In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to black out” and “wound.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Emergency Medical Technicians.”
“In the United States, “EMTs” (“emergency medical technicians”) are “healthcare providers” (people who provide medical care) who help sick and injured people before they can get to a hospital…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 252
Topics:  Famous Authors: Raymond Chandler; the Pony Express; to be involved in versus to be involved with; to make sense; hard on its heels

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about the “Pinkerton National Detective Agency.”
“In books and movies, the private investigator is often “portrayed as” (given the image of) a romantic character, involved in solving mysteries.  In real life, private investigators, or P.I.’s, are professionals who do a “wide array” (many different kinds) of work…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 603 – Praising a Performance

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “number” and “lead.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “How Audiences Express Appreciation.”
“When an audience enjoys a performance, it has many ways to “express” (show) its appreciation. Depending on the type of performance, it can be “rude” (not polite) or inappropriate to show appreciation during the performance…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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As always, we thank you, our wonderful listeners for sticking with (staying with; continuing with) us.  We would like to especially thank our donors and Learning Guide members, who are the true ESL Podcast heroes.  Without you, we could not do the work that we do.  Thank you for your continued support!

To celebrate our fifth anniversary, we have produced the Fifth Anniversary Video Podcast.  In it, you will see how Jeff spends his day. We hope you enjoy it!

~ Jeff, Lucy, and the entire ESL Podcast Team

Welcome to English as a Second Language Podcast’s Fifth Anniversary Video. You know, a lot of people ask me what I do for a living, and I tell them I’m a podcaster. And they say, “But, Jeff, what do you actually do all day?” This video will answer that question.

I’m up! I’m up! Time to work!

Well, I start my morning with my favorite drink, a good, hot tea at my favorite cafe, Starbucks. Here we go!

Oh, hi! I’m starting my day answering e-mail. Just let you finish this one e-mail.
?”Dear President Obama,
Thank you for your question.
If there is time I will explain the meaning of Mickey Mouse ears on our next English Café.” (He’s always writing me!)
“P.S. Please don’t write so often. I have a podcast to run.”

Well, that’s enough work for this morning. Let’s go get some lunch!

Well it’s lunchtime, and I’m hungry. You know, I always eat a healthy meal, nothing but the most healthy food for me. Here I go.

“Hello? Lucy! Oh, right…no, I’m working very hard. I’ve almost finished that podcast. Oh, absolutely! Oh, I’ll have it to you first thing in the morning. Okay, thanks for calling.” I can never get any sleep in this job.

Well, I’m done working now, and when I’m done working, I like to relax and watch my favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. I have my Los Angeles Dodgers cup, my hat, and of course my shirt. Baseball, as you know, is one of the great American sports, and I think, uh…goooooooooool!

Well, it’s evening time now and I try to relax a little by reading a good book. There are lots of good books out there. The one I’m reading is pretty interesting. It’s an excellent book and the author, I think, is, well, pretty smart.

Well it’s time for bed, but before I go, I want to thank all of you who listen to ESL Podcast. This is our fifth anniversary. I want to thank you for listening over the past year, and hope that you will continue listening for many more years to come. I especially want to thank our donors and our ESL Podcast Learning Guide members. These are the people who help make ESL podcast possible, so thank you especially to those of you who are members or donors.

I also want to thank Adriano, Jessica, Sue, Warren, and all the rest of our ESL Podcast team. A special thanks to our own Dr. Lucy Tse.

Well, it’s time for bed. We’ll see you next year!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “sharp” and “to see double.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “The Use of Guide Dogs.”
“Many people who are blind or “visually impaired” (not able to see very well) use “guide dogs,” or dogs that have been “trained” (instructed; taught) to lead people around “obstacles”… – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 251
Topics:  Ask an American: Obsolete; regarding versus concerning versus as for; can’t be bothered; How you doing?

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Obsolete Audio and Video Formats.”
“As “audiovisual” (related to things that we watch and/or listen to) technology continues to change, many audio and video “formats” (the way something is packaged and used) are becoming “obsolete”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 601 – Paying an Unexpected Visit

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to drop in” and “out with it.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about high school graduates taking a “Gap Year” before continuing on to college.
“Traditionally, “college-bound” (planning to go to college) Americans “enroll” (begin a program) in a university in August or September, in the same year they graduate from high school. However, in recent years, more and more American teenagers are choosing to take a “gap year”… – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

Be an ESL Podcast hero!  Support us by becoming an ESL Podcast Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to slur” and “impression.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about real “Nightcaps” worn by people in the old days.
“In this episode, a “nightcap” is an alcoholic drink drunken right before going to bed, usually to help one fall asleep. However, a “nightcap” is also a warm hat that used to be worn when people went to bed. Nightcaps were very common during the “Middle Ages”… – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 250
Topics:  Comicon; Famous Americans:  Houdini; I just versus I have just; suit versus match versus fit; levity

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “The Magic Castle.”
“In Los Angeles, there are many “private clubs” that only allow certain people to become members and to participate in its activities.  One “unique” (special; unlike others) private club in Los Angeles that many people don’t know about is one for magicians…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 599 – Shopping for Warm-Weather Clothes

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “skirt” and “figure.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Dress Codes in American Schools.”
“Most American “public” (owned by the government, not by a private business) schools do not make students wear “uniforms” (a type and color of clothing worn by all people in a group). However, most schools do have “dress codes”… – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “qualify” and “meaning to”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “State Unemployment Offices.”
“The unemployment office reviews the application to determine whether the individual is eligible for benefits. The unemployment office contacts previous employers to “verify”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 249
Topics: Hate Crime Legislation; State Fairs; shop versus store versus department store; relative to versus related to; Down Under

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “The Great Brinks Robbery of 1950.”
“People talk or joke about “robbing” (stealing from) a bank so they’ll have enough money and won’t have to work anymore.  In 1950, that’s just what a group of 11 men did…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 597 – Describing Touch and Textures

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “rough” and “gross.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Acceptable Types of Touching Among Adult Friends and Couples.”
“Adults in the United States don’t touch each other as often as they do in many other countries. American adults often shake hands, especially in a “work setting” (work-related environment), but other “physical contact” (touching) is unusual…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to take (someone) on” and “to play for.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Popular Children’s Games Requiring Little or No Equipment.”
“Toy stores sell many “elaborate” (fancy; with many pieces) games for children to play with, but many of the best children’s games are played with little or no special equipment…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 248
Topics: Area 51 and Roswell; American Cities: Baltimore; that versus which; right away versus straightaway

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about the movie E.T. The Extraterrestrial
“Many of us are curious about “outer space,” the large and “mysterious” (difficult to understand or know) areas beyond the planet Earth. One thing that has “captured our imagination”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 595 – Suffering from Allergies

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to tilt” and “to spot.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Common Allergies Among Americans.”
“Many Americans have allergies and these are some of the most common. Common food allergies include peanuts, “dairy” (milk and milk products), wheat, soy, and “shellfish” (fish from the ocean with hard shells, like oysters and crabs)…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “server” and “patch.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Famous American Hackers.”
“Some American hackers have “gained” (earned; received through their actions) “notoriety” (fame for something bad that one has done) for their computer-related crimes…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 247
Topics: Psycho & Alfred Hitchcock; The Gettysburg Address; to get the most out of versus to take advantage of; who versus whom; status quo

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about the band Talking Heads and their classic song “Psycho Killer.”
“If you were “around” (alive) in the 1970’s and 1980’s in the United States, you may have been listening to new wave music.  “New wave music” combined many musical styles, including “pop” or popular music, “funk”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 593 – Staying Home from School

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to fake” and “to forge.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Acceptable Excuses for Missing School.”
“American students are expected to go to school each day, but “perfect attendance” (going to all classes every day) is rare. Schools understand that students “occasionally” (sometimes, but not very often) need to miss class…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to tack on” and “to turn back.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Types of Airline Employees.”
“Airlines “employ” (hire; give jobs to) people in many different “positions” (job descriptions). Most fliers interact only with a few airline employees, like “reservation agents”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 246
Topics: Ask an American – Father Damien and leprosy; bring versus take; And you?; trustworthy versus honest

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about the television show “Hawaii Five-O.”
“Hawaii Five-0 was a popular American television series that “ran” (was shown on TV) from 1968 to 1980. It was “shot on location” (filmed where a movie or show is set or placed)…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 591 – Handling a Traffic Stop

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to flash” and “to run.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “How to Avoid Getting a Traffic Ticket.”
” The easiest way to “avoid” (not let something happen) getting a “traffic” (related to driving) ticket for “speeding” (going faster than the allowed “speed limit” (maximum speed)) is to not speed. However, many drivers want to drive faster than the speed limit…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide

…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to call the shots” and “to contract.”
In the “Culture Note,” read about “Advice for Hiring Consultants.”
“Companies can “benefit” (receive advantages) in many ways when they hire consultants, but they have to make sure they hire consultants in the right way…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 245
The Grand Canyon; Famous Americans: Georgia O’Keefe; shanty versus apartment versus tenement; alert the media; now what?

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Sedona, Arizona.”
“After visiting the Grand Canyon, many visitors choose to visit other interesting places nearby.  Some choose to drive about six hours west to the exciting city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for some “gambling”…”
- READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 589 – Having Skin Problems

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to start out” and “mole.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Common Types of Skin Products.”
“People use many different “beauty products” (products designed to make one more beautiful) to treat skin “blemishes” (unwanted, unattractive marks) and improve the “condition” (state; health) of their skin…”- READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “cause” and “within reason.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “How Americans Parents Select a Child’s First Name.”
When Americans are “expecting a child” (pregnant and waiting for the birth), they spend a lot of time “picking” (choosing) names. Some people pick “family names” (names of relatives); others use “baby name books”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 244
Topics: Ellis Island; The Rat Pack; lots of versus a lot of; sleep versus asleep, wake versus awake, rise versus arise; alpha male

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Angel Island.”
“Ellis Island is the most well known location for “incoming” (entering) immigrants to the United States, but it was not the only place where immigrants legally entered the country.  A “lesser-known” (less well known) “entry point” (place where people enter a place) for immigrants is an island in San Francisco called…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 587 – Feeling Disillusioned

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to shatter” and “to picture.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Ways that Fans Show Their Admiration.”
“Fans” (people who like, love, and admire someone or something very much) can “show” (demonstrate) their admiration in many ways. In the past, fans “were limited to” (had no options other than) sending “fan mail,” or letters written to their idols…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!