Easy Stories in English

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Learning a language is hard. With Easy Stories in English, you can learn English the natural way, without studying lists of vocabulary or complicated grammar rules. Every week, Ariel Goodbody, author and language teacher, will present a story adapted to your level of English. The stories will be hil…

Ariel Goodbody


    • May 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 253 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Easy Stories in English

    Have You Met Elaine? (Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 50:19


    Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes⁠ Have you met Elaine? Elaine is very giving, but not very nice. Oh, she loves everyone, but she shows her love through action, not smiles. And Elaine has a secret, which only I know about... Go to ⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Elaine⁠ for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at ⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support⁠⁠. Your support is appreciated! Level: Intermediate. Genre: Horror. Vocabulary: Cuppa, Hoarder, Ragamuffin, Vandalise, Parish council, Egging, Spot (skin), Fertiliser, Infer, Defrost, Intermittent fasting, Six pack. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1728. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    6 Things I Wish I'd Done Sooner (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 64:20


    Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes I discuss six things I wish I'd done sooner in life, tell you about my 32nd birthday and discuss some books and films I've enjoyed recently. Go to ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Sooner⁠ for the full transcript. List of books: Butter by Asako Yuzuki Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende Film: The Tribulations of Balthazar Kober Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support⁠. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Return to the Sea (Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 50:21


    Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes An old fisherman sits by the sea, waiting for fish to come. He has seen the world change hugely through his life. But today, something different is waiting in the water: something monstrous. Go to ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Return for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support⁠. Your support is appreciated! Level: Intermediate. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Moustache, Frown, Broom, Fishing rod, Excretion, Barnacle, Wrath, Kelp, Froth. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1220. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Saint George and the Dragon (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 40:55


    Today's episode is a rerun of an older story. Before we get into the story, I talk about my religious experiences during Easter. St George is a famous mythical figure throughout Europe. Most versions of his story involve him fighting and killing a dragon who is causing problems in a city. But in my version, things are bit... smellier. Go to ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/George for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support⁠. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-Intermediate. Genre: Myths & Legends. Vocabulary: Saint, Dragon, Dew, Kingdom, Desert, Tame, Well (water), Pass out, Knight, Scratch, Collar. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1662. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Guess Who's Moving to China? (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 39:36


    I discuss my upcoming move to Ningbo, China, as well as full moon drumming circles and shamanistic journeying. It's a travel around the world, both physically and spiritually! Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/China for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Grandmother March (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 34:41


    Why is the weather in March so changeable? Well, it's all to do with wine and a very angry lady from Bulgaria... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/March for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Myths & Legends. Vocabulary: Vineyard, Barrel, Frost, Gentle, Cellar, Temper, Stork, Rage. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 573. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Giving Up Sugar for Lent (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 29:25


    Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter. Traditionally, during Lent, Christians fast or give something up. In today's episode, I talk about giving up sugar, plus give some tips on how best to use flashcards to learn vocabulary. Vocabulary: Give something up, Lent, Ramadan, Abstain, Hold someone accountable, Hojicha, Taste buds, Crave, Vain, Spring (verb), Daylight savings, Flashcards Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Lent for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Banksy | The World's Most Famous Anonymous Artist (English Learning for Curious Minds)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 25:05


    Hello, my Lovely Learners! Today we have an episode from English Learning for Curious Minds with Alastair Budge. You might remember last year we did an episode together where we wrote a story, A Visitor from Chilly Bottom, which you can listen to here: https://easystoriesinenglish.com/Chilly/ Banksy is one of the most famous modern British artists known for his anonymous identity and provocative street art.  In this episode, we'll explore Banksy's history, his rise to prominence, and the powerful messages behind his works.  Banksy's anonymous identity fascinates the public  Starting in Bristol's graffiti scene  "Girl with a Balloon" shreds after auction  Banksy's use of stencils for quick artworks  Political and satirical themes in Banksy's art  Mystery of who Banksy really is  Art on public walls, not in galleries  Criticism of the art establishment  Dismaland as a critique of consumer culture  Banksy's impact on street art's legitimacy Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available at: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/banksy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Adrian's Dream

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 56:22


    Adrian wants to write, but he can never concentrate. He tries waking up early before work, but he always just goes back to bed. Finally, he decides to start napping, but the results aren't what he expects... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Dream for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Advanced. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Circadian rhythm, Weaker self, Dent, Blaring, Nap, Diagnostic framework, Buoy, Querying agents, Hook line sinker, Bespectacled, Autopilot, Pond, Thrum, Fête. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1118. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Life, Love and Learning Japanese (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 38:49


    I catch you all up on what I've been up to recently. There's a bit of philosophy, some dating, and some very manic studying for Japanese. Plus a bit of history! Ever wanted to know about Britain's most infamous king? Now you can! All that and more in today's free-wheeling conversational episode. Content warning: this episode has some mild swearing in it Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Yappa for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Dragon of Kraków (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 32:55


    A dragon is terrorising the city of Kraków, but one man has a way to defeat it. It won't take strength, though, but wisdom. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Krakow for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-intermediate. Genre: Myths & Legends. Vocabulary: Prove yourself, Terrorise, Flame, Flesh, Wisdom, Strength, Wander, Cobbler, Device, Sulphur, Powder. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1901. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Shape of Art (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 24:56


    Felicity is a successful lawyer, but she wants a change. She tries painting and loves it. But there's a problem: everyone hates her paintings. Can she find the true shape of her art? Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Shape for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Shape, Sculpture, Law, Wrong (feeling), Art supplies, Landscape (painting), Portrait, Abstract, Bin. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1397. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Three Balls of Wool (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 39:45


    One day, Leila finds a strange butterfly with three dots and fine lines on its wings. When she tries to touch the butterfly, it turns into a witch and drags her to her castle! For seven years Leila works for the witch, trying to find a way to escape. Then, one day, the witch says she is going travelling... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Wool for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-Intermediate. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Rotten, Fig, Witch, Wart, Scar, Scratch, Itch, Dot, Her curiosity got the better of her, Gaze, Reflection. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 3099. Author: A. M. Jalili. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Think Fast! (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 22:20


    Eugene is a big nerd, and he's afraid of everything. But one day, a man attacks him in the street, and Eugene discovers that he isn't so weak after all. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Fast for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Comedy. Vocabulary: Nerd, Solve a formula, Strategy, Attack, Avoid, Power cut, Swing, Punch, Dodge, Lamppost. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1098. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How I Celebrate Christmas (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 39:30


    Chocolate oranges, burning puddings and white carrots: British Christmas is quite unique. Find out all about how it's celebrated in today's episode. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Christmas for the full transcript. My video on making mince pies: https://youtu.be/i7VcVKYQRKI Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Word count: 5099 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How the Platypus Came to Be (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 24:11


    The nose of a duck, the fur of an otter and the tail of a beaver: platypuses are one of the strangest animals in the world! So where did they come from? Find out in this hilarious story... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Platypus for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-Intermediate. Genre: Myths & Legends. Vocabulary: Platypus, Beak, Came to be, Can't be bothered, Pester, Beaver, Tail, Dam, Otter. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1040. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    New? Start here! (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 49:50


    New to the podcast, or want to know how best to learn English, and more about me, Ariel Goodbody? You're in the right place. In today's episode I reintroduce myself, answer some frequently asked questions and recommend you my favourite episodes. Transcript: https://www.easystoriesinenglish.com/start Get episodes without advertisements! EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support Word count: 6463 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Curse of the Pig (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 45:59


    A princess finds a book that tells her future. When she grows up, she will have to marry a pig. The girl doesn't want to believe it, but one day a pig comes knocking on her door. But things are not as they seem. This is a curse, and there has to be a way to break it... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Curse for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Curse, Forbid, Dragon, Tell the future, Mud, Pork, Pass by in a blur, Transform, String, Tie around, Wear out, Iron, Bone, Catch wind, Ladder. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 4280. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Three Kisses (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 30:07


    Answer my survey and get the free beginner story, The City Mouse and the Country Mouse: https://www.easystoriesinenglish.com/ask Leah's mother dies, and her brother leaves home, and Leah is so sad that she cannot speak. Her father plants a rose garden on her balcony, and every day she gives a white rose to a seagull and kisses it three times, sending it to her brother. But dark magic is also travelling across the sea, and soon Leah will find that every rose is not so sweet... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Kiss for the full transcript. Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-Intermediate. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Ruby, Grief, Servant, Dragon, Witch, Seagull, Courage, Slave, Smash, Bathtub. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 2405. Author: Gordon Urquhart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    I have a confession to make...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 12:14


    Answer my survey and get the beginner story, The City Mouse and the Country Mouse: EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Ask Today, I have a confession to make. I thought I knew what you all wanted, but I was wrong. In this episode, I ask for your help. Get the transcript: https://easystoriesinenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TRANSCRIPT-I-have-a-confession-to-make.pdf Level up your English with Story Builders, an eight-week online course https://www.easystoriesinenglish.com/build Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Freezer Door (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 28:28


    Level up your English with Story Builders, an eight-week online course https://www.easystoriesinenglish.com/build A woman has a loving husband and children, and she's great at her job. So why is she sad? One day, she opens the freezer door and sees the way into another world. If she goes, she will lose her husband and children. But could she be happy there? Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Door for the full transcript. Level: Beginner. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Freeze, Freezer, Cheek, Pick at, Kid, Nightmare, Gooseberry, Cliff, Sober, Weigh something up, Parallel universe. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1517. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Superpower of Story with Bree Aesie

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 60:35


    Get 25% off my Story Builders course by signing up by the end of today! https://easystoriesinenglish.com/build Today I talk to Bree Aesie from the Into the Story podcast about how to use stories in your everyday life, what makes a great communicator and some interesting memory techniques. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Bree for the full transcript. Check out my appearance on Bree's podcast, Into the Story: https://intothestorypodcast.com/stories/63-having-the-courage-to-stand-up/ Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Hamburg, City of Water (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 70:32


    Get 25% off my Story Builders course by signing up before 1st October! https://easystoriesinenglish.com/build In today's episode, learn all about the second-largest city in Germany with the world's largest model railway, how I'm conquering my fears with a piece of paper, the controversial new smoking bans in the UK and my fabulous new course Story Builders! Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Hamburg for the full transcript. Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Vocabulary: ‘How did you find…?', Streak (record), Leafy, Suburb, Model railway, Nerd, Cityscape, VR, Overwhelmed, Demolish, Bulge out, Privilege, Cobbled, Mortar, Rest on your laurels, CV, Bubbly, Rejection, Trial shift, Bucket list, Resilient, Ban, Phased ban, Nanny state, Vaping, Second-hand smoke HealthyGamerGG's video ‘Why Your Identity Dooms You To Failure': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmJmvaMIjIY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Pumpkin Jug (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 44:50


    A king meets a woman who grows pumpkins. She gives him water in a dirty old jug, and then she breaks it. The king thinks this is strange, but he likes the woman. So he gives her a challenge: if she can put a big pumpkin in a small jug, he will marry her. But she cannot break the jug or the pumpkin. Can she do it? Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Jug for the full transcript. Join my email newsletter and find out as soon as my Story Builders course is open: EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Email Interested in one-to-one classes with me? Find out more and book a free chat with me: EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Romance. Vocabulary: Pumpkin, Jug, Pick (flowers), Poppy, Thirsty, Bow (verb), Hole, Fit, Rule (noun), Impossible, Landslide victory, A good match, Come into season. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1348. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Misty the Snake (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 31:44


    Misty the Snake loves eating other people's pets. This does not make the people of the United Kingdom happy. So her owner takes her to Brazil, but really she wants to go home to Ghana... This episode is a rerun, BUT I add some new commentary and talk about my exciting new project, Story Builders. Story Builders will be an eight-week online language course where we will work together to create a story based on all our experiences that will then appear on the podcast. To hear as soon as sign-ups for Story Builders are open, join my email newsletter at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Email. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/MistyRerun for the full transcript. Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Comedy Vocabulary: Sneak, Parcel, Queue, Bubble wrap, Marmite, Lick, Ex, Prison bars, Put a bounty on someone's head, Owner, Tongue, Yeast. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1457. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    My Sister's Wedding (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 65:09


    In today's episode, I talk all about how I injured my leg at my sister's wedding, the race riots currently happening in the UK, not so nice, and end with some motivation for all of you. Very nice. Keep listening to learn English! Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Wedding for the full transcript. Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zum Preis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Vocabulary: Buddy, Nomenclature, Yap, Gen Z, Segment, Ramble, Civil partnership, Registrar, Brother-in-law, Bonfire, Cartwheel, Pull a hamstring, Ceilidh, Gaelic, Calves, Killing me, Polyamorous, Sedate, Woo woo, Stoic, Two sides of the same coin, Adman, Conscript, Eyewitness, Testify, Tabloid newspaper, Beaver, Rewilding, Double whammy, Food for thought, Ultra-processed food, A rule of thumb, Livestock, Calf (cow), Fasting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Doing Evil Part 2 (Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 47:04


    Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Tobias arrives at St Gummarus' School for Nasty Children. At first, he thinks his parents might have made a mistake, because all the kids here are badly behaved and nasty. But he soon realises that deep down, they are good, and they're threatening his mission to do evil. So Tobias decides to use goodness as a weapon... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Evil2 for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Intermediate. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Frame someone for something, Theology, Wet the bed, Ripple, Detention, Do-gooder, Put your head down, Oxbridge, Indoctrination, PE, Brush yourself off, A-level, ‘Even if I die trying', Practically vibrating. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 4021. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Doing Evil Part 1 (Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 44:10


    Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. When Tobias's parents ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he says, 'Evil.' There's just one problem: his parents are devoted Christians! As Tobias does more and more bad things, his parents try to find ways to make him good, until finally there is only one option left... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Evil1 for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Intermediate. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Evil, Lord, Mass, Hypocrisy, Rota, Seven deadly sins, Spit, Test the waters, Tabernacle, Chapel, Host (Christianity), A cross to bear, Satan, Boarding school, Bullying, Atheist. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 3625. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Golden Fish (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 21:40


    Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. A fisherman finds a golden fish. The golden fish says it can grant his wishes. But the fisherman doesn't wish for anything. However, when his wife gets home she says she wants a new house. So the next day the fisherman catches the golden fish again and wishes for a new house. That starts a series of events that ends in disaster... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Fish for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Fisherman, Hut, Stormy, Calm (weather), Let go of, Grant a wish, Nag, Education, Politics, Revolution. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1086. Author: Fairy Tales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Climbing Mount Everest Part 2 (from Into the Story)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 22:31


    Today's episode comes from the Into the Story podcast. Check it out if you like the idea of learning English with real-life stories - and I'm sure you do! Laurie Skreslet and a team of climbers face difficult conditions as they attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest — will they make it? If you haven't already listened to Climbing Mount Everest Part 1, go listen now!

    Climbing Mount Everest Part 1 (from Into the Story)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 22:28


    Today's episode comes from the Into the Story podcast. Check it out if you like the idea of learning English with real-life stories - and I'm sure you do! When Laurie Skreslet attempted to climb Mount Everest in 1982, he faced dangerous avalanches, the closure of the only route up the mountain, and a life-changing moment. Level: Advanced Accent: Canadian  

    A Good Long Natter (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 27:46


    In this episode, I talk about everything I've been up to for the past two months: visiting a friend, what I'm wearing, a romantic encounter in the supermarket, my try at stand-up comedy, the Royal Academy of Art, eating in the dark: there's just too much to summarise! Listen to it!! Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Natter for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Buy me a coffee, you know, if you feel like it: https://ko-fi.com/arielgoodbody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Cut Off Your Hair (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 43:12


    Book a class with me! If you book a package of 10 classes, you can get 33% off: EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes An old couple wish for a son and instead have a daughter with long, magical hair. They don't see the value in it, and sell her off to an old man who keeps her in a tower. Every day, he massages the oil from her hair and sells it. But the girl gets tired of this life, and makes a plan to escape... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Cut for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-intermediate. Genre: Romance. Vocabulary: Loom, Get caught on, Scalp, Pharmacist, Suit of armour, Sword, Chew, Treat someone like, Trapped, Starve, Nail. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 3658. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Strange Friends (Advanced)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 28:15


    Book a class with me! If you book a package of 10 classes, you can get 33% off: EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes A cat and a mouse live together as friends, and what strange friends that makes! One day, the cat suggests they store some food for the winter, so they buy a pot of fat and hide it in a church. But while the mouse happily cleans the house, the cat starts to think about the food... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/FriendsL4 for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Advanced. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Altar, Fantasise, Christening, Godmother, Crumbs, Savour, Disposition, Kitty, Ponder, Might as well, “For all the good it will do you”. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1554. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Hector the Snail (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 21:29


    Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Hector is a snail, so of course he's very slow. But he dreams of becoming fast. He decides to find a wizard and ask the wizard to swap his body with an ostrich's. What could go wrong? Well, a lot, actually... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Snail for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Snail, Snail trail, Wizard, Swap, Ostrich, Human, Cave, Solve a problem, Ride, Kick, Free (verb), All over, False eyelashes. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1033. Author: Ariel Goodbody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Light at the Bottom of the Sea (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 21:11


    Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. Żgugina lives on the coast of Malta with her son. When pirates attack, she rushes to the church to pray to St Demetrius. 'St Demetrius,' she says, 'if you save my son I will light a lamp that burns forever!' What happened next was too much for her to believe... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Light for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-Intermediate. Genre: Myths & Legends. Vocabulary: Portrait, Faithful, Saint, Kneel, Captain, Treasure, Basement, Tie up, Horizon, Hoofprint, Earthquake. Setting: Malta. Word Count: 979. Author: Saviour Pirotta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Kind-Hearted Pea (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 17:55


    Mit dem Code easystories erhältst du das 12-Monatsabo von Babbel zumPreis von nur 6 Monaten. Das Angebot gilt bis zum 31. Oktober 2024. Einfach auf https://www.babbel.com/audio einlösen und loslegen. The wind carries a pea to a crack by a window. Inside the house, a boy is sick and dying. The pea wants to help the boy, and slowly it grows into a plant. When the boy sees the plant he is so happy, and he helps the plant grow. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Pea for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Kind-hearted, Pea, Pod, Harvest, Blow, Crack, Afford, Shoo, Water (verb), Shaped like Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1081. Author: Saviour Pirotta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Normal People Problems (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 26:03


    Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Problems for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! In this episode of Easy Stories in English, host Ariel Goodbody discusses the concept of 'normal people problems' as opposed to more serious issues, drawing on his own experiences of moving to London and finding his community. Ariel reflects on his challenging past, including changing gender twice and dealing with identity crisis, while contrasting these with his current 'normal' problems such as itchy back due to hard water, adjusting to a slower pace in relationships, and struggling to find good cider in London. He also addresses the dynamics of friendship when one is thriving and the other is not, and invites listeners to share their own 'small fish' problems on the show's website and YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    A Visitor from Chilly Bottom (Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 50:50


    Today's story I wrote with Alastair Budge from the English Learning for Curious Minds podcast. In last week's episode, we brainstormed the story together, and today we present to you A Visitor from Chilly Bottom. A man who has lived in Antarctica all his life visits the UK for the first time. Technically, he is a British citizen, as he grew up on British Antarctic Territory. And he has an important message for the king! It's just that, the king has no idea who this man is... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Chilly for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Intermediate. Genre: Comedy. Vocabulary: Chilly, Royal seal, Bonkers, Butler, Tailcoat, Worship, Spit, Regurgitate, Colony, Crumbs, Poo, Furrow your brow, Captive, Press release, Waddle. Setting: UK. Word Count: 3272. Author: Ariel Goodbody and Alastair Budge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Let's Write a Story Together! with Alastair Budge (Advanced)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 33:16


    In this episode, I brainstorm a story with Alastair Budge. We start with the concept of someone from Antarctica moving to London and experiencing culture shock and peculiarities of life in the UK. We come up with cultural references and humorous situations involving misunderstandings about British culture. After this episode, Alastair went off and wrote the story, which I then edited, and next week you'll be able to hear the recorded version. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Together for the full transcript. Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RpDGfqiOP8 Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Advanced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Blasphemy! (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 14:06


    Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SqPoEVhjGnU In this episode of Easy Stories in English, Ariel Goodbody, the host, discusses a recent controversy involving a blasphemous phrase in a podcast episode titled 'The Holy Cat,' leading to its removal after feedback from Muslim listeners. Ariel apologizes and reflects on the learning experience. Additionally, Ariel talks about experimenting with recording formats and locations for YouTube, changes to the availability of episode transcripts, and premium content adjustments. Ariel also shares personal updates, including a recent live stream, an Easter experience, a mindset shift in professional self-perception, pricing adjustments for teaching services, efforts to improve the YouTube channel, upcoming birthday plans, and a collaboration with Alistair from English Learning for Curious Minds. The episode concludes with a promotion for Ariel's English classes and an invitation to subscribe to the email newsletter for live stream notifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    A Crooked Old House (Pre-Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 24:31


    An old man lives in an old house. The house is so old that it has changed shape and many things are broken. Every day, the man must climb up a big hill to get to the kitchen. Lots of people tell him he needs to leave the house, but the old man refuses. But one day, the house makes sure he will never leave. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/House for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Pre-Intermediate. Genre: Horror. Vocabulary: Crooked, Moisture, Warp (wood), Hook, Zip-line, Roll, Fern, Drain (noun), Plumber, Association, Pretend. Setting: UK. Word Count: 1753. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Emu and the Kangaroo (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 20:45


    Dinewan gets married to Bohra the kangaroo, and they go for a walk in the desert. But Dinewan soon gets bored. Bohra is a magic kangaroo, and his spirit can walk through the sky. Dinewan thinks it would be interesting to see Bohra's spirit... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Emu for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Children's. Vocabulary: Emu, Kangaroo, Feather, Spirit, Desert, Shelter, Scratch, Hole, Thorn, Rub, Twig. Setting: Australia. Word Count: 741. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Coming Back to God (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 26:40


    In this episode, I talk about the kinds of performance I've been doing recently - storytelling in a sauna, spinning a tale at the London Esperanto Club, improvising at an open mic night, moderating a talk-show discussion and singing in a church choir. I've been busy this past month! No wonder I've been a bit sick, but hopefully my croaky voice won't stop you from enjoying this episode :) Get the transcript for this episode by joining Easy Stories in English Premium! Your support is appreciated! (after you join, go to this episode's description on the Premium feed to get the transcript link) Level: Intermediate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What Makes a Snake (Advanced)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 60:58


    Sam works in the stupidest department of his company: the 'Synergy Snakes'. What they're actually supposed to do, he has no idea, but he's managed to create a system where he doesn't have to talk to his co-workers and does as little work as possible. The only problem is, the company is looking to get rid of some people, and Sam's an easy target... Content warning: this episode contains rude language, sexual harassment and bullying. It is not suitable for children. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/MakeASnake for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Advanced. Genre: Drama. Vocabulary: Synergy, Line manager, Touch base, Drill down, Filing cabinet, Get the memo, Squeeze out, Minutes, Dread, Scroll (computer), Piss, Urinal, Sexual harassment. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 6590. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Holy Cat (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 16:42


    A cat hunts all the mice in the town, so it goes to the fields. But the mice in the fields are too fast. So the cat decides to start praying... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Holy for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Holy, Hunt, Hole, Prayer beads, Purr, Run away, Sin, Learn by heart, Test, Damn. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 766. Author: Palestinian Folk Tales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Love and Friendship in Your 30s (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 29:10


    In this episode, I talk about my challenges finding stable friendship and love in London as a single in my 30s. I argue that technology has encouraged ghosting and 'no contact' culture, and because of this it's harder to form stable relationships and integrate into local communities. However, it's not all doom and gloom! I also talk about finding comfort in spending time with myself - taking myself out on dates - and focussing on slow, simple things like darning my socks. The book I discuss in the episode is Conflict is Not Abuse by Sarah Schulman. Get the transcript for this episode by joining Easy Stories in English Premium! Your support is appreciated! (after you join, go to this episode's description on the Premium feed to get the transcript link) Level: Intermediate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Singing Widow (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 17:01


    A woman's husband dies, and she visits his grave every week to pray. When she dies, she goes to the land of the dead, and is excited to finally see him again. But she can't find him... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Widow1 for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Romance. Vocabulary: Widow, Tear (crying), Grave, Float, Land, Death, Ghost, Skin, Petal, Smile, Lonely. Setting: Latin America. Word Count: 816. Author: Daniel from Argentina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Great Race (Rerun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2024 23:48


    Get 20% off Gymglish! Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Courses and use the code DRAGON2024. Buddha is about to leave Earth, and he wants to say goodbye to the animals in a special way: he will have a race, and name the years after them in the order they win. Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Race for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Myths & Legends. Vocabulary: Earth (planet), Stupid, Cheat, Amazed, Blow, Hide, Rope, Don't care. Setting: Fairytale. Word Count: 1076. Author: Chinese Myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    200 Episodes and Five Years of Easy Stories in English! (Conversation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 37:59


    Apologies that this episode is a bit late. I've been fighting both catatonia and a cold. In this episode I talk about the history of the podcast, give an update about my life and discuss the genocide taking place in Palestine. Follow me on Instagram @arielgoodbody to get updates about Queer Stories For Queer Folks. The next date will be 23rd February at 7pm. Find out more about CI Sleepover, an unconference for teachers who use comprehensible input, at comprehensible.uk. Get the transcript for this episode by joining Easy Stories in English Premium! Your support is appreciated! (after you join, go to this episode's description on the Premium feed to get the transcript link) Level: Intermediate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Red Book (Beginner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 27:26


    Gemma finds a strange red book on her way home from school. She starts reading it, and it is a story about a boy called Nai. In the story, Nai also finds a red book, and when he starts to read it, the story is about Gemma... Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/RedBook for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Level: Beginner. Genre: Horror. Vocabulary: Pile, Leaf, Push, Wrap, Treasure, Keep doing, Dive, Scary, Run away. Setting: Modern. Word Count: 1821. Author: Ariel Goodbody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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