The Adventures of LOLA BADIOLA

For technical reasons we had to re-upload this episode. Apologies for any inconvenience. In this chapter I'm joined by Marina, my partner,  to explain the making of the podcast, and the plans for the future.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.The Adventures of Lola Badiola is now available as a book.It's the perfect complement for this podcast.It includes complete transcripts, explanations and quizzes. So buy it now on Amazon, right here!

In this chapter I'm joined by Marina, my partner,  to explain the making of the podcast, and the plans for the future.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola and her colleagues walk away from the headquarters of TechSpania with a deal in their hands, and as one adventure ends another one begins. In the final chapter of our story, we discuss a lot of relevant vocabulary. In the world of geopolitics, we explain the term ROGUE NATION. And we review the purpose of a COVER STORY.We add another four relevant phrasal verbs to your vocabulary, namely - TO RUN THROUGH, TO GO OUT, TO SORT OUT and KICK OUT.We explain a couple of very common idioms. Do you have ANY LOOSE ENDS TO TIE UP before the end of the day? How does it feel when THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER? And finally, we review the grammar rules of REPORTED SPEECH.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola and her companions enter the boardroom of TechSpania as the deal to buy JBlock is being finalised.In this chapter we have some interesting vocabulary related to DRESS CODE in an office. Is it important to be IMPECCABLY DRESSED? Have you ever bought a TAILOR-MADE SUIT? Do you know how to create a WINDSOR KNOTTED TIE? We also explain some relevant terms in dealmaking. Do you know how to keep a POKER FACE when negotiating? And who does the final PROOFREADING of the contract?We do some work on the pronunciation of the “I” VOWEL SOUND in words such as Wi-Fi.And finally, we talk about the importance of BODY LANGUAGE when communicating, negotiating, and presenting.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

The deal between TechSpaina and JBlock is finally signed, but it is not the agreement that anyone expected. We discuss two advanced grammatical structures that are used in this chapter. The first is called an INVERSION, the second it's called a QUESTION TAG. We continue to enrich your use of adjectives with words such as MALICIOUS and SLANDEROUS. And we explain the concept of SARCASM and how it differs from irony.There are five common expressions related to business deals. Who holds THE UPPER HAND in a negotiation? Who will be THE FIRST TO BLINK? Are you a STRAIGHT SHOOTER. Do you always do EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK? Or are your agreements NOT WORTH THE PAPER THEY ARE WRITTEN ON?Finally, we analyse a BODY LANGUAGE technique that can be used to demonstrate authority and influence.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Mario Ruiz de Velasco and the team from TechSpania are enraged by Lola's last-minute intervention in their negotiations. In this chapter we explain some really cool verbs related to physical reactions in stressful situations, they include TO FLINCH, TO SQUIRM,  and TO DRUM YOUR FINGERS.We discuss a couple of important business terms. What is PROOF OF CONCEPT and why is it so important in the technology sector? What does it mean to be BEST IN CLASS?We also explain a couple of everyday expressions. Do you know anybody who has a TWINKLE IN THEIR EYE? Finally, we focus on the grammatical structure THE SOONER… THE SOONER.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola makes an audacious attempt to prevent TechSpania from buying JBlock.This chapter is full of interesting vocabulary. Has anybody ever treated you with DISDAIN, have they PATRONIZED you, have they tried to MANSPLAIN something to you?How does a company get a FOOTHOLD in the market? And how does it create SYNERGIES when acquiring another company?There are also a couple of relevant expressions. Who is THE WHALE in your market? And do you keep AN ACE UP YOUR SLEEVE?Finally, we discuss some sensitive issue within the business world. How do you prevent your body from shaking due to nerves when you are PUBLIC SPEAKING? How do you put a value on a TECHNOLOGY COMPANY with no revenues but tremendous potential? And how does it feel to be the ONLY WOMAN in a boardroom?We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola and her team arrive at the headquarters of TechSpania, but they still need to pass the security guards to reach the boardroom on the 51st floor.There are a couple of interesting common expressions in this chapter. Why do people make LAST-MINUTE CHANGES to agreements? And what does it mean to be in the EYE OF THE STORM?We discuss the role of a company's BOARD OF DIRECTORS.We consider the philosophical question of whether THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS.And finally, we offer some GOOD BUSINESS ADVICE for the moment just before you enter a meeting room full of people.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication. 

Lola has a plan to stop JJ selling the company to TechSpania, but she needs to act fast!Let's examine the advanced grammatical structure of QUESTION TAGS. You know what they are, don't you?In the vocabulary section we explain the verbs TO REBOOT, TO PATCH and TO GATECRASH. We also illustrate what a BINDING CONTRACT is.We focus on a very common mistake in Business English ,  the confusion over BORROW vs. LEND,.And finally, we discuss two common expressions. Do you prefer it when people GET TO THE POINT? And what happens when THE PENNY DROPS? We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Park reveals his true identity to the secret agent and his wife, causing confusion and conflict.There are plenty of colorful expressions and idioms in this chapter. What makes the HAIRS ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK STAND ON END? Have you ever STROKED THE EGO of your boss? And is it best to do a sales pitch via webinar or IN THE FLESH?We do some pronunciation work using the VOICED “S” CONSONANT. Make sure you play the game with me!  (*Whoops! I made a mistake in this game! Thanks to the perceptive listeners for informing me!)We explain what it means when tears fall from the eyes of THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE.And finally, we discuss the purpose of STOCK MARKET INDICES including the IBEX 35, the FTSE100 and the Dow Jones. What are they? How do they work? And what do they tell us?We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

The secret agent brings Park to his home in Madrid and introduces him to his suspicious wife. In this chapter we give examples of words that differ depending on whether you are using BRITISH ENGLISH or AMERICAN ENGLISH for example, apartment vs. flat, and elevator vs. lift.We cover several everyday expressions. Do you have to WEAR DIFFERENT HATS at work? What MAKES YOUR HEAD SPIN? And what kind of event TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY?Finally, we continue our discussion of CAPITALISM, using the simple example of a fridge full of food to demonstrate how effective this economic system is.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

The secret agent delivers Park to the headquarters of Interpol and receives an unexpected reaction from the agency. There are loads of interesting everyday expressions in this chapter. Do you know what a DESK JOCKEY is? Do you expect other people to DO YOUR DIRTY WORK? When was the last time you were IN A DAZE?We explain the word DUMBFOUNDED and discuss the meaning of IRONY - why do some people use it, and other people misunderstand it.Finally, we analyse a controversial business issue, 90-DAY PAYMENT TERMS. Why do some companies delay payments to their suppliers?We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

With the help of the secret agent, Park completes his journey to the West, unsure of what awaits him there. In this chapter we explain three phrasal verbs, TO TOUCH DOWN, TO SETTLE DOWN and TO BREEZE THROUGH.We also make sure you understand some advanced vocabulary. What is a PAYDAY? When do you need a COVER STORY? And what is your BACKSTORY?We discuss three useful expressions. Have you ever experienced a CULTURE SHOCK What kind of things BLOW YOUR MIND? Have you ever taken a VOW OF SILENCE And did you know that AN ARMY MARCHES ON ITS STOMACH?Finally, we talk a little bit about the FILM INDUSTRY, how are films and TV series made?We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola has a conversation with a mysterious man in a bar that makes her reconsider events in the past.In this chapter we explain three everyday expressions. When do you need to be ON YOUR GUARD at work? What activities are your BREAD AND BUTTER? And do you expect to get a promotion SOONER RATHER THAN LATER?We discuss an appropriate idiom for international professionals - WHEN IN ROME DO AS THE ROMANS.However, most of this class is focused on CORRUPTION. We look at the work of Transparency International investigating levels of corruption in different countries around the world. We explain the terms BRIBE and BLACKMAIL and how they are both examples of WHITE-COLLAR CRIME. Finally, we explain what happens when a crime is COVERED UP.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this chapter. When you are ready for more, please sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola meets JJ Thompson for dinner and receives some shocking news.This episode is full of interesting and relevant business expressions and idioms. Let's go through them one by one.Is there somebody in your company who you consider to be a BAD APPLE?Have you recently received a COLD CALL from a mobile telephone salesman? What would be the best-case scenario for your career at the moment? And what would be the WORST-CASE SCENARIO?Do you have an EQUITY STAKE in in the company that you work for?Have you ever sold anything for a SONG?When was the last time you were ON A ROLL?And is your next big career move JUST AROUND THE CORNER?We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this episode. When you are ready for more, sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Lola decides to confront Cayetano in the offices of JBlock in front of all the programmers. This is the fight that everyone has been waiting for.There are several common expressions that we need to explain in this episode. What happens when you PULL THE TRIGGER on a deal? When do you need to CALL IN FAVOURS from your colleagues? And have you ever been LOST FOR WORDS in a discussion.In the vocabulary section, we discuss legal words like LAWSUIT and TO SUE. Then we examine some words that English borrows from French such as FACADE and COUP DE GRACE.  And finally, we explain why Cayetano is considered a MOLE.Throughout the episode we argue that BUSINESS MEETINGS ARE LIKE THEATRE, we also explain the difference between RHETORICAL AND LITERAL QUESTIONS. And finally we remind ourselves that when we suffer a disappoint or failure, THE BATTLE MAY BE LOST BUT THE WAR WILL CONTINUE.We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this episode. When you are ready for more, sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

At last, Park has reached the Chinese border. But how will he cross the freezing cold waters of the Yalu river, and what will be waiting for him on the other side?This episode is full of fascinating vocabulary, interesting expressions and colourful metaphors. Let's start off with some of the advanced vocabulary.Are you familiar with the verbs TO GRUNT, TO WRITHE AROUND and TO PERISH? These are all appropriate verbs considering the predicament that Park finds himself in. Also relevant are the nouns ONSLAUGHT, DEADWEIGHT and RAGDOLL.We discuss three everyday expressions. What STATE OF MIND are you in right now? Should we meet IN THE FLESH? Do you need a PAT ON THE BACK?We also do a brief pronunciation exercise to help you with the most common vowel sound in spoken English, known as THE SCHWA.And finally, we cover a couple of colourful metaphors. Have you ever been THROWN AROUND LIKE A RAGDOLL? Have you ever had LEGS LIKE JELLY. We hope you enjoy the diverse and relevant content in this episode. When you are ready for more, sign up to live and interactive classes with Marina and me, right here:www.gratton.es/club-gratton-infoBring English into your life! And gain the language skills and confidence to succeed in international communication.

Park meets the Old Grey Man and continues his journey along Dead Man's Highway.PRONUCIATIONComfortableVegetableChocolateRestaurantInterest RatesVOCBAULARYOverwhelmedTugWitsECONOMICSFree tradeExportsImportsCOMMON EXPRESSIONSWin-Win Scenario

Park travels to Banshori Station.VOCABULARYFrench words in English:Business: rendezvous, entrepreneur, résumé, bureauArt: art noveau, avant-garde, genreFashion: chic, haute couture, silhouetteMembers of the family:Stepmother, stepfather, stepbrother, stepsister, stepson, stepdaughterWidow, widowerSugar Daddy, Toy Boy, Gold-digger, Cougar, MILF PHRASAL VERBSTo wrap upTo take out vs. to put awayTo speed up vs. to slow downTo swap overTo sit upTo flatten outTo cover for

ADJECTIVESDiligent, hardworking, focused, committedEnormous, huge, gigantic, gargantuanExcellent, outstanding, fabulousFascintaing, intriguing, engagingFurious, irate, enragedINTENSIFYING ADVERBSBitterly coldFully understandSincerely hopeAbsolutely clearCategorically denyDeeply regretINTERROGATIVESHow far is it….?How long does it take….?How long does it last…?VOCABULARYOrphanageBoarding SchoolBullyingECONOMICSFamine in North KoreaThe “March of the Suffering”

Lola goes out for dinner with her best friend Concha.PHRASAL VERBSto wind downto fire upto spur onto eat outto go outEXPRESSIONSgo with the flowthirtysomethingslookalike/doppelgängeroffice politicson the house

 JJ Thomson and Diego de la Fuente discuss the uncertain future of JBlock.PHRASAL VERBSRun outSell outFlick throughBUSINESS CONCEPTSIncome streamsCash burnTrace/TraceabilityCOMMON EXPRESSIONSThink on (your) feetGoddamnVOACAULARYReligions of the world 

Lola visits the law offices of Gonzalo Garrido and receives some disturbing news. EXPRESSIONSTwenty-four sevenSnake in the grassGodsendBigger fish to fryLEGAL ENGLISHCivil Court vs Criminal CourtTo sueDamagesBUSINESS CONCEPTSAssets vs. LiabilitiesCompany ValuationOperating ProfitEnterprise Value MultipleSilent partnerStakeholder

Park reveals how he feels to the Girl with The Almond Eyes, and nothing will ever be the same.PHRASAL VERBSTo lean forwardsTo snatch backTo duck downBUSINESS CONCEPTSCapitalism vs CommunismCorruptionCOMMON EXPRESSIONSBlood runs coldEye on the ballWord of MouthREFERENCES“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg“23 things they don't tell you about Capitalism” by Ha Joon ChangTransparency International CPI

Park meets The Girl with the Almond Eyes.VOCABULARYFrench words in the English languageRendez-Vous, Croissant, RésuméCV, Curriculum VitaeEXPRESSIONSFalse ModestyJanteloven (Norwegian)Cantamañas (Spanish)PHRASAL VERBSTo dawn onTo pop outTo calm down

Park pursues the suspected intruders in his apartment.COMMON EXPRESSIONSDo the trickPut bread on the tableOn a rollercoasterPHRASAL VERBSBurst intoCarry outBurn downVOCABULARYResourcefulnessTerminatorCULTUREMost famous sentences in cinema 

Park starts to feel paranoid both at work and in his apartment.GRAMMARMastering InterrogativesVOCABULARYOverwhelmingFunctionaries vs. Civil ServantsDaily commuteSchedule vs Agenda vs DiaryPHRASAL VERBSShut DownFigure outSpeed upEXPRESSIONSTongue-tiedTo mind your own businessTo breathe down (someone's) neck

Park tries to focus on his work as the pressure on him increases.VOCABULARYTo expediteScenarioPRONUNCIATIONThe “I” vowel in priority, Wifi, bilingualThe “U” vowel in vulnerability, multinational, publicityBUSINESS CONCEPTSBlack Sky EventUninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)EXPRESSIONSFight-or-flight response

Park arrives at work and is shocked by what he discovers.GRAMMARSaxon GenitiveFew vs. a fewVOCABULARYAdvanced adjectives Losing your virginityOpen plan officeDodgyBUSINESS CONCEPTSGender Pay GapUnconscious bias

JBlock is hacked by a mysterious intruder called Pluto.GRAMMAR:Imperatives - Direct, Polite, Formal, RoyalEXPRESSIONS:On the verge of a nervous breakdownWork around the clockDigital nomadInside jobPUBLIC SPEAKING:Anaphora – repetitionThe Rule of ThreeCONCEPTS:Nicknames

Lola visits the Retiro Park to talk with her mother. Business TermsBoard of DirectorsRevenueProfitsPronunciationThe voiced “S” soundThe Schwa vowel sound Common ExpressionsElephant in the RoomKeep an eye onEasier said than doneTime heals all woundsLook on the bright side ConceptsToxic positivityTragic optimism

As Kim's appearance continues to disintegrate, Park discovers something surprising while researching his targetsPhrasal VerbsTo drag onTo catch upTo Pop UpBusiness TermsTo go bankruptNotice PeriodSeverance PayInternTrial PeriodSign-on BonusCommon ExpressionsA shadow of his former self

Park decides whether to support Kim's plan to defect or inform the authorities. Vocabulary:StunnedRecklessPhrasal Verbs:Hang outSingle OutCommon Expressions:Skill setPeople personPronunciation:Observed vs. Crashed vs. Concluded

The CyberStory article about Lola is published, including a lot of personal information about her childhood and family.Phrasal Verbs:Wake upSwitch on/offScroll up/downZoom in/outTeam upRoll outCommon Expressions:Rags to richesFolk HeroBusiness ConceptsMonopoly PowerHostile AcquisitionsDisruptionTwo-year rotation program Self-ImprovementThe Wim Hof Method

Lola explains everything to Gonzalo and realizes she is even more vulnerable than she thought.Grammar:Modal Verbs: Can, Could, WouldBusiness Concepts:Resigning from a companyConfidential InformationPhrasal Verbs:Plug inKey inMove onBusiness Vocabulary:Non-compete clauseBreach of contractPronunciation:JudgeJuryDigitalVigilante

Lola turns to her old friend Gonzalo Garrido for legal advice.VocabularyHard-workingSoul MateChildhood SweetheartGeneral ConceptsThe five stages of griefThe seven deadly sins Business ConceptsGhostingTrollingSpamming Phrasal VerbsTo pop upTo catch up

Lola is approached by a journalist who is writing an article about her, she realizes that she needs a lawyer, so she contacts an old friend. Vocabulary:CunningRuthlessRelentlessPushyBewilderedCommon Mistakes:CoincidenceCommon Expressions:To skin someone aliveMagna cum laudeNemesisBusiness Concepts:Law Firm structurePartnersAssociates

Kim explains his secret plan to a speechless Park.Vocabulary:Interpol, Europol and the CIAdepressed, paranoid, and unstableoutgoing, radiant optimistIntroverted, desperate pessimist.Grammar:To commit suicide.Phrasal Verb:To tip offPublic Speaking:Rule of ThreeConscious Repetition (anaphora)