yeah, he he definitely he dishes the coffee that way and then we pay a local woman to hand roast the coffee.
00:06:41
Jack
Yeah, me neither.
00:06:51
Xochitl
Which is artisanal traditional method to do it?
00:06:54
Jack
Wow.
00:06:56
Jack
That's awesome. So like if people start drinking your coffee, they're they're going to be used to her roast. Basically, she kind of determines the flavor in a way like part of it comes from the the, you know, of course the bean. But then part of it also flavor of the coffee comes from how it's roasted. Right.
00:06:57
Xochitl
And right.
00:07:08
Xochitl
1.
00:07:16
Xochitl
Yeah. So she so depends on how you raise the coffee and there's different roasts like you can do a light roast, dark roast and medium roast, and they all have different flavor profiles. And she does kind of a medium dark roast, which works really well because they they they're hand roasted, they have like, a different. They have color variations and the beans, but once you.
00:07:30
Jack
Yeah.
00:07:37
Xochitl
Grind them in your coffee grinder or whatever. It's an even color. It's a uniform color and uh, it's smells delicious because there's the sugars and the coffee beans are like caramelized because they're roasted by hand, so they're not burnt like in our machine. But that would be if you did it by machine process.
00:07:51
Jack
Yeah.
00:07:54
Xochitl
And.
00:07:56
Xochitl
It just comes out really great. It has really. It has like a bold uh flavor and it still has body for those who like dark roasts, but it's not like a bitter dark roast that has, like, acidic notes and floral notes.
00:08:10
Xochitl
And uh, it's very it has a very sweet aroma, a really pleasant like caramel like aroma and almost like some chocolate you.
00:08:19
Xochitl
Know it's really.
00:08:20
Xochitl
Be good. I'm. I'm not a huge coffee drinker myself, but I definitely started because I had to describe it to the clients.
00:08:20
Jack
Yeah.
00:08:25
Jack
You sound like a coffee drinker, though. Jeez, you. You're describing all the notes. I mean, I just like. I just wanna. When I saw the the post, I just wanted to grab one of those bags. And just, like, open it and just stick my nose in there and.
00:08:29
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:08:39
Jack
Just smell it.
00:08:39
Xochitl
Yeah, was.
00:08:40
Jack
I love that smell of fresh. Oh my gosh. I bet it just it is.
00:08:44
Jack
Only.
00:08:45
Xochitl
Yes, it smells amazing and.
00:08:49
Xochitl
There's been a lot of things to learn. We price to way too low. So now we're figuring that out because we we didn't really know about the market. And there's a single origin coffee, which means it's coffee all from the same community and the same pic of that year. And so it's like it's worth more. And then it's also organic. So it's worth more and it has expensive.
00:08:55
발표자
Hmm.
00:09:10
Xochitl
Varieties inside the ensemble like there's different beams that we use, so we use like geisha, which is pretty expensive. Kafa Deepika, which is one of the original ones.
00:09:21
Xochitl
Has been.
00:09:24
Xochitl
Planted for hundreds of years here and yeah, so a lot of those things that, you know, quality and expense. And then the other things we went with an artisanal process which requires a lot of Labor, manual labor.
00:09:25
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:37
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:38
Xochitl
So we kind of replaced it way to that we personally 10 bucks a kilo.
00:09:44
Jack
10 bucks a kilo. Wow. You get through like you're giving it away for free there.
00:09:45
Xochitl
Yes, yes.
00:09:49
Xochitl
We basically did. It's 200 pesos or two hundred 200 pesos kilo, which is 10, about 10 bucks.
00:09:57
Jack
So is are you still making profit though, like at that price point?
00:09:58
Xochitl
And.
00:10:02
Xochitl
Uh, we're barely not. If we count our hours of Labor, we're not. We're in red numbers. But if we don't count the hours of Labor that.
00:10:08
Xochitl
We.
00:10:08
Xochitl
Put into it, then, yeah, we're making, like a tiny profit, a very tiny profit, so.
00:10:15
Jack
So you guys have to you guys have to reprice that then eventually this first round, maybe you can you can sell it cheaply, but you know after that you're going.
00:10:24
Jack
To have to.
00:10:26
Jack
You know, put put it up a little bit.
00:10:28
Jack
You know.
00:10:28
Xochitl
Yeah, I don't know what to do. I I I I'm not sure how to reprice it because I like, it's scared of losing customers or something.
00:10:40
Jack
No, that's just you that you guys just have imposter syndrome. You know, you, you just, you just you just don't have the confidence right now because you're just starting out. But I I think you should be very confident in your product. It sounds like a great product. I mean it looks amazing. So I think you guys could ask, you know.
00:10:41
Xochitl
So we basically have 349.
00:10:47
Xochitl
Best year yet?
00:10:56
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:11:00
Jack
Double that much and people will still pay. You know, if they love it, they'll they'll pay, you know? Yeah.
00:11:04
Xochitl
Uh, yeah.
00:11:06
Xochitl
Yeah, that's kind.
00:11:06
Xochitl
Of where right now, and I think it's going pretty well, a lot of people ask us, you know, do you have half kilo bags, do you have white roast? Do you have decaf? It's like we don't have any of these things yet because I think we have people don't don't like know the whole process like being a coffee farmer and working on doing all this like it's kind of amazing that we've gotten as far as we had in the last month.
00:11:28
Xochitl
We've only been doing this a month. We really hit the ground running but.
00:11:31
Jack
MHM.
00:11:32
Xochitl
But yeah, we we can't diversify our products yet, so that that is one hurdle that we've been dealing with. But one thing I'm happy about is the packaging. I'm going to pick that. And I also designed a little logo and I think it came out really well.
00:11:47
Jack
Yeah, that's the fun part. I I I enjoy that sort of stuff. The, the, the smashing, the the beans. Not. Not exactly my cup of tea right there but or.
00:11:48
Xochitl
And and.
00:11:59
Xochitl
No. Yeah, that's that's his job. So he does all he's like, but he's out of quality and production or whatever he's had of production.
00:12:06
Xochitl
So he's quality.
00:12:06
Xochitl
People and smashing beans up and going to different like sea farmers within his community to see, you know, if we can buy their crop for the next year. But he's he has a very.
00:12:18
Xochitl
That they're organic and that they're certified organic.
00:12:22
Xochitl
And so he's doing that whole process himself.
00:12:25
Xochitl
And then my end is really customer service and communicating with the client.
00:12:32
Xochitl
And sending them, you know, information about this and that and whatever and.
00:12:40
Xochitl
Making sales and whatnot, that's basically my whole and designing the Flyers, designing the coffee bags, designing the different products that we're going to introduce into the market, all that is.
00:12:52
Xochitl
Kind of what I'm up to.
00:12:54
Jack
Right, you're you're marketing and these operations, I guess or something like that and yeah.
00:12:58
Xochitl
Yes, that's really what it is. I'm marketing these operations and I'm also customer service I'm trying.
00:13:05
Jack
Right.
00:13:06
Xochitl
Even the customer service on things, but it's like he's kind of shy, so it it doesn't work as well for him I think. But you know I'll get him, I'll get him. I'll work him up and I told you that you should be confident because it's your, it's your product and your you made this. So a lot of people.
00:13:11
Jack
Yeah.
00:13:26
Xochitl
Are interested in talking to you about your project and you know.
00:13:30
Jack
Right.
00:13:31
Xochitl
Don't be shy.
00:13:32
Xochitl
OK.
00:13:33
Xochitl
So.
00:13:33
Jack
Yeah, be proud of it. Be proud. I mean that. He should be very proud. That's amazing. What what he's doing? So what you guys are doing together? It's really cool.
00:13:40
Xochitl
Yeah, that's really cool. I think in the future we're trying to do something like talks where we kind of have these like I'm going to do raffle tickets. So we're selling each raffle ticket for like 12 bucks, but they get to come to a.
00:13:56
Xochitl
Talk.
00:13:57
Xochitl
About about the coffee and how he produces it and everything, and they get free coffee and snacks and then they also get a chance to win like a coffee experience. So we're we're planning on doing a business in the future where people can like de shell and hand roast their own coffee so they can like, you know.
00:14:17
Xochitl
Have the experience of seeing what it's like.
00:14:19
Jack
Yeah, and that's a good for tourists. I think they would really enjoy that, that would.
00:14:23
Jack
Be really, yeah.
00:14:23
Xochitl
Yeah, I have a friend who does it with chocolate with cacao and I think it would be really awesome with.
00:14:30
Xochitl
Coffee.
00:14:31
Jack
Yeah, I think that would be a great experience and you can get the tourists to deshell those coffee beans for free. So get them on the pestle and mortar.
00:14:39
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah, we can use painting to do labor for us. So, yeah, I think it'll be exciting.
00:14:44
Jack
Pictures.
00:14:51
Jack
All right, well, good for you. Yeah, congratulations to you and your partner for that. That venture, it's it's really cool.
00:14:58
발표자
Thanks Jack.
00:14:59
Xochitl
All right, listen, there's well, let us know if you have any more questions. Are you coffee drinkers? I'm curious. I myself, I, I grew up drinking coffee, but I stopped drinking around 18 and and then I just started again. So yeah, I'm curious. Are you guys big coffee drinkers? We know Jack is leave us a comment down below and let us know, do you like coffee?
00:15:19
Xochitl
Do you enjoy it? Do you have any recommendations for our business? We'd love to hear them leave a comment down below it. It is englishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at it is englishpodcast@gmail.com. And don't forget to join the Channel one group so you can join Jack and I on the conversation.
00:15:34
Xochitl
One and Jack and I started an English corner, which is another business venture that I have on my hands now.
00:15:40
Xochitl
But it's been really.
00:15:40
Xochitl
Exciting and really fun, and we do it Monday through Friday for an.
00:15:44
Xochitl
Hour a day.
00:15:45
Xochitl
And it's just $10 USD a month, so you get it for $0.50, a class or whatever. And we have a lot of really strong English speakers and we've made some adjustments. So you guys get a lot.
00:15:56
Xochitl
Of.
00:15:56
Xochitl
Speaking time and yeah, we're really excited about this project, so if you're interested, make sure to send us a direct message.
00:16:03
Xochitl
And ask about it and I will be happy to get back to you.
00:16:06
Xochitl
See you guys next time. Bye bye.
00:16:07
Jack
Go back.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-xochitls-coffee-business/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE37 - 16m - Jun 21, 2024 - Grammar Zone | a historic or an historic?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about "a" and "an."
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:50
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are in the grammar zone and we're going to talk about ohh and on.
00:01:02
Jack
In social, what is the difference between those two articles? Why do we?
00:01:07
Jack
Why do we separate those? We have two different words for them.
00:01:12
Xochitl
UM.
00:01:13
Xochitl
Because they have to agree with the next word. So if.
00:01:20
Xochitl
The next word starts with a the vowel. Then it has to be a N.
00:01:26
Xochitl
So, for example, an elephant an A A.
00:01:33
Jack
An igloo.
00:01:34
Xochitl
On apple.
00:01:35
Jack
Yeah.
00:01:36
Xochitl
Yeah, an English an apple. And if it's a, it's because the next the following thing that you're referring to. Uh. Noun that you're referring to, I guess, usually starts with a a consonant and not a vowel. So it'd be like a pie, a cake.
00:01:56
Xochitl
A A car.
00:01:59
Xochitl
And etcetera, etcetera. Just anything that starts with the continent and then on and.
00:02:04
Jack
A podcast.
00:02:06
Xochitl
Yeah, podcast.
00:02:07
Jack
MHM.
00:02:09
Xochitl
And an is for anything that starts with.
00:02:11
Xochitl
A vowel, I think.
00:02:12
Xochitl
It's because it it does sound. It does make it sound smoother, like think about saying a elephant or a elephant instead of an an elephant. It just avoids your vowel noises all mushing together.
00:02:21
Jack
Yes.
00:02:27
Jack
Right. It's very awkward in English to have two vowel sounds together. You we can't do that, right? They need to be interrupted by a consonant sound like uh.
00:02:39
Jack
Uh, like a a egg is is 2 two vowel sounds together, right?
00:02:45
Jack
So yeah, we can't. It's just a, it's a a phonetic rule in English that you just.
00:02:45
발표자
Yeah.
00:02:52
Jack
It's much easier if you break it up with the with the consonant. So we say on an egg, an apple. Any glue like that.
00:03:02
Xochitl
Well, thanks.
00:03:03
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:05
Xochitl
Yeah, I think that's pretty much it. It just keep in mind.
00:03:09
Xochitl
If it's going to start with a consonant, make sure that you are using A and then if it's going to start with the vowel, the next following we're just going to start with the vowel. Make sure that you're doing AN on and yeah, that's.
00:03:21
Jack
Right.
00:03:22
Jack
What about? What about a an hour?
00:03:25
Jack
And that's an H.
00:03:26
Xochitl
Uh.
00:03:27
Jack
So we should say our.
00:03:28
Xochitl
Yeah, that's true.
00:03:30
Xochitl
Yeah, but you don't you say an hour. Ha. There are some exceptions to this rule, and I think it comes down to if that consonant is silent and our age is silent. So you're still making two vowel sounds. So you would do an AM hour instead.
00:03:42
발표자
Right.
00:03:49
Jack
What about source? Yeah.
00:03:49
Xochitl
Of an hour.
00:03:52
Xochitl
But see, that's not.
00:03:54
Jack
It's not horse. Yeah, we say on horse.
00:03:56
Xochitl
Yeah, I don't know why is it like that. Jake. Jack.
00:04:01
Jack
My my name is Jack by.
00:04:02
Jack
The way no, no, no, you're you. You are. You're exactly right. It it doesn't. The rule is not. It's not a spelling rule.
00:04:12
Jack
It's a. It's a. It's a phonetic rule. It's a sound rule, so if it sounds like a vowel, we use on and so our is a silent H so we say an hour.
00:04:26
Jack
But horse, we actually pronounce the H sound, so we say a horse.
00:04:31
Jack
So so it's it's doesn't come down to spelling a lot, a lot of teachers teach it as a spelling rule in in school in grammar school, but it's not. And this is where a very strange word that a very strange example emerges here with historic.
00:04:52
Jack
I hear it all the time on the news N historic event.
00:04:58
Jack
And there's no reason to say. And historic if you're saying, if you're pronouncing the H, it would be all historic, not N historic. Have you?
00:05:09
Jack
Heard that before.
00:05:09
Xochitl
Yeah, I I have heard that mistake. A historic. But yeah, it is a historic event. But Jack, I'm confused because when you do.
00:05:20
Xochitl
Oh yeah, that's true.
00:05:22
Xochitl
A horse? A historic event.
00:05:26
Jack
Yeah.
00:05:26
Xochitl
And you wouldn't say umm horse because it's again you're pronouncing the.
00:05:33
Jack
Yeah. When people say unhistoric, they're they're being, they think they're being super smart, but they're actually being too clever that they're actually wrong. It's like, yes, exactly. It's kind of a it's a it's a weird, like academia thing. I've heard it so many times, and it used to drive my.
00:05:33
Xochitl
Ah.
00:05:43
Xochitl
They're overthinking.
00:05:53
Jack
My my teacher in my university crazy.
00:05:57
Jack
When when she would hear that. And so I kind of learned from my teacher. It was like, oh, no, you gotta follow the rules, right? All historic. But if you say historic and you don't say the H, you could say N historic event. But historic is not really a word we use, right. We say historic with an H.
00:06:17
Jack
So a historic event we have stuff.
00:06:22
Xochitl
Crazy. All right, it's nice if you have any more questions for us or any more grammar issues that you would like us to resolve here on the podcast, make sure to leave us a comment down below at A-Z, newspodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and also make sure that you join the WeChat or WhatsApp groups to make sure that you can talk to Jack.
00:06:23
Jack
Yeah.
00:06:43
Xochitl
Directly and join the conversation there. Remember the Jack and I are now doing a special corner. Yeah, English corner. So that's a lot of fun. It's only 80 RMB or 10 USD dollars.
00:06:49
Jack
English corner.
00:07:00
Xochitl
Per month. So for 20 classes you're basically paying $0.50 a class, and it's really great. It's a community where a lot of people are excellent English speakers and we really enjoyed putting it together. It's one hour a day from Monday to Friday, and if you want more information, make sure to message.
00:07:05
Jack
Exactly.
00:07:19
Xochitl
Or Jack directly on the WeChat or WhatsApp groups.
00:07:23
Xochitl
And we'll see you guys next time.
00:07:24
Xochitl
Bye bye bye.
00:07:25
Jack
Bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/grammar-zone-a-historic-or-an-historic/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE10 - 7m - Jun 18, 2024 - Topic Talk | Man or Bear?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl presents Jack with a conundrum:
Would you rather have your daughter or wife encounter a strange bear or a strange man while alone in the woods?
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:49
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have another topic talk for you and social you have kind of a I don't know what you would call like a situation or a conundrum. A conundrum is like a difficult decision or difficult situation.
00:01:09
Jack
So what is your? What is the conundrum?
00:01:12
Xochitl
Jack, this has become really popular in my medicines in the last, maybe even couple of months and it's very popular amongst American medicine. So I'm curious to hear what your answer is. So without any context, let's say that your wife and your daughter are in the woods.
00:01:32
Xochitl
Lost and alone. And they have, you know, no Internet cell service. Whatever to call you or call anyone else.
00:01:39
Xochitl
Would you rather they come across a strange man that no like you? You don't know? They don't know. Nobody knows him or his intentions or anything. Or would you rather they come across a bear?
00:01:50
발표자
Yeah.
00:01:51
Jack
No. OK. So just to for our listeners there, in in, in case you didn't catch that you said social that my my wife and my daughter are in the woods just walking in the woods. They have no cell phone, no way to to contact anybody.
00:02:12
Jack
And the question is, would I rather they come across a bear or a strange man that they don't know?
00:02:21
Xochitl
Yes, correct.
00:02:23
Jack
OK.
00:02:25
Jack
This is, you know, this should be an easy question. I mean, if we lived in like a, like, a a reasonable world, you know, where we, you know. But I feel like I listen to a lot of, like, true crime podcasts. And so I just, I've listened to too much true crime to.
00:02:44
Jack
To to answer this one easily, what kind of bear is it? Is it a grizzly bear?
00:02:50
Xochitl
Don't know. We don't know what kind.
00:02:52
Xochitl
Of bear it is. It's just.
00:02:52
Jack
You don't know what kind of bear it is. It could be a brown bear. It could be a black bear. It could be a a grizzly bear.
00:02:57
Xochitl
Come here. Just sit there. It's just like you don't know what kind of man it is. You.
00:03:03
Xochitl
Also don't know.
00:03:04
Xochitl
What kind?
00:03:04
Xochitl
Of bear it is. Yeah, have.
00:03:06
Xochitl
Some good choice there.
00:03:09
Jack
Do I know the gender of the bear?
00:03:12
Xochitl
Uh, no.
00:03:16
Jack
All right. Because, you know, if it if it were, uh, if it were a female bear, I would be, I would. I would choose the man because, you know, if if the if the if a if a female bear is protecting her Cubs. If her Cubs are in the area. That's a very dangerous situation. So I would.
00:03:36
Jack
I would just hope that the man is not a psychic, a psychotic killer. You know, a psycho.
00:03:44
Jack
Right.
00:03:46
Jack
If the if the bear were male I uh, it's probably gonna just leave them alone, you know? Like it just it it they.
00:03:54
Jack
You know, they don't really necessarily see humans as prey, necessarily, unless they're starving, you know, they'll they'll pretty much just. They might play around with you or whatever, which is terrifying. You know, that could still kill you or injure you. But generally speaking, they'll they'll leave you alone.
00:04:16
Jack
If it's a if it's a male Baron, it's starving. It'll it'll eat you. So that in that case, I mean, there's just too many. I guess there are too many variables when it comes to the bear.
00:04:25
Xochitl
You can't overcomplicate Jack. You don't know because also you could also think you know black bears like 100% of the time, pretty much like 99.9% of the time a black bear will run away if.
00:04:38
Xochitl
It sees a human like it'll just take.
00:04:39
Jack
Right, right. Exactly, exactly. They're they're they're not interested in humans. Really. You know, they might be curious.
00:04:44
Xochitl
They're scared. Blackberries are scared of humans. Actually a little bit like if they see one, I run into them. When I was camping in national parks, I we did like two week backpacking in national.
00:04:53
Xochitl
Like and they they like, run away, cause there's kind of scared of people, black bears, and they're pretty. They're kind of they're a lot smaller than grizzly bears, actually.
00:04:59
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:05:04
Xochitl
They're not that big.
00:05:04
Jack
The problem is just the. The problem is that bears are just too unreliable right now for me to like if my wife and my daughter came across the bear. They're just too you just, you just never know what's going to happen.
00:05:16
Jack
Like it's just.
00:05:16
Xochitl
Well, what about men? So men are are men reliable to you?
00:05:20
Jack
Well, I think a bear is going to do what a bear is going to do, right? Like like they're they weigh 500 lbs. They're going.
00:05:25
Xochitl
OK.
00:05:28
Jack
Them.
00:05:29
Jack
You know, if they decide that they want to, you know, bite you and mess you up, they'll do it. And it's really kind of like, it's very much like a a coin toss.
00:05:42
Jack
Now the man, on the other hand.
00:05:45
Jack
What percentage of of men are are psycho killers?
00:05:52
Jack
I mean like it's it's got to be.
00:05:54
Jack
It's got to be minuscule, right? It's got to be like small, small percentage.
00:05:57
Xochitl
That kind of bad Jack, because I was like, I realize that you're a good guy. And that's like, you don't think of this but like, think about it this way. How many men are psycho killers? Yeah. How many men are actually good people when they come across a woman alone in the woods?
00:06:14
Jack
I've been, I'm going to say still a large a majority.
00:06:19
Jack
A large majority are good, are good people, but there are there is a percentage of of of very bad people that are gonna that are going to be like a crime of we call this we we would call this a crime of opportunity right. It's like they're not necessarily they're not necessarily going to do.
00:06:21
Xochitl
OK, that's all.
00:06:35
Xochitl
Yes.
00:06:39
Jack
Anything in society, but when when society is not looking?
00:06:44
Jack
You know, and they feel like they can, you know, sneak their their hand into the cookie jar and get away with it. How many men, you know, what are they going to do?
00:06:57
Jack
This is this is like the Darkest podcast we've ever done. When I think about it.
00:07:01
Xochitl
Yeah, but I want to ask you something that might make it a little lighthearted and dark. Dark in a way. What would you have answered? How, what would you say if I said, would you rather that your wife and daughter come across a woman in the woods? A strange woman in the.
00:07:07
Jack
Yeah.
00:07:15
Xochitl
Woods or a bear in the woods?
00:07:17
Jack
Ohh woman yeah, 100 zero. Yeah, I wouldn't hesitate in.
00:07:18
Xochitl
Yeah, it's.
00:07:21
Jack
A for a SEC.
00:07:22
Jack
In.
00:07:23
Xochitl
And then like you see how bad it is that like we have to, we we've sat here having quite a long conversation debating whether a man or a bear is a is a worst threat. And when we think about a woman we're like, Oh yeah, that's fine because.
00:07:36
Jack
Yeah, a woman is is not a threat, just like a.
00:07:39
Xochitl
No, but also it just speaks about how poorly men behave in society and how many men are criminals and or just crappy people that.
00:07:50
Jack
Yeah, I mean it is, it is really, uh it it is really.
00:07:55
Jack
It it is, it is bad I-11. I remember a few months ago, my daughter was.
00:08:02
Jack
Coming home and she got harassed by some guy.
00:08:06
Jack
You know, she's 16 years old and yeah, I was. I was. I ran outside. I was like.
00:08:09
발표자
Oh.
00:08:13
Jack
Where? Where is he? I'm going to kill.
00:08:14
Jack
Him, you know.
00:08:16
Xochitl
What?
00:08:17
Jack
But it's just like you know, it's what women have to deal with in society, you know, getting harassed and things like that is kind of related to this question where, you know.
00:08:31
Jack
If if they were to come across a man in the woods.
00:08:35
Jack
It would. That is also terrifying.
00:08:39
Jack
But statistically, I would rather they come across a man than a bear because the bear is just too unreliable. I just don't know what the bear is going to do. I can't. I just can't trust the bear cause of the bear is just going to is going to do what's what's in its nature, you know, which is hunt or whatever, you know, like.
00:08:59
Jack
To attack, defend whatever it feels is necessary at that moment.
00:09:05
Jack
A man if 95% of men are are are decent people, that's a pretty those are pretty good odds, right? That she's not going to come across that other 5% so.
00:09:18
Xochitl
Wow, Jack, you have a really good you. You think 95% of men are decent people? I I'm not the only need a real audience or anything. I just think most men would, even. Most men would probably disagree with you on how many. What percentage of men are good people when a crime of opportunity arises.
00:09:25
Jack
Think so? Yeah.
00:09:38
Xochitl
And so I would have to say I'm closer to this 75 or 65% mark.
00:09:44
Jack
Ohh no, I don't. I that's that's too high. I I don't think I. I really don't think that uh that there that that men are that bad. I just think that like the the the crimes we how can I say it like like it's like it's over amplified in some ways like.
00:10:00
Jack
True crime like because it's, you know, you only hear about the the bad stories.
00:10:04
발표자
Like I think because.
00:10:06
Xochitl
You're a man that you feel this way.
00:10:08
Xochitl
Jack.
00:10:08
Jack
Do you think so?
00:10:08
Xochitl
I'm not trying to, you know. Yeah, you're you're biased because you haven't experienced everything that a woman experiences. Your daughter is only 16, and she's already been harassed on the street by a man.
00:10:10
Jack
Gender bias?
00:10:20
Jack
Yeah, yeah.
00:10:22
Xochitl
Think about that. That's kind of what women grow up with. I think the first time I was harassed by a man, I was nine years old.
00:10:28
발표자
Ah.
00:10:29
Jack
Yeah, that's awful. That's really. That's disgusting. And I mean, it's disgusting behavior. I guess he, I mean, you. I could be totally wrong here. You could be. You could be more on on on point than you know. 7525I I was. I guess I'm just I I 5% seemed like a high number to me.
00:10:29
Xochitl
So.
00:10:32
Xochitl
Yes, I have.
00:10:35
발표자
And.
00:10:49
Jack
Even then, you know like cause that's a lot of people. That's a lot of people, you know, that's like in the United States that would be 15,000,000 people, you know.
00:10:51
Xochitl
So funny.
00:10:55
Xochitl
Add.
00:10:59
Xochitl
You must surround yourself with really nice guys. Like really great.
00:11:04
Jack
Yeah, I guess I just, my my, my, my friends and and you know colleagues that I work with are just just very decent people I guess I.
00:11:05
Xochitl
Other men that are really great.
00:11:14
Jack
I don't.
00:11:15
Xochitl
Like I don't know and.
00:11:17
Xochitl
There's probably a part of it is also cultural.
00:11:21
Xochitl
But it I'll tell you netizens in the US, even though the US is, is to me a fairly safe country for women compared to Mexico and even compared to Korea in some contexts because, well, I did. Well, I did feel safe walking around Korea late at night to the convenience store or whatever.
00:11:41
Xochitl
Situations you see horrible things come out in the news about women in clubs in Korea and all sorts of horrible trafficking rings and terrible, you know, things that happen.
00:11:52
Jack
MHM.
00:11:52
Xochitl
So the US is a fairly safe.
00:11:55
Xochitl
Country for women, I think in my opinion.
00:11:59
Xochitl
Compared to where am right now.
00:11:59
Jack
Oh yeah, and I'm I was. I was thinking you might say, actually, I was just. I was kind of being like, UM, you know, but I but I. But I I I I think that like, you know, for the most part like.
00:12:12
Xochitl
I think it's like even though regardless of of the fact that that the USA is a safe country for women, most women medicines are choosing to be.
00:12:12
Jack
You can.
00:12:24
발표자
Here.
00:12:25
Jack
Really, they're going with the bear because the bear might just turn, cause they're thinking the bear is going to turn around and run away, and then they're they're then they're, it's done it. They're free. But the man is like you gotta, you gotta deal with this like.
00:12:27
Xochitl
And I have.
00:12:38
Jack
If he's a good guy, OK, fine. He'll help you get out of the woods. But you know, if he's crazy, you know, sick or deranged to man a sick, deranged man. Yeah, I would much rather have the bear. You.
00:12:56
Jack
Yeah, that's tough. It's a tough one. I'm still. I'm still gonna go with the man over the bear. I still think that the bear there are just too many variables with the bear. I just can't. I just can't trust the bear. And and and.
00:12:56
Xochitl
Right.
00:13:09
Xochitl
I'm gonna go with there. Sorry, go ahead.
00:13:11
Jack
No, no, no. You're going to go. You. So you, you're going to go with the banner.
00:13:14
발표자
I'd better go with.
00:13:15
Xochitl
The better than the man because I've I've grown up as a woman and I've experienced too many things throughout my life to trust random man in the world.
00:13:28
Xochitl
And I have encountered random beads in the wood.
00:13:32
Xochitl
Umm, when I was camping and backpacking. I have that experience and bears especially black bears, usually run away and grizzly bears are not as vicious as a lot of people think they are. If they're not, like really in attack mode, they kind of just chill all the time like they're starving and like they might eat.
00:13:52
Xochitl
You.
00:13:52
Jack
Yeah, they will. Yeah, yeah.
00:13:54
Xochitl
Well, what they can do is like, maim or eat you. I know it.
00:13:57
Xochitl
Sounds terrible like.
00:13:58
Jack
Our grizzly will mess you up, though that there those are terrifying. They're they're they're big, they're changing.
00:14:04
Xochitl
Yeah, if it attacks you. Yeah, it will mess you up. But you know, there's that whole documentary, Grizzly man, where he lived in most grizzly bears for like, 20 years before he was eaten by 1.
00:14:13
Jack
Yeah, but it's it's a bear.
00:14:16
Jack
I mean.
00:14:16
Xochitl
Yeah, like it's a man, just.
00:14:19
Jack
He's what if he's just, he's probably just.
00:14:20
Jack
Probably just a hunter. You know, he's probably out hunting. Just it's a nice guy, you know, trying to trying to shoot some shoot a deer.
00:14:26
Xochitl
A company I don't know if I've ever met a nice guy that like hunted animals. I mean, except for people who traditionally do like indigenous peoples. But, you know, I don't know most people who have hunting as like a hobby are kind of weird, too. It's like, I don't know, I I just wouldn't trust him, man. I just. I just don't know why there's too many variables.
00:14:46
Xochitl
The man. And so I would rather I would rather be maimed and killed by a bear.
00:14:51
Xochitl
Then if it came down to it, then like tortured and killed by a.
00:14:56
Xochitl
Man, I know it's so dark.
00:14:58
Jack
The more I think about this your answer, the more insane I think it is though, like a bear versus a man like a human.
00:15:07
Jack
I I don't know. I mean I I get, I get why you why? Why the medicines and why you you. Why you guys think like the bear is better.
00:15:08
발표자
Sing.
00:15:16
발표자
Here.
00:15:17
Jack
But I just think statistically.
00:15:20
Jack
The man would be a much safer bet.
00:15:24
Xochitl
Statistically, more than run away from you when they when they encounter you, like most of the time you're going.
00:15:30
Xochitl
To encounter a black bear.
00:15:32
Xochitl
And it's going to run.
00:15:34
Xochitl
Uh.
00:15:36
Jack
Like what percentage of the time do you think a bear would actually attack you though?
00:15:41
Jack
Do you think it's the same? Do you think it's like less than 5%?
00:15:41
Xochitl
That's right.
00:15:45
Xochitl
But I don't think that's less than 5% for men. Jack, I don't think that at all. I'm pretty.
00:15:50
Jack
Sure, it can't be more than 5% of men and that you're talking about like hundreds of millions of people, I mean.
00:15:53
Xochitl
I'm gonna look, let's look up statistics. I I'm gonna look up statistics on this. I'm gonna look up statistics and.
00:16:04
Xochitl
So one in.
00:16:05
Xochitl
Three women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
00:16:09
Jack
Hmm.
00:16:11
Xochitl
And.
00:16:13
Xochitl
Let's see.
00:16:14
Jack
Yeah, that that tracks. I would. I would believe that.
00:16:20
Jack
But that's domestic violence a little different than in the woods, I think.
00:16:21
Xochitl
And.
00:16:24
Xochitl
It says I came across one statistically demonstrated that roughly 1/3 of women experience assault of some kind.
00:16:32
Xochitl
It's kind of a lack of reliable data here.
00:16:35
Jack
Yeah, I don't think it's hard to hard to gauge because what what you're talking about in the woods, this is like a full on like a felony level like, you know, crime like, like the worst crime you can do, you know? So I don't know that this is there's no way for us to.
00:16:48
Xochitl
Right.
00:16:53
Jack
To to really resolve it. I guess it's just kind of our feelings, you know?
00:16:54
Xochitl
Let's say 20.
00:16:57
Jack
Like I still.
00:16:57
발표자
So.
00:16:58
Xochitl
I'm going to come back next week with stats because I want because I I want, I'm going to come back next to the stats cause I feel like you have your blinders on your man and I want to dismantle it. So I yeah, I'm gonna also, I want you to talk to your wife. I want you to ask your wife just if you think she'd be down to answer.
00:17:10
Jack
I got to get my my main blinders off.
00:17:19
Jack
Yeah, yeah, sure, I'll. I'll ask her. I'll. I'll tell you what she says next week, for sure.
00:17:25
Xochitl
She's telling me like, why?
00:17:25
Xochitl
You're asking me this question.
00:17:27
Jack
Maybe that's a?
00:17:27
Jack
Weird. You know, I need to murder me. Yes.
00:17:29
Xochitl
Very, very good. Yeah. So I.
00:17:33
Xochitl
Have I been married to a serial serial killer? All.
00:17:35
Xochitl
These years.
00:17:35
Jack
Right, right.
00:17:37
Xochitl
Yeah, but you know, it is a weird question, but I think one thing that should give us pause is just thinking about how quickly would be to answer that if it were, if it were a woman in the world who would just automatically.
00:17:49
Xochitl
Who's a woman and what man we do? We do think, you know we're sitting here and thinking about it.
00:17:50
Jack
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:17:54
Jack
No, I think you I think you made you made the point and I think the point is very clear that there's a, there's a distinction.
00:18:02
Jack
And why is there there should not be one?
00:18:05
Jack
And it's it. It's sad. It's a sad commentary on our.
00:18:12
Jack
Society or our world or whatever, that, that, that I couldn't answer that one as fast as the.
00:18:19
Jack
You know that we that the answer is, you know when it's a woman, it's so quick to say the woman, but when it's a man, I'm hesitating, you know, right there it's it's already the point is already made. You know so.
00:18:33
Xochitl
Right.
00:18:34
Xochitl
Yeah. All right. Well, listeners, this was was a bit of a dark episode, but an interesting episode nonetheless. Yeah. So I'm curious to know what your answers are. Please leave us a comment at easing with podcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and please join the WeChat and WhatsApp groups to join the conversation. I'm really, really curious.
00:18:54
Xochitl
See what the women think.
00:18:57
Xochitl
And yeah, I I gotta know. I gotta know, guys. So let let me know what you think and and we chat on subgroups and yeah. Also Jack and I have started an English corner and we do this Monday to today and it's really fun. We have a lot of fluent English speakers in there and we have a lot of people.
00:19:16
Xochitl
That you get a lot of speaking time to get to practice your English and better your English with your other whole learners classmates almost on the.
00:19:24
Xochitl
Just and I think that it's really interesting. We have discussion questions and I've had a really good time doing it so far and it's 10 USD a month, which is about 20 or sorry $0.50 a uh, a class is being 20 classes total. So yeah, I hope that you guys can join us for that. And if you're so interested, make sure to.
00:19:46
Xochitl
Send us a message and we'll get back to you on how you can join and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.
00:19:52
Jack
bye
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/elementor-4125/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE36 - 20m - Jun 16, 2024 - Vocabulary Spotlight | 3 Confusing Words
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl shares 3 confusing words with the listeners. She and Jack explain the meanings of the words and how to use them in sentences.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:50
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we're going to share. Well, we're going to do a we're under the vocabulary spotlight and we are going to share some words that we came across during our English corner classes that students kind of struggle with. And so so.
00:01:11
Jack
Was the first one that you you had that you came up with?
00:01:15
Xochitl
The first one I noticed students struggled a little bit with was workload, the pronunciation, workload and then on top of that, what it meant workload is just. It's a compound word. It has the word work in it and the word load in it, and you put it together.
00:01:19
발표자
Hmm.
00:01:36
Xochitl
With no spaces and its workload, so workload just means the amount of work that each person is.
00:01:44
Xochitl
Uh.
00:01:45
Jack
Each.
00:01:45
Xochitl
Person's share of work so that can be at your house like domestic tasks like chores or that can also be at your job. You know, between your colleagues you may have a heavier workload if you have a higher position in the company. So that's kind of what workload refers to.
00:02:08
Jack
Yeah, exactly. It's, it's it's a lot of times you hear it with the word share shared workload.
00:02:15
Jack
You know, so you have, you have this like?
00:02:18
Jack
The certain amount of work that you have to do at your office and then they divide it among the employees. You're gonna do this much? You're gonna do this much? You're gonna do this much? You're gonna do this much, and each piece is your workload.
00:02:33
Jack
And and then you basically just start working away, chipping away at it, you know, trying to to decrease it down to 0.
00:02:42
Jack
And of course, in the company or corporation it never gets down to 0 because there's always more work. You know you there's another workload piled on top of your old workload. And so you know, it's kind of a never ending, you know, thing but.
00:03:02
Jack
Yeah, I mean, I just think that like, yeah, certain even within this podcast social and I divide certain parts of the workload, she's spends a lot of time talking to students on the app.
00:03:13
Jack
App communicating with them, recording I my workload is. Yeah, I do like the editing and and and some of the you know adding like little music pieces or whatever to it which actually I enjoy. So it's kind of like my my workload is kind of the fun part and I get the the editing part of it.
00:03:19
Xochitl
Can I have an idea?
00:03:34
Jack
But yeah, it's a it's a shared workload and and you know when you do that, when you share the workload, it makes it a lot easier to finish a project more quickly.
00:03:47
발표자
So.
00:03:50
Xochitl
The second one that I saw some students struggle with was the meaning of emotional labor. When I say emotional labor, what does that mean to you, Jack?
00:03:59
Jack
This one I've actually I'm not too familiar with this term. This seems like uh, maybe something that is a newer.
00:04:07
Xochitl
Kind of a new age term.
00:04:09
Jack
Yeah, just like a Gen. Z kind of thing like.
00:04:12
발표자
Yes.
00:04:15
Jack
Most workload is, that is that does that mean like managing your relationships with other people and and trying to keep those you know keep up with like replying to people on social media and emails and that kind of stuff is that, am I right about is?
00:04:15
발표자
Well, let's yeah.
00:04:33
Jack
That what an emotional workload is.
00:04:35
Xochitl
Yeah, it has a.
00:04:36
Xochitl
Couple of different meanings. So some people said, uh, emotional labor, can you know it can be part of your job, like if you're working in customer service, you know, regulating your emotions and kind of managing customer emotions as well.
00:04:52
Xochitl
But I think a lot more commonly in this new age, we use it when we're talking about women's workload in the home, which a lot of it is invisible labor, which means labor that you cannot necessarily see and appreciate. For example, if you have a stack of.
00:05:12
Xochitl
Dishes and they're all gone, you know, because your mom did them. You can see that. That's another type of Labor. But that's a domestic labor, but.
00:05:23
Xochitl
When the kid comes flying home from school and maybe they got depressed because their friends bullied them and their mom is checking in on their kid day after day for the week and cheering them up and maybe your husband came home from a stressful job and then you have to see the in laws and you have to pick a a gift.
00:05:43
Xochitl
For your mother-in-law, it's a lot of these things that kind of fall under an invisible guys that you can't see the person.
00:05:53
Xochitl
Doing these tasks in the same way, perhaps because they don't have a clean cut result, but overall you're doing a lot of Labor emotionally, kind of like what a a therapist would do, maybe. Or a psychologist would do. So you're you're kind of doing unpaid.
00:06:13
Xochitl
Emotional labor. You're like a, uh, unpaid therapist for your family.
00:06:17
Jack
Right, right. It's like it's not quantitative, but it's qualitative in nature.
00:06:27
발표자
Hmm.
00:06:28
Jack
It's like, uh, yeah, it's it. It's emotionally draining. But you don't really get any credit for it. You know, you do the dishes, you get like, a, you get a little little star sticker, you know, like, good job. You did the you did the dishes, you know, check that off the list. But.
00:06:48
Jack
And.
00:06:49
Jack
Johnny has a skin knee and he, you know, he's scared of skateboards now you know. So you've got to console him for 1/2 an hour. You don't. There's no. There's no sticker for that. You know, there's, there's, that's just.
00:07:07
Jack
I mean, I guess in in the traditional sense they would just say, well, that's parenting. So just, you know, suck it up and and do it you know.
00:07:16
Jack
But it often falls on the the mother's shoulders. You know, she's the one that has to take do the the, the nurturing and the the caring for the child with the skin and the knee and the father kind of gets a pass as he, you know, marches off to his.
00:07:36
Jack
The computer room.
00:07:36
Xochitl
Drink beer and watch TV or something.
00:07:38
Jack
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You didn't ask your mom. Mom will deal with it, you know? Yeah. So emotional labor. I I like it. I dig it. Yeah, I'm. I'm. I think we should be more careful to to consider that, you know.
00:07:43
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:07:54
Xochitl
Yeah, I recognize it. Another thing I noticed that students were struggling with the vocabulary word to describe certain words. Certain chores. Sorry. And they they were missing one and I didn't want to interrupt, but I thought it would be be a good time to introduce the vocabulary word.
00:08:15
Xochitl
Tedious Jack. What does tedious mean when attempts is tedious?
00:08:16
Jack
Hmm.
00:08:18
Jack
Yeah, if something is. If a task or a chore is tedious it it's just it's very.
00:08:25
Jack
Well, I'm going to use another big word to describe a big word. Monotonous and monotonous, means it's very repetitive. It's just like it's something that you do that is, it's not difficult, but it's. But it's time consuming and it's very annoying.
00:08:45
Jack
You know, I'm trying to think of like.
00:08:49
Jack
You know, a lot of a lot of construction work is very tedious. You know, when you're building a a wall like a like a brick wall, you have to just one brick at a time, you know, and it take, you know, it takes a long time to finish that wall. And so it's very just doing the same thing over and over.
00:09:08
Jack
And over and over again 100 * 1000 * 10,000 times. That is very tedious, tedious work.
00:09:18
Jack
Work.
00:09:19
Xochitl
One of our students was talking about how she has a cat and she doesn't like to put her clothing directly into the washer because she's worried that the cat hair will damage her clogged her washer so she takes clothing item by clothing item and puts.
00:09:32
Xochitl
A lint roller.
00:09:33
Xochitl
Over it and gets rid of the cat hair that way. And so she said.
00:09:39
Xochitl
Doing laundry is incredibly tedious task for her.
00:09:43
Xochitl
I was more.
00:09:43
Xochitl
So impressed that anyone would even think to do that, I just toss it in the washer. I I kind of shake things out. Like if I have some my sheets or whatever, I I just shake them out outside and then throw them in the washer.
00:09:50
Jack
Yeah.
00:09:57
Jack
I've got those double stick tape rollers and I roll my clothes too before.
00:10:02
Jack
To get all the dog.
00:10:02
Xochitl
Hair off of him before you put him.
00:10:04
Xochitl
In the washer.
00:10:05
Jack
Yeah, yeah, just just run it up and down my shirt just to get. Yeah, yeah.
00:10:08
Xochitl
Wild. I never. I didn't know this was a thing at all. Blenda doesn't shed hardly at all, so I don't even have this issue. He really doesn't shed. I can be wearing all black and and hug him and he'll sit on my lap and pet him. And. And there's like, no hair on me when I'm.
00:10:16
Jack
Yeah.
00:10:27
Jack
OK. Yeah. Lily is my dog. Sheds a little bit. Not that much, but yeah, just every once in a while I'll take the roller just, you know, go over my my clothes not. Not every time. I'm not like like what she does. You're your student. But I do. We do have those, those rollers, those double stick tape rollers that that are really nice for just getting lint and stuff.
00:10:41
발표자
Hmm.
00:10:48
Jack
Off of your your clothes.
00:10:50
Xochitl
But do you do it before you put it in the washer or do you?
00:10:53
Xochitl
Just do it like.
00:10:53
Jack
Only if I only.
00:10:54
Jack
If I like shave my dog or something, you know, if I give my dog a haircut or something like that, yeah. Then I have to.
00:10:56
Xochitl
Oh yeah.
00:10:59
발표자
Yeah.
00:11:00
Xochitl
I would just shake it, shake it out like that and I don't know, does it. Maybe it sticks to your clothes anyway, I I've.
00:11:07
Xochitl
Never even thought.
00:11:08
Xochitl
About doing this, so that's new cleanliness tips for our listeners I guess out there.
00:11:12
Jack
You have double stick tape rollers. Really good.
00:11:15
Xochitl
Yeah, let us know is that something that you do at home or do you have any other tedious tasks that you often do? Let us know if there's any other vocabulary words that you would like us to cover. If there is a word that you're grasping of or trying to think of to describe as.
00:11:32
Xochitl
Situation. Let us know as well and umm, we'll try our best to come up with some vocabulary words that we can showcase to describe that. So leave a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and join the channel subgroup to talk to Jack and I directly remember that Jack and I are now hosting an English corner.
00:11:54
Xochitl
Monday through Friday for an hour a day and we have a lot of really great students. It's super fun. So if you would like to be a part of that, if you're interested in that at all, make sure to message Jack privately on WeChat or the A-Z English podcast WhatsApp, and we'll make sure to send you a link. See you guys next.
00:12:12
Xochitl
Time. Bye bye.
00:12:13
Jack
bye
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-3-confusing-words/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE25 - 12m - Jun 14, 2024 - Am I the Jerk? | Too Rich for My Blood
Too rich for my blood: The phrase "too rich for my blood" is an idiomatic expression meaning that something is too expensive or beyond one's financial reach. It conveys the idea that the cost or price of something is more than what the speaker is willing or able to pay. This phrase is often used in social or economic contexts to indicate that a particular item, activity, or lifestyle is financially out of reach for the person using the expression.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:50
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are going to do an MI, the jerk episode and here's the situation.
00:01:00
Jack
Uh, social you and a group of your friends have a tradition of going out for dinner every Friday night. Everyone in your group has generally similar financial situations, and you typically all choose moderately priced restaurants. One Friday, you suggest a new upscale restaurant that just opened in town. The menu.
00:01:20
Jack
Is significantly more expensive than your usual spot.
00:01:24
Jack
Two of your friends expressed concerns about the cost, saying they can't afford to spend that much on dinner.
00:01:31
Jack
You respond by saying, come on, it's just one night you can skip it. If you can't afford it. This statement causes tension and the group ends up splitting with some going to the upscale restaurant and others opting out entirely. Question, are you the jerk for suggesting the expensive restaurant and making the comment?
00:01:52
Jack
About affordability.
00:01:54
Jack
Hmm.
00:01:56
Xochitl
No, I don't think so. I think if I couldn't afford something and my friends would going to do it, I would be like.
00:02:03
Xochitl
You know to have fun. Uh, tell me what it tell me. If it's good, I'll save up and maybe next time we can all go together.
00:02:11
Xochitl
Because, you know, sometimes people are at different points and yeah, you have. Uh, you may make the same income, but you might have different responsibilities or people might be starting different projects or have different things they need to take care of, like student loans, rent. You know, you can make the same amount of money and have vastly different expenses.
00:02:31
Xochitl
Also prioritize.
00:02:32
Xochitl
Guys. Uh, what? You spend your money on very differently. So someone might say, you know, I don't like spending a lot of money on dinner. I'd rather spend it on a hobby or, you know, I I'm saving up for a trip. Coming up in a couple of months or something, you know? So I wouldn't be upset.
00:02:53
Xochitl
You know you can skip it if you if you can't afford it. I wouldn't take that.
00:02:58
Xochitl
As a comment, you know calling me broke or trying to, like, hurt my feelings. I would just think, yeah, you know, I I can't afford it. Or maybe it's not my priority to spend my money there. I might respond that I might be like, well, I can sort it, but I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. But, you know, you guys have fun and enjoy it and tell me if it's any good.
00:03:19
Xochitl
And then maybe we can go together next time. So yeah, I don't think this person is a jerk. Maybe they could have.
00:03:26
Xochitl
Uh, avoided that comment just because it could hurt a few people's it it could potentially hurt someones feelings, especially if they're already sensitive about maybe they have other expenses and they're stressed because they don't get to go, but I don't think it it was. It will. And so I wouldn't hold it against them. So I I don't think.
00:03:45
Xochitl
They're the jerk.
00:03:46
Xochitl
How about you, Jack?
00:03:48
Jack
UM, yeah, I I'm thinking the the the most like jerky point of the of of the part of the of the uh situation is when he says come on, it's just one night. You know, it's like what is, what does that have to do with anything like it's still money like though.
00:04:08
Jack
You know, it could be one night, five nights. Whatever. It doesn't matter.
00:04:15
Jack
And UM. But the second part of his comment where he says you can skip it if you can't afford it. I think that's that's OK, you know, like, I I don't think like everyone has to be. It's it's really like it's an odd situation when you get older, when you go from your 20s to your 30s.
00:04:35
Jack
You know, sometimes some of your friends are like graduating from medical school or get becoming lawyers or something, and they're moving into this, like, higher.
00:04:44
Jack
Their income bracket and all of a sudden the things that they like to do are not exactly the same as the things you like to do, like a barbecue in the backyard. They like that, but they also might like going to the fancy new restaurant in town that cost, you know, 2 or $300.
00:05:04
Jack
For a.
00:05:04
Jack
Here and you're you're just like 2 or $300.00 for a dinner that that pays for my child's braces, you know, or something like that, you know, you know, like, I'm not gonna. I'm not gonna throw $300.00 away for, you know, cold Robbie or something, you know, like, I'm not going to do that. So.
00:05:26
Jack
I I I, but I think your your answer is the best answer is that gracefully decline.
00:05:36
발표자
And.
00:05:36
Jack
Don't make. Don't stop your feet and go like it's not fair. You know, like, you know what lifes? Not fair. You know what I mean? They have a right to go to the fancy restaurant if they want to. And you have a whole. You have a total right not to go and. But if you if you, if you make a big point out of like you know only everybody should only go to places that all of us can afford.
00:06:00
Jack
I don't think that's a fair request. I think you can just say like opt.
00:06:04
Jack
Out.
00:06:04
Jack
Say hey, tonight you guys, I'm just gonna hang at home, but I hope you have a good time and I'll catch up with you next week when we go to, you know, Burger King and watch a movie. You know, whatever.
00:06:19
Jack
What's wrong with that? I I don't know why you have to be, you know, hurt feelings over over over, uh, over that, you know?
00:06:27
Xochitl
I think potentially if it started migrating to the point where the group was.
00:06:33
Xochitl
Spending more on outings and you you couldn't really afford to see your friends at all anymore, then that would be a good time to bring it up and say, hey guys, you know.
00:06:41
Xochitl
I'm kind of.
00:06:42
Xochitl
Getting priced out of our get togethers and I was wondering if at least a couple of times you know every other time. Maybe we can go to a more affordable place.
00:06:53
Xochitl
Umm.
00:06:54
Xochitl
And you know, if your friends care about you and want you there, I'm sure that they won't be willing to meet. I'm sure they'll be willing to meet you in the middle at some point.
00:07:04
Jack
Yes, I think that's that's a really fair point. I think it you know you you can say like hey at least like couple times a month, can we go to a place that's like affordable that everybody likes.
00:07:14
Jack
You know, and then I can participate as well because, you know, I'm friends with you guys, but you know, you earn a lot more money than I do. And I think that in in that case, a lot of times they don't even think like that. You know, some most people think like, oh, if I have this much money, everybody has this much money, you know, you just you you're not you, you're not thinking.
00:07:35
Jack
Clearly about like what other people are might be earning.
00:07:40
Jack
You know, maybe your friend works for like an NGO or something like that, you know? And so they're, they're their income. They're they're doing something that they love giving back to the community, but they're not getting paid, you know, high salary as opposed to, like a lawyer or a Doctor Who's making a lot of money. It's it's totally fair.
00:07:59
Jack
Just say to them, hey, can we?
00:08:02
Jack
Can we go to, you know, the the the burger joints or the the pizza place? You know once in a while like the old days and they probably be happy. They probably love it you know like unless they're, you know, really stuck up people they they probably would enjoy going you know back to their roots and doing doing some of the stuff that you guys did when you were in college or.
00:08:25
Jack
When you were in your 20s.
00:08:27
Jack
So.
00:08:29
Jack
Yeah, I think your advice is is excellent. Yeah. And yeah, I would guess we're, you know, we're we're curious what.
00:08:39
Jack
What you guys think? Social. Do you want to take us out here with the?
00:08:44
Xochitl
Alright guys. Uh, let us know what you think. Is this person the jerk? Are they not the jerk? What would you do in their situation? Make sure to leave us a comment down below at it as being this podcast@gmail.com or sorry. Leave us a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and join the WeChat.
00:09:03
Xochitl
And WhatsApp group to join our conversation and we, Jack and I are now hosting a.
00:09:11
Xochitl
Zoom Class English corner an English corner Monday through Friday for an hour a day. And if you're interested in joining, make sure to check through the WeChat or the WhatsApp group for the link and we'll see you guys next time.
00:09:11
Jack
An English corner, yeah, yeah.
00:09:26
Xochitl
Bye bye bye bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/am-i-the-jerk/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE35 - 9m - Jun 12, 2024 - Topic Talk | The Tuna Fish Sandwich Debate
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl explains the tuna fish sandwich debate question to Jack. Then, Jack offers his opinion on the situation.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A to Z Listeners this is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:50
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a topic talk, I believe, and this is the tuna fish sandwich debate and social. I have no idea what this means. Please enlighten me.
00:01:08
Xochitl
Jack, I came across this and it it's kind of popular amongst American medicines in the in the group that I found. So a girl was commenting about how.
00:01:21
Xochitl
She gave her.
00:01:23
Xochitl
Money to go buy and cheese sandwich with all the fixings, which for others who don't know means, you know, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, whatever. And she very specifically said she wanted that ham and cheese sandwich. So he went to subway, she gave him money for both of their sandwich.
00:01:37
발표자 3
Mm-hmm.
00:01:44
Xochitl
And I believe she wasn't feeling well or or something. So anyway, he went alone. So he went and bought a sandwich and he bought himself something different. And then he bought her a tuna fish salad sandwich, which he also likes. But he knows she doesn't like tuna.
00:02:05
Xochitl
And she doesn't really eat tuna, but he likes tuna, and he brought her the sandwich and told her that he brought her the tuna fish sandwich because he just wanted her to try his favorite sandwich, even though he got himself something different as well. So the commenters were divided on whether she should be grateful.
00:02:25
Xochitl
And she was actually saying she was grateful anyway, but that it kind of annoyed her. But she ended up feeling grateful that he went and got sandwiches, or if she should be upset.
00:02:36
Xochitl
That he got her something she didn't ask for with her money, that he liked, that he knew that she wouldn't really like. So what do you think, Jack?
00:02:45
Jack
Yeah, this one is. This is very uhm, here's an expression SUS like suspect, you know? Yeah, this is suck.
00:02:53
Xochitl
But yes, that's like me. So it's like weird or kind of suspicious. That's what it stands for. Suspicious.
00:02:56
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:00
Jack
Suspicious. Exactly.
00:03:03
Jack
This reminds me of an episode of The Simpsons where Homer.
00:03:09
Jack
Buys Marge a bowling ball for her birthday that is exactly like sized for his hand and his fingers. So basically he buys her a present that she will never use and doesn't wants and that.
00:03:29
Jack
He wants and that he will use.
00:03:31
Jack
And she is supposed to be grateful for that. And and this is like, this is just pure manipulation, you know, like, this is just this guy wants to eat all of the sandwiches and he's got his sandwich that he bought for himself.
00:03:43
Xochitl
Right.
00:03:53
Jack
And then he knows that she's not going to eat the tuna sandwich because she doesn't like tuna.
00:03:59
Jack
And he's trying to frame it as like I'm it's like.
00:04:04
Jack
It's it's like the it's, it's just it's like.
00:04:06
Jack
Kind of like a.
00:04:07
Jack
Gaslighting, almost like like I'm I'm giving you the exact opposite of what you want and and make and and you're and forcing you to say thank you for.
00:04:09
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:04:18
Jack
For me doing it's, it's just like it's, it's awful. I mean it's it's in the grand scheme of things. It's not a big deal. It's just a sandwich. But I would be, you know, greatly annoyed. And I know my wife would be really annoyed if she told me I want this sandwich and then I showed up with a totally different sandwich.
00:04:18
Xochitl
Great.
00:04:38
Jack
Which containing an ingredient that I know she doesn't like and then saying, oh, but this is my favorite sandwich. You gotta try it. It's like. Well, then, why don't you buy that your favorite sandwich for yourself and give her some of yours and buy her the sandwich that she wants?
00:04:56
Jack
Like, that's what an adult would do. This is what a child would do is what this guy did. So she's married, she's not married, or she's dating a a child. Not a, not a man, you know.
00:04:57
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:05:07
Xochitl
Yeah, OK, good. We're on the same side of this debate. A lot of men in the comments were saying.
00:05:13
Xochitl
Because he went and got the sandwiches, but also what he changed to you. If he if he was buying it with his own money.
00:05:23
Jack
No, it wouldn't. It wouldn't change because like again, like she, she specifically asked for a a sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich.
00:05:33
Jack
And you're showing up with a tuna sandwich.
00:05:36
Jack
It's like.
00:05:39
Jack
You know, kind of like, uh, if I asked you to buy me an Americano and you show up with a macchiato or something, it's like, oh, no, I didn't want the, you know, extra 300 calories of sugar or whatever. I just wanted a, a plain Americano.
00:05:56
Jack
UM, it it's just, it's just it's kind of like I I guess the the sandwich is irrelevant. It's more of like, are you listening to your partner, are you, you know, are you paying attention and and are you do you understand their wants and needs and design?
00:06:12
Jack
Years. And are you putting those desires above your own desires to have basically two sandwiches and she has none. You know, that's the that's the the manipulation here. It's like it's like a scheme. I'm gonna. I'm gonna find a way to eat my sandwich and your sandwich and you're gonna like it.
00:06:27
Xochitl
Right.
00:06:34
Jack
You know, like you're gonna say thank you. It's it's like it's it's twisted. It's it's, it's diabolical, you know.
00:06:35
Xochitl
Right.
00:06:41
Xochitl
I know. And the crazy thing to me is that I I bet he had his wallet on him and he could have just bought himself an extra tuna sandwich with his.
00:06:48
Xochitl
Money and gotten her what she wanted, but he was like, Nah, I'm gonna use her own money, especially if like to get myself something I want. But I agree with you. I don't think it would have changed regardless. Like, it's like if someone asks you cause especially when you're in the long term partnership and especially if you get married and stuff, usually it becomes both of your money.
00:07:09
Xochitl
Right. So it doesn't really matter. It's just.
00:07:13
Xochitl
It comes down to are you listening to the person do.
00:07:15
Xochitl
You care about what they want.
00:07:17
Xochitl
Or are you a selfish?
00:07:19
Xochitl
You know.
00:07:21
Xochitl
Jerk.
00:07:21
Jack
B hole. Yeah, exactly. Why. Why can't you? Why can't you buy your girlfriend a a sandwich when she's not feeling well? It's like, come on, dude. You're collecting money from your girlfriend. I mean that. That really tells everything that says everything that needs that, that I need to know right there.
00:07:26
Xochitl
Yeah, yeah.
00:07:35
Xochitl
Then.
00:07:42
Jack
Is that the guys took the money from her and not only that, but he's going to buy himself a sandwich with her money. It's like.
00:07:53
Jack
Sorry, sorry, lady, but you, you this guy is not a keeper, you know. Throw this one back because there's plenty of fish in the sea. Yeah.
00:07:59
발표자
No.
00:08:00
Xochitl
And.
00:08:04
Xochitl
Yeah, it's funny because he actually said, oh, yeah, he was sweet to get me food. So like, he gets a pass. I was like.
00:08:11
Jack
Well, how? How many miles did he walk to?
00:08:13
Jack
Get the sandwich.
00:08:13
Xochitl
What I'm in that situation is make the person go either one.
00:08:18
Jack
Yeah. I mean, if he drove, then I can.
00:08:20
Xochitl
Times that I wanted or you're giving that money back. Pay for sandwich that I don't want.
00:08:26
Jack
Yeah.
00:08:27
Jack
No, I'm. I'm. I'm. I'm on team. I'm I'm. I think she should have. She should have been annoyed with him. I don't know how angry you can get over a sandwich. I don't think you should start World War three. You know, in the relationship. But it's just like another little. It's it's like another little little like sign that this guy's.
00:08:29
Xochitl
Yeah, you're driving back.
00:08:44
발표자 3
Hey.
00:08:47
Jack
The total loser, you know? That's, that's what I've that's the way I interpret.
00:08:52
Jack
And I'm sure there's probably a million other ways that he's of kind of a loser in that relationship as well, so.
00:09:00
Xochitl
I'm curious to know what you would have done if you had been on the receiving end of getting a sandwich you didn't want. Like would, would you make the person go back? Would you ask for your money back or would or would you call them out? Or?
00:09:12
Xochitl
Would you?
00:09:14
Xochitl
What we say thank you and in your mind.
00:09:17
Jack
That's that's an interesting point.
00:09:20
Xochitl
Loser. I gotta cut him loose.
00:09:22
Jack
When it comes to me, there is no sandwich. Then I don't like. So you know, I'll eat anything at any time.
00:09:31
Jack
You know, it could be a horse meat, you know, sandwich. I'll probably eat it, you know? And uh, I wouldn't say anything. I'll, I'll.
00:09:41
Jack
Yeah, it it it. It's not it. It doesn't. Uh, the situation doesn't fit well with me because there's nothing on the subway menu that I wouldn't eat. Maybe if I got a vegetarian sandwich should be like a little disappointed, but still eat it. You know, I wouldn't complain, you know?
00:09:59
Jack
But in this case.
00:10:02
Jack
I think she should be slightly annoyed because he's trying to be manipulative, you know, and it's it's it's obvious and he's trying to get her to.
00:10:12
Jack
Actively participate in in the manipulation and be like you know, be grateful for.
00:10:20
Jack
A trick that he's pulling on her. So you know, I just, I I don't appreciate the. I mean I appreciate the effort on his part to try to get.
00:10:29
Jack
Away with this?
00:10:30
Jack
In a in a weird in a twisted way. I kind of appreciate it, but but I I hope that she sees through it and and it doesn't fall for for the.
00:10:39
발표자
Right.
00:10:40
Jack
The the silliness of this of this guy's excuse. He's he's fine. Yeah.
00:10:44
발표자
Right.
00:10:46
Xochitl
So this wouldn't fly with you. And what would you do? Would you send the person back for a sandwich? Would you ask for your money back, or would you just quietly accept it? Yeah. Leave a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and join our WeChat WhatsApp groups to make sure that you can.
00:11:07
Xochitl
Talk to Jack and I directly.
00:11:09
Xochitl
Also, Jack and I have started a class on zoom, so if you would like the link to that, make sure to join our WeChat group or you can also message checking directly on the A-Z English podcast WhatsApp or we chat and you can join our Zoom English corner and we'll see you guys.
00:11:28
Xochitl
Next time, bye bye.
00:11:29
Jack
Bye.
00:11:29
발표자 3
bye
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-the-tuna-fish-sandwich-debate/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE35 - 11m - Jun 10, 2024 - Topic Talk | Which chores do you hate and which ones don't you mind?
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about which chores they hate and which ones they don't mind.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:52
Jack
Welcome to the agency English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host, social. And today we have a topic talk episode and social. Today's topic is what household chores?
00:01:03
Jack
Do you usually help?
00:01:04
Jack
With and which ones do you enjoy and which ones?
00:01:07
Jack
Do you hate?
00:01:10
Xochitl
Ohh well Jack, I live alone.
00:01:13
Jack
So you do.
00:01:14
Xochitl
I.
00:01:15
Xochitl
Yeah, I mean, I did and find out what. Yeah, now that I live in Mexico, I pay someone to come do some of them. And I do some of them. So that kind of works out pretty well for me. But lately, the person that I was paying to come do household chores, unfortunately.
00:01:16
Jack
Swear none of them. I don't know. It depends on.
00:01:18
Jack
How you live, yeah.
00:01:24
Jack
Yeah.
00:01:34
Xochitl
Her father got ill and I totally get that. So I've been handling them on my own.
00:01:40
Jack
MHM.
00:01:40
Xochitl
And and.
00:01:43
Xochitl
I like cooking. Uh, if there's other people around like I hate cooking just myself.
00:01:50
Jack
Yeah, me too. I hate like it's still. There's nothing lonelier than frying. Like one egg, you know?
00:01:56
Jack
What I mean, it's just like what's?
00:01:57
Xochitl
Oh my God. Wow. We're like.
00:01:58
Jack
What's wrong with my life? You.
00:02:00
Jack
Know when you yeah.
00:02:00
Xochitl
I know it's just and we have no one to eat with and it's like just different thing. So if I'm alone, a lot of the times, they'll just end up ordering food like Uber eats or whatever. And but if there's even just one other person with me, I'm happy to cook.
00:02:04
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:12
Jack
Oh, nice, yeah.
00:02:19
Xochitl
Other chores that I do like wash the dishes, do my laundry.
00:02:25
Xochitl
Ah, sweep mop.
00:02:29
Jack
Is is there one that like, really irks you? That just drives you crazy, that you really hate.
00:02:29
Xochitl
I don't.
00:02:34
Xochitl
OK, I don't like sleeping and mopping because it makes my back hurt, which is like weird, but I don't know why, but my back really hurts. Whenever I like sweep and mop, so I don't like that. I don't like getting.
00:02:39
Jack
Ah.
00:02:46
Xochitl
Even though I don't mind sleeping in mopping, it's just the fact that my back always hurts. It like really annoys me and I don't like. Yeah, I don't like.
00:02:53
Jack
It's yeah.
00:02:56
Xochitl
Doing the dishes I used to really like doing the dishes when I was a kid, and now I hate doing the dishes because it's like.
00:03:03
Xochitl
Just the nasty food on it. Or like other people's mouths. It not it, grosses me.
00:03:09
Jack
It reminds me of the like Reddit thread like kids are.
00:03:13
Jack
Freaking stupid, you know, like a kid like kid kids are like, oh, man, I wish I were old enough to mature enough to wash the dishes, you know? And they kind of trick you into doing it, you know? Yeah.
00:03:23
Xochitl
Alright.
00:03:27
Xochitl
I know. And you think it's fun and then you're like, you become an adult and you have to do the dishes every day. And the kitchen is never clean. And every time you cook something, the kitchen is dirty again. And then it just makes me want to eat out all the time because then I don't have to do dishes. I don't have to clean my kitchen. I just, like, eat out of container.
00:03:42
Jack
Yeah, and and eating out is not not expensive in in Mexico, in Oaxaca, right? Yeah.
00:03:47
Xochitl
No, it it's not too expensive. You can get a full meal for like.
00:03:52
Xochitl
Three to four bucks probably like you. You can get what they call, which is like the big meal today, and you get, like, a a fresh water that, like, has a fruit flavor usually and a whole meal. And then sometimes they give you, like, dessert and you get, like, the main.
00:03:55
Jack
Wow.
00:04:12
Xochitl
Fish and two side dishes. And that's like 3 or $4.00. So at that point, it's like, I don't really want to.
00:04:18
Xochitl
Cook so.
00:04:19
Jack
So $3 in Korea will buy you like.
00:04:23
Xochitl
They won't even buy you.
00:04:24
Xochitl
Coffee man like I remember.
00:04:25
Jack
You won't even buy you a coffee. I mean, maybe you could. Maybe you could get the cup, but there won't be anything in it, you know, for the three dollars. Yeah.
00:04:27
Xochitl
No, I never heard.
00:04:32
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:04:34
Xochitl
Yeah, but, Jack, what are the ones that you hate to do? And what which ones do you do in general and which is?
00:04:40
Jack
Yeah. So I'm basically, I'm like I I dust I'm I vacuum and I mop. That's all. My wife asked me to do. She does the, you know, the big stuff, right, like she.
00:04:50
Jack
She's kind of on her hands and knees cleaning the bathrooms once a week, and she does all the dusting of everywhere. I just have to dust my this little room right here, this man cave, my podcasting room, and I hate it because you know, when you're dusting.
00:05:09
Jack
Like books and stuff, there's all the you know.
00:05:11
Jack
There's so so.
00:05:12
Jack
Many little nooks and crannies and little, you know, spaces that you have to try to get into.
00:05:18
Jack
And so, you know, sometimes I'm I do a good job. Sometimes I'm a little lazy with that vacuuming. I don't mind doing it that that much. I think vacuuming is is is OK, although I have been trying to, you know, pitch the idea to my wife that we should get.
00:05:38
Jack
A Roomba, you know, like a like a. Yeah, like a like a a robot vacuum cleaner. But she's not. She's. She's skeptical because of her plants. She doesn't want it to, like, knock over her plants. You know, while it's cruising around. Whatever.
00:05:40
Xochitl
Ohh that's the good idea.
00:05:57
Jack
So.
00:05:58
Jack
So I'm stuck doing that. The one that I hate the most is taking out the trash.
00:06:05
Jack
I hate it.
00:06:07
Jack
So I'll let it pile up like to a ridiculous level, where it's like it's like a, it's like a mountain of of like, boxes, kind of teetering. And then finally I'll be like, alright, I it's time to go. And the reason I don't like it is because we live on the third, third floor of a walk up and then I have to walk over to the recycling.
00:06:28
Jack
Garbage area which is like.
00:06:29
Jack
Maybe. Uh oh, I don't know.
00:06:36
Jack
I don't know 100 meters, you know, away from my my front door and.
00:06:43
Jack
I just like in the winter. It's freezing cold in the summer. It's hot, you know? So I just. I just don't like it. I just really hate that. So, you know.
00:06:46
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:06:52
Xochitl
Also, for listeners who don't know, separating trash in Korea is like very difficult. So.
00:06:59
Jack
They recycle everything, you know, even food, food, garbage. It's crazy.
00:06:59
Xochitl
I it's like, yeah. And yeah, yeah.
00:07:05
Xochitl
Yeah, the food garbage goes to like pigs or something, I believe, right?
00:07:08
Jack
Yeah, they make some kind of.
00:07:12
Jack
Yeah, some some kind.
00:07:13
Jack
Of food like the dry food after they dry it out and stuff they they feed.
00:07:17
Jack
It to pigs, yeah.
00:07:17
Xochitl
Oh, they like dehydrating it. Oh.
00:07:20
Jack
Yeah, they dehydrate it. Yeah, yeah.
00:07:22
Xochitl
Oh cool so.
00:07:23
Jack
Yeah.
00:07:25
Xochitl
Huh. Well, anyway it so there's certain things you can't put in your food. Trash like bones, egg shells, things like that, because obviously that could hurt the pigs, so.
00:07:37
Xochitl
Yeah, it is a pain, but.
00:07:39
Jack
I put everything in there that I shouldn't.
00:07:43
Xochitl
That you did. Did you not know about this?
00:07:45
Jack
I didn't know about that. I I put egg cells and coffee grounds and everything in there. Yeah, yeah.
00:07:46
Xochitl
No, no, I think I think coffee grounds might be OK. You have to look into it, but you're not supposed to put. You're like.
00:07:53
Xochitl
That you're just now hearing. Yeah, yeah.
00:07:56
Jack
I thought pigs could eat egg shells. No problem. I mean, just like.
00:07:59
Xochitl
I think it's because they dehydrate it. That probably like become sharp or something. I don't know. I think you're not supposed to put egg shells. Check. Check. You're also not supposed to put bones in there. So.
00:08:10
Xochitl
Just double check though you've been living there long to me, so you know, double check. But I remember when I got there that people told me I wasn't supposed to do that.
00:08:18
Xochitl
So then I didn't, but it was a pain. It I would. I would kind of just not do the food trash. I would kind of just put my food trash in the normal trash and just throw it away.
00:08:26
Jack
Yeah, yeah, you just you.
00:08:29
Jack
If they make it too complicated and it's too, it's too much trouble. People just won't do it. So.
00:08:34
Xochitl
I know. Yeah, it's a lot, yeah.
00:08:36
Xochitl
What is 1 chore that you really like doing?
00:08:39
Jack
A. A tool that I like doing well. That's a good question. I'm not sure there is one. I think you know vacuuming is because I still, I can put my my hair, put my my earbuds in and and usually I listen to our our podcast episodes while I'm vacuuming. So I'll just listen to a podcast and vacuum. You know, it's just like a.
00:08:59
Jack
You know, sometimes I'll do, like, uh, you know, I Love Lucy. You know, I'll dance a little bit with the vacuum cleaner and, you know, kind of like that, like a like, it's a dancing partner or something if no one's home, you know, if if my wife's home, I won't do that. But yeah, make it fun. You know, if if I.
00:09:16
Jack
Then. But yeah, vacuuming is no big deal. That's it's easy.
00:09:21
Xochitl
Yeah, I I like vacuuming as well.
00:09:25
Xochitl
And trying to think, I think that's probably the one that I like the most. I kind of like scrubbing floors. I I find it satisfying.
00:09:34
Jack
Ohh you do when the when the like white line and the when the the.
00:09:38
Jack
Route changes like dark to to light or something.
00:09:39
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:09:42
Xochitl
Yeah, you're like in there with elbow grease. Really. Scrubbing. I got your floors. I actually like doing that. I I find it satisfying. I I I see what sweeping and mopping. I don't see that much of an immediate difference. So I don't like it that much, but I really like, like scrubbing things. Kind of. I find it like satisfying. So.
00:10:01
Jack
Are you are you an 80% or a?
00:10:03
Jack
100 Percenter and what I mean by that is like.
00:10:06
Jack
Some people clean to like about 80%, you know.
00:10:09
Jack
Feel like it's.
00:10:10
Jack
Good enough like this. This is fine. You know? Like if the company came over, they wouldn't be like, oh, you're such a pig, you know. But then there are other people that are like, 100%. And so I think the problem that that my wife and my wife is 100 percenter and I'm an 80 percenter. And so there's like, that's a point of contention for us.
00:10:25
Xochitl
Right.
00:10:29
Jack
Where I'm like I did it already. So like do it again the right way. You know, that kind of stuff. So yeah.
00:10:35
Xochitl
Right. I kind of.
00:10:40
Xochitl
I'm not 100% sure, but I I don't clean all the time, but when it gets dirty, if if I'm gonna clean it, I want it to be sparkling you.
00:10:48
Xochitl
Know what I mean?
00:10:48
Jack
So you're like you're. You're like, I can. I can let it go. But then one day you just roll up your sleeves and you're like.
00:10:55
Jack
It's time to go to work. It's like like an Avenger or something, you know? Yeah. OK.
00:10:56
Xochitl
Yes. And then?
00:11:00
Xochitl
Yeah. And then, yeah, I I definitely am kind of like that. And I don't like it. It's like if someone else cleans and it's still dirty. And I myself that drives me crazy too. That really does.
00:11:08
Jack
Ohh that drives my wife crazy.
00:11:13
Xochitl
I hate it, like when the floor is like no one really scrubbed them, they just kind of swept and mopped a little bit and it's still like you walk across barefoot and your feet are like Gray after that piece that it makes me very angry. So I went with sure that I scrub. I just I'd rather scrub it.
00:11:22
Jack
Yep.
00:11:31
Xochitl
And then mopped it several times. But.
00:11:34
Xochitl
I just it has to be clean, you know, with the clean. It has to be clean. It has to be clean enough for you to eat off of, basically.
00:11:37
Jack
Yeah.
00:11:41
Jack
What? Well, when people clean your your house, they're going to do it half heartedly, you know? That's a good expression there. Half heartedly means like small, low effort, you know, because it's not theirs, you know. So yeah.
00:11:46
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:11:51
Xochitl
Yes.
00:11:53
Xochitl
And love their house. So who cared? Yeah. Yeah. All right. Well, tell sisters, what is your least favorite chore and your favorite chore. If you like any chores. And what are you usually responsible for in your home? I'm really curious to know. So send us an e-mail at AZ with podcast at Gmail dot.
00:12:11
Xochitl
One, leave a comment down below at AZ with podcast.com and join the we channel WhatsApp groups to talk to Jack and I directly and we will be discussing things like this in the English corner as well. So if you guys are interested in joining the English corner again, that's 20 lessons for $10 a month.
00:12:21
Jack
Yes.
00:12:29
Jack
But the 1st 10 are free.
00:12:30
Xochitl
The 1st 10 lessons are free, so if you feel like support supporting us and you're able to support us, you get a lot of bang for your buck. As we would say in the US, so we look forward to seeing you in that Ave. as well and we'll see you.
00:12:39
발표자
Yes.
00:12:44
Xochitl
Guys, next time. Bye bye.
00:12:45
Jack
Bye bye.
00:12:46
발표자
Bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-which-chores-do-you-hate-and-which-ones-dont-you-mind/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE34 - 13m - Jun 6, 2024 - Idiom Academy | 3 Idioms about Rain
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss three idioms related to rain.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:51
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are in the Idiom Academy and we have 3 idioms social what is what's our first one?
00:01:01
Xochitl
Our first idiom is it's raining cats and dogs.
00:01:06
Jack
Oh yeah, sure.
00:01:08
Xochitl
What does that mean, Jack?
00:01:10
Jack
Well, it means that uh, cats and dogs are are just falling from the sky for some reason. No, what it means is that it's raining very, very hard out there outside.
00:01:24
Jack
So we, you know it's it's it's kind of an old idiom cause I can just picture like my grandfather or my dad saying, you know, like we're going outside to go in the car and it's oh, it's raining cats and dogs out there, you know. So we.
00:01:32
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:01:39
Jack
It's it's, it's.
00:01:40
Jack
One of the the dumbest like idiots like we have.
00:01:45
Jack
But it's so.
00:01:45
Xochitl
Yes, weird.
00:01:46
Jack
Common like people use it still all the.
00:01:50
Xochitl
Yeah, it's kind of not like it's a very nonsensical one. Like why? I don't know if it's just because, like, when it rained really hard you. I don't know what the etymology is, which means like the origin. I really like origin is I think it's just like the slamming sound, maybe of rain. It's like a cat.
00:02:09
Xochitl
Fell from your roof or something on? I don't know, so.
00:02:13
Xochitl
I'm not sure it's not.
00:02:13
Jack
I mean it it it, yeah.
00:02:14
Jack
You could just any two nouns could be like it's raining bowl bowling balls and toaster ovens. You know, like it it could be it. It makes as much sense as, you know, cats and dogs so.
00:02:22
Xochitl
Right, yes.
00:02:27
Xochitl
Yeah, but for some reason we we chose cats and dogs. So like this thing.
00:02:27
발표자 3
Yeah.
00:02:31
Jack
Yeah, we chose cats and dogs. We have to live.
00:02:33
Jack
With it, yeah.
00:02:34
Xochitl
It's pouring. It's pouring. So which brings us to our next idiom. When it rains, it pours. Jack what?
00:02:36
Jack
Yeah.
00:02:42
Xochitl
That means only rain.
00:02:43
Jack
Ohh this one I I like this one because like it's like when you when you get a little bit busy you get really busy. You know it seems like like you you you'll you'll go like weeks without any anything and then all of a sudden you have 20 things that you have to do. You know it's like.
00:03:01
Jack
It just kind of, you know? Yeah, it's just like when it rains, it pours it a lot of rain comes, you know. But when there's nothing that nothing is happening.
00:03:08
Xochitl
Right.
00:03:11
Xochitl
When it rains, it pours. Or what's the other one? It can also mean when something bad.
00:03:17
Xochitl
Happens that a lot of bad things happen, like let's say ohh you know I was. I was doing fine. Let's let's been fine. And then I broke my thumb and then my mom broke her leg and then we owe hospital bills and now?
00:03:38
Xochitl
The hospital or out of our pain medication.
00:03:40
Xochitl
Then and then my dad got in a car crash on his way.
00:03:44
Xochitl
To.
00:03:44
Xochitl
Pick us up. It's not a bad thing.
00:03:45
Jack
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's just like, yeah, yeah.
00:03:49
Xochitl
It's kind of how it is. It's like if I don't know if you ever noticed, it's like one bad thing happens and then a bunch of bad thing happened. Happen. Bad things happen. Yeah.
00:03:55
Jack
Well, it's like.
00:03:57
Jack
It's like it's like, uh, you know?
00:04:00
Jack
A guy sitting at home and his girlfriend just broke up with him.
00:04:03
Jack
And then he's, like, checks his e-mail. He got fired from his job, and he's and he gets a phone call. His grandmother passed away, you know, or something. And it's just like one after the other, after the other. It's like when it rains.
00:04:08
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:04:17
Jack
It pours, yeah.
00:04:19
Xochitl
Yeah. And then the other one is, uh, take a rain check. Jack, this one has only fascinated me because I don't think I understood what this meant. And I was like a teenager, so.
00:04:32
Jack
I think I may still not know it. I mean, I know what it means, but I I'm not sure. Like what? Why they?
00:04:37
Xochitl
Why? I guess maybe.
00:04:40
Xochitl
Because if it's raining, well, tell them what it means and I'll then I'll give you my idea about that apology.
00:04:45
Jack
Yeah. So let's say for example, let's say you, you, you said to me like, hey, Jack, let's, let's grab lunch on Tuesday. And I'm like, oh, I have a meeting on Tuesday. So can I take a rain check?
00:04:59
Jack
And a rain check just means can we? Can we change the date to a future time, but an unknown future time. So we will have lunch together. It's just we don't know when it's going to happen in the future. So you know, we have to make a a a a plan.
00:05:08
발표자
Right.
00:05:16
Xochitl
Right. This means, yeah, let let's leave it for the future at some point.
00:05:17
발표자 3
Yeah.
00:05:22
Jack
Yeah, it's kind of like it's kind of like saying it's it's kind of different than saying no, you know, I'm busy because it's kind of like saying.
00:05:27
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:05:29
Xochitl
Playing later or something.
00:05:31
Jack
Yeah. Well, it's it's like, it's nice. It's like a nice way to say like I want to spend time with you. I want to do this. I just can't do it at that time that you said, you know.
00:05:40
Xochitl
Like. Yeah, it's like it's nicer than maybe later. Like maybe later. It's like no later for sure. Later, for sure. You wanna do this? But.
00:05:40
Jack
And so.
00:05:51
Jack
Yeah, maybe later is what we call blowing someone off. Basically, yeah.
00:05:55
Xochitl
Yeah. Yeah. So it's not maybe later. It's like later for sure. I I do want to hang out with you. I just can't. Unfortunately, at that time. So yeah. Yeah. So it's it's a nice way to say to say that.
00:06:03
Jack
Right, exactly.
00:06:05
Jack
Take a rain check.
00:06:10
Xochitl
And yeah, all right, since if you have anymore questions about these idioms or any more idioms, make sure to leave us a comment down below at A-Z English podcast. Shoot us an e-mail at at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com.
00:06:23
Xochitl
And make sure that you join the lead channel WhatsApp groups to talk to us directly. I would love to see and hear you guys using these idioms. I think it would be really fun. And of course if you're able to Jack and I have now started an English corner.
00:06:36
Jack
Yep.
00:06:37
Xochitl
For $10 a month, you get 20 lessons, so that's $0.50 per lesson and the 1st 10 lessons are free. So if you feel so inclined to support us and can and are able to support us, make sure to join us on the English.
00:06:44
발표자 3
Yep.
00:06:53
Xochitl
Corner and you can do that through our WeChat group and. And so we will see you guys next time. And again thank you so much for sticking with us through the podcast. We really appreciate your support and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.
00:07:08
발표자 3
Bye bye bye.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/idiom-academy-3-idioms-about-rain/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE10 - 7m - Jun 4, 2024 - Topic Talk | Introducing The A to Z English Corner!
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about their new venture in China with the creation of The A to Z English Corner.
❤ The A to Z English Corner Class Link:
https://voovmeeting.com/p/6511832952
10 Classes for Free! Mon. - Fri. @ 9:00p.m.
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
👉 Please follow these instructions:
1. Read and check the vocabulary in the questions
2. You must have clear audio
3. You must have a good internet connection
4. You must open your camera
5. You must speak English
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.
00:00:17
Jack
And if you.
00:00:18
Jack
Join the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.
00:00:22
Jack
Talk with social.
00:00:23
Jack
And we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.
00:00:51
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I am here with my co-host social. And today we have a very special episode and today's episode is titled.
00:01:03
Jack
The A to.
00:01:04
Jack
Z English corner.
00:01:06
Jack
And social, we have exciting news for our listeners out there. We are starting an English corner in China.
00:01:17
Jack
And we'll be teaching.
00:01:18
Jack
Every day, you know, five days a week.
00:01:21
Xochitl
Yeah, we're really excited about this. I want our listeners to know know that we're still going to be of.
00:01:27
Xochitl
1st at least three episodes a week of 8OZ, and the reasoning for making the English corner is of course we'll be able to interact more with our students and we want to be able to keep making content for you guys because it takes a lot of effort and it takes money and time and it's expensive ultimately for Jack and I.
00:01:47
Xochitl
To run the A-Z podcast. So yeah, this is an opportunity to benefit everyone and I'm really looking forward to it. Of course, we'll always remain loyal to the A-Z English podcast, and we'll keep making content for you guys. Ah, 100% free of charge.
00:02:02
Jack
Right. We're never going to you.
00:02:02
Xochitl
And.
00:02:04
Jack
You never have to pay for the podcast.
00:02:06
Xochitl
Yeah, never abandoned you for the podcast.
00:02:08
Jack
Yeah, and. And the for the English corner, the 1st 10 classes are free. So you can, you know, you get to really take it for a test ride and see if you like it. You know, like you can, you can go to 10 classes for free if it's, if you enjoy it.
00:02:28
Jack
Then you will become you. You will move on to VIP status for we we settled on 80 RMB a month.
00:02:38
Jack
OK, which is about $10 a month. US ten U.S. dollars per month, but for $10 you're getting 20 classes.
00:02:49
Jack
You know, Monday through Friday.
00:02:53
Jack
Every every week, Monday through Friday 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM for so 9:00 in the evening in in China.
00:03:03
Jack
And I don't know what you know. I'm not good at math, but $10.00 for 20 classes. What does that come down to $0.50 a class?
00:03:13
Xochitl
Yeah, something like that.
00:03:14
Jack
OK, OK. Yeah.
00:03:17
Jack
Yeah. I mean, in the in the, in the real world, you know, one hour with a A.
00:03:23
Jack
Native English speaker.
00:03:25
Jack
Is probably about five times that much you know about 50 bucks an hour, something like that, you know.
00:03:32
Xochitl
Right, that'd be 10 times as much as $0.50. Well, right per class. OK, I'm not strong mathematician, so that's why we keep.
00:03:39
Jack
Sorry. Yeah, now we're.
00:03:43
Jack
We're we're we're mapping poorly here again.
00:03:45
Xochitl
That's that's why weird language teachers and.
00:03:48
Jack
Hi.
00:03:49
Xochitl
So yeah, I know I'm very excited about this. I'm looking forward to being able to connect with our students because Jack told me that we're going to be hosting this so that we get to interact with each individual student and I don't know, I really look forward to that. I think that's my favorite.
00:04:09
Xochitl
Part of doing at Oz is being able to have that link with the students directly and seeing you guys grow and seeing you progress and seeing you enjoy the content that we make and I'm really excited to be able to do that full time.
00:04:22
Jack
I mean, we've gotten so much love from China, you know, like the the podcast. I mean for for sure our our largest percentage of audiences from China and a lot of that comes from Billy. Billy, I think you know some of our videos or our podcast is is they the.
00:04:42
Jack
Episodes have been uploaded onto Billy, Billy and so people have just found us.
00:04:46
Jack
That way, but you can also join our we our our we chat group. So our WeChat username ID is A-Z English podcast. So A-Z English podcast. So if you you can look in the description.
00:05:06
Jack
You can join, you can click on it and join. You know, come into my our WeChat group and I'll let you.
00:05:12
Jack
And and that's where I'll post the the discussion questions for the the, the, the video conferencing class. And so we're using VVOV the app, it's kind of like zoom or Skype kind of similar to those, but it's a.
00:05:33
Jack
I believe a a Chinese company, VOV and so you can join the V class.
00:05:41
Jack
Straight from clicking the the link in where the discussion questions are so in in the WeChat. So yeah, I think it's it sounds complicated right now. I mean the as I talk about it, it sounds very complicated, but it's I think once we students kind of get used to it, it'll be very.
00:06:00
Jack
You know simple, you know.
00:06:02
발표자
Oh.
00:06:03
Xochitl
Yeah, and I and I'm just really excited. I I want to thank our students that have been with us from the beginning and that have allowed us to keep creating content and to keep growing as content creators. And I know we've taken quite a few turns and divots in the last few months trying to make sure that we stay afloat.
00:06:21
Jack
Yeah.
00:06:22
Xochitl
Podcast and I really appreciate guys sticking with us.
00:06:23
Jack
Right.
00:06:27
Xochitl
Through all of that, because it's been a lot, but our fan base, you guys are unshakable, you've you've supported us through all of this. And I want you guys to know that podcasts will only be free to you. I want you guys to know that we'll still be in the WhatsApp groups. We'll still be in the WeChat groups. You can still e-mail us directly to the English.
00:06:46
Xochitl
Podcast@gmail.com you can still always leave us a comment. We'd love to see your comments at A-Z, podcast.com and.
00:06:56
Xochitl
We're so happy that you guys are part of this journey with us and and we'll always have that in mind moving forward.
00:07:05
Jack
Yeah, I can't wait to see.
00:07:06
Jack
Everybody in the English.
00:07:07
Jack
Corner. It'll be. It'll be fantastic. So we're going to have so much fun. I just. I'm really excited.
00:07:14
Xochitl
See you guys next time. Bye bye.
00:07:15
Jack
OK.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-introducing-the-a-to-z-english-corner/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE33 - 7m - Jun 2, 2024 - Quick Tips | Minimal pairs with the sounds /p/ and /b/
You can donate to the podcast here:
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donations
or here:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss minimal pairs. They focus on the /p/ and /b/ sounds.
Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one phoneme and have different meanings. Here are some minimal pairs with the sounds /b/ and /p/:
bat / pat
ball / Paul
bin / pin
bark / park
bat / pat
ban / pan
bet / pet
bake / pake
best / pest
bow / pow
buy / pie
big / pig
boat / coat
back / pack
beach / peach
These minimal pairs illustrate how a single phoneme change can result in completely different words and meanings. The /b/ and /p/ sounds are distinguished primarily by their voicing: /b/ is voiced, while /p/ is voiceless.
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/quick-tips-minimal-pairs-with-the-sounds-p-and-b/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwa
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE37 - 8m - May 30, 2024
