English Waffle

This is the second episode in a mini series about British folktales and legends. Mike and Owain tell you a story and have a chat about it.   Looking back at the history and culture of different parts of the world is fascinating. It gives a feel for where a particular community has come from and what their modern lives are founded on. The British Isles is no exception and we thought it would be interesting to share some those 'nuggets' of tradition and record ourselves as we have a quick chat about them.     In this episode, we chat about The Dog That Talked. Listen to the story and pause the audio before our chat to think about the following questions. What did you think of it? Did you like it? Why/why not? Have you heard the story before? Was it exactly the same? Were there any differences?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

This is the first episode in a new mini series based on British folktales and legends. Mike and Owain tell you a story, repeat it in summary format and have a chat about it.   Looking back at the history and culture of different parts of the world is fascinating. It gives a feel for where a particular community has come from and what their modern lives are founded on. The British Isles is no exception and we thought it would be interesting to share some those 'nuggets' of tradition and record ourselves as we have a quick chat about them.     In this episode, we chat about Ashey Pelt. Listen to the story and pause the audio before our chat. Which well-known fairy  tale has the same basic storyline?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

A New Year, a new episode and new beginnings!   Mike and Owain catch up and talk about the plan for The English Waffle this year. Listen to find out what audio treats they have in store!   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

As the end of the year draws near, Owain and Mike have a quick chat to talk about New Year's Eve in London.    Listen to find out how people in London celebrate the end of the year and some of the traditions associated with this time of year.   Also, listen for details of Mike's new listening course. There is a special discount for EW listeners! So, get your orders in quick!   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts   

Mike and Owain have a catch-up chat! They answer questions about 2021 and wish each other a Merry Christmas.   Listen for some exciting news about the first English Waffle online listening course!   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

This is number 4 in the accent mini series. We go around the UK and talk to people from different regions, each with their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent'.   We thought it would be good listening practice to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Ollie. Where do you think he's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

This time Owain is speaking to Anton who is one of my students. If you're thinking of coming to live in the UK or even just coming to visit, you'll find this interesting. We talk about some of his experiences since he arrived with his partner this year.   This episode as part of our commitment to explore and share World Englishes. English is an organic thing which has grown and developed to include far more people, ideas and stories than those who speak it as a native language. We want to bring you the voices of English speakers around the world as part of a rich listening diet that will prepare you to communicate with anyone you may meet.   So, here's Anton, now based in London but originally from Siberia in Russia.     Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Welcome to the second in a mini series in which we go around the UK and talk to people from different regions. Each of them having their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent'.   So, we thought it would be useful to give you some listening practice and have the opportunity to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Steve. Where do you think he's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Welcome to the second in a mini series in which we go around the UK and talk to people from different regions. Each of them having their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent'.   So, we thought it would be useful to give you some listening practice and have the opportunity to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Julie. Where do you think she's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Welcome to the first of a mini series in which we go around the UK and talk to people from different regions. Each of them having their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent'.   So, we thought it would be useful to give you some listening practice and have the opportunity to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Lisa. Where do you think she's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Listen to find out about The English Waffle's latest mini series!

In this episode, Owain is chatting to Joaquin from Spain!   Listen to find out who Joaquin is, where he lives, and why he is on the podcast. They talk about Joaquin's work, his experiences during the pandemic and, of course, learning English.   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

In this episode, Mike speaks to Robert – an English teacher who lives in France.   They discuss Business English, what aspects of this category of English are useful and what can be seen as General English made “sexy'.   They discuss how small-talk, presentations and soft-skills are essential in English in the workplace. And they share thoughts on what topics are appropriate to talk about at work and what topics are maybe best left at home.   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts   

In this episode, Mike is chatting to Linda.   Listen to find out where Linda is from and what her language learning journey has been like.   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Mike's back with another guest this week. He's talking to Robert, a Business English teacher based in France. They chat about Robert's work and try to work out what is actually meant by the term 'Business English'. Is it really any different from the English skills learners need for any other area of life?   Listen and decide what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts      Image info: https://pixabay.com/photos/teamwork-cooperation-brainstorming-3213924/ Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

Welcome back to another year of The English Waffle! Mike & Owain are getting ready for another year of chatting, recording and teaching. They're continuing to think about what you need to improve your English listening skills and about how to create content that will help you feel more confident.   In this episode, Mike talks about the EW project and shares his observations of difficulties with using compound nouns when speaking English. Find out where he's been this summer and who he has been observing.   Remember, for information related to the episodes, including transcripts, quizzes and news, go to the EW website and subscribe to the email list: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ Or, sign up to be a member here! https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Mike and Kate talk about conditionals again this week. In WB12 you looked at the 1st and 2nd Conditionals. This time it's the 3rd Conditional which we use in the same way as the 2nd Conditional but for things that didn't happen in the past. Confused?! Good! You need to listen this episode. Listen for how they apply these two structures: if + past perfect,...would have + past participle Enjoy the episode!   For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/login?r=%2Fbonus-episodes For new listeners: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account  

Mike chats to Michael Palmer, the musician behind the Music and Sound Design company, 'Born Music'. They talk about Michael's work, the business of media composing for TV and advertising, and we get to listen to some of the music that he makes. This is a longer episode than usual but is only a small part of the conversation they had. Fascinating! Well worth listening to the end!   For more info about Michael and his company here's a link: https://bornmusic.studio/   You will be able to see the transcript and quiz questions here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes

Mike and Kate are talking conditionals this week. They will guide you through how to use the first and the second conditionals. If you pay attention, you will probably learn something which will help you improve you language skills.   Listen for how they apply these two structures: if + present simple,...will/etc + infinitive if + past simple,...would/etc + infinitive We hope you enjoy the episode. For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Mike and Kate talk about dating this time. Well, actually, Kate asks Mike a load of questions about his love life. It's great listening!   Listen to find out: how Mike used to 'meet' people whether he broke up with his dates or whether they broke up with him if he has ever cheated on anyone if he has ever been stood up whether he sees eye to eye with his girlfriend   We'll give you some explanations at the end of the episode, but you will be able to see the transcript and quiz questions here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes

Mike and Kate chat about how they do their shopping. Before you listening, think about how you do your shopping. Where do you shop? Why do you shop there? What do you buy? Listen for how they use: some any much many For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

This episode is a blast from the past, a catch up, a chat with Matt! Who is Matt? Well, you'll have to listen to find out. We talk about photos (see the episode image), schooldays, living in different countries, and places in the UK. Listen to the conversation to find out: who Matt is where Matt lives and its connection with London why Owain left Spain to go and live in the UK   To check what you understood of this conversation, you can download the transcript: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts take the quiz on our website https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes  sign up for a lesson with Mike or Owain: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/online-lessons  

Mike and Kate chat about holidays this time. Find out where they like to go on holiday and what they like to do when they can get away. Listen for how they use: either or neither both   For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

We’re talking about bedtime stories this time. It’s another short chat. We talk about - actually, Owain spends most of the time talking this time!! - reading, bilingualism, imagination, and lots more. Listen to the conversation to find out: what Owain’s family’s routine is for bedtime stories what they think about children’s imagination  why Mike believes Father Christmas is real To check what you understood of this conversation, you can download the transcript: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts take the quiz on our website https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes  sign up for a lesson with Mike or Owain: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/online-lessons      

So,...in this episode, Mike joins Kate and Andrea are to chat about plans for after lockdown, swimming pools (something called a 'lido'), and show you some ways to use 'so'. Listen to for 'so' used...: to mean ‘in the same way’, ‘as well’ or ‘too’ for results or decisions to begin a story to start a question for reasons and explanations with ‘so that’ to change the meaning of adjectives: so + adjective   For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Have you ever done a jigsaw puzzle? Do you do 100 pieces or 50,000? That's the topic for this conversation. Listen to Owain & Mike chatting about: what appeals to Mike about jigsaws Owain’s experience with them the connection with a previous episode   Use these links for support and more information about the podcast. https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes   Need online English lessons? https://englishwaffle.co.uk/online-lessons  

Making plans again?! In this episode Mike and Kate are talking again about making plans to meet up. Listen to find out where they are going to meet up this time and to learn language we use to make arrangements in everyday spoken English (you probably won't learn this in the classroom!)   For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Mike & Owain enjoy a catch up in the week. Just like most people we tend to be busy during the week, so it's great to find a moment to relax and have a chat. Listen to this conversation and try to identify: what news the guys are sharing  who is going to celebrate and how what the connection with the pandemic is Go to the English Waffle website for transcripts, quizzes and info about the project. Useful links: Transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts Quizzes: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes Website: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/englishwaffle

Making plans? In this episode Mike talks to Kate and makes a plan to meet up in the park after Lockdown. Listen to learn language we use to make arrangements in everyday spoken English (not like in your classroom!)   For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Owain & Mike celebrate their 50th EW episode by talking about some of the worst yet most interesting words and phrases in any language. Find out what they think about expletives, swearing, cursing, four-letter words, uttering profanities, and even effing and blinding. WARNING! If you are of a sensitive nature and may feel offended by the use of bad language in the English, please don't listen to this episode. Thank you!

Mike talks to Marta about 5 ways we use the word 'like'. Listen carefully to hear explanations of different usage and examples which show you how 'like' is used in different contexts. Enjoy listening and sign up for free to access the Bonus Episodes section. Here you will find notes on this episode. Click here to sign up for extra resources

Mike and Owain are back with another waffling session. This one's about exercise. Do you think these guys are gym fans or do you see them more as zen-like yoga practitioners? Listen to find out!

Mike talks to Marta about the words 'basically' and 'obviously'. Listen carefully to hear how these two extremely common adverbs are used and to count how many times they are said. Enjoy listening and sign up for free to access the Bonus Episodes section. Here you will find notes on this episode. Click here to sign up for extra resources

It's Part 2 of the conversation with Jess. Join us as Owain and Jess continue catching up. This time they talk about politics, old TV programmes, old friends, bonfires; their children and bilingualism, homeschooling, and being an only child; as well as teaching during the pandemic. Listen out for some of the observations Owain made about the features of this chat. If you've listened to Episode 45, you'll remember some contrasts between this 'catching up after many years' conversation and Owain and Mike's usual waffling. We also mentioned how Owain's speaking style was affected by a different conversational partner, for example, in the increased use of the filler 'like', which he doesn't usually say very often. What else can you identify?   Links: https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/author/jessica-solares/   For transcripts and quizzes: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/

This is the third of our 'Bonus Episodes'. Alongside the main English Waffle episodes we are going to produce extra conversations and content (See the Waffle Bites mini series). These are our own little side projects which give us the opportunity to explore ideas that we find interesting.   In this episode, Owain talks to Carmen. Find out who she is and sign up as a member or subscribe to get access to extended analysis of the conversation (when I can around to posting it on the website - I will I promise!).

Mike & Owain are back with another idioms episode. Listen as they test each other's knowledge of two idiomatic expressions. Find out what they mean, where they come from, and how useful they are.   For more information about The English Waffle, help with your listening, and the aims of our project, go to englishwaffle.co.uk.

Grab a hot cup of something, curl up on the sofa, and listen to a cosy conversation about life. From the English Waffle, we'd like to thank you for accompanying us on this year's journey and we hope you will come with us into 2021. Stay safe and take of yourselves! Love, Owain & Mike

Owain chats to Jess, a friend of his from way back. They take a trip down memory lane talking about meeting in Madrid, travelling, old friends, and a care-free life. They also mention a couple of specific trips and, of course, the pandemic comes up at some point. Listen to find out what they can remember and Owain will be back at the end to remind you about the live episode he and Mike will be doing on 22 December. See the English Waffle website for quizzes, transcripts and extras in the members area: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ Special announcement!! Live Facebook episode planned for 22 December!! Come along and have a waffle. Follow this link for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/384593716171348/ 

Mike talks to Andrea and Kate about winter weather. Listen for the 7 words or expressions they use to describe being cold. They also use language related to rain. Enjoy listening and sign up for free to access the Bonus Episodes section. Here you will find notes on this episode. Click here to sign up for extra resources

Mike's back with an interview to kick off December. He talks to Paulina, the creator of Polski Daily, a podcast for learners of Polish. They talk about advice for language learners, Mike's attempt to learn Polish and the ideas behind the English Waffle project.   Polski Daily Podcast: https://www.polskidaily.eu/   Richard Cauldwell: https://www.speechinaction.org/author/richard/   The English Waffle: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ Follow this link to find: Waffle Bites mini series The Mini Waffle Transcripts, quizzes and contact information We would appreciate your support to help with the cost of producing the podcast. Please help us to keep the podcast free by donating. Even just £1 per month will help towards the cost of the transcription software: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/donate    

Mike talks to Kate about her past habits and what she is familiar with nowadays.  We will look at: used to + infinitive be used to + -ing get used to + -ing This episode includes members only content. You will need to create an account to access it. Click here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account  

Here's our second bonus episode. Some of you have been asking about our Instagram photos (see link below) so we decided to record a quick conversation to explain. This is bonus content so the transcript will be available (when it's ready!) to members on  our website englishwaffle.co.uk. So, What's Movember? Listen to find out! We'll be back with the next full episode, as usual, on 1st of the month.   Don't forget to check out The English Waffle mini series which you can find on the main English Waffle website (https://englishwaffle.co.uk/podcast): Waffle Bites (Intermediate+ / Grammar Focus) The Mini Waffle (Children)  

Mike talks to his colleague Colin. In this episode, we explore how to talk about things in the future.   Listen to the episode and go to the website to check the answers!   Website: englishwaffle.co.uk 

This is the first of our 'Bonus Episodes'. Alongside the main English Waffle episodes we are going to produce extra conversations and content (See the Waffle Bites mini series). These are our own little side projects which give us the opportunity to explore ideas that we find interesting.   In this first bonus episode, Owain talk to Artem. Find out who Artem is and sign up as a member or subscribe to get access to extended analysis of the conversation.

Owain & Mike get topical this time. We have noticed we're in the middle of a crisis so this time we're going deal with the issues. In this hard-hitting, no punches-pulled look at...Sorry! I can't carry on with that. We're going to talk about reactions to Coronavirus but not in the way you might expect. Listen to Mike's anecdote and my reaction to find out what this is all about.

In the this new mini series, Mike talks to his colleague, Kate. In this episode they focus on 'how often'. Listen to the conversation to find out about Kate's habits.

Mike & Owain talk about idioms from the English language. Listen as they test each others' knowledge not only about what these phrases mean but also where they come from, their origins (listen for my terrible pronunciation of this word, but don't copy me!)   So, find out what 'bog standard' means and how we use it? Listen for the second idiom as well which includes the words 'push' and 'shove'. Have you heard them before? Are these expressions that you think you could use?   Write in and tell us what you think. Go to englishwaffle.co.uk and the Contact Us page. Why not sign up to listen for free while you're there and help grow the EW Community?

In this episode, Mike and Owain talk about car boot sales. If you haven't heard of these, you should definitely listen to find out. If you have, listen to hear Owain tell us an exciting story about 'mixed messages' and to hear Mike demonstrate that he's a real cheapskate (meaning: a person who is unwilling to spend money). There's also more about a new feature on The EW (English Waffle) website, which you can find here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/

In this episode, Owain and Mike do some catching up. After the summer break, there is plenty to talk about. They play a game where they have to guess the meaning of the words or phrases each of them have selected. The words or phrases are relevant to what they're doing now and their plans for the English Waffle. Listen to find out more!   Go to the website for transcripts, language analysis and...coming soon!!!...Quizzes to check your understanding! https://englishwaffle.co.uk/   Please contact us if you have any questions: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Join the conversation. Book an online lesson! https://englishwaffle.co.uk/online-lessons

The Waffle is back! No, not Waffle & Shakess in Leicester in the UK; not The Waffle - Irish League Podcast; not the Creative Waffle - Design & Illustration Podcast... (Mike! Couldn't we come up with a more original name?!) It is the English Waffle, a podcast for you, advanced English language learners who want to improve your listening by tuning in to real conversations; sometimes between Mike and me (Owain), and sometimes with a guest interviewee. We're back with the usual offering and something new. Listen to this short episode to find out what we've got in store for 2020/21. Keep waffling!

In this episode, Owain and Mike talk about idioms. They give some and examples and try to guess where the expressions come from. Listen to find out whether they know their history.   The guys also have some important news for regular listeners of the podcast!   Enjoy the episode!