Podcasts about heartwarming

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Valentine's Blossoms: A Flower Farmer's Bold Gesture Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-02-14-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Het was een koude winterdag op de bloemenboerderij.En: It was a cold winter day at the flower farm.Nl: Overal waren rozen, tulpen en andere kleurrijke bloemen te zien.En: Everywhere, there were rozen, tulpen, and other colorful flowers to be seen.Nl: De lucht was gevuld met de zoete geur van verse bloemen.En: The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers.Nl: Het was Valentijnsdag en de markt was druk.En: It was Valentijnsdag and the market was busy.Nl: Mensen liepen haastig rond, op zoek naar het perfecte cadeau voor hun geliefden.En: People hurriedly moved around, searching for the perfect gift for their loved ones.Nl: Maarten stond achter zijn kraam en observeerde de menigte.En: Maarten stood behind his stall observing the crowd.Nl: Hij was een beetje nerveus.En: He was a bit nervous.Nl: Zijn collega Henk lachte en gaf Maarten een vriendelijke duw.En: His colleague Henk laughed and gave Maarten a friendly nudge.Nl: "Kom op, Maarten!En: "Come on, Maarten!Nl: Vandaag is dé dag!"En: Today is the day!"Nl: zei Henk met een knipoog.En: said Henk with a wink.Nl: Maarten glimlachte zwakjes.En: Maarten smiled weakly.Nl: Hij had een speciaal boeket gemaakt, alleen voor Saskia.En: He had made a special bouquet just for Saskia.Nl: Elke week kwam ze naar de markt en elke keer stopte ze bij zijn kraam.En: Every week, she came to the market, and each time she stopped at his stall.Nl: Ze lachte altijd vriendelijk en praatte enthousiast over bloemen.En: She always smiled kindly and talked enthusiastically about flowers.Nl: Maarten bewonderde haar vrolijkheid en positieve energie.En: Maarten admired her cheerfulness and positive energy.Nl: Maar vandaag was de markt extra druk.En: But today, the market was extra busy.Nl: Maarten kon Saskia nergens zien.En: Maarten couldn't see Saskia anywhere.Nl: Overal waren mensen die hem de weg versperden.En: Everywhere, people blocked his view.Nl: Hij zuchtte diep en voelde de twijfel opborrelen.En: He sighed deeply and felt doubt rising.Nl: Moest hij wachten op het perfecte moment of gewoon durven en zijn gevoel uiten?En: Should he wait for the perfect moment or just dare to express his feelings?Nl: Henk zag zijn aarzeling en fluisterde: "Jij kunt dit, Maarten.En: Henk saw his hesitation and whispered, "You can do this, Maarten.Nl: Neem de gok.En: Take the gamble.Nl: Soms moet je gewoon de stap nemen!"En: Sometimes you just have to take the step!"Nl: Maarten haalde diep adem, omklemde het kleurrijke boeket stevig en begon zich een weg te banen door de menigte.En: Maarten took a deep breath, gripped the colorful bouquet tightly, and started to make his way through the crowd.Nl: Hij zocht naar Saskia, zijn ogen scande de omgeving.En: He searched for Saskia, his eyes scanning the surroundings.Nl: En daar, tussen de mensenmassa, zag hij haar.En: And there, among the crowd, he saw her.Nl: Haar gezicht verlichtte zodra ze hem zag naderen.En: Her face lit up as soon as she saw him approaching.Nl: Met een laatste duw wurmde Maarten zich door de menigte tot hij voor Saskia stond.En: With a final push, Maarten squeezed through the crowd until he stood before Saskia.Nl: Zijn hart klopte snel.En: His heart was pounding.Nl: "Dit is voor jou," zei hij en overhandigde het boeket aan haar.En: "This is for you," he said and handed her the bouquet.Nl: Saskia's ogen twinkelden bij het zien van de bloemen.En: Saskia's eyes sparkled at the sight of the flowers.Nl: "Oh, Maarten, wat prachtig en speciaal," zei ze glimlachend.En: "Oh, Maarten, how beautiful and special," she said with a smile.Nl: "Ik heb altijd bewonderd hoe je bloemen samenvoegt."En: "I've always admired how you arrange flowers."Nl: Verbaasd keek Maarten haar aan.En: Amazed, Maarten looked at her.Nl: Ze had hem al die tijd opgemerkt?En: She had noticed him all this time?Nl: Hij voelde een warme gloed door zich heen stromen.En: He felt a warm glow spreading through him.Nl: "Dank je," zei hij zacht.En: "Thank you," he said softly.Nl: "Ik hoopte dat je ze mooi zou vinden."En: "I hoped you would like them."Nl: Saskia glimlachte nog breder.En: Saskia smiled even wider.Nl: "Ze zijn perfect, net als jouw talent."En: "They are perfect, just like your talent."Nl: Op dat moment besefte Maarten dat hij meer zelfvertrouwen had dan hij ooit gedacht had.En: At that moment, Maarten realized he had more confidence than he ever thought he possessed.Nl: Het was de moed om risico's te nemen die hem dichter bij Saskia had gebracht.En: It was the courage to take risks that had brought him closer to Saskia.Nl: De drukte van de markt leek ineens minder overweldigend.En: The market's hustle and bustle suddenly seemed less overwhelming.Nl: Het was een bijzondere dag op de bloemenboerderij, een dag vol onverwachte mogelijkheden en nieuwe, bloeiende gevoelens.En: It was a special day at the flower farm, a day full of unexpected possibilities and new, blossoming feelings. Vocabulary Words:cold: koudewinter: winterfarm: boerderijcolorful: kleurrijkefresh: verseair: luchtcrowd: menigteignored: genegeerdenthusiastic: enthousiastroad: wegblocked: versperdendare: durvenfeelings: gevoelwhispered: fluisterdehesitation: aarzelinggamble: gokbreathe: ademgripped: omklemdeway: wegsparkled: twinkeldenamazed: verbaasdpossibilities: mogelijkhedenbustle: drukteoverwhelming: overweldigendglow: gloedadmire: bewonderconfidence: zelfvertrouwenrisks: risico'sspecial: bijzondereblossoming: bloeiende

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Xiaoli's Secret Dance: A Heartwarming Spring Festival Reunion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-13-08-38-18-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 地下掩体里，温暖的红色灯笼和闪闪发光的金色装饰在空中摇曳。En: In the underground shelter, warm red lanterns and sparkling golden decorations swayed in the air.Zh: 这些装饰为寒冷的冬天增添了一丝温馨，尽管外面雪花飘落，地面已被覆盖得无影无踪。En: These decorations added a touch of warmth to the cold winter, even though outside, snowflakes drifted down, and the ground was completely covered.Zh: 对小丽来说，这个地方既熟悉又陌生。En: To Xiaoli, this place felt both familiar and unfamiliar.Zh: 她已经很久没有参加家族聚会了。En: It had been a long time since she attended a family gathering.Zh: 掩体里是每年春节他们团聚的场所，小丽这次在春节前回到这里，希望重拾家族传统。En: The shelter was where they reunited every year for the Spring Festival, and this time Xiaoli returned here before the festival, hoping to reconnect with family traditions.Zh: 在掩体中，小丽的奶奶，美凤，正忙着制作香喷喷的饺子。En: In the shelter, Xiaoli's grandmother, Meifeng, was busy making delicious dumplings.Zh: 她熟练地包着饺子，目光温柔而坚定。En: She skillfully wrapped each dumpling, her eyes gentle yet determined.Zh: 美凤是家庭的支柱，总能保持传统的活力。En: Meifeng was the pillar of the family, always able to keep the traditions vibrant.Zh: 小丽的弟弟，光，兴高采烈地帮助奶奶包饺子。En: Xiaoli's younger brother, Guang, was enthusiastically helping their grandmother make dumplings.Zh: 他早就习惯并热爱这些习俗，这让小丽心里有点失落。En: He had long been accustomed to and loved these customs, which made Xiaoli feel a bit disheartened.Zh: 小丽回到家，并不想显得外人似的。En: Xiaoli returned home not wanting to seem like an outsider.Zh: 她想回到传统中，可是，当她看到家人们流利地和谐相处时，她感到了孤独。En: She wanted to return to her roots in tradition, but when she saw her family effortlessly and harmoniously interacting, she felt lonely.Zh: 然而，她决心不再只是站在旁边观看。En: However, she was determined not to just stand by and watch.Zh: 她心中暗下决心，去学习一个传统舞蹈来为家人表演。En: She resolved to learn a traditional dance to perform for her family.Zh: 在接下来的几天里，小丽偷偷练习。En: In the days that followed, Xiaoli practiced in secret.Zh: 她找来了光一起帮忙，然而严格要求他保密。En: She enlisted Guang to help her but strictly required him to keep it a secret.Zh: 光支持姐姐的决定。En: Guang supported his sister's decision.Zh: 慢慢地，小丽的舞步愈发熟练，她迫不及待想在春节时大放异彩。En: Gradually, Xiaoli's dance moves became more proficient, and she couldn't wait to shine during the Spring Festival.Zh: 终于，春节的晚上到了。En: Finally, the evening of the Spring Festival arrived.Zh: 掩体装饰得更加美丽。En: The shelter was decorated even more beautifully.Zh: 一家人围坐在圆桌旁，享用了丰盛的年夜饭。En: The family gathered around the round table, enjoying a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.Zh: 气氛温馨而愉悦，小丽却忍不住紧张。En: The atmosphere was warm and joyful, yet Xiaoli couldn't help feeling nervous.Zh: 饭后，美凤示意开始节目，光立即站起身来宣布：“大家，姐姐有个惊喜表演！”En: After the meal, Meifeng signaled the start of the program, and Guang immediately stood up and announced, "Everyone, sister has a surprise performance!"Zh: 小丽站起，心跳如鼓，但她努力挤出一个微笑。En: Xiaoli stood up, her heart pounding, but she forced a smile.Zh: 随着音乐响起，她开始跳起练习已久的传统舞蹈。En: As the music began, she started dancing the traditional dance she had practiced for so long.Zh: 她的动作优雅而流畅，家人们目不转睛。En: Her movements were graceful and fluid, and her family watched intently.Zh: 舞蹈结束时，掩体里响起了热烈的掌声。En: When the dance ended, the shelter erupted in enthusiastic applause.Zh: 美凤激动得流下了喜悦的泪水。En: Meifeng was so moved she shed tears of joy.Zh: “小丽，我为你感到骄傲！”家人们纷纷围过来，拥抱小丽，赞美她的努力和决心。En: "I'm proud of you, Xiaoli!" Family members gathered around, embracing Xiaoli and praising her effort and determination.Zh: 经过这次表演，小丽真正感到与家人和传统的连结。En: Through this performance, Xiaoli truly felt connected to her family and their traditions.Zh: 她重拾了自信，理解到文化是生命的一部分，而家人的欢笑和支持是这个传统中最美好的部分。En: She regained her confidence, understanding that culture is a part of life, and that the laughter and support of family are the most beautiful parts of this tradition.Zh: 这次春节，小丽找到了归属感，她知道，无论身在何方，她仍旧是家族的一部分。En: This Spring Festival, Xiaoli found a sense of belonging, knowing that no matter where she was, she was still a part of her family. Vocabulary Words:underground: 地下shelter: 掩体lanterns: 灯笼decorations: 装饰snowflakes: 雪花drifted: 飘落reunited: 团聚Festival: 春节reconnect: 重拾dumplings: 饺子skillfully: 熟练地gentle: 温柔determined: 坚定pillar: 支柱customs: 习俗disheartened: 失落harmoniously: 和谐engagement: 参与proficient: 熟练sumptuous: 丰盛intently: 目不转睛eruption: 响起applause: 掌声embracing: 拥抱determination: 决心confidence: 自信connection: 连结belonging: 归属感elegant: 优雅fluid: 流畅

We could see potentially record breaking high temperatures for this Valentine's Day weekend but after that brings a chance of snow and rain. Chris lets a know what to expect.

We could see potentially record breaking high temperatures for this Valentine's Day weekend but after that brings a chance of snow and rain. Chris lets a know what to expect.

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Finding Strength Amidst the Chaos: A Heartwarming Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-02-12-08-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: Den kolde vind susede over marken udenfor feltlazarettet.En: The cold wind whistled over the field outside the feltlazarettet.Da: Lars traskede forsigtigt ved siden af Sofie, hans tykke vinterfrakke kradsede mod huden, mens snefnuggene faldt som små diamanter.En: Lars trudged carefully beside Sofie, his thick winter coat scratching against his skin as the snowflakes fell like tiny diamonds.Da: Feltlazarettet var et midlertidigt hjem for de syge og sårede.En: The feltlazarettet was a temporary home for the sick and wounded.Da: Indenfor var luften fyldt med lyden af sagte stemmer, der blev overdøvet af lejlighedsvis skramlen fra metalvogne.En: Inside, the air was filled with the sound of low voices, occasionally drowned out by the clatter of metal trolleys.Da: "Se, det er her, far nogle gange arbejder," sagde Lars og bøjede sig ned til Sofies øjenhøjde.En: "Look, this is where far sometimes works," said Lars, bending down to Sofie's eye level.Da: Sofie kiggede rundt med store, nysgerrige øjne.En: Sofie looked around with big, curious eyes.Da: Hun vidste, at deres far, Nikolaj, var langt væk, men hun var aldrig helt klar over hvorfor.En: She knew their far, Nikolaj, was far away, but she was never quite sure why.Da: Nu stod hun i det miljø, der betød så meget for ham.En: Now she stood in the environment that meant so much to him.Da: De blev mødt af sygeplejersken Anne, som hilste varmt på Sofie.En: They were met by the nurse Anne, who greeted Sofie warmly.Da: Lars kendte Anne godt; hun var en af dem, han kunne stole på i det hektiske kaos af feltlazarettet.En: Lars knew Anne well; she was one he could rely on in the hectic chaos of the feltlazarettet.Da: Selv sådan en kølig dag som denne var fyldt med travlhed.En: Even such a cool day as this was filled with busyness.Da: "Lars, vi har brug for dig på afdeling B," sagde Anne hurtigt.En: "Lars, we need you in Section B," Anne said quickly.Da: Lars nikkede og så på Sofie.En: Lars nodded and looked at Sofie.Da: Han følte sig splittet, skullet vælge mellem arbejdet og Sofie.En: He felt torn, having to choose between work and Sofie.Da: "Sofie, bliv hos Anne.En: "Sofie, stay with Anne.Da: Jeg er lige i nærheden," sagde Lars og tog en dyb indånding.En: I'm right nearby," Lars said, taking a deep breath.Da: Sofie nikkede modigt.En: Sofie nodded bravely.Da: Hun fulgte med Anne, mens Lars løb mod patienter, der havde brug for hjælp.En: She followed Anne, while Lars ran towards patients who needed help.Da: Adrenalinen pulserede gennem hans årer, som han skyndte sig mellem senge og udstyr.En: Adrenaline pulsed through his veins as he hurried between beds and equipment.Da: Pludselig hørte Lars et skingert råb.En: Suddenly, Lars heard a piercing shout.Da: En akut situation.En: An acute situation.Da: Patienterne havde brug for omgående opmærksomhed på den anden side af teltet.En: Patients needed immediate attention on the other side of the tent.Da: Lars standsede op og kiggede mod Sofie, der sad stille med Anne og ryddede borde.En: Lars stopped and looked towards Sofie, who sat quietly with Anne clearing tables.Da: En del af ham ønskede at løbe tilbage til hende, men han vidste, at patienterne havde desperat brug for ham.En: Part of him wanted to run back to her, but he knew the patients desperately needed him.Da: Han tog en beslutning.En: He made a decision.Da: Han løb ind i tumulten, hans sind en rodet blanding af ansvar og frygt.En: He ran into the turmoil, his mind a chaotic mix of responsibility and fear.Da: Men kort efter rædslen begyndte at tage overhånd, mærkede han en hånd på sin skulder.En: But shortly after the terror began to take hold, he felt a hand on his shoulder.Da: Det var Anne, som kom med Sofie i hånden, og en venlig, betryggende smil bredte sig over hendes ansigt.En: It was Anne, who came with Sofie in hand, and a gentle, reassuring smile spread across her face.Da: "Vi er her for at hjælpe," sagde Anne.En: "We're here to help," Anne said.Da: Sofie så op på sin bror med beundring i blikket.En: Sofie looked up at her brother with admiration in her eyes.Da: Det gjorde en forskel.En: It made a difference.Da: Lars indså, at han ikke var alene.En: Lars realized he wasn't alone.Da: Hans kolleger omkring ham tilbød ham en styrke, han ikke vidste, han havde brug for.En: His colleagues around him offered him a strength he didn't know he needed.Da: Da solen gik ned bag det sneklædte landskab udenfor, gik roen langsomt ind i hospitalet.En: As the sun set behind the snow-covered landscape outside, calm slowly settled into the hospital.Da: Lars satte sig træt ned ved siden af Sofie og omfavnede hende varmt.En: Lars sat wearily next to Sofie and embraced her warmly.Da: Hun kiggede op og sagde stille: "Jeg forstår nu, hvorfor far gør, hvad han gør.En: She looked up and quietly said, "I understand now why far does what he does.Da: Og jeg ved, hvordan du prøver."En: And I know how you try."Da: Lars smilede, en lettelse fyldte ham.En: Lars smiled, a sense of relief filled him.Da: "Vi er et godt team, Sofie.En: "We're a good team, Sofie.Da: Vi klarer os."En: We'll manage."Da: Med denne nye forståelse kunne Lars nu bedre fordele ansvaret.En: With this new understanding, Lars could now better distribute the responsibility.Da: Han vidste, at det var vigtigt at spørge om hjælp, og det gav ham en ny følelse af lethed.En: He knew it was important to ask for help, and it gave him a new sense of ease.Da: Sneen faldt stadig tungt udenfor, men inde i feltlazarettet fandt Lars endelig ro.En: The snow still fell heavily outside, but inside the feltlazarettet, Lars finally found peace. Vocabulary Words:whistled: susedetrudged: traskedescratching: kradsedesnowflakes: snefnuggenediamonds: diamanterclatter: skramlentrolleys: metalvognecurious: nysgerrigegreeted: hilsteoccasionally: lejlighedsvisrelied: stolehectic: hektiskechaos: kaostorn: splittetadrenaline: adrenalinenpiercing: skingertacute: akutimmediate: omgåendeturmoil: tumultenchaotic: rodetresponsibility: ansvarfear: frygtterrible: rædslenoverwhelming: tage overhåndreassuring: betryggendeadmiration: beundringstrength: styrkeweary: trætembraced: omfavnederelief: lettelse

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Love and Light: An Arctic Tale of Connection Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-02-11-08-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: Den arktiske kulde omsluttede Freja, da hun steg ud af den snedækkede transport ved Is Hotellet.En: The Arctic cold enveloped Freja as she stepped out of the snow-covered transport at the Is Hotellet.Da: Det lignede noget fra en drøm; krystalvægge, der fangede lyset fra den lave vintersol.En: It looked like something out of a dream; crystal walls capturing the light from the low winter sun.Da: Freja trak sin parka tættere om sig.En: Freja pulled her parka closer around her.Da: Hun var her for at se lyset, de magiske Norlys.En: She was here to see the lights, the magical Norlys.Da: Inde i hotellet var der stille.En: Inside the hotel, it was quiet.Da: Storslået og roligt.En: Grand and calm.Da: Freja fandt et sted nær pejsens falske ild.En: Freja found a place near the fireplace's fake fire.Da: Det var Valentine's Day, og ensomheden knugede hendes hjerte.En: It was Valentine's Day, and the loneliness gripped her heart.Da: Men hendes arbejde, hendes forskning i Arktis' naturfænomener, var det vigtigste.En: But her work, her research into the natural phenomena of the Arctic, was most important.Da: Guiden kaldte snart gruppen sammen til aftenens tur.En: The guide soon called the group together for the evening's tour.Da: Soren var allerede der, en høj og robust mand med et kamera hængende om halsen.En: Soren was already there, a tall and sturdy man with a camera hanging around his neck.Da: Hans eventyrlystne øjne skannede rummet.En: His adventurous eyes scanned the room.Da: De havde mødtes kort tidligere på dagen, men Freja havde været for optaget af sine noter til at fokusere.En: They had met briefly earlier in the day, but Freja had been too absorbed in her notes to focus.Da: Gruppen gik ud i den frosne verden.En: The group ventured out into the frozen world.Da: Sneen knirkede under deres støvler.En: The snow creaked under their boots.Da: Himlen begyndte at veksle i farver, som skabes af ingen jordisk maler.En: The sky began to shift in colors, created by no earthly painter.Da: Freja så mod himlen, betaget.En: Freja looked up at the sky, captivated.Da: Det var dette syn, hun var kommet for at se.En: It was this sight she had come to see.Da: Soren stod ved siden af hende, kameraet en gang ignoreret, fordybet i øjeblikkets skønhed.En: Soren stood beside her, the camera once ignored, absorbed in the beauty of the moment.Da: "Det er utroligt, ikke?"En: "It's incredible, isn't it?"Da: sagde han, og hans stemme brød stilheden.En: he said, and his voice broke the silence.Da: Freja nikkede, fanget af auroraens dans.En: Freja nodded, caught by the aurora's dance.Da: De begyndte at tale.En: They began to talk.Da: Om deres drømme, deres frygt.En: About their dreams, their fears.Da: Freja fortalte om sin videnskabelige passion og ønsket om forbindelse ud over arbejdet.En: Freja spoke of her scientific passion and her wish for a connection beyond work.Da: Soren delte sin hemmelige længsel efter et fast sted at kalde hjem.En: Soren shared his secret longing for a permanent place to call home.Da: De indså, at de begge ønskede noget mere, noget dybere end de liv, de hver især havde valgt.En: They realized they both wanted something more, something deeper than the lives they had each chosen.Da: Kulden forsvandt lidt, da de talte, to sjæle der søgte varme i hinandens selskab.En: The cold diminished slightly as they talked, two souls seeking warmth in each other's company.Da: "Måske skal vi se, hvor dette fører os," foreslog Soren forsigtigt.En: "Perhaps we should see where this leads us," suggested Soren cautiously.Da: Freja smilede, hendes hjerte lettere, klar til at åbne sig.En: Freja smiled, her heart lighter, ready to open up.Da: De gik tilbage til hotellet sammen, med løftet om at udforske, ikke kun Arktis, men også mulighederne i hinandens selskab.En: They walked back to the hotel together, with the promise to explore not only the Arctic but also the possibilities in each other's company.Da: Soren fandt en skønhed i Arktis, han ønskede at dele, og Freja fandt modet til at lade nogen ind i hendes verden.En: Soren had found a beauty in the Arctic he wished to share, and Freja found the courage to let someone into her world.Da: I det bløde skær af nordlyset, fandt de begge noget uvurderligt.En: In the soft glow of the northern lights, they both found something invaluable.Da: Den forbindelse, de begge havde længtes efter.En: The connection they had both longed for.Da: Is Hotellet stod som et symbol på deres nye begyndelse, en plads, hvor isen kunne smelte, langsomt og forsigtigt.En: The Is Hotellet stood as a symbol of their new beginning, a place where the ice could melt, slowly and gently. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: omsluttededream: drømcapturing: fangedeparka: parkaphenomena: fænomenersturdy: robustadventurous: eventyrlystnebriefly: kortabsorbed: optagetcreaked: knirkedeshift: vekslecaptivated: betagetignored: ignoreretaurora: auroraendance: danspassion: passionconnection: forbindelselonging: længselpermanent: fastdiminished: forsvandtsouls: sjælecautiously: forsigtigtpossibilities: mulighederglow: skærinvaluable: uvurderligtsymbol: symbolbeginning: begyndelsemelt: smeltegently: forsigtigtexplore: udforske

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Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Sunflowers and Laughter: A Kite's Lesson on Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-02-04-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El cel era d'un blau cruixent aquell matí d'hivern, esquitxat només here i allà per petits núvols com flocs de cotó.En: The sky was a crisp blue that winter morning, speckled here and there with small clouds like cotton tufts.Ca: Els gira-sols, tot i que apagats pel fred, s'alçaven majestuosament a la campanya catalana, creant un paisatge ple de serenitat.En: The sunflowers, though wilted by the cold, stood majestically in the campanya catalana, creating a landscape full of serenity.Ca: Jordí, amb un entusiasme que surava sobre les gelades terres, estava a punt de fer una demostració memorable per als seus amics, Marta i Pere.En: Jordi, with enthusiasm that drifted over the frosty land, was about to put on a memorable demonstration for his friends, Marta and Pere.Ca: "Avui veureu un gran espectacle!", va proclamar Jordi amb orgull, mostrant-los la seva cometa casolana feta de diaris vells i cordill.En: "Today you'll see a great show!" proclaimed Jordi proudly, showing them his homemade kite made from old newspapers and string.Ca: Marta li va somriure, encantada pel seu esperit optimista, mentre Pere aixecava una cella escèptica.En: Marta smiled at him, charmed by his optimistic spirit, while Pere raised a skeptical eyebrow.Ca: "És cometa això?", va dir Pere, mirant les puntes desiguals del paper.En: "Is that a kite?" asked Pere, looking at the uneven edges of the paper.Ca: "T'has passat tot el matí fent-la?". Jordi va assentir amb un somriure ferm que no es deixava desanimar.En: "Did you spend all morning making it?" Jordi nodded with a steady smile that wouldn't be discouraged.Ca: Va ser així com els tres amics es van endinsar camp a través, ignorant la frescor que els feia enrogir les galtes.En: And so, the three friends set off across the field, ignoring the chill that made their cheeks blush.Ca: Jordi va estirar el cordill i, amb un gest dramàtic, va deixar anar la cometa.En: Jordi pulled on the string and, with a dramatic gesture, let the kite go.Ca: Per un moment, els diaris es van enlairar amb una gràcia inusual, sostenint-se al aire.En: For a moment, the newspapers lifted with unusual grace, holding in the air.Ca: Però poc després, el vent capritxós va començar a girar-la en cercles descontrolats.En: But soon after, the fickle wind began to spin it in uncontrollable circles.Ca: Marta va començar a riure, amb la rialla ressonant per tot el camp.En: Marta started to laugh, her laughter echoing throughout the field.Ca: Pere, que en un principi estava a punt de dir "ja ho sabia", va acabar rient-se també, encomanat per la diversió sense malicia de la seva amiga.En: Pere, who was initially about to say "I knew it," ended up laughing as well, infected by his friend's harmless amusement.Ca: Jordi, veient la cometa ballar sense rumb, va unir-se a les rialles.En: Jordi, seeing the kite dance aimlessly, joined in the laughter.Ca: La cometa, finalment, va perdre guerra contra el vent, aterrant suaument entre els gira-sols.En: The kite finally lost its battle against the wind, landing gently among the sunflowers.Ca: Jordi va córrer a buscar-la, sense deixar de somriure.En: Jordi ran to retrieve it, still smiling.Ca: "Bé, potser no volava gaire bé, però encara és útil", va dir.En: "Well, maybe it didn't fly so well, but it's still useful," he said.Ca: Amb aquest pensament, van col·locar-la com a fons per a un impromptu pícnic.En: With this thought, they set it up as a backdrop for an impromptu picnic.Ca: Els tres companys es van seure sobre les flors seques, gaudint del so del vent entre els gira-sols i el caliu de l'amistat.En: The three friends sat on the dry flowers, enjoying the sound of the wind through the sunflowers and the warmth of friendship.Ca: Jordi es va adonar que, a vegades, era més important el viatge i amb qui el feia, que no pas la destinació final.En: Jordi realized that sometimes, the journey and who you made it with were more important than the final destination.Ca: I així, encara que la cometa no havia sigut perfectament aerodinàmica, havia aconseguit fer-los riure, que era, en el fons, el millor èxit possible.En: And so, even though the kite hadn't been perfectly aerodynamic, it had succeeded in making them laugh, which was, ultimately, the best success possible.Ca: I com el sol anava baixant, Jordi va entendre que impressionar als amics no sempre necessitava de perfecció, sinó simplement de moments compartits, rics en rialles i compassió.En: As the sun began to set, Jordi understood that impressing friends didn't always require perfection, just shared moments, rich in laughter and compassion. Vocabulary Words:the sky: el celcrisp: cruixentto speckle: esquitxarcotton tuft: floc de cotówilted: apagatthe landscape: el paisatgeserenity: serenitatenthusiasm: entusiasmeto drift: surarfrosty: geladathe demonstration: la demostracióhomemade: casolanaskeptical: escèpticuneven: desigualto blush: enrogira gesture: un gestgrace: gràciafickle: capritxósto spin: girarto echo: ressonarharmless: sense malíciaaimlessly: sense rumbthe battle: la guerrathe backdrop: el fonsthe impromptu: l'impromptuwarmth: caliuaerodynamic: aerodinàmicto impress: impressionarperfection: perfecciócompassion: compassió

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Rekindling Family Bonds: A Night in the Tuscan Countryside Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-02-04-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Nel cuore dell'inverno, il vento freddo accarezzava dolcemente le colline della campagna toscana.En: In the heart of winter, the cold wind gently caressed the hills of the campagna toscana.It: I cipressi stavano come sentinelle silenziose, osservando il vecchio casale che si ergeva tra il verde e le nuvole basse.En: The cypress trees stood like silent sentinels, watching over the old farmhouse rising among the greenery and the low clouds.It: Una luce calda brillava dalla grande finestra della cucina, illuminando il tavolo di legno robusto.En: A warm light shone from the large kitchen window, illuminating the sturdy wooden table.It: Luca si affacciava alla finestra, il suo sguardo perso nella bellezza semplice del paesaggio.En: Luca leaned against the window, his gaze lost in the simple beauty of the landscape.It: Sapeva che questo incontro era speciale.En: He knew this gathering was special.It: Sperava che avrebbe rinforzato i legami della famiglia.En: He hoped it would strengthen the family's bonds.It: Aveva sempre amato i suoi fratelli, anche quando le loro opinioni li dividevano.En: He had always loved his siblings, even when their opinions divided them.It: Marcella, la maggiore, era già in cucina, le mani occupate a preparare la cena.En: Marcella, the eldest, was already in the kitchen, her hands busy preparing dinner.It: La sua fronte era segnata da una leggera preoccupazione, mentre controllava l'arrosto nel forno.En: Her forehead was marked by a slight worry as she checked the roast in the oven.It: Voleva che tutto fosse perfetto.En: She wanted everything to be perfect.It: Sentiva il peso della responsabilità della famiglia sulle sue spalle.En: She felt the weight of the family responsibility on her shoulders.It: Giovanni, il fratello di mezzo, sedeva sul divano del soggiorno, perso nei suoi pensieri.En: Giovanni, the middle brother, sat on the living room sofa, lost in his thoughts.It: I tempi erano difficili, e lui dubitava che un semplice incontro potesse risolvere i problemi reali.En: Times were tough, and he doubted that a simple gathering could solve the real problems.It: "Ragazzi, venite qui!"En: "Guys, come here!"It: chiamò Luca con entusiasmo.En: called Luca with enthusiasm.It: "Ho un'idea per stasera."En: "I have an idea for tonight."It: Marcella e Giovanni si scambiarono uno sguardo prima di raggiungere Luca.En: Marcella and Giovanni exchanged a look before joining Luca.It: L'euforia di Luca era contagiosa, anche se i dubbi di Giovanni e l'ansia di Marcella restavano presenti.En: Luca's euphoria was contagious, even though Giovanni's doubts and Marcella's anxiety remained present.It: "Voglio che questa serata sia speciale," spiegò Luca.En: "I want tonight to be special," explained Luca.It: "Ognuno di noi condividerà un ricordo felice o una speranza per il futuro."En: "Each of us will share a happy memory or a hope for the future."It: Giovanni sollevò un sopracciglio.En: Giovanni raised an eyebrow.It: "E questo cosa cambierà?"En: "And what will this change?"It: chiese con un tono scettico.En: he asked skeptically.It: "Vedrai, potrebbe portarci più vicini," rispose Luca, una nota di convinzione nella voce.En: "You'll see, it might bring us closer," replied Luca, a note of conviction in his voice.It: La sera avanzava e l'aroma della cena riempiva ogni angolo della casa.En: The evening progressed, and the aroma of dinner filled every corner of the house.It: Seduti attorno al tavolo, la luce delle candele creava un'atmosfera intima e calda.En: Seated around the table, the candlelight created an intimate and warm atmosphere.It: Iniziò Marcella, raccontando della prima volta che aveva cucinato per i suoi fratelli, quando erano piccoli.En: Marcella began, recounting the first time she had cooked for her brothers when they were little.It: Le sue parole erano piene di nostalgia e affetto.En: Her words were full of nostalgia and affection.It: Giovanni, toccato dal ricordo, parlò dei giochi nel campo dietro casa, quando il mondo sembrava senza fine.En: Giovanni, touched by the memory, spoke of playing in the field behind the house, when the world seemed endless.It: Poi arrivò il turno di Luca.En: Then it was Luca's turn.It: Con voce tremante, confessò che il suo desiderio più grande era sentirsi parte di qualcosa di importante, e la sua famiglia era tutto ciò che aveva mai conosciuto.En: With a trembling voice, he confessed that his greatest desire was to feel part of something important, and his family was all he had ever known.It: Un silenzio calò sulla stanza.En: A silence fell over the room.It: Le parole di Luca toccarono un nervo scoperto.En: Luca's words touched a raw nerve.It: Marcella sorrise dolcemente.En: Marcella smiled gently.It: "Non dobbiamo dimenticare cosa ci lega," disse.En: "We must not forget what binds us," she said.It: "Nonostante le difficoltà, siamo qui insieme."En: "Despite the difficulties, we are here together."It: Giovanni annuì, una nuova consapevolezza negli occhi.En: Giovanni nodded, a new awareness in his eyes.It: "Forse abbiamo bisogno di fare più di queste riunioni," ammise.En: "Maybe we need to have more of these gatherings," he admitted.It: Con un senso di unione rinnovata, la serata continuò tra risate e storie.En: With a sense of renewed unity, the evening continued with laughter and stories.It: Le differenze sembrarono dissolversi per un po'.En: The differences seemed to dissolve for a while.It: Quando la notte fu profonda e il fuoco sotto il camino diventò brace, Luca guardò i suoi fratelli e sorrise.En: When the night was deep and the fire under the hearth became embers, Luca looked at his siblings and smiled.It: Sapeva che, persino con le loro differenze, avevano fatto un passo avanti.En: He knew that even with their differences, they had taken a step forward.It: Aveva trovato la sua voce, e i suoi fratelli avevano ritrovato un po' della magia perduta dell'infanzia.En: He had found his voice, and his siblings had rediscovered some of the lost magic of childhood.It: Nel cuore della campagna toscana, sotto un cielo pieno di stelle, la famiglia imparò a vedere il valore del passato e la promessa del futuro.En: In the heart of the campagna toscana, under a sky full of stars, the family learned to see the value of the past and the promise of the future. Vocabulary Words:the heart: il cuorethe wind: il ventoto caress: accarezzarethe hill: la collinathe countryside: la campagnathe cypress: il cipressothe sentinel: la sentinellato rise: ergerethe greenery: il verdethe cloud: la nuvolasturdy: robustoto lean: affacciarsithe gaze: lo sguardoto strengthen: rinforzarethe sibling: il fratello / la sorellato divide: dividereto doubt: dubitareenthusiasm: l'entusiasmoskeptically: scetticamentethe aroma: l'aromato recount: raccontarenostalgia: la nostalgiato confess: confessaresilence: il silenzioto touch: toccarethe nerve: il nervoto smile: sorridereto bind: legarerenewed: rinnovatothe ember: la brace

A heartwarming chessed story about Rav Gifter -Daily dose #342

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Rekindling Ties: A Heartwarming Reunion in an Arctic Wonderland Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-01-27-23-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Lars såg snöflingorna falla varsamt utanför fönstret.En: Lars watched the snowflakes gently fall outside the window.Sv: Han var tillbaka i Jukkasjärvi, en plats fylld med minnen från ungdomens dagar.En: He was back in Jukkasjärvi, a place filled with memories from his youth.Sv: Ice Hotel var som en dröm, med sin glittrande is och magiska stämning.En: The Ice Hotel was like a dream, with its sparkling ice and magical atmosphere.Sv: Snön gnistrade som diamanter i den svaga vintersolen.En: The snow glistened like diamonds in the dim winter sun.Sv: Lars stod vid entrén och väntade.En: Lars stood at the entrance, waiting.Sv: Det hade gått år sedan han senast såg sina skolkamrater.En: It had been years since he last saw his schoolmates.Sv: Han kände sig nervös men hoppfull.En: He felt nervous but hopeful.Sv: Elin och Nils hade betytt så mycket.En: Elin and Nils had meant so much to him.Sv: De delade barndomens äventyr och drömmar.En: They shared childhood adventures and dreams.Sv: Elin anlände först, rusande genom snön, med röda kinder och skrattande ögon.En: Elin arrived first, rushing through the snow, with rosy cheeks and laughing eyes.Sv: "Lars!En: "Lars!"Sv: ", ropade hon och kramade honom.En: she shouted as she hugged him.Sv: Hennes energi var som vanligt smittsam, men Lars märkte en skugga av tvekan i hennes blick.En: Her energy was as infectious as ever, but Lars noticed a hint of hesitation in her gaze.Sv: Kort därefter kom Nils, klädd i en dyr kappa och med ett snett leende.En: Shortly after, Nils appeared, dressed in an expensive coat and wearing a crooked smile.Sv: "Hej, Lars," sa han artigt men med en distans.En: "Hello, Lars," he said politely but with some distance.Sv: Nils hade nått framgång bortom deras små hemorter, men något verkade saknas i hans ögon.En: Nils had achieved success beyond their small hometowns, but something seemed missing in his eyes.Sv: De satte sig i hotellets bar, omgiven av kalla, isiga väggar men med en varm glöd från eldstaden.En: They sat in the hotel's bar, surrounded by cold, icy walls but with a warm glow from the fireplace.Sv: Lars tog ett djupt andetag.En: Lars took a deep breath.Sv: Han visste att detta ögonblick var avgörande.En: He knew this moment was crucial.Sv: "Varför tappade vi kontakten?"En: "Why did we lose touch?"Sv: frågade han och såg på sina vänner.En: he asked, looking at his friends.Sv: Elin ryckte på axlarna.En: Elin shrugged.Sv: "Livet hände.En: "Life happened.Sv: Jag fastnade i rutiner," erkände hon, leende bleknade en aning.En: I got stuck in routines," she admitted, her smile fading slightly.Sv: Nils skruvade på sig och såg bort.En: Nils fidgeted and looked away.Sv: "Jag hade min karriär," sa han, nästan ursäktande.En: "I had my career," he said, almost apologetically.Sv: "Men ibland känns det tomt."En: "But sometimes it feels empty."Sv: Deras ord hängde tunga i luften.En: Their words hung heavy in the air.Sv: Lars kände en våg av mod.En: Lars felt a wave of courage.Sv: "Jag saknar er," sa han enkelt.En: "I miss you," he said simply.Sv: "Vi var som bröder och systrar."En: "We were like brothers and sisters."Sv: En tystnad följde, men den var fylld av förståelse.En: A silence followed, but it was filled with understanding.Sv: Elin log mjukt.En: Elin smiled gently.Sv: "Jag saknar oss också," sa hon.En: "I miss us too," she said.Sv: Nils nickade.En: Nils nodded.Sv: "Ja, vi måste göra detta oftare," erkände han.En: "Yeah, we need to do this more often," he acknowledged.Sv: "Det är viktigt."En: "It's important."Sv: De tre satt kvar länge, pratade, skrattade och grät lite.En: The three remained there for a long time, talking, laughing, and shedding a few tears.Sv: De delade sina drömmar och tvivel.En: They shared their dreams and doubts.Sv: Vänskapen vaknade till liv igen, som en isstaty upplyst av vinterns ljus.En: The friendship awakened again, like an ice sculpture illuminated by the winter's light.Sv: När de lämnade baren, fyllda av värme trots kylan, hade de en plan.En: As they left the bar, filled with warmth despite the cold, they had a plan.Sv: De lovade att ses varje år, kanske på olika platser, men alltid tillsammans.En: They promised to meet every year, maybe in different places, but always together.Sv: Lars kände sig lättare, fri från nostalgiens tyngd.En: Lars felt lighter, free from the weight of nostalgia.Sv: Elin hade fått en gnista av äventyr tillbaka.En: Elin had regained a spark of adventure.Sv: Hon såg mot framtiden med nya ögon.En: She looked to the future with fresh eyes.Sv: Nils hade funnit värdet av vänskap över framgång.En: Nils had found the value of friendship over success.Sv: De tre känslan av förnyelse när de steg ut i den arktiska natten, omgivna av det magiska Ice Hotel.En: The three felt a sense of renewal as they stepped out into the Arctic night, surrounded by the magical Ice Hotel.Sv: Isstatyerna glittrade i månens ljus, och snön föll fortfarande mjukt från himlen.En: The ice sculptures glittered in the moonlight, and the snow still softly fell from the sky.Sv: Quietly, but with determination, de bestämde sig för att aldrig låta livet övermanna sina band igen.En: Quietly, but with determination, they decided never to let life overwhelm their bonds again.Sv: Det var en ny början.En: It was a new beginning.Sv: En ny chans att växa tillsammans.En: A new chance to grow together. Vocabulary Words:snowflakes: snöflingornaglisten: gnistradedim: svagaentrance: entrénnervous: nervösrosy: rödahesitation: tvekanexpensive: dyrcrooked: snettfidgeted: skruvadeapologetically: ursäktandecourage: modshed: grätnostalgia: nostalgispark: gnistaadventures: äventyrsuccess: framgångicy: isigafireplace: eldstadcrucial: avgörandeshrugged: ryckteroutines: rutinerilluminated: upplystunderstanding: förståelserenewal: förnyelsesculptures: isstatyernamoonlight: månens ljusquietly: tystdetermination: beslutsamhetoverwhelm: övermann

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Winter Wonderland: A Family's Heartwarming Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2026-01-25-08-38-20-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Зима је стигла у Београд, али то није спречило Милана да испланира посебан дан за свог сина Александра.En: Winter arrived in Beograd, but that didn't stop Milan from planning a special day for his son Aleksandar.Sr: Јутро је било хладно и ведро, па је Милан спаковао топле ћебад, термосе пуне топле чоколаде и направио пут до Аде Циганлије.En: The morning was cold and clear, so Milan packed warm blankets, thermoses full of hot chocolate, and set off for Ada Ciganlija.Sr: Јована, његова супруга, била је ту да помогне и охрабри га.En: Jovana, his wife, was there to help and encourage him.Sr: Ада Циганлија, иако позната по својим реквизитима за летње авантуре, овог зимског дана била је прекривена танким слојем снега и мраза.En: Ada Ciganlija, although known for its summer adventure facilities, was covered in a thin layer of snow and frost on this winter day.Sr: Ветрови су били јаки, али Милан је имао план.En: The winds were strong, but Milan had a plan.Sr: Породица је стигла и пронашла једно скровито место да распакује своју опрему.En: The family arrived and found a secluded spot to unpack their gear.Sr: „Хладно је, али биће супер!En: "It's cold, but it will be great!Sr: Видећеш, Александре,“ рекао је Милан, подижући шатор за заштиту од ветра.En: You'll see, Aleksandar," said Milan, as he pitched a tent for wind protection.Sr: Брзо су распоредили ћебад око малог преносног ватреног шатора и осетили топлину која им је почела загревати тела.En: They quickly spread the blankets around a small portable fire pit and felt the warmth beginning to heat their bodies.Sr: Топла чоколада је било савршено пиће за такву прилику.En: Hot chocolate was the perfect drink for such an occasion.Sr: Александар је био одушевљен.En: Aleksandar was thrilled.Sr: Иако су на први поглед услови били тешки, топлина породичног окупљања и посебно труд који је Милан уложио, учинили су да све изгледа другачије.En: Although the conditions seemed challenging at first glance, the warmth of the family gathering and the effort that Milan put in made everything look different.Sr: Деца су се смејала и играла у снегу док је ветар правио пуцкетање кроз дрвеће.En: The children laughed and played in the snow while the wind crackled through the trees.Sr: Поподне, облаци су се накратко раздвојили, пуштајући сунце да засија кроз танак слој облака.En: In the afternoon, the clouds briefly parted, allowing the sun to shine through a thin layer of clouds.Sr: У том тренутку, све се чинило савршеним.En: At that moment, everything seemed perfect.Sr: Милан и Јована су се осмехнули гледајући Александрово лице обасјано сунчевим зрацима и осмехом.En: Milan and Jovana smiled watching Aleksandar's face illuminated by the sun's rays and a smile.Sr: Када је дан почео да се приводи крају, питали су се да ли је све то вредно труда.En: As the day began to come to an end, they wondered if all of it was worth the effort.Sr: Али гледајући срећу на Александровом лицу, срце им је било испуњено радошћу.En: But seeing the happiness on Aleksandar's face, their hearts were filled with joy.Sr: Док су се враћали ка својим колима, Јована је загрлила Милана и рекла: „Успео си да нам донесеш топлину у овај хладни дан.En: As they headed back to their car, Jovana hugged Milan and said, "You managed to bring us warmth on this cold day."Sr: “Милан је тихо климнуо главом, схватајући да је то истина.En: Milan nodded quietly, realizing it was true.Sr: Породица је одјурила кући задовољна, а Милан је научио да су једноставне ствари, љубав и труд, оно што ствара топлоту у хладним данима.En: The family rushed home satisfied, and Milan learned that simple things, love, and effort are what create warmth on cold days.Sr: Овај дан на Ади Циганлији остаће у њиховим срцима као један од најлепших.En: This day at Ada Ciganlija would remain in their hearts as one of the most beautiful. Vocabulary Words:arrived: стиглаplanning: испланираencourage: охрабриfacilities: реквизитимаsecluded: скровитоgear: опремуpitched: подижућиprotection: заштитуportable: преносногthrilled: одушевљенglance: погледcrackled: пуцкетањеparted: раздвојилиilluminated: обасјаноeffort: трудsatisfied: задовољнаremained: остатиfrost: мразаencountered: пронашлаplaced: распоредилиoccasion: приликуbodies: телаwarmth: топлотаgathering: окупљањаjoy: радошћуhugged: загрлилаrays: зрацимаshine: засијаwondered: питалиmanaged: успео

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding the Perfect New Year's Gift: Haruto's Heartfelt Quest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-21-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の寒い日、渋谷の交差点は新年の光で輝いていました。En: On a cold winter day, the Shibuya crossing was glowing with New Year's lights.Ja: 周りにはたくさんの人々が笑顔で行き交い、賑やかな雰囲気が広がっていました。En: Many people were bustling around with smiles, creating a lively atmosphere.Ja: そんな中で、ハルトは一人の女性のことを考えていました。En: Amidst it all, Haruto was thinking about a certain woman.Ja: 彼の心はドキドキと高鳴っていました。En: His heart was pounding with excitement.Ja: その女性、アイコにとって特別な新年の贈り物を見つけようとしていたのです。En: He was trying to find a special New Year's gift for that woman, Aiko.Ja: アイコは好奇心旺盛で、何事にも冒険心がある女性でした。En: Aiko was a curious woman with a sense of adventure in everything she did.Ja: 彼女のことを想うと、ハルトはいつも少し緊張してしまいます。En: Whenever Haruto thought about her, he always felt a bit nervous.Ja: しかし、彼は彼女を喜ばせたいと強く思っていました。En: However, he earnestly wanted to make her happy.Ja: 「彼女にぴったりの贈り物を見つけなければ」と思いながら、彼は様々な店を回りました。En: Thinking, "I must find a gift that's perfect for her," he went around various shops.Ja: ハルトは自信がなく、どのお店のどんなものがいいのか、決められずに迷っていました。En: Haruto lacked confidence and was unsure of which store or what kind of item would be best, leaving him indecisive.Ja: 彼は足を止めて思いました。「アイコが好きなものは何だろうか？」En: He paused and thought, "What does Aiko like?"Ja: アイコはよく穏やかで、誠実なものを大切にしていると彼は思い出しました。En: He recalled that Aiko often cherished calm and sincere things.Ja: その時、ある小さな工芸品の店が彼の目に入りました。En: At that moment, a small craft shop caught his eye.Ja: このお店には手作りの品がたくさん並んでいました。En: The shop was filled with handmade items.Ja: 暖かい色合いのランプや、木彫りの人形が彼を迎えてくれました。En: Warmly colored lamps and wooden carvings welcomed him.Ja: そこで目にした一つのアイテムは、少し控えめで、でも心を引きつけるものでした。En: One item that caught his eye was modest but captivating.Ja: それは、小さな両面の手鏡でした。En: It was a small, double-sided hand mirror.Ja: 鏡の枠には冬の花を模した彫刻が施されていました。En: The frame of the mirror was adorned with engravings of winter flowers.Ja: そしてその鏡は、ハルトにはアイコの笑顔を思い起こさせたのです。En: This mirror reminded Haruto of Aiko's smile.Ja: 「これなら、彼女に喜んでもらえるかもしれない。」ハルトはそう思い、手鏡を手に取りました。En: "With this, I might make her happy," thought Haruto as he picked up the hand mirror.Ja: 心の中で少しの自信が芽生えました。En: A little confidence began to grow in his heart.Ja: 新年の日、ハルトは渋谷のにぎやかな音の中、いつもの静けさを探し求めて公園に行きました。En: On New Year's Day, Haruto went to the park, seeking the usual peace amidst the bustling sounds of Shibuya.Ja: そこでアイコに贈り物を差し出しました。En: There, he presented the gift to Aiko.Ja: 「新年おめでとう、アイコ。これ、君のために選んだんだ。」En: "Happy New Year, Aiko. I chose this for you."Ja: アイコは微笑みました。En: Aiko smiled.Ja: 「ありがとう、ハルト。これ、とても素敵ね。」En: "Thank you, Haruto. It's really lovely."Ja: 彼が選んだ贈り物が心のこもったものだとわかり、その言葉に感謝の気持ちを込めて答えました。En: She understood that the gift he chose was heartfelt, and she responded with gratitude in her words.Ja: ハルトは、アイコが喜んでくれたことで、少しだけ自分に自信を持つことができました。En: The fact that Aiko was pleased allowed Haruto to gain a bit more confidence in himself.Ja: 贈り物の価値は高価さではなく、そこに込められた思いだということを、彼は学んだのでした。En: He learned that the value of a gift lies not in its price but in the thought behind it.Ja: 彼の心には確かな満足感がありました。En: There was a genuine sense of satisfaction in his heart.Ja: その日、交差点の光はいつもよりも温かく彼らを照らしていました。En: That day, the lights at the crossing shone more warmly on them than usual.Ja: 新しい年の始まりを告げる鐘の音と共に、ハルトは一歩前に進むことができたのです。En: Along with the bell tolling the start of the new year, Haruto was able to take a step forward. Vocabulary Words:glowing: 輝いていましたbustling: 賑やかなlively: 活気あるamidst: の中でpounding: ドキドキと高鳴っていましたexcitement: 興奮curious: 好奇心旺盛なadventure: 冒険心earnestly: 強くconfidence: 自信indecisive: 決められずcherished: 大切にしているcraft: 工芸品handmade: 手作りのcarvings: 彫刻adorned: 施されていましたmodest: 控えめcaptivating: 心を引きつけるgratitude: 感謝の気持ちgenuine: 確かなsatisfaction: 満足感tolling: 告げるsense: 雰囲気cherish: 大切にするnervous: 緊張するpause: 足を止めるearnest: 誠実なframe: 枠sincere: 心のこもったconfidence: 少しだけ自信

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Heartwarming Science: A Winter's Lesson in Tokyo's Miraikan Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-18-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京の冬は寒くて風が冷たい。En: Winter in Tokyo is cold, and the wind is chilly.Ja: そんな中、新年の休みを迎えた晴樹と由奈は、日本科学未来館、通称ミライカンを訪れていました。En: In the midst of this, Haruki and Yuna found themselves visiting the Miraikan, also known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, during the New Year's holidays.Ja: 未来館は、科学や未来の技術を紹介する展示がたくさんあり、人々で賑わっていました。En: The Miraikan was bustling with people, as it featured numerous exhibits showcasing science and future technologies.Ja: 子どもたちや家族連れが、きらきらと輝くロボットや未来の乗り物を見て歓声を上げています。En: Children and families were raising their voices in excitement at the sparkling robots and futuristic vehicles.Ja: 晴樹はとても楽しみにしていました。En: Haruki was looking forward to it very much.Ja: 彼は科学が大好きな高校生で、いつも優しいお姉さん、由奈を尊敬していました。En: He was a high schooler with a deep love for science, and he always respected his kind older sister, Yuna.Ja: 「今日は、由奈に迷惑をかけたくない」と思いながら、晴樹は周りの展示に夢中になっていました。En: "I don't want to trouble Yuna today," he thought as he got engrossed in the exhibits around him.Ja: しかし、冬の乾燥した空気の中で、晴樹の呼吸は少し苦しかったのです。En: However, in the dry winter air, Haruki found it a bit hard to breathe.Ja: 「大丈夫だ。きっと大丈夫。」晴樹は小さく自分に言い聞かせ、由奈には何も言わないことに決めました。En: "I'm okay. I'll be okay," Haruki quietly reassured himself, deciding not to say anything to Yuna.Ja: お姉さんの由奈は大学生で、晴樹をよく気遣ってくれる存在です。En: His sister, Yuna, was a university student who often looked after him.Ja: でも今日は、彼は自分の力で楽しみたいと思っていました。En: But today, he wanted to enjoy the day on his own strength.Ja: やがて、二人はインタラクティブな展示の前に立ち止まりました。En: Eventually, the two stopped in front of an interactive exhibit.Ja: 「すごいね！」由奈は目を輝かせながら言いました。En: "This is amazing!" Yuna said with sparkling eyes.Ja: しかし、晴樹の呼吸はさらに苦しくなって来ました。En: However, Haruki's breathing became even more difficult.Ja: 彼は一生懸命に辛さを隠していましたが、体が言うことを聞いてくれません。En: He tried hard to hide his discomfort, but his body wouldn't cooperate.Ja: 急に彼は立っているのが大変になり、ひざをつくと、苦しそうに息を吸いました。En: Suddenly, he found it hard to stand and dropped to his knees, struggling to breathe.Ja: 「晴樹！大丈夫？」由奈はすぐに弟に駆け寄りました。En: "Haruki! Are you okay?" Yuna immediately rushed to her brother.Ja: 彼女は慌てて人々の間をかき分け、助けを呼びに行きました。En: She hurriedly parted the crowd and went to call for help.Ja: すぐにスタッフが駆け付け、晴樹にインヘーラーを渡しました。En: Soon, staff arrived and handed Haruki an inhaler.Ja: 「ゆっくり吸って」とスタッフが優しく声を掛けます。En: "Breathe slowly," the staff gently advised.Ja: その後、ベンチに座り、落ち着きを取り戻した晴樹は、静かになった展示室で由奈に向かって「ごめんね、由奈」と小さな声で言いました。En: Afterward, sitting on a bench and regaining his composure, Haruki quietly said to Yuna, "I'm sorry, Yuna."Ja: 由奈は弟の手を優しく握り返し、「晴樹が無事でよかった。En: She gently squeezed his hand back and smiled, saying, "I'm just glad you're okay, Haruki.Ja: それが一番大事だよ。」と微笑みました。En: That's the most important thing."Ja: その瞬間、晴樹は大切なことに気付きました。En: At that moment, Haruki realized something important.Ja: 「自分の健康を無視してはいけない。En: "I shouldn't ignore my health.Ja: 由奈は、いつも僕のことを大事に思ってくれているんだ。」En: Yuna always cares deeply about me."Ja: そう思うと、彼は安心感に包まれました。En: With that thought, he felt wrapped in a sense of relief.Ja: 帰り道、由奈は「また一緒に来ようね」と笑い、晴樹も「うん！」と元気に答えました。En: On the way home, Yuna laughed and said, "Let's come again together," to which Haruki cheerfully replied, "Yeah!"Ja: 二人の中には、強い絆がありました。En: Between the two of them, there was a strong bond.Ja: 新たな決意を胸に、寒さの中でも二人は心温まる一日を過ごしました。En: With a renewed determination in their hearts, they spent a heartwarming day despite the cold.Ja: 未来館の魅力と共に、新年の始まりを感じながら、二人は家路につくのでした。En: Feeling the allure of the Miraikan and the beginning of the new year, they headed back home. Vocabulary Words:chilly: 冷たいemerging: 新たなbustling: 賑わっていましたexhibit: 展示futuristic: 未来的なengrossed: 夢中になっていましたdiscomfort: 辛さcomposure: 落ち着きrelief: 安心感allure: 魅力determination: 決意introduction: 紹介attraction: 魅力interactive: インタラクティブなreassure: 言い聞かせるgently: 優しくignore: 無視するbond: 絆sparkling: きらきらと輝くtrouble: 迷惑resolve: 決意breathe: 呼吸hurry: 慌ててinhaler: インヘーラーcourage: 勇気empathy: 気遣うenthusiastic: 元気にkindness: 優しいstruggle: 苦しんでannouncement: 歓声

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Fluent Fiction - Dutch: From Isolation to Connection: Bram's Winter Awakening Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-01-14-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Terwijl de sneeuwvlokken zachtjes naar beneden dwarrelden, keek Bram uit het raam van zijn kleine huisje aan de rand van het dorp.En: As the snowflakes gently drifted down, Bram looked out the window of his small house on the edge of the village.Nl: Het dorp was stil, op het kraken van de sneeuw onder de voeten van wandelaars na.En: The village was quiet, except for the crunching of snow under the feet of walkers.Nl: De kanalen waren bevroren en de kinderen uit het dorp speelden en gleden over het ijs.En: The canals were frozen, and the village children played and slid on the ice.Nl: Maar Bram was niet naar buiten gegaan.En: But Bram hadn't gone outside.Nl: Hij woonde al jaren alleen, sinds hij zijn vrouw had verloren.En: He had lived alone for years, ever since he lost his wife.Nl: De stilte was zijn gezelschap, maar vandaag voelde hij een andere aanwezigheid: pijn in zijn borst.En: The silence was his companion, but today he felt another presence: pain in his chest.Nl: Bram wist niet zeker wat er aan de hand was.En: Bram wasn't sure what was happening.Nl: Hij stond op en liep voorzichtig naar de keuken, hopend dat wat water zijn zorgen zou wegnemen.En: He stood up and carefully walked to the kitchen, hoping some water would take away his worries.Nl: Maar de pijn bleef.En: But the pain remained.Nl: Een gedachte sloop in zijn hoofd: wat als het een hartaanval was?En: A thought crept into his head: what if it was a heart attack?Nl: Hij voelde de angst knijpen, niet alleen om zijn gezondheid, maar ook om iets anders.En: He felt fear squeezing, not only for his health but also for something else.Nl: Als hij nu hulp zocht, zou hij zijn leven moeten delen, zijn kwetsbaarheid tonen.En: If he sought help now, he would have to share his life, show his vulnerability.Nl: Naast hem woonde Anika, een vriendelijke vrouw met warme ogen.En: Next door to him lived Anika, a friendly woman with warm eyes.Nl: Bram had haar vaak gezien, maar slechts een paar woorden met haar gewisseld.En: Bram had often seen her, but had only exchanged a few words with her.Nl: Vandaag had hij haar hulp nodig.En: Today, he needed her help.Nl: Met enige aarzeling trok hij zijn winterjas aan en strompelde het koude pad op, voetstappen krakend in de sneeuw.En: With some hesitation, he put on his winter coat and stumbled onto the cold path, footsteps crunching in the snow.Nl: Hij klopte zachtjes op haar deur.En: He knocked softly on her door.Nl: Anika opende de deur en glimlachte verrast.En: Anika opened the door and smiled, surprised.Nl: "Bram, wat brengt je hier?"En: "Bram, what brings you here?"Nl: vroeg ze, haar stem vriendelijk en warm.En: she asked, her voice friendly and warm.Nl: "I-ik...En: "I-I...Nl: Ik heb pijn," stamelde Bram.En: I have pain," Bram stammered.Nl: "In mijn borst.En: "In my chest.Nl: Ik denk dat ik naar de kliniek moet."En: I think I need to go to the clinic."Nl: Zonder aarzeling pakte Anika haar sleutels en hielp hem de auto in.En: Without hesitation, Anika grabbed her keys and helped him into the car.Nl: De reis naar de kliniek was kort, maar voor Bram leek het een eeuwigheid.En: The drive to the clinic was short, but to Bram it felt like an eternity.Nl: De dorpsstraten waren zo vertrouwd, maar vandaag voelden ze nieuw.En: The village streets were so familiar, but today they felt new.Nl: In de kliniek werd Bram begroet door Jeroen, de huisarts van het dorp.En: In the clinic, Bram was greeted by Jeroen@, the village doctor.Nl: "Bram, wat goed dat je gekomen bent," zei Jeroen vriendelijk.En: "Bram, it's good that you came," said Jeroen kindly.Nl: Terwijl Jeroen hem onderzocht, merkte Bram de andere dorpsbewoners op die in de wachtkamer zaten.En: While Jeroen examined him, Bram noticed the other villagers sitting in the waiting room.Nl: Bekende gezichten, mensen die hij altijd op afstand had gehouden.En: Familiar faces, people he had always kept at a distance.Nl: Na enkele tests vertelde Jeroen hem dat de pijn stressgerelateerd was, niet zijn hart.En: After a few tests, Jeroen told him that the pain was stress-related, not his heart.Nl: Bram ademde opgelucht uit, maar voelde ook iets anders: het besef dat hij niet alleen was.En: Bram exhaled in relief, but also felt something else: the realization that he was not alone.Nl: Anika bleef aan zijn zijde, haar aanwezigheid als een kalmerende deken over zijn zenuwen.En: Anika stayed by his side, her presence like a calming blanket over his nerves.Nl: Bij het verlaten van de kliniek bedankte hij haar oprecht.En: As they left the clinic, he thanked her sincerely.Nl: Het voelde vreemd, maar ook goed om iemand naast hem te hebben.En: It felt strange, but also good to have someone by his side.Nl: Toen ze samen naar hun huizen terugkeerden, deed Bram een belofte aan zichzelf.En: As they returned to their houses together, Bram made a promise to himself.Nl: Hij zou veranderen.En: He would change.Nl: Kleine stapjes.En: Small steps.Nl: Contact maken.En: Make contact.Nl: De muren afbreken die hijzelf had opgebouwd.En: Break down the walls he had built himself.Nl: De volgende dag, terwijl de sneeuw smolt onder een milde winterzon, zag Bram de kinderen weer op de kanalen spelen.En: The next day, as the snow melted under a mild winter sun, Bram saw the children playing on the canals again.Nl: Hij glimlachte en voelde zich lichter.En: He smiled and felt lighter.Nl: Hij zou zijn deur vaker openen voor de wereld.En: He would open his door more often to the world.Nl: En misschien, dacht hij, was dit het begin van iets nieuws.En: And maybe, he thought, this was the beginning of something new.Nl: Het begin van verbinding.En: The beginning of connection. Vocabulary Words:snowflakes: sneeuwvlokkengently: zachtjesvillagers: dorpsbewonerscrunching: krakenice: ijspresence: aanwezigheidcompanion: gezelschapchest: borstvulnerability: kwetsbaarheidhesitation: aarzelingstumbled: strompeldeeternity: eeuwigheidrealization: besefvillage: dorpexamined: onderzochtfamiliar: vertrouwddistance: afstandstress-related: stressgerelateerdnerves: zenuwensincerely: oprechtchange: veranderencontact: contactwalls: murenmelted: smoltmild: mildelighter: lichterconnection: verbindingdrifted: dwarreldenslid: gledenwalkers: wandelaars

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Friendship Forged in Snow: A Heartwarming Mountain Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-01-14-23-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en gang, i en dal omfavnet av majestetiske fjell, sto en liten tømmerhytte.En: Once upon a time, in a valley embraced by majestic mountains, stood a small log cabin.No: Hytta, med sitt knitrende ildsted og tepper i ruter, var perfekt for en vinterutflukt.En: The cabin, with its crackling fireplace and checkered blankets, was perfect for a winter getaway.No: Eirik, den eventyrlystne, hadde planlagt denne turen for å styrke vennskapsbåndene.En: Eirik, the adventurous one, had planned this trip to strengthen the bonds of friendship.No: Med ham var Solveig, en ivrig fotograf, og Ingrid, den bokglade bibliotekaren.En: With him were Solveig, an eager photographer, and Ingrid, the book-loving librarian.No: Den første morgenen begynte med en kopp varm kaffe mens snøfnugg dalte lett utenfor.En: The first morning began with a cup of hot coffee while snowflakes fell gently outside.No: Eirik så ut av vinduet og sa: "I dag drar vi ut på ski!"En: Eirik looked out the window and said, "Today we are going skiing!"No: Solveig nikket entusiastisk, allerede med kameraet klart.En: Solveig nodded enthusiastically, already with her camera ready.No: Ingrid, derimot, nølte.En: Ingrid, on the other hand, hesitated.No: "Jeg er ikke sikker på dette," sa hun stille.En: "I'm not sure about this," she said quietly.No: Hun hadde aldri stått på ski før og var nervøs.En: She had never skied before and was nervous.No: Eirik merket Ingrids uro.En: Eirik noticed Ingrid's unease.No: Han tenkte at dette kunne være en mulighet for henne å prøve noe nytt.En: He thought this could be an opportunity for her to try something new.No: "Du vil få det til, Ingrid. Vi er her sammen," sa han oppmuntrende.En: "You will manage, Ingrid. We're here together," he said encouragingly.No: Solveig la til med et smil: "Jeg kan ta bilder av deg underveis! Det blir gøy."En: Solveig added with a smile, "I can take pictures of you along the way! It'll be fun."No: De pakket niste og kledde på seg varme klær.En: They packed lunch and dressed in warm clothes.No: Utenfor var snøen skinnende hvit, og solen glitret over den.En: Outside, the snow was dazzlingly white, and the sun sparkled over it.No: Men like etter de dro, begynte himmelen å mørkne.En: But shortly after they left, the sky began to darken.No: Snart blåste det opp til snøstorm.En: Soon it blew up into a snowstorm.No: Gruppens plan måtte endres; de måtte vende tilbake til hytta.En: The group's plan had to change; they had to return to the cabin.No: Inne i hytta jobbet de sammen for å sikre varmen.En: Inside the cabin, they worked together to ensure warmth.No: Eirik fylte peisen med ved, Solveig tente stearinlys, mens Ingrid kikket i skap og fant tepper.En: Eirik filled the fireplace with wood, Solveig lit candles, while Ingrid looked in the cabinets and found blankets.No: Da vinden ulte rundt hytta, satt de sammen og delte historier.En: As the wind howled around the cabin, they sat together and shared stories.No: Ingrid begynte å fortelle om en bok hun leste, men øynene lyste også av glede over å være der.En: Ingrid began to tell about a book she was reading, but her eyes also shone with joy to be there.No: Etter et par timer roet stormen seg.En: After a few hours, the storm calmed down.No: Gruppen hadde klart å lage et varmt og trygt fristed sammen.En: The group had managed to create a warm and safe haven together.No: Eirik så på sine to venner og sa, "Jeg tror vi er klare for nesten alt sammen, ikke sant?"En: Eirik looked at his two friends and said, "I think we're ready for almost anything together, right?"No: De lo og nikket.En: They laughed and nodded.No: Neste morgen var himmelen klar igjen.En: The next morning, the sky was clear again.No: Ingrid, nå med mer selvtillit, bestemte seg for å prøve skiene.En: Ingrid, now with more confidence, decided to try the skis.No: Solveig fant unike snøkrystaller å fotografere, og Eirik lærte verdien av å lytte og tilpasse seg vennenes behov.En: Solveig found unique snowflakes to photograph, and Eirik learned the value of listening and adapting to his friends' needs.No: De siste dagene i fjellet ble fulle av varme minner.En: The last days in the mountains were filled with warm memories.No: Alle tre forsto de hadde vokst og fått ny forståelse for hverandre.En: All three understood that they had grown and gained new understanding of each other.No: Da de pakket sammen for å dra hjem, visste de én ting: vennskapet deres hadde blitt sterkere enn noensinne.En: As they packed up to go home, they knew one thing: their friendship had become stronger than ever. Vocabulary Words:valley: dalembraced: omfavnetmajestic: majestetiskecabin: tømmerhyttecrackling: knitrendefireplace: ildstedcheckered: rutergetaway: utfluktbonds: vennskapsbåndeneeager: ivrigsnowflakes: snøfnuggdraped: daltenthusiastically: entusiastiskhesitated: nølteopportunity: mulighetencouragingly: oppmuntrendepacked: pakketdazzlingly: skinnendesparkled: glitretdarken: mørknesnowstorm: snøstormcabinets: skaphowled: ulteconfident: selvtillitunique: unikegained: fåttadapting: tilpassememories: minnerhaven: fristedfriendship: vennskap

Fluent Fiction - French: Heartfelt Discoveries: A Winter's Gift in the Village Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-01-14-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Dans un petit village français, entouré de hauts murs en pierre, se cachait une communauté paisible aux rues pavées.En: In a small French village, hidden behind high stone walls, there lay a peaceful community with cobblestone streets.Fr: C'était un bel après-midi d'hiver.En: It was a beautiful winter afternoon.Fr: Un doux ciel gris s'étendait au-dessus du village, et les boutiques semblaient briller, accueillant avec chaleur les passants.En: A soft gray sky stretched over the village, and the shops seemed to glow, warmly welcoming the passersby.Fr: Lucien, un professeur de lycée récemment à la retraite, se promenait lentement dans les rues.En: Lucien, a recently retired high school teacher, was strolling slowly through the streets.Fr: Il cherchait quelque chose de spécial. Un cadeau pour Marie, sa femme.En: He was searching for something special—a gift for Marie, his wife.Fr: L'air était frais, mais son cœur était rempli d'une mission : raviver la flamme de son mariage.En: The air was crisp, but his heart was filled with a mission: to rekindle the flame of his marriage.Fr: Il s'arrêta devant la boutique "Éclat de Charme".En: He stopped in front of the shop "Éclat de Charme".Fr: À l'intérieur, Amélie, la propriétaire, souriait avec une énergie débordante.En: Inside, Amélie, the owner, smiled with boundless energy.Fr: Elle portait une robe rouge flamboyante, comme un personnage sorti d'une pièce de théâtre.En: She wore a flamboyant red dress, like a character out of a play.Fr: Ses gestes étaient larges et expressifs, et elle parlait avec passion des articles de sa boutique.En: Her gestures were broad and expressive, and she spoke passionately about the items in her shop.Fr: "Bienvenue, monsieur ! Que cherchez-vous ?", demanda-t-elle immédiatement, ses yeux brillant d'enthousiasme.En: "Welcome, sir! What are you looking for?" she asked immediately, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.Fr: Lucien, un peu confus, hésita. "Je cherche un cadeau pour ma femme. Quelque chose de... significatif."En: Lucien, a bit confused, hesitated. "I'm looking for a gift for my wife. Something... meaningful."Fr: Amélie, sans perdre une seconde, se mit à présenter divers objets. "Regardez ce collier en argent ! Parfait pour séduire le cœur d'une femme ! Ou peut-être ce parfum ? Très chic, très parisien !"En: Amélie, wasting no time, began to showcase various objects. "Look at this silver necklace! Perfect for charming a woman's heart! Or perhaps this perfume? Very chic, very Parisian!"Fr: Mais parmi toutes ces suggestions, Lucien se sentait perdu. Il ignorait ce que Marie pourrait vraiment aimer.En: But among all these suggestions, Lucien felt lost. He didn't know what Marie would truly like.Fr: Chloé, une mère célibataire pressée, était aussi dans la boutique.En: Chloé, a hurried single mother, was also in the shop.Fr: Elle fouillait rapidement les étagères. "Parfois, il faut écouter son instinct," murmura-t-elle en passant, ses bras chargés de jouets pour ses enfants.En: She was quickly rummaging through the shelves. "Sometimes, you have to listen to your instincts," she murmured as she passed by, her arms loaded with toys for her children.Fr: Ces mots résonnèrent en Lucien. Il se tourna vers une étagère presque cachée à l'arrière de la boutique.En: These words resonated with Lucien. He turned towards a nearly hidden shelf at the back of the shop.Fr: Là, il trouva une petite boîte musicale. Elle jouait une mélodie douce et familière, une chanson qu'il et Marie aimaient danser ensemble quand ils étaient jeunes.En: There, he found a small music box. It played a sweet and familiar melody, a song he and Marie loved to dance to when they were young.Fr: Ému, Lucien sut qu'il avait trouvé le cadeau parfait.En: Moved, Lucien knew he had found the perfect gift.Fr: En regardant cette boîte, il revoyait leurs souvenirs heureux, leurs étreintes sous la lune et leurs rires partagés.En: Looking at this box, he relived their happy memories, their embraces under the moon, and their shared laughter.Fr: Il se dirigea vers Amélie, la boîte en main. Elle sembla surprise mais hocha la tête avec approbation. "Bon choix, monsieur."En: He headed towards Amélie, the box in hand. She seemed surprised but nodded approvingly. "Good choice, sir."Fr: Lucien sortit de la boutique, le cœur léger et confiant. Il avait redécouvert l'importance de suivre son cœur.En: Lucien left the shop, his heart light and confident. He had rediscovered the importance of following his heart.Fr: En marchant vers la maison, un sourire se dessina sur ses lèvres.En: As he walked home, a smile formed on his lips.Fr: Il se sentait plus proche de Marie, prêt à écrire un nouveau chapitre de leur histoire ensemble.En: He felt closer to Marie, ready to write a new chapter of their story together.Fr: Et cet hiver dans le village, alors que les flocons commençaient à tomber doucement, Lucien savait que son cadeau allait marquer le début d'une nouvelle tendresse avec sa bien-aimée.En: And that winter in the village, as the snowflakes began to fall gently, Lucien knew that his gift would mark the beginning of a new tenderness with his beloved.Fr: Le chemin du retour n'avait jamais semblé aussi lumineux et plein d'espoir.En: The path home had never seemed so bright and full of hope. Vocabulary Words:the village: le villagethe walls: les mursthe community: la communautéthe cobblestones: les pavésthe afternoon: l'après-midithe sky: le cielthe shop: la boutiquethe gift: le cadeauthe air: l'airthe mission: la missionthe flame: la flammethe owner: la propriétairethe dress: la robethe character: le personnagethe gestures: les gestesthe instinct: l'instinctthe necklace: le collierthe heart: le cœurthe perfume: le parfumthe suggestion: la suggestionthe mother: la mèrethe shelf: l'étagèrethe music box: la boîte musicalethe melody: la mélodiethe song: la chansonthe memories: les souvenirsthe embraces: les étreintesthe laughter: les riresthe tenderness: la tendressethe snowflakes: les flocons

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Snowy Delays and Heartwarming Decisions: A Journey Home Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-13-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在北京首都国际机场，寒风吹拂着出口，外面雪花纷飞。En: At Beijing Capital International Airport, the cold wind swept through the exit, and snowflakes were fluttering outside.Zh: 旅客们在大厅里来来往往，有的拖着大包小包回家过年，有的不停地查看航班信息。En: Travelers were coming and going in the hall; some were towing large bags to go home for the New Year, and others were continually checking their flight information.Zh: 李娟站在机场大堂，手紧紧握着手机，看着航班延误的通知，不由得长叹了一口气。En: Li Juan stood in the airport lobby, tightly gripping her phone, looking at the flight delay notification, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.Zh: 这是个特别繁忙的季节。En: This was an especially busy season.Zh: 春节快到了，每个人都期盼着与家人团聚。En: The Spring Festival was approaching, and everyone was looking forward to reunions with their families.Zh: 但对李娟来说，她此刻面临着一个艰难的决定。En: But for Li Juan, she was facing a difficult decision at this moment.Zh: 新加坡的重要商务会议就在眼前，如果成功，她的事业将更进一步。En: An important business meeting in Singapore was just around the corner; if she succeeded, her career would advance further.Zh: 但这场大雪让她的航班推迟，而她的心正在动摇——是留下来与家人过节，还是飞往新加坡去完成她的职业目标？En: However, the heavy snow had delayed her flight, and her heart wavered—should she stay and celebrate the holiday with her family, or should she fly to Singapore to achieve her professional goals?Zh: “小明，这么冷的天，你过来看我，真不容易。”李娟轻声对身边的朋友小明说。En: "Xiao Ming, on such a cold day, it's really not easy for you to come see me," Li Juan softly said to her friend Xiao Ming beside her.Zh: 小明是她的老同学，总是在她需要帮助的时候出现。En: Xiao Ming was her old classmate who always appeared when she needed help.Zh: “李娟，我知道这个决定很重要。不过，春节一年只有一次。”小明看着她，语重心长地说。En: "Li Juan, I know this decision is important. But Spring Festival only comes once a year," Xiao Ming looked at her and said earnestly.Zh: 就在此时，李娟的手机响了。En: At that moment, Li Juan's phone rang.Zh: 是女儿小美打来的。En: It was her daughter Xiao Mei calling.Zh: “妈妈，你什么时候回来呀？我好想您。”电话另一头，小美兴高采烈。En: "Mom, when are you coming back? I miss you so much," Xiao Mei said cheerfully on the other end of the line.Zh: 李娟的心里一暖，女儿的声音轻轻触动了她心底最柔软的部分。En: Li Juan's heart warmed; her daughter's voice gently touched the softest part of her heart.Zh: “对不起，小美，妈妈有点忙。”她心里很难过。En: "I'm sorry, Xiao Mei, mommy is a bit busy," she felt quite sad inside.Zh: 挂了电话后，李娟陷入了深深的沉思。En: After hanging up the phone, Li Juan fell into deep thought.Zh: 她一直以来都把事业放在第一位，错过了很多家庭时光。En: She had always put her career first, missing out on a lot of family time.Zh: 现在，小美的这通电话让她重新审视了自己的优先次序。En: Now, this call from Xiao Mei prompted her to reassess her priorities.Zh: “我要回去。”李娟下定决心，声音坚定。En: "I want to go back," Li Juan made up her mind, her voice firm.Zh: 小明微微一笑：“我想，你做了个很好的选择。”En: Xiao Ming smiled slightly, "I think you made a very good choice."Zh: 李娟决定和家人一同过年，并将会议重新安排。En: Li Juan decided to spend the holiday with her family and reschedule the meeting.Zh: 她意识到，家庭的幸福比任何事业成就都重要。En: She realized that family happiness is more important than any career accomplishment.Zh: 或许，只有这样的平衡，才是真正的成功。En: Perhaps only this kind of balance is true success.Zh: 机场的广播继续播报着航班信息，但李娟的心已经不再摇摆。En: The airport broadcast continued announcing flight information, but Li Juan's heart was no longer wavering.Zh: 在这个冰雪覆盖的冬季，她得到了心灵的温暖和新的启示。En: In this snow-covered winter, she gained warmth and new insight for her soul.Zh: 随着李娟踏上回家的旅途，她发誓要珍惜每一个与家人共度的时刻，让自己的生活更加完整。En: As Li Juan embarked on her journey home, she vowed to cherish every moment spent with her family, making her life more complete. Vocabulary Words:swept: 吹拂fluttering: 纷飞towing: 拖着continually: 不停地gripping: 握着notification: 通知sigh: 叹气reunions: 团聚advance: 进一步delayed: 推迟wavered: 动摇earnestly: 语重心长地cheerfully: 兴高采烈prompted: 促使reassess: 重新审视firm: 坚定accomplishment: 成就balance: 平衡broadcast: 广播wavering: 摇摆insight: 启示cherish: 珍惜complete: 完整hall: 大厅decision: 决定career: 事业approaching: 快到了celebrate: 过节vow: 发誓soul: 心灵

In 2004, the murder of a retired Los Angeles schoolteacher was “solved” in record time. A suspect was arrested within hours, charges were filed almost immediately, and a conviction soon followed. But the case's speed concealed a devastating truth—an innocent, special-needs teenager named Jimmy Kitlas was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. Twenty years later, the case is reopened in Where Murder Lies, as investigators Burl Barer and Frank C. Girardot expose a shocking web of deception, manipulation, and investigative misconduct. What begins as a seemingly simple homicide spirals into a bizarre and dangerous criminal enterprise involving stolen gold, MDMA smuggling, and a stunning alliance between the American Mafia and the Russian Mob—one that may have defrauded the U.S. government out of billions. This episode examines wrongful conviction, tunnel vision policing, and how justice can fail when closing a case matters more than finding the truth. BUY the BOOK- https://amzn.to/49g4FYz Where Murder Lies with Burl Barer & Frank Girardot - Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot  Check out the merch, blog, buy the book, and so much more! mysteriesmayhemandmerlot.net WHERE'S WINNIE! - https://linktr.ee/WinnieSchrader Check out Winnie's Linktree for everything Winnie! From merch for Paranormal 60, Love+Lotus Tarot & Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot to digital designs with WS Media & more! Find the Paranormal 60 Podcast & Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot Podcasts on Rumble Use our link & Sign Up Today! - https://rumble.com/register/Paranormal60Network IF YOU NEED HELP PLEASE CONTACT Call or Text to 988 Chat online at https://988lifeline.org/ PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT THIS SHOW From Haunted to Heartwarming, come stay with us at the Palmer House Hotel! (320) 351-9100 ⁠https://www.thepalmerhousehotel.com/⁠ TalkSpace - Get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to Talkspace.com/podcast and enter promo code SPACE80. True Classic - Step into your new home for the best clothes at True Classic ⁠www.TrueClassic.com/P60⁠ Raycon Everyday Earbuds - Save up to 30% Off at ⁠www.buyraycon.com/truecrimenetwork⁠ Cornbread Hemp - Save 30% off your first order at ⁠www.cornbreadhemp.com/P60⁠ and enter P60 into the coupon code Mint Mobile - To get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month, and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, go to ⁠⁠⁠www.MintMobile.com/P60⁠ Cozy Earth - Begin your sleep adventure on the best bedding and sleepwear with Cozy Earth: ⁠https://cozyearth.com/⁠ use Promo Code P60 for up to 40% off savings! PLEASE RATE & REVIEW MYSTERIES, MAYHEM & MERLOT PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN #TrueCrime #WrongfulConviction #WhereMurderLies #JimmyKitlas #InnocentInPrison #JusticeFailed #ColdCase #Framed #PoliceMisconduct #InvestigativeJournalism #MafiaConnections #RussianMob #OrganizedCrime #CrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #Exoneration #Corruption #UnsolvedTruth #MysteriesMayhemMerlot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Epiphany Eve: A Heartwarming Tale of Teamwork and Togetherness Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-06-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: Budapesten a téli január csípős hidegével takarta be a várost, de a Váci utcai kávézó belsejében meleg és otthonos hangulat uralkodott.En: In Budapest, the chilly cold of January covered the city, but inside the Váci utca café, a warm and cozy atmosphere prevailed.Hu: Réka, Gábor és András egy kis faasztal körül ültek, miközben a vintage lámpák puha fénye táncolt az asztalon elhelyezett papírlapok sarkain.En: Réka, Gábor, and András sat around a small wooden table while the soft light from vintage lamps danced on the corners of the paper sheets placed on the table.Hu: Frissen főtt kávé illata szállt a levegőben, és a forró ital hamarosan mindenki tenyerét átmelegítette.En: The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and the hot drink soon warmed everyone's palms.Hu: Aznap különleges nap volt, Vízkereszt előtti este.En: That day was special; it was the evening before Epiphany.Hu: Réka már napok óta erre a pillanatra készült, hogy a családjával otthon ünnepelhessen.En: Réka had been preparing for this moment for days, eager to celebrate at home with her family.Hu: Azonban András, a kedves, bár kissé figyelmetlen főnök, váratlanul egy sürgős projektmunkával lepte meg őket.En: However, András, the kind but somewhat inattentive boss, unexpectedly surprised them with an urgent project task.Hu: Az anyagot másnap reggelre kellett leadni.En: The material had to be submitted by the next morning.Hu: Réka szíve összeszorult a gondolatra.En: Réka's heart sank at the thought.Hu: "Réka, tudom, hogy haza szeretnél menni," kezdte András, miközben elfoglalása egy bocsánatkérő mosollyal párosította.En: "Réka, I know you want to go home," started András, accompanying his statement with an apologetic smile.Hu: "De ez a projekt nagyon fontos.En: "But this project is very important."Hu: "Gábor rápillantott Rékára.En: Gábor glanced at Réka.Hu: Mindig is támogatta kollégáját, még akkor is, amikor a dolgok bonyolulttá váltak.En: He had always supported his colleague, even when things got complicated.Hu: Réka mélyet sóhajtott, majd összeszedte a bátorságát.En: Réka took a deep breath and gathered her courage.Hu: "Gábor, segítenél nekem?En: "Gábor, would you help me?"Hu: " kérdezte alázatosan.En: she asked humbly.Hu: "Ha megosztanánk a munkát, talán mindketten időben végezhetnénk.En: "If we split the work, maybe we could both finish in time."Hu: "Gábor habozás nélkül bólintott.En: Gábor nodded without hesitation.Hu: "Természetesen.En: "Of course.Hu: Osszuk fel a feladatokat, és kezdjünk neki.En: Let's divide the tasks and get started."Hu: "Míg a kinti hóesés fagyos csendjét a kávézó melegsége ellensúlyozta, Réka és Gábor együtt dolgoztak.En: While the freezing silence of the snowfall outside was counterbalanced by the warmth of the café, Réka and Gábor worked together.Hu: Végül, ahogy a kávézó órája késő estére kúszott, Réka befejezte a saját részét.En: Finally, as the café's clock crept into the late evening, Réka finished her part.Hu: Felsóhajtott a megkönnyebbüléstől, hálás pillantást vetve Gáborra.En: She sighed in relief, casting a grateful glance at Gábor.Hu: "András, készen vagyunk," szólt, miközben becsomagolta a laptopját.En: "András, we're done," she said as she packed up her laptop.Hu: "Gábor nélkül nem sikerült volna.En: "I couldn't have done it without Gábor."Hu: "András mosolyogva nézett rájuk.En: András looked at them with a smile.Hu: "Remek munka, mindkettőtöknek.En: "Great work, both of you."Hu: "Réka boldogan köszönt el, és sietett haza.En: Réka happily said goodbye and hurried home.Hu: A lakásba lépve meleg szeretet fogadta.En: When she stepped into the apartment, she was greeted by a warm embrace.Hu: A család már várta, és gyertyák fénye árnyékokat vetített a falra.En: Her family was already waiting, and the flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls.Hu: Az Epiphany esti ünnepség megkezdődött, és Réka szívét elöntötte a melegség.En: The Epiphany evening celebration had begun, and Réka's heart was filled with warmth.Hu: Ahogy nyugovóra tért az este végén, Rékában különös érzés uralkodott el.En: As she went to bed that night, Réka was overcome with a peculiar feeling.Hu: Megtanulta, hogy nem kell mindent egyedül megkísérelnie.En: She had learned that she didn't have to attempt everything on her own.Hu: Az együttműködés ereje segítette, hogy az élet és a munka között egyensúlyt teremtsen.En: The power of collaboration had helped her balance life and work.Hu: Végül is, a csapatmunka erősebbé tette őt.En: After all, teamwork had made her stronger. Vocabulary Words:chilly: csípőscozy: otthonosatmosphere: hangulatvintage: vintagebrew: főttpalms: tenyerétEpiphany: Vízkeresztprevailed: uralkodottsubmitted: leadniapologetic: bocsánatkérőglance: pillanatcomplicated: bonyolulttácourage: bátorságáthumbly: alázatosanhesitation: habozáscounterbalance: ellensúlyoztacreep: kúszottsigh: felsóhajtottrelief: megkönnyebbüléstőlembrace: szeretetflickering: gyertyákpeculiar: különöscollaboration: együttműködésbalance: egyensúlytteamwork: csapatmunkainattentive: figyelmetlenurgent: sürgőssubmit: leadnisurprise: megleptewarmth: melegség

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: From Shoppers to Saviors: An Unexpected Winter Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-01-05-08-38-19-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Det var en klar men kylig vinterdag i den livliga marknadsplatsen.En: It was a clear but chilly winter day at the busy marketplace.Sv: Människor rörde sig som en ström genom stadens hjärta, fångade i ivern av vinterrean efter jul.En: People moved like a stream through the heart of the city, caught in the frenzy of the post-Christmas sales.Sv: Färgglada banderoller hängde från taken, och en isande vind blåste genom de smala gränderna, där shoppingkassar prasslade som löv i vinden.En: Colorful banners hung from the roofs, and an icy wind blew through the narrow alleys, where shopping bags rustled like leaves in the wind.Sv: Astrid kände kylan nypa hennes kinder när hon navigerade mellan folkmassorna.En: Astrid felt the cold pinch her cheeks as she navigated through the crowds.Sv: Hon hade bott i denna stad i hela sitt liv, men marknadsplatsen kändes nu som en labyrint.En: She had lived in this city her entire life, but the marketplace now felt like a labyrinth.Sv: Hon ville snabbt handla sina varor och återvända hem till värmen och lugnet.En: She wanted to quickly shop for her items and return home to warmth and calm.Sv: Men ungefär halvvägs genom sin lista, kände hon en välbekant men alltmer oroväckande trötthet svepa genom sin kropp.En: But about halfway through her list, she felt a familiar yet increasingly troubling fatigue sweep through her body.Sv: Elin, hennes vän och ständiga följeslagare, såg oroligt på henne.En: Elin, her friend and constant companion, looked at her worriedly.Sv: "Astrid, du ser lite blek ut, hur mår du?"En: "Astrid, you look a little pale, how are you?"Sv: frågade Elin och la en hand på Astrids arm.En: asked Elin, placing a hand on Astrid's arm.Sv: Astrid försökte le, men det blev mer en grimas.En: Astrid tried to smile, but it turned into more of a grimace.Sv: "Jag mår bra," svarade hon, men det var en halvsanning.En: "I'm fine," she replied, but it was a half-truth.Sv: Hennes inre oroade sig för att oroa Lars, hennes kärleksfulla make, som ofta påminde henne om att ta det lugnt.En: Her inner concern was not to worry Lars, her loving husband, who often reminded her to take it easy.Sv: Snart blev det svårare att ignorera symptomen.En: Soon it became harder to ignore the symptoms.Sv: Huvudet började snurra och fötterna kändes som bly.En: Her head began to spin, and her feet felt like lead.Sv: Trots att hennes ben protesterade mot varje steg, fortsatte Astrid framåt, envis i sin strävan att avsluta sina ärenden.En: Despite her legs protesting every step, Astrid continued forward, determined in her quest to finish her errands.Sv: Men plötsligt, när hon nådde en pastellfärgad klädbutik, svek hennes kropp henne.En: But suddenly, as she reached a pastel-colored clothing store, her body betrayed her.Sv: Allt blev svart och hon föll tyst ner på marken, mitt bland de upptagna människorna.En: Everything went black, and she silently fell to the ground, in the midst of the busy crowd.Sv: Ett litet tumult uppstod.En: A small commotion arose.Sv: Människor stannade upp, och viskningar spreds genom folkmassan.En: People stopped, and whispers spread through the crowd.Sv: Lars rusade fram från en närliggande butik, hans ansikte fyllt av oro.En: Lars rushed over from a nearby store, his face filled with worry.Sv: "Astrid!"En: "Astrid!"Sv: ropade han och föll ner bredvid henne.En: he shouted and knelt beside her.Sv: Elin, alltid den som tänker snabbt, drog fram sin mobiltelefon och ringde efter en ambulans.En: Elin, always quick-thinking, pulled out her cellphone and called for an ambulance.Sv: I ambulansen höll Lars Astrids hand medan Elin pratade lugnt med sjukvårdarna.En: In the ambulance, Lars held Astrid's hand while Elin spoke calmly with the paramedics.Sv: Vid det lokala sjukcentret blev Astrid snabbt undersökt av läkare som bestämde sig för att genomföra omfattande tester.En: At the local medical center, Astrid was quickly examined by doctors who decided to conduct extensive tests.Sv: Det visade sig att Astrids kroniska, obesvarade sjukdom äntligen fick ett namn – en autoimmun sjukdom som nu kunde behandlas.En: It turned out that Astrid's chronic, unanswered ailment finally had a name—an autoimmune disease that could now be treated.Sv: Med en ny läkemedelsbehandling i åtanke, och i Lars och Elins omsorgsfulla närvaro, märkte Astrid att hon kände något nytt, något lätt.En: With a new medication regimen in mind, and in the caring presence of Lars and Elin, Astrid noticed she felt something new, something light.Sv: Det var en lättnad och en återkomst av styrka.En: It was a relief and a return of strength.Sv: Hon insåg att det var okej att visa sårbarhet, att acceptera hjälp från dem som älskade henne.En: She realized that it was okay to show vulnerability, to accept help from those who loved her.Sv: När hon lämnade sjukhuset, såg hon på Elin och Lars, tacksam för deras support.En: As she left the hospital, she looked at Elin and Lars, grateful for their support.Sv: De tre gick ut på marknadsplatsen igen, denna gång i en mindre hast, och Astrid log.En: The three of them walked back into the marketplace, this time at a slower pace, and Astrid smiled.Sv: Hon visste att hon aldrig behövde bära bördan ensam igen.En: She knew she never had to carry the burden alone again.Sv: Kylan kändes nu mindre intensiv, och vinterns glans blev till slut en tid för läkning och öppnande.En: The cold now felt less intense, and the winter's brilliance became, at last, a time for healing and openness. Vocabulary Words:chilly: kyligmarketplace: marknadsplatsenfrenzy: iverbanners: banderollerpinch: nypanavigate: navigeralabyrinth: labyrintfatigue: trötthetcompanion: följeslagarepale: blekgrimace: grimashalf-truth: halvsanningprotesting: protesterapastel-colored: pastellfärgadbetrayed: svekcommotion: tumultwhispers: viskningarambulance: ambulansparamedics: sjukvårdarnaexamined: undersöktconduct: genomföraailment: sjukdomautoimmune: autoimmunmedication regimen: läkemedelsbehandlingvulnerability: sårbarhetburden: bördanhealing: läkningbrilliance: glansextensive: omfattandedetermine: bestämma

What happens when family life collides with organized crime?In this episode of Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot, we explore the true crime story of a man who walked a fine line of morality and immorality; the mob—and paid the ultimate price for his choices. Growing up in the shadow of organized crime meant loyalty, silence, and risk. But when bad decisions stacked up and alliances shifted, the mob delivered its final verdict. This episode unpacks mob culture, family legacy, criminal psychology, and the deadly consequences of thinking you can outsmart the mafia. With dark humor and sharp analysis, we examine how one father's life in the underworld ended in murder—and why the mob always collects its debts. BUY the BOOK-https://amzn.to/4spMZ4i Check out Mark's site RIGHT HERE-https://www.markallenlanoue.com/ Family Ties & Mafia Lies with Mark Lanoue - Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot Check out the merch, blog, buy the book, and so much more! mysteriesmayhemandmerlot.net WHERE'S WINNIE! - https://linktr.ee/WinnieSchrader Check out Winnie's Linktree for everything Winnie! From merch for Paranormal 60, Love+Lotus Tarot & Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot to digital designs with WS Media & more! Find the Paranormal 60 Podcast & Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot Podcasts on Rumble Use our link & Sign Up Today! - https://rumble.com/register/Paranormal60Network IF YOU NEED HELP PLEASE CONTACT Call or Text to 988 Chat online at https://988lifeline.org/ PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT THIS SHOW From Haunted to Heartwarming, come stay with us at the Palmer House Hotel! (320) 351-9100 ⁠https://www.thepalmerhousehotel.com/⁠ PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT THIS SHOW TalkSpace - Get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to Talkspace.com/podcast and enter promo code SPACE80. True Classic - Step into your new home for the best clothes at True Classic ⁠www.TrueClassic.com/P60⁠ Raycon Everyday Earbuds - Save up to 30% Off at ⁠www.buyraycon.com/truecrimenetwork⁠ Cornbread Hemp - Save 30% off your first order at ⁠www.cornbreadhemp.com/P60⁠ and enter P60 into the coupon code Mint Mobile - To get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month, and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, go to ⁠⁠⁠www.MintMobile.com/P60⁠ Cozy Earth - Begin your sleep adventure on the best bedding and sleepwear with Cozy Earth: ⁠https://cozyearth.com/⁠ use Promo Code P60 for up to 40% off savings! PLEASE RATE & REVIEW MYSTERIES, MAYHEM & MERLOT PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN #TrueCrime #MobMurder #MafiaLife #OrganizedCrime #MobHit #CrimeFamily #MobBoss #MafiaTrueCrime #Underworld #CrimePodcast #TrueCrimePodcast #MobViolence #CriminalLegacy #MafiaHistory #DarkTrueCrime #FatalChoices #RealCrimeStory #AmericanMafia #MysteriesMayhemAndMerlot #TrueCrimeCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Elena's Epiphany: Finding Joy Amidst The Hustle in Madrid Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2026-01-04-23-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: En el corazón de Madrid, en un barrio residencial decorado con luces parpadeantes y guirnaldas coloridas, vivía Elena.En: In the heart of Madrid, in a residential neighborhood decorated with flickering lights and colorful garlands, lived Elena.Es: Era una joven responsable en sus veintitantos, encargada del cuidado de su hermano pequeño, Javier, de ocho años.En: She was a young woman in her twenties, responsible for the care of her younger brother, Javier, who was eight years old.Es: El invierno había llegado y con él, la emoción del Día de los Reyes Magos.En: Winter had arrived, and with it, the excitement of Día de los Reyes Magos.Es: Los días eran fríos y el barrio estaba lleno de actividad.En: The days were cold and the neighborhood was bustling with activity.Es: Las familias salían a la calle, comprando regalos y preparando deliciosos roscones de reyes.En: Families were out on the streets, buying gifts and preparing delicious roscones de reyes.Es: Elena miraba por la ventana, preocupada.En: Elena looked out the window, worried.Es: Quería que este día fuera especial para Javier, pero a la vez anhelaba tiempo para sí misma.En: She wanted this day to be special for Javier, but at the same time, she longed for time for herself.Es: Javier, entusiasmado, revoloteaba por la casa, haciéndole mil preguntas sobre los Reyes Magos.En: Javier, excited, flitted around the house, asking her a thousand questions about the Reyes Magos.Es: "¿Vendrán con camellos, Elena?En: "Will they come with camels, Elena?Es: ¿Y si me traen ese coche a control remoto que pedí?"En: And what if they bring me that remote-control car I asked for?"Es: Elena sonrió, intentando ocultar su cansancio.En: Elena smiled, trying to hide her fatigue.Es: "Claro que sí, Javier.En: "Of course, Javier.Es: Pero primero necesitamos ayudar a los Reyes preparando todo."En: But first, we need to help the Reyes by preparing everything."Es: Los días previos al evento, Elena decidió involucrar a Javier en los preparativos.En: In the days leading up to the event, Elena decided to involve Javier in the preparations.Es: Juntos decoraron la casa con estrellas de papel y guirnaldas.En: Together, they decorated the house with paper stars and garlands.Es: Prepararon dulces típicos y escribieron sus cartas a los Reyes.En: They made typical sweets and wrote their letters to the Reyes.Es: Javier, con sus ojos brillantes de emoción, parecía crecer con cada tarea que completaban juntos.En: Javier, his eyes shining with excitement, seemed to grow with each task they completed together.Es: A medida que se acercaba la celebración, Elena comenzó a sentirse abrumada.En: As the celebration approached, Elena began to feel overwhelmed.Es: Entre las tareas del hogar, el trabajo y cuidar de Javier, apenas tenía un respiro.En: Between household chores, work, and caring for Javier, she barely had a moment to breathe.Es: Parecía que la responsabilidad pesaba más con cada minuto que pasaba.En: It seemed that the responsibility weighed more with each passing minute.Es: Una tarde, mientras Elena intentaba calmar a Javier, que saltaba de un lado a otro al ritmo de las canciones navideñas, escucharon el timbre de la puerta.En: One afternoon, while Elena tried to calm Javier, who was jumping from side to side to the rhythm of Christmas songs, they heard the doorbell ring.Es: Era doña Carmen, su vecina de al lado, con una amplia sonrisa y una cesta llena de dulces.En: It was doña Carmen, their next-door neighbor, with a broad smile and a basket full of sweets.Es: "Hola, Elena.En: "Hi, Elena.Es: Sabía que estarías ocupada.En: I knew you would be busy.Es: Pensé que tal vez podía ayudarte un poco", dijo doña Carmen.En: I thought maybe I could help you a little," said doña Carmen.Es: Elena, sorprendida, aceptó con gratitud la ayuda.En: Elena, surprised, gratefully accepted the help.Es: Con la compañía de la vecina, las tareas se hicieron más ligeras, y Elena finalmente pudo relajarse y disfrutar del ambiente navideño.En: With the company of the neighbor, the tasks became lighter, and Elena was finally able to relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.Es: Cuando finalmente llegó el Día de los Reyes, todo estaba perfecto.En: When Día de los Reyes finally arrived, everything was perfect.Es: Javier se despertó temprano, con la ilusión reflejada en sus ojos.En: Javier awoke early, with excitement reflecting in his eyes.Es: En el salón, encontró el coche a control remoto de sus sueños junto a muchas otras sorpresas.En: In the living room, he found the remote-control car of his dreams alongside many other surprises.Es: La celebración fue un éxito.En: The celebration was a success.Es: La casa estaba llena de risas y alegría.En: The house was filled with laughter and joy.Es: Elena, contemplando la escena, sintió un calor reconfortante en su corazón.En: Elena, contemplating the scene, felt a comforting warmth in her heart.Es: Había aprendido algo valioso: no estaba sola y podía confiar en los demás.En: She had learned something valuable: she was not alone and could rely on others.Es: Con la ayuda de sus vecinos, podía equilibrar sus responsabilidades y encontrar tiempo para sí misma.En: With the help of her neighbors, she could balance her responsibilities and find time for herself.Es: Elena cerró los ojos por un momento, disfrutando la sensación de comunidad y apoyo, sintiéndose preparada para lo que viniera.En: Elena closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sense of community and support, feeling ready for whatever came next.Es: Ahora sabía que juntos, todo era mejor.En: Now she knew that together, everything was better. Vocabulary Words:the heart: el corazónthe neighborhood: el barriothe lights: las lucesthe garlands: las guirnaldasthe care: el cuidadothe excitement: la emociónthe hustle: el bulliciothe window: la ventanathe fatigue: el cansanciothe preparations: los preparativosthe stars: las estrellasthe sweets: los dulcesthe chores: las tareasthe rhythm: el ritmothe doorbell: el timbrethe neighbor: la vecinathe basket: la cestathe holiday atmosphere: el ambiente navideñothe responsibilities: las responsabilidadesthe warmth: el calorthe support: el apoyothe dreams: los sueñosthe Christmas songs: las canciones navideñasthe moment: el momentothe community: la comunidadthe success: el éxitothe laughter: las risasthe joy: la alegríathe responsibility: la responsabilidadthe scene: la escena

Hello to you listening all over the world!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday in the New Year and your host, Diane Wyzga.Old Man Winter sighed, letting go of the last snowflake as midnight chimed, releasing tiny, glittering sprites of memories from the past year to dance away, making room for the mischievous, bright-eyed Spirit of New Beginnings, who whispered, "Twelve new chapters, 365 new chances!" as the world filled with fresh hope and the promise of endless possibilities, readying us to honor the coming days with compassion, loving kindness, and adventure.Story Prompt: Imagine this: the old ways of being have faded and a heartwarming spirit has arrived, full of potential, ready to inspire visions, curiosity, imagination, and even a bit of magic. Let's embrace the Promise of the New Year, letting go of what was, welcoming second chances, and stepping forward with hope and gentle optimism for the future we'll create. Write that story and share it out loud!  You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Fluent Fiction - French: Old Friendships Rekindled in a Snowy New Year's Eve Chalet Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-01-02-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: La neige tombait doucement sur les toits du chalet.En: The snow was gently falling on the roofs of the chalet.Fr: Les lumières scintillaient à travers les fenêtres, créant une ambiance chaleureuse et accueillante.En: The lights were twinkling through the windows, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.Fr: À l'intérieur, les rires et les discussions des skieurs résonnaient, ajoutant à l'atmosphère festive de la veille de Nouvel An.En: Inside, the laughter and chatter of the skiers resonated, adding to the festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve.Fr: Julien, toujours plein d'énergie et de plaisanteries, se dirigea vers le bar pour se réchauffer avec un chocolat chaud.En: Julien, always full of energy and jokes, headed to the bar to warm up with a hot chocolate.Fr: Il venait de finir une journée de ski passionnante, mais quelque chose dans son cœur l'incitait à réfléchir.En: He had just finished an exciting day of skiing, but something in his heart urged him to reflect.Fr: Alors qu'il faisait la queue, il aperçut un visage familier : Chloé, son amie d'enfance, assise seule à une table près de la cheminée.En: While waiting in line, he caught sight of a familiar face: Chloé, his childhood friend, sitting alone at a table near the fireplace.Fr: Elle regardait pensivement les flammes, perdue dans ses pensées.En: She was thoughtfully watching the flames, lost in her thoughts.Fr: Julien sourit, mais un petit sentiment d'appréhension l'envahit.En: Julien smiled, but a small sense of apprehension filled him.Fr: Il n'avait pas revu Chloé depuis des années.En: He had not seen Chloé for years.Fr: Leurs vies avaient pris des chemins différents après le lycée, et il se demandait comment elle allait.En: Their lives had taken different paths after high school, and he wondered how she was doing.Fr: Rassemblant son courage, Julien s'approcha et dit : "Chloé, c'est vraiment toi ?En: Gathering his courage, Julien approached and said, "Chloé, is it really you?Fr: Quelle surprise !"En: What a surprise!"Fr: Chloé leva les yeux, surprise, puis sourit doucement.En: Chloé looked up, surprised, then smiled gently.Fr: "Julien !En: "Julien!Fr: Quelle coïncidence de se retrouver ici !"En: What a coincidence to meet here!"Fr: Ils discutèrent de banalités, évoquant des souvenirs d'adolescence.En: They talked about trivial matters, recalling teenage memories.Fr: Julien plaisantait comme à son habitude, mais il sentait que Chloé était préoccupée.En: Julien joked as usual, but he felt that Chloé was preoccupied.Fr: Elle semblait distante, et cela l'inquiétait.En: She seemed distant, and it worried him.Fr: Peu après, Julien proposa une randonnée en raquettes pour le lendemain.En: Shortly after, Julien suggested a snowshoeing hike for the next day.Fr: "Ça nous ferait du bien de prendre l'air !En: "It would do us good to get some fresh air!Fr: Qu'en dis-tu ?"En: What do you think?"Fr: Chloé hésita un instant, puis accepta.En: Chloé hesitated for a moment, then agreed.Fr: Elle appréciait la compagnie de Julien mais n'était pas sûre de vouloir partager les pensées lourdes qui l'accablaient.En: She appreciated Julien's company but wasn't sure if she wanted to share the heavy thoughts weighing her down.Fr: Le lendemain, ils s'aventurèrent sur un sentier enneigé, entourés par le calme des montagnes.En: The next day, they ventured onto a snowy trail, surrounded by the calm of the mountains.Fr: La forêt était magnifique et silencieuse sous la neige fraîche.En: The forest was beautiful and silent under the fresh snow.Fr: Julien, nerveux mais décidé, se tourna vers Chloé.En: Nervous but determined, Julien turned to Chloé.Fr: "Chloé, tu sembles préoccupée.En: "Chloé, you seem preoccupied.Fr: Si tu veux en parler, je suis là."En: If you want to talk about it, I'm here."Fr: Chloé resta silencieuse quelques instants, puis soupira.En: Chloé remained silent for a few moments, then sighed.Fr: "C'est juste que je traverse une période difficile.En: "It's just that I'm going through a difficult period.Fr: J'hésite à changer de carrière, mais j'ai peur de me tromper."En: I'm hesitant to change careers, but I'm afraid of making a mistake."Fr: Julien écouta attentivement, se retenant de faire une blague pour alléger l'atmosphère.En: Julien listened attentively, resisting the urge to make a joke to lighten the mood.Fr: Il réalisait que, parfois, écouter était plus précieux que parler.En: He realized that sometimes, listening was more valuable than speaking.Fr: Cette nuit-là, une tempête de neige s'abattit sur la vallée.En: That night, a snowstorm hit the valley.Fr: Alors que les secondes s'égrenaient jusqu'à minuit, Julien et Chloé trouvèrent un coin tranquille dans le chalet.En: As the seconds ticked down to midnight, Julien and Chloé found a quiet corner in the chalet.Fr: La conversation coula naturellement, avec Chloé s'ouvrant davantage.En: The conversation flowed naturally, with Chloé opening up more.Fr: Elle se sentait en sécurité pour partager ses doutes et ses espoirs.En: She felt safe sharing her doubts and hopes.Fr: À minuit, alors que les cloches retentissaient, ils levèrent leurs verres, une nouvelle compréhension entre eux.En: At midnight, as the bells rang, they raised their glasses, a new understanding between them.Fr: "Merci, Julien," dit Chloé doucement.En: "Thank you, Julien," said Chloé softly.Fr: "Tu m'as aidée plus que tu ne le penses."En: "You've helped me more than you know."Fr: Julien, touché, répondit : "Et toi, tu m'as appris à écouter.En: Touched, Julien replied, "And you, you've taught me to listen.Fr: Je serai là, quoi qu'il arrive."En: I'll be here, no matter what."Fr: Avec le début de cette nouvelle année, ils réalisèrent que leur amitié, bien que différente, était toujours précieuse.En: With the start of this new year, they realized that their friendship, although different, was still precious.Fr: Chloé avait trouvé une oreille attentive et un ami fidèle.En: Chloé had found a listening ear and a loyal friend.Fr: Julien, quant à lui, avait appris l'importance de la patience et de l'écoute.En: Julien, for his part, had learned the importance of patience and listening.Fr: Ainsi, sous le toit chaleureux du chalet, une ancienne amitié renaissait, forgée par des confidences et des rires partagés.En: Thus, under the warm roof of the chalet, an old friendship was reborn, forged by shared confidences and laughter.Fr: Ensemble, ils regardaient vers l'avenir avec espoir et détermination.En: Together, they looked toward the future with hope and determination. Vocabulary Words:the roof: le toitthe atmosphere: l'ambiancethe laughter: les riresthe chatter: les discussionsthe skier: le skieurthe fireplace: la cheminéethe courage: le couragethe apprehension: l'appréhensionthe coincidence: la coïncidencetrivial (matters): banalitésthe memory: le souvenirpreoccupied: préoccupéethe hike: la randonnéethe snowshoeing: les raquettesthe trail: le sentierdetermined: décidéto sigh: soupirerthe mistake: la tromperieto resist: se retenirvaluable: précieuxthe snowstorm: la tempête de neigethe valley: la valléethe understanding: la compréhensionto help: aiderthe doubt: le doutethe hope: l'espoirthe bell: la clochetouched: touchépatient: patientthe confidence: la confidence

Strange formations, chilling sounds, and patterns that defy explanation take center stage as the paranormal side of Bigfoot is explored. Jeni Monroe and Tressa Slater welcome Chris Reinhardt of Real American Monsters to break down what these signs might mean—and why they suggest something far more mysterious than a simple creature in the woods.Voices of Bigfoot - Monsters Lounge PodcastChris Reinhardt's link:https://discoversasquatch.com/Find all Monsters Lounge info and links here:https://www.monstersloungepodcast.com/https://linktr.ee/monsterslounge(and while you're there, RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW)Pathways to Spirit with Sarah LemosIt's time to uncover your gifts and abilities.register now at https://www.mediumsarahlemos.com/ From Haunted to Heartwarming, come stay with us at the Palmer House Hotel! (320) 351-9100 ⁠https://www.thepalmerhousehotel.com/⁠ PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT THIS SHOW TalkSpace - Get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to Talkspace.com/podcast and enter promo code SPACE80. True Classic - Step into your new home for the best clothes at True Classic ⁠www.TrueClassic.com/P60⁠ Raycon Everyday Earbuds - Save up to 30% Off at ⁠www.buyraycon.com/truecrimenetwork⁠ Cornbread Hemp - Save 30% off your first order at ⁠www.cornbreadhemp.com/P60⁠ and enter P60 into the coupon code Mint Mobile - To get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month, and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, go to ⁠⁠⁠www.MintMobile.com/P60⁠ Cozy Earth - Begin your sleep adventure on the best bedding and sleepwear with Cozy Earth: ⁠https://cozyearth.com/⁠ use Promo Code P60 for up to 40% off savings! Love & Lotus Tarot with Winnie Schrader - ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://lovelotustarot.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLEASE RATE & REVIEW THE PARANORMAL 60 PODCAST WHEREVER YOU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Ethics and integrity are a bookkeeper's superpower." -Heather Smith Kick off your new year with clarity and momentum in this special Year-In-Review episode! Host, Michael Palmer brings together an international panel of leaders to unpack the biggest wins, surprises, and lessons from 2025. This conversation gives you a grounded look at what actually changed in the bookkeeping world and what you can expect moving into 2026. You'll hear real stories from Canada, Australia, and the United States about technology shifts, economic pressures, client transformations, team challenges, and the rising demand for advisory. Our final episode of 2025 is packed with insights that you don't want to miss! Thank you so much for listening to our show and being a part of our community! Your support is the reason this podcast continues to grow. Wishing you a HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL 2026! To find out more about our guests, click below: Lisa Campbell Teresa Slack Heather Smith Christina Springstead Time Stamp 01:11 – Michael introduces the Year-In-Review panel 03:38 – Biggest surprises from 2025 04:51 – How bookkeepers embraced AI 05:12 – Personal breakthroughs & executing on training 07:04 – Economic pressures & global ripple effects 11:24 – Setbacks bookkeepers faced this year 16:41 – Capacity challenges & communication gaps 19:22 – Heartwarming client wins 23:05 – Helping clients understand their numbers 27:23 – The ripple effect bookkeepers create 30:03 – Why new bookkeepers matter 32:16 – Heartbreaks & financial vulnerability 34:06 – Ethics as a bookkeeper's superpower 39:26 – What worked well in 2025 40:10 – Hiring support to free up time 42:12 – Workflow systems paying off 46:11 – What didn't work & lessons learned 49:26 – Overwhelm from too much change at once 50:59 – Trends shaping 2026 54:58 – The rising need for human connection 1:02:37 – Personal focus areas for 2026 1:05:05 – Closing thoughts & New Year wishes

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Love on Ice: A Heartwarming New Year's Eve Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-30-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: 's Avonds hingen er kleine lichtjes rondom de ijsbaan in het Vondelpark.En: In the evening, small lights hung around the ice rink in Vondelpark.Nl: Sneeuwvlokken dansten zachtjes uit de lucht.En: Snowflakes gently danced from the sky.Nl: Het was een magische avond vlak voor de jaarwisseling.En: It was a magical evening just before the year-end.Nl: Maarten en Sanne stonden samen aan de kant van de ijsbaan.En: Maarten and Sanne stood together at the edge of the ice rink.Nl: "Kom op, Sanne!En: "Come on, Sanne!"Nl: " riep Maarten enthousiast.En: Maarten called enthusiastically.Nl: Hij deed zijn schaatsen aan en stond klaar om het ijs op te gaan.En: He put on his skates and was ready to hit the ice.Nl: "Het is bijna tijd, het nieuwe jaar wacht!En: "It's almost time, the new year awaits!"Nl: "Sanne glimlachte, maar ergens diep van binnen woelde er iets.En: Sanne smiled, but deep inside, something stirred.Nl: Maarten, altijd energiek en vol plannen, keek haar verwachtingsvol aan.En: Maarten, always energetic and full of plans, looked at her expectantly.Nl: Ze wisten allebei dat deze avond anders zou zijn.En: They both knew this evening would be different.Nl: Ze wisten het, zonder het echt te hoeven zeggen.En: They knew it without really needing to say it.Nl: "Ik kom.En: "I'm coming.Nl: Geef me een moment," zei Sanne, terwijl ze haar veters strakker aantrok.En: Give me a moment," Sanne said as she tightened her laces.Nl: Ze was altijd de meer bedachtzame van de twee, maar deze avond voelde anders.En: She was always the more thoughtful of the two, but this evening felt different.Nl: Er was een spanning in de lucht, niet alleen vanwege de feestelijkheden.En: There was tension in the air, not just because of the festivities.Nl: Samen gleden Maarten en Sanne over het ijs, omringd door het gelach van gezinnen en de zachte muziek van het feest.En: Together, Maarten and Sanne glided over the ice, surrounded by the laughter of families and the soft music of the celebration.Nl: Hun adem wolkte in de koude lucht.En: Their breath fogged in the cold air.Nl: De wereld om hen heen leek stil te staan, slechts zij en het geluid van hun schaatsen op het ijs.En: The world around them seemed to stand still, only they and the sound of their skates on the ice.Nl: Maarten voelde zijn hart sneller kloppen.En: Maarten felt his heart beating faster.Nl: Hij had deze avond gepland.En: He had planned this evening.Nl: Het was het perfecte moment.En: It was the perfect moment.Nl: Maar nog steeds, de angst om hun vriendschap te verliezen, hield hem tegen.En: But still, the fear of losing their friendship held him back.Nl: Hij hield van Sanne, meer dan hij ooit had durven toegeven.En: He loved Sanne, more than he had ever dared to admit.Nl: Toen de klok bijna middernacht sloeg, verzamelde Maarten zijn moed.En: As the clock neared midnight, Maarten gathered his courage.Nl: "Sanne," begon hij, zijn stem licht trillend door de opwinding en nervositeit.En: "Sanne," he began, his voice slightly trembling with excitement and nervousness.Nl: Sanne keek op, haar ogen weerspiegelden de glinsterende lichtjes om hen heen.En: Sanne looked up, her eyes reflecting the sparkling lights around them.Nl: "Er is iets dat ik je moet zeggen," vervolgde Maarten.En: "There's something I need to tell you," Maarten continued.Nl: "Ik.En: "I...Nl: ik ben verliefd op je, Sanne.En: I'm in love with you, Sanne.Nl: Al heel lang.En: Have been for a long time."Nl: "Sanne verstijfde, verrast door zijn woorden.En: Sanne froze, surprised by his words.Nl: Maar slechts een moment.En: But only for a moment.Nl: In dat ogenblik begreep ze haar eigen gevoelens.En: In that instant, she understood her own feelings.Nl: Alle tijd had ze het in twijfel getrokken maar nu, terwijl de lucht verlicht werd door de knallen van het vuurwerk, wist ze het zeker.En: All along, she had doubted, but now, as the sky was lit up by the fireworks, she knew for certain.Nl: "Maarten," zei Sanne zacht, en bijna als een fluistering voegde ze eraan toe, "ik voel hetzelfde voor jou.En: "Maarten," Sanne said softly, and almost in a whisper, she added, "I feel the same for you."Nl: "Met de wereld om hen heen die schitterde in kleuren van het vuurwerk, stapten Maarten en Sanne naar elkaar toe en deelden een warme omhelzing.En: With the world around them shimmering in the colors of the fireworks, Maarten and Sanne stepped toward each other and shared a warm embrace.Nl: De kou van de winteravond verdween met die ene warme omarming.En: The cold of the winter evening vanished with that single warm hug.Nl: Het nieuwe jaar begon met een nieuwe liefde.En: The new year began with a new love.Nl: Maarten voelde zich zekerder dan ooit, bereid om kwetsbaar te zijn.En: Maarten felt more confident than ever, ready to be vulnerable.Nl: Sanne, die ooit bang was voor verandering, stond nu open voor de onbekende toekomst, zij aan zij met Maarten.En: Sanne, once afraid of change, was now open to an unknown future, side by side with Maarten.Nl: En daar, op een ijsbaan in het hart van Amsterdam, begon een nieuw hoofdstuk in hun verhaal.En: And there, on an ice rink in the heart of Amsterdam, a new chapter in their story began.Nl: De lucht was koud, maar hun harten waren vol warmte en verwachting voor wat het nieuwe jaar zou brengen.En: The air was cold, but their hearts were full of warmth and anticipation for what the new year would bring. Vocabulary Words:hung: hingensnowflakes: sneeuwvlokkenmagical: magischestirred: woeldeexpectantly: verwachtingsvolglided: gledenlaughter: gelachfogged: wolktegathered: verzameldetrembling: trillendsparkling: glinsterendefroze: verstijfdefireworks: vuurwerkembrace: omhelzingvanished: verdweenvulnerable: kwetsbaarunknown: onbekendeanticipation: verwachtingyear-end: jaarwisselingenthusiastically: enthousiasttightened: strakkerthoughtful: bedachtzamesurrounded: omringddetermination: vastbeslotenheiddoubted: twijfel getrokkenshimmering: schitterdechapter: hoofdstukawaits: wachtdecisive: beslissendfestivities: feestelijkheden

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Barcelona's Hidden New Year: A Heartwarming Apartment Celebration Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-30-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Plaça del Sol estava plena de gent, tot i el fred intens de l'hivern.En: Plaça del Sol was full of people, despite the intense winter cold.Ca: La ciutat de Barcelona brillava amb llums de colors, preparant-se per rebre l'Any Nou.En: The city of Barcelona shone with colorful lights, preparing to welcome the New Year.Ca: No obstant això, a uns quants carrers de distància, l'ambient era diferent.En: However, just a few streets away, the atmosphere was different.Ca: A dins del seu petit apartament, Jordi estava assegut al sofà, embolicat amb una manta i mocadors al seu voltant.En: Inside his small apartment, Jordi was sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket with tissues around him.Ca: Tenia un terrible refredat.En: He had a terrible cold.Ca: Núria estava preocupada pel seu amic.En: Núria was worried about her friend.Ca: Estava segura que la festa de Cap d'Any no seria la mateixa sense ell.En: She was sure that the New Year's Eve party wouldn't be the same without him.Ca: Jordi sempre havia estat el centre d'atenció, el que animava a tothom.En: Jordi had always been the center of attention, the one who cheered everyone up.Ca: Però aquest any, amb el seu refredat, semblava molt més feble del que estava acostumat a veure'l.En: But this year, with his cold, he seemed much weaker than she was used to seeing him.Ca: "Jordi, què farem sense tu a la plaça?En: "Jordi, what will we do without you at the square?"Ca: " va dir Núria, somrient, intentant animar-lo.En: Núria said, smiling, trying to cheer him up.Ca: "No vull que us perdeu el millor de la festa per culpa meva," va respondre Jordi, amb un somriure apagat.En: "I don't want you all to miss the best part of the party because of me," Jordi responded, with a faint smile.Ca: "Vés, passa-t'ho bé.En: "Go, have a good time."Ca: "Però Núria no estava disposada a deixar-lo sol.En: But Núria was not willing to leave him alone.Ca: Va tenir una idea.En: She had an idea.Ca: Si Jordi no podia anar a la festa, la festa vindria a Jordi.En: If Jordi couldn't go to the party, the party would come to Jordi.Ca: Amb decisió, va sortir a comprar decoracions, menjar, i va avisar els amics comuns del seu pla.En: With determination, she went out to buy decorations, food, and informed their mutual friends of her plan.Ca: A mesura que el dia avançava cap al vespre, l'apartament de Jordi es transformava.En: As the day moved towards the evening, Jordi's apartment was transformed.Ca: Les parets estaven cobertes amb llums de corda brillants, i una taula al centre estava plena de begudes i delícies típiques com turrons i cava.En: The walls were covered with bright string lights, and a table in the center was filled with drinks and typical treats like turrons and cava.Ca: Els amics van començar a arribar, cadascú portant una mica d'alegria.En: Friends started to arrive, each bringing a bit of cheer.Ca: Quan Núria va obrir la porta del menjador, Jordi va quedar sorprès.En: When Núria opened the dining room door, Jordi was surprised.Ca: "Què és tot això?En: "What's all this?"Ca: " va preguntar, amb els ulls humits.En: he asked, with his eyes moist.Ca: "És la nostra Plaça del Sol personal," va respondre Núria, amb un somriure ample.En: "It's our personal Plaça del Sol," Núria replied, with a broad smile.Ca: "Pensàvem que preferiries una festa a prop del lleuger calor de casa.En: "We thought you'd prefer a party close to the slight warmth of home."Ca: "Al cap de poc, el rellotge marcava gairebé mitjanit.En: Soon, the clock was almost striking midnight.Ca: Les espurnes dels bengals il·luminaven l'apartament, i van posar les campanades de Plaça del Sol a la televisió perquè poguessin comptar tots junts.En: The sparkles of sparklers lit up the apartment, and they put the chimes from Plaça del Sol on the television so they could count together.Ca: Quan van arribar les dotze, tothom va aixecar les copes i van brindar pel nou any.En: When the clock struck twelve, everyone raised their glasses and toasted to the new year.Ca: Jordi va somriure per primera vegada en molts dies.En: Jordi smiled for the first time in many days.Ca: El calor dels seus amics l'omplia més que qualsevol dels medicaments que havia estat prenent.En: The warmth of his friends filled him more than any of the medicines he had been taking.Ca: Es va adonar que, de vegades, no importava tant on estiguessis, sinó amb qui estaves.En: He realized that sometimes it didn't matter so much where you were, but who you were with.Ca: Núria també va aprendre una lliçó valuosa.En: Núria also learned a valuable lesson.Ca: Els canvis de plans podien portar a moments igual de màgics.En: Changes in plans could lead to equally magical moments.Ca: I així, mentre abraçava Jordi, sabia que aquest any nou seria inoblidable.En: And so, as she hugged Jordi, she knew that this New Year would be unforgettable.Ca: La felicitat dels seus amics havia convertit un petit apartament en el millor lloc del món per començar l'any nou.En: The happiness of her friends had turned a small apartment into the best place in the world to start the new year. Vocabulary Words:the couch: el sofàwrapped: embolicatterrible: terriblethe cold: el refredatworried: preocupadathe attention: l'atencióweaker: més febleto cheer up: animarfaint: apagatdecoration: decoraciódetermination: decisióthe evening: el vespretransformed: transformavafilled: plenatypical: típiquesthe treats: les delíciesthe wall: les paretsthe sparkles: les espurnessparklers: bengalstoasted: brindarthe warmth: el calorthe medicine: els medicamentsthe plan: els plansmagical: màgicshugged: abraçavaunforgettable: inoblidablehappiness: la felicitatto start: començarto realize: adonar-sebright: brillants

From criminals who called 911 on themselves to burglars caught by their own social media posts, this episode dives into the dumbest crimes and stupidest criminals of the last 25 years. We break down real cases where bad decisions, zero planning, and jaw-dropping mistakes turned “perfect crimes” into instant arrests. This true crime comedy episode explores ridiculous criminal fails, self-snitching suspects, and crimes so stupid they practically solved themselves. Pour a glass and join us as we prove that sometimes the biggest threat to criminals… is their own stupidity. Dumest Criminals: Ridiculous Crimes in the Last 25! - Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot Check out the merch, blog, buy the book and so much more! mysteriesmayhemandmerlot.net WHERE'S WINNIE! - https://linktr.ee/WinnieSchrader Check out Winnie's Linktree for everything Winnie! From merch for Paranormal 60, Love+Lotus Tarot & Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot to digital designs with WS Media & more! Find the Paranormal 60 Podcast & Mysteries, Mayhem & Merlot Podcasts on Rumble Use our link & Sign Up Today! - https://rumble.com/register/Paranormal60Network IF YOU NEED HELP PLEASE CONTACT Call or Text to 988 Chat online at https://988lifeline.org/ PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT THIS SHOW From Haunted to Heartwarming, come stay with us at the Palmer House Hotel! https://www.thepalmerhousehotel.com/ PLEASE RATE & REVIEW MYSTERIES, MAYHEM & MERLOT PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN #DumbCrimes #StupidCriminals #TrueCrimeComedy #CriminalFails #CrimeGoneWrong #FunnyTrueCrime #WeirdCrimes #RidiculousCrimes #DumbestCriminals #SelfSnitching #BadCriminals #BizarreCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimePodcast #UnbelievableCrimes #RealLifeFails #ViralCrime #CriminalStupidity #CrimeStories #TrueCrimeCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s culture, we fear “getting old” and many older adults feel less valuable than they should. But Isabel Tom is encouraging families to honor our elders and cherish them — for their wisdom, experience, and availability in our lives. Receive the book The Value of Wrinkles and the audio download of the broadcast "Heartwarming Ways to Love the Elderly in Your Family" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

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Friday – Chase Padgett joins us for our final live show of 2025. We do our annual Christmas gift exchange. Which countries are the most narcissistic? The 8-Bit Update with Jayden on the latest in the word of video games. Prime Time Kitchen with Orlando Weekly Restaurant Critic Faiyaz Kara. Plus, JCS News, Sink or Sail, Embers Only, Pick the Porn & You Heard it Here First.

Friday – Chase Padgett joins us for our final live show of 2025. We do our annual Christmas gift exchange. Which countries are the most narcissistic? The 8-Bit Update with Jayden on the latest in the word of video games. Prime Time Kitchen with Orlando Weekly Restaurant Critic Faiyaz Kara. Plus, JCS News, Sink or Sail, Embers Only, Pick the Porn & You Heard it Here First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Trapped in a Snow Globe: Yael's Heartwarming Holiday Surprise Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-12-20-08-38-20-he Story Transcript:He: בעיר הגדולה, במרכז הקניות המרופט, הכל היה מלא אנשים, אורות נוצצים וקישוטי חג.En: In the big city, within the worn-out shopping center, everything was filled with people, glittering lights, and holiday decorations.He: בדיוק באמצע הארנה היה גלובוס שלג ענק, נוצץ ומפואר.En: Right in the middle of the arena was a giant, sparkling, and magnificent snow globe.He: יעל הלכה במהירות בין החנויות, עיניה שוטטו בין החלונות המקושטים, אבל ליבה היה במקום אחר.En: Yael hurriedly walked between the stores, her eyes wandering between the decorated windows, but her heart was elsewhere.He: היא חיפשה משהו מיוחד לאריאל – כדור שלג ייחודי.En: She was searching for something special for Ariel—a unique snow globe.He: החג הגיע, וחלון הזמן הצטמצם.En: The holiday was approaching, and the window of time was shrinking.He: יעל הרגישה קצת לחוצה.En: Yael felt a bit pressured.He: היא רצתה להפתיע את אריאל במשהו שהוא מאוד אוהב.En: She wanted to surprise Ariel with something he really loved.He: לפתע, עיניה צדו את הכדור היפה מהצד השני של הקניון.En: Suddenly, her eyes caught the sight of the beautiful globe on the other side of the mall.He: היא חצתה בין המוני הקונים, ודחקה דרך אל כדור השלג הענק.En: She crossed between the crowds of shoppers, pushing her way to the giant snow globe.He: אבל פתאום, הכדור הגדול התחיל לפעול, לפתע החל שלג מלאכותי ליפול עליה מכל צד.En: But suddenly, the large globe started to operate, and artificial snow began to fall on her from all sides.He: יעל הייתה תקועה בתוך הכדור.En: Yael was stuck inside the globe.He: השלג העיר את תשומת לבם של כל האנשים שהחלו להתאסף סביב ולצפות בה.En: The snow caught the attention of all the people who began to gather around and watch her.He: במקום להילחץ, יעל החליטה להציג מופע קטן.En: Instead of getting stressed, Yael decided to put on a little show.He: היא התחילה לרקוד בתוך השלג המלאכותי, מפזרת ברכת חג שמח לכל צופה.En: She started dancing in the artificial snow, spreading holiday cheer to every viewer.He: האנשים בחוץ התחילו למחוא כפיים ולהריע לה.En: The people outside began to clap and cheer for her.He: יעל הפכה את הרגע לתמונה חגיגית ומשעשעת.En: Yael turned the moment into a festive and amusing scene.He: אחרי כמה דקות, האבטחה בקניון השתלטה על המצב.En: After a few minutes, the mall security took control of the situation.He: יעל שוחררה מהכדור, וצחקה כשהיא יצאה.En: Yael was released from the globe and laughed as she emerged.He: הקהל קיבל אותה במחיאות כפיים חמות.En: The crowd received her with warm applause.He: כשהיא הסתכלה על הסובבים אותה, היא הבינה שמה שחשוב באמת בחגים זה השמחה והחיבור בין האנשים ולא המושלמות של המתנה.En: As she looked at those around her, she realized that what truly matters during the holidays is the joy and connection between people, not the perfection of the gift.He: בסופו של דבר, יעל קיבלה את המסר.En: In the end, Yael received the message.He: המסע שלה היה מרגש ומשעשע, והיא למדה שאולי החיוך הגדול ביותר הוא בעצם המתנה האמיתית.En: Her journey was exciting and amusing, and she learned that perhaps the biggest smile is the real gift. Vocabulary Words:worn-out: מרופטglittering: נוצציםmagnificent: מפוארhurriedly: במהירותelsewhere: במקום אחרapproaching: הגיעshrinking: הצטמצםpressured: לחוצהunique: ייחודיsight: עיניה צדוcrossed: חצתהshoppers: קוניםoperate: להתחיל לפעולartificial: מלאכותיstuck: תקועהgather: להתאסףwatch: לצפותstressed: נלחצתshow: מופעdancing: לרקודcheer: ברכת חג שמחclap: למחוא כפייםamusing: משעשעתsecurity: אבטחהreleased: שוחררהapplause: מחיאות כפייםmattered: חשוב באמתconnection: חיבורperfection: המושלמותmessage: מסרBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Rekindling Bonds: A Heartwarming Holiday Sibling Reunion Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-20-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Városligeti Műjégpálya fényei ragyogtak a sötét téli égbolt alatt.En: The lights of the Városligeti Műjégpálya shone brightly under the dark winter sky.Hu: A karácsonyi díszek és a forralt bor illata meghitt hangulatot teremtett.En: The Christmas decorations and the scent of mulled wine created a cozy atmosphere.Hu: A zene vidáman szólt, és a jégkarcolás nesze elvegyült az emberek nevetésével.En: Music played merrily, and the sound of skates scraping mixed with the laughter of people.Hu: Gábor idegesen állt a jég szélén, a korcsolyája fűzőjét igazgatva.En: Gábor stood nervously at the edge of the ice, adjusting his skate laces.Hu: Régóta nem volt Magyarországon, és a visszatérés nehezebbnek bizonyult, mint gondolta.En: He had not been in Hungary for a long time, and returning proved more difficult than he had imagined.Hu: Katalin előbukkant a tömegből, arca ragyogott a hideg ellenére is.En: Katalin emerged from the crowd, her face shining despite the cold.Hu: „Gábor!” – kiáltotta lelkesen, és az öccse felé integetett.En: "Gábor!" she called out enthusiastically, waving to her brother.Hu: Gábor mosolyogni próbált.En: Gábor tried to smile.Hu: Noha távol élt, Katalin mindig emlékeztette őt az otthon melegére.En: Even though he lived far away, Katalin always reminded him of the warmth of home.Hu: „Szia, Kati” – válaszolta, miközben a jégre lépett.En: "Hi, Kati," he replied as he stepped onto the ice.Hu: Gyermekként sokszor korcsolyáztak együtt; ez volt az egyik kedvenc emlékük.En: As kids, they often skated together; it was one of their favorite memories.Hu: Most azonban minden másnak tűnt.En: Now, however, everything seemed different.Hu: Katalin könnyedén suhant a jégen, míg Gábor óvatosan próbált belelendülni.En: Katalin glided effortlessly on the ice, while Gábor cautiously tried to get into the rhythm.Hu: „Milyen az élet Berlinben?” – kérdezte Katalin, remélve, hogy ettől oldottabbá válik a beszélgetés.En: "How is life in Berlin?" Katalin asked, hoping to make the conversation more relaxed.Hu: Gábor vállat vont.En: Gábor shrugged.Hu: „Rendben van. Csak... magányos néha.”En: "It's fine. Just... lonely sometimes."Hu: A szavak ott lebegtek köztük, mígnem Katalin megállt és a szemébe nézett.En: The words hung between them until Katalin stopped and looked into his eyes.Hu: „Miért nem jössz haza gyakrabban?” – kérdezte halkan, fájdalom csendült a hangjában.En: "Why don't you come home more often?" she asked softly, with a hint of pain in her voice.Hu: Gábor mélyet sóhajtott.En: Gábor sighed deeply.Hu: „Azt hittem, már nem számítok... hogy mire visszatalálok, késő lesz.”En: "I thought I didn't matter anymore... that by the time I found my way back, it would be too late."Hu: Ebben a pillanatban mindkettőjük szívében valami megváltozott.En: In that moment, something changed in both their hearts.Hu: Rájöttek, hogy a távolság nem csupán kilométerekben mérhető.En: They realized that distance is not just measured in kilometers.Hu: Gábor bűntudatos volt, míg Katalin dühös.En: Gábor felt guilty, while Katalin was angry.Hu: Most azonban csak a szeretet és a megértés maradt.En: But now, only love and understanding remained.Hu: Katalin megfogta az öccse kezét.En: Katalin took her brother's hand.Hu: „Hiányoztál, Gábor” – mondta melegen.En: "I've missed you, Gábor," she said warmly.Hu: Gábor legyűrte a könnyeit.En: Gábor fought back tears.Hu: „Te is nekem, Kati.”En: "I've missed you too, Kati."Hu: A jégpálya kivilágított világában a testvéri szeretet újra fellángolt.En: In the illuminated world of the ice rink, their sibling love rekindled.Hu: Ahogy köröztek a jégen, a korábbi félreértések és fájdalmak lassan elpárologtak.En: As they skated in circles on the ice, past misunderstandings and pain slowly evaporated.Hu: Mindketten ígéretet tettek, hogy többet dolgoznak kapcsolatukon, hogy többé ne váljanak el egymástól ilyen hosszú időre.En: They both promised to work harder on their relationship, so they wouldn't be apart for such a long time again.Hu: A jégtől távozva Katalin és Gábor az új kezdet reményével sétáltak vissza a város forgatagába.En: Leaving the ice, Katalin and Gábor walked back into the bustle of the city with the hope of a new beginning.Hu: Az éjszaka hidege már nem tűnt olyan ridegnek.En: The night's cold no longer seemed so harsh.Hu: Gábor megértette, hogy a család mindig befogadja, bárhol is éljen a világban.En: Gábor understood that family always welcomes you, no matter where you live in the world.Hu: Talán nem mindig lesz könnyű, de most már tudta, hogy az újra megtalált kötelék megéri minden erőfeszítést.En: It may not always be easy, but now he knew that the re-discovered bond was worth every effort.Hu: És ahogy a karácsonyi díszek fénye gyengéden ringott a szélben, testvérük összefonódott szívvel indultak tovább a közös úton.En: And as the lights of the Christmas decorations gently swayed in the wind, the siblings set out on their shared path with intertwined hearts. Vocabulary Words:shone: ragyogtakscent: illatamulled wine: forralt borcozy: meghittscraping: jégkarcolásnervously: idegesenedge: szélénadjusting: igazgatvaemerged: előbukkantenthusiastically: lelkesenglided: suhantcautiously: óvatosanshrugged: vállat vontlonely: magányoshint: csendültkilometers: kilométerekbenguilty: bűntudatosre-discovered: újra megtaláltrekindled: újra fellángoltevaporated: elapárologtakbustle: forgatagharsh: ridegnekwelcomes: befogadjaeffort: erőfeszítéstilluminated: kivilágítottintertwined: összefonódottpath: útondecorations: díszekfought back: legyűrtesoftly: halkan

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: A Heartwarming Christmas on Ice: Love Under Falling Snowflakes Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-17-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Onder de glinsterende kerstlichten van de stad, bevond de drukke ijsbaan zich in het hart van de feestelijkheden.En: Under the shimmering Christmas lights of the city, the bustling ice rink was at the heart of the festivities.Nl: Bram stond zenuwachtig op zijn schaatsen.En: Bram stood nervously on his skates.Nl: Sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden zachtjes naar beneden en de muziek van kerstmuziek vulde de frisse winterlucht.En: Snowflakes gently drifted down, and the music of Christmas carols filled the crisp winter air.Nl: Terwijl hij naar Sanne keek, die gracieus over het ijs gleed, voelde hij een lichte duizeligheid over zich heen komen.En: As he watched Sanne, who glided gracefully across the ice, he felt a slight dizziness come over him.Nl: "Het gaat goed," fluisterde Bram tegen zichzelf.En: "It's going well," Bram whispered to himself.Nl: Hij wilde zijn eerste date met Sanne niet verpesten.En: He didn't want to ruin his first date with Sanne.Nl: Sanne, in haar glanzende roze jas, had een vastberaden blik in haar ogen.En: Sanne, in her shiny pink coat, had a determined look in her eyes.Nl: Ze wilde indruk maken op Bram, maar diep van binnen voelde ze de vlinders in haar buik.En: She wanted to impress Bram, but deep down she felt butterflies in her stomach.Nl: Op dat moment probeerde Sanne een gedurfde draai.En: At that moment, Sanne attempted a daring spin.Nl: Haar schaatsen gleden snel over het ijs, maar halverwege verloor ze haar evenwicht en viel.En: Her skates glided swiftly over the ice, but halfway through she lost her balance and fell.Nl: Omstanders keken geschrokken op, maar Sanne lachte het weg terwijl ze overeind krabbelde.En: Onlookers looked on in surprise, but Sanne laughed it off as she scrambled upright.Nl: Ondanks haar overmoed toverde haar glimlach een geruststellend gevoel.En: Despite her daring move, her smile offered a reassuring feeling.Nl: Bram schaatste naar haar toe, zich zorgen makend, terwijl zijn hoofd begon te bonzen van de koorts die hij verdoezelde.En: Bram skated over to her, worried, while his head started pounding from the fever he was hiding.Nl: "Gaat het, Sanne?"En: "Are you okay, Sanne?"Nl: vroeg hij, terwijl hij zijn hand uitstak.En: he asked, extending his hand.Nl: Zijn stem klonk zwak.En: His voice sounded weak.Nl: Precies op dat moment kwam Marieke aanlopen.En: Just then, Marieke walked over.Nl: Haar ogen scanden de ijsbaan en vonden haar broer.En: Her eyes scanned the ice rink and found her brother.Nl: "Bram!En: "Bram!Nl: Het gaat niet goed met je," riep ze.En: You're not doing well," she called out.Nl: Ze merkte de bleekheid op zijn gezicht en de kleine rimpel van zorgen op zijn voorhoofd.En: She noticed the paleness on his face and the small wrinkle of concern on his forehead.Nl: Met tegenzin gaf Bram toe: "Ja, ik voel me niet zo lekker."En: Reluctantly, Bram admitted, "Yes, I'm not feeling too well."Nl: Hij wilde niet dat de dag in het water viel.En: He didn't want the day to be ruined.Nl: Hij wilde samen met Sanne genieten, ondanks alles.En: He wanted to enjoy the time with Sanne, despite everything.Nl: Marieke legde haar arm om hem heen en keek streng.En: Marieke put her arm around him and looked sternly.Nl: "Laten we wat warme chocolademelk gaan halen," stelde ze voor, haar toon zachter.En: "Let's go get some hot chocolate," she suggested, her tone softer.Nl: Ze begreep zijn verlangen naar een goede dag, maar ook de noodzaak van rust.En: She understood his desire for a good day, but also the necessity of rest.Nl: In het gezellige café naast de ijsbaan, zaten ze rond een tafeltje met stomende bekers chocola voor zich.En: In the cozy café next to the ice rink, they sat around a small table with steaming cups of chocolate in front of them.Nl: De warmte van de chocolademelk deed Bram goed en Sanne voelde haar vingers weer tintelen na de val.En: The warmth of the hot chocolate did Bram good, and Sanne felt her fingers tingle again after the fall.Nl: Hoewel niet alles volgens plan was gegaan, straalde een lichte tevredenheid in hun ogen.En: Although not everything had gone according to plan, a light sense of satisfaction shone in their eyes.Nl: Bram keek naar Sanne, zijn stem eerlijk: "Bedankt dat je vandaag met me wilde doorbrengen.En: Bram looked at Sanne, his voice sincere: "Thank you for spending today with me.Nl: Sorry dat ik niet helemaal eerlijk was over hoe ik me voelde."En: Sorry that I wasn't completely honest about how I was feeling."Nl: Sanne glimlachte naar hem, haar ogen glinsterend van begrip.En: Sanne smiled at him, her eyes glistening with understanding.Nl: "Je hoeft niets te verbergen voor mij, Bram.En: "You don't have to hide anything from me, Bram.Nl: Ik vind je leuk om wie je bent, niet om wat je doet."En: I like you for who you are, not for what you do."Nl: Marieke keek tevreden toe hoe haar broer zijn les had geleerd - eerlijkheid en zorg voor jezelf waren belangrijk.En: Marieke watched on with satisfaction as her brother learned his lesson - honesty and taking care of yourself were important.Nl: En Sanne had ingezien dat ware charme niet in indrukwekkende trucs zit, maar in oprechte connecties.En: And Sanne realized that true charm doesn't lie in impressive tricks, but in genuine connections.Nl: Die nacht, onder de lichtjes van de reusachtige kerstboom, was het hun gelach dat de winterlucht vulde.En: That night, under the lights of the gigantic Christmas tree, it was their laughter that filled the winter air.Nl: De kerstgeest lag niet in de perfectie, maar in de eenvoudige warmte van verbintenis.En: The Christmas spirit wasn't in perfection, but in the simple warmth of connection.Nl: Het was een kerst om nooit te vergeten.En: It was a Christmas to never forget. Vocabulary Words:shimmering: glinsterendebustling: drukkeice rink: ijsbaannervously: zenuwachtigdrifted: dwarreldencrisp: frissedizziness: duizeligheidwhispered: fluisterdedetermine: vastberadenbutterflies: vlindersattempted: probeerdedaring: gedurfdespin: draaionlookers: omstandersscrambled: krabbeldepounding: begenbonefever: koortspaleness: bleekheidreluctantly: met tegenzindesire: verlangennecessity: noodzaaktingle: tintelensincere: eerlijkglistening: glinsterendlesson: lesgenuine: oprechtecharm: charmegigantic: reusachtigeperfection: perfectieconnection: verbintenis

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Heartwarming festive tales of WWII. Cry. Laugh. Learn. German POW story, "Last Flight" Lancaster tale, Wilf Shaw goes to church, Stop Press headlines, much more. Your free christmas gift: The Fighting Through digital jigsaw: Here's something to entertain pending the next episode, a Fighting Through puzzle, courtesy of Lisa Loftis! #puzzle #ww2 Play at  https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1d5d66386b74 James Papalia's book - The Secret Portalhttps://amzn.to/3KGPAG2  I'm recommending this service for FREE automatic new epsiode notifications: FeedSpot automatic email service for free email notifications. Find the Fighting Through Podcast on the list at this link. Fill in your details and get notified every time an episode drops. These folks help me to promote the show in the search engines so please support them. https://podcast.feedspot.com/world_war_ii_podcasts/ Fighting Through website - Show notes and photos:https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/126-christmas-at-war-2025-ww2 Buy Me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/fightingthrough Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/FightingThrough Episode shortlist - All the episodes for this podcast in a short list (or link via the website menu)https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/about/ Reviews: Please review in your usual app or on my website here: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/reviews/new/ Follow me on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FightingThroughPodcast YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnlqRO9MdFBUrKM6ExEOzVQ?view_as=subscriber Interested in Bill Cheall's book?  Link here for more information. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, hardback, paperback and Kindle etc.   Episode artwork: German soldiers celebrate christmas by the christmas tree

“Can a city's holiday tradition survive budget cuts, changing times, and unpredictable weather?” That's the question at the heart of this unforgettable episode of The JB and Sandy Show!

Reviewed: Five Nights At Freddy's 2 Top 5: Heartwarming Movies