You don’t have to do it alone. ESL Podcast is here to help you improve your English. We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 770 – Joining a Tour

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 in” and “rave.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Popular Family Vacation Destinations.”
“U.S. News and World Report, a national newspaper, has created a list of the 15 best family vacation “destinations” (places to go) in the United States. Here are some…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 336
Topics: Ask an American – Self-publishing; intrinsic versus native versus innate versus congenital; recently versus currently; soccer

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Self-Published Bestsellers.”
“Most self-published books never find a large audience. They tend to be written for a “niche” (a small group of people with specific characteristics) audience. However, some “classics” (books that are very well known and respected) with a very large audience were actually self-published…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 771 – Commuting by Train

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 “platform” and “underway.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Commercial Rail Systems in the United States.”
“There are many commuter “rail” (with trains or train-like vehicles that travel on metal tracks attached to the ground) systems in the United States. The “commuter rail systems” travel between major cities…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

ESL Podcast relies on the support of its listeners. If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member.

By becoming a member, you’ll get the Learning Guide.  We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 768 – Negotiating Price

 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 “bid” and “to trim.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “How the Government Awards Contracts.”
“The “federal” (related to the national government) government often hires “private” (not part of the government) companies to complete work.  Federal “agencies” (parts of government; departments) must…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 335
Topics: Spy trials of the 40s/50s – Alger Hiss & Julius and Ethel Rosenberg; Johnny Appleseed; feeling versus emotion; expression versus term; drop dead

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Mission: Impossible.”
“Most people are familiar with the Mission: Impossible movies released in recent years “starring” (with the lead actor) Tom Cruise.  However, Mission: Impossible had its beginnings on the ‘small screen’”… - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 769 – Trying Unusual Foods

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 “bite” and “foul.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Unusual American Foods.”
…”[T]here are some unusual American foods that were developed in the United States and/or are eaten in only certain parts of the country…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

Do you want to understand every word you hear? Get the Learning Guide and you’ll see a transcript of every word spoken on the podcasts.

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. In addition to a complete transcript, get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and much more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 766 – Describing Shapes and Sizes

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 “conservative” and “odd.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Home Makeover TV Shows.”
“In recent years, “home makeover” (the process of dramatically changing the appearance of a house) shows have become increasingly popular on television. One of the better-known shows…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
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ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 334
Topics: Grand Teton National Park; Famous Songs: “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”; congratulations versus thanks versus kudos; literally; to take the time

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Plains Indian Sign Language.”
“It may surprise you to know that in North America, there are “approximately” (not exactly, but close to) 300 “indigenous” languages spoken. The word “indigenous” means…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 767 – Taking Care of Your Teeth

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 “drill” and “gum.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “How to Become a Dentist.”
“According to the “Bureau of Labor Statistics” (part of the U.S. Department of Labor), people who want to become a dentist need to have at least two years of…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

You work hard. You study hard. You deserve to get the best help in English you can get.

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 764 – Being Unsure and Unready

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 “bug” and “at best.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Tap Dancing.”
“In today’s episode, “tap dancing” referred to the act of moving or speaking quickly, especially to distract or mislead someone. But “tap dancing” is also a style of dance where the dancers wear…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 
Topics:  Movie: Star Wars; the Security and Exchange Commission; shame versus pity; reading numbers aloud; to be left cold

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Star Tours.”
“If you are a Star Wars fan and “can’t get enough” (want more) of the movies, you might want to visit Disneyland.  In 1987, George Lucas established a…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 765 – Annulling a Marriage

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 “of (one’s) own free will” and “on (some) grounds.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Celebrity Annulments.”
“Celebrities” (famous athletes, musicians, actors, etc.) have a “reputation” (the way someone is known or thought of) for entering very short marriages that end in divorce or annulment”… - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

Is your limited English standing in your way? Do you want to improve your English now?

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 762 – Eating a Family Dinner

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 “seconds” and “to round up.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Customs at Family Meals.”
“Traditionally, American families ate their meals together. However, in recent years, “hectic” (busy) schedules have led to fewer opportunities to share meals, and many families report…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 332
Topics: Famous Americans – Michael Jordan; the Quakers; tag questions; the derivation of “okay”; to learn versus to study

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Bonnet Fiction.”
“Romance novels “feature” (has as its main theme) love stories of many kinds.  One recent trend is to “set” (place) romance stories in Amish or other close-knit…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 763 – Dealing with an Apartment Super 

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 “super” and “to catch (someone).”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Working as a Building Super or Building Manager.”
“A building super is a “jack-of-all-trades” (a person who is fairly good at doing many different things, but not an expert in any area) who needs to know a little bit about…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

The fastest way to improve your English is to read along in the Learning Guide as you listen. You’ll improve through listening and reading at the same time!

In the Learning Guide, you’ll also get additional vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 760 – Paycheck Deductions

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 “stub” and “wages.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Voluntary Payroll Deductions.”
“All employees are “subject to” (affected by) “mandatory” (not optional) payroll deductions for taxes and certain benefits, but some employees…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 331
Topics: Ask an American: Online money management; don’t worry versus don’t bother; not only; to move/get past a feeling; pronouncing wool versus wall

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Piggy Banks.”
“For many Americans, a “piggy bank” is a “symbol” (an object or image that represents something) of saving and “frugality” (not wasting money). A piggy bank is a small object…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 761 – Animals in a Zoo

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 “the next best thing” and “to rise up.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Types of Zoos.”
“There are many different types of zoos in the United States. A “traditional” (common; as things were done in the past) zoo has animals in many different cages…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

Will the Learning Guide help me learn English faster?  Yes!
Are Learning Guides expensive?  No!

Become a Basic or Premium Member and you’ll get the Learning Guide.  We designed them specifically for English learners like you.  Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 758 – Showing Off a New Purchase

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 “baby” and “to whip it out.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Luxury Taxes and Sin Taxes.”
“A “luxury tax” is a “tax” (a way for a government to receive money) on “luxury goods” (products that are very expensive and nice, but “nonessential” (not necessary; optional)) such as…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 330
Topics: American Authors – Toni Morrison; Homeboy/Homegirl Industries & Father Greg Boyle; screw versus bolt versus nut; to kidnap versus to abduct; to sharpen (one’s) ax

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Gang Hand Signs.”
“Belonging to a group sometimes means “adopting” (taking on; accepting) certain types of “identifying” (showing who one is and where one belongs) things…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 759 – Worrying About Your Children

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 “natural” and “to take after.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “GPS Tracking of Children.”
“Parents always worry about their children, “wondering” (wanting to know) where they are, whom they are with, and whether they are safe. In the past, parents had to ask their children to share that information…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

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

By becoming an ESL Podcast Member, you get the Learning Guide with even more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 756 – Holding Structured and Unstructured Meetings

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 fall to” and “free for all.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Business Meeting Agendas.”
“At most business meetings, each “attendee” (person who participates in a meeting) is given a copy of the agenda. The agenda lists each item of business and the…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 329
Topics: American Presidents: Jimmy Carter; The Lost Ship of the Desert Legend; phrases used to ask for status updates; to start off for; likely versus probable

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Dune Buggies.”
“If you live in or near a desert, you may be familiar with “dune buggies,” which are vehicles that look like cars, but with very large and wide wheels…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 757 – Getting Political Support

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 sign on” and “first things first.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Common Events Before an Election.”
“Most political candidates organize many events in the weeks and months “prior to” (before) elections. These events help them “garner” (gather; earn; get) support and…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

The Macmillan Dictionary company holds (has) a contest each year to determine the best English language website and blog on the Internet. This year, ESLPod.com and the ESL Podcast Blog have been nominated for the best website and best blog!  We are happy to be nominated, but we need your help to win.  

If you believe we have the best English language website and blog, please vote for us!  It’s easy and will take less than one minute to do.

To vote for us for the best website, click here and look for “ESL Pod.” (Do not vote for “English Cafe.” That is not our website.)

To vote for us for the best blog, click here and look for “ESL Podcast Blog.”

Voting is simple: Just find our name and click on the “Vote” box.  That’s all you do!  You don’t have to give your email or sign-up for anything. Voting ends on January 31st, so vote today before you forget!

The most important reward for us here at ESL Podcast is knowing that we are able to help people improve their English. Because of this, we don’t normally pay much attention to awards, but since these awards are chosen by the users — people like you — we do care what you think!  So vote and wish us luck!

~ Jeff and Lucy

Do you want to improve your English in 2012? Start now by becoming an ESL Podcast member!

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 754 – Being in a Flood

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 “soaked” and “go ahead.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “The Biggest U.S. Floods.”
“Most people are “familiar with” (have seen) images from the “horrific” (terrible; awful) flooding caused in and around New Orleans, Louisiana by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But there have been many other large…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 328
Topics:  The Scopes Trial; American Cities: Aspen and Vail, Colorado; The City of New York versus New York City; verge versus brink; to compliment versus to complement

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “The Play Inherit the Wind.”
“In 1955, two “playwrights” (authors of plays), Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee “debuted” (showed for the first time) a play called Inherit the Wind.  This play was a “parable”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 755 – Rejecting Newer Technology

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 act up” and “spring.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Classic Video Games.”
“Pong is one of the “classic” (traditional; one of the first of something and still admired) video games. Released in 1972, it was based on a tennis game…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide