The A to Z English Podcast

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about tariffs. Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss three marine-based idioms. Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Xochitl wrote an article for a travel website highlighting markets in Oaxaca, Mexico. Article Here: Best Markets in Oaxaca for Shopping, Food, and ArtisansPodcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's all about dreams, dreams, dreams. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Xochitl and Jack explain the meanings of three English idioms. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Xochitl and Jack discuss American politics, trade wars, and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Xochitl and Jack talk about their progress regarding the weekly challenges. They break down their successes (and failures) during the episode. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Take a toll (on) – To have a negative effect on something or someone.Example: The stress of the job took a toll on his health.Turn a blind eye (to) – To ignore something, especially something wrong.Example: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering during class.Hit the nail on the head – To describe a situation accurately or find the exact solution.Example: Sarah hit the nail on the head when she said we needed better communication.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Draw the line – To set a limit on what is acceptable.Example: I don't mind helping, but I draw the line at working on weekends.Leave no stone unturned – To try every possible way to achieve something.Example: The detectives left no stone unturned in their search for clues.Set the record straight – To correct a misunderstanding or provide accurate information.Example: He called a press conference to set the record straight about the rumors.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Check out our new logo! This week, Xochitl and Jack talk about their latest weekly challenge and discuss this coming week's challenge. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bite the bullet – To endure a difficult or painful situation with courage.Example: She decided to bite the bullet and take the difficult exam again.Break the ice – To do something to ease tension and make people feel comfortable.Example: He told a funny joke to break the ice at the meeting.Throw in the towel – To give up or quit after trying hard.Example: After several failed attempts to fix the car, he finally threw in the towel and called a mechanic.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Face the music – To accept the consequences of one's actions.Example: After missing the deadline, he had to face the music when his boss confronted him.Jump on the bandwagon – To start supporting something because it is popular.Example: Many companies jumped on the bandwagon of electric vehicles once they became mainstream.Pull the plug – To stop something from continuing, often by cutting off funding or support.Example: The investors pulled the plug on the failing startup.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about last week's challenge where they had to eat a balanced breakfast every day. Listen and find out what this week's challenge will be! :) Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

False Story:In January 2025, a Chinese tech company announced the invention of a smartphone that could communicate directly with household pets. The device, allegedly powered by advanced AI, claimed to translate barks, meows, and even hamster squeaks into human language. The company showcased a demo where a dog "asked" for more treats.True Story:In January 2025, Mariia Zelenina, a 22-year-old Russian mermaid performer, was attacked by a Chinese sturgeon during an aquatic show at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in China. While performing underwater, the fish suddenly inhaled her head. Zelenina managed to free herself, losing her goggles in the process. Despite some bruises and eye pain, she was taken to the hospital and is now resting. She clarified that she was not pressured to return to work and maintains a positive attitude, considering the experience a joke.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

True Story: In January 2025, a zoo in China's Guangdong province made headlines for dyeing two Chow Chow puppies to resemble pandas. Visitors initially admired the "pandas" until they noticed the animals panting and barking. The zoo later admitted to the stunt, sparking outrage and criticism from animal rights groups.False Story: A small town in eastern China recently claimed to have discovered a mysterious underground village dating back thousands of years. Local officials stated that residents found perfectly preserved homes, complete with ancient furnishings and pottery, after a sinkhole suddenly appeared. Archaeologists reportedly described it as one of the most significant finds in Chinese history.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about their experiences meditating for "20" minutes every day for the past week.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cut corners – To do something in a cheaper, easier, or faster way that is often unethical or results in lower quality.Example: The construction company was accused of cutting corners to save costs.Go the extra mile – To make a special effort beyond what is expected.Example: The customer service representative went the extra mile to ensure the client was satisfied.Hit the ground running – To start a project or task with great enthusiasm and speed.Example: The new manager hit the ground running by immediately implementing a plan to increase sales.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A collocation is a combination of words that are commonly used together in a natural way by native speakers of a language. These word pairings sound "right" to native speakers because they occur frequently in everyday language.Break new ground – To do something innovative or unprecedented.Example: The scientist broke new ground in renewable energy research.Lend support – To provide help or assistance.Example: Several organizations lent their support to the charity event.Draw a conclusion – To reach a decision or opinion based on evidence or reasoning.Example: After analyzing the data, the team drew a conclusion about the market trends.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's episode, Xochitl and Jack explain their idea to start weekly challenges. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A collocation is a combination of words that are commonly used together in a natural way by native speakers of a language. These word pairings sound "right" to native speakers because they occur frequently in everyday language.Raise objections – To express disapproval or disagreement.Example: Several employees raised objections to the new policy.Cast doubt – To cause uncertainty or suspicion about something.Example: The new evidence cast doubt on his testimony.Hold a grudge – To maintain feelings of resentment or anger.Example: She held a grudge against him for years after the argument.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A collocation is a combination of words that are commonly used together in a natural way by native speakers of a language. These word pairings sound "right" to native speakers because they occur frequently in everyday language.Pay tribute – To honor or show respect to someone or something.Example: The president paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.Bear responsibility – To accept or take on accountability for something.Example: He bore responsibility for the project's failure.Run a risk – To expose oneself to the possibility of danger or loss.Example: You run a risk of injury if you don't warm up before exercising.Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Xochitl and Jack discuss writing music as a hobby.Find links to Jack's music here:https://soundcloud.com/jack-mcbhttps://www.youtube.com/@echodust77https://echodust2.bandcamp.com/musicPodcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about their pets and the sad news related to Jack's dog, Lily. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Xochitl tells Jack about her trip to Korea and Japan. They also discuss the sad reason that Jack couldn't meet up with Xochitl while she was visiting Korea. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.comSocial Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's with heavy hearts that Xochitl and I are announcing that this is our last episode. We put the "..." in the title to indicate that no one knows the future and there may be a time we start the podcast up again. But for now, we won't be releasing any new episodes. A huge thank you and a huge hug from Xochitl and me to all of our listeners out there. You're the best audience in the world, and we so thoroughly appreciate your support. Thank you, thank you thank you!!!Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-last-episode/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about what they think the future of ESL entails.00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:48JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with.00:00:52JackMy co-host social.00:00:53JackAnd today, we're doing a topic talk episode and we're talking about the future of ESL or the future of EFL English as a second language or English as a foreign language.00:01:05JackAnd UM.00:01:06JackI've got a lot of opinions about this social because my job is here in Korea. I teach at the university and so I'm always listening and and trying to predict what the the future of the industry might be.00:01:25JackBecause it kind of greatly affects my my livelihood, my ability to have a job and earn an income.00:01:34JackAnd.00:01:36JackI've I've got my opinions about it. What do you what are your opinions about the future of ESL? What do you what do you think the the future might might bring?00:01:44XochitlUhm, you know, I haven't been in the industry nearly as long as you have, Jack. So like, I kind of, I feel like by the time that, you know, because of my age, I'm I'm younger and everything. By the time I graduated college and everything like.00:02:01XochitlThat that the industry was already taking the nosedive while I was, you know, in college, I would say. And, you know, the writing has been on the wall for a while, that there's especially during with the pandemic and a lot of people.00:02:11JackYeah.00:02:21XochitlI mean the no mad lifestyle and teaching classes online and then there were certain difficulties with getting visas and staying in different countries.00:02:31XochitlDuring the pandemic and there were, you know, a lot of complications because of COVID that created a ripple effect of a lot of systemic changes that were, I think, already kind of on the on the fringe before, but definitely.00:02:46XochitlKicked up uh during and after the pandemic and uh, how do I say this? I'm I'm not really sure about the future. I do know that.00:02:57XochitlIt's not as lucrative a business, you know, as it used to be. I would say definitely people who are in ESL now, it's kind of like a.00:03:06XochitlA labor of love and it used to be that, you know, 20 years ago, you're starting pay in in a job like what you would get paid in Korea was the same as what you get paid now. And of course it went a lot farther 20 years ago. Yeah.00:03:19발표자Right.00:03:22JackYeah, yeah, things are more expensive now. Inflation has basically cut that by 1/3.00:03:29JackYeah.00:03:30발표자Hmm.00:03:31JackYeah.00:03:32XochitlThe buying power of that same quantity, it's just not what it used to be.00:03:36JackThread.00:03:38XochitlSo I don't know and I think that also displayed some people from, you know taking the route of moving to another country because it takes a lot of money which a lot of people also aren't aware of to to move out to another country. Yet in Korea like you get an apartment provided.00:03:57XochitlAnd you get a lot of benefits, but just the visa process alone, plus they reimburse you for your flight ticket after like a year of contract, but you have to pay the money.00:04:06XochitlFront and and a bunch of those related charges. You know, we're talking about hundreds or over $1000 and then.00:04:15발표자MHM.00:04:19XochitlYou know your pay is just so. So I think it makes a lot of people question whether they want.00:04:24XochitlTo be like.00:04:26XochitlWork to the bone in some of these jobs. Yeah. Yeah. So I think it, I think on both ends, both for, you know, schools that are hiring teachers from outside of the country when they. I think it's also become a thing of why should I go through the hassle of.00:04:43XochitlHiring someone from outside of my country and paying for their health check and paying for their visa sponsorship and all. And you know, making sure they are who they say they are doing background check and receiving all these documents and processing them like why should I go through all this trouble when I can get someone in my own country with thanks to globalization and better education tools they might.00:05:03XochitlSpeak, you know perfect English and I can just get someone who already knows the culture as well and who I won't have to worry about like.00:05:11XochitlHolding their hand and walking them through the process of moving to a new country and from the teachers perspective, it's like why should I uproot my whole life? I mean, a lot of people do anyway because of the adventure.00:05:15발표자Yeah.00:05:23XochitlAspect.00:05:24XochitlBut at the same time it's like.00:05:27XochitlWhy should I uproot my whole life to make minimal pay? You know, when I could just.00:05:34XochitlVacation there instead. Or you know whatever. So I think both of those things have a are having an impact on the current market. What do you think?00:05:44JackYeah. No, I think you're right on. I think you're on target there on the mark, there's a couple. There's kind of two different.00:05:53JackBoxes that I am thinking about, the two two kind of category.00:05:58JackWorries the first one is what you were talking about. It's like there's plenty of capable people in Korea and Japan and and China who speak English, just who speak English very well, who can teach, who are who are Chinese, or who are Korean, or who are Japanese they can.00:06:18JackTeach people in their own country you know, they're like, why do you need to bring in an expensive?00:06:26JackUh foreigner to teach English when you can get.00:06:33JackJust the same quality from someone from your country, and it's probably much cheaper to.00:06:41JackYou know you you you can avoid all the other expenses. You know the the travel expenses and the the bonuses and stuff like that, that they have to offer to attract people from other countries to come here.00:06:53JackAlso, I think the the fascination with like English is starting to wear off a little bit like it's not.00:07:01JackUM, I I don't know. It's it's, it's not as.00:07:07JackHow can I say it's?00:07:10XochitlPeople are thinking like it's not, like, indispensable now that you know English.00:07:16JackYeah. Yeah, right. It's it's, it's not. It's not as special as it maybe once was or.00:07:23JackAnd.00:07:24JackYou you know, I mean, I I think it's it's more of a I think people are learning it because English is still the the de facto international business language like that's the way companies or people and companies will communicate with each other internationally they'll use English as the.00:07:44JackThe is the the common language, but that takes me to the other side of the of the issue. The other part of the issue, which is the technology you know you can you could write a form letter in seconds using chat EPT in perfect English.00:08:01JackWhereas before you used to see really hard and understand all the grammar and then write the letter yourself, you know now you can, it'll just spit out a perfect English form letter or any letter for you immediately if you just type in a few prompts.00:08:20XochitlGoodnight.00:08:20JackAnd UM.00:08:22JackAnd that's a big change. That was a big game changer, I think. And the other thing is I think the technology is going to get better like.00:08:33JackApps like Papago or Google Translate are able to take a foreign language and and translate it into English in a very almost perfect manner. Like it's it's quite accurate and.00:08:52JackIt used to be really not inaccurate. It used to used to be nonsense. It was really funny actually, when I would read essays that were translated through Google Translate because.00:09:05XochitlWait.00:09:06발표자You know.00:09:07JackYeah.00:09:07XochitlIt was so obvious.00:09:08JackRight. You were. So yeah, it was like something like, you know, I don't know. It just just bizarre, crazy things that I that I that I that I read there and now you now now it's much it's much more accurate. So you've got tools that are that are getting better and better.00:09:29JackFor for people to translate.00:09:31JackAnd then finally the you know in the future I think you know it's going to be to the point where you might be able to put like an air pod in your ear and and speak your native language and the other person that you're talking to is going to hear English in their earpiece and then they'll speak into.00:09:52JackTheir device and the other person will hear their native language, and so conversations will be totally.00:10:02JackCapable or possible between two people who don't speak any common language. You might not be smooth, you know, as smooth as doing it in real, real time. But as the technology gets better, I think you know it might become seamless. Where?00:10:22JackThe conversation is very easily had between two people.00:10:27JackUsing just using technology, but I still think there's going to be a desire among a certain group of people to learn the language. Uh the old fashioned way just for their own.00:10:43XochitlSelf Improvement company.00:10:43JackShall we say?00:10:44JackLike edification, you know their own satisfaction of, of being able to say I'm a bilingual person, I speak English and I speak Chinese or or Spanish or or Japanese or whatever.00:11:01JackAnd they'll be able to. They'll get better positions in companies, I think because they'll be able to sit down and have a negotiation, a conversation in English with with someone and that that would be, it'll still be a benefit for people, but there's going to be other avenues that people can use other.00:11:20JackMethods that are going to be.00:11:23JackAnd not as good as, as uh as learning the language but still allow them to communicate on some level. And so the more that these this technology gets better and advances, the less you need there is for, you know foreign.00:11:43JackImported foreign teachers.00:11:46JackTo teach English in countries like Korea and China and Japan. And so I just see I see it becoming less and less necessary between having local people do it and then also using the technology as it gets better. And you put the comp, you combine those two together.00:12:06JackAnd it's to me, it's like bye bye birdie. You know, like goodbye.00:12:13JackTo my job, you know? So I I worry about that. Not not that much, because I'm already, you know, almost 50 years old. So the age of retirement is not far away from me, really. So I think I'll be able to hang in there for the for the, you know. But I think I I got lucky.00:12:32JackJust.00:12:33JackI'll be one of the last of the groups of of people of my generation. My generation will be the last group that kind of does it this way and they'll some new model and some new method is going to emerge and I'm not sure if that will include foreign English teachers.00:12:53JackOr not. You know, I'm not sure. No one can tell the future, but I'm just a little bit concerned for young people teaching English in Korea, whether they're still gonna have a job 5/10/15 years from now, I'm not sure.00:13:08XochitlAre you?00:13:10XochitlUM.00:13:12XochitlHow do I say this? Are you?00:13:17XochitlAre there are these positions like the one that you have? Are they tenured positions like is there like?00:13:23JackNo, we we're contract workers, you know. So we, yeah, we we get two year contracts and so that you know we keep signed resign and re sign and resign 2 year contracts. So yeah there's no there's no guarantee for me that you know these if if it goes away.00:13:27발표자Oh.00:13:44JackI have to.00:13:46JackYou know, and I'll be. I'll be be kind of old to be looking for a new new career. You know, it would be very difficult for me to find another job. I'm not. I don't think I'm suitable, really. For anything else other than teaching English as a second language. To be honest, it's all I've done for the last 2020 years.00:14:08XochitlRight. Yeah, geez, that's absolutely wild to think about. It's like I didn't. I didn't really realize that the positions were like, like, So what? What do you mind me asking? What position? Like what is it called like? Are you are you like a professors aide or are you like a?00:14:10JackI'm scary.00:14:28XochitlOK.00:14:28JackOhh yeah, so my official position is professor, associate professor.00:14:35XochitlOK, so you're an associate professor, so.00:14:36발표자Yeah.00:14:37JackYeah.00:14:39XochitlThat's wild to me that you would have an associate professor on a two year.00:14:44XochitlContract.00:14:46JackYeah, yeah, there's a lot of contract workers. Yeah, 10 years, really. You know, for the PHD's, you know, people who are doing research, you know, I'm not a research. I'm not a researcher. I'm a basically a a teacher. You know, I mean, I.00:15:05JackI don't even like the word professor. You know, in America we don't.00:15:11JackIf you teach at a university, you are a professor. I mean, that's basically the way that works.00:15:17JackWe just have one word for it here. You know, in a lot of countries, they have a lot of different names for the different levels and I don't know what all those are in Korean, but I know that my level is not, you know, it's not the high up level, it's it's a.00:15:34JackIt's it's just a, you know, I'm a contract worker. Uhm uh. But you know it's the contract has always been guaranteed, you know, so I've never worried about not getting another contract. The The what I worry about is, are those things that I was talking about before, is that when it gets to the point where we're no longer needed.00:15:56JackAnd the school really has to, you know, assess whether this is even necessary anymore given the new technology, given the the skills of of current teachers here in Korea, you know, do do we need these foreign?00:16:15JackThis foreign faculty and that that is, you know, and I don't blame I I don't blame them either, you know, I mean, it's just like.00:16:23JackThe way things progress and and things happen, you you become you become redundant. As we say in English, there's just no it's. You're not needed anymore because there are other other things or other people that can do the same thing that you're doing. And so you become kind of.00:16:43JackOn uh, uh. What's the word I'm looking for? You become unnecessary, I guess.00:16:54XochitlYeah, but uh.00:16:58XochitlWell.00:17:00XochitlI have a counterpoint actually to this thought process I that I just thought of as I was listening to you talking to this. Mm-hmm. I think as someone who grew up as a balanced bilingual, I think the language like, even if we get AI to perfectly, you know, simulate language and have a a seamless conversation between two people.00:17:20XochitlLanguage.00:17:21XochitlIs so.00:17:22XochitlSo.00:17:23XochitlCultural there's so many cultural aspects to learning a language, and I think those will always be important to experience and master on so many levels on economic skill because like, if you're working in business or client relations or whatever, you're going to have to know about the other.00:17:42XochitlPerson's culture.00:17:44XochitlUM, as an appreciative measure, so you can truly understand the culture on a different level, like on a deeper level. There's so many reasons why I think the.00:17:54XochitlThat that learning language is it has a deeply cultural component that's important, that can't be replicated through AI, and that won't be able to be replicated through a.00:18:06XochitlA person like for example a a Korean person or a Chinese person teaching English. Just like when I was in college and I was learning Mandarin Chinese, we had a professor from China visiting professor from China every year and they would have two year contracts as well and they would be part of our.00:18:27XochitlUh, class structure and I think it was really important because they brought cultural knowledge, cultural components. They brought expressions that were only used that like our professor, who wasn't Chinese, wouldn't have like, really known. Like, he's still completely fluent Chinese. You know what I mean? But he still wouldn't have had that cultural component.00:18:48XochitlAs he didn't grow up in the culture, even though he had lived abroad, even though he spoke perfect Chinese, he was lacking those cultural components that we got and appreciated so much from the visiting professor from.00:19:02XochitlI know.00:19:04JackYeah, that's a good point that that's a great point, yeah.00:19:04XochitlAnd.00:19:09XochitlSo I'm hoping I'm hoping that there will still be institutions that value that you know because, you know, I'm kind of thinking about getting back into the ESL game. I mean, I'm, I'm still in it. I haven't loved it because we do the podcast and we have the English corner. But just getting back into it as a full time job just because.00:19:15발표자Yeah.00:19:30XochitlWe we talked about this many times before, but you know, a job in Korea is like life in a bottle and there's so many benefits that are hard to come by in a job in the.00:19:38XochitlThat's like great healthcare, the pension things that are just kind of becoming obsolete as benefits in any position in the US, whether it be entry level or even further up the ladder. It's like those kind of benefits were for Gen. X's and older and you can't get them really anymore as a.00:19:58XochitlMillennial or Gen. Z entering the workforce. And so I think that's something that's very attractive to me as someone looking to.00:20:07XochitlGo back to teach English. You know, full time in a foreign country. There are so many benefits that would be hard to come by here.00:20:16발표자Yep.00:20:17XochitlAnd yeah, so it's definitely something that I'm interested in. And so I'm hoping that that aspect, the cultural aspect and the the aspects of language that can't be replicated through. I I'm hoping this.00:20:28XochitlWill still be valued.00:20:30XochitlYeah, I can keep a job, you know.00:20:33JackYeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, and I think that you might be right. You know what? Because we do the idiom Academy. I mean, how are you going to? How are you going to explain how is AI going to understand the all the nuances of the of the language when you know and translate it in a way that's going to capture the nuance?00:20:51JackYou know, a lot of the times when I explain an idiom or a phrasal verb meaning to a student, I have to explain the context of like the culture and say like well, in American culture we do this. And so because we do this, we say this.00:21:08JackAnd because, uh, this thing that we do kind of relates to what you're trying to describe, you know, metaphorically we we say this, but I mean that's a lot that's a lot of that's a that's a lot of frog leaping from.00:21:08XochitlYep.00:21:28JackThe actual you know expression to the meaning and I'm not sure the. I'm not sure that there's any AI or at least right now any any translation device that's able to really cap.00:21:43JackSure. You know specifically the nuance of the of the meaning or the context of the meaning necessarily and that might be the thing that saves us, is that, yeah, the culture that that you're, you're not just teaching the language, you're teaching the culture and the two are.00:21:57XochitlHopefully.00:22:05JackAre kind of woven together like a like a rug. You know, it's you can't separate them.00:22:12XochitlThere's a a language is just a rich tapestry that weaves together so many things. It's it includes culture, history, expressions and so much of language is also physical. Like there's so many gestures that are unique to, you know, different countries and different languages, like in in Spanish.00:22:32XochitlIn Mexico specifically, I don't know about other Spanish speaking countries, but when we're agreeing with someone while they're talking, a lot of times you like replicate and head nod with your index finger. And so when foreigners see that, they're like, what is that gesture to explain. Ohh. They're agreeing with them, but they don't want to interrupt or whatever. So they're.00:22:47JackYeah. Yes.00:22:52XochitlYou know, and similar like in Korean culture. When you hand things to an elder, you use both hands, cause that's respectful. There's so many tiny nuances, I think it would take it's.00:23:00발표자Yeah.00:23:04XochitlTo take at least another like 100 years for AI to get all of that down, I think so.00:23:10JackI hope so. Yeah, that would be great. That would give me enough time, plenty of time to finish my career at the same institution.00:23:13발표자Yes.00:23:22JackYeah, I mean I that that is that's the. That's the counterpoint. I mean that that, you know, I think in for simple sentences and easy stuff it's going to be the translation tools are good. But when it comes to.00:23:35JackThe you know the the particular, you know, context and the nuances, I don't know if there's any AI that can really capture that properly. And so yeah, that may be the the one saving grace for for our jobs.00:23:56발표자Yeah.00:23:56XochitlYeah, well, let's hope that it is, and I'm curious to hear from our students this time. I really, really want to know what you guys think about the future of ESL, because you guys are.00:24:09XochitlStudents of you know English as a foreign language. A lot of you guys are in our English corner. Which shameless plug here. Our English corner runs Monday through Friday for an hour a day and we have a lot of. We have a lot of discussions like this. This may actually be an interesting discussion to posit in English corner. Actually I'm I'm very curious to know what you guys think.00:24:25JackYeah.00:24:31XochitlSo make sure you leave us a comment down below at 8 OS englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at podcast@gmail.com Jack and I really love to get your emails and make sure you join the WhatsApp and we took group to join the conversation. And again, if you're interested in our.00:24:47XochitlEnglish corner. Make sure that you message Jack or I or the A-Z English broadcast only chat or WhatsApp and we will make sure to get back to you with more information about that and I'll see.00:24:56XochitlYou next time. Bye bye.00:24:58JackBye.Podcast Website:Topic Talk | The Future of ESL – A to Z English (atozenglishpodcast.com)Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Here are the meanings of the phrases "drop the ball" and "fall off":Drop the Ball"Drop the ball" is an idiom that means to make a mistake or fail to meet an obligation or responsibility. It suggests that someone has let something important slip through the cracks, leading to a failure or mishap. The phrase likely originates from sports, where dropping the ball can lead to a loss of possession or a missed opportunity.Example:"I really dropped the ball on that project. I forgot to submit the report on time."Fall Off"Fall off" can have a few different meanings depending on the context:Literal Meaning: To physically fall from a higher place to a lower place.Example: "Be careful on the ladder so you don't fall off."Decrease or Decline: To experience a reduction in amount, quality, or intensity.Example: "Sales have fallen off since the holiday season."Lose Focus or Consistency: To stop maintaining a certain level of performance, attention, or engagement.Example: "He was doing well in his studies, but his grades fell off after he started working part-time."Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, and their meanings can often be inferred from the context in which they are used.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/idiom-academy-drop-the-ball-and-fall-off/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack answer more silly questions. Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:48JackWelcome to the Ados English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a fun topic talk.00:00:57JackAnd this one is. These are just silly questions, social and.00:01:02JackWe're going to do three of them, and if you join our English corner through the WeChat group, you can also discuss these. We we discussed these questions last week, but we will discuss questions like this in the future as well. And #1 is what are your most random pet peeves?00:01:22JackWe we talked.00:01:22JackAbout pet peeves before, but what's your like most random one? That probably no one else is annoyed by, but only you?00:01:30XochitlMy most random pet peeve.00:01:35XochitlThe leading the chair not pushing, as we discussed before.00:01:39발표자Mm-hmm.00:01:41XochitlWhat's another one?00:01:44XochitlI'm trying to think I'm not too much of A picky person, so it's kind of hard for me. I hate this is kind of a like a weird one. It's not really my business, but I just hate seeing like.00:01:57XochitlLike useless men like this sounds weird, but it's kind of a pet peeve of mine when there's, like, a a woman with like like this just happened in the airport. There's a woman was literally the she she and her husband were at the airport and she had like, seven kids. And I think she's pregnant with another kid and.00:02:17XochitlHe the man just like there's he was supposed to get like dinner for all the kids and the wife with his oldest son, and they just disappeared for like 2 hours and then came back with nothing.00:02:30XochitlAnd the kids were, like, running around and screaming, and the lady looked, like, devastated. And it was like, oh, my God, I just, you know what I mean? I hate seeing stuff like that every time I see a man, a useless partner. That's a huge piece. And it's funny because it's not really my business, but it just makes me angry.00:02:48JackYeah, it's kind of I'm. I'm just, I think.00:02:50JackIt's funny that you were.00:02:51JackJust watching that whole scenario play out and just seething, just so angry.00:02:57XochitlYes, I was sitting across from the waiting and I was just like, oh, my God, this poor lady. And this, like, older lady sitting next to her was like, helped ended up helping her with distract her kids for a while, which was really nice. Of the older lady to step in. But it was just.00:03:12XochitlCrazy that the woman has a whole husband. That's like doing nothing.00:03:17JackYeah.00:03:17XochitlJust absolutely insane.00:03:19JackI wonder, I wonder if my wife would have stories. And then I thought fortunately there might be some examples of me checking out for a moment, but I I try not to. I I try to, you know, we we try to divide and conquer. You know, the best that we can.00:03:34XochitlI don't think he would have been that useless like this guy was a a new level. You know what I mean? From what I've seen of you, I have a hard time believing you would have been that.00:03:39발표자Yeah.00:03:43XochitlBad.00:03:43XochitlYou know, so that's a.00:03:45XochitlBig Tip team of mine and I think.00:03:49XochitlThose are those are two big ones, I.00:03:53XochitlI don't think that I have another one. I guess another, maybe third one is like noise makes me irritated really fast. So like.00:04:04XochitlI like things to be pretty quiet, but if I have to hear like a bunch of noise.00:04:10XochitlI can just get so angry quickly for no reason kind of. So that peeve is like just really noisy environments can really grate on my nerves if I'm not expecting it. You know, if I'm at like a concert or something, obviously I don't really care. You expect it to be loud, but it's.00:04:25JackYeah, you can't really complain about the noise at a concert.00:04:28XochitlYeah, but it's just like sudden loudness or something out of nowhere. Like it just kind of grates on my nerves.00:04:36XochitlYeah. How about you, Jack? What are your pet peeves?00:04:39JackI've got a couple. Well, my the first one, I said this one was in another podcast too, but I it bothers me when people say, you know what I mean like that. It's like, yeah, because I'm. I'm always like, yeah, I I know exactly what you mean. You don't have to ask me. You know, I'm not stupid, but.00:04:49XochitlYes, I remember that.00:04:59JackBut it's not, that's just me projecting because people.00:05:03JackAre they're not really asking me a question. They're just, it's just a filler, right? It's it's a.00:05:09XochitlOr they're worried that they don't make sense. Like when I ask people. Ohh, do you know what I mean? Like I'm. I'm asking because I think I don't make sense.00:05:18JackYeah, you're being like you're being an active listener. You're you're actually really, genuinely trying to be understood and making sure the other person understands you. So yeah, that that pet peeve is is just it's it's actually it's it's on me. It's not. It's my fault. It's not other people being annoying. It's just me being annoying.00:05:38JackUM.00:05:40JackAnother one is that I noticed that really bothers me is when, like people, when did people stop using headphones and just start listening to their stupid phones out loud like is there?00:05:50발표자Oh my God, that has not happened.00:05:53XochitlTo me, at the airport. Sorry, go ahead.00:05:55JackOh, no, I yeah, I mean, but was it music or was it, uh, talking?00:05:59XochitlJust random stuff like videos and talking and music and like and phone calls and stuff. And I'm like, why are you listening to everything out loud? Like where are your heads?00:06:10JackYeah.00:06:10XochitlAnd it's so funny, because just before that I was like seeing a video and like, oh, I don't want to listen to this cause I don't have headphones. And so I'm not going to listen to it and I'll just save it for later. And then there's person next to me. He's like blasting this video and like, it's so weird, you know? Yeah.00:06:25JackI know, I know what you mean. It's it happened to me yesterday. Guy in the elevator is listening.00:06:30JackTo.00:06:30JackHis stupid YouTube channel about baseball or something and everyone has to listen to it. Then another person in the elevator takes their phone out and starts listening to their thing, and none of them are putting any headphones in as if we all want to.00:06:42JackListen to your garbage.00:06:44JackYou know.00:06:44JackIt's like if if I wanted to listen to it, I would listen to it my myself. There's there's no is there, is there no respect anymore? What? What happened to to people? It's just.00:06:55XochitlIt I just grew, actually. I grew up. You just sound like such a boomer when you said that. But it's kind of funny because my boomer dad would actually do that. We would be watching like soap operas like my mom and I would be watching soap opera. And my dad would come in listening to baseball on his iPad and just sit in the room listening to the baseball like.00:07:15XochitlIn the middle of us watching soap opera and I'd be like, can you leave like or turn that off?00:07:19XochitlOff and he's like, I just want to spend time with you guys. I'm like, then put some headphones in or watch this with us or and watch that way or something. It was just so annoying because it's like we can't even hear the soap opera that we're watching cause he's too busy listening to the baseball game on full blast in the middle of the room. We were sitting in. So yeah, it's really annoying.00:07:37JackYes, headphone headphone etiquette. Come on, people. What's the craziest thing you've ever done? I mean, this is a hard question because.00:07:47JackI've done too many crazy things, but.00:07:50XochitlAre you feeling something?00:07:52XochitlWell, maybe it's just like deciding I was gonna move to Korea. Like, I don't know where I just pulled that out of thin air. And I was like, yeah, what I could. Yeah, I'll move to Korea. That was kind of crazy, I think. Yeah. Yeah. It it ended up working out fine. Another really crazy one that I always remember is we went to Spain when I was a little kid, I was like.00:08:12Xochitl9 or 10 years old and my dad.00:08:19XochitlWe were like going to this castle and my dad decided to crawl up through the castle like there's there. Was this an old sewage hall hole in the castle wall and my dad decided to that we should, like, cut through.00:08:37XochitlAnd go through there instead of walking around the into the castle entrance like normal people.00:08:45XochitlMy mom was not.00:08:45JackI think your dad the craziest thing. Your.00:08:47JackDad's ever done.00:08:48XochitlYes, we were little kids, but I unfortunately with Dragon and I was like, no, I don't want to do this. And then my sister and my dad were, like, getting angry at me because I was like on the verge.00:08:57XochitlOf tears because.00:08:58XochitlI was like, we're gonna get in trouble and we didn't get in trouble. By the way, somehow we did. We did that and then jumped over this like police orange mesh.00:09:08XochitlUs and just acted like we were there the whole time.00:09:12JackWow, you guys got away with it. Nice.00:09:13XochitlEgg.00:09:15XochitlYeah, it's. It was very weird. My dad is an insane person. So. So yeah, that was definitely a crazy thing. And I do remember it still vividly, because something that I didn't want to do and was still doing. So yeah. How about you, Jack? Crazy thing you've done.00:09:33JackThat's funny. I mean, I I think probably the craziest thing I've ever done is.00:09:39JackYeah, I I would say move to to Asia. I mean just kind of on a whim, just like I'm going to go to Thailand.00:09:47JackAnd teach English without any teaching experience or anything. I just I just went and.00:09:54JackYeah, I didn't even know where Thailand was on a map. I think I could have been going to Taiwan like it didn't. I didn't even know. I I put so little thought into it.00:10:05JackI just got on a plane and and landed and hoped for the best, you know? And yeah, 20 some years later it worked out great, but it was just. It was one. It was a crazy thing because it it changed the entire.00:10:11XochitlHmm.00:10:22JackOutcome of my life like it just said, the direction it changed the entire direction of my life, and so it took me. It took me to places that I've I never dreamed I would ever go to.00:10:34JackOr had never even heard of before. When I was a kid. So yeah, I think, yeah, travel doing doing what we did is is pretty crazy.00:10:44JackThat definitely qualifies.00:10:44XochitlYeah.00:10:46XochitlMost people never do that.00:10:49JackYeah, I think I don't have people think about it, but they they they rarely pull the trigger and do it.00:10:55JackAnd.00:10:55XochitlI think the the like hardest part though from the athletes is like uh, sorry Jack, did I interrupt.00:11:00XochitlYou. No, no.00:11:01XochitlOK. I was just thinking, I think the weirdest part for me is like when you get to Korea and you meet a bunch of other people who were just as crazy as you and then, like, some of them are actually crazy people because you know what I mean? There's, like, a lot of really weird expats.00:11:11JackYeah, yeah, yeah.00:11:15XochitlBecause.00:11:19XochitlThere's a lot of weird ex. That's because it takes a certain level of audacity and craziness to do to to do that to, like, uproot your life and move somewhere else. And so there's other people who are also crazy for different reasons, though. You know what I mean? Or am I not?00:11:37발표자I.00:11:37JackI have a theory about this actually because no, I know exactly what you mean.00:11:41JackThere's kind of 222 groups, you know, there's like, normal. There's normal people that want an adventure and they they, they kind of do something crazy because they're like, cause it is kind of crazy to move to a country where you don't speak.00:11:49XochitlYeah.00:11:55JackThe language you don't know the culture.00:11:58JackAnd you're going to live there indefinitely.00:12:01JackAnd that's crazy. But there are also kind of crazy people that just don't fit into society back home.00:12:10JackAnd so they they go to another place where they can, where the local population, the local people, can't distinguish between crazy people and normal people. So there's normal people who are adventurous and then crazy people. And we all get lumped in together as foreigners.00:12:10XochitlYeah.00:12:30JackAnd I always want to feel like that person over there is crazy. That person does not represent me.00:12:37JackI'm not.00:12:38XochitlRight.00:12:39JackThat person, that person, is weird. That person is weird in America. That person is weird in Canada.00:12:45XochitlYes, yes.00:12:45발표자That person is.00:12:46JackA weirdo, you know, like you you. Yeah.00:12:50XochitlI had that experience with few different times. I had, like I had a lot of kind of bad experiences with other expats in Korea because you find out there's a lot of people that are there for a reason.00:13:00XochitlThat is not the reason that you're there. No, they're like escaping all the bridges that you burn back in their home country, like different weird things. I I had one person that I knew that was extremely weird, like.00:13:14XochitlHe was really friendly at first and then became like, really hostile and it was like super weird. And I just stopped talking like she totally misinterpreted a situation that we had. And I was like, huh, maybe I actually came off like a jerk. I feel terrible. I'm so sorry.00:13:34XochitlAnd she was like, no, you definitely did that on purpose. You're a horrible person. And I was like, Ohh Dang, maybe I am a horrible person. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean, you know, to do that. And then that person had the same exact problem with everyone else that we knew mutually. And I was like, oh, OK, it wasn't you.00:13:50JackAnd every person that she knows back home, she's had that problem.00:13:52JackWith.00:13:53XochitlYes, that's exactly what happened. And then?00:13:57XochitlWhat's another crazy one that happened? I had this one I had, like. It happened to me like a few different times, with different people and On the contrary, I have friends that I'm people that I met, that I'm still friends with, you know that I still stayed.00:14:09XochitlIn.00:14:09XochitlTouch with, but there there was another like, there's a couple that was like super racist and I was like, Oh my God. Like they just started saying racist stuff in front of me, thinking I'd be cool.00:14:21XochitlWith that, and I was like, what the heck, you know what?00:14:24XochitlI mean like.00:14:25JackNo.00:14:25XochitlIt was so.00:14:26XochitlWeird. And also to know like expat to like go to Korea and are racist like towards Asian people and I'm like why are you here?00:14:35JackYeah, yeah, I that is. That is bizarre behavior. I mean, because they're, you know, they're no one. No one will take them anywhere. They they don't. They don't fit in anywhere. And it's it's like they have to, you have to fix yourself it. It's it's you can't just if you're broken in America and then you come to Korea and you.00:14:53JackThink you're going to be fixed?00:14:54발표자It's.00:14:55JackIt's not, it's not. It doesn't work that way. You know, you gotta fix yourself wherever you are. And but I. But I feel like they can blend in a little bit more here in, in an odd way or get away with their behavior a little bit more because people are just just chalk it up as.00:15:14JackWell, that person's a foreigner, so they don't understand, but it's like, no, it's not. Has nothing to do with them being a foreigner. They're just.00:15:23JackA weird person. They're just strange, and they behave strangely, and so they deserve they. You should avoid that person, you know, that's what.00:15:32JackI want to tell people.00:15:32XochitlYes, I know I I've had that happen so many times. So ultimately, yeah, it's it's an interesting experience.00:15:44XochitlSo I don't know listeners, let us know what the craziest thing you've ever done was. Have you ever lived in another country and also do you know about the phenomenon that Jack and I are talking about? I'm curious if you guys know what we're talking about. Leave a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the WeChat and also.00:16:04XochitlTo talk to Jack and I directly.00:16:06XochitlAnne, Jack and I did start an English corner, as I'm sure you've heard, it's Monday through Friday for an hour a day and we have a lot of Members now. It's really cool. We get to discuss different topics just like the ones we discussed today, and everyone gets to chime in with their opinion and it's a really great time and environment to be able to practice your English.00:16:26XochitlSo if you want to join us, make sure to send a message to Jack on WeChat or WhatsApp, or shoot us an e-mail at aznewspodcast@gmail.com and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.00:16:36JackBye.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl explains why she may not want to have children.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and.00:00:52JackI'm here with my co-host social.00:00:54JackAnd today we have an interesting topic.00:00:56JackFor you and social, I'm going to.00:00:58JackLet you introduce the topic today.00:01:04XochitlToday, we're going to talk about.00:01:07XochitlSocietal pressures and expectations kind of in this upcoming generation, which includes, you know, people my age and younger, and we're going to talk about how I maybe don't want to have kids.00:01:22JackMHM.00:01:24XochitlYeah. So I don't know what to say about that, except I guess I've gotten to an age finally.00:01:29XochitlThere, you know one once people know like they ask me how old I am and once they know, you know, they they sometimes ask, you know, do I want to have kids or am I thinking about having kids? And the answer is kind of no. I mean whenever I hear screaming children, it just dries up, it dries.00:01:50XochitlThe uterus right up, Jack to the side.00:01:51XochitlOf.00:01:52XochitlSomething I just I hate. I I can't really stand the shrill shrieking of of joyous children. I'm just kidding. But it is it. It is really hard and and I just see there's so much responsibility. I admire people who are parents. Of course I know it's really hard.00:02:01JackYeah.00:02:10XochitlBut I do see there's so much responsibility and it kind of makes me feel like you just never know where things are gonna go. Like a lot of things are kind of out of your control when you have kids and.00:02:25XochitlIt's scary because I I I I guess I always go to the darkest, you know, recess of my mind and think you know what? If someone murdered my kids or you know what? What kid murdered someone you know and and not just that. It's like every decision that you make for the rest of your life will revolve around your kids and even when your kids are adult.00:02:36JackHmm.00:02:49XochitlYou're going to worry about them every single day, and you're gonna.00:02:54XochitlLike put your energy into that bill. Never stop being your kids, you know.00:03:00JackOh, I I know exactly what you mean. It's. But can I go back and back a little bit? Are you are you offended when people ask you that?00:03:05XochitlOh yeah, Jack, rewind.00:03:09XochitlI don't really care but, but I know some people. Some people do get offended and I think that's their right because it's kind of like it's not really anyone's business, you know, and if.00:03:19JackYeah, it's kind of an inappropriate question in some in some ways.00:03:22JackI feel like.00:03:23XochitlIt's kind of a crazy question because it's like if I wanted kids and could have kids, wouldn't I have them right now? And then it's like, and if I didn't want kids, then why are you asking me and like?00:03:29JackYou're right.00:03:35XochitlLike there's just or if I want kids and couldn't have them like, then we're just about to open a really uncomfortable can of worms, especially if you don't know me super well. Like, what if you asked me that and I have on my, like, fifth round of IVF and we know it's not gonna work anymore. And I'm like, I start sobbing my eyes out. And you just ask me, you know, if I want to have kids, you know what I mean? Like, it's just why.00:03:55XochitlI don't get why people ask that, and I and I can see like if I wanted kids and I had issues.00:04:00XochitlConceiving I would probably be really I could easily be hurt and I can see why people would be, you know, it's a.00:04:06XochitlWeird question to ask.00:04:07JackYeah, it seems like it kind of a dangerous area to to ask questions about, you know, because it's so personal and and also, you know, do you feel like you do, you feel obligated to explain yourself after when you say no like because I feel like just saying no is should be enough.00:04:27JackBut but I I feel like you feel like you have to qualify that with like an explanation and that that's I think the crux of today's topic, right is the.00:04:38JackThe this kind of idea that like you have to have kids like it's just and and I'm I'm I'm my we were talking about this before the the podcast before we started recording.00:04:43XochitlRight.00:04:53JackAnd uhm, I told you, I I mentioned to my daughter. I said, you know. Well, I think I told her don't have any kids or something like that. But that's a little harsh, you know? Like I mean, of course, if she wants to have kids, I I hope she has kids. And I would love to be a grand a granddad. But because then you just get to do all the fun stuff.00:05:13JackNone of the hard work.00:05:15XochitlRight. You get to spoil your kids rotten and she has to discipline them.00:05:19JackExactly. That's. I'm looking forward to that actually that's that's that's kind of the reward for going through and parenting is you get to then you get to be a grandparent but.00:05:30JackThe but I just feel like like more, more and more people in your age.00:05:34발표자Group.00:05:35JackAre are, are choosing not to have kids and choosing not to get married, especially women you know are are are just going into the workforce focusing on their jobs and their careers and realize that having a kid is also a full time job.00:05:40JackHmm.00:05:55JackBy itself, and I know because I've I've gone through it, my daughter, and we're coming out of, we're kind of coming out of it on the on the other end a little bit because my daughter is now 15, almost 16. So she's basically like a little adult. And, you know, all the.00:06:13JackAnnoying stuff is is is done, you know, I mean it. It's lovely when they're they're little and cute, but sometimes it can be.00:06:19JackLike.00:06:20JackExhausting. You know, I just remember my daughter crying uncontrollably for no reason in about two in the morning, and I'm just beside myself and you know.00:06:33JackLying on the floor on her bed, bedroom in or in her bedroom, holding her hand, saying, you know, will you go to sleep if I hold your hand? And then she said yes, OK. And so I'm holding your hand. And then she finally falls asleep. And then I fall asleep and.00:06:48JackTo wake up on this hardwood floor.00:06:51JackAnd not well rested the next day. And you know, it's just it. It's it's tough. Like I I just think like having kids going into it without, like thinking about it really and really knowing that you want to be a parent. I think some people just jump into it too too quickly.00:07:09JackDo you think?00:07:09XochitlUh.00:07:10XochitlYeah, I totally agree with you. I think actually some of the most responsible people are like end up not having kids because they just know I'm not trying to knock anyone who's who's had kids. I'm sure a lot of people.00:07:24XochitlAre responsible parents, but I'm just saying that a lot of people who would be responsible parents also just don't end up having kids because they think about everything that has to go into raising a child. You know, it's like a lot of effort, a lot of money, a lot of time, a lot of sacrifices.00:07:42XochitlAnd UM.00:07:44XochitlI think one of the most common arguments now for for children is or for people who don't want to have children is like, oh, you're selfish and it's.00:07:51XochitlLike, I mean, I think it's more selfish to bring a child in the world when you're not fully prepared to take care of that child.00:07:59JackRight. Being neglectful. Not to, you know, be still trying to live your selfish life because you you you have to. Once you have a kid, you, you're, it's done. It's not life is no longer about you.00:08:13JackSo.00:08:14JackSo you know, I I know some people that that have kids and they still want to live like they don't have kids. And you what happens is in either one of the spouses, the husband or the wife ends up, you know, doing most of the heavy lifting. Most of the work and then resentment.00:08:15XochitlRight.00:08:34JackPros and then divorce happens and those kinds of things and.00:08:40JackThat's like you said, way more selfish than just deciding not to have kids.00:08:46XochitlRight.00:08:48XochitlYeah, yeah, I I completely agree. And I just, you know.00:08:55XochitlI just can't. I just can't. I I notice a lot less people in my generation are having kids. In fact, the the next door neighbor here at my mom's house, she just went to staying on a girls trip. She's like a she's a doctor, and her mom came over to take care.00:09:09XochitlOf her cats.00:09:10XochitlAnd my aunt went over there and to pick something up, I think. And the lady told her the mom of this doctor was like, it's funny, we used to take care. My, my parents generation used to take care of the of their grandkids. And now I'm taking care of my grand pets, you know.00:09:32JackThat's.00:09:33XochitlAnd that's so true. A lot of people are just opting to have pets and not have children because all the responsibility, you can't really leave a young kid alone for that long to go on a summer trip or, you know, just so many factors that make it.00:09:51XochitlAnd possibly hard, especially in today's economy, to have and raise a child.00:09:57JackI think you hit on a big point there. The the economic factor is huge. The societal pressure for women to have children is very is very strong, right? Because we just talked about that. People will just randomly ask you if you're, you know, why don't you have kids and and but what they.00:10:17JackWhat people forget is that, like, women are discriminated against in the workforce for taking pregnancy leave.00:10:26JackYou know, they're that they're, they're you. I don't want to hire a woman. Who?00:10:26XochitlYep.00:10:30JackWas.00:10:31JackAt that age of around the age that a person would have children because she's going to have to leave for for three months or six months or whatever the, you know, there's no free daycare, you have to pay for daycare. It's very expensive and and you are raising.00:10:50XochitlYes.00:10:52JackI mean, and for the economy, you're providing another?00:10:55JackA future worker.00:10:57JackAnd you, but you get no benefits or respect for that all you all you get is the pressure to have the kid, but none of the help on the other end and so.00:11:08JackThat's, that's what kind of makes me angry about the system is that it's it's very much designed to encourage women to have children, make more workers, but we're not going to. We're not going to consider that a job, but we're not going to consider that worthy of any benefits. You just do that on your own.00:11:27XochitlWhen in company.00:11:29JackAnd you work a full time job because these days both parents need to work just to to make ends meet.00:11:35JackSo.00:11:36XochitlRight.00:11:37JackSo economically, it just doesn't make sense to even have kids. And I think that a lot of people are opting out of the of having kids and and even families because they're like, well, the system is rigged. It's it's not fair. It's it doesn't value the children, the, the, the.00:11:57JackAre the the people that that raised the children and the women that that that create the children so?00:12:03JackI'm I'm very much you know, if the system changed then maybe my attitude.00:12:09JackWould change a little.00:12:10JackBit but under the current model I just feel like I totally respect that decision for when when people say I don't want to.00:12:19JackHave.00:12:19JackKids, I'm like, good for you. Like.00:12:23JackI think I think that's a a strong choice. It's it's a hard one to make, but it makes a lot of sense to me.00:12:30XochitlI'm curious about when you told your daughter, like, don't have kids you you want to expand on that a little bit more. I'm kind of curious about.00:12:37XochitlYeah.00:12:38JackYeah, I I want her to. I want her to find her happiness. You know? I don't want her to feel like she has to put her dreams on the back burner.00:12:50JackUM, just because.00:12:54JackOf some like societal norm, you know, like ohh, you're still dancing ballet it if she's still dancing ballet at 30 and it's her, career's going well. You don't have to sidetrack yourself to, you know, start a family just because society tells you to, if you if she wants to, then I totally support it.00:13:14JackBut I'm not going to be one of the parents. That's like, every time I see her at Christmas, you know, start bothering her and nagging her about, you know, when are you gonna? When am I gonna get some grandkids? Like, I'll, I'll never do that. You know? So that was more of where I was coming from when I said don't have kids. I didn't really mean don't have kids. I just said.00:13:34JackHave kids when you want to have kids and if you don't, it's totally OK.00:13:42XochitlI'm curious about why that or how that conversation came up.00:13:47JackI can't remember. I I don't. I don't remember where it might have.00:13:51JackJust been an off the cuff.00:13:53JackThing that I said to her one day. We're just, you know, we're sometimes, you know, she's a teenager, she doesn't like having.00:14:01JackDeep conversations with her dad, you know, or or mom? It's it's everything's uncomfortable, right when you're. I think I was driving her to. I was driving her to ballet, and I think it just. I just. It kind of hit me in that moment. I'm like, I've got 10 minutes to kind of she can't run away from me, you know, she has to listen.00:14:23JackSo I I just gave her a little lecture right there. It wasn't a lecture. It was just I was trying to be thoughtful about it, but I was just, you know, I just wanted her to know.00:14:33JackThat, that it's OK. You know, it's it's to focus on you and your career and and be a.00:14:40JackA strong woman and and you know.00:14:43JackIt's it's like there's a.00:14:44JackLot of pushback on that these days.00:14:48JackWomen are supposed to be.00:14:51JackThis, and men are supposed to be that, and I just think that I'm.00:14:55JackI I I feel like some of those foundations are starting to crumble a little bit, and maybe that's why there's a resurgence like a a resurgence of this, like, idea that women need to be traditional and and and and and. But I I just reject it fully. I I don't believe in that.00:15:17JackI want to I want to raise a a strong independent woman that doesn't need any man to take care of her, doesn't need to be a mother if she doesn't want to. I don't want her to feel any pressure to be anything other than what she wants to be.00:15:34XochitlMHM.00:15:36XochitlI think that's admirable. Yeah. My mom is the same way. She she got married young. She got married at 24, and she told us don't get married. Young only told us that. And and I.00:15:50XochitlI guess we.00:15:51XochitlEnded up taking it to heart. My sister always wanted to get married young, but now she's 30 and she's not married. And I'm also not married. And and I don't want to or plan to get married soon, though people have started asking me.00:16:05JackYeah, yeah, the older generation, the boomers, right. I always ask you. Yeah.00:16:06XochitlAlso and.00:16:09XochitlYeah, like you know, I'm not too interested in getting married right away because.00:16:14XochitlIt just it takes a long time and when you get married, you're picking someone that you're going to be tied to for the rest of your life. So you want to.00:16:20XochitlMake that decision wisely.00:16:22JackYeah, yeah, I I I was 30. So I waited, you know, till I I knew. You know, when I met my wife, I kind of had had a an idea. Like, uh, in English we say an inkling. A little bit of an idea that.00:16:36JackYou know, we're we're going to end up together forever. I knew it, but we waited, you know, we waited a year and a half or so, you know, dating before we decided to get married. And but. But you know it in just because it worked out really well. In my case, it's not.00:16:57JackIt doesn't mean that doesn't necessarily apply to everybody. You know, everyone's unique. And so I think some people feel like the, you know, they they're looking at their watch and they're like, ohh TikTok. I gotta hurry up and get married. And they just kind of go with somebody that they're not fully.00:17:17XochitlYeah.00:17:17JackYeah, I I don't know there. There might be like red flags or there might be just just certain things that that maybe you're not. You're not sure about and if you're not sure, don't. If you hesitate, don't do it because once you do, you're you're in it, you know and and it's and once you have kids.00:17:37JackYou're forever linked to that person, regardless of whether you stay married or not. So.00:17:43JackIt's it's. It's a decision not to be taken lightly. It's it's a it's I think it's a very serious decision.00:17:50XochitlYeah, yeah, I definitely agree. Yeah, I'm curious what our our viewers think, whether they.00:17:59XochitlYou know whether they want to have kids, whether they feel the pressure to have kids and their culture, whether they feel pressure to get married, whether they got married young under pressure or had kids young under pressure and what their thoughts are about, you know, the coming general.00:18:16XochitlAnd and how things are different now or you know, if you're my generation or younger, what you feel is different about us and how we're growing up versus how our parents were at our age. Yeah, I'm curious. So let us know at A-Z. Englishpodcast.com leave us a comment down below. Shoot us an e-mail at AZ.00:18:37XochitlPodcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the WeChat and WhatsApp group to talk to Jack and I. And if you guys are interested.00:18:45XochitlMake sure to join our English corner. That's where you can talk to Jack and I on Monday through Friday for an hour, and there are a lot of members in our English corner now and we discussed things just like this topic and other interesting and fun topics and it's really cool. You get to practice your English and I think everyone really enjoys it.00:19:04XochitlOr if you're interested, make sure to, uh, shoot us a A we chat a WhatsApp or an e-mail and we'll talk to you guys later. Bye bye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-what-if-i-dont-want-children/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack explain when to use play, do, and run with activities related to exercise. Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are doing a vocabulary builder and social. We're going to talk about sports and activities today and I think there there are some verb differences that we use when we're talking about.00:01:08JackCertain sports and then certain kind of.00:01:10JackSport like activities.00:01:13JackAnd so, like, what would we use to to describe like, basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer? Which verb do we use with with those sports?00:01:28XochitlUh, I would say we use play with those, right, with those sports.00:01:32JackExactly. We say I play basketball. He plays basketball, they play basketball, I play soccer. Do you?00:01:41JackDo you play any sports?00:01:44XochitlUM.00:01:46XochitlI used to.00:01:49XochitlBut I don't anymore.00:01:51JackWhat? What did you used to? I bet you used to be on the soccer team, right?00:01:54XochitlYeah, I used to.00:01:55XochitlPlay soccer I I did used to play soccer, but I have another one and and I realize it conflicts with R2 but I used to run track.00:01:56JackYeah.00:02:05JackOhh, nice. Well, there's a third one we could throw in there. Yeah. Run. Run track. Yes.00:02:06XochitlPress.00:02:10XochitlI ran track or you can go. I ran cross cross country as well.00:02:15JackOhh I ran cross country one year but I was I finished last every time I was the slowest.00:02:20XochitlI also finished last every time so I don't feel bad. I live in two last places and now it's podcast. Ohh, that's funny. Running a podcast. You also kind of run a podcast.00:02:26JackYeah.00:02:32JackYeah, right. We run an English corner. We run an English business.00:02:34XochitlYou can run. Yeah. You run a business as well, that's just.00:02:38JackRight, yeah.00:02:40XochitlThing.00:02:41JackOK. Yeah. So I used to, I used to play play basketball in in high school and college. That was my, my, my big sport was was basketball. But after graduating from university, I I stopped playing basketball and I, but I continued to play tennis.00:03:01JackSo when?00:03:01JackWhen I go home to America, I play tennis with my brother. I play with my dad and I play with my mom. They they all play tennis and my dad is 75. My mom is 74, but they still play tennis almost every day, so they're very into fitness and and well and health.00:03:22JackMHM.00:03:23JackWhat about do what? What kind of so do is the second one and what what do we use? What activities do we use do for?00:03:33XochitlDo hmm.00:03:37XochitlI.00:03:41XochitlI do Taekwondo. I used to do Taekwondo.00:03:44JackOh, did you do a little around self-defense? Yeah.00:03:45XochitlI did like.00:03:48XochitlA little martial arts, yeah.00:03:49JackYeah, watch out or social's going to spin kick you around the chin.00:03:55XochitlYeah, I actually kicked my dad once. He asked me to. So it's it was not my fault. And I told him I wouldn't do it. And then he said I would be grounded if I didn't kick him. So then I did kick him. I was a kid. I was like 13. I think I did kick him. And then he said I was grounded cause I kicked him and my mom said no, she's not.00:04:13XochitlGrow up.00:04:15JackSo you your dad's like this is not going to hurt. And then it hurt really bad.00:04:20XochitlYeah. And then he was like, you're grounded. And my mom, like, you literally forced her hand her her foot. Basically. You forced her foot so you can't play now. It was funny.00:04:22JackGrounded.00:04:32JackThat's so.00:04:33JackYour dad is hilarious. That's great.00:04:35XochitlThat's like crazy.00:04:36JackYeah. So yeah, I was like martial arts, like, like, karate, Taekwondo, jujitsu. We generally say, like, we do, I do karate, I do Taekwondo. I do jujitsu.00:04:49발표자Do.00:04:50JackWe do not say I play those things and I guess I don't know, because maybe like martial arts is a little different. It's not necessarily like a game. It is a competition or it can be a competition.00:05:02JackBut I just we just tend not to use the verb play with those because it's just, uh, it's it's a different kind of activity maybe because, like team sports, we tend to use play, although tennis can be a, a, an individual sport and we use play for tennis. So maybe if.00:05:21JackIt has a ball.00:05:23JackWe use play. Is that a a rule we could use?00:05:26XochitlI play. I think it's just I think the play is just cause it's a game like tennis is a game.00:05:35XochitlBasketball is a game. Soccer is a game. Football is a game. So we play those and then sports like it's not really a game. Like you said, it can be a competition or like a like a.00:05:46XochitlUh, what do they call those? Not a skirmish, but a like a, not a duel. What do you call those when they fight against each other? A match or something. But yeah, it it can be a match or a competition of some sort. A spar. It can be a spar of some sort, but it's not. It's not a game. It's kind of a little bit more.00:05:47발표자Well.00:05:55JackOn match right.00:06:07XochitlSerious. Anyway, so I think that's. I think that's why we say do instead of play. I don't know. What do you think Jack?00:06:14JackYeah, that's a good way to look at it.00:06:16JackLike you could get hurt doing it, right?00:06:18XochitlOhh yeah, I mean you could get hurt playing.00:06:21XochitlPlaying.00:06:21JackAmerican football, of course. Yeah, that doesn't. That's not a good measure. Sorry.00:06:26XochitlBut I think it's fine. I think it's just more like it's a game like like Football is a game and martial arts, it's like it's not a game in the same way, I think it's just a. It's like an art. Literally. It's an art. So.00:06:40JackYeah. And we also use it for yoga too. Yoga and Pilates, we say do I do yoga? I do Pilates.00:06:47JackAnd those are those are not, because there's no, there's no competition there. It's just you're basically it's just a fitness type of thing. It's a a well-being thing, so.00:06:58XochitlYeah. It's like a Wellness thing, yeah.00:07:00JackYeah.00:07:02JackAll right. Well, I hope we.00:07:03JackCleared that up for everybody.00:07:05XochitlYeah, we may have made it more confusing. Let us know in the comments if we confused you more, but hopefully our examples you know practicing with the examples that we provided will be helpful.00:07:15XochitlWell, and yeah, let us know if you have any further questions or any comments, leave them in the comments section below at azspodcast.com, shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the lead channel. WhatsApp groups too. Join Jack and I am a conversation. We're also having an English corner from Monday to Friday 1.00:07:35XochitlHour a day.00:07:37XochitlAnd it's really fun. We have a lot of people in the group now and they we have these really cool discussion questions and everyone talks is just like hanging out with friends for an hour. And it's really great. You get some feedback from Jack and I and it's a great way to practice your English practice for the IELTS and.00:07:57XochitlAnything else you might want to get in, so if you want to. If you're interested in that, make sure to message Jack on we chat or WhatsApp or shoot us an e-mail and we will see you guys next time. Bye bye.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack ask each other funny questions.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my.00:00:52JackCo-host.00:00:53JackSocial and today we're going to do some funny quiz questions. And so I'm going to ask social some questions. She's going to ask me. They're kind of silly, but I think it's it'll be fun to, you know, see what our answers are.00:01:08JackAnd so, uh, so. So the first one is.00:01:12JackIf you could teach a dog your dog duende to do 1 human thing, what would it be?00:01:21XochitlYeah.00:01:22XochitlUh, Jack. That one's hard because initially I want to say I want to teach him to speak, but I think I would get annoyed like I love him to death, but he's like he's a little puppy and he has a lot of energy, so he just be talking my ear off, like how little kids do you know?00:01:39JackWhat's this? What's this? What's this? What's this you're like?00:01:43XochitlYeah, constantly. Like, so you know.00:01:47XochitlBut you know it's between.00:01:49XochitlTeaching them how to talk and this is kind of a cheating answer, but I'd like to teach him to be self-sufficient. That way I could just like go on trips without having to worry about him. I feel like he can feed himself and get himself water and take himself out for a walk or whatever if that was possible I would.00:01:58JackYeah.00:02:08XochitlThat would be great if you could just be self-sufficient and that.00:02:10XochitlJust.00:02:10XochitlKind of that involves is kind of cheating because it involves a lot of human things under one umbrella.00:02:16JackYou know, but I I just picture him sitting on the sofa like a human with, like, the remote control in his paw.00:02:23JackIt's just kind of slipping through the channels looking for anything with dogs on TV.00:02:24XochitlYeah, he would definitely.00:02:30XochitlYeah, because there's some shoes he actually likes to watch. I think I was watching, like Sophia and the guard the other day. That's a YouTuber. And he was really intently watching the show. So he's very, yeah, there's some things he really likes. I think he likes Sophia and.00:02:41JackWow, that's weird.00:02:49XochitlI don't know. There. Yeah. There's some things to seem to like more than others. I still haven't figured out the pattern yet with my other dog. He like to with Mouse, which is a dog. But my family had before I had went to. He liked The Walking.00:03:01XochitlEd.00:03:03발표자Ohh.00:03:05JackWhat? What does that mean?00:03:05발표자 2And.00:03:07XochitlI don't know. You seem to like The Walking Dead and he like to watch the the show with like a a dog in it too. He would watch that, like, whenever we watched it, he would sit down.00:03:18XochitlAnd watch it.00:03:18XochitlThe other shows and before him really quickly. So yeah, I think if if I could teach him to be self-sufficient, that's kind of.00:03:25XochitlWhat I would do?00:03:26JackYeah. Yeah. Ohh.00:03:27XochitlJack, how for your dog. Oh, sorry. Go ahead.00:03:30JackOh, no. Yeah, Michael.00:03:31JackI was going to say the same thing that you said. I was going to say, like I wanted to teach my dog to speak, but actually I don't want.00:03:37JackMy.00:03:37JackDog to to talk because.00:03:41JackYou know.00:03:44JackYeah.00:03:45JackShe might never stop talking. You know, it's like it could be like a blessing and then it turns into a curse. You know, like you be careful what you wish for.00:03:57JackI would teach I.00:03:58JackWould love her to UM.00:04:01JackBe able to use the toilet.00:04:03XochitlI knew you were gonna say that. I was like, I knew you were going to say that because she has that issue. Like she kind of poops and.00:04:09XochitlPees all over the house, right?00:04:10JackYeah, yeah, yeah. I would just love for her to just, like, go in the bathroom and jump up on the toilet, use use the bathroom flush.00:04:20JackAnd yeah, that would be amazing. That would be amazing. So huge convenience for us.00:04:30XochitlYeah, yeah, that'd be great. That. Yeah, Blendy kind of already does that since he, like, just goes in the bathroom if he can't get outside.00:04:40XochitlWhich just makes it really easy to pick up, so I don't really have to worry about them.00:04:44JackYeah, yeah.00:04:48JackLet's let's do it. I got another one here.00:04:52JackThis one is kind of interesting. Like what's your silliest selfie face, or do you do you have a selfie face?00:05:03XochitlUmm, I don't know if I have a selfie.00:05:05XochitlFace I think one time.00:05:08XochitlWhen I was like 14 like or something, the the uh.00:05:13XochitlWhat's it called?00:05:15XochitlThe UM.00:05:17XochitlDuck lips trend was uh trending and my sister and her friend, who were like two to three years older than me. They're like 16 or 17. Wanna take a picture?00:05:20JackYeah.00:05:30XochitlWith me, and we all did like the duck lips trend. And if people don't know, you would kind of purse your lips and make this like, duck face. Kind of.00:05:38JackYou. You they think it's the idea is that it makes your lips look bigger, right?00:05:43XochitlYou know, like it's like a parodying face. It was supposed to be cute, I guess, like back in the day, I don't. I think you were making fun of the trend when we did it. So we already knew it was silly, but some people did it unironically. Like some people really thought it made them look cuter.00:05:48JackYeah.00:05:59XochitlSo I don't know, but yeah, that's probably that probably is number one for me. How about you, Jack?00:06:06JackThis is really embarrassing. I'm disclosing too much information here, but.00:06:12JackUh, I I had a period of time where I used to make a mirror face. I had a mirror face.00:06:20JackUM, where? I did something weird with my mouth every time I looked in the mirror.00:06:26JackAnd and and and I I didn't. I didn't know that I had this habit, you know.00:06:32JackUM and I don't know what I I can't explain it but.00:06:39JackBut I I someone called me out on it at one point. It gave it. It was really embarrassing for me and I and I then I realized all the time that I that I was doing this like I would. I don't know. I'd push like my.00:06:55JackBottom lip out with my tongue a little bit to maybe make my face like a little bit more.00:07:01JackWhat I thought was more attractive, more handsome or something I I don't know. Like it was. It was a very strange habit and.00:07:09XochitlLike I would do that too actually with the. Also with the with the the tongue on the bottom lip, and then I would also lose. I didn't know how doing it either. I would raise my eyebrows up.00:07:21JackOh, OK. So yeah, there's different variations of this, uh and my my friend, but the friend that called me out on it, she's.00:07:28JackLike.00:07:29JackShe caught me to I I I remember walking into an office. I remember this vividly because it's. It was so humiliating and she was on the inside of the office and I was on the outside. But the the the glass was reflective.00:07:42JackFrom my perspective, uh, my point of view.00:07:46JackAnd so when I caught a glimpse of my face in the the the window I did the mirror face just reflexively.00:07:54JackUM. And she's like, oh, you have a mirror face, you know, or something like that or whatever. And I'm like, what? What are you talking about? I didn't do anything. I just denied it, you know, and. And then she's like, I, I do this totally weird face when I look in the mirror, she told me she does the same thing, but at least she does it in the privacy of her own.00:08:15JackI was doing it in public and and I I really had to.00:08:21JackLike tamp it down, you know, like, make a conscious effort to stop doing that. And what I've realized is that we to look, look good in pictures is all about your eyes. You smile with your eyes. You don't smile with our mouth.00:08:40JackI mean, obviously our mouth does turn upward, but.00:08:46JackIt's actually the eyes is what makes it a a good smile. And so when I, when I learned that I was, I make I I make a a real point to like really.00:08:59JackReally smile with my eyes. When I take a photo and it seems to help, like the photos are better when I smile with my eye, it looks more natural, you know, as opposed to this, like weird. Basically it's just a basically. I was doing the duck lips thing, you know, a different version of it.00:09:20JackAnd yeah, it was really embarrassing.00:09:24XochitlYeah, that's funny.00:09:25JackYeah.00:09:28JackLet's see here. What's another one we got? Let's do one more.00:09:35JackYeah, what's the?00:09:38JackLet's see here. Let me find a better one. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?00:09:43JackI I shouldn't ask you this right now because you have food poisoning as you mentioned earlier today.00:09:49XochitlRight, yeah.00:09:51XochitlThe weirdest thing I've ever eaten, though.00:09:55XochitlAh, that's a that's a really hard one. I I'm in. I'm an adventurous eater and anytime I travel to the country, I'll eat anything. So I remember when I went to China, uh, it was. It was a group of students because we were going through the Confucius Institute and whatever they would serve us, me and this other.00:10:16XochitlKid Adam, I think his name was would be the first to try.00:10:20XochitlAnything and the other students you know, they were kind of more picky, which annoyed me. I I'm I get I get kind of irritated by picky eaters. I'm like look you're.00:10:28JackThat's a pet peeve of mine as well. Like, I really hate that. It's like some people eat like children, you know? It's like you're gonna eat Mac and cheese every day for the rest of your life. I mean, come on.00:10:36XochitlYes.00:10:42XochitlYeah, it'll be, like, really rude about other cultures, food, which I don't get either. So.00:10:47발표자 2I don't. So I remember this.00:10:50XochitlOne that I tried.00:10:52XochitlWas like.00:10:54XochitlIt was Lotus Root, but it was also kind of presentation where it was cold.00:11:00XochitlAnd it tasted like it tasted like cold chapstick. I don't know if it was just the. I think it was just the the dish that I had. And the way it was prepared. I'm sure Lotus food is delicious, but it was. It was just really weird to me because it tasted it really the way that it was prepared in that specific.00:11:20XochitlPlates tasted like cold chapstick. It was very weird and.00:11:24XochitlAnd that was all.00:11:24JackOn the on the.00:11:25JackOn the positive side, your lips were.00:11:28JackSuper moist after that.00:11:30XochitlYeah, moisturize for sure. Right. So I think that would probably.00:11:36XochitlUh, kind of up there and then I guess #2 would probably be in in Mexico, lead insects, you know, some insects. So I've had things that I guess Americans would consider weird.00:11:44발표자 2Hmm.00:11:50XochitlLike uh.00:11:52XochitlWe use the worm on the McGee, which is a type of cactus used to produce alcohol. We use it to make salt like worm salt, and we eat that on orange wedges.00:12:00JackHmm, OK.00:12:05XochitlAs a, we eat that on orange wedges like kind of as a snack, I guess, or people do when they drink, like after they drink, they eat one of those. But when I was a kid, I would just my parents would order a drink and then I would just eat the orange wedges with the warm salt.00:12:18JackYeah, yeah.00:12:20XochitlYeah. And so those that was really tasty. I didn't. I had no idea that it was made with the worms at all. And it has a pretty red.00:12:27XochitlColor, which comes from the worms.00:12:30XochitlAnd then crickets, which we also eat here in Mexico. Uh, I'm not a fan of crickets. They have, like, a very herby flavor.00:12:38JackYeah.00:12:39XochitlWhich makes me not really like them, but I have eaten them multiple times because they're pretty popular to include in many dishes in the HOKA, and it's the last one I know we're just going to do one. But here I just cutting up is the chica thana mole more is is basically just a sauce and the base.00:12:59XochitlThis sauce and you can also use them in salsas or just fried.00:13:03XochitlUp. Is this these dying ants? They only come out during a certain season after like the first rains and and they kind of fall out. And I guess they're supposed to, like, hatch their eggs in the dirt or something. But some of them get lost and people harvest them up and you kind of toast them up and use them in salsas.00:13:10JackYes.00:13:25XochitlAnd the lids. And you can also just eat them with lime and salt. And I've had them in mole before and.00:13:31XochitlAgain, it's kind of a.00:13:33XochitlIt's an interesting flavor. It's very hard to explain. It's like a little earthy and a little flower and a little bit herbaceous.00:13:39JackYeah.00:13:41XochitlYeah.00:13:41JackThat's interesting because I like cricket fried crickets when I lived in Thailand that that was very common. Like they they they eat insects there in in the country.00:13:50JackUh.00:13:52JackThe Easan Province area and but they they they fry them in oil and then salt them. Is that how it's prepared and?00:14:04XochitlYeah, that's exactly how they're prepared here. If they're like, they look like bacon bins, they're really.00:14:06발표자 2Yes.00:14:08XochitlStart.00:14:09JackYeah, there's a great source of protein.00:14:12XochitlYeah, they're supposed to be really healthy. It's like the meat of the future or something. But I'm not a huge fan of them. They're a little bit herbies because they only eat like herbs, you know? So they they taste very herby. They only eat like glass and herbs. So they.00:14:24JackRight, right there. Cricket flower is a thing now. You can buy that. It's like a healthier protein flower.00:14:25XochitlHave.00:14:26XochitlFlavor strong.00:14:32XochitlYou need to use it to like.00:14:33XochitlMake pancakes and stuff I had.00:14:34JackRight.00:14:36JackYeah.00:14:36XochitlAnd worm worm flour or something too. You can use like make worm cake and worm pancakes and stuff.00:14:41XochitlWhich I haven't tried.00:14:41JackYeah, yeah. Silkworm is popular in Korea. It's called bandagi. And. Yeah, but but the smell, you know, I've never eaten it because it's just.00:14:47XochitlYes.00:14:55JackIt's not my. It's not my thing. You know, it's not my jam, but.00:15:00XochitlDoes your wife eat?00:15:01JackYeah, she loves Bandagi loves it. Yeah, but she doesn't eat it often. But if it if it, if it comes up, it's like, oh, what a surprise, you know?00:15:08JackLike if you're in a bar or something and there's a side dish and it might be bandagi and so.00:15:16JackYou can you can get that, it's.00:15:19XochitlDoes your daughter eat it?00:15:21JackMy daughter would is has such a phobia of insects that I think the idea of bandagi might just.00:15:30JackShe would need to. She would almost faint if I even brought up the idea of it to her.00:15:37XochitlThat's so crazy. I I think it's kind of easy to have a phobia of insects in Korea because when I was there, I never once saw an insect in my apartment.00:15:46발표자 2Oh.00:15:47XochitlOn the 17th floor. So I guess that's probably why.00:15:52XochitlBut I like never once saw an insect, and I saw a Roach like one time, and then there were spiders. They're really like big black spiders that were kind of scary, you know what I'm talking about, obviously.00:15:59JackYeah.00:16:02JackYeah, I think I don't know if it's like a brown recluse or they also have garden spiders that look absolutely terrifying, but they're quite innocent. They're they're not very, they're not dangerous.00:16:12발표자 2Yeah.00:16:13XochitlBlack spiders, and they only come out during a certain season and they all like flock to like the rooftop of different places like they're they were all over the 711 that was outside of my apartment building.00:16:24JackYeah, a funny, funny quick aside here. There a story.00:16:29JackUM, many times this has happened, but I'll I'll be in my office and then I hear a a blood curdling scream come from the other room and.00:16:41XochitlHuh.00:16:42JackI thought, you know, intruder, you know, someones broken into our house is attacking my family. I run over. It's my daughter. It's like there's a bug, you know, like just a tiny.00:16:54JackLittle little bug.00:16:56JackAnd I have to kill it, you know, because I'm.00:16:59XochitlOhh so you kill it for her.00:17:01JackI kill her for her. Yeah, yeah.00:17:02XochitlThat's nice. My dad was always very mean. He'd be like, uh, toughen up, you know, do yourself. No sport. I wasn't spoiled at all. So I.00:17:08JackDidn't.00:17:13XochitlI'm still scared of bugs, but you know, I kind of have to.00:17:18XochitlHave to toughen up because uh.00:17:21XochitlMy you know.00:17:21JackMaybe your dad was right. Actually, he might have. You know, for me. I'm what? What's going to happen when my daughter has to kill her own bugs? That's going to be tough.00:17:30XochitlYou know, you'll get to it eventually. I think when I moved out because my mom would still kill some bugs for me. So, like, I would see what I could get away with. And my dad wasn't around me. My mom killed bugs. But, you know, when I moved away.00:17:41XochitlAnd when I moved to Mexico especially, and they were like centipedes and all these other like tons of insects, because the weather's like more tropical. And I eventually just learned to, you know, toughen up and kill them all. The one I have a really hard time with still or Rd.00:17:53XochitlI have a phobia of roaches, but when it kills them so yeah, he just he likes to flip them over on their back and then let them die that way.00:17:57JackOh really?00:18:04JackOh, nice. OK. Yeah. Roaches are the worst. I I hate roaches. I hate them. Yeah.00:18:05XochitlAnd then once we right up.00:18:07발표자 2Yeah.00:18:10XochitlThey're so creepy.00:18:11JackOh, they're awful. They're awful with those big long antennas.00:18:14XochitlOhh yeah, because they're like big. Ohh. And some of them fly in Mexico it's like.00:18:19XochitlWorse.00:18:20XochitlWhat? What is? What is the weird thing you've ever eaten, though? Now where you know you have bugs.00:18:24JackYeah, I don't know, I.00:18:26JackMean, I think the weirdest thing I've ever eaten is probably frog legs. You know, I have eaten alligator before too, but it was like deep fried alligator, which I think is cheating. I mean, you could deep fry anything and it would taste good, you know.00:18:33발표자Would you?00:18:40XochitlYeah, that's true. I have deep fried alligator too, and I really liked it. I even think of it because it was so tasty. I made it myself and it it just kind of tasted the mix between chicken and white fish.00:18:50JackYeah, exactly that. Ohh. Nice. I I I've always said chicken, but it's not exactly like chicken. It's.00:18:56JackLike, yeah, like, yes. Exactly, exactly.00:18:56XochitlIt speaks the way that Whitefish does.00:19:01XochitlLike cod or something, it's like a mix between chicken and cod.00:19:04JackYeah, the way it kind of kind of stacks on itself like it's there's like slices or something, it's hard for you.00:19:11XochitlYeah, it's flakes. It's like flaking. Like it's it's. Yeah, it flakes like, but it has a meteor bite like.00:19:13JackFlaky, right?00:19:18발표자 210.00:19:19JackYeah. I mean, frog legs are just like little tiny wings, you know? I mean, that's that's all it is really, because those are like chicken wings. So, like, little, little tiny chicken wings. You know, there's not a lot of meat on it. But I mean there it's you get a nice little, you know, the thigh is is pretty nice. It's like the tasty little snack.00:19:25발표자Or chicken wings.00:19:38JackUM, it's not something I.00:19:41JackWould seek out again, but at the time you know when in Rome, do as the Romans do. So I I I ate it and and I enjoyed it. It was. It was fine. Yeah.00:19:55XochitlThat's cool. I've noticed fog like I have had snail, which I wasn't a huge fan of. It was just kind of chewy and bland. Yeah.00:20:03JackYeah, yeah, I mean, that's why in France they just, you know, drench it in butter and garlic sauce. You know, it's like.00:20:12JackIt it's it's, it's not something you might eat.00:20:17JackYou know, just just by itself, but if you put in garlic butter, you know then then escargot is is pretty good. It's it's not that terrible. It's a little bit rich for me. I just I it's just too.00:20:29JackMuch the.00:20:30XochitlYeah, yeah, definitely it. It can be overwhelming. Yeah. Alright. Seems well. If you would like to answer any questions that we answer today, don't be shy. Leave us an e-mail at uh. Sorry. Leave us a comment@azenglishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and make sure you join the week channel. Lots of groups.00:20:50XochitlThen.00:20:51XochitlAnd make sure that you check out our English corner Jack and I talk about questions just like these every single day. It's great practice for IELTS and it's great practice to talk to your peers and to improve your English. It's only 10 USD a month, so that gives you 20 classes Monday through Friday for one hour and it's really great positive.00:21:10XochitlCommunity. So uh yeah, I hope to see you guys there. If you have any questions or you're interested, make sure to shoot Jack A.00:21:15XochitlMessage on WeChat.00:21:16XochitlOr laptop and we'll see you guys next time.00:21:19발표자 2Bye bye bye bye.Podcast Website:Topic Talk | We ask each other funny questions – A to Z English (atozenglishpodcast.com)Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack offer some tips for IELTS test takers and then each of them answer an IELTS speaking question.Transcript:IELTS Speaking Part 3 involves a two-way discussion with the examiner, typically lasting 4-5 minutes. This part requires you to express opinions, discuss abstract ideas, and provide detailed answers. Here are some effective strategies to excel in this section:1. Expand Your AnswersDevelop Ideas: Don't give one-sentence answers. Expand your response by explaining your points, providing examples, and considering multiple perspectives.Structure: Use a clear structure. For example, start with a main point, provide a reason, give an example, and conclude with a summary.2. Use a Range of Vocabulary and GrammarLexical Resource: Use varied and precise vocabulary. Avoid repeating the same words.Grammar: Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, passive voice, and conditionals.3. Linking Words and PhrasesCohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. Examples include "however," "moreover," "on the other hand," "for instance," etc.Signposting: Indicate the direction of your thoughts with phrases like "to begin with," "another point to consider," "in conclusion," etc.4. Express Opinions and Justify ThemOpinion: Clearly state your opinion using phrases like "I believe," "In my view," "From my perspective."Justification: Justify your opinions with reasons and evidence. Use phrases like "because," "the reason is," "due to."5. Speculate and HypothesizeSpeculation: When discussing future scenarios or possibilities, use speculative language such as "might," "could," "it's possible that."Hypothesis: Use conditional sentences to talk about hypothetical situations. For example, "If I were in charge, I would..."6. Stay Calm and ConfidentCalmness: Stay calm and composed. Take a moment to think before you answer if needed.Confidence: Speak confidently, even if you're unsure. It's better to attempt an answer than to stay silent.7. Practice Common TopicsFamiliarity: Practice discussing common Part 3 topics such as education, technology, the environment, culture, and society.Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs as they can provide content for your answers.8. Engage in Real ConversationsPractice: Engage in conversations with fluent English speakers or join language exchange groups.Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.9. Time ManagementBalance: Ensure your answers are long enough to show your language skills but concise enough to stay relevant to the question.Pacing: Maintain a steady pace to avoid speaking too fast or too slow.10. Active ListeningUnderstanding: Listen carefully to the examiner's questions to ensure you fully understand before answering.Clarification: If you're unsure about a question, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.Question 1: "How has technology affected the way people communicate?"Answer:"Technology has profoundly transformed the way people communicate, making interactions more immediate and accessible. One major impact is the shift from face-to-face conversations to digital communications. Nowadays, people frequently use messaging apps, social media, and video calls to stay connected, even across vast distances. This immediacy allows for real-time communication, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining relationships with friends and family who live far away.Moreover, technology has democratized information sharing. Social media platforms enable individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and news with a broad audience instantly. This has led to a more interconnected world where people are more aware of global events and diverse perspectives.However, there are downsides as well. The over-reliance on digital communication can lead to a decline in interpersonal skills. Many people, especially younger generations, may find it challenging to engage in face-to-face conversations and develop deep, meaningful relationships. Additionally, the prevalence of digital communication can contribute to a sense of isolation, as virtual interactions might not provide the same level of emotional connection as in-person interactions.In summary, while technology has revolutionized communication by making it faster and more widespread, it also presents challenges that society must address to ensure healthy and effective interpersonal interactions."Question 2: "What role do older people play in society today?"Answer:"Older people play a crucial role in society today, contributing in various significant ways. One important role is that of wisdom and experience. Older individuals often have a wealth of knowledge accumulated over their lifetimes, which they can share with younger generations. This can be particularly valuable in professional settings, where mentoring and guidance from experienced workers can enhance the skills and development of younger employees.Additionally, many older people continue to contribute economically by remaining active in the workforce or engaging in volunteer activities. This can help alleviate some of the pressures on social security systems and provide essential services to communities. For example, retired professionals often volunteer their time and expertise in non-profit organizations, schools, and local communities, enriching society with their contributions.Moreover, older adults often play vital roles within families, such as providing childcare for grandchildren or offering emotional and financial support to their adult children. This intergenerational support can strengthen family bonds and provide stability, particularly in times of economic or social hardship.However, it's important to recognize that older people also face challenges such as ageism and health issues, which can limit their ability to contribute fully to society. Therefore, it is essential for societies to create inclusive environments that value and support older adults, ensuring they have the opportunities and resources to continue playing active and meaningful roles.In conclusion, older people hold a vital place in society through their experience, economic contributions, and family roles. Supporting their active participation can benefit both individuals and communities at large."Podcast Website:IELTS | Xochitl and Jack take the IELTS – A to Z English (atozenglishpodcast.com)Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this emotional episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about funerals and the loss of a loved one. Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:48JackWelcome to the Ages English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And I'm going to let social introduce today's topic. So social, what would you like to talk about today?00:01:02XochitlJack, I kind of want to talk about funeral traditions in different cultures. So I was going.00:01:08XochitlTo talk about, you know.00:01:10XochitlMexican traditions because I just went through that with my grandfather passing, I guess he passed.00:01:17XochitlLet's like a week ago now, maybe or a little less than a week ago, so.00:01:24XochitlYeah, I don't know. And I've been, uh, I guess I can just get into it.00:01:30XochitlSure.00:01:34XochitlI don't know how to kick this off actually.00:01:36JackOhh no, that's alright. Maybe start with the just just the process is in. In American culture there's a I guess there's kind of two, two aspects to it, right. There's the funeral and the.00:01:52JackWake.00:01:54XochitlHmm.00:01:55JackAnd the wake is more like a.00:01:59JackA gathering where people get together and there's maybe some. Sometimes there's food, I think is if I'm not mistaken, yeah.00:02:07XochitlYeah, that's true.00:02:09JackYeah. So and I think the interesting thing about that in American culture and maybe this is true in, in every culture.00:02:18JackIt seems odd to be eating at that time. You know what, I.00:02:22XochitlBut yeah.00:02:22JackMean like no one?00:02:23JackHas an appetite that people are grieving, they're upset. But I feel like maybe the food preparation is a distraction.00:02:36JackIt's it's, it's focusing on our executive function of our brain, the the part that is just very analytical and just doing things. And I think that is a distraction from the pain and the grief would.00:02:52JackYou agree with that?00:02:54XochitlI think so I I think.00:02:59XochitlThat also it's because a lot of people who aren't, like, super close family come and so they're like, you know, they're they're kind of there to help in certain in a certain way or just to, you know, for emotional support. But they're they're probably going to be hungry because I don't think they're mourning.00:03:21XochitlAnd really like the same way you know on, I mean they're they're sad, I'm sure, but it's like a little different. So I think it's like it's kind of a way for the family to say thank you in Mexican tradition that happened.00:03:22JackRight, right.00:03:34JackYeah.00:03:37XochitlThat happens too, but it's like a two day.00:03:40XochitlAffair where you have to be like awake all night.00:03:45XochitlYou're like, up for 48 hours straight basically because you can't leave the body alone.00:03:49JackOh, OK, OK. Because that's different than American culture, where the the body is.00:03:58JackIs is in the caskets.00:04:02JackBut you don't have to stay up all night with with the body.00:04:08JackHmm.00:04:09XochitlYeah, this the body was in the casket. But we do have to stay with the body because.00:04:15발표자It's.00:04:16XochitlIt's like I don't know. I guess it's to prevent bad spirits, like in old, in old mythology or whatever, to prevent bad spirits from like latching on to the soul of the body. So you have to stay there like 48 hours.00:04:33XochitlAnd it's really hard. My sister and I kind of were with my mom.00:04:36XochitlAnd shift. So I would like stay up.00:04:39XochitlThe whole time and then I would go to sleep.00:04:41XochitlThen she would stay up.00:04:42JackOK.00:04:43XochitlUhm, so we didn't have to do the whole 48 hours thing. I did have to stay up.00:04:50XochitlMore than my sister because she traveled.00:04:53XochitlPlus, she's in that school. So she was like sleeping for a lot large portion of it.00:04:58XochitlBut when she finally woke up, she was she stayed with the body and then I went to sleep and I woke up and so.00:05:08XochitlAnd with the his like sisters and nieces and nephews, they kind of did shifts as well. So like, one day, I think my aunt was my great aunt was there. And the other day my.00:05:23XochitlCousin, I guess was there and it's like their family just kind of did shifts, I guess.00:05:29JackBut it sounds like.00:05:30JackYou didn't get much sleep, though. You. You sound exhausted. Yeah.00:05:32XochitlNo. Yeah, it was very tiring and very hard because you're, like, dealing with a lot of grief. And on top of that, you're, like, serving people food and running around with serving people like.00:05:48XochitlDrinks, not alcoholic drinks, but just regular drinks. But you still you're you're running around serving people with soft drinks and food, and it's just only something like you have to make these two giant. You have to make.00:06:00XochitlLike.00:06:01XochitlWe had cinnamon tea and coffee and then.00:06:03XochitlSweet bread like.00:06:06XochitlUh, like pastries at night the first night, and then the next morning. We have, like, breakfast and we had.00:06:14XochitlLike we also had pastries, coffee and cinnamon tea, and then we had, like Morley, which is like a, it's a chocolate based like sauce, you know. And I've tried my.00:06:26JackYeah.00:06:28JackNo, but I I you've mentioned it before in the podcast, I think.00:06:32XochitlYes, I have. It's kind of different. One of the yeah, it's different because it's not. It's just like it's a completely different dish. I don't know why they share the same name, but more like the paste is like a different dish.00:06:44XochitlAnd there's a there's like seven different types of molis. This one is like a black mullet, which is kind of sweet, a little bit sweet and spicy, and is very thick.00:06:58XochitlIt has a bunch of ingredients like chocolate, chilies, charred tortilla, peanuts, I think, and different things like that. So and we ate that with rice and chicken, and then the next day after the funeral, we also or.00:07:13XochitlBefore the funeral, I think.00:07:15XochitlOr after I can't remember we served. No, it was after the funeral. We served eggs and salsa Verde and black beans. But it's like kind of crazy because you're, like, running on no sleep and making all these meals for people. So it's kind of like.00:07:34XochitlAnd it was kind of wild. And then, like the family, like my mom, I think was up like the whole 48 hours.00:07:41JackOhh wow.00:07:42XochitlI thought I sleep once and it was for like 15 minutes.00:07:45JackRight, right. Is she? And and you know, for her, this is both of her parents have passed in the within a very short period of time.00:07:56XochitlYeah. Within four months from each other because my grandmother passed at the end of February, my grandfather passed at the very.00:08:03XochitlEnd of June.00:08:05JackYeah.00:08:06JackYes.00:08:06XochitlSo yeah.00:08:10XochitlChoose up the whole night and serving people food and soft drinks and it just seemed like a really stressful night time for her and I feel really terrible for her because she's she's like in charge. She's also the executor of the world.00:08:26JackOK.00:08:27XochitlWhich means she has she has a lot of work to do.00:08:30JackRight. A lot of lot of documents that have to be signed and.00:08:35JackYeah. Yeah. A lot of responsibility in that in that respect, you know.00:08:40XochitlYeah. So that's very difficult. So, yeah, I think it's just interesting. I think, I think it's it's kind of cool and very interesting how people are up for like for there's always people at your house for the whole 48 hours and it's kind of interesting. But I I just felt so suffocated like I wished it was just us.00:09:01XochitlLike his closest family, so I could just pull an address out and sleep on the floor, close to the buddy. But I just. I just kind of like.00:09:06JackYeah, or or just cry, you know, like.00:09:11JackIf you feel a little bit, maybe and I'm I'm just making an assumption here, but do you feel like you, you're you let you, you can't be vulnerable when there are people who you don't know very closely around is it is.00:09:29XochitlYeah, it was definitely hard. But like when I first saw it, when like when I first got in there and saw like, yeah, I just wailed anyway because it was just so.00:09:36XochitlSo intense.00:09:38JackYeah.00:09:40XochitlIt was like it was different because with my grandmother, it's like I didn't really cry. I didn't. I I cried a little bit with my grandfather. I cried a little bit with my grandmother, but with this grandfather, I cried a lot more, I think.00:09:51XochitlIt's just like.00:09:53XochitlAll the compound of them all lying so close together and then.00:09:59XochitlIt was just.00:09:59XochitlSadder because I felt like we didn't really get to say goodbye, cause the Mexican hospital system is really a mess. Yeah, and uh, with my grand, with my paternal grand grandfather, he was UM.00:10:12XochitlHe had like dementia, so we kind of got to say slow goodbye.00:10:16XochitlTo him.00:10:16JackYeah.00:10:18XochitlSo it was different and then he passed. But it's like, you know, he was, he was really suffering. It was a it was a slow burn kind of goodbye. And so it kind of felt like he was ready to go.00:10:29XochitlYou know with my.00:10:31JackYeah, this one was more sudden. It was.00:10:34XochitlYeah. Well, like with my maternal grandmother who passed before my maternal grandfather.00:10:39XochitlI I was living.00:10:40XochitlWith her at the time. So I, like, saw her decline in real time.00:10:44JackYeah.00:10:45XochitlUM and I and we were there with her every step of the way. In the hospital we were. We also stayed at the ICU for like the whole week, basically. But we got to see her every single day and hear about, you know, what's going.00:10:59XochitlOn.00:11:00XochitlSo with this one it was just kind of a shock because.00:11:04XochitlLike, only one person could go in, I think per day and it would only be like 30 minutes for 30 minutes and.00:11:15XochitlIt was very restricted and they didn't really keep you updated on anything.00:11:20XochitlSo the last couple of days we thought he was stable and he was getting better, so.00:11:25XochitlI was like.00:11:27XochitlI was kind of slowly planning my way to get over there, if that makes sense.00:11:32JackYeah, makes perfect sense.00:11:33XochitlBut I was like he, he'll. He'll be fine. That's what we were understanding. So for me it was like ohh. Like I'm gonna. I'll. I'll plan my I'll just I have to get it together to plan with my aunt about when I'm going to Mexico City and when her and I are going to head to the US.00:11:52XochitlAnd and so we were. I was just looking at flights when I got the call. Uh, from my aunt that he had passed. And I was just like.00:12:00XochitlIt really shocked me, you know? And so I was like, I really wasn't expecting it. And my my mom and aunt didn't even get to say goodbye. He had already passed so.00:12:03JackYeah.00:12:11JackYeah.00:12:12XochitlIt's just, yeah, it's very hard. I think when there's less closure like that.00:12:19JackMHM.00:12:20XochitlAnd you think someones gonna get better and they don't. And it's just very like.00:12:25XochitlConfusing and.00:12:28XochitlVery hard on you. So yeah, with this one I I did cry. Even though there are people there, of course, I didn't feel like as comfortable.00:12:35XochitlUM, but I just broke down anyway. It's like I couldn't help it.00:12:40JackOh no. And people are are very sympathetic to to that. I'm I I think we.00:12:48JackIn in, in, in Mexican culture you you mentioned before in other podcasts that it's a kind of a masculine culture.00:13:00XochitlYes, be careful.00:13:01JackSo kind of suffocating, pushing down your feelings in in public, you know, trying to be stoic, you stoic means like, you know, trying to be strong. And. And I I feel like we that's also part of the United States culture when it comes to these things.00:13:21JackIs like, you know, don't breakdown and I wish we could be more vulnerable with each other. And in those situations and and just really let our true emotions come out. And it sounds like you. You did that and it probably was healthier to.00:13:36XochitlNow.00:13:39JackDad.00:13:40XochitlYeah, I pretty much was beyond giving a crap about whatever anyone around me thought. You know what I mean? So I I wrote down. So yeah, it was. It was very hard. And then, you know, we had the funeral procession kind of thing. And I carried the casket and.00:13:46JackYeah, yeah.00:13:57XochitlWe.00:13:58XochitlSit around watching him get lowered into the.00:14:01XochitlLike the brave and kind of different in Mexico, the Mexico City is huge. So there's like one small lot and it kind of looks like a house from outside, like a small house like A1 room house or.00:14:16XochitlOhh OK yeah, it has doors locked and like a window and like a roof and everything. And it's like kind of like a really tiny mausoleum. But like, a really tiny one. But not it doesn't look like a mausoleum. It just looks like a little tiny.00:14:25JackYeah.00:14:32XochitlHouse like A1 room house so.00:14:35XochitlWe opened it and then they like, pulled the concrete signs out and there's like 10.00:14:42XochitlIt's like a.00:14:44XochitlLike a 15 foot hole or a 12 foot hole like and it's like 10 slabs that you could bury different people and on both sides.00:14:52JackOK. Is this a family plot here then?00:14:55XochitlYeah, it's a family plot.00:14:56JackOK.00:14:58XochitlSo.00:14:58JackI I think that if I'm, you know, I'm I I don't mean to be.00:15:04JackTo diminish this or anything, but I I remember seeing a little house like that in the movie Coco.00:15:12XochitlOhh yeah.00:15:13JackAnd.00:15:14XochitlYes, that's kind of how it's like, yeah.00:15:16JackOK.00:15:17XochitlYeah. Yeah, it is like that. And UM, so we we, uh, lowered him down and then they put my grandmother's ashes with him actually in the same casket that was that was a, a, A. That was a moment of anger for all of us because his freaking sister, my grandfather's sister.00:15:29JackOh, that's sweet.00:15:37XochitlHe's been going on said. If we wanted to put the ashes in with him, we could put her.00:15:41XochitlAshes at his feet.00:15:43JackOh.00:15:44XochitlLike why would?00:15:45XochitlYou even say that you know what I mean? I wasn't there when you said that or I would have been so mad. But, you know, we just put them.00:15:47JackThen.00:15:53XochitlThey were like next to his arm, I guess.00:15:56JackYeah. You you want holding each other? Not. Yeah, yeah, you know.00:16:00XochitlYes.00:16:03XochitlNot one like beneath the other one. It's like, you know, but.00:16:07발표자Yeah.00:16:07발표자So then.00:16:08XochitlUnless you get lured in the slab and then they like bricked him in. Basically they have to brick people in because they don't want them like stealing the body or like stealing anything that can't. That the body was buried with.00:16:19JackLike grave, grave robbers kind of situation.00:16:21XochitlYeah, yeah. A great rubber situation. So they, like, break him in.00:16:26JackYeah.00:16:27XochitlTo his slab in the grave. So it was kind of a very interesting process. And and I I was getting very like light headed and nauseous and they everyone thought I was going to faint. And my great one of my other great aunts hold a lip lock bag and it had a white onion cut into quarters.00:16:47XochitlAnd she took the 1/4 of a white onion and sprayed it with rubbing alcohol that she had in a little spray bottle in her purse. And she handed it to me to, like, sniff. So that was supposed to help me not pass out. And it did help. Weirdly, I felt way better.00:17:04JackReally. OK. I was. I would have thought maybe the smell of onion would make it worse, but.00:17:10XochitlI definitely. It's like interesting because like, you don't really smell the onion that much because your face is like, right up against it and has rubbing alcohol in it.00:17:18XochitlSo the only thing that the onion does is like it gets the juices from the onion, make the rubbing alcohol more mild so they like, burn your nose when it comes up, they like react together somehow. So like you can still smell the strong smell like alcohol, but it doesn't like burn your nostrils.00:17:27JackOK.00:17:34JackYeah.00:17:35XochitlAnd so that was interesting. And my boyfriend and my sister said that the onion, like the smell of the onion, was kind of making them nauseous. But I didn't notice and they didn't tell me until after the.00:17:47XochitlNo, because I guess they were further away so that, like, smelled weird to them. Yeah. And then my aunt really made me laugh because she kind of right next to me and she, but she didn't see she look right.00:17:58XochitlKind.00:17:58XochitlOf in front of me. And so since she didn't see my onion she she was like, why does it smell guacamole?00:18:08XochitlAnd I'm like, huh?00:18:10JackThat's. That's funny. Yeah, that's.00:18:12XochitlYeah, that's a good moment of humor in all of it. So that really that.00:18:15JackRight, a little levity was probably what everyone needed in that.00:18:20발표자Thanks.00:18:21XochitlYeah. So you know, we had to laugh about that then it was. Yeah. There was some moments where definitely we had a couple laughs and then yeah, we went back home and and that was.00:18:31XochitlKind of it.00:18:32XochitlThere was some certain things you do with the body. Like I got to see his body and it was different because my grand, the way my grandmother passed her body.00:18:41XochitlLooked very different and then when my grandfather passed, when they put him in the casket, it just looked like he was sleeping.00:18:48XochitlAnd and they put like coins in his pocket for his passage and shoe. Special shoes. Like what? I took, just like on him, which are traditional shoes.00:18:58XochitlSo and different things and and my sister and I said we why didn't we didn't give any of this to.00:19:03XochitlMy grandmother and.00:19:06XochitlAnd so we just we gave him extra money to pay for our passage because we thought she might be waiting. Since no one gave her any money to pay for her passage.00:19:16JackYeah.00:19:18JackYou.00:19:19JackThat's interesting. It sounds like there's like a lot of little little things that you have to to do.00:19:19XochitlAnd.00:19:25XochitlYeah, like a lot of little.00:19:26XochitlThings you have to remember.00:19:27JackYeah.00:19:29JackYeah.00:19:30XochitlBig things, yeah.00:19:31XochitlHow how are?00:19:32XochitlKorean funerals. Jack, I'm curious about that. I've never been to one. I've seen them in, like, catering those and movies. But I've never like.00:19:39XochitlBeen to one.00:19:40JackYeah. So the.00:19:42JackKorean funerals are interesting. They're they're very different. It's.00:19:46JackThe my my wife's grandmother passed. Probably going on. Oh gosh, 10 or or.00:19:55Jack12 years ago, something like that.00:19:58JackAnd what happens is there's there's kind of an extra wing of of a hospitals that are kind of set up for funerals.00:20:10JackAnd what happens is.00:20:13JackThe the body is is cremated for the most part in Korea. That's the the tradition. I think it probably comes down to the size of the country land is.00:20:28XochitlPopulation.00:20:30JackYeah, exactly. It's it's it's, it's it's rare to to bury a body.00:20:38JackAnd so the body is, is prepared and and cremated at the at that facility that is attached to the hospital I believe. And then in the hospital you get like a A room.00:20:54JackAnd it's it's a large room with an eating area, and then there's a a nice a very nice photograph of the deceased person.00:21:06JackAnd kind of like almost like a shrine kind of set up.00:21:11JackYou know, flowers and things like that.00:21:14JackAnd outside, when you when you enter this this large room.00:21:22JackThe.00:21:24JackLike your your the company you work for will always send flowers and it's the flower. Arrangements are always these kind of tall.00:21:34JackFlower arrangements with a big ribbon expressing condolences. And so I think the the more.00:21:45JackThe more influential you were, or the more people you know, you knew, the more flowers are sent. You know, so it it can it. It's very important, I think, to to have a lot of those outside, outside the door. When people enter, when you when you.00:22:05JackEnter the room, people. You will give some money. And so there was one family member that's sitting there collecting an envelope of of money.00:22:18JackThat goes to the family to pay for the fuel costs and whatever other things that need to be paid for.00:22:32JackMm-hmm.00:22:32JackAnd and then there's there's some food where you can you sit, they invite you to, to sit down and have a meal. And there is no, there is no like, formal kind of ceremony thing in in that in, in that at that time you but what what happens is you have this this room.00:22:52JackThis large room for three days.00:22:56JackSo and that's what's so interesting to me is that the family stays there for three days, so there's like a I believe there's a bathroom and a shower and. And, you know, you can you sleep there and and, you know, people will get up at different hours and people will arrive at all.00:23:16JackKinds of different hours.00:23:19JackAnd I think it goes back to maybe the older times during the.00:23:27JackThe the Joseon dynasty, the the one before the the last dynasty in Korea.00:23:35JackAnd at those times, you know, if you were to hear about the passing of a relative, you would you would start your trek.00:23:44JackTo that location. And so I think they three days is enough time for most people to make it there. Now. Nowadays it seems a little bit unnecessary or we could say antiquated, which just means like it's an older tradition that that no longer.00:24:06JackIs it still followed but it's it's not necessarily necessary because people can get there very quickly within, you know, a day you can get to the to the hospital and go to that special wing of the hospital where the.00:24:25JackI I guess the the.00:24:28JackThe.00:24:29JackPaying respects to the.00:24:31JackNormally occurs and then there's an urn. An urn is is a a container, kind of a beautiful, ornate container that has the ashes inside of it. And that's also, I believe, up there with the photograph and.00:24:51JackPeople will, you know, come and and, you know, give their condolences to the fans.00:24:56JackMe, but that three day waiting period was kind of interesting to me and not waiting period. But the three day period of time where the family is stays together in that one place.00:25:13JackKind of reminds me of what you were talking about of like staying awake with the body for of 48 hours.00:25:22JackUM.00:25:24JackThere's there's something about that, and I I know there's another in the Jewish tradition, there's something called Sitting Shiva and Shiva is where?00:25:34JackThe body is.00:25:36JackUM, sometimes it's in in a person's house and they sit with the body for.00:25:44JackI I don't remember exactly how many days, but people will come and they will sit down and they.00:25:51JackWill mourn with the family and then they will leave and other people will come and and come and go and it it's kind of interesting how some of these traditions seem to overlap.00:26:06JackA little bit like there's something about, maybe there's something.00:26:12JackImportant about just sitting in your grief.00:26:17JackWith your loved one who's past and.00:26:21JackAnd kind of getting a collective hug from all the people that knew that person and loved that person and you know, coming and sitting it with the family. I feel like in in American culture it's, you know, the the most we get is like.00:26:38JackYou know someone will come up at the wake or or the funeral and say I'm sorry for your loss and then that's that's kind of it. You know, there isn't like a a longer it's kind of like this is uncomfortable. I want this to be over as quickly as possible and it seems like in Mexican culture and.00:26:46JackMHM.00:26:56XochitlRight.00:26:58JackKorean culture and and Judaism.00:27:02JackJewish culture. There's something about.00:27:05JackFighting through that discomfort and getting to a much more honest place where you can act, cry together, mourn together, laugh together sometimes there you know it. It's not always mournful. Sometimes they're happy.00:27:25JackMemories and and share they share stories and things like that. And so I thought it was. It was really beautiful. And there's one other aspect of Korean.00:27:37JackFunerals that are that are interesting and and that is the.00:27:41JackClose friends and family will do almost a a performative kind of weeping.00:27:49JackAnd now sometimes it's it's genuine. I'm, I'm sure. But I did see this happen and the woman was wailing and and and crying and and, you know, and I I don't understand Korean very well, but I, you know, it sounded like she's saying no, how can this be this is, you know.00:28:10JackUnfair and.00:28:11JackAnd then after she was done weeping all of a sudden, her face changed right back to normal.00:28:18JackAnd so I realized ohh this is a performative thing out out of, you know, paying respect to the person who's passed that, you know, showing how how much.00:28:19XochitlThat's crazy.00:28:33JackYou've stirred up my emotions internally, but it was interesting how she she kind of came out of it really quickly. And so I was, I was. I was really intrigued by by that aspect of it as well.00:28:47XochitlYeah, I don't feel like a catharsis. I think as well, where, like, it's like, you get to let out all your mourning and wail as loudly as you want and everything. And then after it's over, you kind of just, like, empty, you know?00:28:59JackYeah. Yeah, that's probably that's exactly what it is. I think that's what it is, because I I know that.00:29:07JackSome people were were a little bit uncomfortable with it or or I I noticed that maybe they because I'm a I'm a foreigner. They they were like ohh this. You know maybe I I don't know. If they were embarrassed a little bit or something of of this.00:29:27JackHappening, but I was just, you know, I didn't know. My wife's grandmother very closely. So for me.00:29:38JackKind of being there was kind of an out of body experience. You know, I I felt like very much an observer kind of in a in a in a very foreign situation. And so almost like an anthropologist, I was kind of documenting all of this. The things that were occurring and kind of viewing it that way.00:29:57JackYeah.00:29:58XochitlHmm.00:29:58JackAnd yeah.00:30:00XochitlLike, just like it's it's funny, like. And they they come to our culture and they see, like, my mom was really shocked and cause actually in Mexican culture. Uh, I think it's normal to, you know, to cry like that to a little bit at least. And and American culture is really not we're kind of more cool than rigid. And so I remember when my mom.00:30:20XochitlCame to.00:30:24XochitlThe US and had to attend a funeral. She thought it was so weird. How, like even the closest family wasn't like breaking down?00:30:32발표자Yeah.00:30:33XochitlShe saw it as like very strange. And it's funny because they have like a completely opposite experience when they come to our culture as well. And for me, it was fun. It was like such a moment of being by cultural because, like, when at the funeral going the casket, I.00:30:52XochitlAnd I thought I was going to think.00:30:55XochitlUMI was talking about it on the way back in the car.00:30:59XochitlOn the way back to from Mexico City to Oaxaca, I met. So was my dad and my aunt and my mom there. And, you know, so driving back and.00:31:09XochitlI was like, oh, yeah, I I thought I was going to think, but I've never seen anyone pull out the like a bag of onions before, but it it really helped. And my mom said, yeah, it's a really common thing to take when you're bearing your body, at least in Mexico City, because it's like it's thought to help protect against people fainting.00:31:29JackYeah.00:31:30XochitlAnd my dad said, why would? Why would you faint like he asked me that?00:31:35XochitlAnd my mom rolled her eye.00:31:41XochitlShe looks so annoyed. It was very funny because it's kind of like I get.00:31:45JackThe answer is.00:31:45XochitlWhere what? He called me.00:31:47XochitlYeah, they're, like, totally different.00:31:48JackSorry, the answer is so obvious, it's just such a a funny question. You know it's like.00:31:56JackBe because you know my close, you know, relative has just passed. And of course, you know, that's why.00:32:04JackThe in American culture, the the idea of Stoicism is, is so strong, it's like we almost respect it right when they don't cry, because they'll, they'll, you know, in the car ride home, they'll say, oh, look how brave she was. Look how brave he was. Those are things I've heard.00:32:24JackYou know, my parents say before, after a funeral, and it's like, why do we need to be brave at this time? Shouldn't we be totally raw and vulnerable and just, you know, exposed to nerve?00:32:27XochitlRight.00:32:38JackAnd and and just. You know what it? Why does it have to be so clean and and and and and, dare I say cold? Yeah. Polished. Yeah.00:32:47발표자Polished.00:32:50XochitlIt's like a.00:32:50XochitlIt's a performance as well. Just how it's funny, like just how you know, we might see other cultures performing grief and and like a vulnerable outward fashion. They probably see us performing. Stoicism is very like bizarre behavior.00:33:09발표자Right.00:33:10JackRight when you because it's the because the actions don't match the gravity of the situation.00:33:16JackIt's like.00:33:17XochitlRight.00:33:18JackThe yeah, they're they're almost. It's almost like, uhm, you're accessing all this willpower to just not feel something.00:33:28XochitlThank you.00:33:30JackAnd and and then and then when people get home and then they're alone, they completely break down.00:33:38JackBecause they've been suppressing all of these emotions for the last couple days so.00:33:45JackI I don't know. I'm I I I really like the Korean funeral. If I if I got to choose, I would be OK with a a Korean funeral.00:33:58JackThat'd be OK with me.00:34:00XochitlHey I think I want a mix of both.00:34:01XochitlCultures. For me, I like.00:34:03XochitlI don't want people to have to, like, sit in the hospital and watch me suffer to death, you know? But you know, it ultimately the funerals for.00:34:10XochitlThe people who loved you during your life and If however they need to grieve, I think that's OK.00:34:17XochitlWith me, you know.00:34:18JackYeah, yeah, I absolutely, absolutely. And in the Korean funeral, there's, you know, there's soju, which is an alcoholic drink is served pretty.00:34:31JackShould I say liberally? Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. And I think that maybe helps suppress some of the emotions, but.00:34:32발표자No problem.00:34:45JackYeah. Ultimately I I, I I found it to be a beautiful experience, even though it was a a tragic one, but.00:34:54JackYeah. I I yeah, maybe maybe there's something we can take away from each culture and, you know, put all the good parts together and and and have do it that way. You know, so.00:35:11JackYeah.00:35:12XochitlYou still have to let us know what few traditions are like in your home country. I'm really curious because I know there are some other cultures that also have extended like lakes and yeah, I'm just really curious to know how you guys celebrate the life of those who passed on or how you mourn. So make sure we just comment.00:35:30XochitlAnd below at A-Z englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at at English podcast.00:35:34XochitlAt gmail.com.00:35:36XochitlAnd make sure to join the we chat on.00:35:40XochitlWhatsApp groups.00:35:41XochitlRemember the Jack and I are also having an English corner. Now that we do Monday to Friday and that is for one hour in the morning for me and in the evening Jack's time. So you'll have to message Jack directly to get the details.00:35:56XochitlBut yeah, it's only $10 USD a month and you get 20 classes, so that's pretty good. $0.50 a class. Yeah, and it's just really great. You get to converse and we we have topics like these that we talk about and it's just really nice environment friendly environment in there.00:36:04JackYeah.00:36:14JackYeah, very friendly, yeah.00:36:17XochitlAll right. See you. Thank you. Bye. Bye, bye.00:36:18발표자Bye.00:36:19JackOK.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about whether or not they think it's ethical for people to eat meat. Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A to Z English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social.00:00:54JackAnd today we're doing another topic talk and today's question is, should humans switch to a plant based diet to protect animal rights?00:01:06JackWhat do you think, social?00:01:08XochitlShould humans switch your plan beside? Well, I have been vegan in the past, Jack, and I've also been vegetarian in the.00:01:16XochitlSo I had.00:01:18XochitlThe even the plant based diet on multiple occasions, but I never judge anyone who didn't because it's a very hard switch because the world is kind of built around assuming that you have a normal diet and now vegan food is way more accessible. Back. When I was vegan in high school.00:01:36XochitlUh, it was very hard to be vegan. You couldn't go out to eat anywhere. You couldn't buy any like ready made vegan food at the store and there weren't any products like, there weren't any good veggie burgers or vegan.00:01:45JackYeah.00:01:49JackNo impossible burgers or anything like that.00:01:52XochitlNo. So it really sucked. And then?00:01:56XochitlI yeah. So I don't know. And then there.00:01:59XochitlAre there were there?00:02:00XochitlWas a phase where I would eat plant.00:02:01XochitlBased like uh?00:02:04XochitlTwo weeks out of the month and then the other two weeks, I just see normal, but that was more. That was like, yeah, I mean, yeah, it was kind of a whole thing, not in the ways you might you might expect but but.00:02:11JackFor health.00:02:22XochitlYeah, so, so I don't know, this is a tricky 1 because to me now I like me, I enjoy me and I enjoy having food freedom and getting to eat whatever I want and.00:02:37XochitlI think that as people, us being vegan is like far less or us consuming meat or choosing not to consume meat or choosing to eat plant based or not plant based whatever it may be is far less damaging to the environment or has far less of an impact overall than these giant greedy.00:02:57XochitlCorporations and industries that are.00:03:00XochitlChoosing practices that are they know, have been harmful for years, like the fracking industry and. And so I think ultimately, yes, it's just like our little drop in a bucket or drop in the ocean and we can choose to do it or not to do it. I don't think it really necessarily makes you better.00:03:20XochitlOr not, or neither do I I I just think it's so much more impactful for a corporation to.00:03:28XochitlAnd the government to put in regulations than it is for people to just go like Meatless Mondays or something.00:03:35JackYeah, my my problem with with eating meat and.00:03:41JackIt's the factory farming is I have a real problem with that because I know that there are definitely animal abuses that are happening. And yet, even though I know that intellect.00:03:51XochitlYeah.00:03:55JackReally, it's really hard for me to make the switch to vegan or vegetarian or be vegan or vegetarian, even though I know that it's probably morally the right thing to do until farming practices become more ethical.00:04:15JackAnd you know, because I think that like.00:04:18JackYou know the the way that they, you know, pack chickens into tiny little space.00:04:24JackIs.00:04:25XochitlRight. These, like tiny cages and they can't, can't walk or anything.00:04:29JackYeah. Yeah. And they, they Peck each other to death and they they all kinds of really horrible things happen. Same with like cows or sorry, the same with cows and same with pigs as well. And yet I just.00:04:45JackLove meat? That is funny. I really have no excuse. You know, it's just like and. And when I don't eat meat, I I kind of feel the color kind of drain out of my face, you know, like I I feel weak when I'm not eating protein. And and I know that you can get protein from other sources.00:05:07XochitlRight.00:05:08JackYou can, you know, it's not like vegans don't eat protein.00:05:12JackBut it's just so much cheaper and so much easier to just buy like a bag of chicken breasts and or some, you know, some pork or something like that.00:05:24XochitlWell, it's kind of tastier and it's like blade rip because like it, it's probably cheaper to buy like a big thing of tofu or a big thing of beans and cook it. Really. Hmm. But it's it is convenient. And it's like something that you're used to. Right. So it's like.00:05:33JackMHM.00:05:39XochitlIt's just hard to break that like it's tasty. Like I'll be real with you. I don't want to eat like a like a.00:05:39JackYeah.00:05:48XochitlI'd rather eat a plate of chicken wings than like a.00:05:51XochitlTofu and beans dish or something.00:05:54XochitlMost of the time.00:05:54JackYeah, you know.00:05:56XochitlIf I lived, if.00:05:57JackI lived in Mexico and I could get like a really nice plate of like beans with rice.00:06:03XochitlOh yeah.00:06:04JackI think I could actually. I I think in Mexico I could actually do it. You know it's.00:06:10발표자At least.00:06:11XochitlThey're like vegetarian, right? Yeah.00:06:14JackYeah, maybe not vegan. I might not be. I might still want to eat like eggs or something like that.00:06:20JackAnd maybe drink milk or something like that, cause I do. I do like milk in my coffee. But you know there there are other alternatives. You know, I could. I could drink oat milk or almond milk or something like that and.00:06:36XochitlI like oat milk more than I like regular milk, but it's like worse for you, so.00:06:40JackYeah, it's not right health wise, it's probably it's not better, it just might be better for the environment perhaps or or it might be.00:06:48JackBe more ethical to you know.00:06:53XochitlWell, one, one that interesting thing with like dealing with the ethics of it, Jack is like.00:06:59XochitlIt's not necessarily like, uh, you could just eat. I mean, it's more expensive, but you could eat organic meat that has ethical practices you.00:07:10JackThat's true. That's true. If you if you source the right the right product, you you, you can find stuff that's a little bit more ethically growing or whatever. That's true. That's true. Yeah, I guess, you know, for me.00:07:13XochitlCould.00:07:30JackIt just comes down to dollars and cents in. In many ways it's just I just like, I don't want to pay the extra money for it.00:07:39JackAnd so I I just, I just kind of push it to the back of my mind that like ohh it's probably not as bad as they say it is, you know, but I do, I think it is pretty bad actually this the factory farming situation and I I think it's you know it it'll be interesting to see like in the future.00:07:59JackWhat happens when they start growing lab? You know, lab grown.00:08:02JackEat.00:08:04XochitlYeah.00:08:04JackThat that'll be interesting because you know, there may may be a time when when they they don't need animals at all anymore, we we may not have to to deal with that at all. I don't know how people might be disgusted by it.00:08:18XochitlI definitely would be less disgusted by lab grown meat than I would be by like.00:08:23XochitlHow the practice is you know what I mean?00:08:26JackYeah, yeah, watching the animals torture each other into death in these tiny cages.00:08:32JackSeems less disgusting than than growing some meat in a lab, so.00:08:36XochitlEat lamb meat seems like it would be really sterile. And like with the conditions that they have in these factory farms, like a lot of the meat probably has like nasty infections and stuff like so they think.00:08:46JackAntibiotics. Yeah, all that sort of stuff, yeah.00:08:48XochitlYeah, like they have to have antibiotics to avoid infections and all that nasty. So I don't know. I. Yeah, I I honestly would would be more interested in love me because I would think it would. It would be so. I mean, I wouldn't want to like.00:09:02XochitlDie from some weird mutation, you know, stupid, but you know, I mean, I'm sure that would be unlikely, but.00:09:07JackYeah.00:09:09JackYeah. Yeah. Well, I'm thinking I I may. I may make. I may make another run at vegetarianism here in the in the near future, but I'm I. I've got to mentally prepare myself for it.00:09:10XochitlYeah, yeah.00:09:22XochitlYeah, you don't have to go all or nothing. You can. You can just like, slowly introduce more vegetarian meals into your diet.00:09:30JackYeah.00:09:31XochitlAnd you know, like, you know, maybe have a.00:09:36XochitlOr go like pescatarian or something which is so easy to do in Korea. I think there's a lot of good. Yeah, you could go like pescatarian and you could just slowly like phase.00:09:40JackYeah, that's true.00:09:45XochitlOut and.00:09:46XochitlThere's not that much dairy.00:09:50JackYeah. And for our listeners, pescatarian means seafood. So you could just go like fully seafood diet.00:09:57JackYeah.00:09:57XochitlYeah, you just go like a seafood diet pretty much. So, yeah. I mean, yeah, I don't know. I think that the. Yeah, I get it. I mean, most of the time here in Mexico.00:10:09XochitlSo.00:10:10XochitlIt's kind of more accessible to get like meat that's butchered locally and that you know the practices are good. Like, you know, you see the chickens running around and you know that they're healthy and happy.00:10:24JackYeah, before before its head got lopped off at.00:10:28JackLeast it had.00:10:28JackA good life, you know. Enjoy. Yeah, you know.00:10:30XochitlYeah, it's like.00:10:32XochitlIt was happy so.00:10:38XochitlYeah, yeah.00:10:41XochitlYeah, I don't know. It was kind of my thing, I think. I think it's really more up to corporations to to do things more ethically. I think what in what we can we should like just eating less meat and high quality meat that has more ethical practices overall. And I mean I think that's important. But at the same time, I think it's like up to corporations.00:10:41JackYeah.00:11:01XochitlTulip.00:11:03XochitlIt's that's the core.00:11:04JackYes.00:11:04XochitlYeah. To behave. It's up to the government to put, to make laws that guarantee corporations behaving in a in an ethical manner. But they won't do that. These corporations can make more money behaving unethically. So it's kind of a crapshoot. Yeah, you know what I'm interested to hear what our listeners.00:11:19JackRight, right.00:11:22JackYeah.00:11:25XochitlI have to say I know that many of our listeners, uh, come from vegetarian cultures and others come from meat dominant cultures. Many countries eat way less meat than the US does, so I'm just curious overall. You know what? What they have to say what they think.00:11:39XochitlAnd yeah, we just comment down below. It is englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at At's englishpodcast@gmail.com and join the WeChat once the groups to join the conversation. Remember that Jack and I are doing an English corner and we have discussion questions just like these every single day, Monday through Friday for an hour a day and needed to talk with a lot of your peers.00:11:59XochitlAnd also with Jack and I and have direct conversations with us during that time, UM and yeah, we have conversations just like these in the group. It really feels like hanging out with friends. So if you're interested, make sure to shoot us a message about that so you can join and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did you enjoy the Barbie movie? Well, in this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl describes what kind of Barbie she thinks she would be, and Jack describes what kind of Ken he would be? Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A to Z English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:50JackWelcome to the Ages English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a topic talk. And right now social something that's trending on on TikTok and on on the Internet right now is comes from the the Barbie movie and.00:01:10JackThe question that people are asking themselves is what kind of Barbie are you like, could you describe your Barbie and what kind of Ken are you? So could you describe your Ken? So maybe you could describe your Barbie and I'll describe my Ken.00:01:28XochitlOK, I'm like uh.00:01:32XochitlI don't know.00:01:35XochitlI think I OK. Ideally what I would like to be in fashion Barbie, you know, I have all these clothes and I.00:01:41XochitlI love clothes.00:01:42XochitlBut I don't really dress up that much anymore, like how I used to, but I used to love clothes, so I think I would be like fashion Barbie, you know. But now I'm kind of more like a.00:01:56XochitlLike.00:01:59XochitlMet Barbie or something? I don't know. Like, like a beige Barbie. Something I don't like. Kind of disillusioned with life. Ever so slightly. Yeah.00:02:11JackTrying trying to figure it out, Barbie.00:02:13XochitlTrying to figure it out, Barbie. Yeah, but you know, it's done better this year. I gotta say, the trend, the end of tail end of 27 was a great time where I started a bunch of projects, including our English corner. So with you. So I'm really excited.00:02:29XochitlAbout that and yeah, so maybe right now I would actually be like.00:02:35XochitlAn iconic Barbie that had all the jobs like veterinarian, doctor, Fashionista like you know, the one that's doing everything I'm doing a lot like the English corner, the coffee business, selling clothes.00:02:42JackYeah.00:02:51JackWhat? What kind of clothes, like, talk about the clothes you stuff. Cause I think that that's that would be like I can. I can picture your Barbies clothes because of the you know you you sell clothes on. I I see you post like dresses like you you're you're big into like thrifting right like.00:02:51XochitlYeah.00:03:09XochitlYes, yes.00:03:10JackYeah.00:03:11XochitlYeah, I saw.00:03:11JackSo lots of like prints or something. Is that what they are kind of kind of prints with like UM?00:03:16XochitlIt can be. I think they're just. It just really depends. It's more so for me right now I'm selling like American clothes. So and Mexico American clothes is is popular because it's higher quality. Traditional American garments are high quality like cotton and stuff. But like regular everyday wear.00:03:37XochitlThose is pretty low quality.00:03:39JackYeah.00:03:39XochitlIt's like worse than she and quality or whatever. Like it's very bad. So being that it's so bad, American clothes is quite popular here. So I just kind of pick whatever I think looks nice. And I think other people will like and bring that and sell it.00:03:58XochitlBeer so it could be like uh, dresses with plants or.00:04:03XochitlDresses for graduation or like the.00:04:07XochitlYou know, sweaters and different, just different articles of clothing that I think that will sell and and it's been going pretty well. I think the only issue is like the price point because it's in Mexican peso, so it's it's actually cheap for the US but for Mexicans a lot of people only make.00:04:24XochitlLike.00:04:25Xochitl300 pesos. They're like $15 a day.00:04:28XochitlAnd as you know, most clothes is like.00:04:28JackOhh.00:04:32XochitlAt least 25 bucks or 25 feet.00:04:34JackOhh yeah yeah, even if you buy off the clearance rack or something, you know at Macy's still going to be 20 or 25 bucks, you know.00:04:39XochitlYes.00:04:43XochitlRight. Yeah. So that's kind of just the only thing that I'm struggling with and I'm kind of thinking about bringing in accessories and stuff that are like a little bit cheaper or or maybe like skin care. I've been thinking when I go to Korea about buying like cheap clothes and skin care, I'm selling them here as well. The cool thing about Korea is you can like.00:05:03XochitlShe had like, boxes of stuff back, so.00:05:06발표자Yeah.00:05:07XochitlIt's kind of fun so.00:05:08JackWhat's your? What's your accessory? If you that goes with your your Barbie?00:05:13XochitlOhh, they hadn't suffered one there.00:05:15Jack20 right. Yes, of course, yes.00:05:20XochitlYou basically have 4 successor. At this point it is like I left him for a day and a half to get a couple like that, which is a really, really beautiful village here in Laka.00:05:31JackMHM.00:05:32XochitlFor my birthday trip and he came back and he's all sick and everything. I was like, what's wrong with him? So I took him to the vet today and he was like, oh, he was stressed cause you left him. And then like?00:05:41XochitlHe, like his stomach, probably hurt because he ate like some different food. We we switched him to a different diet and like all that together, made him have like a problem. Like he got Giardia, which is like, you know, travelers area type thing. Yeah. And so it was really. It was really scary.00:05:56JackYeah.00:06:01XochitlBecause you seemed really safe.00:06:02XochitlBut he's doing fine now.00:06:04XochitlBut it's like a fourth successor. I gotta take him everywhere with me, or else he.00:06:07XochitlGets sick, so.00:06:08JackYeah, I'm not sure how how well this Barbie is going to sell the the Barbie with the the duende accessory with diarrhea, but.00:06:17XochitlNo, no diarrhea, but just playing and they're just healthy. Then they're suffering. Yeah.00:06:21JackHow's he doing today? OK.00:06:23XochitlIt's just like a purse dog that you have to take everywhere.00:06:26XochitlHe's looking at.00:06:26JackRight, right. You need you need a. You need a bag, maybe something maybe. Maybe a bag. That's a kind of.00:06:27XochitlMe.00:06:27XochitlNow I'm talking about.00:06:38JackA local like locally made you know what Hawken bag that you could put when they in. That'd be a pretty cool little Barbie, yeah.00:06:45발표자Yes.00:06:46XochitlYeah, I think that would be cool. He's wearing his little sweater right now, too. He's cold, so that would be be like a blue hoodie. Yeah, well, what kind of Ken are you?00:06:51발표자Nice.00:06:55JackUM, yeah, so I'm. I'm definitely like teacher Ken. My my Ken is is has a shaved head. So that's the I'm I'm representing the bald.00:07:00XochitlOh yeah.00:07:08JackThere so bald can, but my accessory would be a a trucker hat, a trucker cap. So you can cover a KENS bald head with a with a nice trucker cap. And I'm trying to think like, what would Ken's what what's what's my uniform?00:07:28JackLet's say my uniform is pair jeans, some tennis shoes at T-shirt and then maybe like because I'm a teacher, I'll throw like a like a a a suit jacket over the top of that. So.00:07:45XochitlHmm.00:07:45JackThis is definitely of the the strangest can ever. But yeah, I think that would be my that would be my, my, my accessory and my outfit. And maybe maybe my school bag. You know, that would be my, you know, putting students, papers and and things like that.00:08:05JackInside that would be my that would be my other accessory. So the trucker hat and and a a a school bag, yeah.00:08:15JackYeah. I don't know. Yeah. Teacher. Teacher care.00:08:18발표자Oh.00:08:19JackYeah.00:08:20XochitlI often see.00:08:20발표자Yeah.00:08:25XochitlWhat was I gonna say? I often see.00:08:30XochitlGen. Z represented is wearing like beanies as well, which you also do.00:08:34JackOhh, that's right. I'm. Yeah, that's when I try to be cool. But it's it's it's like dressing one generation below my my actual station in life.00:08:46JackSo.00:08:46XochitlI don't think so, because every time I see Gen. X like represented in skits, they're always wearing like a they they dress exactly like you. It's so crazy when I see this guy like go skits because he's not Gen. XI. Think he's like a millennial. Maybe he's. No, I think he must be like a millennial and he he pulls, like skits like showing like.00:09:06XochitlRumors that were genex that were ex millennial and Gen. Z.00:09:09XochitlEric, you know, and I definitely relate hard to like a mix between the dense and millennial because you know I'm a customer, but when he does the Gen. X, it looks it's like looks just like you like. It looks so much like I gotta send you because I think you would get a kick out of it. It's so similar to you. And then like the the, the Gen. Z.00:09:30XochitlLike like for example they have like the meeting and the tenses still sleeping.00:09:34JackOh, yeah, yeah, yeah.00:09:34XochitlAnd that is me. That is kind of like me.00:09:38JackI think I'm. I'm a customer as well. Like I'm kind of right between millennial and and Gen. X because I'm like, you know, I'm like a really young Gen. X or a really old Gen. Z or sorry, really old millennial. Yeah.00:09:45XochitlYeah.00:09:50XochitlMillennial, you mean? Yeah.00:09:53XochitlYes.00:09:54JackNo.00:09:55JackI can I can kind of. I can. I can go. I can go either way, depending on my mood for the uh for the day, I guess, yeah.00:09:55XochitlYes.00:10:03XochitlYeah, I'm gonna send you one of those gifts so you can take a look at it. Yeah. Alright. Well, listeners, let us know what kind of Barbie or Ken would you be? I'm curious to know. Leave us a comment down below at A-Z in this podcast at.00:10:16XochitlOr sorry leaves come down below at A-Z, englishpodcast.com students and e-mail at amazingnesspodcast@gmail.com and join the channel WhatsApp groups to join the conversation.00:10:26XochitlAnd let us know if you've seen the Barbie movie too, because I'm curious about that. I personally didn't get through it. I wasn't a.00:10:31XochitlHuge fan but.00:10:32JackI haven't seen it yet. Yeah, I need to. Yeah.00:10:35XochitlFan, but we'll see and also make.00:10:36JackYeah.00:10:38XochitlSure that you guys.00:10:39XochitlJoin us in the English corner if you are so inclined. It's UH-10 USD a month, and it's for 20 sessions so Monday though.00:10:48XochitlToday we have the English corner meetings for an hour and we have discussion questions and Jack and I are in there talking with the students and it's really fun. I really, really have enjoyed it so far. We have a lot of great English speakers and I think we have really great conversations in there. It's almost like just hanging out with your friends. So yeah, if you're interested in that, make sure to shoot.00:11:08XochitlThe message and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss the question: Is cheating in a relationship ever justified? Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the Ados English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a topic talk and social. Today's topic is a little scandalous. The question is, can cheating in a romantic relationship ever be justified?00:01:07JackShould the couple try to work through it, or is the trust permanently broken?00:01:15XochitlUh, I really don't think it's ever justified. I personally have never cheated, so I don't understand.00:01:24XochitlIt's a decision, too, I hate when people say that it's a mistake. I don't think it's a mistake. It's a choice that people actively made and you have to live with the consequences of that choice. And I think, like, if you do want to try to work through it, then the person who cheated needs to be willing to really put in the majority of the work.00:01:31JackRight.00:01:45XochitlAnd.00:01:47XochitlNeeds to be willing.00:01:48XochitlTo see that there are going to be pretty big consequences like the that person is not going to trust you. Like for a good long while. And I I think that's perfectly acceptable and absolutely normal. It'd be kind of weird if they suddenly did trust you, you know.00:02:05JackYeah, I.00:02:06XochitlAgain, you've been good.00:02:09JackOh, sorry, I I I really hate it. When. When?00:02:13JackLike cheaters, say something like UM.00:02:16JackWell, you weren't paying attention to me or you weren't being attentive as a as a partner. And so I started looking in, you know, other places to get my needs met or whatever and that sort of kind of nonsense, you know, it's like I I think this is one of those.00:02:19XochitlAh.00:02:36JackRare occasions where it's like 100 zero, you know, like it's yeah, it's it's 100% the cheaters fault and they they have to take full.00:02:49JackResponsibility for their actions. I I don't think there can be any Hemming and hawing about it. It's it's, you know, I I think it's such a it's such a red flag when when a cheater starts trying to push the blame onto.00:03:10JackHis or her partner for you know, making.00:03:13JackMe do that it. It reminds me of, like, domestic violence, right where the domestic abuser tries to blame the, you know, you know, I I don't. I didn't want to hit you. But you make me so angry, you know, and and that that's that's that's just nonsense.00:03:18XochitlMa'am.00:03:30XochitlRight, yeah.00:03:34JackLike, that's just garbage logic and so.00:03:38JackYeah, I I just, I just don't. Yeah.00:03:40XochitlYeah, I think I I'll go. I'll go a step further here and say that cheating is definitely a form of abuse because you have to be lying to cheat. And lying is emotional abuse by definition.00:03:55XochitlSo yeah, in some ways you're gaslighting your partner. You're, uh, hiding information from them. You're lying to them. You're invalidating them constantly because you're trying to make them think that they're crazy when you're cheating so that they don't hold you accountable for your actions, and you're blaming them and and shaming them. And it just.00:04:17XochitlIt's toxic and it is abusive in in the context. And I yeah, I just really, really am against cheating.00:04:27JackYeah, I like he said. That's a form of emotional abuse for sure.00:04:32XochitlYeah.00:04:33JackAnd also I think that like.00:04:36JackCommitment requires again I I there. There are a few times in life where I think it's like a 0 sum 0 sum, meaning like it's 100% zero.00:04:47JackYou know, either you're committed to your partner or or you're not, you know, and if you're, if you're always, if you're with your partner, but you've always got, like, one eye kind of looking around for something better, something. It's I I I just really hate that.00:05:04XochitlI know.00:05:07JackThat kind of behavior, it reminds me of like, UM, it happens in friendships as well, where it.00:05:15JackLike you, you know, Jack, you're good enough to hang out with at this party, but I'm going to keep my eye open looking around the the room for maybe somebody a little bit more interesting, a little bit cooler that I can go talk to. So you're good enough in the moment.00:05:35JackBut you're not. You're you're not really good enough. And that's a real self esteem killer, I I think.00:05:45XochitlYeah, he is a self esteem killer. And then ultimately though like like dealing with cheaters and talking to them, I don't think it's anything about their partner not being. Obviously it's not about the partner not not being good enough, but I don't even think it's about them thinking their partners and good enough. It's like they just have this black hole in their heart and mind.00:06:06XochitlAnd they need like constant validation and attention from other people.00:06:09XochitlPeople and most of the times they can't handle like critique. Like if something starts going wrong in a relationship instead of facing up to their responsibility and whatever is going on or talking it out with their partner. If they can't face criticism or face.00:06:10JackYes.00:06:27XochitlIssues when things get real, so they would rather just find a way to like escape in a sense and source their validation from someone else.00:06:37JackIt's almost like they're they're willing to if they don't get what they want completely, they're going to blow it. They're going to blow the whole thing up.00:06:45JackYou know, and that is like the most childish kind of toddler behavior. Like, it's the ultimate. I'm taking my ball and going home kind of behavior, right? Yeah.00:06:52XochitlYeah.00:06:59JackAnd it's so immature. So, you know, I think ultimately I the second part of that question was should the couple try to work through it?00:07:09JackYou know, I honestly don't think I don't. I just think it's. I don't think you can come back from that, to be honest. So at least I know that I personally cannot come back from that. Cheating is A is a a deal breaker in in my for me. So if if I were in a.00:07:29JackYou know, just hypothetically, I mean I'm. I'm married. I've been married for 17 years, happily married. But if I'm. I'm just thinking hypothetically in like a dating situation or something. If if that happened to me, I I would just cut my losses.00:07:47JackAnd and and and find find a new partner like that's. That's ultimately where I kind of land. And it. What what about you?00:07:56XochitlI think that I that.00:08:02XochitlI how do? How do I say this?00:08:05XochitlI think that.00:08:08XochitlPeople who stay and try to work through it like a lot, a lot of times they get almost worse judgment than the cheater. Like people calling them stupid and stuff. And I think that's so mean because they're already like a victim of this horrible situation and they like, they're really, I don't know, forgiving people, I think. But at the same time, I I.00:08:28XochitlI do think you can't come back for men even if you choose to try to work things out and try to come back from it or whatever, I personally think.00:08:37XochitlUM.00:08:38XochitlIt's like you can't, like you will always remember.00:08:44XochitlWhen they cheated on you and it will always affect yourself esteem and you're always going to be wondering like where they are and what they're doing and you're going to start behaving like a person that you don't recognize sometimes I think.00:08:58JackYeah, you're gonna turn into somebody you don't want to be like the that.00:08:58XochitlAs.00:09:01JackThe kind of paranoid looking under every every rock for some kind of evidence and it it it just consumes your your life and you're you're not really living at that point. You're you're you're more consumed with this this relationship, and nobody deserves to.00:09:22JackTo have to live like that.00:09:23XochitlNo, no one should have to live like that. So you.00:09:27XochitlYeah, I think, yeah. I mean, I think it's cool to cut your losses. It's something that it's like cheating is very common in Mexican culture, like men, especially cheating on women. I think there's a I think there's also a whole sexist level to cheating where, like in marriages, it's more common for men to cheat.00:09:47XochitlThe way that society is and to get away with it or like for.00:09:51XochitlIt to be acceptable anyway.00:09:54XochitlTo some.00:09:54JackThis is like the the boys will be boys kind of mentality.00:09:57XochitlYes, and men will be mankind equality. But I think that's.00:09:59JackI need that you.00:10:01XochitlI feel like that's true in at least every culture that I'm familiar with. To some extent, you know, and I don't. I definitely understand why people, especially people who already have kids or who are like, have been married for a long time, why they would like, want and try to work through it.00:10:07JackHmm.00:10:21XochitlLike I definitely understand.00:10:23JackYeah, that's true.00:10:26XochitlYeah, but at the same time, like I if anyone is ever in that situation, I would say don't like, just don't just cut your losses. You'll you'll always regret investing more time in fixing things than just moving on to a new relationship where you could have all the trust and respect that.00:10:46XochitlYou should have had from the start and deserved in someone else that will respect you and care about you and.00:10:57XochitlBe a reliable person that you can actually trust.00:11:00JackYeah, and. And and cheating when you have kids is really a a new, just a deeper. Yeah. Like a new low. Like, that's about as low as you can go. Because I mean you.00:11:07XochitlLow.00:11:14JackThe the psychic damage that you can that it that infidelity causes children is it has a ripple effect that that will go will last throughout their lives as well. So your selfish act is actually.00:11:34JackAffecting your children's lives and their happiness and and their future relationships. So even from that, from that point of view, it's almost just inexcusable.00:11:47XochitlYeah. And it also it's traumatic to be cheated on. Like, I know that a lot of people might be like, oh, that's an overreaction or whatever, but it's not literally like.00:11:56XochitlIt's it's traumatizing, and someone that you're supposed to love and trust and all this and the person that you're supposed to believe the most in, like when you're in a committed relationship, just throws all of that trust and belief in the trash and sacrifices your self esteem and your self worth and.00:12:17XochitlEverything that you've poured into the relationship just to cheat on you, it is very traumatizing and so.00:12:27XochitlIt's like someone can be so selfish that they don't even.00:12:34XochitlDon't even think about how it's gonna affect others like, but rather than just breaking up or going their separate ways or something, they'd rather put you in such a painful situation is just a selfish.00:12:48XochitlTurd.00:12:53XochitlYeah, it's like, what a, what? A turd man. It's just that bad, you know? So it's like, I don't know. I. So I think for me, yeah. I mean, sure you can get past it and all this, but it's really low. I remember there.00:12:56JackYeah.00:13:07XochitlWas it? I don't know if you have you ever seen the try, guys? They're like the YouTube group of four different.00:13:12JackOhh yeah I'm I'm.00:13:13JackFamiliar with that YouTube channel? Yeah.00:13:15XochitlWell, there was a.00:13:16XochitlGuy named Ned in it and.00:13:19JackOhh yeah, this scandal. Couple years ago I remember this one.00:13:23XochitlHe would only talk about his wife like he loved his wife and he would always talk about his wife all the time on the show and he was known as the wife Guy of the Try Guys and I really liked Ned and Ariel's relationship and I was like, Oh well, I hope I find someone who who loves me that much someday and who I love that.00:13:43XochitlThat's interest.00:13:44XochitlSo much and I was like, they seem like really happy and everything. And then he was cheating on Ariel with a coworker and she has like, two kids by him. And he publicly cheated on her, like, the way that she found out was like, some fan saw him with this other girl, like dancing at a club and posted pictures of it on Reddit.00:14:04JackYeah.00:14:06XochitlAnd like, that's how she found out. And like the level of horribleness and like selfishness and everything.00:14:13XochitlLike how low can you be?00:14:16JackYeah, yeah, just a a worm. You know, just a belly crawl.00:14:21XochitlYeah.00:14:22JackYou know.00:14:23XochitlAnd then like they are, they stayed together anyway. I believe in and trying to work it out.00:14:29XochitlAnd I just like.00:14:30XochitlI feel bad for Ariel because I mean it. Ultimately it's her choice, so I shouldn't say ohh I feel bad for her. But like what it mean is like when you're cheated on in such a public context and then and you have the kids and everything and.00:14:43XochitlI just feel like she can do so much better than this worthless worm of a man, you know, like, yeah.00:14:48JackYeah, yeah, yeah. Someone that's willing to just to to just blow the foundations out from under your your marriage. Your relation.00:14:57JackChip, what? Whatever compels a person to do that is there's a it's pathological, you know? It's it's it, it it's it defies logic. I I just can't wrap my mind around it almost. You know, what would? What would compel someone to just.00:15:15XochitlYeah.00:15:20JackI guess maybe and and the fact that what made it worse is that he, you know, he was the the marriage guy. You know, so.00:15:26발표자Oh.00:15:27XochitlI know only talking about his wife, John Mulaney, who's a famous comedian, also did like something very similar, apparently.00:15:35XochitlIt's just trash like, you know, thinking about these men that are, like, always parading around about their wives and everything and the whole time they're just like these worm cheaters. Like it really. It really took me when I found out that news, I was like, what a nasty turd.00:15:53JackYeah, and. And a lot of a lot of.00:15:55JackTimes the.00:15:56JackIs the the reason they give is because I can.00:16:02JackWhich that that is so dark to me. That kind of thinking, you know, is is.00:16:08XochitlBro like I could kill him right now. Sorry. That's that's a little much for the podcast. I could be. I could, like, push someone off a Cliff if figuratively. If I wanted to. But like, you don't do it because you're a human being and you like you don't. Why would you do something like that? It's so dark to think like there's no limit.00:16:29XochitlOK, this this is one thing that that one of the reasons that I think you shouldn't stay with the cheater like one of the big thing.00:16:35XochitlIs that I watch a lot of true crime and almost every man who's murdered his like pregnant wife or wife or whatever was a cheater. First they cheated first and they were cheating. They had, like, there's either lots of instances of cheating in their relationship, like Lacey Peterson with Scott Peterson, like Scott Peterson cheated on her multiple times before he killed her.00:16:43JackYeah, yeah.00:16:56JackChris Watts, yeah.00:16:58XochitlWatts was cheating all these like family Annihilators, and it's just nasty. Like they were cheaters also. And that really makes you think about it. Like when you said it gets dark like cause I can. It's like, yeah.00:16:59JackYeah.00:17:14XochitlBecause they can like.00:17:18XochitlYeah, yeah. There's no limit to how far they'll go. Like, sometimes it's a slippery slope, and someone who's willing to cheat on you. And like, why do you betray you in that way and put your health at risk? In many instances, that physical health and emotional health.00:17:35XochitlHow far are they really, truly willing to go? You have no idea.00:17:39JackSometimes they're willing to go so far to cover up their their indiscretions that they'll commit murder. You know, now this is obviously that's a the a very small percentage, but.00:17:46XochitlYeah.00:17:48XochitlSleep and but.00:17:51JackYeah, it's, yeah.00:17:52XochitlBut still pretty much all these family Annihilators were cheaters. So think about that. Alright, listeners. Well, let us know what you think about cheating in the comments. I'm definitely curious to know. Do you think that cheating's ever justifiable?00:17:56JackYeah, yeah.00:17:59JackYeah. Well, there we go.00:18:10XochitlA. Do you have a a dark black and white thinking like Jack and I have about? Yeah, let us know in the comments. We're very interested in now. So leave us a comment down below at A-Z with podcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at at Oz with podcast@gmail.com and join the China WhatsApp groups to join our conversation and talk to Jack and I directly.00:18:31XochitlRemember that Jack and I are now hosting an English corner for $10, around 10 USD, or 80 RMB a month, so you get.00:18:41Xochitl20 uh English corner sessions with Jack and I for that quantity, and you get to talk with other English speakers every single day that Monday through Friday. And yeah, there are a lot of perks and there's a lot of cool people who speak really great English and we have really fun discussion.00:19:01XochitlQuestions. So make sure to shoot this message if you would be interested in that and we'll see you next.00:19:07XochitlTime. Bye bye.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl talks about the organic coffee business she has started with her partner. Transcript: 00:01:24JackKind of a a sky blue or or light blue color with a a really cool logo and everything on there and so I was just wondering like what's going on with that?00:01:36XochitlWell, that I started selling organic coffee. My partner is a coffee farmer in the Sierra Juarez, which is an area mountainous area of Wahaca where I live.00:01:50XochitlYeah. And he he's a farmer, so he does things like, uh, he plants beans, corn, coffee, pineapples, mangoes, avocados. But the big one of the big.00:02:07XochitlSources of income for coffee farmers are for farmers here in Osaka is coffee, is coffee used to be quite well paid, but unfortunately the the price of coffee has really gone down a lot. I'm not sure what's going on, but the market.00:02:22XochitlIt's not that there's more supply than demand. It's just I think, how.00:02:29XochitlSome things have been happening with exports to the United States and prices and the dollar and the peso and how they're moving up and down. It's caused a lot of issues and.00:02:41XochitlWell, I was talking to him and he was he was telling me that.00:02:45XochitlThey can only sell their coffee in parchment at 41 pesos, which is about like 2 bucks a kilo. A kilo is 2 point.00:02:53JackDollars a kilogram for. Oh my God.00:02:56XochitlYes, it's parchment coffee, so it's not like roasted or anything. It's just it that has to go through a whole process before it's ready to drink, but it's.00:03:05JackMMM.00:03:07XochitlIt's still far to cheap price for organic coffee, and they're not making any money off of it anymore. And also.00:03:16JackSomeone's making money though. It's like the middleman, you know, they're.00:03:19XochitlYeah, it's the middleman is making money because the the price of coffee, especially organic coffee and local coffee, has gone up on the market, but they're not paying coffee funds.00:03:21JackYeah.00:03:28JackRight. But the farmers are getting screwed on the on the the back end, yeah.00:03:33XochitlYes, it's exactly what's happening. So it's it's really been a disaster for a lot of people. And yeah, I was talking to him and I just had the idea to sell his coffee here in the city because I live here.00:03:35JackYeah.00:03:45XochitlCity.00:03:46JackHmm.00:03:47XochitlAnd you know, we talked about it and we made some plans and we kind of it just got, I just kind of posted it on an expat wahaka group saying hey, guys like would you be interested in organic coffee?00:04:01XochitlAnd a bunch of people were like, oh, yeah, you know, we didn't know how to price it. Like, we didn't know.00:04:05XochitlAnything about it?00:04:06XochitlBecause he's gonna coffee farmer and his family has done coffee farming for generations. But like he's never really been on the on this like market end of.00:04:14XochitlThings.00:04:15XochitlBecause what they usually do is they they belong to an organization coffee organization called Niche.00:04:21XochitlYeah. Which is like organic coffee organization and.00:04:25XochitlThey they give them like.00:04:28XochitlCourses and stuff on how to grow organic coffee and different varieties that are worth more money and all these kind of.00:04:34XochitlThings.00:04:35XochitlBut because of how the market's going and I don't know what's happening, they're only able to buy 200 kilos on average from each coffee farmer.00:04:45JackOh, it's nothing. 200 kilos.00:04:45XochitlAnd.00:04:47XochitlYeah, the the usual production is at least five. You usually at least have 500 kilos leftover after that, you know, even for a small farmer. So uh.00:05:01XochitlYeah. So it got to the point, you know, they have they have like at least 300 kilos or leftovers. So I talked to him and we went through the whole process of deciding to sell it and we got a lot of attention on that's that's.00:05:14XochitlWhat I could do?00:05:15XochitlAnd so we kind of had hit the ground running because I posted this just out of curiosity and I got I got, like business out the wazoo and.00:05:25JackYeah.00:05:25XochitlI was like.00:05:27XochitlTons of people inquiring and and a lot to keep up with. And so at that point we had to go ahead and we hit the ground running.00:05:34XochitlSo is he.00:05:36XochitlWe we decided to go with an artisanal process because that's pretty much how he knows how to make the coffee. So what you have to do is you have to take a like mortar and pestle, which for those of our listeners who aren't familiar, a mortar is like kind of like a a stone or wooden bowl or something and a pestle.00:05:42JackMHM.00:05:56XochitlLike a giant one, though.00:05:58XochitlAnd a puzzle is like the thing that you use to pound it. So people used to do this to like grind flour and stuff. In the olden days.00:06:05JackRight now you see a lot of people using mortar and pestle for like medicine and stuff like that.00:06:10XochitlYeah. Medicine are like herbs. A lot of people use it for, like, finely grinding herbs and teas, but he has to use a giant one to like, take all the the kind of peel the shell off of our coffee.00:06:22JackRight.00:06:23JackOK.00:06:23XochitlSo he does that all by hand, so that's crazy. It's a lot of work and hard labor.00:06:28JackWow, he must be in great shape then because.00:06:31XochitlHe hasn't. Really. Yeah, he's a really good team. But yeah, he's very strong and honestly, I don't think I would probably last two minutes trying.00:06:33JackStrong.00:06:39XochitlTo do that.00:06:40XochitlSo yeah, he he definitely he dishes the coffee that way and then we pay a local woman to hand roast the coffee.00:06:41JackYeah, me neither.00:06:51XochitlWhich is artisanal traditional method to do it?00:06:54JackWow.00:06:56JackThat's awesome. So like if people start drinking your coffee, they're they're going to be used to her roast. Basically, she kind of determines the flavor in a way like part of it comes from the the, you know, of course the bean. But then part of it also flavor of the coffee comes from how it's roasted. Right.00:06:57XochitlAnd right.00:07:08Xochitl1.00:07:16XochitlYeah. So she so depends on how you raise the coffee and there's different roasts like you can do a light roast, dark roast and medium roast, and they all have different flavor profiles. And she does kind of a medium dark roast, which works really well because they they they're hand roasted, they have like, a different. They have color variations and the beans, but once you.00:07:30JackYeah.00:07:37XochitlGrind them in your coffee grinder or whatever. It's an even color. It's a uniform color and uh, it's smells delicious because there's the sugars and the coffee beans are like caramelized because they're roasted by hand, so they're not burnt like in our machine. But that would be if you did it by machine process.00:07:51JackYeah.00:07:54XochitlAnd.00:07:56XochitlIt just comes out really great. It has really. It has like a bold uh flavor and it still has body for those who like dark roasts, but it's not like a bitter dark roast that has, like, acidic notes and floral notes.00:08:10XochitlAnd uh, it's very it has a very sweet aroma, a really pleasant like caramel like aroma and almost like some chocolate you.00:08:19XochitlKnow it's really.00:08:20XochitlBe good. I'm. I'm not a huge coffee drinker myself, but I definitely started because I had to describe it to the clients.00:08:20JackYeah.00:08:25JackYou sound like a coffee drinker, though. Jeez, you. You're describing all the notes. I mean, I just like. I just wanna. When I saw the the post, I just wanted to grab one of those bags. And just, like, open it and just stick my nose in there and.00:08:29XochitlYeah.00:08:39JackJust smell it.00:08:39XochitlYeah, was.00:08:40JackI love that smell of fresh. Oh my gosh. I bet it just it is.00:08:44JackOnly.00:08:45XochitlYes, it smells amazing and.00:08:49XochitlThere's been a lot of things to learn. We price to way too low. So now we're figuring that out because we we didn't really know about the market. And there's a single origin coffee, which means it's coffee all from the same community and the same pic of that year. And so it's like it's worth more. And then it's also organic. So it's worth more and it has expensive.00:08:55발표자Hmm.00:09:10XochitlVarieties inside the ensemble like there's different beams that we use, so we use like geisha, which is pretty expensive. Kafa Deepika, which is one of the original ones.00:09:21XochitlHas been.00:09:24XochitlPlanted for hundreds of years here and yeah, so a lot of those things that, you know, quality and expense. And then the other things we went with an artisanal process which requires a lot of Labor, manual labor.00:09:25JackYeah.00:09:37JackYeah.00:09:38XochitlSo we kind of replaced it way to that we personally 10 bucks a kilo.00:09:44Jack10 bucks a kilo. Wow. You get through like you're giving it away for free there.00:09:45XochitlYes, yes.00:09:49XochitlWe basically did. It's 200 pesos or two hundred 200 pesos kilo, which is 10, about 10 bucks.00:09:57JackSo is are you still making profit though, like at that price point?00:09:58XochitlAnd.00:10:02XochitlUh, we're barely not. If we count our hours of Labor, we're not. We're in red numbers. But if we don't count the hours of Labor that.00:10:08XochitlWe.00:10:08XochitlPut into it, then, yeah, we're making, like a tiny profit, a very tiny profit, so.00:10:15JackSo you guys have to you guys have to reprice that then eventually this first round, maybe you can you can sell it cheaply, but you know after that you're going.00:10:24JackTo have to.00:10:26JackYou know, put put it up a little bit.00:10:28JackYou know.00:10:28XochitlYeah, I don't know what to do. I I I I'm not sure how to reprice it because I like, it's scared of losing customers or something.00:10:40JackNo, that's just you that you guys just have imposter syndrome. You know, you, you just, you just you just don't have the confidence right now because you're just starting out. But I I think you should be very confident in your product. It sounds like a great product. I mean it looks amazing. So I think you guys could ask, you know.00:10:41XochitlSo we basically have 349.00:10:47XochitlBest year yet?00:10:56XochitlYeah.00:11:00JackDouble that much and people will still pay. You know, if they love it, they'll they'll pay, you know? Yeah.00:11:04XochitlUh, yeah.00:11:06XochitlYeah, that's kind.00:11:06XochitlOf where right now, and I think it's going pretty well, a lot of people ask us, you know, do you have half kilo bags, do you have white roast? Do you have decaf? It's like we don't have any of these things yet because I think we have people don't don't like know the whole process like being a coffee farmer and working on doing all this like it's kind of amazing that we've gotten as far as we had in the last month.00:11:28XochitlWe've only been doing this a month. We really hit the ground running but.00:11:31JackMHM.00:11:32XochitlBut yeah, we we can't diversify our products yet, so that that is one hurdle that we've been dealing with. But one thing I'm happy about is the packaging. I'm going to pick that. And I also designed a little logo and I think it came out really well.00:11:47JackYeah, that's the fun part. I I I enjoy that sort of stuff. The, the, the smashing, the the beans. Not. Not exactly my cup of tea right there but or.00:11:48XochitlAnd and.00:11:59XochitlNo. Yeah, that's that's his job. So he does all he's like, but he's out of quality and production or whatever he's had of production.00:12:06XochitlSo he's quality.00:12:06XochitlPeople and smashing beans up and going to different like sea farmers within his community to see, you know, if we can buy their crop for the next year. But he's he has a very.00:12:18XochitlThat they're organic and that they're certified organic.00:12:22XochitlAnd so he's doing that whole process himself.00:12:25XochitlAnd then my end is really customer service and communicating with the client.00:12:32XochitlAnd sending them, you know, information about this and that and whatever and.00:12:40XochitlMaking sales and whatnot, that's basically my whole and designing the Flyers, designing the coffee bags, designing the different products that we're going to introduce into the market, all that is.00:12:52XochitlKind of what I'm up to.00:12:54JackRight, you're you're marketing and these operations, I guess or something like that and yeah.00:12:58XochitlYes, that's really what it is. I'm marketing these operations and I'm also customer service I'm trying.00:13:05JackRight.00:13:06XochitlEven the customer service on things, but it's like he's kind of shy, so it it doesn't work as well for him I think. But you know I'll get him, I'll get him. I'll work him up and I told you that you should be confident because it's your, it's your product and your you made this. So a lot of people.00:13:11JackYeah.00:13:26XochitlAre interested in talking to you about your project and you know.00:13:30JackRight.00:13:31XochitlDon't be shy.00:13:32XochitlOK.00:13:33XochitlSo.00:13:33JackYeah, be proud of it. Be proud. I mean that. He should be very proud. That's amazing. What what he's doing? So what you guys are doing together? It's really cool.00:13:40XochitlYeah, that's really cool. I think in the future we're trying to do something like talks where we kind of have these like I'm going to do raffle tickets. So we're selling each raffle ticket for like 12 bucks, but they get to come to a.00:13:56XochitlTalk.00:13:57XochitlAbout about the coffee and how he produces it and everything, and they get free coffee and snacks and then they also get a chance to win like a coffee experience. So we're we're planning on doing a business in the future where people can like de shell and hand roast their own coffee so they can like, you know.00:14:17XochitlHave the experience of seeing what it's like.00:14:19JackYeah, and that's a good for tourists. I think they would really enjoy that, that would.00:14:23JackBe really, yeah.00:14:23XochitlYeah, I have a friend who does it with chocolate with cacao and I think it would be really awesome with.00:14:30XochitlCoffee.00:14:31JackYeah, I think that would be a great experience and you can get the tourists to deshell those coffee beans for free. So get them on the pestle and mortar.00:14:39XochitlYeah, yeah, we can use painting to do labor for us. So, yeah, I think it'll be exciting.00:14:44JackPictures.00:14:51JackAll right, well, good for you. Yeah, congratulations to you and your partner for that. That venture, it's it's really cool.00:14:58발표자Thanks Jack.00:14:59XochitlAll right, listen, there's well, let us know if you have any more questions. Are you coffee drinkers? I'm curious. I myself, I, I grew up drinking coffee, but I stopped drinking around 18 and and then I just started again. So yeah, I'm curious. Are you guys big coffee drinkers? We know Jack is leave us a comment down below and let us know, do you like coffee?00:15:19XochitlDo you enjoy it? Do you have any recommendations for our business? We'd love to hear them leave a comment down below it. It is englishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at it is englishpodcast@gmail.com. And don't forget to join the Channel one group so you can join Jack and I on the conversation.00:15:34XochitlOne and Jack and I started an English corner, which is another business venture that I have on my hands now.00:15:40XochitlBut it's been really.00:15:40XochitlExciting and really fun, and we do it Monday through Friday for an.00:15:44XochitlHour a day.00:15:45XochitlAnd it's just $10 USD a month, so you get it for $0.50, a class or whatever. And we have a lot of really strong English speakers and we've made some adjustments. So you guys get a lot.00:15:56XochitlOf.00:15:56XochitlSpeaking time and yeah, we're really excited about this project, so if you're interested, make sure to send us a direct message.00:16:03XochitlAnd ask about it and I will be happy to get back to you.00:16:06XochitlSee you guys next time. Bye bye.00:16:07JackGo back.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about "a" and "an."Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:50JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are in the grammar zone and we're going to talk about ohh and on.00:01:02JackIn social, what is the difference between those two articles? Why do we?00:01:07JackWhy do we separate those? We have two different words for them.00:01:12XochitlUM.00:01:13XochitlBecause they have to agree with the next word. So if.00:01:20XochitlThe next word starts with a the vowel. Then it has to be a N.00:01:26XochitlSo, for example, an elephant an A A.00:01:33JackAn igloo.00:01:34XochitlOn apple.00:01:35JackYeah.00:01:36XochitlYeah, an English an apple. And if it's a, it's because the next the following thing that you're referring to. Uh. Noun that you're referring to, I guess, usually starts with a a consonant and not a vowel. So it'd be like a pie, a cake.00:01:56XochitlA A car.00:01:59XochitlAnd etcetera, etcetera. Just anything that starts with the continent and then on and.00:02:04JackA podcast.00:02:06XochitlYeah, podcast.00:02:07JackMHM.00:02:09XochitlAnd an is for anything that starts with.00:02:11XochitlA vowel, I think.00:02:12XochitlIt's because it it does sound. It does make it sound smoother, like think about saying a elephant or a elephant instead of an an elephant. It just avoids your vowel noises all mushing together.00:02:21JackYes.00:02:27JackRight. It's very awkward in English to have two vowel sounds together. You we can't do that, right? They need to be interrupted by a consonant sound like uh.00:02:39JackUh, like a a egg is is 2 two vowel sounds together, right?00:02:45JackSo yeah, we can't. It's just a, it's a a phonetic rule in English that you just.00:02:45발표자Yeah.00:02:52JackIt's much easier if you break it up with the with the consonant. So we say on an egg, an apple. Any glue like that.00:03:02XochitlWell, thanks.00:03:03JackYeah.00:03:05XochitlYeah, I think that's pretty much it. It just keep in mind.00:03:09XochitlIf it's going to start with a consonant, make sure that you are using A and then if it's going to start with the vowel, the next following we're just going to start with the vowel. Make sure that you're doing AN on and yeah, that's.00:03:21JackRight.00:03:22JackWhat about? What about a an hour?00:03:25JackAnd that's an H.00:03:26XochitlUh.00:03:27JackSo we should say our.00:03:28XochitlYeah, that's true.00:03:30XochitlYeah, but you don't you say an hour. Ha. There are some exceptions to this rule, and I think it comes down to if that consonant is silent and our age is silent. So you're still making two vowel sounds. So you would do an AM hour instead.00:03:42발표자Right.00:03:49JackWhat about source? Yeah.00:03:49XochitlOf an hour.00:03:52XochitlBut see, that's not.00:03:54JackIt's not horse. Yeah, we say on horse.00:03:56XochitlYeah, I don't know why is it like that. Jake. Jack.00:04:01JackMy my name is Jack by.00:04:02JackThe way no, no, no, you're you. You are. You're exactly right. It it doesn't. The rule is not. It's not a spelling rule.00:04:12JackIt's a. It's a. It's a phonetic rule. It's a sound rule, so if it sounds like a vowel, we use on and so our is a silent H so we say an hour.00:04:26JackBut horse, we actually pronounce the H sound, so we say a horse.00:04:31JackSo so it's it's doesn't come down to spelling a lot, a lot of teachers teach it as a spelling rule in in school in grammar school, but it's not. And this is where a very strange word that a very strange example emerges here with historic.00:04:52JackI hear it all the time on the news N historic event.00:04:58JackAnd there's no reason to say. And historic if you're saying, if you're pronouncing the H, it would be all historic, not N historic. Have you?00:05:09JackHeard that before.00:05:09XochitlYeah, I I have heard that mistake. A historic. But yeah, it is a historic event. But Jack, I'm confused because when you do.00:05:20XochitlOh yeah, that's true.00:05:22XochitlA horse? A historic event.00:05:26JackYeah.00:05:26XochitlAnd you wouldn't say umm horse because it's again you're pronouncing the.00:05:33JackYeah. When people say unhistoric, they're they're being, they think they're being super smart, but they're actually being too clever that they're actually wrong. It's like, yes, exactly. It's kind of a it's a it's a weird, like academia thing. I've heard it so many times, and it used to drive my.00:05:33XochitlAh.00:05:43XochitlThey're overthinking.00:05:53JackMy my teacher in my university crazy.00:05:57JackWhen when she would hear that. And so I kind of learned from my teacher. It was like, oh, no, you gotta follow the rules, right? All historic. But if you say historic and you don't say the H, you could say N historic event. But historic is not really a word we use, right. We say historic with an H.00:06:17JackSo a historic event we have stuff.00:06:22XochitlCrazy. All right, it's nice if you have any more questions for us or any more grammar issues that you would like us to resolve here on the podcast, make sure to leave us a comment down below at A-Z, newspodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and also make sure that you join the WeChat or WhatsApp groups to make sure that you can talk to Jack.00:06:23JackYeah.00:06:43XochitlDirectly and join the conversation there. Remember the Jack and I are now doing a special corner. Yeah, English corner. So that's a lot of fun. It's only 80 RMB or 10 USD dollars.00:06:49JackEnglish corner.00:07:00XochitlPer month. So for 20 classes you're basically paying $0.50 a class, and it's really great. It's a community where a lot of people are excellent English speakers and we really enjoyed putting it together. It's one hour a day from Monday to Friday, and if you want more information, make sure to message.00:07:05JackExactly.00:07:19XochitlOr Jack directly on the WeChat or WhatsApp groups.00:07:23XochitlAnd we'll see you guys next time.00:07:24XochitlBye bye bye.00:07:25JackBye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/grammar-zone-a-historic-or-an-historic/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl presents Jack with a conundrum:Would you rather have your daughter or wife encounter a strange bear or a strange man while alone in the woods?Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have another topic talk for you and social you have kind of a I don't know what you would call like a situation or a conundrum. A conundrum is like a difficult decision or difficult situation.00:01:09JackSo what is your? What is the conundrum?00:01:12XochitlJack, this has become really popular in my medicines in the last, maybe even couple of months and it's very popular amongst American medicine. So I'm curious to hear what your answer is. So without any context, let's say that your wife and your daughter are in the woods.00:01:32XochitlLost and alone. And they have, you know, no Internet cell service. Whatever to call you or call anyone else.00:01:39XochitlWould you rather they come across a strange man that no like you? You don't know? They don't know. Nobody knows him or his intentions or anything. Or would you rather they come across a bear?00:01:50발표자Yeah.00:01:51JackNo. OK. So just to for our listeners there, in in, in case you didn't catch that you said social that my my wife and my daughter are in the woods just walking in the woods. They have no cell phone, no way to to contact anybody.00:02:12JackAnd the question is, would I rather they come across a bear or a strange man that they don't know?00:02:21XochitlYes, correct.00:02:23JackOK.00:02:25JackThis is, you know, this should be an easy question. I mean, if we lived in like a, like, a a reasonable world, you know, where we, you know. But I feel like I listen to a lot of, like, true crime podcasts. And so I just, I've listened to too much true crime to.00:02:44JackTo to answer this one easily, what kind of bear is it? Is it a grizzly bear?00:02:50XochitlDon't know. We don't know what kind.00:02:52XochitlOf bear it is. It's just.00:02:52JackYou don't know what kind of bear it is. It could be a brown bear. It could be a black bear. It could be a a grizzly bear.00:02:57XochitlCome here. Just sit there. It's just like you don't know what kind of man it is. You.00:03:03XochitlAlso don't know.00:03:04XochitlWhat kind?00:03:04XochitlOf bear it is. Yeah, have.00:03:06XochitlSome good choice there.00:03:09JackDo I know the gender of the bear?00:03:12XochitlUh, no.00:03:16JackAll right. Because, you know, if it if it were, uh, if it were a female bear, I would be, I would. I would choose the man because, you know, if if the if the if a if a female bear is protecting her Cubs. If her Cubs are in the area. That's a very dangerous situation. So I would.00:03:36JackI would just hope that the man is not a psychic, a psychotic killer. You know, a psycho.00:03:44JackRight.00:03:46JackIf the if the bear were male I uh, it's probably gonna just leave them alone, you know? Like it just it it they.00:03:54JackYou know, they don't really necessarily see humans as prey, necessarily, unless they're starving, you know, they'll they'll pretty much just. They might play around with you or whatever, which is terrifying. You know, that could still kill you or injure you. But generally speaking, they'll they'll leave you alone.00:04:16JackIf it's a if it's a male Baron, it's starving. It'll it'll eat you. So that in that case, I mean, there's just too many. I guess there are too many variables when it comes to the bear.00:04:25XochitlYou can't overcomplicate Jack. You don't know because also you could also think you know black bears like 100% of the time, pretty much like 99.9% of the time a black bear will run away if.00:04:38XochitlIt sees a human like it'll just take.00:04:39JackRight, right. Exactly, exactly. They're they're they're not interested in humans. Really. You know, they might be curious.00:04:44XochitlThey're scared. Blackberries are scared of humans. Actually a little bit like if they see one, I run into them. When I was camping in national parks, I we did like two week backpacking in national.00:04:53XochitlLike and they they like, run away, cause there's kind of scared of people, black bears, and they're pretty. They're kind of they're a lot smaller than grizzly bears, actually.00:04:59JackYeah, yeah.00:05:04XochitlThey're not that big.00:05:04JackThe problem is just the. The problem is that bears are just too unreliable right now for me to like if my wife and my daughter came across the bear. They're just too you just, you just never know what's going to happen.00:05:16JackLike it's just.00:05:16XochitlWell, what about men? So men are are men reliable to you?00:05:20JackWell, I think a bear is going to do what a bear is going to do, right? Like like they're they weigh 500 lbs. They're going.00:05:25XochitlOK.00:05:28JackThem.00:05:29JackYou know, if they decide that they want to, you know, bite you and mess you up, they'll do it. And it's really kind of like, it's very much like a a coin toss.00:05:42JackNow the man, on the other hand.00:05:45JackWhat percentage of of men are are psycho killers?00:05:52JackI mean like it's it's got to be.00:05:54JackIt's got to be minuscule, right? It's got to be like small, small percentage.00:05:57XochitlThat kind of bad Jack, because I was like, I realize that you're a good guy. And that's like, you don't think of this but like, think about it this way. How many men are psycho killers? Yeah. How many men are actually good people when they come across a woman alone in the woods?00:06:14JackI've been, I'm going to say still a large a majority.00:06:19JackA large majority are good, are good people, but there are there is a percentage of of of very bad people that are gonna that are going to be like a crime of we call this we we would call this a crime of opportunity right. It's like they're not necessarily they're not necessarily going to do.00:06:21XochitlOK, that's all.00:06:35XochitlYes.00:06:39JackAnything in society, but when when society is not looking?00:06:44JackYou know, and they feel like they can, you know, sneak their their hand into the cookie jar and get away with it. How many men, you know, what are they going to do?00:06:57JackThis is this is like the Darkest podcast we've ever done. When I think about it.00:07:01XochitlYeah, but I want to ask you something that might make it a little lighthearted and dark. Dark in a way. What would you have answered? How, what would you say if I said, would you rather that your wife and daughter come across a woman in the woods? A strange woman in the.00:07:07JackYeah.00:07:15XochitlWoods or a bear in the woods?00:07:17JackOhh woman yeah, 100 zero. Yeah, I wouldn't hesitate in.00:07:18XochitlYeah, it's.00:07:21JackA for a SEC.00:07:22JackIn.00:07:23XochitlAnd then like you see how bad it is that like we have to, we we've sat here having quite a long conversation debating whether a man or a bear is a is a worst threat. And when we think about a woman we're like, Oh yeah, that's fine because.00:07:36JackYeah, a woman is is not a threat, just like a.00:07:39XochitlNo, but also it just speaks about how poorly men behave in society and how many men are criminals and or just crappy people that.00:07:50JackYeah, I mean it is, it is really, uh it it is really.00:07:55JackIt it is, it is bad I-11. I remember a few months ago, my daughter was.00:08:02JackComing home and she got harassed by some guy.00:08:06JackYou know, she's 16 years old and yeah, I was. I was. I ran outside. I was like.00:08:09발표자Oh.00:08:13JackWhere? Where is he? I'm going to kill.00:08:14JackHim, you know.00:08:16XochitlWhat?00:08:17JackBut it's just like you know, it's what women have to deal with in society, you know, getting harassed and things like that is kind of related to this question where, you know.00:08:31JackIf if they were to come across a man in the woods.00:08:35JackIt would. That is also terrifying.00:08:39JackBut statistically, I would rather they come across a man than a bear because the bear is just too unreliable. I just don't know what the bear is going to do. I can't. I just can't trust the bear cause of the bear is just going to is going to do what's what's in its nature, you know, which is hunt or whatever, you know, like.00:08:59JackTo attack, defend whatever it feels is necessary at that moment.00:09:05JackA man if 95% of men are are are decent people, that's a pretty those are pretty good odds, right? That she's not going to come across that other 5% so.00:09:18XochitlWow, Jack, you have a really good you. You think 95% of men are decent people? I I'm not the only need a real audience or anything. I just think most men would, even. Most men would probably disagree with you on how many. What percentage of men are good people when a crime of opportunity arises.00:09:25JackThink so? Yeah.00:09:38XochitlAnd so I would have to say I'm closer to this 75 or 65% mark.00:09:44JackOhh no, I don't. I that's that's too high. I I don't think I. I really don't think that uh that there that that men are that bad. I just think that like the the the crimes we how can I say it like like it's like it's over amplified in some ways like.00:10:00JackTrue crime like because it's, you know, you only hear about the the bad stories.00:10:04발표자Like I think because.00:10:06XochitlYou're a man that you feel this way.00:10:08XochitlJack.00:10:08JackDo you think so?00:10:08XochitlI'm not trying to, you know. Yeah, you're you're biased because you haven't experienced everything that a woman experiences. Your daughter is only 16, and she's already been harassed on the street by a man.00:10:10JackGender bias?00:10:20JackYeah, yeah.00:10:22XochitlThink about that. That's kind of what women grow up with. I think the first time I was harassed by a man, I was nine years old.00:10:28발표자Ah.00:10:29JackYeah, that's awful. That's really. That's disgusting. And I mean, it's disgusting behavior. I guess he, I mean, you. I could be totally wrong here. You could be. You could be more on on on point than you know. 7525I I was. I guess I'm just I I 5% seemed like a high number to me.00:10:29XochitlSo.00:10:32XochitlYes, I have.00:10:35발표자And.00:10:49JackEven then, you know like cause that's a lot of people. That's a lot of people, you know, that's like in the United States that would be 15,000,000 people, you know.00:10:51XochitlSo funny.00:10:55XochitlAdd.00:10:59XochitlYou must surround yourself with really nice guys. Like really great.00:11:04JackYeah, I guess I just, my my, my, my friends and and you know colleagues that I work with are just just very decent people I guess I.00:11:05XochitlOther men that are really great.00:11:14JackI don't.00:11:15XochitlLike I don't know and.00:11:17XochitlThere's probably a part of it is also cultural.00:11:21XochitlBut it I'll tell you netizens in the US, even though the US is, is to me a fairly safe country for women compared to Mexico and even compared to Korea in some contexts because, well, I did. Well, I did feel safe walking around Korea late at night to the convenience store or whatever.00:11:41XochitlSituations you see horrible things come out in the news about women in clubs in Korea and all sorts of horrible trafficking rings and terrible, you know, things that happen.00:11:52JackMHM.00:11:52XochitlSo the US is a fairly safe.00:11:55XochitlCountry for women, I think in my opinion.00:11:59XochitlCompared to where am right now.00:11:59JackOh yeah, and I'm I was. I was thinking you might say, actually, I was just. I was kind of being like, UM, you know, but I but I. But I I I I think that like, you know, for the most part like.00:12:12XochitlI think it's like even though regardless of of the fact that that the USA is a safe country for women, most women medicines are choosing to be.00:12:12JackYou can.00:12:24발표자Here.00:12:25JackReally, they're going with the bear because the bear might just turn, cause they're thinking the bear is going to turn around and run away, and then they're they're then they're, it's done it. They're free. But the man is like you gotta, you gotta deal with this like.00:12:27XochitlAnd I have.00:12:38JackIf he's a good guy, OK, fine. He'll help you get out of the woods. But you know, if he's crazy, you know, sick or deranged to man a sick, deranged man. Yeah, I would much rather have the bear. You.00:12:56JackYeah, that's tough. It's a tough one. I'm still. I'm still gonna go with the man over the bear. I still think that the bear there are just too many variables with the bear. I just can't. I just can't trust the bear. And and and.00:12:56XochitlRight.00:13:09XochitlI'm gonna go with there. Sorry, go ahead.00:13:11JackNo, no, no. You're going to go. You. So you, you're going to go with the banner.00:13:14발표자I'd better go with.00:13:15XochitlThe better than the man because I've I've grown up as a woman and I've experienced too many things throughout my life to trust random man in the world.00:13:28XochitlAnd I have encountered random beads in the wood.00:13:32XochitlUmm, when I was camping and backpacking. I have that experience and bears especially black bears, usually run away and grizzly bears are not as vicious as a lot of people think they are. If they're not, like really in attack mode, they kind of just chill all the time like they're starving and like they might eat.00:13:52XochitlYou.00:13:52JackYeah, they will. Yeah, yeah.00:13:54XochitlWell, what they can do is like, maim or eat you. I know it.00:13:57XochitlSounds terrible like.00:13:58JackOur grizzly will mess you up, though that there those are terrifying. They're they're they're big, they're changing.00:14:04XochitlYeah, if it attacks you. Yeah, it will mess you up. But you know, there's that whole documentary, Grizzly man, where he lived in most grizzly bears for like, 20 years before he was eaten by 1.00:14:13JackYeah, but it's it's a bear.00:14:16JackI mean.00:14:16XochitlYeah, like it's a man, just.00:14:19JackHe's what if he's just, he's probably just.00:14:20JackProbably just a hunter. You know, he's probably out hunting. Just it's a nice guy, you know, trying to trying to shoot some shoot a deer.00:14:26XochitlA company I don't know if I've ever met a nice guy that like hunted animals. I mean, except for people who traditionally do like indigenous peoples. But, you know, I don't know most people who have hunting as like a hobby are kind of weird, too. It's like, I don't know, I I just wouldn't trust him, man. I just. I just don't know why there's too many variables.00:14:46XochitlThe man. And so I would rather I would rather be maimed and killed by a bear.00:14:51XochitlThen if it came down to it, then like tortured and killed by a.00:14:56XochitlMan, I know it's so dark.00:14:58JackThe more I think about this your answer, the more insane I think it is though, like a bear versus a man like a human.00:15:07JackI I don't know. I mean I I get, I get why you why? Why the medicines and why you you. Why you guys think like the bear is better.00:15:08발표자Sing.00:15:16발표자Here.00:15:17JackBut I just think statistically.00:15:20JackThe man would be a much safer bet.00:15:24XochitlStatistically, more than run away from you when they when they encounter you, like most of the time you're going.00:15:30XochitlTo encounter a black bear.00:15:32XochitlAnd it's going to run.00:15:34XochitlUh.00:15:36JackLike what percentage of the time do you think a bear would actually attack you though?00:15:41JackDo you think it's the same? Do you think it's like less than 5%?00:15:41XochitlThat's right.00:15:45XochitlBut I don't think that's less than 5% for men. Jack, I don't think that at all. I'm pretty.00:15:50JackSure, it can't be more than 5% of men and that you're talking about like hundreds of millions of people, I mean.00:15:53XochitlI'm gonna look, let's look up statistics. I I'm gonna look up statistics on this. I'm gonna look up statistics and.00:16:04XochitlSo one in.00:16:05XochitlThree women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.00:16:09JackHmm.00:16:11XochitlAnd.00:16:13XochitlLet's see.00:16:14JackYeah, that that tracks. I would. I would believe that.00:16:20JackBut that's domestic violence a little different than in the woods, I think.00:16:21XochitlAnd.00:16:24XochitlIt says I came across one statistically demonstrated that roughly 1/3 of women experience assault of some kind.00:16:32XochitlIt's kind of a lack of reliable data here.00:16:35JackYeah, I don't think it's hard to hard to gauge because what what you're talking about in the woods, this is like a full on like a felony level like, you know, crime like, like the worst crime you can do, you know? So I don't know that this is there's no way for us to.00:16:48XochitlRight.00:16:53JackTo to really resolve it. I guess it's just kind of our feelings, you know?00:16:54XochitlLet's say 20.00:16:57JackLike I still.00:16:57발표자So.00:16:58XochitlI'm going to come back next week with stats because I want because I I want, I'm going to come back next to the stats cause I feel like you have your blinders on your man and I want to dismantle it. So I yeah, I'm gonna also, I want you to talk to your wife. I want you to ask your wife just if you think she'd be down to answer.00:17:10JackI got to get my my main blinders off.00:17:19JackYeah, yeah, sure, I'll. I'll ask her. I'll. I'll tell you what she says next week, for sure.00:17:25XochitlShe's telling me like, why?00:17:25XochitlYou're asking me this question.00:17:27JackMaybe that's a?00:17:27JackWeird. You know, I need to murder me. Yes.00:17:29XochitlVery, very good. Yeah. So I.00:17:33XochitlHave I been married to a serial serial killer? All.00:17:35XochitlThese years.00:17:35JackRight, right.00:17:37XochitlYeah, but you know, it is a weird question, but I think one thing that should give us pause is just thinking about how quickly would be to answer that if it were, if it were a woman in the world who would just automatically.00:17:49XochitlWho's a woman and what man we do? We do think, you know we're sitting here and thinking about it.00:17:50JackYeah, yeah, yeah.00:17:54JackNo, I think you I think you made you made the point and I think the point is very clear that there's a, there's a distinction.00:18:02JackAnd why is there there should not be one?00:18:05JackAnd it's it. It's sad. It's a sad commentary on our.00:18:12JackSociety or our world or whatever, that, that, that I couldn't answer that one as fast as the.00:18:19JackYou know that we that the answer is, you know when it's a woman, it's so quick to say the woman, but when it's a man, I'm hesitating, you know, right there it's it's already the point is already made. You know so.00:18:33XochitlRight.00:18:34XochitlYeah. All right. Well, listeners, this was was a bit of a dark episode, but an interesting episode nonetheless. Yeah. So I'm curious to know what your answers are. Please leave us a comment at easing with podcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and please join the WeChat and WhatsApp groups to join the conversation. I'm really, really curious.00:18:54XochitlSee what the women think.00:18:57XochitlAnd yeah, I I gotta know. I gotta know, guys. So let let me know what you think and and we chat on subgroups and yeah. Also Jack and I have started an English corner and we do this Monday to today and it's really fun. We have a lot of fluent English speakers in there and we have a lot of people.00:19:16XochitlThat you get a lot of speaking time to get to practice your English and better your English with your other whole learners classmates almost on the.00:19:24XochitlJust and I think that it's really interesting. We have discussion questions and I've had a really good time doing it so far and it's 10 USD a month, which is about 20 or sorry $0.50 a uh, a class is being 20 classes total. So yeah, I hope that you guys can join us for that. And if you're so interested, make sure to.00:19:46XochitlSend us a message and we'll get back to you on how you can join and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.00:19:52JackbyePodcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/elementor-4125/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl shares 3 confusing words with the listeners. She and Jack explain the meanings of the words and how to use them in sentences.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:50JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we're going to share. Well, we're going to do a we're under the vocabulary spotlight and we are going to share some words that we came across during our English corner classes that students kind of struggle with. And so so.00:01:11JackWas the first one that you you had that you came up with?00:01:15XochitlThe first one I noticed students struggled a little bit with was workload, the pronunciation, workload and then on top of that, what it meant workload is just. It's a compound word. It has the word work in it and the word load in it, and you put it together.00:01:19발표자Hmm.00:01:36XochitlWith no spaces and its workload, so workload just means the amount of work that each person is.00:01:44XochitlUh.00:01:45JackEach.00:01:45XochitlPerson's share of work so that can be at your house like domestic tasks like chores or that can also be at your job. You know, between your colleagues you may have a heavier workload if you have a higher position in the company. So that's kind of what workload refers to.00:02:08JackYeah, exactly. It's, it's it's a lot of times you hear it with the word share shared workload.00:02:15JackYou know, so you have, you have this like?00:02:18JackThe certain amount of work that you have to do at your office and then they divide it among the employees. You're gonna do this much? You're gonna do this much? You're gonna do this much? You're gonna do this much, and each piece is your workload.00:02:33JackAnd and then you basically just start working away, chipping away at it, you know, trying to to decrease it down to 0.00:02:42JackAnd of course, in the company or corporation it never gets down to 0 because there's always more work. You know you there's another workload piled on top of your old workload. And so you know, it's kind of a never ending, you know, thing but.00:03:02JackYeah, I mean, I just think that like, yeah, certain even within this podcast social and I divide certain parts of the workload, she's spends a lot of time talking to students on the app.00:03:13JackApp communicating with them, recording I my workload is. Yeah, I do like the editing and and and some of the you know adding like little music pieces or whatever to it which actually I enjoy. So it's kind of like my my workload is kind of the fun part and I get the the editing part of it.00:03:19XochitlCan I have an idea?00:03:34JackBut yeah, it's a it's a shared workload and and you know when you do that, when you share the workload, it makes it a lot easier to finish a project more quickly.00:03:47발표자So.00:03:50XochitlThe second one that I saw some students struggle with was the meaning of emotional labor. When I say emotional labor, what does that mean to you, Jack?00:03:59JackThis one I've actually I'm not too familiar with this term. This seems like uh, maybe something that is a newer.00:04:07XochitlKind of a new age term.00:04:09JackYeah, just like a Gen. Z kind of thing like.00:04:12발표자Yes.00:04:15JackMost workload is, that is that does that mean like managing your relationships with other people and and trying to keep those you know keep up with like replying to people on social media and emails and that kind of stuff is that, am I right about is?00:04:15발표자Well, let's yeah.00:04:33JackThat what an emotional workload is.00:04:35XochitlYeah, it has a.00:04:36XochitlCouple of different meanings. So some people said, uh, emotional labor, can you know it can be part of your job, like if you're working in customer service, you know, regulating your emotions and kind of managing customer emotions as well.00:04:52XochitlBut I think a lot more commonly in this new age, we use it when we're talking about women's workload in the home, which a lot of it is invisible labor, which means labor that you cannot necessarily see and appreciate. For example, if you have a stack of.00:05:12XochitlDishes and they're all gone, you know, because your mom did them. You can see that. That's another type of Labor. But that's a domestic labor, but.00:05:23XochitlWhen the kid comes flying home from school and maybe they got depressed because their friends bullied them and their mom is checking in on their kid day after day for the week and cheering them up and maybe your husband came home from a stressful job and then you have to see the in laws and you have to pick a a gift.00:05:43XochitlFor your mother-in-law, it's a lot of these things that kind of fall under an invisible guys that you can't see the person.00:05:53XochitlDoing these tasks in the same way, perhaps because they don't have a clean cut result, but overall you're doing a lot of Labor emotionally, kind of like what a a therapist would do, maybe. Or a psychologist would do. So you're you're kind of doing unpaid.00:06:13XochitlEmotional labor. You're like a, uh, unpaid therapist for your family.00:06:17JackRight, right. It's like it's not quantitative, but it's qualitative in nature.00:06:27발표자Hmm.00:06:28JackIt's like, uh, yeah, it's it. It's emotionally draining. But you don't really get any credit for it. You know, you do the dishes, you get like, a, you get a little little star sticker, you know, like, good job. You did the you did the dishes, you know, check that off the list. But.00:06:48JackAnd.00:06:49JackJohnny has a skin knee and he, you know, he's scared of skateboards now you know. So you've got to console him for 1/2 an hour. You don't. There's no. There's no sticker for that. You know, there's, there's, that's just.00:07:07JackI mean, I guess in in the traditional sense they would just say, well, that's parenting. So just, you know, suck it up and and do it you know.00:07:16JackBut it often falls on the the mother's shoulders. You know, she's the one that has to take do the the, the nurturing and the the caring for the child with the skin and the knee and the father kind of gets a pass as he, you know, marches off to his.00:07:36JackThe computer room.00:07:36XochitlDrink beer and watch TV or something.00:07:38JackYeah, yeah, yeah. You didn't ask your mom. Mom will deal with it, you know? Yeah. So emotional labor. I I like it. I dig it. Yeah, I'm. I'm. I think we should be more careful to to consider that, you know.00:07:43XochitlYeah.00:07:54XochitlYeah, I recognize it. Another thing I noticed that students were struggling with the vocabulary word to describe certain words. Certain chores. Sorry. And they they were missing one and I didn't want to interrupt, but I thought it would be be a good time to introduce the vocabulary word.00:08:15XochitlTedious Jack. What does tedious mean when attempts is tedious?00:08:16JackHmm.00:08:18JackYeah, if something is. If a task or a chore is tedious it it's just it's very.00:08:25JackWell, I'm going to use another big word to describe a big word. Monotonous and monotonous, means it's very repetitive. It's just like it's something that you do that is, it's not difficult, but it's. But it's time consuming and it's very annoying.00:08:45JackYou know, I'm trying to think of like.00:08:49JackYou know, a lot of a lot of construction work is very tedious. You know, when you're building a a wall like a like a brick wall, you have to just one brick at a time, you know, and it take, you know, it takes a long time to finish that wall. And so it's very just doing the same thing over and over.00:09:08JackAnd over and over again 100 * 1000 * 10,000 times. That is very tedious, tedious work.00:09:18JackWork.00:09:19XochitlOne of our students was talking about how she has a cat and she doesn't like to put her clothing directly into the washer because she's worried that the cat hair will damage her clogged her washer so she takes clothing item by clothing item and puts.00:09:32XochitlA lint roller.00:09:33XochitlOver it and gets rid of the cat hair that way. And so she said.00:09:39XochitlDoing laundry is incredibly tedious task for her.00:09:43XochitlI was more.00:09:43XochitlSo impressed that anyone would even think to do that, I just toss it in the washer. I I kind of shake things out. Like if I have some my sheets or whatever, I I just shake them out outside and then throw them in the washer.00:09:50JackYeah.00:09:57JackI've got those double stick tape rollers and I roll my clothes too before.00:10:02JackTo get all the dog.00:10:02XochitlHair off of him before you put him.00:10:04XochitlIn the washer.00:10:05JackYeah, yeah, just just run it up and down my shirt just to get. Yeah, yeah.00:10:08XochitlWild. I never. I didn't know this was a thing at all. Blenda doesn't shed hardly at all, so I don't even have this issue. He really doesn't shed. I can be wearing all black and and hug him and he'll sit on my lap and pet him. And. And there's like, no hair on me when I'm.00:10:16JackYeah.00:10:27JackOK. Yeah. Lily is my dog. Sheds a little bit. Not that much, but yeah, just every once in a while I'll take the roller just, you know, go over my my clothes not. Not every time. I'm not like like what she does. You're your student. But I do. We do have those, those rollers, those double stick tape rollers that that are really nice for just getting lint and stuff.00:10:41발표자Hmm.00:10:48JackOff of your your clothes.00:10:50XochitlBut do you do it before you put it in the washer or do you?00:10:53XochitlJust do it like.00:10:53JackOnly if I only.00:10:54JackIf I like shave my dog or something, you know, if I give my dog a haircut or something like that, yeah. Then I have to.00:10:56XochitlOh yeah.00:10:59발표자Yeah.00:11:00XochitlI would just shake it, shake it out like that and I don't know, does it. Maybe it sticks to your clothes anyway, I I've.00:11:07XochitlNever even thought.00:11:08XochitlAbout doing this, so that's new cleanliness tips for our listeners I guess out there.00:11:12JackYou have double stick tape rollers. Really good.00:11:15XochitlYeah, let us know is that something that you do at home or do you have any other tedious tasks that you often do? Let us know if there's any other vocabulary words that you would like us to cover. If there is a word that you're grasping of or trying to think of to describe as.00:11:32XochitlSituation. Let us know as well and umm, we'll try our best to come up with some vocabulary words that we can showcase to describe that. So leave a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and join the channel subgroup to talk to Jack and I directly remember that Jack and I are now hosting an English corner.00:11:54XochitlMonday through Friday for an hour a day and we have a lot of really great students. It's super fun. So if you would like to be a part of that, if you're interested in that at all, make sure to message Jack privately on WeChat or the A-Z English podcast WhatsApp, and we'll make sure to send you a link. See you guys next.00:12:12XochitlTime. Bye bye.00:12:13JackbyePodcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-3-confusing-words/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Too rich for my blood: The phrase "too rich for my blood" is an idiomatic expression meaning that something is too expensive or beyond one's financial reach. It conveys the idea that the cost or price of something is more than what the speaker is willing or able to pay. This phrase is often used in social or economic contexts to indicate that a particular item, activity, or lifestyle is financially out of reach for the person using the expression.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:50JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are going to do an MI, the jerk episode and here's the situation.00:01:00JackUh, social you and a group of your friends have a tradition of going out for dinner every Friday night. Everyone in your group has generally similar financial situations, and you typically all choose moderately priced restaurants. One Friday, you suggest a new upscale restaurant that just opened in town. The menu.00:01:20JackIs significantly more expensive than your usual spot.00:01:24JackTwo of your friends expressed concerns about the cost, saying they can't afford to spend that much on dinner.00:01:31JackYou respond by saying, come on, it's just one night you can skip it. If you can't afford it. This statement causes tension and the group ends up splitting with some going to the upscale restaurant and others opting out entirely. Question, are you the jerk for suggesting the expensive restaurant and making the comment?00:01:52JackAbout affordability.00:01:54JackHmm.00:01:56XochitlNo, I don't think so. I think if I couldn't afford something and my friends would going to do it, I would be like.00:02:03XochitlYou know to have fun. Uh, tell me what it tell me. If it's good, I'll save up and maybe next time we can all go together.00:02:11XochitlBecause, you know, sometimes people are at different points and yeah, you have. Uh, you may make the same income, but you might have different responsibilities or people might be starting different projects or have different things they need to take care of, like student loans, rent. You know, you can make the same amount of money and have vastly different expenses.00:02:31XochitlAlso prioritize.00:02:32XochitlGuys. Uh, what? You spend your money on very differently. So someone might say, you know, I don't like spending a lot of money on dinner. I'd rather spend it on a hobby or, you know, I I'm saving up for a trip. Coming up in a couple of months or something, you know? So I wouldn't be upset.00:02:53XochitlYou know you can skip it if you if you can't afford it. I wouldn't take that.00:02:58XochitlAs a comment, you know calling me broke or trying to, like, hurt my feelings. I would just think, yeah, you know, I I can't afford it. Or maybe it's not my priority to spend my money there. I might respond that I might be like, well, I can sort it, but I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. But, you know, you guys have fun and enjoy it and tell me if it's any good.00:03:19XochitlAnd then maybe we can go together next time. So yeah, I don't think this person is a jerk. Maybe they could have.00:03:26XochitlUh, avoided that comment just because it could hurt a few people's it it could potentially hurt someones feelings, especially if they're already sensitive about maybe they have other expenses and they're stressed because they don't get to go, but I don't think it it was. It will. And so I wouldn't hold it against them. So I I don't think.00:03:45XochitlThey're the jerk.00:03:46XochitlHow about you, Jack?00:03:48JackUM, yeah, I I'm thinking the the the most like jerky point of the of of the part of the of the uh situation is when he says come on, it's just one night. You know, it's like what is, what does that have to do with anything like it's still money like though.00:04:08JackYou know, it could be one night, five nights. Whatever. It doesn't matter.00:04:15JackAnd UM. But the second part of his comment where he says you can skip it if you can't afford it. I think that's that's OK, you know, like, I I don't think like everyone has to be. It's it's really like it's an odd situation when you get older, when you go from your 20s to your 30s.00:04:35JackYou know, sometimes some of your friends are like graduating from medical school or get becoming lawyers or something, and they're moving into this, like, higher.00:04:44JackTheir income bracket and all of a sudden the things that they like to do are not exactly the same as the things you like to do, like a barbecue in the backyard. They like that, but they also might like going to the fancy new restaurant in town that cost, you know, 2 or $300.00:05:04JackFor a.00:05:04JackHere and you're you're just like 2 or $300.00 for a dinner that that pays for my child's braces, you know, or something like that, you know, you know, like, I'm not gonna. I'm not gonna throw $300.00 away for, you know, cold Robbie or something, you know, like, I'm not going to do that. So.00:05:26JackI I I, but I think your your answer is the best answer is that gracefully decline.00:05:36발표자And.00:05:36JackDon't make. Don't stop your feet and go like it's not fair. You know, like, you know what lifes? Not fair. You know what I mean? They have a right to go to the fancy restaurant if they want to. And you have a whole. You have a total right not to go and. But if you if you, if you make a big point out of like you know only everybody should only go to places that all of us can afford.00:06:00JackI don't think that's a fair request. I think you can just say like opt.00:06:04JackOut.00:06:04JackSay hey, tonight you guys, I'm just gonna hang at home, but I hope you have a good time and I'll catch up with you next week when we go to, you know, Burger King and watch a movie. You know, whatever.00:06:19JackWhat's wrong with that? I I don't know why you have to be, you know, hurt feelings over over over, uh, over that, you know?00:06:27XochitlI think potentially if it started migrating to the point where the group was.00:06:33XochitlSpending more on outings and you you couldn't really afford to see your friends at all anymore, then that would be a good time to bring it up and say, hey guys, you know.00:06:41XochitlI'm kind of.00:06:42XochitlGetting priced out of our get togethers and I was wondering if at least a couple of times you know every other time. Maybe we can go to a more affordable place.00:06:53XochitlUmm.00:06:54XochitlAnd you know, if your friends care about you and want you there, I'm sure that they won't be willing to meet. I'm sure they'll be willing to meet you in the middle at some point.00:07:04JackYes, I think that's that's a really fair point. I think it you know you you can say like hey at least like couple times a month, can we go to a place that's like affordable that everybody likes.00:07:14JackYou know, and then I can participate as well because, you know, I'm friends with you guys, but you know, you earn a lot more money than I do. And I think that in in that case, a lot of times they don't even think like that. You know, some most people think like, oh, if I have this much money, everybody has this much money, you know, you just you you're not you, you're not thinking.00:07:35JackClearly about like what other people are might be earning.00:07:40JackYou know, maybe your friend works for like an NGO or something like that, you know? And so they're, they're their income. They're they're doing something that they love giving back to the community, but they're not getting paid, you know, high salary as opposed to, like a lawyer or a Doctor Who's making a lot of money. It's it's totally fair.00:07:59JackJust say to them, hey, can we?00:08:02JackCan we go to, you know, the the the burger joints or the the pizza place? You know once in a while like the old days and they probably be happy. They probably love it you know like unless they're, you know, really stuck up people they they probably would enjoy going you know back to their roots and doing doing some of the stuff that you guys did when you were in college or.00:08:25JackWhen you were in your 20s.00:08:27JackSo.00:08:29JackYeah, I think your advice is is excellent. Yeah. And yeah, I would guess we're, you know, we're we're curious what.00:08:39JackWhat you guys think? Social. Do you want to take us out here with the?00:08:44XochitlAlright guys. Uh, let us know what you think. Is this person the jerk? Are they not the jerk? What would you do in their situation? Make sure to leave us a comment down below at it as being this podcast@gmail.com or sorry. Leave us a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com and join the WeChat.00:09:03XochitlAnd WhatsApp group to join our conversation and we, Jack and I are now hosting a.00:09:11XochitlZoom Class English corner an English corner Monday through Friday for an hour a day. And if you're interested in joining, make sure to check through the WeChat or the WhatsApp group for the link and we'll see you guys next time.00:09:11JackAn English corner, yeah, yeah.00:09:26XochitlBye bye bye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/am-i-the-jerk/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl explains the tuna fish sandwich debate question to Jack. Then, Jack offers his opinion on the situation.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A to Z Listeners this is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:50JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a topic talk, I believe, and this is the tuna fish sandwich debate and social. I have no idea what this means. Please enlighten me.00:01:08XochitlJack, I came across this and it it's kind of popular amongst American medicines in the in the group that I found. So a girl was commenting about how.00:01:21XochitlShe gave her.00:01:23XochitlMoney to go buy and cheese sandwich with all the fixings, which for others who don't know means, you know, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, whatever. And she very specifically said she wanted that ham and cheese sandwich. So he went to subway, she gave him money for both of their sandwich.00:01:37발표자 3Mm-hmm.00:01:44XochitlAnd I believe she wasn't feeling well or or something. So anyway, he went alone. So he went and bought a sandwich and he bought himself something different. And then he bought her a tuna fish salad sandwich, which he also likes. But he knows she doesn't like tuna.00:02:05XochitlAnd she doesn't really eat tuna, but he likes tuna, and he brought her the sandwich and told her that he brought her the tuna fish sandwich because he just wanted her to try his favorite sandwich, even though he got himself something different as well. So the commenters were divided on whether she should be grateful.00:02:25XochitlAnd she was actually saying she was grateful anyway, but that it kind of annoyed her. But she ended up feeling grateful that he went and got sandwiches, or if she should be upset.00:02:36XochitlThat he got her something she didn't ask for with her money, that he liked, that he knew that she wouldn't really like. So what do you think, Jack?00:02:45JackYeah, this one is. This is very uhm, here's an expression SUS like suspect, you know? Yeah, this is suck.00:02:53XochitlBut yes, that's like me. So it's like weird or kind of suspicious. That's what it stands for. Suspicious.00:02:56JackYeah.00:03:00JackSuspicious. Exactly.00:03:03JackThis reminds me of an episode of The Simpsons where Homer.00:03:09JackBuys Marge a bowling ball for her birthday that is exactly like sized for his hand and his fingers. So basically he buys her a present that she will never use and doesn't wants and that.00:03:29JackHe wants and that he will use.00:03:31JackAnd she is supposed to be grateful for that. And and this is like, this is just pure manipulation, you know, like, this is just this guy wants to eat all of the sandwiches and he's got his sandwich that he bought for himself.00:03:43XochitlRight.00:03:53JackAnd then he knows that she's not going to eat the tuna sandwich because she doesn't like tuna.00:03:59JackAnd he's trying to frame it as like I'm it's like.00:04:04JackIt's it's like the it's, it's just it's like.00:04:06JackKind of like a.00:04:07JackGaslighting, almost like like I'm I'm giving you the exact opposite of what you want and and make and and you're and forcing you to say thank you for.00:04:09XochitlYeah.00:04:18JackFor me doing it's, it's just like it's, it's awful. I mean it's it's in the grand scheme of things. It's not a big deal. It's just a sandwich. But I would be, you know, greatly annoyed. And I know my wife would be really annoyed if she told me I want this sandwich and then I showed up with a totally different sandwich.00:04:18XochitlGreat.00:04:38JackWhich containing an ingredient that I know she doesn't like and then saying, oh, but this is my favorite sandwich. You gotta try it. It's like. Well, then, why don't you buy that your favorite sandwich for yourself and give her some of yours and buy her the sandwich that she wants?00:04:56JackLike, that's what an adult would do. This is what a child would do is what this guy did. So she's married, she's not married, or she's dating a a child. Not a, not a man, you know.00:04:57XochitlYeah.00:05:07XochitlYeah, OK, good. We're on the same side of this debate. A lot of men in the comments were saying.00:05:13XochitlBecause he went and got the sandwiches, but also what he changed to you. If he if he was buying it with his own money.00:05:23JackNo, it wouldn't. It wouldn't change because like again, like she, she specifically asked for a a sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich.00:05:33JackAnd you're showing up with a tuna sandwich.00:05:36JackIt's like.00:05:39JackYou know, kind of like, uh, if I asked you to buy me an Americano and you show up with a macchiato or something, it's like, oh, no, I didn't want the, you know, extra 300 calories of sugar or whatever. I just wanted a, a plain Americano.00:05:56JackUM, it it's just, it's just it's kind of like I I guess the the sandwich is irrelevant. It's more of like, are you listening to your partner, are you, you know, are you paying attention and and are you do you understand their wants and needs and design?00:06:12JackYears. And are you putting those desires above your own desires to have basically two sandwiches and she has none. You know, that's the that's the the manipulation here. It's like it's like a scheme. I'm gonna. I'm gonna find a way to eat my sandwich and your sandwich and you're gonna like it.00:06:27XochitlRight.00:06:34JackYou know, like you're gonna say thank you. It's it's like it's it's twisted. It's it's, it's diabolical, you know.00:06:35XochitlRight.00:06:41XochitlI know. And the crazy thing to me is that I I bet he had his wallet on him and he could have just bought himself an extra tuna sandwich with his.00:06:48XochitlMoney and gotten her what she wanted, but he was like, Nah, I'm gonna use her own money, especially if like to get myself something I want. But I agree with you. I don't think it would have changed regardless. Like, it's like if someone asks you cause especially when you're in the long term partnership and especially if you get married and stuff, usually it becomes both of your money.00:07:09XochitlRight. So it doesn't really matter. It's just.00:07:13XochitlIt comes down to are you listening to the person do.00:07:15XochitlYou care about what they want.00:07:17XochitlOr are you a selfish?00:07:19XochitlYou know.00:07:21XochitlJerk.00:07:21JackB hole. Yeah, exactly. Why. Why can't you? Why can't you buy your girlfriend a a sandwich when she's not feeling well? It's like, come on, dude. You're collecting money from your girlfriend. I mean that. That really tells everything that says everything that needs that, that I need to know right there.00:07:26XochitlYeah, yeah.00:07:35XochitlThen.00:07:42JackIs that the guys took the money from her and not only that, but he's going to buy himself a sandwich with her money. It's like.00:07:53JackSorry, sorry, lady, but you, you this guy is not a keeper, you know. Throw this one back because there's plenty of fish in the sea. Yeah.00:07:59발표자No.00:08:00XochitlAnd.00:08:04XochitlYeah, it's funny because he actually said, oh, yeah, he was sweet to get me food. So like, he gets a pass. I was like.00:08:11JackWell, how? How many miles did he walk to?00:08:13JackGet the sandwich.00:08:13XochitlWhat I'm in that situation is make the person go either one.00:08:18JackYeah. I mean, if he drove, then I can.00:08:20XochitlTimes that I wanted or you're giving that money back. Pay for sandwich that I don't want.00:08:26JackYeah.00:08:27JackNo, I'm. I'm. I'm. I'm on team. I'm I'm. I think she should have. She should have been annoyed with him. I don't know how angry you can get over a sandwich. I don't think you should start World War three. You know, in the relationship. But it's just like another little. It's it's like another little little like sign that this guy's.00:08:29XochitlYeah, you're driving back.00:08:44발표자 3Hey.00:08:47JackThe total loser, you know? That's, that's what I've that's the way I interpret.00:08:52JackAnd I'm sure there's probably a million other ways that he's of kind of a loser in that relationship as well, so.00:09:00XochitlI'm curious to know what you would have done if you had been on the receiving end of getting a sandwich you didn't want. Like would, would you make the person go back? Would you ask for your money back or would or would you call them out? Or?00:09:12XochitlWould you?00:09:14XochitlWhat we say thank you and in your mind.00:09:17JackThat's that's an interesting point.00:09:20XochitlLoser. I gotta cut him loose.00:09:22JackWhen it comes to me, there is no sandwich. Then I don't like. So you know, I'll eat anything at any time.00:09:31JackYou know, it could be a horse meat, you know, sandwich. I'll probably eat it, you know? And uh, I wouldn't say anything. I'll, I'll.00:09:41JackYeah, it it it. It's not it. It doesn't. Uh, the situation doesn't fit well with me because there's nothing on the subway menu that I wouldn't eat. Maybe if I got a vegetarian sandwich should be like a little disappointed, but still eat it. You know, I wouldn't complain, you know?00:09:59JackBut in this case.00:10:02JackI think she should be slightly annoyed because he's trying to be manipulative, you know, and it's it's it's obvious and he's trying to get her to.00:10:12JackActively participate in in the manipulation and be like you know, be grateful for.00:10:20JackA trick that he's pulling on her. So you know, I just, I I don't appreciate the. I mean I appreciate the effort on his part to try to get.00:10:29JackAway with this?00:10:30JackIn a in a weird in a twisted way. I kind of appreciate it, but but I I hope that she sees through it and and it doesn't fall for for the.00:10:39발표자Right.00:10:40JackThe the silliness of this of this guy's excuse. He's he's fine. Yeah.00:10:44발표자Right.00:10:46XochitlSo this wouldn't fly with you. And what would you do? Would you send the person back for a sandwich? Would you ask for your money back, or would you just quietly accept it? Yeah. Leave a comment down below at AZ englishpodcast.com. Shoot us an e-mail at azspodcast@gmail.com and join our WeChat WhatsApp groups to make sure that you can.00:11:07XochitlTalk to Jack and I directly.00:11:09XochitlAlso, Jack and I have started a class on zoom, so if you would like the link to that, make sure to join our WeChat group or you can also message checking directly on the A-Z English podcast WhatsApp or we chat and you can join our Zoom English corner and we'll see you guys.00:11:28XochitlNext time, bye bye.00:11:29JackBye.00:11:29발표자 3byePodcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-the-tuna-fish-sandwich-debate/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about which chores they hate and which ones they don't mind. Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:52JackWelcome to the agency English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host, social. And today we have a topic talk episode and social. Today's topic is what household chores?00:01:03JackDo you usually help?00:01:04JackWith and which ones do you enjoy and which ones?00:01:07JackDo you hate?00:01:10XochitlOhh well Jack, I live alone.00:01:13JackSo you do.00:01:14XochitlI.00:01:15XochitlYeah, I mean, I did and find out what. Yeah, now that I live in Mexico, I pay someone to come do some of them. And I do some of them. So that kind of works out pretty well for me. But lately, the person that I was paying to come do household chores, unfortunately.00:01:16JackSwear none of them. I don't know. It depends on.00:01:18JackHow you live, yeah.00:01:24JackYeah.00:01:34XochitlHer father got ill and I totally get that. So I've been handling them on my own.00:01:40JackMHM.00:01:40XochitlAnd and.00:01:43XochitlI like cooking. Uh, if there's other people around like I hate cooking just myself.00:01:50JackYeah, me too. I hate like it's still. There's nothing lonelier than frying. Like one egg, you know?00:01:56JackWhat I mean, it's just like what's?00:01:57XochitlOh my God. Wow. We're like.00:01:58JackWhat's wrong with my life? You.00:02:00JackKnow when you yeah.00:02:00XochitlI know it's just and we have no one to eat with and it's like just different thing. So if I'm alone, a lot of the times, they'll just end up ordering food like Uber eats or whatever. And but if there's even just one other person with me, I'm happy to cook.00:02:04JackYeah.00:02:12JackOh, nice, yeah.00:02:19XochitlOther chores that I do like wash the dishes, do my laundry.00:02:25XochitlAh, sweep mop.00:02:29JackIs is there one that like, really irks you? That just drives you crazy, that you really hate.00:02:29XochitlI don't.00:02:34XochitlOK, I don't like sleeping and mopping because it makes my back hurt, which is like weird, but I don't know why, but my back really hurts. Whenever I like sweep and mop, so I don't like that. I don't like getting.00:02:39JackAh.00:02:46XochitlEven though I don't mind sleeping in mopping, it's just the fact that my back always hurts. It like really annoys me and I don't like. Yeah, I don't like.00:02:53JackIt's yeah.00:02:56XochitlDoing the dishes I used to really like doing the dishes when I was a kid, and now I hate doing the dishes because it's like.00:03:03XochitlJust the nasty food on it. Or like other people's mouths. It not it, grosses me.00:03:09JackIt reminds me of the like Reddit thread like kids are.00:03:13JackFreaking stupid, you know, like a kid like kid kids are like, oh, man, I wish I were old enough to mature enough to wash the dishes, you know? And they kind of trick you into doing it, you know? Yeah.00:03:23XochitlAlright.00:03:27XochitlI know. And you think it's fun and then you're like, you become an adult and you have to do the dishes every day. And the kitchen is never clean. And every time you cook something, the kitchen is dirty again. And then it just makes me want to eat out all the time because then I don't have to do dishes. I don't have to clean my kitchen. I just, like, eat out of container.00:03:42JackYeah, and and eating out is not not expensive in in Mexico, in Oaxaca, right? Yeah.00:03:47XochitlNo, it it's not too expensive. You can get a full meal for like.00:03:52XochitlThree to four bucks probably like you. You can get what they call, which is like the big meal today, and you get, like, a a fresh water that, like, has a fruit flavor usually and a whole meal. And then sometimes they give you, like, dessert and you get, like, the main.00:03:55JackWow.00:04:12XochitlFish and two side dishes. And that's like 3 or $4.00. So at that point, it's like, I don't really want to.00:04:18XochitlCook so.00:04:19JackSo $3 in Korea will buy you like.00:04:23XochitlThey won't even buy you.00:04:24XochitlCoffee man like I remember.00:04:25JackYou won't even buy you a coffee. I mean, maybe you could. Maybe you could get the cup, but there won't be anything in it, you know, for the three dollars. Yeah.00:04:27XochitlNo, I never heard.00:04:32XochitlYeah.00:04:34XochitlYeah, but, Jack, what are the ones that you hate to do? And what which ones do you do in general and which is?00:04:40JackYeah. So I'm basically, I'm like I I dust I'm I vacuum and I mop. That's all. My wife asked me to do. She does the, you know, the big stuff, right, like she.00:04:50JackShe's kind of on her hands and knees cleaning the bathrooms once a week, and she does all the dusting of everywhere. I just have to dust my this little room right here, this man cave, my podcasting room, and I hate it because you know, when you're dusting.00:05:09JackLike books and stuff, there's all the you know.00:05:11JackThere's so so.00:05:12JackMany little nooks and crannies and little, you know, spaces that you have to try to get into.00:05:18JackAnd so, you know, sometimes I'm I do a good job. Sometimes I'm a little lazy with that vacuuming. I don't mind doing it that that much. I think vacuuming is is is OK, although I have been trying to, you know, pitch the idea to my wife that we should get.00:05:38JackA Roomba, you know, like a like a. Yeah, like a like a a robot vacuum cleaner. But she's not. She's. She's skeptical because of her plants. She doesn't want it to, like, knock over her plants. You know, while it's cruising around. Whatever.00:05:40XochitlOhh that's the good idea.00:05:57JackSo.00:05:58JackSo I'm stuck doing that. The one that I hate the most is taking out the trash.00:06:05JackI hate it.00:06:07JackSo I'll let it pile up like to a ridiculous level, where it's like it's like a, it's like a mountain of of like, boxes, kind of teetering. And then finally I'll be like, alright, I it's time to go. And the reason I don't like it is because we live on the third, third floor of a walk up and then I have to walk over to the recycling.00:06:28JackGarbage area which is like.00:06:29JackMaybe. Uh oh, I don't know.00:06:36JackI don't know 100 meters, you know, away from my my front door and.00:06:43JackI just like in the winter. It's freezing cold in the summer. It's hot, you know? So I just. I just don't like it. I just really hate that. So, you know.00:06:46XochitlYeah.00:06:52XochitlAlso, for listeners who don't know, separating trash in Korea is like very difficult. So.00:06:59JackThey recycle everything, you know, even food, food, garbage. It's crazy.00:06:59XochitlI it's like, yeah. And yeah, yeah.00:07:05XochitlYeah, the food garbage goes to like pigs or something, I believe, right?00:07:08JackYeah, they make some kind of.00:07:12JackYeah, some some kind.00:07:13JackOf food like the dry food after they dry it out and stuff they they feed.00:07:17JackIt to pigs, yeah.00:07:17XochitlOh, they like dehydrating it. Oh.00:07:20JackYeah, they dehydrate it. Yeah, yeah.00:07:22XochitlOh cool so.00:07:23JackYeah.00:07:25XochitlHuh. Well, anyway it so there's certain things you can't put in your food. Trash like bones, egg shells, things like that, because obviously that could hurt the pigs, so.00:07:37XochitlYeah, it is a pain, but.00:07:39JackI put everything in there that I shouldn't.00:07:43XochitlThat you did. Did you not know about this?00:07:45JackI didn't know about that. I I put egg cells and coffee grounds and everything in there. Yeah, yeah.00:07:46XochitlNo, no, I think I think coffee grounds might be OK. You have to look into it, but you're not supposed to put. You're like.00:07:53XochitlThat you're just now hearing. Yeah, yeah.00:07:56JackI thought pigs could eat egg shells. No problem. I mean, just like.00:07:59XochitlI think it's because they dehydrate it. That probably like become sharp or something. I don't know. I think you're not supposed to put egg shells. Check. Check. You're also not supposed to put bones in there. So.00:08:10XochitlJust double check though you've been living there long to me, so you know, double check. But I remember when I got there that people told me I wasn't supposed to do that.00:08:18XochitlSo then I didn't, but it was a pain. It I would. I would kind of just not do the food trash. I would kind of just put my food trash in the normal trash and just throw it away.00:08:26JackYeah, yeah, you just you.00:08:29JackIf they make it too complicated and it's too, it's too much trouble. People just won't do it. So.00:08:34XochitlI know. Yeah, it's a lot, yeah.00:08:36XochitlWhat is 1 chore that you really like doing?00:08:39JackA. A tool that I like doing well. That's a good question. I'm not sure there is one. I think you know vacuuming is because I still, I can put my my hair, put my my earbuds in and and usually I listen to our our podcast episodes while I'm vacuuming. So I'll just listen to a podcast and vacuum. You know, it's just like a.00:08:59JackYou know, sometimes I'll do, like, uh, you know, I Love Lucy. You know, I'll dance a little bit with the vacuum cleaner and, you know, kind of like that, like a like, it's a dancing partner or something if no one's home, you know, if if my wife's home, I won't do that. But yeah, make it fun. You know, if if I.00:09:16JackThen. But yeah, vacuuming is no big deal. That's it's easy.00:09:21XochitlYeah, I I like vacuuming as well.00:09:25XochitlAnd trying to think, I think that's probably the one that I like the most. I kind of like scrubbing floors. I I find it satisfying.00:09:34JackOhh you do when the when the like white line and the when the the.00:09:38JackRoute changes like dark to to light or something.00:09:39XochitlYeah.00:09:42XochitlYeah, you're like in there with elbow grease. Really. Scrubbing. I got your floors. I actually like doing that. I I find it satisfying. I I I see what sweeping and mopping. I don't see that much of an immediate difference. So I don't like it that much, but I really like, like scrubbing things. Kind of. I find it like satisfying. So.00:10:01JackAre you are you an 80% or a?00:10:03Jack100 Percenter and what I mean by that is like.00:10:06JackSome people clean to like about 80%, you know.00:10:09JackFeel like it's.00:10:10JackGood enough like this. This is fine. You know? Like if the company came over, they wouldn't be like, oh, you're such a pig, you know. But then there are other people that are like, 100%. And so I think the problem that that my wife and my wife is 100 percenter and I'm an 80 percenter. And so there's like, that's a point of contention for us.00:10:25XochitlRight.00:10:29JackWhere I'm like I did it already. So like do it again the right way. You know, that kind of stuff. So yeah.00:10:35XochitlRight. I kind of.00:10:40XochitlI'm not 100% sure, but I I don't clean all the time, but when it gets dirty, if if I'm gonna clean it, I want it to be sparkling you.00:10:48XochitlKnow what I mean?00:10:48JackSo you're like you're. You're like, I can. I can let it go. But then one day you just roll up your sleeves and you're like.00:10:55JackIt's time to go to work. It's like like an Avenger or something, you know? Yeah. OK.00:10:56XochitlYes. And then?00:11:00XochitlYeah. And then, yeah, I I definitely am kind of like that. And I don't like it. It's like if someone else cleans and it's still dirty. And I myself that drives me crazy too. That really does.00:11:08JackOhh that drives my wife crazy.00:11:13XochitlI hate it, like when the floor is like no one really scrubbed them, they just kind of swept and mopped a little bit and it's still like you walk across barefoot and your feet are like Gray after that piece that it makes me very angry. So I went with sure that I scrub. I just I'd rather scrub it.00:11:22JackYep.00:11:31XochitlAnd then mopped it several times. But.00:11:34XochitlI just it has to be clean, you know, with the clean. It has to be clean. It has to be clean enough for you to eat off of, basically.00:11:37JackYeah.00:11:41JackWhat? Well, when people clean your your house, they're going to do it half heartedly, you know? That's a good expression there. Half heartedly means like small, low effort, you know, because it's not theirs, you know. So yeah.00:11:46XochitlYeah.00:11:51XochitlYes.00:11:53XochitlAnd love their house. So who cared? Yeah. Yeah. All right. Well, tell sisters, what is your least favorite chore and your favorite chore. If you like any chores. And what are you usually responsible for in your home? I'm really curious to know. So send us an e-mail at AZ with podcast at Gmail dot.00:12:11XochitlOne, leave a comment down below at AZ with podcast.com and join the we channel WhatsApp groups to talk to Jack and I directly and we will be discussing things like this in the English corner as well. So if you guys are interested in joining the English corner again, that's 20 lessons for $10 a month.00:12:21JackYes.00:12:29JackBut the 1st 10 are free.00:12:30XochitlThe 1st 10 lessons are free, so if you feel like support supporting us and you're able to support us, you get a lot of bang for your buck. As we would say in the US, so we look forward to seeing you in that Ave. as well and we'll see you.00:12:39발표자Yes.00:12:44XochitlGuys, next time. Bye bye.00:12:45JackBye bye.00:12:46발표자Bye.Podcast Website:Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss three idioms related to rain.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:51JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are in the Idiom Academy and we have 3 idioms social what is what's our first one?00:01:01XochitlOur first idiom is it's raining cats and dogs.00:01:06JackOh yeah, sure.00:01:08XochitlWhat does that mean, Jack?00:01:10JackWell, it means that uh, cats and dogs are are just falling from the sky for some reason. No, what it means is that it's raining very, very hard out there outside.00:01:24JackSo we, you know it's it's it's kind of an old idiom cause I can just picture like my grandfather or my dad saying, you know, like we're going outside to go in the car and it's oh, it's raining cats and dogs out there, you know. So we.00:01:32XochitlYeah.00:01:39JackIt's it's, it's.00:01:40JackOne of the the dumbest like idiots like we have.00:01:45JackBut it's so.00:01:45XochitlYes, weird.00:01:46JackCommon like people use it still all the.00:01:50XochitlYeah, it's kind of not like it's a very nonsensical one. Like why? I don't know if it's just because, like, when it rained really hard you. I don't know what the etymology is, which means like the origin. I really like origin is I think it's just like the slamming sound, maybe of rain. It's like a cat.00:02:09XochitlFell from your roof or something on? I don't know, so.00:02:13XochitlI'm not sure it's not.00:02:13JackI mean it it it, yeah.00:02:14JackYou could just any two nouns could be like it's raining bowl bowling balls and toaster ovens. You know, like it it could be it. It makes as much sense as, you know, cats and dogs so.00:02:22XochitlRight, yes.00:02:27XochitlYeah, but for some reason we we chose cats and dogs. So like this thing.00:02:27발표자 3Yeah.00:02:31JackYeah, we chose cats and dogs. We have to live.00:02:33JackWith it, yeah.00:02:34XochitlIt's pouring. It's pouring. So which brings us to our next idiom. When it rains, it pours. Jack what?00:02:36JackYeah.00:02:42XochitlThat means only rain.00:02:43JackOhh this one I I like this one because like it's like when you when you get a little bit busy you get really busy. You know it seems like like you you you'll you'll go like weeks without any anything and then all of a sudden you have 20 things that you have to do. You know it's like.00:03:01JackIt just kind of, you know? Yeah, it's just like when it rains, it pours it a lot of rain comes, you know. But when there's nothing that nothing is happening.00:03:08XochitlRight.00:03:11XochitlWhen it rains, it pours. Or what's the other one? It can also mean when something bad.00:03:17XochitlHappens that a lot of bad things happen, like let's say ohh you know I was. I was doing fine. Let's let's been fine. And then I broke my thumb and then my mom broke her leg and then we owe hospital bills and now?00:03:38XochitlThe hospital or out of our pain medication.00:03:40XochitlThen and then my dad got in a car crash on his way.00:03:44XochitlTo.00:03:44XochitlPick us up. It's not a bad thing.00:03:45JackYeah, yeah, yeah. It's just like, yeah, yeah.00:03:49XochitlIt's kind of how it is. It's like if I don't know if you ever noticed, it's like one bad thing happens and then a bunch of bad thing happened. Happen. Bad things happen. Yeah.00:03:55JackWell, it's like.00:03:57JackIt's like it's like, uh, you know?00:04:00JackA guy sitting at home and his girlfriend just broke up with him.00:04:03JackAnd then he's, like, checks his e-mail. He got fired from his job, and he's and he gets a phone call. His grandmother passed away, you know, or something. And it's just like one after the other, after the other. It's like when it rains.00:04:08XochitlYeah.00:04:17JackIt pours, yeah.00:04:19XochitlYeah. And then the other one is, uh, take a rain check. Jack, this one has only fascinated me because I don't think I understood what this meant. And I was like a teenager, so.00:04:32JackI think I may still not know it. I mean, I know what it means, but I I'm not sure. Like what? Why they?00:04:37XochitlWhy? I guess maybe.00:04:40XochitlBecause if it's raining, well, tell them what it means and I'll then I'll give you my idea about that apology.00:04:45JackYeah. So let's say for example, let's say you, you, you said to me like, hey, Jack, let's, let's grab lunch on Tuesday. And I'm like, oh, I have a meeting on Tuesday. So can I take a rain check?00:04:59JackAnd a rain check just means can we? Can we change the date to a future time, but an unknown future time. So we will have lunch together. It's just we don't know when it's going to happen in the future. So you know, we have to make a a a a plan.00:05:08발표자Right.00:05:16XochitlRight. This means, yeah, let let's leave it for the future at some point.00:05:17발표자 3Yeah.00:05:22JackYeah, it's kind of like it's kind of like saying it's it's kind of different than saying no, you know, I'm busy because it's kind of like saying.00:05:27XochitlYeah.00:05:29XochitlPlaying later or something.00:05:31JackYeah. Well, it's it's like, it's nice. It's like a nice way to say like I want to spend time with you. I want to do this. I just can't do it at that time that you said, you know.00:05:40XochitlLike. Yeah, it's like it's nicer than maybe later. Like maybe later. It's like no later for sure. Later, for sure. You wanna do this? But.00:05:40JackAnd so.00:05:51JackYeah, maybe later is what we call blowing someone off. Basically, yeah.00:05:55XochitlYeah. Yeah. So it's not maybe later. It's like later for sure. I I do want to hang out with you. I just can't. Unfortunately, at that time. So yeah. Yeah. So it's it's a nice way to say to say that.00:06:03JackRight, exactly.00:06:05JackTake a rain check.00:06:10XochitlAnd yeah, all right, since if you have anymore questions about these idioms or any more idioms, make sure to leave us a comment down below at A-Z English podcast. Shoot us an e-mail at at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com.00:06:23XochitlAnd make sure that you join the lead channel WhatsApp groups to talk to us directly. I would love to see and hear you guys using these idioms. I think it would be really fun. And of course if you're able to Jack and I have now started an English corner.00:06:36JackYep.00:06:37XochitlFor $10 a month, you get 20 lessons, so that's $0.50 per lesson and the 1st 10 lessons are free. So if you feel so inclined to support us and can and are able to support us, make sure to join us on the English.00:06:44발표자 3Yep.00:06:53XochitlCorner and you can do that through our WeChat group and. And so we will see you guys next time. And again thank you so much for sticking with us through the podcast. We really appreciate your support and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.00:07:08발표자 3Bye bye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/idiom-academy-3-idioms-about-rain/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about their new venture in China with the creation of The A to Z English Corner.❤ The A to Z English Corner Class Link:  https://voovmeeting.com/p/6511832952  10 Classes for Free! Mon. - Fri. @ 9:00p.m.WeChat: atozenglishpodcast   

You can donate to the podcast here:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsor here:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastIn this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss minimal pairs. They focus on the /p/ and /b/ sounds.Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one phoneme and have different meanings. Here are some minimal pairs with the sounds /b/ and /p/:bat / patball / Paulbin / pinbark / parkbat / patban / panbet / petbake / pakebest / pestbow / powbuy / piebig / pigboat / coatback / packbeach / peachThese minimal pairs illustrate how a single phoneme change can result in completely different words and meanings. The /b/ and /p/ sounds are distinguished primarily by their voicing: /b/ is voiced, while /p/ is voiceless.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/quick-tips-minimal-pairs-with-the-sounds-p-and-b/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You can donate to the podcast here: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsorWeChat: atozenglishpodcastAs easy as pie - Very easy"The exam was as easy as pie."As stubborn as a mule - Very stubborn"He's as stubborn as a mule and won't listen to reasonAs strong as an ox - Very strong"After years of weightlifting, he's as strong as an ox."As white as snow - Very white"Her dress was as white as snow."As sharp as a tack - Very sharp or smart"She's as sharp as a tack, always quick with a witty response."Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-common-english-similes/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

To become an exclusive subscriber, follow this link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-contentorWeChat: atozenglishpodcastPoint AtMeaning: To direct someone's attention to something by extending a finger or other object towards it.Usage:Example 1: "She pointed at the painting on the wall."Example 2: "The teacher pointed at the map to show us where the country is located."Point OutMeaning: To bring something to someone's attention, often by mentioning or highlighting it.Usage:Example 1: "He pointed out the errors in the document."Example 2: "I'd like to point out that we need to finish this project by Friday."PointedMeaning (Adjective): Sharp or having a sharp end.Usage:Example 1: "The pencil has a pointed tip."Meaning (Adjective - Figurative): Direct and often critical or indicating something explicitly.Example 2: "She made a pointed remark about his tardiness."Meaning (Past Tense Verb): Past tense of the verb "point."Usage:Example 1: "He pointed towards the exit."Example 2: "She pointed at the star in the sky."To summarize:Point at: A physical gesture directing attention.Point out: An action of indicating or highlighting information.Pointed: Can describe a physical attribute (sharpness) or imply a direct/critical comment. As a verb, it is the past tense of "point."Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-3-expressions-using-the-word-point/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

To become an exclusive subscriber, follow this link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-contentorWeChat: atozenglishpodcastIn this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, we talk about how parents sometimes get too involved or invested in their children's lives.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, it is the English podcast listeners. This is Jack here. We are excited to offer you a new way to get even more involved with our podcast for just $10 a month, you can become an exclusive subscriber and join our private WhatsApp and WeChat groups as a member.00:00:20JackYou'll have the opportunity to ask questions and leave comments that we will address in a special weekly episode dedicated to our support.00:00:30발표자Yours.00:00:31JackYour generous donations help cover the operational costs of the podcast.00:00:36JackAllowing us to keep delivering the content you love to join, simply click the links in the description to pay via our stripe account or directly on the WeChat app.00:00:50JackThank you for your support. We can't wait to connect with you in our exclusive groups and hear what you have to say.00:00:57JackOK.00:00:58JackNow let's get on with the show.00:01:09JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my.00:01:13JackCo-host social and.00:01:15JackToday we are doing a topic talk episode and today's topic is.00:01:22JackDo you do you feel nervous? When? Ohh sorry. Do you feel nervous for other people when they have to do something important, you know? And so. Oh, I was just going to give, like, here's the here's the background information. My daughter has a huge performance today.00:01:33XochitlSorry, go ahead Jack.00:01:41JackAnd I'm I was. I'm so nervous. I I can't even think about it because, you know, I'm I want her to be successful. I want her to do a great job.00:01:53JackBut I don't want to jinx it. You know what I mean by, you know, I don't know, thinking too much about it or or, you know, giving her some bad luck or whatever. So I'm just trying to push it out of my mind. And I'm wondering if you ever feel that way.00:02:10XochitlYeah, I would say.00:02:13XochitlThere's so many like secondhand type of emotions, secondhand embarrassment, which means feeling embarrassed for someone else's secondhand anxiousness or nervousness where you feel anxious or nervous for someone and excited too, like you can be, oh, I'm so excited for her. I'm worried. Is she going to do well? I'm nervous.00:02:20JackYes.00:02:33XochitlYou know.00:02:35XochitlAnd yeah, I definitely felt that way before.00:02:39JackYeah, I'd love that. These that you defined it really well. Secondhand emotions. Is that what?00:02:44JackYou called it.00:02:45XochitlYeah.00:02:46JackYeah. So you know, we get this like one of the big ones is like the Olympic.00:02:51JackLike, you know, like, like the gymnastics when there's like one person has to perform some sort of like routine. And if they do it well, your country will win the gold medal. And there's I it. I feel like I get sick to my stomach when I watch those, you know.00:03:11JackBecause I'm like, I want them to to do it so well, and I feel like if I can just channel like positive energy.00:03:18JackFrom my my brain to that person. And it's so funny because it's like it has nothing to do with me. Like I I'm inconsequential, you know, like. But somehow I feel like I can control it if I just use my mind, you know?00:03:35XochitlMine Ben Jedi Powers to.00:03:37JackYeah, I feel like if I could just if I could just use my mind and I think this is common in sports too, right? Like your basketball team. You want them to win so badly if you want it badly enough.00:03:44발표자Now.00:03:50JackYou can actually affect the outcome of the game. I think we do feel that. I mean, it's totally irrational, it's illogical. It makes no sense. But I think that's why people love sports is because they feel like they're invested in it and that's how I feel today because my daughter.00:04:11JackFor for our listeners out there is a a ballerina. She goes to a ballet school in America, an Academy.00:04:18JackAnd they had their big performance today and she had a very important part that was very difficult and all week she's been struggling with it. I believe she's even said that she fell down one time while doing the practice. And so I was, like, freaking out in, in my mind.00:04:39JackAll week, you know, just totally stressed about it, because not because I'm embarrassed if she doesn't do well, it's more just like I just want her to succeed so badly for herself, for her life, that.00:04:53XochitlMm-hmm.00:04:55JackIt's.00:04:56JackIt I actually probably feel more nervous than she does about about these things, which is so funny.00:05:03XochitlYes, you always have.00:05:04XochitlNo control which makes you more nervous.00:05:06XochitlRight. It's like.00:05:06JackYeah, right. That's a great point. I have no control over it and all I can do is send positive messages from my mind, you know, like good vibes to her. But I obviously I know that's not gonna do anything. And and I I didn't wanna.00:05:23JackI didn't want to put any pressure on her, so I all I did was say, hey, good luck today. You know, instead of saying like, make sure you did do this and don't do that and you have to do this. It's like the last thing she needs is advice from a guy who has who, you know, never a day in my life. Yeah.00:05:39XochitlHe's never done that way a day in.00:05:41XochitlHis life so.00:05:43JackYou know, so. So my wife and I were really careful to not put any extra pressure on top of her because that's the last thing she needs. She needs to relax. She needs to be, you know, mentally.00:05:56JackPrepared. Yeah. Yeah, it's really fun.00:05:59XochitlI think that's.00:05:59XochitlReally important not to do and I think it's you guys should feel proud of yourselves. So I think it's very rare for parents to acknowledge that and to come to a point, especially in in certain cultures to say I don't want to put extra pressure on my daughter. I want her.00:06:16XochitlTo succeed or do the best for her on her own terms. But you know, I'm not going to give her unsolicited advice. I'm not gonna make her feel unsupported accidentally by pressuring her even more.00:06:29JackYeah. And I think that's uh, parents.00:06:31JackHave a very.00:06:33JackThere's a there's a a strong urge to do that sometimes, and I'll tell you what. Like, you know, Tiger moms and helicopter moms get a really bad reputation, but they they're nothing close. Not they're not even nearly as bad as.00:06:38발표자Yeah.00:06:47XochitlHmm.00:06:53JackSports dads.00:06:56JackSports dads are, you know, they're, you know, yelling at their kid, you know, do this, do that. You gotta prepare this and you know, don't you know, swing your baseball bat this way or kick the soccer ball this way and you know, they get so invested.00:07:16JackThat we have a word for it. It's called Vicarious to live vicariously through your child, and basically what that means is that the father is living out his sports fantasy through his child.00:07:35JackAnd so his self esteem and his self worth is all tied up in the child's performance, and that's too much pressure for a child to carry. It's such a burden and so and they and and they I feel like no one ever criticizes the sports dad. You know the crazy.00:07:54JackIt's always the tiger mom and the helicopter mom that gets the bad reputation. But there's a dad version that is just as bad.00:08:03JackOr worse so.00:08:04XochitlYeah, I have a dad just like that. And it wasn't even just about sports. It was about literally everything in my life.00:08:10XochitlAnd he could never say anything positive about anything. He was always like it just was never good enough for him.00:08:17JackRight.00:08:18XochitlHe was just. That's something about dads like that. And uh, a lot of culture that's really common. It's not as.00:08:24XochitlCommon in American.00:08:25XochitlCulture. But my dad slipped through the cracks or something. He's like, he is absolutely insane. He's so.00:08:31JackWell, your dad is old school, you know. They like the World War Two generate. You know, baby boomers like, you know, just boys don't cry.00:08:34발표자And.00:08:41XochitlThe Cold War, right? But like still? Yeah, he was a boomer. He's a he's a.00:08:46XochitlHe's a limit between Boomer and Gen. X.00:08:49JackRight, right. He he's almost Gen. X. But like what I mean by baby boomer is like their parents were like ohh, you think this is bad? Well, how about World War Two when I was flying airplanes over Germany? You know, it's like, so just shut up and eat your vegetables. You know that kind of.00:09:07XochitlYeah, you think this is bad? I'll beat you up and no, no listeners, but yeah, it was very bad. So I know his parents are really hard on him. And then he and in turn, he was really hard on us and and.00:09:08발표자Right.00:09:11JackYeah, exactly.00:09:15JackYes.00:09:20XochitlUltimately, it never helps your kids because you just give them low self esteem, which is.00:09:24XochitlWhat? Yeah.00:09:24JackYes, you give them low self esteem. You, you, you, you, you shatter their their their ego. You know they're they're kind of the their ability to like trust their instincts and trust their decision makings and process and you you just make them very much like insecure about you know the.00:09:35발표자Even though.00:09:44JackThe ground that they're standing on, you know, you know.00:09:46XochitlYeah.00:09:47XochitlYeah. And you make them like perfectionist and they're completely blinded. It says we say have a saying in English. The perfect is the enemy of the good and that's.00:09:56XochitlAs if you're only trying to do perfect things, you will just you never get anything done. It's because it's never good enough. It's like you could do a Mona Lisa painting and then you went and and tore it to shreds and threw it in the fire.00:10:07XochitlPit because you.00:10:08XochitlWere like ohh the way her eye, the twinkle in her eye wasn't done exactly perfectly, so I'm going to start all over again.00:10:14JackI'm throwing it away because every time I move, she's looking at me and I don't like that, you know.00:10:19XochitlRight. Yeah. And so it's definitely a a big factor in in parenting and.00:10:26XochitlI think this new generation of parents, I'm proud of the fact that I think they learned a lot from their parents and what best for their kids, you know, and are doing the best and it's. Yeah, it's important to support them.00:10:31JackYeah.00:10:38JackWell, it's it is true. And this is we're off topic now. But you know we we pass our damage. You know our our, our our damages you know our our.00:10:50XochitlAlmost.00:10:51JackOur traumas, we pass those on to our kids even though and we we don't do it consciously it it happens subject.00:11:00JackObviously and but, but if you can recognize the trauma, then you can kind of do something about it. And so, you know, I, I decided long ago I'm never gonna be a helicopter parent. I'm never gonna. I'm never gonna be involved in the ballet except as a cheerleader. I'm just her biggest fan.00:11:21JackAnd that's it. And so it's only positive I only cheer for her and I don't tell her what to do or how to do it or anything, cause it's none of my business that's for her coaches. That's for her teachers.00:11:33JackTo do and it's made. It's made a huge difference. You know, there's, there's there's no friction between the two of us. Yeah. No resentment. Yeah.00:11:34XochitlRight.00:11:40XochitlYeah, we got me in fiction. Yeah, that's important. Yeah. Alright. Well, tell us, have you ever felt a second hand emotion, whether it be feeling embarrassed for someone else, nervous for someone else, excited for someone else and also let us know what kind of parenting style did your parents engage in and what's common in your culture and your?00:11:59발표자OK.00:12:00XochitlWe're very interested to know, leave this comment down below at A-Z englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at at ozspodcast@gmail.com and make sure to join the WeChat and WhatsApp groups to talk to Jack and I directly. And if you can spare a little extra money, make sure to sign up for exclusive content as that really helps Jack and I be able to create more content.00:12:17XochitlAnd I'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.00:12:19JackBye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-helicopter-moms-and-sports-dads/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl talks about her trip to China.To become an exclusive subscriber, follow this link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-contentorWeChat: atozenglishpodcastTranscript:00:00:00JackHey, it is the English podcast listeners. This is Jack here. We are excited to offer you a new way to get even more involved with our podcast for just $10 a month, you can become an exclusive subscriber and join our private WhatsApp and WeChat groups as a member.00:00:20JackYou'll have the opportunity to ask questions and leave comments that we will address in a special weekly episode dedicated to our support.00:00:30XochitlYours.00:00:31JackYour generous donations help cover the operational costs of the podcast.00:00:36JackAllowing us to keep delivering the content you love to join, simply click the links in the description to pay via our stripe account or directly on the WeChat app.00:00:50JackThank you for your support. We can't wait to connect with you in our exclusive groups and hear what you have to say.00:00:57JackOK.00:00:58JackNow let's get on with the show. Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are doing a topic talk.00:01:16JackAnd today's topic is social's trip to China when she was 16 years old and social I I didn't know that you went to China when you were sixteen. I think this is the first time I'm learning of this and.00:01:34JackWhy did you go? Who did you go with? What did you do? You know all the WH questions? I'm so curious.00:01:41XochitlUM so.00:01:45XochitlWhat can I say about this trip?00:01:48XochitlUM, well, we went. I was learning Mandarin at the time I started learning Mandarin in the in freshman year of high school, which for our listeners that means first year of high school and in US we have four years of high school so.00:02:06XochitlMy I want to say it was my junior year. Yes, because I was 16 my junior year.00:02:12XochitlI the summer of my junior year, we went to China on a trip because as it turns out, my dad is a a university professor and his university, the Confucius Institute, holds a trip to China. And you have to pay like your ticket. But I think everything else is paid for it.00:02:29XochitlIt's like it's subsidized, so that means like they pay for a lot of your trip and.00:02:34JackSo you just buy the ticket, but they pay for like your accommodation. They pay for your food and that kind of stuff they travel.00:02:41XochitlYeah, I believe either that was the case or it's subsidized, meaning they put a lot of money towards your your accommodation and your food and your travel. And. Yeah, so it was pretty affordable. So my dad said.00:02:50JackIt lowers the price down so.00:02:53JackDon't have to pay much.00:02:55XochitlHmm.00:02:57XochitlHey, I'll pay for it. My dad found it, actually, and he said he would pay for it for me. And so I.00:03:01XochitlSaid.00:03:02XochitlYeah. OK and.00:03:07XochitlA few like only one other person who was in my class in Chinese went, and besides, that was all students from Louisville, which is the capital of Kentucky.00:03:17JackYeah.00:03:18XochitlAnd so we all went to China, and it was a a an age range from.00:03:27Xochitl1617.00:03:30XochitlPretty much and.00:03:34XochitlWe it was a really great time. I think we landed in Beijing and we went to Shanghai and Xian.00:03:41JackHmm.00:03:42XochitlAnd I really, really loved it. I think that's probably one of my favorite places that I've ever visited.00:03:48XochitlI really like the food. I liked the weather, I liked how busy it was, and there were a lot of really beautiful parks, like especially she had a really beautiful park and we spent the most time in Shannon and spent a week in Shannon. If I'm not mistaken, and went to a high school and got to meet like other kids our age. And then we went to host family and have like, dinner with them.00:03:54JackYeah.00:04:04JackYeah.00:04:13XochitlAnd we got to go shopping and we got to take the subway and like, we got to, like, eat street food and we got to go on the Great Wall. We hiked on the great.00:04:23XochitlWall of China.00:04:24JackOh cool.00:04:25XochitlYeah, we went to Shanghai, we went to like some traditional palace. I want to say.00:04:32JackYeah.00:04:33XochitlYeah, because we went to some gardens. Some like traditional gardens in Shanghai, and it was very hot and humid in Shanghai and in Beijing it was very rainy and cold. It was like.00:04:44XochitlVery because Shanghai's the South and Beijing's like the north, right? And then Shian was probably my favorite because.00:04:53XochitlThe weather was just perfect the whole time, so I really liked it there.00:04:57JackSo social you said you went to Shanghai. I I heard some quotes by a famous chef and traveler, Anthony Bourdain. And he said.00:05:00XochitlYeah.00:05:09XochitlYes.00:05:10JackShanghai makes New York City look like a.00:05:13JackThird world country.00:05:14JackCountry.00:05:15JackLike and and I I've always found that really interesting because I think the perception that Americans have of China is that it's somehow backwards or, you know, it's not developed or whatever. And if you look at some of these projects that they have and they're building.00:05:37JackAnd the things that they're doing in China, they're it looks like it looks like it's in science fiction movie like it's in the future.00:05:43XochitlYes. Yeah.00:05:46XochitlThat this was almost 10 years ago. At this point, I guess, or 10 years ago. So. But I do remember that it was really insane how tall all the buildings were, and we had a race after I think in Beijing is where we ate Peking ducks because it was a specialty. And I want to say that's from Beijing.00:05:57JackYeah.00:06:06XochitlBut he's saying.00:06:06JackYeah.00:06:07XochitlJust correct me if I'm wrong, I'm pretty sure that's.00:06:10XochitlAnd so after he had pecking dunk, it was really delicious. But it's heavy because it's kind of fatty and sugary, and it's really.00:06:15JackThe duck is the duck is is wonderful, but it's so oily and so.00:06:22XochitlYou're saying it's like delicious cake buds, and then your stomachs like so. My friends and I like waist because we were staying on like the 13th floor or something. I don't think any of it. No, it was higher than that. None of us had ever been that high up and like, stayed that high up. And so I remember that we got in like an.00:06:23XochitlRich.00:06:26JackYeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.00:06:40XochitlThere and they got an elevator and my friend and I tried to.00:06:45XochitlRace him up the.00:06:45XochitlStairs. There's no way we could make.00:06:47XochitlIt you know we.00:06:48XochitlWere just like running. It isn't good, I think made it and I made it and like they were. I think they had, like stopped on the floor because of something or something. And so they we made it close to the same time.00:06:48JackYou got to like the 8th floor and.00:06:52JackYeah.00:07:02XochitlBut I like threw up after cause I ran so hard and I was like, no, I'm not taking that.00:07:09JackAmazing duck goes in Beijing. Duck goes out. Yeah.00:07:12XochitlSo it was very.00:07:15JackOhh my gosh.00:07:15XochitlYeah, and seeing how I was very beautiful, we actually I believe we stayed at a university in Shanghai and.00:07:23XochitlIt was really nice. I remember the dorms and everything and.00:07:29XochitlWe were saying some college dorms, even though we.00:07:31XochitlWere.00:07:31XochitlHigh school students, but it's because I think the university Shanghai has like some exchange program. That's what we are looking at. And yeah, it was really fascinating. I we really enjoyed it. And I would say it's a beautiful country. I think it's one of the the.00:07:39JackYeah.00:07:48XochitlThat in Seattle are two places that I went and I was like, I love it here. I I could live here. I could stay here forever, you know.00:07:55JackYeah, yeah, yeah. Shanghai is a city that I've I absolutely must visit. I'm I'm I'm more interested in visiting Shanghai than I am in visiting Beijing. Oddly enough, I know it's the capital city and everything, but I really want to visit Shanghai. It seems like such a cool.00:08:14JackVibe, like such a cool city.00:08:16XochitlYeah. And the Chinese listeners don't hate me for this. I like the Southern accent more, even though it's more improper.00:08:25XochitlThe the northern accent is more difficult for me to pronounce because it's like it's rougher and like the the tones and like the the sounds like the consonant sounds are much sharper and the Southern accent is like.00:08:38XochitlMm-hmm.00:08:41XochitlMore, it's softer and it's easier for a foreigner because it's hard to like. Enunciate those. Those like sharp consonant sounds like like that kind of for the for the north and for the South. It might be like the instead of the. And so it was just easier for me to pronounce because my first teacher was actually southern Chinese.00:09:02JackNo.00:09:02JackOK.00:09:03XochitlAnd my tutor after that was also she was from Nanjing, so she was from the South southern capital city. I guess so I was more used to that. And then when I went to college.00:09:13XochitlThe professors were from the north and it was so hard to keep up because it's like it's a more proper, supposedly I think pronunciation.00:09:21JackOK, be more formal or something like that. Like yeah, yeah.00:09:26XochitlI guess it's more. It's kind of like how in in the southern US like dialect or regional accent, we kind of slow words together or whatever.00:09:35JackYeah, there's a southern drawl. They call it, you know, which I think it would be really funny if if for like, a a Chinese student or a Korean student to go to America and study English in Louisiana or Georgia or Alabama.00:09:38XochitlYes, OK.00:09:52JackAnd so they learn, you know, English with that, like how y'all doing, you know? Hey, y'all, you know, something like that. It's it's like, yeah.00:09:58XochitlHey. Yeah. Yeah. So that's basically how I learned Chinese. So that's what I had this funny accent to them, to the Northerners. So it was fun, though. But yeah. So yeah, that was my trip to China. I have so many very fond memories, and I loved it. And I definitely, I think it's one of the number one.00:10:18XochitlCountries that I that I really want to go back.00:10:21JackOK. And what how about the people I we we I forgot to ask you about the people but.00:10:22XochitlThe one that I.00:10:26XochitlEveryone was so friendly and it was crazy because everyone was so friendly and it felt really safe and I remember I left my like wallet full of money at one of these stands and the the old lady went after me and I was like, hey, you forgot this.00:10:40JackWow, I love that.00:10:40XochitlAnd crazy cause a lot of places they'd be like, oh, I just do that in the US. Don't do that. You know what I mean?00:10:44JackHey.00:10:47JackIn the US, that money is Gonzo. Yeah. Gone for sure. Yeah.00:10:52XochitlAnd here you left your money here and I bought all this merch because I knew my dad would really like it. It was really fun. It was like these.00:11:00XochitlT-shirts Obama was president at the time, and they were called like Obama. Mao, like Mao did. The only guess, but Obama added it's like not in the Red Star. And it was really, I really. I had a fun time with that. I got my dad like a watch and AT shirt and a hat and all this stuff.00:11:07JackYeah, Obama.00:11:18JackNice. That's great.00:11:20XochitlYeah. And the people are so nice, so friendly and.00:11:24XochitlThey were, so they were.00:11:25XochitlSo, like nice and flattering to us and and like accommodating and I don't know, I really, really appreciated it. And yeah, nothing, nothing bad to say, all good things. And I really hope to come back someday and be able to see.00:11:40JackYou maybe wanna go to China. I really wanna get there so.00:11:43XochitlYou have to go. My dad also really wants to go. And I tell him, like, come on, man.00:11:48XochitlYou should go because the circus we also went to the circus. It was so cool. And The thing is really funny is that the popcorn is like sweet there. It's not salty. It's not like like.00:11:58JackYeah, it's the same in Korea too. They got, you know, yeah, the, the the sweet popcorn, the caramel popcorn. Yeah, it's.00:12:02XochitlYeah.00:12:05JackIt's it's interesting.00:12:07JackYeah, I'm. I'm definitely a savory. Over over. Yeah, yeah.00:12:10XochitlYeah. Anyway, listeners, let us know, are you too sweet or salty popcorn? Have you been to China? Are you from China? Tell us your experiences. I really love it. Definitely country that I want to go.00:12:22XochitlToo, and yeah, we'll see you guys next time. Make sure to join our WeChat and WhatsApp groups. That way we can interact with you directly if you have any money to spare, make sure that you join to see our exclusive content episodes. It really helps. I can I make more content for you guys and send us an e-mail at at ozenglishpodcast@gmail.com and leave us a comment.00:12:43XochitlAnd below at A-Z englishpodcast.com and we'll see you guys next time. Bye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/topic-talk-xochitls-trip-to-china/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok: @atozenglish1Instagram: @atozenglish22Twitter: @atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Debora by Jangwahttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dilating_Times/single/debora/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy