Podcast appearances and mentions of cherry blossoms

Emma Grace Hurley is back on the podcast, and this time she's getting ready for a big first: her marathon debut at the Chicago Marathon. Emma Grace has put together an incredible year across just about every distance. She won the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, set an American record in the 8K, finished second at the USATF 5K Championships, and most recently placed fifth at the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen, running 66:23 as the top American finisher. In this conversation, I catch up with Emma Grace ahead of Chicago to talk about the decision to move up to the marathon, how training has looked, what she's learned from racing the half marathon, and how she's approaching 26.2 for the first time. Emma Grace is sponsored by ASICS and coached by Andrew and Amy Yoder Begley. Support our sponsors: HUUG makes high-quality bras and underwear designed to actually fit and support your body through every phase of life. Their pieces are comfortable, functional, and built for movement, making them a go-to for everyday wear, running, and training alike. Use the code Lindsey for 15% off at huug.com. Previnex – I start my day with Previnex Gut & Green Superfoods and end it with their Sleep Health Plus. I trust Previnex because their products are third-party tested, backed by science, and designed to help support energy, recovery, sleep, immunity, and healthy aging. Use code ANOTHER for 15% off your first order at Previnex.com. If you've already used that code, you can also use LindseySuperfoods, LindseySleep, or LindseyStrength depending on the product you're trying. Lagoon – Getting good sleep is one of the best things I can do for my recovery, and I truly love my Lagoon pillow. I sleep hot, so the Cooling Otter Pillow has been a game changer, and I love that I can customize the fill to get just the right amount of support. Take their quick sleep quiz and use code LINDSEY for 15% off your order. The post Episode 708: Emma Grace Hurley: 5th in the World to Her Marathon Debut in Chicago appeared first on SandyBoy Productions.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms of Change: Embracing Innovation in Tradition Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-09-26-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 静かな秋の日、京都植物園は紅葉で美しい。En: On a quiet autumn day, the Kyoto Botanical Garden was beautiful with the autumn leaves.Ja: 木々は赤や黄色に染まり、風が優しく草木を撫でる。En: The trees were dyed in reds and yellows, and the wind gently caressed the plants.Ja: 珍しく咲く桜の木がその中で幻想的な雰囲気を醸し出している。En: Rarely blooming cherry trees created a magical atmosphere among them.Ja: この日は秋分の日、特別な花見イベントが開催されていた。En: It was the Autumnal Equinox Day, and a special cherry blossom viewing event was being held.Ja: ハルトはその場にいた。En: Haru was there.Ja: 彼は風景設計士で、自然の中にいると心が落ち着く。En: He is a landscape designer, and being in nature calms his heart.Ja: この日、彼は忙しい仕事から少し離れ、未来について考える時間を得ようとしていた。En: On this day, he wanted to take a break from his busy work and have some time to think about the future.Ja: 彼の心の中には、伝統的なデザインに従うべきだとする仕事のプレッシャーと、自分の個性や新しいアイデアを仕事に取り入れたいという気持ちが常に葛藤していた。En: In his mind was a constant struggle between the pressure to adhere to traditional designs at work and the desire to incorporate his own personality and new ideas into his work.Ja: 一緒に来ていたのは、東京から訪れた幼なじみのユキと大学生の妹桜。En: With him were his childhood friend Yuki, visiting from Tokyo, and his younger sister Sakura, a university student.Ja: ユキは幼い頃からハルトと共に時間を過ごし、彼のことをよく理解している。En: Yuki has spent time with Haru since they were young and understands him well.Ja: 桜は好奇心旺盛で、どんなことにも楽しみを見つける性格だ。En: Sakura is curious and has a personality that finds joy in everything.Ja: 三人はのんびりと園内を歩きながら会話を楽しんでいた。En: The three were leisurely walking through the garden while enjoying their conversation.Ja: 「ハルト、大丈夫？最近、何か悩んでいるように見えるよ」とユキが心配そうに尋ねた。En: "Haru, are you okay? Lately, you seem to be troubled about something," Yuki asked with concern.Ja: ハルトは少し考え、ため息をついてから話し始めた。En: Haru thought for a moment, sighed, and then began to speak.Ja: 「実は、仕事で悩んでるんだ。伝統的なデザインを求められるけど、自分の思う新しいスタイルを試してみたいんだ。」En: "Actually, I'm struggling with work. They want traditional designs, but I want to try my new style."Ja: 「なんで試してみないの？」と桜が興味津々に質問した。En: "Why don't you try it?" Sakura asked, full of curiosity.Ja: 「簡単じゃないんだ」とハルトは答えた。En: "It's not that simple," Haru replied.Ja: 「職場では、型にはまったものが安心だと思われているから。」En: "At work, they think sticking to the norm is safe."Ja: 三人は園内を巡り、とうとう満開の桜の木の下にたどり着いた。En: The three wandered around the garden and finally arrived under a full-bloom cherry tree.Ja: 紅葉に囲まれながらも、桜はまるで春のように美しく咲き誇っていた。En: Even surrounded by autumn leaves, the cherry blossoms were blooming beautifully as if it were spring.Ja: 「見て、ハルト。この桜はみんなとは違うね。それでもこんなに美しいよ」とユキが言った。En: "Look, Haru. This cherry tree is different from the others, but it's still so beautiful," Yuki said.Ja: 「そうだよ、いいじゃない。自分らしく生きてみようよ」と桜がニコッと笑った。En: "That's right, isn't it? Why not live true to yourself?" Sakura smiled brightly.Ja: ハルトは目を閉じ、その瞬間に感じる静けさの中で何かが変わった。En: Haru closed his eyes, and in the stillness of that moment, something changed.Ja: 自分が本当にやりたいことは自分のスタイルで作り上げることだと気づいた。En: He realized what he truly wanted to do was create in his own style.Ja: 最後に彼は決意を固めた。En: Finally, he made a firm decision.Ja: 「ありがとう、君たちのおかげで目が覚めたよ。今度のプロジェクトで、自分のアイデアを提案してみる。」En: "Thank you, you two. You've opened my eyes. I'll propose my idea for the next project."Ja: 翌日、ハルトは職場に戻り、新しいプロジェクトとして伝統と革新を融合したデザインを提案することを決意した。En: The next day, Haru returned to work, determined to propose a design that fused tradition with innovation for a new project.Ja: 彼の心には、家族、友達、そして日本の美が融合したビジョンがあった。En: In his heart, he held a vision that blended family, friends, and the beauty of Japan.Ja: ハルトは自信を持って新しい道を歩み始めた。En: Haru began to walk a new path with confidence.Ja: 伝統を大切にしながらも、自分らしい革新を加えることで、彼の仕事はより豊かなものとなった。En: By valuing tradition while adding his own innovations, his work became richer.Ja: 桜の木の下での日々が、彼の気持ちを変え、未来を明るく照らしたのだった。En: The days under the cherry tree changed his feelings and lit up his future brightly. Vocabulary Words:autumnal: 秋分botanical: 植物園caressed: 撫でるrarely: 珍しくequilibrium: 均衡landscape: 風景adhere: 従うtraditional: 伝統的struggle: 葛藤pressure: プレッシャーinnovation: 革新determined: 決意fusion: 融合vision: ビジョンstrolling: のんびりprosperous: 豊かenlightenment: 目が覚めたilluminated: 照らしたpropose: 提案surrounded: 囲まれるblooming: 咲くcuriosity: 興味津々tranquility: 静けさincorporate: 取り入れるcherish: 大切にするgratitude: おかげwandered: 巡りoriginality: 個性tranquil: 落ち着くmagnificence: 幻想的

“I haven't really taken the time to appreciate it yet. I think if you had told me on the front end that was going to happen, I would have been floored. But now I'm just like, okay, I gotta refocus on marathon training.”My guest for today's episode is Emma Grace Hurley and since we last had her on in May, a lot has happened. She went to Copenhagen last weekend and finished fifth at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in a personal best of 1:06:23, an American record for an all-women's race. She also helped the United States women's team claim the silver medal — a result that, going into the day, wasn't even on anyone's radar. The team went 5th, 6th, and 7th with her, Weini Kelati, and Jess McClain all finishing within 30 seconds of each other, and the photo of the three of them at the finish is one of those American women's distance running moments that we want to blow up into a poster.In 19 days, she runs the Chicago Marathon for her debut at the distance. So there was no easing into the post-Copenhagen glow, no week off, no victory lap. She got home, got drug tested, and went back to training.Emma Grace is an ASICS athlete who trains under Andrew and Amy Begley at Heartland Track Club in Indianapolis. She came into this season as the American record holder at 8K, won the USATF 10-Mile title at Cherry Blossom, and finished second at the USATF 5K Championships in her own city. The Copenhagen team silver was the chapter that closed out the Atlanta misdirection story from March, where she was one of the three athletes who was sent off course in the closing mile of the US half marathon championships and ultimately earned her spot in Copenhagen through the special exception World Athletics granted.Discussed in this episode:– Copenhagen hasn't settled in yet– Why Chicago– The two-marathon plan before the Olympic Trials– Coach Andrew Begley's training philosophy– The Jenny Simpson's quote that she carries– The heat disruption in Indiana this Summer– What the Mini 10K taught her– What Falmouth taught her– The Copenhagen race plan — and where it went sideways– The photo at the finish line with Jess McClain– American women's distance depth– The Copenhagen post-race chaos– Andrew's assessment post-race– The women's-only record bonus– What she doesn't know she doesn't know– How to cheer for her in Chicago– Why she's a little sad marathon training is almost over____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: OLIPOP's Citrus Rush packs apple, lemon, lime, and orange juices with 60mg of green tea caffeine for a bold, refreshing blast of flavor ready to fuel your next adventure. If you haven't had tried Olipop yet, grab a can and see what the hype is all about!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALTRA: The new Vanish Carbon 3 was built for race day. A patent-pending split-toe carbon plate delivers the rigidity you need for speed while letting the big toe engage in a more powerful way. Underneath it, a supercritical two-piece full PEBA foam — Altra's lightest and most responsive ever. And Altra's Racing FootShape leaves room for your toes to splay and generate power. Don't just run. Vanish. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Head to ⁠⁠AltraRunning.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS10 for 10% off your first purchase.⁠⁠⁠⁠SUUNTO: The Suunto Run 2 is their new flagship watch built specifically for road running and the marathon. You get around 10 days of battery with daily use and 24 hours in performance mode with dual frequency GPS. The watch also tracks your sleep, HRV, and training balance, so you know when to push and when to back off in your workouts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're in the market for a new watch, check out the Suunto Run 2⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Over the last few days, I simply couldn't help but visit the various botanical highlights where flowering trees attract loads of people for a walk. Years ago, I worked in Japan on a regular basis, where the Cherry Blossoms traditionally attract millions of people having lunch under those magnificent trees. Once you've seen that spectacle, you won't forget it in a hurry! This year is a brilliant one, especially in Christchurch (and the surrounding towns). Not just the botanic garden, where displays are always unique, but also the classic Cantabrian private gardens. Blossoms on an apple tree in Lincoln. Photo / Supplied It's a busy week at the Halswell Quarry, where parking is at a premium, especially on the weekend. For the past few decades, the development of the old quarry environment has not only focused on our native vegetation, trees and shrubs and useful Ornithological sites, but also on magnificent varieties of Cherry Blossom, grown in traditional ways. Different Cherry varieties. Photo / Supplied It may not come as a surprise that the Halswell Quarry has some botanical areas of international origin. The sister city connections show Kurashiki (Japan), Gansu Province (China), and Songpa-Gu from Korea. And they all have their own specific species and varieties that will attract gardeners. What I really enjoy about this time of the year is that many new sub-divisions around the Christchurch and general Canterbury area show gardeners the value of planting these lovely trees that attract pollinators, birds, and heaps of native insects in your garden. A wild Lincoln blossom tree. Photo / Supplied There are some great companies that support a wide variety of Cherry Blossoms – have a look at what's brilliant in your neck of the woods and pick what lights up your garden! LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Japan has been on your travel bucket list – the ancient temples, the bustling city streets, the cherry blossoms, the food – then this episode is going to move that trip from “someday” to “I’m booking this.” Elizabeth, along with her colleague Leah, put together an amazing trip you will want to join in […]

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms & Beginnings: A Spring Reunion in Tokyo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-08-21-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 静かな春の日、東京の新宿御苑では、美しい桜が満開です。En: On a quiet spring day, the Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom.Ja: 人々は桜の木の下に集まり、花見を楽しんでいます。En: People gather under the cherry trees, enjoying hanami.Ja: 柔らかな笑い声と、軽やかな桜の花びらがそよ風に揺れる音が広がります。En: Soft laughter and the gentle sound of cherry blossom petals swaying in the breeze spread all around.Ja: その中を歩いているのは、ハナとカイト、旧友です。En: Walking among them are Hana and Kaito, old friends.Ja: 二人は大学の頃の友人ですが、忙しい社会人生活でしばらく会うことができませんでした。En: The two were college friends, but they haven't been able to see each other for a while due to their busy working lives.Ja: ハナは真剣で、少し不安を抱える若い会社員です。En: Hana is a serious and slightly anxious young company employee.Ja: 最近仕事のために東京に戻ってきましたが、心の中ではもっと自由で、楽しい生活を望んでいます。En: She recently returned to Tokyo for work but deep down, she longs for a freer, more enjoyable life.Ja: 一方、カイトはのんびりとした性格のアーティストです。En: In contrast, Kaito is a laid-back artist.Ja: 彼は自分の創造力を取り戻すための新しいインスピレーションを求め、東京にやってきました。En: He's come to Tokyo seeking new inspiration to regain his creativity.Ja: 桜の木の下で偶然再会した二人は、とても驚きました。En: The two unexpectedly reunited under the cherry trees and were very surprised.Ja: 「久しぶりだね、ハナ！」とカイトが声をかけます。En: "Hisashiburi da ne, Hana!" Kaito called out.Ja: 「本当に偶然だね」と答えるハナの顔も、嬉しそうにほころんでいます。En: "Hontou ni guuzen da ne," replied Hana, her face breaking into a joyful smile.Ja: 二人は思い出話をしながら、園内を歩き始めました。En: As they began walking through the park, reminiscing, Hana was conflicted inside.Ja: 桜の美しさを満喫しながら、ハナは心の中で迷っていました。En: She didn't want to disrupt her stable life, but she wanted to reclaim her former self.Ja: 今の安定した生活を壊したくない。でも、昔の自分を取り戻したい。そんな葛藤の中で、カイトの存在はこれまでと違う選択肢を示してくれるように感じられます。En: In the midst of such internal conflict, Kaito's presence seemed to offer a different choice.Ja: 一方、カイトも悩んでいました。En: Kaito was also troubled.Ja: 久しぶりに絵を描くことへの不安。失われた創造力は本当に戻せるのか？En: His anxiety about drawing again after so long and whether his lost creativity could truly be regained was weighing on him.Ja: 彼はそのことをハナに話そうかと考えていますが、躊躇しています。En: He considered whether to talk about it with Hana, but hesitated.Ja: それでも、桜の下で過ごす時間は限られています。En: Yet, their time under the cherry blossoms was limited.Ja: ハナは勇気を出して言いました。「カイト、一緒に東京の春を描いてみない？」En: Gathering her courage, Hana said, "Kaito, issho ni Tokyo no haru wo egaite minai?"Ja: その提案は彼の心に小さな火を灯しました。En: That suggestion lit a small fire in his heart.Ja: 二人は桜の美しさをテーマにしたアートプロジェクトを始めることにしました。En: The two decided to start an art project with the beauty of the cherry blossoms as their theme.Ja: ハナは仕事を休んで、カイトと共に創作の時間を作り出しました。En: Hana took time off work and created time for creativity together with Kaito.Ja: 「また会って、一緒に作品を続けましょう」とカイトは笑顔で言いました。En: "Let's meet again and continue working on this together," Kaito said with a smile.Ja: ハナはかつての自分を一緒に取り戻し、新しい自分に出会えました。En: Hana reclaimed her former self and met a new side of herself.Ja: カイトもまた自信を取り戻し、次の作品への情熱を感じています。En: Kaito also regained his confidence and felt a renewed passion for his next work.Ja: 桜の季節は儚いけれど、それが逆に彼らに力を与えました。En: Although the cherry blossom season is fleeting, it paradoxically gave them strength.Ja: この新しいプロジェクトは、彼らの友人関係をさらに深めるとともに、それぞれにとって新しい一歩となりました。En: This new project not only deepened their friendship but also became a new step forward for both of them.Ja: 春の終わりに近づく中、再び彼らは次の満開の桜の下で会うことを楽しみにしています。En: As they near the end of spring, they look forward to meeting again under the next full bloom of cherry blossoms. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 花びらgather: 集まりbreeze: そよ風swaying: 揺れるreminds: 思い出すconflicted: 葛藤anxious: 不安longs: 望んでいますflickered: ほころんでいますdisrupt: 壊したくないreclaim: 取り戻したいstable: 安定したoffered: 示してくれるhesitated: 躊躇していますcourage: 勇気beauty: 美しさproject: プロジェクトcommitment: 拘りconfidence: 自信fleeting: 儚いparadoxically: 逆にstrength: 力renewed: 取り戻すcreativity: 創造力inspiration: インスピレーションrekindled: 灯しましたlimited: 限られていますregain: 戻せるtheme: テーマfriendship: 友人関係

Fluent Fiction - Korean: Lost and Found: An Unforgettable Day at the Cherry Blossom Fest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2026-08-16-22-34-02-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 서울의 아름다운 여름날, 하늘은 맑고 벚꽃 축제가 한창이었다.En: On a beautiful summer day in Seoul, the sky was clear, and the cherry blossom festival was in full swing.Ko: 벚꽃나무 가지엔 알록달록한 등불이 매달려 있었고, 거리에는 사람들로 가득 찼다.En: Colorful lanterns hung from the branches of the cherry blossom trees, and the streets were filled with people.Ko: 거리의 음식 냄새가 코끝을 간질이며, 사람들의 웃음소리와 간식이 지글거리는 소리가 공기에 가득했다.En: The smell of street food tickled their noses, and laughter mixed with the sizzling sounds of snacks filled the air.Ko: 미래의 탐험가 민서는 전설적인 떡볶이 가판대를 찾길 원했다.En: Aspiring explorer Minseo wanted to find the legendary tteokbokki stall.Ko: 이곳에 오기 전부터 인스타그램에서 몇 번 본 떡볶이를 꿈꾸며 입맛이 돌았다.En: From before coming here, Minseo's mouth watered, dreaming about tteokbokki that Minseo had seen a few times on Instagram.Ko: 지수는 전체적인 계획을 세우는 데 능숙했지만, 이런 인파 속에서는 약간 당황했다.En: Jisoo was skilled at making overall plans but felt slightly flustered in such a crowd.Ko: 대중은 어떤 상황에서도 낙천적인 사람이었고, 친구들 사이에서 늘 화해자가 되었다.En: Daejung was an optimistic person in any situation and always the peacemaker among friends.Ko: "여기 너무 복잡해!" 지수가 소리를 질렀다.En: "It's too crowded here!" Jisoo shouted.Ko: "우리 지금 어디 있는 거야?"En: "Where are we right now?"Ko: "괜찮아," 대중이 웃으며 말했다.En: "It's okay," Daejung said with a smile.Ko: "이럴 땐 순간을 즐기는 게 중요해."En: "In times like these, it's important to enjoy the moment."Ko: "근데, 떡볶이... 어디에 있지?" 민서가 길을 잃은 채로 중얼거렸다.En: "But, the tteokbokki... where is it?" Minseo murmured, lost.Ko: 전화의 GPS는 수많은 사람들로 인해 정확하지 않았다.En: The GPS on the phone wasn't accurate because of the numerous people.Ko: "휴대폰에 너무 의존하지 말고," 민서가 갑자기 말했다.En: "Don't rely too much on the phone," Minseo suddenly said.Ko: "코를 믿어보자. 냄새를 따라가자."En: "Let's trust our noses and follow the smell."Ko: 지수는 불안해했고, 대중은 민서의 아이디어에 동의했다.En: Jisoo was anxious, but Daejung agreed with Minseo's idea.Ko: 그들은 민서의 선두에 따라 움직이기 시작했다.En: They began to move, following Minseo's lead.Ko: 한참을 간 그들은 드디어 떡볶이 가판대 앞에 도착했다.En: After a long while, they finally arrived in front of the tteokbokki stall.Ko: 하지만 그곳은 그냥 평범한 간식 부스였다.En: However, it was just a normal snack booth.Ko: 실망한 채, 민서가 갑자기 외쳤다. "지갑! 내 지갑이 없어졌어!"En: Disappointed, Minseo suddenly exclaimed, "Wallet! My wallet is gone!"Ko: 그러나 곧 한 상인이 다가와 말을 걸었다.En: Soon, a vendor approached and spoke.Ko: "걱정 마세요. 오늘의 모험을 보고는 기쁘게 간식 몇 가지 드릴게요."En: "Don't worry. I'll happily give you some snacks after seeing today's adventure."Ko: 친절한 상인의 제안에 그들은 모두 감동하며 웃음을 터뜨렸다.En: They were all touched by the kind vendor's offer and burst into laughter.Ko: 하루의 해프닝에 대해 이야기를 나누며, 민서는 깨달았다. "여정이 이렇게나 중요할 줄이야."En: Sharing stories about the day's happenings, Minseo realized, "I never knew how important the journey could be."Ko: 그날 밤, 민서는 목적지보다는 서로의 함께한 시간이 더욱 소중하다는 것을 배웠고, 지수는 계획에서 벗어난 경험도 즐거울 수 있음을 깨달았다. 그리고 대중은 늘 그렇듯이 친구들 사이의 평화를 지켰다.En: That night, Minseo learned that spending time together was more precious than the destination, Jisoo discovered that experiences off the plan could be enjoyable too, and Daejung, as always, maintained peace among friends.Ko: 그들은 벚꽃 나무 아래에서 받은 간식을 나누며 하루를 마무리했다.En: They finished the day by sharing snacks under the cherry blossom trees.Ko: 그리고 서울의 여름밤은 다시 평화로워졌다.En: And the summer night in Seoul returned to its tranquility again. Vocabulary Words:aspiring: 미래의legendary: 전설적인flustered: 당황했다optimistic: 낙천적인peacemaker: 화해자murmured: 중얼거렸다numerous: 수많은vendor: 상인exclaimed: 외쳤다adventure: 모험touches: 감동realized: 깨달았다experiences: 경험plan: 계획destination: 목적지confidence: 신뢰situation: 상황precious: 소중하다tranquility: 평화롭다aspire: 꿈꾸다tickled: 간질였다crowded: 가득 찼다laughter: 웃음소리journey: 여정adventure: 모험discovered: 발견했다follow: 따르다happenings: 해프닝rely: 의존trust: 믿다

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Cherry Blossoms to Rain: A Festival's Unlikely Heroes Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-08-10-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日が輝く北海道の小さな町、桜が満開の時期を迎えていました。En: On a bright summer day in a small town in Hokkaido, it was the season when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.Ja: 町の人々はオボン祭りの準備に忙しい季節です。En: The townspeople were busy preparing for the Obon festival.Ja: 桜さんは地元のコミュニティオーガナイザーとして、今年の祭りを最高のものにしたいと考えていました。En: Sakura-san, who was a local community organizer, wanted to make this year's festival the best ever.Ja: しかし、彼女は多くの仕事を任されながらも、その努力が評価されないことに悩んでいました。En: However, she was troubled by the fact that her efforts were not being appreciated despite being entrusted with many tasks.Ja: 一方、東京から引っ越してきたばかりのカイトさんは、この町に慣れようとしていました。En: Meanwhile, Kaito-san, who had just moved from Tokyo, was trying to get accustomed to the town.Ja: 彼は芸術的な才能を持っていましたが、静かな性格のため、なかなか人と打ち解けることができませんでした。En: Although he had artistic talent, he found it difficult to connect with people due to his quiet personality.Ja: 祭りの日、桜さんはボランティアの一人一人に声をかけ、心を込めて話すことに決めました。En: On the day of the festival, Sakura-san decided to speak to each volunteer and talk to them sincerely.Ja: 彼女はカイトさんにも声をかけ、彼のデザインの才能を認め、祭りのためのランタン作りをお願いしました。En: She also reached out to Kaito-san, recognized his design talent, and asked for his help in creating lanterns for the festival.Ja: カイトさんは少し不安でしたが、桜さんの優しさに触発され、協力することにしました。En: Although Kaito-san was a bit anxious, he was inspired by Sakura-san's kindness and decided to collaborate.Ja: オボン祭りの当日、町の中央公園は賑やかでした。En: On the day of the Obon festival, the town's central park was bustling.Ja: 色とりどりのデコレーションと桜の花が公園を飾り、家族や子供たちの笑顔があふれていました。En: The park was adorned with colorful decorations and cherry blossoms, and smiles were abundant among families and children.Ja: 祭りが盛り上がる中、突然の大雨が降り始め、パニックが広がりました。En: As the festival was in full swing, a sudden heavy rain began to fall, causing panic to spread.Ja: 桜さんとカイトさんはすぐに対応しました。En: Sakura-san and Kaito-san responded immediately.Ja: 屋外から室内への移動を決め、みんなで協力して飾り付けをし直しました。En: They decided to move the event indoors, and everyone worked together to redecorate.Ja: カイトさんのデザインしたランタンは、室内を美しく彩りました。En: The lanterns designed by Kaito-san beautifully illuminated the indoor space.Ja: 彼の創造力と桜さんのリーダーシップで、祭りは無事に続けられることができました。En: Thanks to his creativity and Sakura-san's leadership, the festival was able to continue successfully.Ja: 室内の祭りは大成功でした。En: The indoor festival was a tremendous success.Ja: 町の人々は、桜さんとカイトさんの努力を心から称賛しました。En: The townspeople sincerely praised the efforts of Sakura-san and Kaito-san.Ja: 桜さんは人々の感謝の言葉を受け取り、自分が評価される喜びを感じました。En: Sakura-san received words of gratitude from the people, feeling the joy of being appreciated.Ja: そして、カイトさんも町の人々に受け入れられ、安全な居場所を見つけられたと感じました。En: Kaito-san also felt accepted by the townspeople and found a secure place for himself.Ja: 祭りの終わりには、桜さんとカイトさんは笑顔を交わし、これからも一緒に何かを成し遂げていこうと心に決めました。En: At the end of the festival, Sakura-san and Kaito-san exchanged smiles, deciding to accomplish more together in the future.Ja: 彼らは町の中心に立ち、暖かな日差しの中で、新しい絆を深めました。En: They stood in the heart of the town, under the warm sunlight, deepening their newfound bond. Vocabulary Words:bloom: 満開entrusted: 任されるaccustomed: 慣れようsincerely: 心を込めてtalent: 才能create: 作りanxious: 不安adorned: 飾りabundant: あふれていましたpanic: パニックresponded: 対応しましたilluminated: 彩りましたcreativity: 創造力leadership: リーダーシップsuccessfully: 無事にtremendous: 大成功praised: 称賛しましたgratitude: 感謝の言葉appreciated: 評価されるaccepted: 受け入れられsecure: 安全なbond: 絆quiet: 静かなcommunity organizer: コミュニティオーガナイザーfestival: 祭りvolunteer: ボランティアlanterns: ランタンdecorate: 飾り付けefforts: 努力hesitate: ためらう

In our last Coffee Break episode before we break for the summer, Nadine sits down with poet Rishi Dastidar to talk about his path into poetry (starting cold at age 30 after discovering Durs Grünbein's Ashes for Breakfast), the making of his new collection Cherry Blossom at Night Break, and how he's learned to let go of controlling what readers take from his work. They also get into his creative routine, why ambient noise beats silence, and his enduring, occasionally MRI-scanned, devotion to Everton FC.Highlights:2:30 – Discovering poetry by accident at a Borders bookstore9:00 – The funniest misinterpretation of one of his poems13:00 – Curating "Cherry Blossom at Night Break" from 100+ poems21:00 – Why you can write poetry anywhere, including the bus to Ikea39:00 – Hitting the wall, and why nothing gets thrown away44:00 – Redefining what "success" means as a writer49:00 – Everton, identity, and an MRI brain-scan football experimentRishi Dastidar's Recommendations:Ashes for Breakfast by Durs GrünbeinGrand Partita by Matthew McDonaldMartini Shot podcast by Rob LongFollow Rishi DastidarBuy Cherry Blossom at NightbreakPre- Order 'The Shadow Carver' PbBuy me a cup of coffee ☕️ | Buy books by my guestsFollow Me Bluesky | Substack | Instagram | Facebook | Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welkom in Solace Springs! Nieuwe bewoner Sophie zet alles op alles om haar eigen boekwinkel te beginnen in een woonboot. Ze krijgt hulp van de norse, en knappe, Luke. Vindt Sophie hier haar happy end? Uitgegeven door Luitingh Sijthoff Spreker: Kirsten Fennis

Adverse drug events cause 5-15% of admissions to hospital and drug-drug interactions make up about a fifth of these. Most common are pharmacodynamic situations where two drugs have a similar outcome thereby overdoing the intended outcome. Pharmacokinetic interactions are more complicated to understand as they're more indirect. For example, while medications are cleared by oxidative metabolism in the liver and gut, there are many drugs that interfere with the function of the cytochrome enzymes responsible. This can result in clearance of the first drug at too fast or too slow a rate.Polypharmacy has become more frequent over the decades with more than half of people over the age of 75 on five or more prescriptions. This episode examines some of the systems that have led to current rates of polypharmacy, and strategies for deprescribing safely in a given patient. We're REWINDing it nine years after it was first published to celebrate the career of Professor Ric Day who has just retired after sixty years of service at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. He has been a much-appreciated clinician and prolific research academic with several hundred published papers that have been cited more than forty thousand times.Chapters0:50 Prevalence of drug interactions5:52 Pharmacodynamic vs pharmacokinetic interactions 9:25 Cytochrome enzymes17:33 ACE inhibitors and more26:48 Strategies for deprescribingGuests Professor Richard Day AM MBBS, FRACP (St Vincent's Hospital; UNSW),Professor Sarah Hilmer AM PhD FRACP FAAHMS (Royal North Shore Hospital; Kolling Institute/ USyd). ProductionProduced by Mic Cavazzini DPhil. Music courtesy of FreeMusicArchive includes ‘Flying Pea' and ‘Cherry Blossom' by Daddy Scrabble and “Manly Nunn Steps Out” by Doctor Turtle. Music licenced from Epidemic Sound includes ‘Train Ride' (Instrumental) by Alex Kehm and ‘Yellow Leaf' by Autohacker. Image adapted for RACPAdd educational activity to MyCPD as educational activity or visit web page for a transcript and references.Key ReferencesLife-threatening drug interactions: what the physician needs to know [Internal Medicine Journal] Polypharmacy in older people: when should you deprescribe? [Medicine Today]

Jeff Malec kicks off “Chicago Month” on The Derivative with Chicago real estate powerhouse Tommy Choi of Weinberg Choi. Tommy lays out what really makes Chicago compelling as a place to live and invest—world-class food, underrated beaches, iconic bungalows, and relative affordability, while tackling the tough stuff around crime headlines, taxes, and politics. He breaks down post-pandemic migration, why inventory is so tight, how boomers with 2–3% mortgages and “Bank of Mom and Dad” shape the market, and why millennials are choosing flexibility and crypto over owning. Jeff and Tommy hit on stubbornly high rates, surging rents, condo special assessments, aging buildings, the limits of Loop office-to-resi conversions, and how AI and blockchain might (and might not) change the game. They wrap with a very Chicago detour into best burgers, dive bars, Wrigley in summer, and a few local hacks for seeing the city like a native. If you care about real estate as an asset class, Chicago as a case study in big-city risk and reward, or just want some elite burger intel, this one's for you.Chapters:00:00-01:00=Intro01:01–03:47 = Selling Chicago: Food, Beaches, Weather, Taxes, and Crime Headlines03:48–15:57 = Inventory Squeeze: Boomers, Millennials, Rates, and the Battle to Buy or Rent15:58–30:54 = Life as a Top Realtor: Relationships, Weekends, and the Business Behind the Billion30:55–43:32 = AI, Search, and the Future Home Hunt: How Tech Is Rewiring Real Estate43:33–59:19 = Commissions, Class Actions, and Blockchain: Cleaning Up the Real Estate Game59:20–1:07:10 =  The NAR Shake-Up1:07:11–1:22:19 =  Chicago Like a Local: Best Burgers, True Dive Bars, Wrigley, Cherry Blossoms, and City HacksFollow along with Tommy Choi on LinkedIn and X and be sure to check out his website at weinbergchoi.com!Don't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Derivative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, follow us on Twitter at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rcmAlts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign-up for our blog digest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Spring in Kyoto: A Tale of Courage, Friendship, and Resilience Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-06-11-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜の花が舞い散る春の京都。En: Spring in Kyoto, with cherry blossoms fluttering in the air.Ja: ある晴れた午後、高校の校庭では賑やかな声と笑顔があふれていました。En: On a clear afternoon, lively voices and smiles filled the high school yard.Ja: 校舎の陰から明るい応援や指示が聞こえてきます。En: From the shadows of the school building, cheerful encouragement and instructions could be heard.Ja: この日、京都の高校では陸上部の練習が行われていました。En: On this day, the track and field team was practicing at a high school in Kyoto.Ja: ナオキは一生懸命に走ります。En: Naoki runs with all his might.Ja: 彼は陸上競技のスター選手であり、近づく大会に向けて練習に力を入れています。En: He is a star athlete in track and field, putting effort into practice for the upcoming competition.Ja: しかし、心の奥では失敗を恐れる気持ちも隠れていました。En: However, deep down, he harbors a fear of failure.Ja: それでも、ひときわ努力を続けます。高校生活最後のチャンスを活かしたいのです。En: Nevertheless, he continues to exert great effort, determined to make the most of his last chance in high school.Ja: 親友のヒロシは、いつもナオキを支えてくれる存在です。En: His best friend, Hiroshi, is always there to support Naoki.Ja: 彼は声をかけます。「頑張れ、ナオキ！いけるよ！」En: He calls out, "You can do it, Naoki! You got this!"Ja: 二人は共に励まし合い、目標達成に向けて全力を尽くしています。En: Together, they encourage each other and give their all to achieve their goals.Ja: ある日、練習中に突然の悲劇が起こります。En: One day, an unexpected tragedy strikes during practice.Ja: ナオキが跳んだ瞬間、足に鋭い痛みが走りました。En: As Naoki jumps, a sharp pain shoots through his leg.Ja: 彼はその場に倒れ、苦しそうに顔を歪めます。En: He falls to the ground, grimacing in agony.Ja: すぐに駆け寄ったヒロシは心配そうに声をかけました。「大丈夫か？」En: Hiroshi rushes over and asks with concern, "Are you okay?"Ja: 病院で検査を受けた結果、ナオキはしばらく運動を避けるようにと言われました。En: After being examined at the hospital, Naoki is advised to avoid exercise for a while.Ja: 大会はもうすぐです。En: The competition is approaching fast.Ja: ナオキは焦ります。En: Naoki becomes anxious.Ja: 心の中では、回復を優先すべきか、大会に出場するために無理をするか、悩み続けていました。En: Inside, he continues to wrestle with whether he should prioritize recovery or push himself to compete.Ja: 学校に戻ると、クラスメートのアイコが気遣いの言葉をかけてくれました。En: Back at school, his classmate Aiko offers him words of comfort.Ja: 「ナオキ君、大変だったね。でも、ちゃんと休むのも大切だよ。」En: "Naoki-kun, that must have been tough, but it's important to rest properly too."Ja: アイコの優しい目にふれて、ナオキは少し心が軽くなります。En: Touched by Aiko's kind eyes, Naoki feels a bit lighter at heart.Ja: 数日後、重要な練習の日がやってきました。En: A few days later, an important practice day arrives.Ja: ナオキは決断を迫られます。En: Naoki faces a decision.Ja: 痛みを無視して無理をするか、長期的な健康を考えるかです。En: Should he ignore the pain and push through, or consider his long-term health?Ja: 彼は深呼吸をして、仲間がいるフィールドを見渡しました。En: He takes a deep breath and surveys the field where his teammates stand.Ja: 「チームを支える方法は他にもある。」ナオキは静かに自分に言い聞かせ、いったん断念することにしました。En: "There are other ways to support the team," Naoki quietly reassures himself and decides to give up for the time being.Ja: 彼はフィールドの端で控えながらも、声を張り上げてチームを応援し続けます。En: Even from the sidelines, he continues to cheer loudly for his team.Ja: 大会当日、ナオキはスタンドからチームメイトを励まし、見守ります。En: On the day of the competition, Naoki encourages and watches over his teammates from the stands.Ja: チームは見事に勝利を掴み取りました。En: The team captures a spectacular victory.Ja: ナオキは感動しながら、その瞬間を心に刻みました。En: Naoki, filled with emotion, cherishes the moment in his heart.Ja: ナオキはこの経験を通じ、自分の健康を大切にすることの大切さを学びました。En: Through this experience, Naoki learned the importance of taking care of his own health.Ja: また、状況に応じて柔軟に対応する新しい自己の在り方を見つけました。En: He also discovered a new way of being, adapting flexibly to the situation.Ja: 桜の花びらが舞う中、彼の笑顔は新しい春を迎えたようでした。En: As cherry blossom petals danced around him, his smile seemed to welcome a new spring. Vocabulary Words:fluttering: 舞い散るlively: 賑やかshadows: 陰encouragement: 応援instructions: 指示harbors: 隠れてdetermined: 活かしたいgrimacing: 顔を歪めますagony: 苦しそうexamined: 検査を受けたavoid: 避けるanxious: 焦りますwrestle: 悩み続けていましたprioritize: 優先comfort: 気遣いreassures: 言い聞かせsidelines: 控えspectacular: 見事にcherishes: 刻みましたadapting: 対応flexibly: 柔軟にpetals: 花びらdanced: 舞うsmile: 笑顔welcomes: 迎えたathlete: 選手competition: 大会teammates: 仲間victory: 勝利discover: 見つけました

Stupid News Extra 6-8-2026 …Come on, I just want to look at the Cherry Blossoms

Fall asleep under a moonlit sky, surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees, feeling the calm wind blow across your skin, and through the cherry blossom leaves. With peaceful 396 Hz ambient music in the background, and 5 Hz theta wave binaural beats, this relaxing soundscape is perfect for helping you fall into a deep a restful sleep for a full 8 hours. The 396 Hz frequency is associated with the Root Chakra, and is used to release fear, anxiety, negative emotions, and promote emotional healing and wellness. The continuous sleep music and nature sounds will help you stay asleep all night, waking up fully rested and recharged for the day. For a version of this episode without binaural beats, check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠8 Hour Sleep Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast. Thank you and sleep well!

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Renewed Bonds: Healing Amid Cherry Blossoms on Grundlovsdag Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-06-05-07-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: Solen skinnede blidt gennem de store vinduer i den psykiatriske afdeling i København.En: The sun gently shone through the large windows of the psychiatric ward in København.Da: Kirsebærtræerne udenfor blomstrede i lyserøde nuancer, og luften var fyldt med håb.En: The cherry trees outside bloomed in shades of pink, and the air was filled with hope.Da: Det var foråret, og Danmark fejrede Grundlovsdag.En: It was spring, and Danmark was celebrating Grundlovsdag.Da: En dag der symboliserede frihed og nyt håb.En: A day symbolizing freedom and new hope.Da: Soren, en arkitekt der for nylig havde været overvældet af arbejde, stod ved indgangen til afdelingen.En: Soren, an architect who had recently been overwhelmed with work, stood at the entrance of the ward.Da: Hans tanker var fyldt med skyld.En: His thoughts were filled with guilt.Da: Hans bror, Mikkel, havde kæmpet med mentale problemer længe, mens Soren havde været fanget i sin egen verden.En: His brother, Mikkel, had been struggling with mental issues for a long time while Soren had been caught up in his own world.Da: Afdelingen var lys og indbydende, meget anderledes end Soren havde forventet.En: The ward was bright and inviting, very different from what Soren had expected.Da: Han tog en dyb indånding, tvivlen stadig nagende i hans indre.En: He took a deep breath, doubt still gnawing inside him.Da: "Hej, Mikkel," sagde han, da han endelig trådte ind i rummet.En: "Hey, Mikkel," he said as he finally stepped into the room.Da: Mikkel sad ved vinduet, så stille og trækkende knæene op mod brystet.En: Mikkel sat by the window, so still and pulling his knees up to his chest.Da: Blikket hans var fjernt, men luften fyldtes snart af Soren's rolige stemme.En: His gaze was distant, but the air was soon filled with Soren's calm voice.Da: Astrid, en venlig sygeplejerske, nærmede sig diskret.En: Astrid, a kind nurse, discreetly approached.Da: "Han har haft det svært, men han kæmper.En: "He's had a tough time, but he's fighting.Da: Din tilstedeværelse betyder meget," hviskede hun beroligende.En: Your presence means a lot," she whispered reassuringly.Da: Soren nikkede taknemmeligt for hendes støtte.En: Soren nodded gratefully for her support.Da: Han satte sig ved siden af Mikkel, lod nogle øjeblikke passere i stilhed.En: He sat down next to Mikkel, letting a few moments pass in silence.Da: Fuglesang udenfor brød stilheden og skabte en varm atmosfære.En: Birds singing outside broke the silence and created a warm atmosphere.Da: "Mikkel, jeg er så ked af det.En: "Mikkel, I'm so sorry.Da: Jeg skulle have været her tidligere.En: I should have been here sooner.Da: Jeg var optaget og mistede fokus på det, der var vigtigt."En: I was caught up and lost focus on what was important."Da: Soren kiggede på sin bror med oprigtig skam.En: Soren looked at his brother with genuine shame.Da: Mikkel rystede langsomt på hovedet.En: Mikkel slowly shook his head.Da: "Det er okay, Soren," hviskede han næsten uimærkeligt.En: "It's okay, Soren," he whispered almost imperceptibly.Da: "Det var svært, men jeg forstår.En: "It was hard, but I understand.Da: Jeg følte mig bare...En: I just felt...Da: alene."En: alone."Da: De talte længe om fortiden, om de følelser, der havde drevet dem fra hinanden.En: They talked for a long time about the past, about the feelings that had driven them apart.Da: Astrid kom og gik, tjekkede ind på dem og gav dem plads, mens hun opfordrede til åben kommunikation.En: Astrid came and went, checking in on them and giving them space while encouraging open communication.Da: Hendes forståelse var som en stille støtte, blød som forårets lys udenfor.En: Her understanding was like a quiet support, soft as the spring light outside.Da: Gennem ord og tårer fandt brødrene hinanden igen.En: Through words and tears, the brothers found each other again.Da: "Vi starter forfra," sagde Soren med en klump i halsen.En: "We'll start over," said Soren with a lump in his throat.Da: "Jeg er her nu, og det vil jeg blive ved med at være.En: "I'm here now, and I'll continue to be.Da: Lad oss se fremad, sammen."En: Let's look forward, together."Da: De afsluttede dagen med en plan.En: They ended the day with a plan.Da: Soren lovede at besøge oftere og tilbragte tiden sammen med Mikkel ude i gården, hvor blomsterne duftede af en frisk begyndelse.En: Soren promised to visit more often and spent time with Mikkel out in the courtyard, where the flowers smelled of a fresh beginning.Da: Da det var tid for Soren at tage af sted, føltes afskeden ikke tung, men fyldt med løfter.En: When it was time for Soren to leave, the farewell did not feel heavy, but filled with promises.Da: "Vi ses snart," sagde Mikkel med et lille smil, mens Soren nikkede og krammede ham.En: "See you soon," said Mikkel with a small smile, while Soren nodded and hugged him.Da: For første gang følte de begge håb om en lysere fremtid.En: For the first time, they both felt hope for a brighter future.Da: I dag havde de ikke bare fejret Grundlovsdag, men også genopbyggelsen af deres bånd.En: Today, they had not only celebrated Grundlovsdag, but also the rebuilding of their bond.Da: Soren gik derfra med fornyet beslutsomhed, mens kirsebærblomsterne dalede ned omkring ham, som en blid påmindelse om forandring og vækst.En: Soren left with renewed determination, as cherry blossoms fell around him, a gentle reminder of change and growth. Vocabulary Words:gently: blidtbloomed: blomstredepsychiatric: psykiatriskeoverwhelmed: overvældetguilt: skyldinviting: indbydendegnawing: nagendediscreetly: diskretreassuringly: beroligendegratefully: taknemmeligtgaze: blikwhispered: hviskedeimperceptibly: uimærkeligtshame: skamdistant: fjerntsupport: støtteencouraging: opfordredeatmosphere: atmosfæredriven: drevetrebuilding: genopbyggelsenrefreshing: friskdetermination: beslutsomhedwhisper: hviskecelebrating: fejredecourtyard: gårdenfarewell: afskedrenewed: fornyetblossoms: blomstergrowth: væksthope: håb

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms and Hidden Codes: A Shinjuku Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-06-04-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の日曜日、東京にある新宿御苑は、桜の花でいっぱいでした。En: On a spring Sunday, Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo was filled with cherry blossoms.Ja: 晴れた空の下、ハルカとカズは園内を歩いていました。En: Under the clear sky, Haruka and Kazu were walking through the garden.Ja: ハルカは好奇心旺盛なフリーライターで、謎に興味がありました。En: Haruka, a curious freelance writer, was interested in mysteries.Ja: 一方、カズは現実的で慎重な幼なじみです。En: On the other hand, Kazu was a practical and cautious childhood friend.Ja: 彼はハルカの冒険心を心配しつつ見守っていました。En: He watched over Haruka, concerned about her adventurous spirit.Ja: 二人がある桜の木の下で休んでいると、一枚の紙が枝に刺さっているのを発見しました。En: As they rested under a cherry tree, they discovered a piece of paper stuck in the branches.Ja: それは奇妙な符号が書かれたメモでした。En: It was a note written in strange code.Ja: ハルカはそのメモを見て、目を輝かせました。En: Haruka looked at the note, her eyes sparkling.Ja: 「これ、謎解きかも！」ハルカは興奮して言いました。En: "This might be a puzzle!" Haruka exclaimed excitedly.Ja: カズは慎重にメモを見つめ、「でも、誰が書いたんだろう？」と少し不安げに尋ねました。En: Kazu looked at the note cautiously and asked, a little worried, "But who wrote it?"Ja: メモを手に取り、ハルカは考え込みました。En: Taking the note in her hands, Haruka pondered.Ja: 「誰かのメッセージかな？調べてみようよ！」En: "Could it be someone's message? Let's investigate!"Ja: カズはため息をつきましたが、「わかった。でも、変なトラブルには巻き込まれたくないよ。」とハルカに言いました。En: Kazu sighed but said to Haruka, "Alright. But I don't want to get caught up in any strange trouble."Ja: メモをじっくり見つめて、彼らはその内容を解読しようとしましたが、符号は非常に複雑でした。En: They stared intently at the note, trying to decipher it, but the code was incredibly complex.Ja: その時、カズの顔が困惑で曇りました。En: At that moment, Kazu's face clouded with confusion.Ja: 「これは難しそうだね。」En: "This seems difficult."Ja: 突然、近くにいた他の来園者たちが興味を示し始め、二人を取り囲みました。En: Suddenly, other visitors nearby started showing interest and gathered around them.Ja: その圧力の中でも、ハルカは落ち着きを失いませんでした。En: Even under that pressure, Haruka remained calm.Ja: 「もう、プロに頼むしかないわ。En: "We have no choice but to ask a pro.Ja: 暗号解読の専門家の友達に聞いてみる！」と彼女は決意しました。En: I'll ask my friend who's an expert in code-breaking!" she decided.Ja: その後、彼女たちは公園のベンチに座り、静かに待ちました。En: Afterward, they sat quietly on a park bench.Ja: すると、近くで誰かが小声で話しているのが聞こえてきました。「彼女たちも参加するのかな？」En: Then, they overheard someone nearby speaking in a low voice, "Are they joining too?"Ja: ハルカとカズは耳を澄ましました。En: Haruka and Kazu listened closely.Ja: どうやら、そのメモは現代の宝探しイベントの一部らしいことが分かりました。En: It seemed that the note was part of a modern treasure hunt event.Ja: 作者の名はユカリ。彼女はこの楽しいイベントを企画した謎の人物でした。En: The author was named Yukari, a mysterious person who designed this fun event.Ja: 「それなら、安全だし参加してみようか！」とハルカは嬉しそうに言いました。En: "In that case, it's safe, so why don't we join in!" Haruka said cheerfully.Ja: カズは不安を感じつつも、少しの冒険心が芽生えました。En: Though Kazu felt uneasy, a slight sense of adventure started to sprout.Ja: 「やってみよう。少し面白そうだね。」En: "Let's try it. It seems kind of fun."Ja: 彼らはイベントに参加し、様々な謎を解きながら新しい経験を楽しみました。En: They participated in the event, enjoying new experiences while solving various puzzles.Ja: そして、ただの公園の散歩が、本格的な冒険へと変わったのです。En: Just a simple park walk turned into a full-blown adventure.Ja: その日、ハルカは慎重さの大切さを学び、カズは新しい視点を得ることで、二人の友情はさらに強くなりました。En: That day, Haruka learned the importance of caution, and Kazu gained a new perspective, strengthening their friendship even further.Ja: 新宿御苑に咲き誇る桜のように、彼らの友情もより鮮やかに色づいていました。En: Like the cherry blossoms blooming vividly in Shinjuku Gyoen, their friendship also blossomed more vibrantly. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 花curious: 好奇心旺盛freelance: フリーmysteries: 謎practical: 現実的cautious: 慎重adventurous: 冒険心rested: 休んでbranches: 枝note: メモcode: 符号sparkling: 輝かせpuzzle: 謎解きpondered: 考え込みinvestigate: 調べてdecipher: 解読complex: 複雑confusion: 困惑clouded: 曇りましたpressure: 圧力calm: 落ち着きtreasure hunt: 宝探しevent: イベントauthor: 作者mysterious: 謎のcheerfully: 嬉しそうにuneasy: 不安adventure: 冒険strengthening: 強くvividly: 咲き誇る

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms & New Beginnings: Yui's Bold Leap Forward Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-06-03-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜の花びらが風に舞う横須賀基地の春の日、卒業式が始まりました。En: On a spring day at the Yokosuka Base, with cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind, the graduation ceremony began.Ja: 高校の最後の日、ゆいは白のガウンをまとい、晴れやかな表情で仲間たちと並んでいました。En: On her last day of high school, Yui donned a white gown and stood proudly with her peers.Ja: しかし、心の中には複雑な感情が渦巻いていました。En: However, a swirl of complicated emotions lingered within her heart.Ja: 彼女の横にいる健太は、ずっと友達であり、頼れる存在でした。En: Yui's friend Kenta stood beside her, a reliable presence she had always counted on.Ja: 「ゆい、大丈夫？今日は、新しい始まりだよ。」と優しく声をかけてくれました。En: "Are you okay, Yui? Today is a new beginning," he gently assured her.Ja: その反対側の美紀も、彼女に向かって微笑みました。「ゆい、あなたならできるよ。En: On her other side, Miki also smiled at her, saying, "You can do it, Yui.Ja: 私たちはどこにいても応援してるから。」En: We'll support you no matter where you are."Ja: ゆいは小さく頷きましたが、心の中の不安は消えませんでした。En: Yui nodded slightly, but the anxiety within her remained.Ja: 彼女は海洋生物学を学びたいとずっと思ってきました。En: She had always wanted to study marine biology.Ja: でも家族はこの地に深く根を下ろしており、伝統的な軍人一家の期待もありました。En: Yet, her family was deeply rooted in this land, burdened with the expectations of a traditional military family.Ja: 「遠くへ行くべきか、ここに残るべきか」それがずっと彼女を悩ませていたのです。En: "Should I go far away, or should I stay here?" This question had been troubling her for a long time.Ja: 卒業式が進み、ゆいは演壇に立つ番になりました。En: As the graduation ceremony proceeded, Yui's turn to stand at the podium came.Ja: 会場は傍らの桜の花の香りで満たされていました。En: The venue was filled with the scent of the nearby cherry blossoms.Ja: 彼女は深呼吸をし、スピーチを始めました。En: She took a deep breath and began her speech.Ja: 「皆さん、今私は大きな分かれ道に立っています。」彼女の声は震えていましたが、次第に力強くなっていきました。En: "Everyone, I am standing at a major crossroads now." Her voice trembled initially but gradually grew stronger.Ja: 「私はずっと自分をこのコミュニティの一員として大切にしてきました。でもこれからは、自分の夢も大切にしたいと思います。」En: "I've always cherished being a part of this community, but from now on, I want to cherish my dreams too."Ja: 家族や友達が見守る中、彼女は自分の心の中の不安を画面越しに、あるいは会場にいる仲間たちに向けて話しました。En: With family and friends watching over her, she spoke to those present in the venue and those watching remotely about the anxiety in her heart.Ja: 「私には海を学び、新しい事を知り、成長するチャンスがあること、それがどれほど幸運かを知っています。」En: "I know how fortunate I am to have the chance to learn about the sea, discover new things, and grow."Ja: その後、彼女は静かに決意を口にしました。En: Then she quietly voiced her resolve.Ja: 「私は夢を追いかけるために遠くの大学に行こうと思います。En: "I have decided to go to a distant university to pursue my dreams.Ja: 皆さんの支えが私の力になりました。」En: Your support has been my strength."Ja: 周囲は拍手で包まれ、彼女は涙ぐみました。でもそれは喜びの涙でした。En: The surroundings erupted in applause, and she was moved to tears—tears of joy, however.Ja: 桜の花びらが舞う中、彼女の家族は誇らしげに微笑んでいました。En: Amid the swirling cherry blossom petals, her family smiled proudly.Ja: 彼らはゆいの決断を応援することに決めていました。En: They had decided to support Yui's decision.Ja: 式が終わった後、ゆいは軽やかな足取りで式場を後にしました。En: After the ceremony ended, Yui left the venue with buoyant steps.Ja: 彼女の心は新たな冒険への期待でいっぱいでした。En: Her heart was filled with anticipation for new adventures.Ja: 彼女は今、確信を持っていました。En: Now, she was confident.Ja: 自分ならできる。En: She could do it.Ja: 故郷の誇りを持ちながら、新しい世界で自身の道を切り開いていこうと。En: With pride in her hometown, she would forge her path in a new world.Ja: 桜の下、ゆいの未来は輝いていました。En: Beneath the cherry blossoms, Yui's future was shining brightly. Vocabulary Words:petals: 花びらdon: まとうgown: ガウンswirl: 渦巻くreliable: 頼れるpresence: 存在assure: 声をかけるanxiety: 不安marine biology: 海洋生物学rooted: 根を下ろすburdened: 悩ませるexpectations: 期待podium: 演壇venue: 会場scent: 香りcrossroads: 分かれ道trembled: 震えるcherished: 大切にするresolve: 決意distant: 遠くのapplause: 拍手buoyant: 軽やかなanticipation: 期待forge: 切り開くbeneath: 下emotions: 感情peers: 仲間たちtrembled: 震えるremotely: 画面越しにfortunate: 幸運

“By the time we get there, I don't think we'll leave any stone unturned for the first one. There's still room to grow, but I do think I'll be very ready.”My guest for today's episode is Emma Grace Hurley: an ASICS athlete and one of the most consistent American road racers of the last two years. She trains under Andrew and Amy Begley at Heartland Track Club in Indianapolis, and in 2026 she has already set the American Record at 8K (24:29 at the Shamrock Shuffle), won the USATF 10-Mile title at Cherry Blossom, won the 25K title at the Gate River Run and finished second at the USATF 5K Championships in her own city, running 15:00 flat to miss the sub-15 barrier by four-tenths of a second.She is also, as of this week, officially confirmed as one of the scoring members of the U.S. half marathon team for Copenhagen — one of the three athletes who were misdirected in the closing mile of the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta in March. World Athletics granted a special exception that will allow seven American women to compete, with Jess McClain, Emma Grace, and Ednah Kurgat as the scoring athletes alongside Weini Kelati. The top three official finishers — Molly Born, Carrie Ellwood, and Annie Rodenfels — will make their international debuts as non-scoring athletes.What makes Emma Grace one of the more interesting stories in American distance running right now is the shape of her career. She graduated from Furman in 2020 with a 15:57 5K personal best, quit running entirely, took a client associate job at JP Morgan, and did not think she was coming back to the sport. She is now a 15:00 road 5K runner, an 8K American record holder, a national 10-mile champion, and a two-event Worlds qualifier. She has not run a marathon yet — it's happening this fall.In this conversation, recorded in Brooklyn, we get into all of it: what it actually took to bounce back after Atlanta and immediately set a national record three weeks later, why she doesn't love the track but is a 15-flat road 5K runner, the Cherry Blossom 10-mile where she lost the overall by one second to a woman who finished seventh in the 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics, the moment she finally felt like the long slow build was paying off, and what scares her most about the marathon block ahead.____________Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠Guest: Emma Grace Hurley | @emmagracehurleyProduced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSXENDURANCE: Xendurance Protein is designed specifically to help your body recover, rebuild, and get stronger after training. It combines four different types of protein, so your body gets both fast absorbing protein for immediate recovery and slower release protein to support muscle repair over time. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check it out at Xendurance.com and use code CITIUS for 25% off your first order.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VELOUS: VELOUS makes recovery footwear designed to help runners bounce back faster between sessions. Their sandals feature Tri-Motion™ Technology: a technical three-density foam system and contoured footbed engineered to cushion impact, support your arches, and help your toes stretch and relax on every step. Run. Recover. Repeat. with VELOUS! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 20% off your VELOUS order with code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout including FREE Shipping!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OLIPOP: Raspberry Sherbet is a limited-edition, nostalgic new flavor that blends tangy raspberry with creamy vanilla. Every can of Olipop contains their Olismart blend, which includes ingredients designed to support digestive health and help feed your gut microbiome. If you haven't had tried Olipop yet, grab a can and see what the hype is all about!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.⁠⁠

Underwater Cherry Blossom Party by Leah by 826 Valencia

In this week's episode of "Running: State of the Sport," Jared Ward becomes our first two-time guest on the podcast. We can't think of anyone better.Ward placed 6th in the 2016 Rio Olympic Marathon without the super shoes worn by the podium finishers. Neither he nor anyone outside Nike even knew about super shoes at the time.He soon began working with Saucony on that company's line of super shoes, and continued running fast times in major marathons. Ward hit his marathon PR, 2:09:25, in the 2019 Boston Marathon.Perhaps more importantly, he mentored a gaggle of younger BYU graduates like Conner Mantz and Clayton Young to their significant marathon careers. He also helped form the public/private "Run Elite Program" to encourage professional running in Utah while promoting health and fitness to the wider population.After moving his wife and six kids to Oxford, England, where he pursued an Executive Business Administration degree, Ward returned to near-top form this spring. Now 37, he ran a personal best 46:49 for 10 miles at Cherry Blossom, and then finished second in the Pittsburgh Marathon.In this podcast, he explains why BYU running has reached such a high level, and what he sees in his own running and business future.For more about Ward, see his profile on the Run Elite website.WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioPocket CastsYouTube"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world's leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels."Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms and Allergies: A Day at Shinjuku Gyoen Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-23-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の晴れた日、佐藤と恵美子は新宿御苑にやって来ました。En: On a clear spring day, Sato and Emiko visited Shinjuku Gyoen.Ja: 東京の中心にあり、桜が満開で、心地よい風が吹いています。En: Located in the heart of Tokyo, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and a gentle breeze was blowing.Ja: 二人は都会の喧騒を忘れ、自然の中でリフレッシュしたいと思っていました。En: The two wanted to refresh themselves amid nature and forget the city's hustle and bustle.Ja: しかし、佐藤には問題がありました。En: However, Sato had a problem.Ja: 彼は重度の花粉アレルギーを持っています。En: He has a severe pollen allergy.Ja: 今日、彼は薬を忘れてしまいました。En: Today, he forgot his medication.Ja: 「どうしよう...」と佐藤は心の中でつぶやきます。En: "What should I do…" Sato muttered to himself.Ja: 「あっちに珍しい花があるよ！」と恵美子は興奮して言います。En: "Look, there's a rare flower over there!" Emiko said excitedly.Ja: 彼女は自然を愛し、庭園を巡るのが大好きです。En: She loves nature and enjoys exploring gardens.Ja: 佐藤は「うん、行こう」と答えますが、不安を隠し切れません。En: Sato replied, "Yeah, let's go," but he couldn't hide his anxiety.Ja: 桜の花びらが舞い、清々しい春の香りが漂う中、佐藤の目はかゆくなり始めました。En: Amid the swirling cherry blossom petals and the fresh scent of spring, Sato's eyes began to itch.Ja: 鼻もむずむずし、くしゃみが出そうです。En: His nose also tickled, and he felt a sneeze coming on.Ja: ですが、恵美子の楽しそうな表情を見て、佐藤は何とか自分を押さえます。En: However, seeing Emiko's delighted expression, Sato managed to hold himself back.Ja: 「楽しんでもらいたいんだ」と彼は自分に言い聞かせます。En: "I want her to enjoy herself," he told himself.Ja: 二人は庭園の奥深くへ進むと、花粉の量はどんどん増していきます。En: As the two ventured deeper into the garden, the amount of pollen increased.Ja: 「佐藤さん、大丈夫？」と恵美子が尋ねました。En: "Sato, are you okay?" Emiko asked.Ja: 彼は少し迷った後、ついに口を開きました。En: After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke up.Ja: 「実は...僕、花粉症なんだ。En: "Actually... I have pollen allergies.Ja: でも、今日は薬を家に忘れてきちゃって...」En: But I forgot my medicine at home today..."Ja: 恵美子は驚きましたが、すぐに笑いました。En: Emiko was surprised but quickly laughed.Ja: 「なんだ、そんなことなら最初から言ってよ。En: "Oh, if that's the case, you should have said from the start.Ja: もっとリラックスできる場所に行こう。」En: Let's go somewhere you can relax more."Ja: 佐藤はほっとしました。En: Sato felt relieved.Ja: 二人は園内のベンチに座り、少し離れたところから花を眺めました。En: The two sat on a bench in the garden and admired the flowers from a distance.Ja: 自然の美しさは遠くからでも十分に感じられました。En: The beauty of nature was still plenty appreciable even from afar.Ja: その日、佐藤は大切なことを学びました。En: That day, Sato learned something important.Ja: 「素直に言うことも、自分を守ることになるんだ」と感じました。En: "Expressing oneself honestly can also be a way to protect oneself," he realized.Ja: 恵美子も、誰かのために妥協することの大切さを理解しました。En: Emiko too understood the importance of compromising for someone else.Ja: 新宿御苑の木々が風に揺れる中、二人は微笑み、語り合いました。En: As the trees of Shinjuku Gyoen swayed in the wind, the two smiled and talked.Ja: 友情がさらに深まった一日でした。En: It was a day when their friendship deepened even further. Vocabulary Words:rare: 珍しいrefresh: リフレッシュhustle and bustle: 喧騒severe: 重度allergy: アレルギーmuttered: つぶやいたexcitedly: 興奮してanxiety: 不安ventured: 進むadmired: 眺めたappreciable: 感じられるexpressing: 素直に言うprotect: 守るcompromising: 妥協するfriendship: 友情blossoms: 花びらbreeze: 風swirling: 舞いscent: 香りitch: かゆいtickled: むずむずsneeze: くしゃみventured: 進むrelaxed: リラックスrelieved: ほっとしましたimportant: 大切realized: 感じましたexpressing: 素直にnature: 自然delighted: 楽しそう

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Sakura Resilience: An Unforgettable Cherry Blossom Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-22-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春のそよ風が桜の花びらを優しく揺らし、公園は一面のピンクで染まっていました。En: The spring breeze gently swayed the sakura petals, dyeing the whole park in pink.Ja: 桜祭りの季節がやってきました。En: The season of the sakura matsuri, or cherry blossom festival, had arrived.Ja: ハルトはウキウキしながら公園を見渡しました。En: Haruto looked around the park with excitement.Ja: 彼の目は輝き、心は胸を高鳴らせていました。En: His eyes sparkled, and his heart beat with anticipation.Ja: 今日は、彼にとって特別な日です。En: Today was a special day for him.Ja: 初めてのフェスティバル企画担当を任されたのです。En: He had been entrusted with planning the festival for the first time.Ja: しかし、その隣には、冷静で経験豊富なユキが立っていました。En: However, standing next to him was the calm and experienced Yuki.Ja: 「ハルトさん、大丈夫ですか？時間は限られていますよ」とユキは落ち着いた声で言いました。En: "Haruto-san, are you okay? Time is limited," Yuki said in a composed voice.Ja: 「大丈夫です、完璧なプランがありますから」とハルトは笑顔で答えましたが、彼の心の中には小さな不安が渦巻いていました。En: "I'm fine, because I have a perfect plan," Haruto replied with a smile, though a small anxiety swirled within him.Ja: ハルトはアイデアに満ちた心を持つのですが、ユキはもっと現実的な方法を好みます。En: While Haruto had a mind full of ideas, Yuki preferred more realistic approaches.Ja: ハルトは、今年の桜祭りを特別なものにしたいと考え、さまざまな斬新な企画を持ち込みました。En: Haruto wanted to make this year's sakura festival special and came up with various innovative plans.Ja: しかし、ユキはそのアイデアが実現可能かどうかを心配していました。En: However, Yuki was worried whether those ideas were feasible.Ja: その時、突然の雨が降り始め、空は灰色に覆われました。En: At that moment, a sudden rain began to fall, and the sky turned gray.Ja: 「どうしますか、ハルトさん？」ユキが問いかけました。En: "What should we do, Haruto-san?" Yuki asked.Ja: 「大丈夫です。プランBがあります」ハルトは言いました。En: "It's okay. We have Plan B," Haruto said.Ja: 彼はすぐに、来場者を屋内会場に誘導しました。En: He quickly guided the visitors to an indoor venue.Ja: その屋内会場は、急な変更に備えて準備されたものでした。En: The indoor venue had been prepared in anticipation of such unexpected changes.Ja: ハルトの提案で、ここにもいくつかのアクティビティが用意されていました。アート教室、和菓子作り体験、ミニコンサート。En: On Haruto's suggestion, several activities were set up there as well: an art class, traditional Japanese sweets making experience, and a mini concert.Ja: 意外にも、この変更は参加者たちに好評でした。En: Unexpectedly, this change received favorable feedback from the participants.Ja: 彼らは室内で心地よく過ごし、笑顔があふれました。En: They enjoyed their time indoors, smiles all around.Ja: フェスティバルが無事に終了した後、ユキはハルトに微笑みかけました。En: After the festival ended successfully, Yuki smiled at Haruto.Ja: 「よくやりましたね、ハルトさん。あなたのアイデアは本当に素晴らしかったです」と彼女は言いました。En: "Well done, Haruto-san. Your ideas were truly wonderful," she said.Ja: 「ユキさん、あなたがいなかったら、こんなにうまくいかなかった。ありがとう」とハルトは感謝の気持ちを込めて言いました。En: "Yuki-san, if it weren't for you, it wouldn't have gone so well. Thank you," Haruto replied with gratitude.Ja: こうして、ハルトは自分の挑戦が実を結び、ユキは彼の新しい感覚を尊重するようになりました。En: In this way, Haruto's challenge bore fruit, and Yuki came to respect his fresh perspective.Ja: 彼らはお互いの強みを認め合い、今後も共に素晴らしいイベントを作り上げていくことを誓いました。En: They acknowledged each other's strengths and vowed to create more wonderful events together in the future.Ja: 雨が降り続ける中、公園の桜は静かに揺れ、春の終わりと新しい絆の始まりを見守っていました。En: As the rain continued to fall, the sakura in the park swayed quietly, watching over the end of spring and the beginning of a new bond. Vocabulary Words:breeze: そよ風swayed: 揺らしentrusted: 任されたcomposed: 落ち着いたanxiety: 不安innovative: 斬新なfeasible: 実現可能anticipation: 高鳴らせてsparkled: 輝きrealistic: 現実的なvenue: 会場anticipation: 備えunexpected: 意外にもfeedback: 好評gratitude: 感謝challenge: 挑戦bore fruit: 実を結びfresh perspective: 新しい感覚bond: 絆mini concert: ミニコンサートaccompanied: 伴うtraditional: 和製gently: 優しくfestival: 祭りacknowledged: 認め合いart class: アート教室sweets making: 和菓子作りsmiles: 笑顔experienced: 経験豊富なindoor: 室内

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: The Lost Ring: A Surprise Proposal Over Hot Pot Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-05-20-22-34-01-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在这个温暖的春日，魏、莉莉和俊相约在一家热闹的火锅店。En: On this warm spring day, Wei, Lily, and Jun arranged to meet at a lively hot pot restaurant.Zh: 外面春光明媚，樱花飘落，天空湛蓝。En: Outside, the spring sunshine was bright, cherry blossoms were falling, and the sky was azure.Zh: 火锅店里，空气中弥漫着香料和热气，桌上冒着蒸汽，一片欢声笑语。En: Inside the hot pot restaurant, the air was filled with the aroma of spices and steam, and the table was buzzing with chatter and laughter.Zh: 魏坐在靠窗的位置，他心里藏着一个秘密——今天他打算向莉莉求婚。En: Wei sat by the window, with a secret in his heart—today he planned to propose to Lily.Zh: 他的口袋里，有一个精心挑选的订婚戒指。En: In his pocket was an engagement ring he had carefully chosen.Zh: 莉莉在他身旁，快乐地翻动着菜单，期待着这顿美餐，完全不知情。En: Lily sat beside him, happily flipping through the menu, eagerly anticipating the meal, completely unaware.Zh: 俊则静坐一旁，观察着朋友们。En: Jun sat quietly observing his friends.Zh: 不久后，火锅开涮，热气升腾，气氛温暖又放松。En: Before long, the hot pot started boiling, steam rose, and the atmosphere became warm and relaxed.Zh: 就在这时，魏表情淡定，却心跳加速，摸了摸口袋。En: At that moment, Wei kept a calm expression, but his heart was racing as he touched his pocket.Zh: 一丝恐慌抓住了他，戒指不见了！En: A slight panic seized him—the ring was missing!Zh: “怎么了，魏？”莉莉疑惑地问。En: “What's wrong, Wei?” Lily asked, puzzled.Zh: 魏稳住心神，决定将计就计，“似乎有个小惊喜不见了，帮我找找？”En: Wei steadied his mind and decided to make a game of it, "It seems a little surprise has gone missing. Can you help me find it?"Zh: 听到有惊喜，莉莉立刻兴奋起来，加入了寻找。En: Hearing there was a surprise, Lily immediately got excited and joined the search.Zh: “是什么惊喜呀？”她问道，眼神闪烁着好奇。En: "What kind of surprise?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.Zh: 俊微微一笑，没有说话，心底却知道一切。En: Jun smiled slightly but said nothing, knowing everything inside.Zh: 他们翻找着，火锅的香气萦绕在旁，三人仿佛进入了一场奇妙的寻宝游戏。En: They searched around, with the aroma of the hot pot lingering nearby, like a wonderful treasure hunt.Zh: 魏假装不经意地搜寻，莉莉则在一旁不住地猜测。En: Wei pretended to search casually, while Lily constantly guessed at his side.Zh: 就在此时，俊故意夹起一个用花纹特别的饺子放到莉莉碗里。En: At that moment, Jun deliberately picked up a dumpling with a special pattern and put it in Lily's bowl.Zh: “这个看起来不错，尝尝吧。”他建议道，眼里带着一丝捉弄。En: "This one looks good, give it a try," he suggested, with a playful glint in his eye.Zh: 莉莉好奇地尝了一口，却感到牙齿碰到了硬物。En: Curious, Lily took a bite, only to feel something hard against her teeth.Zh: 她停下筷子，把那藏在饺子里的戒指拿出来，瞠目结舌。En: She stopped her chopsticks and took out the ring hidden inside the dumpling, staring in disbelief.Zh: “哇，这就是惊喜！”她快乐地笑起来。En: "Wow, this is the surprise!" she laughed happily.Zh: 魏看到那枚戒指，心中松了口气，随后温柔地单膝跪下。En: Seeing the ring, Wei sighed in relief, then gently knelt on one knee.Zh: “莉莉，你愿意嫁给我吗？”En: "Lily, will you marry me?"Zh: 莉莉感动得泪光闪烁，点头回答：“我愿意。”En: Moved to tears, Lily nodded, answering, "I will."Zh: 火锅店里的朋友们纷纷鼓掌庆祝，祝福声四起。En: Friends in the hot pot restaurant applauded and celebrated, voices of blessing echoed all around.Zh: 魏笑了，他明白了计划并不一定都能如愿，但超出预料的惊喜也是一种美好。En: Wei smiled, realizing that plans don't always go as intended, but unexpected surprises are also a kind of beauty.Zh: 于是，这个不平凡的春日，因为一个丢失的戒指，成了魏和莉莉之间最珍贵的回忆。En: Thus, this extraordinary spring day became the most precious memory between Wei and Lily because of a lost ring.Zh: 他们与俊分享这份幸福，庆祝这段缘分，迎接即将到来的端午节。En: Together with Jun, they shared in this happiness and celebrated their relationship, looking forward to the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival. Vocabulary Words:lively: 热闹的azure: 湛蓝aroma: 香气chatter: 欢声笑语engagement: 订婚anticipating: 期待boiling: 开涮relaxed: 放松racing: 加速panic: 恐慌puzzled: 疑惑steadied: 稳住glint: 闪烁curiosity: 好奇treasure: 宝casually: 不经意地special: 特别pattern: 花纹playful: 捉弄bite: 尝disbelief: 瞠目结舌kneel: 单膝跪下applauded: 鼓掌blessing: 祝福unexpected: 超出预料extraordinary: 不平凡precious: 珍贵memory: 回忆unaware: 不知情observing: 观察

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms and Bold Decisions: Yuki's Path to Art Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-20-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 暖かい春の日、東京の真ん中にある新宿御苑国立庭園は、桜の花でいっぱいでした。En: On a warm spring day, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, located in the heart of Tokyo, was filled with cherry blossoms.Ja: 花びらが風に乗って舞い散り、静かな雰囲気を作り出していました。En: The petals danced gracefully on the wind, creating a serene atmosphere.Ja: この静かで美しい場所に、大学を卒業したばかりのユキは、自分の未来について考えるために来ていました。En: Yuki, who had just graduated from university, came to this quiet and beautiful place to think about her future.Ja: ユキは、普通のキャリアを追うか、自分の芸術的な情熱を追うか迷っていました。En: Yuki was torn between pursuing a conventional career and following her artistic passion.Ja: 今日はちょっとした冒険心で外に出て、自然の中で心を落ち着けることを決めました。En: Today, driven by a sense of adventure, she decided to go outside and calm her mind in nature.Ja: 公園を歩きながら、ユキは写真を撮っているハルトという名前の写真家に気づきました。En: As she walked through the park, Yuki noticed a photographer named Haruto taking pictures.Ja: 桜が満開の木の下で、ユキの友人サクラが現れ、「ユキ、ハルトさんに会って。彼は素晴らしい写真を撮るの」と紹介しました。En: Under a cherry blossom tree in full bloom, Yuki's friend, Sakura, appeared and introduced them, "Yuki, meet Haruto. He takes amazing photos."Ja: ハルトはにっこり笑い、「こんにちは、ユキさん。自然の美しさは観察力を高めてくれる」と言いました。En: Haruto smiled warmly and said, "Hello, Yuki. The beauty of nature enhances our powers of observation."Ja: ユキは彼の言葉に興味を持ち、話し始めました。En: Yuki was intrigued by his words and began to chat.Ja: 「どうして写真を撮りますか？」とユキは尋ねました。En: "Why do you take photos?" Yuki asked.Ja: 「小さな瞬間に美しさがあるから。そして、その瞬間を大切にしたいんだ」とハルトは優しく答えました。En: "Because there's beauty in small moments. And I want to cherish those moments," Haruto replied gently.Ja: 彼の考えに感銘を受けたユキは、「私も芸術が好き。でも、それで生計を立てることができるか心配なんです」と打ち明けました。En: Touched by his thoughts, Yuki confided, "I love art too, but I'm worried about making a living from it."Ja: 「情熱を追ってみるのも悪くはないよ。時にはリスクを取ることが、最も価値のあることになる」とハルトは励ましました。En: "Chasing your passion isn't a bad thing. Sometimes, taking risks is the most worthwhile thing to do," Haruto encouraged.Ja: その言葉に刺激を受けたユキは、自分の心が芸術に向かっているのを感じました。En: Inspired by these words, Yuki felt her heart leaning towards art.Ja: ハルトとの会話は、彼女の中に新たな情熱の炎を灯しました。En: Her conversation with Haruto ignited a new flame of passion within her.Ja: 帰り道、彼女は自分の心に耳を傾け続けることを決心しました。En: On her way home, she decided to keep listening to her heart.Ja: 数週間後、ユキはアートコースに申し込み、新しい道を歩む準備ができていることに気づきました。En: A few weeks later, Yuki applied for an art course, realizing she was ready to embark on a new path.Ja: 自分の人生に対する改めての信頼が芽生えました。En: A renewed sense of confidence in her life began to blossom.Ja: まだ暖かい春の日は続きますが、ユキにとって、この日は特別な一日となりました。En: The warm spring days continued, but for Yuki, this day became special.Ja: 彼女は新しい未来に向かって歩き出すことができました。En: She could start walking toward a new future.Ja: 新宿御苑の桜は、彼女にとって希望の象徴になったのでした。En: The cherry blossoms of Shinjuku Gyoen became a symbol of hope for her. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 花serene: 静かなtorn: 迷っていたconventional: 普通のadventure: 冒険photographer: 写真家enhances: 高めてくれるobservation: 観察力cherish: 大切にするpassion: 情熱living: 生計risks: リスクworthwhile: 価値のあるignited: 灯しましたflame: 炎art course: アートコースembark: 歩むrenewed: 改めてconfidence: 信頼blossom: 芽生えるsymbol: 象徴future: 未来petals: 花びらgracefully: 舞い散るcalm: 落ち着けるappeared: 現れintroduced: 紹介しましたintrigued: 興味を持ちgentle: 優しくinspired: 刺激を受けた

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms and Friendship: Haruto's Inspiring Road Trip Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-18-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の日差しが心地よく照らす中、ハルトは静かに運転席に座っていた。En: As the gentle rays of the spring sun shone down, Haruto sat quietly in the driver's seat.Ja: 静岡の日本平へ向かうロードトリップは、彼にとって重要な出来事だった。En: The road trip to Shizuoka's Nihondaira was an important event for him.Ja: 大学の卒業を控えたハルトは、未来への漠然とした不安を抱えていた。En: With his university graduation approaching, Haruto was filled with a vague anxiety about the future.Ja: 友達と一緒に桜を眺めることで、新たなインスピレーションを得たいと考えていた。En: He hoped that by watching the cherry blossoms with his friends, he would gain new inspiration.Ja: 「ハルト、道は混んでるけど大丈夫？En: "Haruto, the road is busy, are you sure you're okay?"Ja: 」と後部座席のユキが少し不安そうに言った。En: Yuki said a little anxiously from the back seat.Ja: ゴールデンウィークのため、観光地はどこも混雑していたが、ハルトは自分の計画を実行に移そうと決めていた。En: Due to Golden Week, tourist spots were crowded everywhere, but Haruto had decided to put his plan into action.Ja: 「心配しないで、ユキ。En: "Don't worry, Yuki.Ja: 僕たち、大丈夫だよ」とハルトは微笑んで答えた。En: We'll be fine," Haruto replied with a smile.Ja: 彼は子供の頃からの友達であるユキとサトシをこの旅に誘い、一緒に昔の思い出を共有しながら未来について考えたかった。En: He had invited his childhood friends Yuki and Satoshi on this trip, wanting to share old memories and think about the future together.Ja: 車は少しずつ山道を登り始め、やがて日本平の絶景が広がった。En: The car gradually started climbing the mountain road, and soon the breathtaking view of Nihondaira spread out before them.Ja: そこには桜の花が一面に咲き誇る光景が待っていた。En: There awaited a scene where cherry blossoms bloomed in full glory.Ja: ようやく目的地に到着した三人は、車から降りて静かにその美しさに見とれていた。En: Once the three of them arrived at their destination, they got out of the car and quietly admired the beauty.Ja: 「すごいね、桜がこんなに綺麗だなんて」とサトシがつぶやいた。En: "Amazing, I can't believe the cherry blossoms are this beautiful," Satoshi murmured.Ja: 風に舞う花びらが、まるで友達を祝福しているかのようだった。En: The petals dancing in the wind seemed as if they were celebrating their friendship.Ja: ハルトは足を止めて、満開の桜と雄大な富士山を見つめた。En: Haruto stopped and gazed at the full-bloom cherry blossoms and the majestic Mount Fuji.Ja: 自然の美しさは、彼の心に深く染み渡った。En: The natural beauty deeply resonated within his heart.Ja: 彼の中で何かが変わる瞬間を感じた。En: He felt a moment of change within himself.Ja: 「ほんとに、この景色はすごいね」とハルトは静かに言った。En: "Truly, this view is incredible," Haruto said quietly.Ja: 「未来がどうなるかなんて、今はわからなくてもいいんだね。En: "It's okay not to know what the future holds for now."Ja: 」三人は桜の木の下でしばらく静かに座り、それぞれの思いを馳せた。En: The three of them sat quietly under a cherry tree, each lost in their own thoughts.Ja: 彼らはまた、これからもずっと友達でい続けることを誓った。En: They also promised to remain friends forever.Ja: ハルトはこの旅を通して、未来に対する自信を取り戻した。En: Through this trip, Haruto regained confidence about the future.Ja: 答えが見つからなくても、尊敬する仲間と共に進むことが大切だと気づいたからだ。En: He realized that even if he couldn't find all the answers, it was important to move forward with his respected companions.Ja: 再び車に戻った三人は、満たされた心で次の目的地に向かって走り出した。En: Getting back into the car, the three of them drove with fulfilled hearts toward their next destination.Ja: 未来への不安は、もう少しだけ軽くなっていた。En: The anxiety about the future felt just a little lighter. Vocabulary Words:gentle: 心地よくgraduation: 卒業anxiety: 不安breathtaking: 絶景petals: 花びらmajestic: 雄大resonated: 染み渡ったdeparture: 出発destination: 目的地overcame: 克服tourist: 観光地crowded: 混雑fulfilled: 満たされたcompanion: 仲間blossoms: 花が咲くglory: 栄光admired: 見とれていたmurmured: つぶやいたcelebrating: 祝福しているgazed: 見つめたpromised: 誓ったconfident: 自信を取り戻したanswers: 答えinvitation: 誘いscenery: 景色forward: 進むfuture: 未来spring: 春sun: 日差しmountain: 山道

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Renewed Bonds: A Team's Journey at a Cherry Blossom Retreat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-16-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 青い空の下、桜が満開に咲いている春の日でした。En: Under the blue sky, it was a spring day when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.Ja: チームは静かな山中の旅館に到着しました。En: The team arrived at a quiet Yamanaka inn.Ja: 旅館は伝統的な畳の部屋が並び、窓から美しい桜の景色が広がっています。En: The inn featured traditional tatami rooms, and from the windows, a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms spread out.Ja: 近くには、心を落ち着かせる温泉もあります。En: Nearby, there was a soothing onsen.Ja: ここはチームが新たに生まれ変わるための場所です。En: This was a place for the team to be reborn anew.Ja: ハルトはチームリーダーです。En: Haruto is the team leader.Ja: 彼はこの合宿で何とかチームの絆を深めたいと思っています。En: He hopes to deepen the team's bonds during this retreat.Ja: しかし、問題があります。En: However, there's a problem.Ja: ユキは自由な精神を持つ同僚で、実は他のチームに移りたいと考えています。En: Yuki is a free-spirited colleague who is actually considering moving to another team.Ja: そして、サクラは新入社員で、まだ自分の居場所を見つけられずにいます。En: And Sakura is a new employee who still hasn't found her place.Ja: 初日の夜、ハルトはみんなを集めて、温泉に行くことにしました。En: On the first night, Haruto gathered everyone and decided to go to the onsen.Ja: お湯に浸かりながら、それぞれの緊張が少しずつ溶けていきました。En: As they soaked in the hot water, their tensions gradually began to melt away.Ja: その後、夕食の時間になりました。En: After that, it was time for dinner.Ja: 囲炉裏の火が温かく燃えています。En: The fire in the irori was warmly burning.Ja: 様々な料理が並び、みんなの心が少しずつほぐれます。En: Various dishes were laid out, and everyone's hearts began to relax little by little.Ja: ハルトはチームのためにいくつかのゲームを用意しました。En: Haruto prepared some games for the team.Ja: 最初はぎこちなく始まりましたが、次第にみんなの笑顔が増えていきました。En: They started awkwardly at first, but gradually smiles began to increase.Ja: しかし、ユキはどこか気が晴れず、サクラはまだ周りを伺っている様子です。En: However, Yuki seemed unable to shake off her feelings, and Sakura was still observing her surroundings.Ja: 最後の晩、みんなで集まった夜のディナー。En: On the last night, everyone gathered for a night dinner.Ja: 静かな空気の中で、ついにユキが口を開きました。「私はこのチームでやっていく自信がない」と。En: In the quiet atmosphere, Yuki finally spoke up, "I don't have confidence in carrying on with this team."Ja: サクラも続けて、「私は何をしたらいいのか分からない」と言いました。En: Sakura followed by saying, "I don't know what I should be doing."Ja: ハルトは静かに頷いた後、言いました。「皆が感じていることを知りたい。率直に話してほしい」。En: Haruto nodded quietly and said, "I want to know how everyone feels. Please speak honestly."Ja: そして、チーム全員で思いをぶつけ合いました。En: Then, the entire team shared their thoughts with each other.Ja: 時には言葉が鋭く、時には涙も流れました。En: Sometimes the words were sharp, and at times, tears were shed.Ja: やがて、ユキは自分が感じていた孤独を克服し、サクラは次第に自信を持ちはじめました。En: Eventually, Yuki overcame the loneliness she had been feeling, and Sakura began to gain confidence.Ja: ハルトは、皆の話を聞くことで、新しい視点を持つことができました。En: By listening to everyone, Haruto was able to gain a new perspective.Ja: 次の日、桜の花びらが風に舞う中、チームは笑顔で旅館を去っていきました。En: The next day, as cherry blossom petals danced in the wind, the team left the inn with smiles.Ja: 彼らの心には、新たな絆と目的が芽生えています。En: A new bond and purpose had sprouted in their hearts.Ja: 困難を乗り越え、また一歩前に進むことができたのです。En: They had overcome difficulties and were able to take another step forward.Ja: 青空の下、満開の桜が優しく見守っているようでした。En: Under the blue sky, the fully bloomed cherry blossoms seemed to watch over them gently.Ja: 今回の合宿で、チームは新しいスタートを切ることができました。En: With this retreat, the team was able to make a fresh start.Ja: これからも一緒に、彼らは歩んでいくでしょう。En: From now on, they will continue to walk together. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 桜inn: 旅館tatami: 畳view: 景色soothing: 心を落ち着かせるretreat: 合宿free-spirited: 自由な精神colleague: 同僚new employee: 新入社員tensions: 緊張melt away: 溶けていくirori: 囲炉裏awkwardly: ぎこちなくperspective: 視点observing: 伺っているconfidence: 自信gathered: 集めてquietly: 静かにhonestly: 率直にsharp: 鋭いtears: 涙overcame: 克服しloneliness: 孤独sprouted: 芽生えdifficulties: 困難fresh start: 新しいスタートwalk together: 歩んでいくreborn: 新たに生まれ変わるbonds: 絆smiles: 笑顔

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossoms and New Beginnings: A Tale at Ueno Zoo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-15-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の日差しが東京の上野動物園に降り注いでいました。En: The spring sunlight was shining down on Tokyo's Ueno Zoo.Ja: ゴールデンウィークのため、大勢の人々が動物園を訪れていました。En: Due to Golden Week, a large crowd of people was visiting the zoo.Ja: 家族や観光客が楽しそうに歩き回る中、公園の中は活気に満ちていました。En: Families and tourists walked around happily, and the park was full of energy.Ja: ユキはその賑やかな雰囲気から少し離れて、動物たちをスケッチしていました。En: Yuki was slightly apart from this lively atmosphere, sketching the animals.Ja: 彼女は美術学生で、静かな動物たちの姿を描くことで心を落ち着けていたのです。En: She was an art student and found peace in drawing the quiet figures of animals.Ja: ユキの隣には、彼女の友人であるミユが座っていました。En: Next to Yuki sat her friend Miyu.Ja: ミユは陽気で社交的な性格で、時々ユキを外に連れ出しては、新しい人との出会いを勧めていました。En: Miyu was a cheerful and sociable person who frequently encouraged Yuki to go out and meet new people.Ja: 「ねぇ、ユキ。ちょっと面白い人を紹介するよ！」ミユは笑顔で言いました。En: "Hey, Yuki. I want to introduce you to someone interesting!" Miyu said with a smile.Ja: ユキは少し戸惑いながらも、ミユの言葉を無視できませんでした。En: Though a bit hesitant, Yuki couldn't ignore Miyu's words.Ja: その頃、象の展示場の近くで、地図を広げて説明している青年がいました。En: Nearby, close to the elephant exhibit, a young man was spreading out a map and explaining something.Ja: 彼はハルトと言って、明るいツアーガイドです。ハルトは野生生物の写真家を目指していました。En: His name was Haru, and he was a bright tour guide aiming to become a wildlife photographer.Ja: 「ハルト君！」ミユは声をかけました。「こちらがユキよ。絵がとても上手なの！」En: "Haru-kun!" Miyu called out. "This is Yuki. She's really good at drawing!"Ja: ユキは微笑んで頭を下げました。En: Yuki smiled and nodded her head.Ja: ハルトも笑顔で彼女に挨拶しました。「こんにちは、ユキさん。僕はハルトです。動物写真が好きで、ここで働いています。」En: Haru also greeted her with a smile. "Hello, Yuki-san. I'm Haru. I love taking pictures of animals and work here."Ja: 「動物が好きなんですね。」ユキは恥ずかしそうに言いました。En: "You like animals?" Yuki said shyly.Ja: 「はい！特に象が大好きなんです。今日は象を見に行きませんか？」En: "Yes! I especially love elephants. How about we go see them today?"Ja: ユキは少し考えてから頷きました。En: Yuki thought for a moment and then nodded.Ja: そして、ハルトと象の展示場に向かって歩き始めました。En: She began walking towards the elephant exhibit with Haru.Ja: そこでは象たちが優雅に鼻を揺らしていました。En: There, the elephants elegantly swayed their trunks.Ja: 周りには桜の木があり、風に花びらが舞い落ちていました。En: Cherry blossom trees surrounded them, and petals danced in the wind.Ja: 「象って、どうしてこんなに素敵なんでしょうね？」ユキがぽつりと言いました。En: "Why are elephants so wonderful?" Yuki murmured.Ja: 「大きいけど、とても優しいですよね。」ハルトは笑いました。En: "They're big but very gentle, aren't they?" Haru chuckled.Ja: 「実は、僕のカメラで象を撮ることが次の目標なんです。」En: "Actually, my next goal is to take pictures of elephants with my camera."Ja: 彼らはしばらくの間、お互いの興味について話し合いました。En: They talked about each other's interests for a while.Ja: ユキは普段、他人に心を開くことが苦手です。En: Normally, Yuki found it difficult to open up to others.Ja: しかし、ハルトの優しい声と共通の興味は、彼女の心を少しずつ開かせました。En: However, Haru's gentle voice and their shared interest gradually opened her heart.Ja: 「またここで会いましょうか。」ハルトが提案しました。En: "Shall we meet here again?" Haru suggested.Ja: ユキは驚きましたが、心の中で喜びを感じました。「はい、ぜひ。」En: Yuki was surprised but felt joy in her heart. "Yes, definitely."Ja: 動物園の出口に向かって歩く時、ユキは自分の中に生まれた新しい感情を大切にしていました。En: As they walked towards the zoo's exit, Yuki cherished the new feelings that had emerged within her.Ja: これからもこの新しい友人との時間を楽しみにしていました。En: She was looking forward to spending more time with this new friend.Ja: 動物園の日陰に立つ桜の下で、ユキとハルトの新しい物語が始まろうとしていたのです。En: Under the cherry blossoms standing in the shadow of the zoo, a new story was about to begin for Yuki and Haru. Vocabulary Words:sunlight: 日差しslightly: 少しlively: 賑やかなatmosphere: 雰囲気sketching: スケッチしてpeace: 心を落ち着けsociable: 社交的なhesitant: 戸惑いexhibit: 展示場aiming: 目指してgreeted: 挨拶しましたtrunk: 鼻elegantly: 優雅にswayed: 揺らしてpetals: 花びらwonderful: 素敵gentle: 優しいchuckled: 笑いましたinterests: 興味difficult: 苦手gradually: 少しずつcherished: 大切にしてemerged: 生まれたshadow: 日陰introduce: 紹介するencouraged: 勧めてwildlife: 野生生物goal: 目標shared: 共通opening: 開く

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Cherry Blossom Connections: A Blooming Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-15-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 桜の花びらが雪のように舞い散る、穏やかな春の日でした。En: It was a calm spring day with cherry blossom petals fluttering down like snow.Ja: 公園にはピンク色の桜が咲き誇り、家族や友人たちがピクニックマットを広げて楽しげに笑い声を上げています。En: In the park, pink cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and families and friends spread out picnic mats, laughing joyfully.Ja: ハルとはカメラを手に持ち、桜の美しさをカメラに収めようとしていました。En: Haruto was holding a camera, trying to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms.Ja: 彼は少し内気で、いつもカメラのレンズ越しに世界を見ることに慣れていました。En: He was a bit shy and was always used to seeing the world through the lens of a camera.Ja: その公園の一角で、美術学生のミヤコが桜の木の下に立っていました。En: In one corner of the park, Miyako, an art student, stood beneath a cherry blossom tree.Ja: 彼女は次の作品のインスピレーションを探しているところです。En: She was looking for inspiration for her next piece.Ja: ミヤコの隣には、彼女の親友であるアイコが「勇気を出して話しかけてみたら？」と微笑んで言っています。En: Next to Miyako was her best friend Aiko, who smiled and said, “Why don't you muster up the courage to talk to him?”Ja: ハルとは、撮影に夢中になっていた時、ふとミヤコが自分のカメラを興味深そうに見ているのに気付きました。En: While Haruto was absorbed in taking photos, he suddenly noticed Miyako looking intently at his camera.Ja: ミヤコの視線を感じ、彼は不安を感じながらも心の奥で共通の話題を見つけたいという気持ちが芽生えていました。En: Feeling her gaze, he became a little anxious, but deep inside, a desire to find a common topic was beginning to grow.Ja: 少しの間躊躇しましたが、彼はついに決心しました。En: After hesitating for a moment, he finally made up his mind.Ja: 「こんにちは、写真に興味がありますか？」とハルとは勇気を振り絞ってミヤコに話しかけました。En: "Hello, are you interested in photography?" Haruto gathered his courage and spoke to Miyako.Ja: ミヤコは一瞬戸惑いましたが、アイコが微笑んでうなずくのを見て、彼に返事をしました。En: Miyako was momentarily puzzled, but seeing Aiko nodding with a smile, she replied to him.Ja: 「はい、桜とっても素敵ですから。」En: “Yes, because the cherry blossoms are so lovely.”Ja: 二人は桜の木の下で、写真と絵について話を始めました。En: Under the cherry blossom tree, the two started talking about photography and art.Ja: ハルとは自分の作品を見せ、ミヤコは彼の写真が持つ繊細さに感動しました。En: Haruto showed his work, and Miyako was moved by the delicacy of his photos.Ja: 彼らは自然と創造力への共通の感謝を感じ、お互いの世界観を共有することに価値を見出しました。En: They naturally appreciated their mutual creativity and found value in sharing each other's worldview.Ja: 会話が進むうちに、彼らは次の週末に一緒に公園で写真を撮ることを約束しました。En: As the conversation progressed, they agreed to take photos together in the park the following weekend.Ja: ハルとはもう少し自信を持ち、ミヤコは新しい視点を得たことにとても満足していました。En: Haruto gained a bit more confidence, and Miyako was very satisfied with the new perspective she obtained.Ja: アイコは少し離れたところで二人を見守りながら、友人が新たな一歩を踏み出したことを嬉しく思いました。En: Aiko watched the two from a little distance away, happy that her friend had taken a new step forward.Ja: その日、ハルとは一人ではなく、共に芸術を楽しむことができる友達を見つけました。En: That day, Haruto found a friend with whom he could enjoy art together, not being alone anymore.Ja: ミヤコは新しいインスピレーションを得て、作品が広がる予感を抱いていました。En: Miyako gained new inspiration, feeling a sense of anticipation for the expansion of her work.Ja: そして、桜の花びらは変わらぬ美しさでその二人を祝福していました。En: And the cherry blossom petals, with their unchanged beauty, celebrated the two.Ja: 春の公園にはまだまだたくさんの新しい出会いの香りが漂っていました。En: In the spring park, the scent of many more new encounters lingered in the air. Vocabulary Words:fluttering: 舞い散るblossom: 花びらpetals: 花びらcapture: 収めようとしてlens: レンズshy: 内気inspiration: インスピレーションcourage: 勇気absorb: 夢中になるgaze: 視線anxious: 不安hesitate: 躊躇puzzled: 戸惑いましたdelicacy: 繊細さmutual: 共通creativity: 創造力appreciate: 感謝perspective: 視点anticipation: 予感encounter: 出会いlinger: 漂うexpand: 広がるsatisfied: 満足friendship: 友達presence: 存在topic: 話題puzzled: 戸惑いましたblossoms: 桜intently: 興味深くmomentarily: 一瞬

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Sibling Bonds and Lost Traditions at Lingyin Temple Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-05-13-22-34-01-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 早晨的阳光透过树叶，洒在灵隐寺的石阶上，温暖而宁静。En: The morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering over the stone steps of Lingyin Temple, warm and tranquil.Zh: 樱花在微风中轻轻摇曳，落下片片花瓣。En: Cherry blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, petals falling softly.Zh: 这里是岳和明要完成父亲遗愿的地方。En: This is where Yue and Ming were to fulfill their father's last wish.Zh: 父亲生前最爱春天，也最爱这里的景致。En: Their father had loved spring the most and cherished the scenery here.Zh: 岳是姐姐，站在台阶上，手中紧握着父亲的照片。En: Yue was the elder sister, standing on the steps, tightly holding a photo of their father.Zh: 她思绪纷杂，但充满决心。En: Her thoughts were a jumble, yet she was filled with determination.Zh: 明是弟弟，站在一旁，双手插在口袋里，带着几分好奇和疑惑。En: Ming, the younger brother, stood beside her, hands in his pockets, with a hint of curiosity and doubt.Zh: 他对传统不太理解，只是想更多地了解父亲。En: He did not fully understand the traditions, only wanting to learn more about his father.Zh: “我们真的需要这样吗？”明问道。En: “Do we really need to do this?” Ming asked.Zh: 他看着寺外那些古老的树木，试图在其中找到答案。En: He looked at the ancient trees outside the temple, trying to find answers within them.Zh: 岳点头，眼中流露出温柔与坚定。En: Yue nodded, her eyes showing tenderness and resolve.Zh: “这是父亲的最后心愿。他相信这样他会得到安宁。”En: “It's our father's last wish. He believed this would bring him peace.”Zh: 他们走入寺庙，空气中弥漫着淡淡的香火味。En: They walked into the temple, where the air was imbued with a faint scent of incense.Zh: 岳告诉明，他们需要点燃香，默默祈愿。En: Yue told Ming that they needed to light incense and silently offer their wishes.Zh: 明皱了皱眉，不是很理解。En: Ming frowned, not fully understanding.Zh: “我只是想知道为什么这样能让父亲安心。”明说，声音中带着一丝不满。En: "I just want to know why this would give our father peace," Ming said, with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.Zh: 岳轻声说：“有时候，接受传统就是为了让心灵找到慰籍。”En: Yue softly said, "Sometimes, accepting tradition is about finding solace for the heart."Zh: 明沉默了，他感到难以反驳。En: Ming fell silent, finding it hard to argue.Zh: 他知道姐姐的话有理。于是，他决定在寺庙四处转转，也许能找到他所寻求的答案。En: He knew his sister had a point. So, he decided to wander around the temple, perhaps to find the answers he sought.Zh: 寺内幽静，石雕古老而神秘。En: Inside the temple, it was quiet, the stone carvings ancient and mysterious.Zh: 明在一尊大佛像前停下，仿佛感受到父亲慈爱的目光。En: Ming stopped in front of a large statue of Buddha, as if he felt his father's loving gaze.Zh: 他闭上眼，试图与父亲在心灵上对话。En: He closed his eyes, trying to converse with his father spiritually.Zh: 这一刻，他似乎明白了父亲对传统的执着。En: In that moment, he seemed to understand his father's persistence for tradition.Zh: 不久，明回到了姐姐身旁。En: Before long, Ming returned to his sister's side.Zh: 岳已准备好香，在佛像前等待。En: Yue was ready with incense, waiting in front of the statue.Zh: 两人在香炉前相对而立，岳递给明一支香。En: The two stood facing each other by the incense burner, and Yue handed Ming a stick of incense.Zh: 明接过来，二人沉默地对视。En: Ming took it, and they silently locked eyes.Zh: 他们一起点燃香，静静地祈愿。En: Together, they lit the incense and made their wishes in silence.Zh: 那一刻，空气中似乎有某种力量，连接着他们与父亲的心。En: In that moment, there seemed to be a force in the air connecting them to their father's heart.Zh: 最终，明看着姐姐，轻声道：“也许我懂得更多了。谢谢你。”En: Finally, Ming looked at his sister and softly said, “Perhaps I understand more now. Thank you.”Zh: 岳微微一笑，知道这次旅程不仅达成了父亲的愿望，也加深了他们之间的理解。En: Yue smiled slightly, knowing that this journey not only fulfilled their father's wish but also deepened the understanding between them.Zh: 当香气在空中飘散，他们知道，这次的旅行不仅是为了履行一个承诺，更是为了传承爱与记忆。En: As the scent of incense drifted in the air, they realized that the trip was not only to fulfill a promise but also to pass on love and memory.Zh: 他们走出寺庙，春风拂面，带来一种新的宁静。En: They walked out of the temple, the spring breeze brushing their faces, bringing a new tranquility.Zh: 斯时，两兄妹同心，彼此珍视对方和家庭的羁绊。En: At that moment, the siblings were united, cherishing the bond among each other and their family. Vocabulary Words:filtered: 透过scattering: 洒tranquil: 宁静swayed: 摇曳gentle: 轻轻jumbled: 纷杂determination: 决心curiosity: 好奇traditions: 传统resolve: 坚定imbued: 弥漫着incense: 香火solace: 慰籍mysterious: 神秘statue: 佛像gaze: 目光spiritually: 心灵上persistence: 执着silently: 沉默地locked eyes: 对视force: 力量cherishing: 珍视bond: 羁绊wander: 四处转转ancient: 古老statue of Buddha: 大佛像fulfill: 达成drifted: 飘散tranquility: 宁静fulfillment: 履行

It's a seemingly normal morning at the Jones's house, but trouble is sneaking up on the tiny denizens that live there. Underfoot is a rules-light, 3 stat roll-under system where you play as a fey trying to navigate the topsy-turvy world you call home, designed by Ella Carter (https://www.ellacarter.art/underfoot, IG: @ellac.arterart).---News, artwork, and more at ⁠⁠PowerWordCrit.com⁠⁠Rate us on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Contact us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, X/Twitter, or at PowerWordCrit@gmail.com---Theme music “Beetle March” from Ovani Sound.Background music from incompetech.com and licensedunder Creative Commons. "Cherry Blossom" by Kevin MacLeod"March of the Spoons" by Kevin MacLeod"Sneaky Adventure" by Kevin MacLeod"Thunderbird" by Kevin MacLeod"Wholesome" by Kevin MacLeod

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Cherry Blossom Moments: Finding Love in Unspoken Words Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-05-07-22-34-01-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 医院里总是一片繁忙。En: The hospital is always bustling.Zh: 在五一劳动节的这一天，樱花从窗外轻轻飘落，医院的走廊中充满了人们轻声的交谈和来往的脚步声。En: On this Wu Yi Lao Dong Jie, cherry blossoms gently drifted down from outside the window, filling the hospital corridors with the soft murmur of conversations and the sound of footsteps coming and going.Zh: 李伟站在病房门口，他的心跳得很快。En: Li Wei stood at the door of the ward, his heart beating fast.Zh: 他从来不喜欢医院，那股刺鼻的消毒水味总是让他感到紧张。En: He never liked hospitals; the pungent smell of disinfectant always made him feel nervous.Zh: 但是今天，他必须克服这种不适，因为病床上的人是他的母亲。En: But today, he had to overcome this discomfort because the person in the hospital bed was his mother.Zh: 母亲不久前做了手术，正在康复。En: His mother had recently undergone surgery and was recovering.Zh: 李伟知道，他应该在母亲身边，给予她最大的支持。En: Li Wei knew he should be by his mother's side, giving her the greatest support.Zh: 然而，他的情感滞留在心口，无法流露出来。En: However, his emotions were stuck in his chest, unable to be expressed.Zh: 李伟叹了口气，微微握紧手中的袋子。En: Li Wei sighed softly, slightly tightening his grip on the bag in his hand.Zh: 袋子里装着母亲最爱的茶叶。En: Inside the bag was his mother's favorite tea.Zh: 他希望这点心意能够让母亲多一点舒适感。En: He hoped this gesture could bring his mother a bit more comfort.Zh: 走进病房，李伟看见母亲靠在床头，微笑着看向窗外的樱花。En: Entering the ward, Li Wei saw his mother leaning against the headboard, smiling as she gazed at the cherry blossoms outside the window.Zh: 母亲的脸色依然有些苍白，但眼中闪烁着温暖的光芒。En: Her complexion was still a bit pale, but her eyes shone with a warm glow.Zh: 李伟坐到床旁，轻声说：“妈，我给你带了茶。En: Li Wei sat by the bedside and softly said, "Mom, I brought you some tea."Zh: ”母亲脸上的笑意更浓了。En: His mother's smile deepened.Zh: “伟伟，谢谢你，”她温柔地说，接过茶叶。En: "Thank you, Wei Wei," she said tenderly, taking the tea.Zh: 李伟心中的紧张稍微平复了一些。En: Li Wei's nervousness eased slightly.Zh: 一侧的椅子上坐着的是张医生。En: Sitting in the chair on one side was Dr. Zhang.Zh: 他是位亲切而专业的医生，正在为母亲检查恢复情况。En: He was a kind and professional doctor, checking on his mother's recovery.Zh: 看完病历，张医生笑道：“恢复得不错，不过要多注意休息。En: After reviewing the medical records, Dr. Zhang smiled and said, "Recovering well, but make sure to get plenty of rest."Zh: ”李伟点头，把注意力重新放回母亲身上。En: Li Wei nodded, refocusing his attention on his mother.Zh: 整个早晨，医院的喧嚣声持续着，护士和病人不停地穿梭，李伟却始终静静地坐在一旁。En: Throughout the morning, the hospital's clamor continued, with nurses and patients bustling about, but Li Wei sat quietly by her side.Zh: 心底里，有种想要表达的情感不停地翻涌。En: Deep inside, emotions he wanted to express kept surging.Zh: 他想告诉母亲他的爱与感激，但话到了嘴边，又不知如何开口。En: He wanted to tell his mother about his love and gratitude, but when the words reached his mouth, he didn't know how to start.Zh: 等到午后的阳光慢慢洒进房间，母亲打趣道：“你今天怎么这么安静？En: As the afternoon sun slowly poured into the room, his mother teased, "Why are you so quiet today?"Zh: ”李伟犹豫了一会，深呼吸。En: Li Wei hesitated for a moment and took a deep breath.Zh: 他握住母亲的手，终于开口：“妈，我很感激您在我成长路上的付出和陪伴。En: He held his mother's hand and finally spoke: "Mom, I'm very grateful for your support and companionship as I grew up.Zh: 我爱您，谢谢您。En: I love you, thank you."Zh: ”母亲轻轻捏了捏他的手，眼中闪着泪光，却是愉悦的。En: His mother gently squeezed his hand, her eyes brimming with tears, yet joyful.Zh: “傻孩子，我知道的。En: "Silly child, I know.Zh: 我也爱你。En: I love you too."Zh: ”窗口的樱花在风中轻轻摇曳。En: The cherry blossoms by the window swayed gently in the wind.Zh: 李伟心中的紧张舒展开来，觉得自己从未如此轻松。En: Li Wei's anxiety unfurled, and he felt lighter than ever.Zh: 医院的氛围仍然紧张而忙碌，但在这一刻，李伟仿佛进入了一个与周围隔绝的温暖空间。En: Despite the hospital's tense and busy atmosphere, at that moment, Li Wei seemed to find himself in a warm space isolated from the surroundings.Zh: 这一天，李伟不再感到害怕。En: On this day, Li Wei was no longer afraid.Zh: 他意识到，表达爱并不需要复杂的语言，重要的是陪伴和真心。En: He realized that expressing love doesn't require complex words; what's important is companionship and sincerity.Zh: 随着阳光的变暖，李伟也变得更加开放。En: As the sunlight grew warmer, Li Wei became more open.Zh: 他决定，以后每个机会都要好好利用，珍惜与家人在一起的时光。En: He decided to make the most of every opportunity in the future, cherishing the time spent with his family. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 繁忙cherry blossoms: 樱花gently: 轻轻drifted: 飘落murmur: 轻声discomfort: 不适overcome: 克服pungent: 刺鼻disinfectant: 消毒水underwent: 做了surgery: 手术recovering: 康复emotions: 情感tightening: 握紧complexion: 脸色pale: 苍白warm glow: 温暖的光芒nervousness: 紧张eased: 平复clamor: 喧嚣express: 表达hesitated: 犹豫squeeze: 捏brimming: 闪着joyful: 愉悦anxiety: 紧张unfurled: 舒展tense: 紧张sincerity: 真心cherish: 珍惜

We play the Genre Game and sing some improvised tunes!

We play the Genre Game and sing some improvised tunes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We play the Genre Game and sing some improvised tunes!

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Cherry Blossoms, Tea, & Lanterns: A New Friendship Blooms Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-05-05-22-34-03-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在繁华城市的中心，有一家名叫“花茶屋”的茶馆。En: In the bustling heart of the city, there is a teahouse called Huachawu.Zh: 春天来了，樱花绽放，微风轻拂。En: Spring has arrived, cherry blossoms are blooming, and a gentle breeze is blowing.Zh: 茶馆的墙上挂满了樱花图，室内的小水泉缓缓流淌，让人心神宁静。En: The walls of the teahouse are covered with paintings of cherry blossoms, and a small indoor fountain flows slowly, bringing a sense of tranquility.Zh: 这一天是元宵节，花茶屋里坐着一个安静的年轻人，名叫金。En: On this day, it was the Lantern Festival, and a quiet young man named Jin was sitting inside.Zh: 他正在品尝一种罕见的茶，叫作“碧螺春”。En: He was tasting a rare tea called biluochun.Zh: 金是个话不多的人，他喜欢独自在花茶屋思考人生。En: Jin is not a talkative person; he enjoys contemplating life alone at the Huachawu.Zh: 不久后，一位活泼的女孩走了进来，她的名字叫梅。En: Soon after, a lively girl walked in, her name was Mei.Zh: 梅是个艺术家，经常带着她的画本到不同的地方写生。En: Mei is an artist who often brings her sketchbook to different places to paint.Zh: 她对传统节日和习俗有着浓厚的兴趣。En: She has a strong interest in traditional festivals and customs.Zh: 梅点了一壶“龙井茶”，坐在了金的对面。En: Mei ordered a pot of longjing tea and sat across from Jin.Zh: “你也喜欢茶吗？”梅微笑着问。En: "Do you like tea too?" Mei asked with a smile.Zh: “是的，”金淡淡地回答，“我对罕见的茶很感兴趣。”En: "Yes," Jin replied softly, "I am interested in rare teas."Zh: 梅兴奋地说：“我也是！我最爱的茶是‘普洱'，这种茶有很特别的味道。”En: Mei responded excitedly, "So do I! My favorite tea is Pu'er, it has a very special taste."Zh: 金点了点头：“我更喜欢‘碧螺春'，它的香气很独特。”En: Jin nodded, "I prefer biluochun, its aroma is very unique."Zh: 他们开始讨论不同茶的口味，各自都有不同的见解，但这让他们之间的氛围轻松愉快。En: They began to discuss the flavors of different teas, each expressing different viewpoints, which created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere between them.Zh: 随着夜色降临，梅问金：“你觉得元宵节有什么特别的呢？”En: As night fell, Mei asked Jin, "What do you think is special about the Lantern Festival?"Zh: 金沉默了一会儿，他心里知道他想与梅分享更多，但总感到有些不安。En: Jin was silent for a while. He knew he wanted to share more with Mei but always felt a bit uneasy.Zh: 然而，为了突破自己的内向，他决定邀请梅：“我将在这周末举办一个茶品会，欢迎你来参加。”En: However, to break through his introversion, he decided to invite Mei, "I am hosting a tea tasting this weekend, you are welcome to join."Zh: 梅眼里闪烁着好奇：“那我一定会来的，我还可以带上我的画本记录下这一切。”En: Mei's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "I will certainly come, and I can bring my sketchbook to document everything."Zh: 周末当晚，茶品会进行得十分顺利。En: On the evening of the weekend, the tea tasting went very smoothly.Zh: 直到突然的一场停电，整个茶馆陷入了黑暗。En: Until a sudden power outage plunged the entire teahouse into darkness.Zh: 金和梅却没有因此感到困扰。En: Jin and Mei were not troubled by this.Zh: “不如我们来点上一盏灯笼，在这黑夜中庆祝元宵节吧！”梅提议道，脸上满是期待。En: "Why don't we light a lantern and celebrate the Lantern Festival in this darkness!" Mei suggested, full of anticipation.Zh: 他们一起点亮了一盏灯笼，柔和的灯光下，金第一次在梅面前放下心防，与她分享自己对茶的热爱。En: They lit a lantern together, and in the soft light, Jin let down his guard for the first time in front of Mei, sharing with her his love for tea.Zh: 梅则感受到一种从未有过的宁静，似乎在金的话中找到了新灵感。En: Mei felt a peace she had never experienced before, as if she found new inspiration in Jin's words.Zh: 在灯笼的微光中，他们都明白了彼此的理解和欣赏是多么重要。En: In the lantern's gentle glow, they both understood how important mutual understanding and appreciation were.Zh: 金打破了自己的拘谨，梅则在金的世界中找到了更深层次的创作灵感。En: Jin overcame his shyness, and Mei found a deeper level of creative inspiration in Jin's world.Zh: 他们决定继续探索对方的世界，开启一段新的旅程。En: They decided to continue exploring each other's worlds and embark on a new journey.Zh: 故事结尾时，花茶屋又回到了宁静，但金和梅的心中已然绽放出新的春天。En: By the end of the story, the Huachawu returned to its tranquility, but in the hearts of Jin and Mei, a new spring had already bloomed. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 繁华traces: 微风contemplate: 思考tranquility: 宁静mentioned: 提到uneasy: 不安introversion: 内向contingency: 应急事件anticipation: 期待appreciation: 赞赏sparkled: 闪烁constantly: 不断sufficiently: 足够embark: 开始profound: 深刻occurred: 发生gestures: 姿态blossoming: 绽放mutual: 相互perspectives: 见解frequently: 频繁valuable: 有价值insight: 洞察力precipitate: 加速introspection: 自省interconnected: 互联authentic: 真实的conviction: 信念ephemeral: 短暂的subdued: 低沉的

Charles Hicks ran 2:04:35 at Boston in his second marathon. His coach was watching from Eugene, trying not to lose his mind. Alex Ostberg and Charles Hicks were Stanford teammates for exactly one year: Ostberg a fifth-year senior, Hicks a freshman who wasn't even first on the depth chart in his incoming class. Five years later, they're coach and athlete inside Nike's Swoosh Track Club, and they just executed one of the most stunning American marathon performances in history.In this conversation, they pull back the curtain on the full arc: the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler that first convinced Jerry Schumacher the marathon was Charles's calling; the abbreviated eight-week build into New York that exceeded everyone's expectations; and the 16-week Boston block where Charles never dipped below 105 miles in a single week. They talk about what it actually means to train under Schumacher—workouts revealed 10 minutes before, plans built in two-week cycles, and a phone call every night at 9:30 PM—and why Ostberg's role is less about designing sessions and more about being a steady hand when the experiencing self and the remembering self stop agreeing. Charles also explains the text he sent Ostberg after a disappointing half marathon in Atlanta that became the quiet thesis of the entire Boston build: I will navigate my failure points more effectively than my competition. Affirm the past. Appreciate the present. Inject ambition into the future.Tap into the Charles Hicks and Alex Ostberg Special.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! S H O W  N O T E S  -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run  -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffzInstagram: _charleshicks

Missed this morning's Prospector Show on ROCK 107? Catch up with Prospector's Prime Cuts, your daily recap of the funniest moments from NEPA's morning radio show. On today's episode: • West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival — what's happening this weekend and why everyone's heading there • How did you lose something important… and did you get it back? — listener stories that hit a nerve • Shogun has a new home — the next chapter for a familiar local spot • The Top 5 Things Some People Still Haven't Learned — and yeah… you know someone on this list • Prospector's Yambag of the Day • Plus more weird, funny, and completely unnecessary moments from the show Stay caught up on Northeast PA radio, local events, listener stories, and the daily nonsense you might have missed on the Prospector Show.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: From Snapshots to Friendships: A Cherry Blossom Transformation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-04-28-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 洁是个内向的摄影师，最近刚搬到这个城市。En: Jie is an introverted photographer who recently moved to this city.Zh: 他一直在寻找灵感，想拍一张完美的照片，建立他在当地艺术圈的声誉。En: He has been searching for inspiration, hoping to capture the perfect photo to establish his reputation in the local art scene.Zh: 樱花节是他找到灵感的好时机。En: The Cherry Blossom Festival presents a great chance for him to find inspiration.Zh: 公园里，到处都是淡粉色的樱花，微风轻拂，花香扑鼻。En: Throughout the park, pale pink cherry blossoms abound, a gentle breeze stirs, and the fragrance of flowers fills the air.Zh: 人们在樱花树下漫步、野餐，尽享春天的美丽。En: People stroll and picnic under the cherry blossom trees, fully enjoying the beauty of spring.Zh: 洁来到公园，他很紧张。En: Jie arrives at the park feeling nervous.Zh: 虽然他非常想拍到好照片，但是面对满园的樱花，他感到无从下手。En: Although he really wants to take good photos, he feels overwhelmed by the abundance of cherry blossoms.Zh: 一片樱花树下，他看到了明。En: Under one cherry blossom tree, he spots Ming.Zh: 明是本地居民，个性开朗，热爱大自然。En: Ming is a local resident with an outgoing personality and a love for nature.Zh: 他每年都来参加樱花节，被这份美丽与活力所吸引。En: He attends the Cherry Blossom Festival every year, drawn by its beauty and vitality.Zh: 明注意到洁手里的相机，于是微笑着走上前。En: Noticing the camera in Jie's hand, Ming smiles and walks over.Zh: “你好，我叫明。En: "Hello, my name is Ming.Zh: 你也在拍樱花吗？En: Are you photographing the cherry blossoms too?"Zh: ”明友好的语气令洁感到意外，他本想着独自拍摄，却被明的热情打动。En: Ming's friendly tone surprises Jie, who intended to take photographs alone but is moved by Ming's enthusiasm.Zh: 他点头回应，“是的，我是洁，刚搬到这不久。En: He nods in response, "Yes, I'm Jie, I just moved here not long ago."Zh: ”明邀请洁一起探索樱花节。En: Ming invites Jie to explore the Cherry Blossom Festival together.Zh: 洁犹豫了一下，但最终接受了邀请。En: Jie hesitates for a moment but eventually accepts the invitation.Zh: 两人一起走过一排排樱花树，明告诉洁，他每年都会来这里，感受大自然。En: They walk together past row after row of cherry blossom trees, and Ming tells Jie that he comes here every year to experience nature.Zh: 他的热情感染了洁，洁感觉到一种久违的温暖。En: His enthusiasm is contagious, and Jie feels a warmth he hasn't felt in a long time.Zh: 在一个开阔的草坪上，洁看到了一幅美丽的光景。En: On an open lawn, Jie sees a beautiful scene.Zh: 阳光透过樱花的缝隙洒下，树下的人们正在欢快地欢笑。En: Sunlight filters through the gaps in the cherry blossoms, and people underneath laugh joyfully.Zh: 他想捕捉这一刻，但始终找不到合适的角度和光线。En: He wants to capture this moment but struggles to find the right angle and lighting.Zh: “你可以试着从这个角度拍摄。En: "You can try shooting from this angle," Ming stands beside Jie, pointing to a new perspective.Zh: ”明站在洁身旁，指了指一个新的视角。En: Encouraged by Ming, Jie discovers a completely new view.Zh: 在明的鼓励下，洁找到了一种全新的看法。En: He holds his breath, presses the shutter, and a perfect image appears in the camera.Zh: 他屏住呼吸，按下快门，一幅完美的画面出现在相机里。En: Jie is overjoyed; this is exactly the photo he wanted.Zh: 洁激动不已，这张照片正是他想要的。En: As night falls, Jie and Ming sit under the cherry blossom trees talking.Zh: 夜幕降临，洁和明坐在樱花树下交谈。En: Jie thanks Ming for his help, while Ming expresses that he enjoyed talking with Jie.Zh: 洁感谢明给他的帮助，而明则表示和洁交谈很愉快，他们都感到彼此之间的联系愈加紧密。En: They both feel the connection between them growing stronger.Zh: 这次的樱花节，洁不仅拍到了理想中的照片，也交到了朋友。En: In this Cherry Blossom Festival, Jie not only captured the ideal photograph but also made a friend.Zh: 他变得更加开放，开始享受与人交流带来的乐趣。En: He becomes more open and begins to enjoy the pleasure of interacting with others.Zh: 在樱花的见证下，他们的友谊渐渐升华。En: Under the witness of the cherry blossoms, their friendship gradually deepens.Zh: 洁知道，自己已经不再是那个孤独的摄影师，他在这个新的城市找到了归属和灵感，也找到了心灵的归宿。En: Jie knows he is no longer the lonely photographer; he has found a sense of belonging and inspiration in this new city and also found a home for his heart.Zh: 樱花纷飞，微风轻拂，一切都变得那么美好。En: Cherry blossoms flutter, a gentle breeze blows, and everything becomes so wonderful. Vocabulary Words:introverted: 内向reputation: 声誉inspiration: 灵感blossoms: 樱花nervous: 紧张overwhelmed: 无从下手fragrance: 花香vitality: 活力enthusiasm: 热情hesitates: 犹豫lawn: 草坪filters: 透过shutter: 快门encouraged: 鼓励perspective: 视角overjoyed: 激动不已captures: 捕捉ideal: 理想connection: 联系belonging: 归属flutter: 纷飞gentle: 轻拂scene: 光景establish: 建立abound: 到处都是picnic: 野餐resident: 居民stir: 轻拂explore: 探索witness: 见证

“The difference between confidence and arrogance is evidence. Boston gave me the ability to train like a 2:04 guy without it being irrational. That's the greatest thing this race could have done for me.”My guest for today's episode is Charles Hicks: the 24-year-old Nike athlete, Stanford alum and former NCAA Cross Country Champion who just ran 2:04:35 at the 2026 Boston Marathon. That's the second-fastest marathon ever run by an American and it's only his second marathon. He did the entire build on simulated altitude — not a single breath of real mountain air outside of a layover in Denver — which may make him the fastest sea-level-trained marathoner in history.Charles turned to the marathon two years ago, not at his own suggestion but at coach Jerry Schumacher's. He ran 13:09 for 5K in his first year as a pro, looked too comfortable in his long runs, and Jerry pulled him aside and said: I think this is the event. What followed was a nine-month racing gap, the Cherry Blossom 10-miler that validated everything, a 2:09 New York debut without a watch where he negative-split the course, and then Boston.In this conversation, Charles breaks down the full arc of how we got here — his COVID-era decision to just run 12 miles every single day in the Florida heat, his framework for thinking about volume as a decade-long project, the Nike prototype shoe, the famous heart rate mystery on Strava, and what it actually felt like to see 2:03 on the homestretch when he'd gone in thinking 2:06 would be a phenomenal day.He also tells us whether the track door is shut, what he thinks about Chicago versus New York for this fall, and what the difference is between confidence and arrogance.____________Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavezGuest: Charles Hicks | @_charleshicksProduced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSXENDURANCE: When you finish a hard workout, the work isn't actually done. That's when recovery starts. Xendurance Protein is designed specifically to help your body recover, rebuild, and get stronger after training. It combines four different types of protein, so your body gets both fast absorbing protein for immediate recovery and slower release protein to support muscle repair over time. ⁠⁠Check it out at Xendurance.com and use code CITIUS for 25% off your first order.WAHOO: With the Wahoo KICKR RUN, you can simulate the exact Boston or London Marathon course right in your own home. You can also use the run free mode, which uses sensors to automatically match the belt speed to your stride. No buttons, no interruptions, no breaking your flow. ⁠When you use code CITIUS at checkout, you'll also get a free KICKR Headwind Smart Fan. Check it out today at wahoofitness.com.OLIPOP: Raspberry Sherbet is a limited-edition, nostalgic new flavor that blends tangy raspberry with creamy vanilla. Every can of Olipop contains their Olismart blend, which includes ingredients designed to support digestive health and help feed your gut microbiome. If you haven't had tried Olipop yet, grab a can and see what the hype is all about!⁠⁠ Head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.⁠⁠

On today's Monday Mini, we're recapping two big sale events from this past Saturday, April 18th—the Cherry Blossom Sale and the Spring B&C Sale. We break down the overall tone of each sale, what types of cattle drew the most attention, and the trends we noticed in bidding—from steady demand to the lots that clearly separated themselves in the ring.We also close with the latest NLFR standings update, sharing what's shifting, who's gaining momentum, and what to watch as the season continues. If you were there, this is your quick post-sale debrief—and if you missed it, consider this your fast, no-fluff recap plus a current NLFR pulse check.Send us Fan MailFrom the Pasture with Hired Hand:Hired Hand Websites (@hiredhandwebsites): https://hiredhandsoftware.comHired Hand Live (@hiredhandlive): https://hiredhandlive.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiredhandwebsites/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiredHandSoftwareTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiredhandwebsitesNewsletter: https://www.hiredhandsoftware.com/resources/stay-informed

The Japanese Cherry Blossom is a sight to behold. But how did they get to Washington D.C.?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailCherry blossoms might seem like the most harmless part of spring in Korea. But behind the crowds, festivals, and photo spots, there's a deeper story that most people don't notice.In this episode, we explore the quiet controversy surrounding cherry blossoms in Korea, from their role during Japanese colonial rule to the modern debates about whether they should even be celebrated at all.We also talk about the now-familiar “Cherry Blossom Ajosshi,” a one-man protester who appears every spring to remind people of that history.From nationalist myths to modern science, this is a story about how something as simple as a flower can carry layers of meaning. Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.comSupport the showJoin our Patreon to get more stuffhttps://patreon.com/darksideofseoulBook a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofseoul.comPitch your idea here. https://www.darksideofseoul.com/expats-of-the-wild-east/CreditsProduced by Joe McPherson and Shawn MorrisseyMusic by SoraksanTop tier PatronsAngel EarlJoel BonominiDevon HiphnerGabi PalominoSteve MarshEva SikoraRon ChangMackenzie MooreHunter WinterCecilia Löfgren DumasJosephine RydbergDevin BuchananAshley WrightGeorge IrionFacebook Page | Instagram

Send us Fan MailIt is peak Sakura season in the Pacific Northwest. In this episode of Japanese America, Michelle and Koji beam up to the Rose City to sit down with Hanako Wakatsuki-Chong, the Executive Director of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO).Hanako shares her personal journey from growing up in Idaho—where her own family's incarceration history was largely absent from her education—to becoming a self-described "steward of memory" and "translator" of the past. We dive into the "quietly defiant" identity of JAMO in its new home in the Flanders Building and the fascinating, diplomatic history behind the 100 Akebono cherry trees that line the Portland Waterfront.Join us for a deep dive into resilience, undeniable belonging, and the "vibe" of planting something beautiful in the soil of a place that once tried to push you out.Learn more about JAMO at jamo.org.CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited by Koji Steven SakaiProduced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Celebrating the arrival of Spring, we discuss the ephemeral and beguiling majesty of cherry blossom trees along with three sakura themed idol songs: Morning Musume's SAKURA MANKAI, Sakurazaka46's SAKURAZUKI and AKB48's JYUUNEN ZAKURA. For the full episode, join us for just five dollars a month at patreon.com/imsopopular where you'll receive hundreds of hours of paywalled episodes, access to the SIRENS aftershow and membership to the Discord.

Ryan Clary has a very bold take.

I mean technically this was kind of what she wanted, right?

In the 7 AM Hour, Larry O’Connor and Beverly Hallberg discussed: Interview: Tom Fitton (President of Judicial Watch) on the Supreme Court debating Election Day laws. ICE Assisting TSA at Airports: ICE is reportedly heading to Dulles and Reagan Airports and already reducing long lines in Atlanta. President Trump Visits Graceland: Trump visits Elvis Presley’s famous estate on his visit to Memphis. Cherry Blossoms Update: The cherry blossoms in DC are now just one state away from peak bloom! Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: MIKE LITTERST (Communications Chief for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service) on D.C.'s cherry blossoms reaching the fourth stage of the bloom cycle, peduncle elongation, and the timeline for peak bloom. WEBSITE: NPS.gov SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/NationalMallNPS Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Monday, March 23, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever encountered a bump man? Did you resists cuffing him upside the head? AbroadInJapanPodcast@gmail.com to get in touch with the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.