Podcast appearances and mentions of ka voicecast

In today’s passage, entitled “The Age of Humans,” you will hear about the huge impact we humans, in our relatively short history, have had on our planet and every living thing on it. Listen carefully to the passage and answer the questions that follow. As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.  And be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to boost your word power!

In today’s passage, entitled “The Rise of Megacities,” you will hear about what makes a “megacity” and why more and more cities around the world will soon enter the “Megacity Club.” You will also learn about some of the problems cities encounter when they become overpopulated. Listen carefully to the passage and answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.  And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track!

In today’s passage, entitled “Saving the Rhinos,” you will hear about a baby rhinoceros named Lofo that barely escaped death. You will also learn about why protecting large herbivores (animals that live on plant life) like the African rhino is vital to our planet’s environmental health. As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You can also download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.     Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Nurturing the Arts,” you will hear about why many schools across America no longer offer arts classes. You will also learn about what the Los Angeles school district is doing to ensure that its students receive a well-rounded education.   Answers to the Listening Comprehension question can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Alternatively, you may download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s passage, entitled “A Letter for Change,” you will hear about a socially conscious Massachusetts schoolgirl who had an idea for a much-needed change and decided to let the U.S. President know what was on her mind. You will also learn a little about the extraordinary woman who has been selected to be the face of the new $20 bill. As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track. You may also download the lesson to keep for your reference.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to help boost your word skills. 

In today’s passage, entitled “Totally Awesome,” you will hear about why experiencing the sensation known as “awe” can make you a better person. You will also learn about some of the experiments researchers have conducted to study the impact “awe” has on human behavior and relationships. Listen carefully to the passage and answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson to keep for your reference.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY WORDS bonus track.  

In today’s passage, entitled “A Hobbit Mystery,” you will hear about the discovery of a previously unknown species of early humans. You will also learn about some of the different methods forensic scientists and researchers use to date prehistoric artifacts and human remains. Listen carefully to the passage then answer the questions that follow.  Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track and downloadable PDF.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Virtual History, you will learn a bit about the Great Fire of London of 1666. You will also hear about a fascinating new mobile phone app that can transport you back in time to key historical moments. That’s right. Time travel—well, sort of. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available as a separate track on the KA Voicecast website.  And be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s lesson, entitled The Curious Case of the Walking Encyclopedia, you will listen to a passage about Kim Peek, an American savant who had a remarkable ability to memorize all sorts of things. You will also learn a little about autism and how our attitude towards people with autism has changed over the past thirty years.   Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to help boost your word knowledge!

In today’s lesson, entitled The Choshu Five, you will listen to a passage about five young Japanese men who, during Japan’s Edo period, risked everything to come to London and learn about Western ways.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to help boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Where Are the Women?, you will learn a bit about the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. You will also hear why the Statue of Liberty and all that she stands for are not equally represented in parks and public squares in America’s great cities. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Robotic Critters, you will listen to a passage about a handy new robot that is fact, not science fiction. And you will learn how researchers have used, of all things, the cockroach as a model for the new robot’s design and how they intend to put the “bot” to practical use. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track. You may also download the lesson in PDF format for your reference.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY BONUS track! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Killer Diseases” you will hear about how, in the 14th century, an epidemic wiped out nearly half of Europe’s population and also about how some diseases are transmitted from person to person.   Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track and PDF file.    Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to boost your word knowledege!

In today’s lesson, entitled The Ship of Dreams, you will listen to a passage about the events leading up to and following the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website.     Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Words bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Going Bananas, you will listen to a passage about why bananas are often called “Nature’s Perfect Power Snack.” You will also learn about a disease that could wipe out banana crops all over the world. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track. 

In today’s lesson, entitled A Broader View of Beauty, you will listen to a passage about where the Barbie doll’s creator got her inspiration, and why, after nearly 60 years, Barbie is undergoing a big transformation. Answers to the Listening Comprehension questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson in PDF format to keep it for your reference.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track.  

In today’s passage, entitled “Man Up!” you will learn why one paleoanthropologist believes that mankind (and men in particular) has “let himself go,” so to speak, because of all this convenience and comfort. You will also hear about some of the amazing physical and mental feats that our human predecessors were capable of. Listen carefully to the passage then answer the questions that follow.     Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track and downloadable PDF. 

In today’s lesson, entitled Seeds for Humanity, you will hear a passage about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway where a group of scientists have been planning ahead against a possible “doomsday” future. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Sustainable Living, you will hear a passage about the “ecological” and “carbon” footprints we all leave on the planet just by going about the business of daily living. You will also learn why pet dogs … well, you’ll see in a few minutes. Answers to the LISTENING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track!

In today’s lesson, entitled Drone Worry, you will listen to a passage about why remote-controlled drones and airplanes have the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration worried. You will also learn about some of the practical ways in which drones are being used today. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track!!

In today’s lesson, entitled Oh No! Another El Niño!, you will listen to a passage about how the unusual warming of surface waters in the South Pacific affects the weather all across the globe. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled O Christmas Tree! you will listen to a passage about how the Christmas tree tradition got started and about the real-vs.-artificial Christmas tree debate. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.    Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled From Dynamite to Peace, you will listen to a passage about how Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel developed a safe and effective explosive for industrial use. You will also learn why he established the Nobel Prizes to honor those people who have made valuable contributions to mankind. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to this week's questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track. Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track. 

In today’s lesson, entitled It’s Elementary, you will be listening to a passage about how literature’s most famous detective helped pave the way for modern-day detectives’ crime-solving methods. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Answers to today's Listening Comprehension questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson and keep it for your reference.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to improve your understanding of the lesson itself and to give your vocabulary a big boost! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Fear Itself,” you will learn about various types of phobias and how fear can drive people to do things that are not always logical. Answers to Listening Comprehension Questions can be downloaded on the KA Voicecast website.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track to boost your vocab knowledge.

In today’s lesson, entitled Earth Impact, you will be listening to a passage about the Chelyabinsk Meteor incident. You will also learn why astronomers are keeping a close eye on some space objects that may be on a future collision course with our planet. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Words bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, you will be listening to a passage about Cleopatra, one of the most powerful and most famous women in history. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.     Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.       Be sure to check out the Key Vocabulary bonus track! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Waste Not, Want Not,” you will learn about how much food is being wasted globally every year—this, in spite of the fact that millions of people around the world go to bed hungry every day. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.   Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track or PDF download.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to improve your understanding of the passage itself, and give your vocabulary a big boost!

In today’s lesson, entitled One Team, One Nation, you will be listening to a passage about how one of history’s most influential leaders used rugby to unite a divided nation. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.    Be sure to check out the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to give your vocabulary a big boost!

In today’s lesson, entitled The Power of Social Media, you will be listening to a passage about how Facebook and other social-media networking sites got their start and about how dramatically “being connected” has changed the way we communicate today. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Pay It Forward, you will be listening to a passage about the philosophy of “forward giving” and how it may have gotten its start in a play written more than 2,300 years ago. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website.       BE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE KEY VOCABULARY BONUS TRACK!   

In today's lesson, entitled Music to Our Ears, you will learn about what "buskers," or street performers, have to go through to earn the privilege to perform in some of London and New York's prime locations.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.   Answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle.  You may also listen to the Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers track on the KA Voicecast website.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.  This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.  

Today we will look at 22 common (but very informal) idiomatic expressions that you can use to describe a person's character--good or bad.   Be sure to check out the PRETEST exercise to get some real practice with these new phrases.   The PRETEST and ANSWER SHEET are available on the KA Voicecast website. 

In today's episode of KA Voicecast, Olwen will be talking about Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's novel, The Secret Garden.   We will also be listening to a short passage entitled "Hello! Hello!"  about how the word "hello" became a common telephone greeting.  Listening comprhension quiz to follow! 

Today we will be looking at twenty common phrases and expressions that have to do with love, romance, and relationships—just in time for Valentine’s Day.      Make sure you download the PRETEST EXERCISE and ANSWERS from the KA Voicecast website to test yoiur knowledge of the today's phrases before or after you have listened to the podcast. 

Today, we look at some very useful and common English phrases based on the word "BREAK"   Be sure to challenge yourself with the pretest exercise, available on the KA Voicecast website. 

Welcome to a new season of KA Voicecast! In today's episode, we will look at the new theatrical release of "Annie" as well as listen to a story about a poor, orphaned boy, made famous by Charles Dickens--Oliver Twist.  Tune in to practice your listening comprehension skills an brush up on some vocabulary words.  

Tune in to listen to two favorite Christmas stories told by KA Voicecast's very own Olwen Bartlett and Dan Blasor.    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at KA Voicecast! xxx Sumi Olwen Dan 

In this week's episode of KA Voicecast, Sumi picks her Top Ten Christmas movies! Learn some fantastic new vocabulary words and check your understanding of some key words.  Pre-Christmas special! 

In today's two-year anniversary special, Olwen Bartlett looks at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay the movie in KA Top Picks!  The Story Time Story is The Switch by Anthony Horowitz with some challenging listening comprehension questions to follow.  Tune in and get the most out of your KA experience!

Today, we’ll be looking at 22 phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions based on the word FACE, expressions that you are likely to hear almost every day.  Be sure to challenge yourself and check out the PRETEST exercise, availble for download on the KA Voicecast website. 

With Halloween upon us, today we’ll have a little “scary” fun and check out some informal, but useful phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions that you are likely to hear or come across as the day for witches, goblins, and ghosts, not to mention “trick-or-treating,” draws near.  Be sure to test your knowledge by download the PRETEST from the KA Voicecast website! 

Olwen returns this week with KA Top Picks!  Today, she will be talking about A Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  The Story Time story is A Series of Unfortunate Events.  We will do a listening comprehension exercise based on your knowledge of some of the vocabulary words you will be hearing today. 

In this week's episode of KA WORDCAST Idioms and Phrasal Verbs, we look at 15 common idioms and phrasal verbs based on the word WALK.   Take the pre-test exercise before listening to see how well you know today's idioms.  The pre-test is available for download from the KA Voicecast website.  

In this episode of KA Voicecast, we look at Roald Dahl's classic tale, The Witches.  We will examine several new vocabulary words, do a listening comprehension test, and check your knowledge of words in the passage.  There's a lot crammed into this 30 minute podcast--so much to learn. 

Today you will be listening to a passage entitled One Man’s Dream about how one man in India literally moved a mountain to fulfill a dream.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.    Listening comprehension questions and answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track and PDF file. 

Today we’ll be looking at twenty HOP-, SKIP-, and JUMP-based idioms and phrases that you are likely to come across on TV and in movies, in magazines and newspapers, on the Internet, and in everyday conversation. Downloadable exercise sheet and answers are available on the KA Voicecast website.  

Listening comprehension practice:  You will be listening to a short passage, after which you will be answering ten listening comprehension questions.  L/C answers are available immediately following the closing jingle.  Alternatively, you can listen to the Q & A on a separate track on the KA Voicecast website.   Key vocabulary words are available in PDF format as well as a separate track. 

Today we will be looking at 18 common RUN-based phrasal verbs—the ones you are most likely to come across on TV and in movies, in magazines and newspapers, on the Internet, and in everyday conversation:  the ones you will want to try out for yourself right away. Make sure you take the pretest exercise.  Available to download from the KA Voicecast website.   

In this week's KA Voicecast, we get back into "school mode" by offering helpful suggestions to create an optimum environment for learning.  Our Story Time story is The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott.  

In this week's KA Voicecast, Olwen Bartlett recommends How to Train Your Dragon 2 in KA Top Picks!  Story Time story followed by listening comprehension practice to get  you ready for the new school year! 

In this week's episode of KA Voicecast, we feature two listening passages for you to keep your listening comprehension in check.  Check out the bonus tracks on the KA Voicecast website! 

In this week's KA Voicecast, Olwen recommends Disney's new film Maleficent in KA Top Picks.  Sumi Watters has compiled a list of recommended reading books for the summer holidays.  Lots of new vocabulary words to learn, as well as KA News, Story Time, and more.  

In this week's KA Voicecast, we discuss how you can submit your own stories to the next issue of KA Voices, Kikokushijo Academy's student literary magazine.  Our story time story is a legend from Greek Mythology.  

In this week's episode of KA Voicecast, we look at The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.  If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic adventure novel, why not challenge yourself with some of the listening comprehension exercises we have prepared for you?

In this week's episode of KA Voicecast, Olwen Bartlett introduces Ender's Game in KA Top Picks!  WOW words, KA News, Story Time and more. 

This week's episode highlights include a lesson on how to write a limerick, a brief history of the leprechaun, and a traditional Irish folktale.  Tune in for a 25 minute English lesson! 

Episode highlights include a look at what we can accept at the 86th Academy Awards ceremony, first time Oscar nominees, and To Kill A Mockingbird.  

Episode highlights include a sneak peak at the all new KA Wordcast:  Idioms and Phrasal Verbs! Story Time story:  Why the Dove Is On Our Valentines  

SPECIAL:  Chinese New Year Episode highlights include In the News with Dan Blasor, in which he talks about Chinese New Year traditions, listening comprehension exercises, useful adjectives to describe character traits, and The Chinese Zodiac Story: The Great Race.  

Episode highlights include KA News, "Happy" idioms, and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  

SPECIAL EPISODE:: Episode hightlights include In the News with Dan Blasor and a special Christmas story.  

This week's episode highlights include In the News with Dan Blasor, KA News, a listening comprehension exercise, WOW words, and Little Women.  

In today's KA Voicecast, we explore the history of Thanksgiving and how feelings of gratitude and appreciation can make you go a long way.  Our Story Time story is What the Moon Saw by Hans Christian Andersen.  Lots of WoW words!

In today's episode, we take a little history lesson and learn about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.  The Story Time story is a Phillip Pullman classic, The Firework Maker's Daughter.  WoW words, KA News, and so much more.  

Episode highlights include the difference between HORRIFY and MORTIFY, some key vocabulary words, and a spooky ghost tale from Australian born folklorist, Joseph Jacobs.  

PRODUCTIVE ways to keep busy while recovering from the flu or cold.  Story Time story is Michael Morpurgo's The Wreck of the Zanzibar.  

In this episode of KA Voicecast, Charles Knudsen answers some frequently asked questions about instilling good reading practices in children, age appropriateness, and ways to improve listening and pronunciation skills.  Dan Blasor reads Clockwork or All Wound Up by Philip Pullman, and we look at nine key words from the Story Time passage.  

Episode highlights include In the News featuring 8-year-old Aidan who will talk us through the Premier League summer transfers, a look at WOW words from Loser by Jerry Spinelli, and a trivia question related to Ichiro Suzuki.  

Why is good writing important?  How will the ability to write well make a difference in your future?  What is WORDCAST?  What did scientists use to make rudimentary teeth?  All these questions answered in the latest episode of KA VOICECAST.  Our Story Time story is SCAT by Carl Hiaasen.  

In today's episode, Dan Blasor takes a look at the life and accomplishments of former South African president, Nelson Mandela.  We celebrate the birth of the His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, and the Story Time story is a Xhosa tale titled The Clever Little Man.  Lots happening on KA Voicecast this week so be sure to check it out!

Today's episode highlights include puns, play on words, The Phantom Tollbooth, and the answer to the previous Let's Get Quizzical question. 

This week, Dan Blasor explores adverse weather and natural disasters in In the News.  The Story Time story is The Wonderful Wizard of OZ and we look at different ways to describe WIND, HOT, and COLD.  

In today's episode of KA VOICECAST, we look at all things William Shakespeare.  Highlights include A Midsummer Night's Eve, read by Olwen Bartlett, and everyday phrases and expressions coined by the Bard himself. 

Today's episode highlights include In the News with Dan Blasor.  Dan explores the world of marathons and other charitable fund-raising events.  Featured story:  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  WOW words, KA News, Let's Get Quizzical and more! 

Today's episode highlights include The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, UK Teachers Top 100 Books, and playground interviews.

Episode highlights include In the News with Dan Blasor, The Star by H.G. Wells, and the answers to the previous epidode's Let's Get Quizzical.  Some very challenging WOW words explained. 

In this week's episode, we look at WOW words from Where the Red Fern Grows, take a challenge with a Very Tricky Poem, and look at the difference between DESERT and DESSERT.

Tune in for the most infomative English learning podcast available on the net.  Host Sumi Watters along with Dan Blasor and Natalie Hunt bring you news, WOW words, Story Time and all the latest Star Trek inspired technology. 

In this episode of Voicecast, we explore the benefits of being bilingual as well as discuss the advantages of having English as one of your first or second languages.  The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling features in today's Story Time story.