Podcasts about Montserrat

PANS and PANDAS are among the most misunderstood—and frequently requested—topics in the therapy world. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Dr. Montserrat Casado for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation on how these conditions impact children, families, and the therapeutic process. Together, they explore what PANS/PANDAS are, how immune responses and brain inflammation affect behavior and nervous system regulation, and why symptoms such as OCD, rage, regression, and restrictive eating require a broader, integrative lens. Dr. Casado also shares her personal journey and decade-long commitment to educating clinicians on how to support children and caregivers navigating these complex challenges. This episode offers clarity, context, and hope—inviting therapists to deepen their understanding, support attachment and regulation, and bring a more informed, systemic approach to their work with children affected by PANS/PANDAS. Original Air Date: March 19, 2024 Podcast Resources:  Synergetic Play Therapy Institute Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey  Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity * If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

Send us a textIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Terri Lyons — Calypso Monarch, Queen of Queens, performer, and cultural torchbearer — for an expansive conversation on calypso, resilience, legacy, and Caribbean identity.Terri unpacks what it truly means to represent Trinidad & Tobago on regional stages such as Montserrat and Carifesta, the responsibility that comes with being crowned Queen of Queens, and why claims that calypso is dying completely miss the point. She reflects on commanding performances, crowd connection, and the discipline behind her powerful stage presence.The conversation moves into Terri's early life in Port of Spain and Laventille, growing up without financial security, navigating loss and trauma, and how those experiences shaped her resilience, creative drive, and refusal to be boxed in by industry expectations. She speaks candidly about motherhood, survival, financial discipline, and staying authentic in a challenging music landscape.We also explore:The craft and strategy of calypso performanceWriting songs without rhythms and building music from melody and storyPaying homage to icons like Black Stalin and ShadowRadio politics, cultural gatekeeping, and who decides what gets heardWhy calypso must connect with youth without losing its rootsLongevity, ownership, and making music work as a businessHer standout songs including “I Am Lion,” “Ask Yuh Man,” “Blessings,” and “Fling Bam Bam”Competing in Skinner Park, tent culture, and the modern calypso circuitThis episode is a masterclass in Caribbean excellence, cultural preservation, and personal grit — filled with humour, honesty, and hard-earned insight from one of Trinidad & Tobago's most compelling calypsonians.

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Reuniting Under the Winter Sun: A Journey to Rekindle Roots Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-26-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Amb el sol hivernal reflectint sobre les muntanyes cobertes de neu, el Monestir de Montserrat lluïa com un miratge celestial.En: With the winter sun reflecting on the snow-covered mountains, the Monestir de Montserrat shone like a celestial mirage.Ca: Les parets antigues reverberaven amb els càntics suaus dels monjos, mentre l'aire fresc portava el perfum dels pins i el murmuri distant dels campanars dels pobles proper.En: The ancient walls reverberated with the gentle chants of the monks, while the fresh air carried the scent of pines and the distant murmur of the bells from nearby villages.Ca: Era un lloc perfecte per a una trobada especial.En: It was a perfect place for a special meeting.Ca: Mireia caminava pels passadissos de pedra, deixant que els seus passos la guiessin mentre reflexionava sobre el passat.En: Mireia walked through the stone corridors, letting her steps guide her as she reflected on the past.Ca: Havia tornat de Londres fa poc, plena de ganes de trobar-se de nou amb les seves arrels i recuperar l'energia perduda entre els llibres d'art i les galeries angleses.En: She had recently returned from London, eager to reconnect with her roots and regain the energy lost among art books and English galleries.Ca: Els seus pensaments es van interrompre quan va veure Oriol i Laia esperant-la davant d'una petita cafeteria del monestir.En: Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw Oriol and Laia waiting for her in front of a small café at the monastery.Ca: Oriol, amb delantals encara mig coberts de farina, mantenia un somriure acollidor i obria els braços per abraçar-la.En: Oriol, with aprons still half-covered in flour, wore a welcoming smile and opened his arms to embrace her.Ca: "Mireia!En: "Mireia!"Ca: " va exclamar, fent-la sentir com si mai haguessin passat tants anys.En: he exclaimed, making her feel as if no time had passed.Ca: Al seu costat, Laia, amb energia radiant, li va entregar una bufanda feta a mà, verda com els pins que envoltaven el lloc.En: Next to him, Laia, radiating energy, handed her a handmade scarf, green like the pines surrounding the place.Ca: "És per mantenir-te càlida i recordar-te la terra a la qual pertanys," va dir Laia amb un somriure.En: "It's to keep you warm and remind you of the land you belong to," said Laia with a smile.Ca: Van seure junts al voltant d'una taula de fusta vella, compartint un te calent que escalfava l'ànima.En: They sat together around an old wooden table, sharing hot tea that warmed the soul.Ca: Entre rialles i records dels dies d'escola, Mireia se sentia alhora feliç i atrapada per una vena de nostàlgia.En: Between laughter and memories of school days, Mireia felt both happy and caught by a vein of nostalgia.Ca: Els seus amics semblaven haver avançat tant.En: Her friends seemed to have moved on so much.Ca: Oriol, buscant quelcom més enllà de la seva cuina, volia donar-li un gir a la seva vida.En: Oriol, seeking something beyond his kitchen, wanted to add a twist to his life.Ca: Laia, sempre activa en causes ambientals, desitjava canviar el món una acció a la vegada.En: Laia, always active in environmental causes, wished to change the world one action at a time.Ca: El temps va passar ràpidament, i aviat van decidir caminar plegats fins al cim de la muntanya.En: Time passed quickly, and soon they decided to walk together to the mountain top.Ca: Mentre pujaven, el silenci de la natura els envoltava, oferint moments per reflexionar.En: As they climbed, the silence of nature surrounded them, offering moments for reflection.Ca: Quan van arribar al cim, observaven el paisatge silent i captivador.En: When they reached the summit, they observed the silent and captivating landscape.Ca: Mireia, amb les emocions a flor de pell, finalment va obrir-se amb els seus amics.En: Mireia, with emotions running high, finally opened up to her friends.Ca: "No estic segura d'on encaixo ara," va dir ella, sincerament.En: "I'm not sure where I fit in now," she said sincerely.Ca: "Tot ha canviat tant.En: "Everything has changed so much."Ca: "Oriol i Laia es van mirar l'un a l'altre, i des del cor van començar a parlar de les seves pròpies lluites.En: Oriol and Laia looked at each other, and heartfeltly began to speak of their own struggles.Ca: Oriol sentia la pressió de trobar una nova passió, mentre Laia temia no fer prou per canviar el món.En: Oriol felt the pressure to find a new passion, while Laia feared not doing enough to change the world.Ca: "Som aquí, junts, perquè cada un de nosaltres està buscant el seu camí," va dir Laia.En: "We are here, together, because each one of us is searching for our path," said Laia.Ca: "Podem ajudar-nos, com abans.En: "We can help each other, like before."Ca: "La conversa es va convertir en un moment de revelació i reconeixement mutu.En: The conversation turned into a moment of revelation and mutual recognition.Ca: El vent fred semblava portar una nova esperança amb ell.En: The cold wind seemed to carry a new hope with it.Ca: Després de prometre's recolzar-se més que mai abans, van començar el descens, amb una sensació renovada d'unitat.En: After promising to support each other more than ever before, they began the descent, with a renewed sense of unity.Ca: Mireia, ara més segura, comprenia que no estava sola.En: Mireia, now more assured, understood that she was not alone.Ca: Els vincles del passat eren fonamentals per guiar el seu futur.En: The bonds of the past were fundamental to guide her future.Ca: En arribar de nou al monestir, la llum del temps canviava, il·luminant el seu camí amb una calidesa especial.En: Upon returning to the monastery, the changing light illuminated their path with a special warmth.Ca: Els tres amics, rient i parlant, sabien que aquesta reunió no seria l'última.En: The three friends, laughing and talking, knew that this reunion would not be their last.Ca: Mireia, Oriol i Laia tornaven a casa, amb el compromís ferm de ser còmplices en les seves aventures venidores, cadascun amb renovada força per afrontar els reptes que encara els esperaven.En: Mireia, Oriol, and Laia returned home with a firm commitment to be accomplices in their future adventures, each with renewed strength to face the challenges that still awaited them. Vocabulary Words:the monastery: el monestircelestial: celestialthe chant: el cànticto reverberate: reverberarthe murmur: el murmurithe scent: el perfumto reflect: reflexionarthe root: l'arreleager: ple de ganesthe scarf: la bufandahandmade: fet a màthe warmth: la calidesathe nostalgia: la nostàlgiato embrace: abraçarthe apron: el davantalto surround: envoltarto climb: pujarthe summit: el cimcaptivating: captivadorthe revelation: la revelacióto descend: descendirthe hope: l'esperançato assure: assegurarthe unity: la unitatthe bond: el vinclethe embrace: l'abraçadathe struggle: la lluitato promise: prometrethe challenge: el reptethe adventure: l'aventura

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Blooms & Balance: Montserrat's Journey Through Allergy Woes Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-25-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Entre la fredor de l'hivern a Barcelona, La Rambla bullia de vida.En: Amid the chill of winter in Barcelona, La Rambla was bustling with life.Ca: Les petites parades de flors i les botiguetes d'artesania brillaven sota la llum tènue del sol, que lluïa amb prou feines entre els plàtans despullats de les seves fulles.En: The small flower stalls and craft shops glowed under the dim sunlight, which barely shone through the plane trees stripped of their leaves.Ca: És allà on Montserrat, una florista de 32 anys, va trobar el seu racó predilecte al món.En: It was there that Montserrat, a 32-year-old florist, found her favorite nook in the world.Ca: Des del seu petit local, "Flors de Montserrat", la nostra protagonista veia com els turistes, tot i el fred hivernal, passejaven encuriosits.En: From her little shop, "Flors de Montserrat," our protagonist watched as tourists, despite the winter cold, wandered curiously.Ca: Montserrat estimava les flors.En: Montserrat loved flowers.Ca: Les textures, les formes, les aromes... Per ella, cada una era única, com una petita obra d'art.En: The textures, the shapes, the scents... To her, each one was unique, like a small work of art.Ca: Fa mesos, però, la felicitat que li proporcionava la seva feina es veia desenfocada per una al·lèrgia estranya i persistent.En: However, for months, the happiness her work provided had been blurred by a strange and persistent allergy.Ca: Tot va començar amb esternuts esporàdics, però ara, les seves mans es cobrien de vesícules i els ulls se li entelaven sovint.En: It all began with occasional sneezes, but now, her hands were covered with vesicles and her eyes often became blurry.Ca: Cap tractament semblava funcionar, i els metges que havia visitat li donaven respostes diferents.En: No treatment seemed to work, and the doctors she had visited gave her different answers.Ca: La incertesa creixia com una mala herba.En: Uncertainty grew like a weed.Ca: Un matí, després d'una nit d'insomni per la picor i el malestar, Montserrat es va topar amb Pere, un amic de tota la vida.En: One morning, after a sleepless night due to the itching and discomfort, Montserrat ran into Pere, a lifelong friend.Ca: Ell, al veure-la abatuda, va insistir perquè visités un especialista recomanat.En: Seeing her downcast, he insisted that she visit a recommended specialist.Ca: "Confia en mi, Montse, aquest doctor sap el que fa", li va dir amb insistència.En: "Trust me, Montse, this doctor knows what he's doing," he said insistently.Ca: Montserrat, dubtosa però desesperada, va acceptar el consell de Pere.En: Montserrat, doubtful but desperate, accepted Pere's advice.Ca: El vent li picava la cara mentre caminava pensativa per La Rambla.En: The wind stung her face as she walked thoughtfully down La Rambla.Ca: La seva passió per les flors estava en joc, i Montserrat no se'n podia permetre el luxe de seguir sense saber-ne la causa.En: Her passion for flowers was at stake, and Montserrat couldn't afford to go on without understanding the cause.Ca: Finalment, va arribar el dia de la consulta amb el nou especialista.En: Finally, the day of the consultation with the new specialist arrived.Ca: Aquest va analitzar pacientment els seus símptomes i les flors que sempre portava a la botiga.En: He patiently analyzed her symptoms and the flowers she always carried to the shop.Ca: Va examinar amb detall cadascuna d'elles, fins que es va aturar en una flor peculiar, el llorell blau.En: He examined each one in detail until he stopped at a peculiar flower, the blue bay laurel.Ca: "Aquí està el problema", va dir.En: "Here's the problem," he said.Ca: "És el pol·len d'aquesta flor el que t'està provocant l'al·lèrgia".En: "It's the pollen from this flower that's causing your allergy."Ca: Montserrat no s'ho podia creure.En: Montserrat couldn't believe it.Ca: Era exactament el diagnòstic que necessitava per fer el canvi.En: It was exactly the diagnosis she needed to make a change.Ca: Mentre caminava de tornada al seu petit mercat de flors sota la mirada amatent de Jordi, el seu company, la decisió estava presa.En: As she walked back to her little flower market under the watchful eye of Jordi, her partner, the decision was made.Ca: Va reorganitzar les seves flors, posant en quarantena el llorell blau, i va començar a trobar solucions perquè la seva salut millorés.En: She reorganized her flowers, putting the blue bay laurel into quarantine, and began to find solutions to improve her health.Ca: Amb el suport de Pere i Jordi, Montserrat va adaptar la botiga per mantenir les flors que podia gestionar sense problemes.En: With the support of Pere and Jordi, Montserrat adapted the shop to keep the flowers she could manage without issues.Ca: Va començar també un tractament més específic per a les seves al·lèrgies i, dia rere dia, va notar com els seus símptomes milloraraven.En: She also began a more specific treatment for her allergies and, day by day, noticed her symptoms improving.Ca: A mida que les flors tornaven a florir a la primavera, Montserrat va aprendre una cosa valuosa: estimar-se a si mateixa tant com estimava les flors.En: As the flowers began to bloom again in spring, Montserrat learned something valuable: to love herself as much as she loved the flowers.Ca: Va acceptar que demanar ajuda no era un signe de debilitat, sinó de saviesa.En: She accepted that asking for help was not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.Ca: Confiava més en els ulls amables de Pere i Jordi i menys en la seva pròpia autosuficiència.En: She placed more trust in the kind eyes of Pere and Jordi, and less in her own self-sufficiency.Ca: I així, en la quotidianitat de La Rambla hivernal, envoltada d'amics i flors, Montserrat va trobar un nou equilibri.En: And so, in the everyday life of a winter La Rambla, surrounded by friends and flowers, Montserrat found a new balance.Ca: Un equilibri que li permetia seguir cuidant del que més li agradava, sense perdre de vista la seva salut i el seu benestar.En: A balance that allowed her to keep caring for what she loved most, without losing sight of her health and well-being. Vocabulary Words:winter: l'hivernbustling: bulliadim: tènueplane trees: els plàtansleaves: les fullesnook: el racótextures: les texturesunique: únicasneezes: esternutsvesicles: les vesículesblurry: entelatsuncertainty: la incertesaweed: la mala herbadowncast: abatudaspecialist: l'especialistainsistently: amb insistènciastung: picavaat stake: en jocconsultation: la consultapeculiar: peculiardiagnosis: el diagnòsticquarantine: quarantenasolutions: les solucionsadapted: va adaptarimproving: milloraravento bloom: florirwisdom: la saviesakind eyes: els ulls amablesself-sufficiency: l'autosuficiènciabalance: l'equilibri

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Hope in the Snow: A Tale of Survival and Unity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-24-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El vent bufava fred i tallant sobre les runes d'una ciutat oblidada, que Pau, Laia i Montserrat havien anomenat casa seva des de feia massa temps.En: The wind blew cold and biting over the ruins of a forgotten city, which Pau, Laia, and Montserrat had called home for far too long.Ca: Aviat arribaria la nit, i amb ella, el fred encara més intens.En: Night would soon arrive, and with it, even more intense cold.Ca: La neu cobria tota la terra, apagant qualsevol color que un cop va existir.En: The snow covered the entire land, extinguishing any color that once existed.Ca: Camí avall, les restes de cotxes abandonats i edificis derruïts es perfilaven com fantasmes silents.En: Down the road, the remains of abandoned cars and ruined buildings loomed like silent ghosts.Ca: Pau observava l'entorn amb ulls cautelosos.En: Pau watched the surroundings with cautious eyes.Ca: Necessitava trobar provisions.En: He needed to find provisions.Ca: Les seves mans, rugoses pel treball dur, es tancaven amb força sobre el mànec d'una motxilla mig buida.En: His hands, rough from hard work, gripped tightly onto the handle of a half-empty backpack.Ca: La idea de fallar la seva família li feia fora el son cada nit.En: The thought of failing his family kept him awake every night.Ca: Va treure l'entrellat amb Laia i Montserrat, que observaven des d'una petita foguera.En: He pondered with Laia and Montserrat, who watched from a small campfire.Ca: Les brases ballaven càlidament, contrastant amb el fred aclaparador.En: The embers danced warmly, contrasting with the overwhelming cold.Ca: "Hem de buscar a la ciutat", va dir Laia amb decisió, fregant-se les mans per entrar en calor.En: "We need to search the city," Laia said decisively, rubbing her hands to warm them.Ca: "A l'est hi ha un barri que podríem revisar".En: "To the east, there's a neighborhood we could check."Ca: Pau va assentir.En: Pau nodded.Ca: Sabia que era arriscat, però tampoc tenien gaire opció.En: He knew it was risky, but they didn't have much choice.Ca: Montserrat, innocent i amb ulls d'una esperança que semblava impossible en aquella desolació, somreia lleugerament.En: Montserrat, innocent and with eyes of hope that seemed impossible in that desolation, smiled slightly.Ca: "Trobarem el que necessitem; sempre ho fem."En: "We'll find what we need; we always do."Ca: Amb la primera llum de l'alba, els tres es van posar en marxa.En: With the first light of dawn, the three set out.Ca: La ciutat semblava una bèstia adormida, envoltada de silenci i neu.En: The city seemed like a sleeping beast, enveloped in silence and snow.Ca: Caminar era esgotador, però la urgència els empenyia endavant.En: Walking was exhausting, but urgency pushed them forward.Ca: Pau guiava amb precaució, desviant-se entre els carrers desolats, sempre atent al menor soroll.En: Pau led cautiously, weaving through the deserted streets, always alert to the slightest noise.Ca: Va ser quan van arribar a una plaça mig enfonsada que va veure el que buscava: una antiga tenda de queviures, ben oculta darrere d'un munt de runes.En: It was when they reached a half-collapsed square that he saw what he was looking for: an old grocery store, well-hidden behind a pile of rubble.Ca: Però no estaven sols.En: But they weren't alone.Ca: Una altra banda de supervivents es trobava ja allà, resguardada sota el porxo mig derruït de l'edifici.En: Another group of survivors was already there, sheltered under the half-ruined porch of the building.Ca: Els dos grups es van mirar amb sospita i tensió.En: The two groups eyed each other with suspicion and tension.Ca: Pau, amb el cor bategant fortament, sabia que la seva decisió era crucial.En: Pau, his heart pounding violently, knew his decision was crucial.Ca: Podia sentir la mirada interrogativa de Laia a la seva esquena i el tímid alè de Montserrat esperant una resolució.En: He could feel Laia's questioning gaze on his back and Montserrat's timid breath waiting for a resolution.Ca: Amb una inspiració profunda, Pau va fer un pas endavant.En: With a deep breath, Pau took a step forward.Ca: "Podem compartir", va dir amb veu ferma.En: "We can share," he said firmly.Ca: "Hi haurà prou per a tothom si treballem junts."En: "There will be enough for everyone if we work together."Ca: Les altres cares, al principi rígides amb desconfiança, es van començar a relaxar.En: The other faces, initially rigid with distrust, began to relax.Ca: Un home del grup contrari va assentir lentament, donant un pas més a prop.En: A man from the opposing group nodded slowly, stepping closer.Ca: Així van començar a treballar junts, sumant forces per recuperar el que poguessin del vell emmagatzematge.En: Thus, they began to work together, pooling their efforts to retrieve what they could from the old storehouse.Ca: A mesura que omplien les seves motxilles, Pau va sentir que liquidava el pes de la por.En: As they filled their backpacks, Pau felt the weight of fear lifting.Ca: Va aprendre que la cooperació podia ser més forta que qualsevol rivalitat.En: He learned that cooperation could be stronger than any rivalry.Ca: Havia trobat no només el que esperaven, sinó també una nova fe en la seva capacitat de liderar.En: He had found not only what they hoped for but also a renewed faith in his ability to lead.Ca: La neu seguia caient, però sota els seus peus se sentia la promesa d'un nou començament.En: The snow continued to fall, but beneath their feet lay the promise of a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:the wind: el ventthe ruins: les runesto blow: bufavabiting: tallantthe remains: les restesto loom: es perfilavencautious: cautelósprovisions: les provisionsrough: rugosesto grip: es tancavenbackpack: la motxillato ponder: treure l'entrellatthe embers: les brasesthe neighborhood: el barrito nod: assentirinnocent: innocentdesolation: la desolacióthe dawn: l'albato weave: desviar-sethe snow: la neuexhausting: esgotadora pile: un muntrubble: les runesthe porch: el porxotension: la tensióto shelter: resguardar-seto relax: relaxar-seto retrieve: recuperarthe storehouse: el magatzemfear: la por

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: The Secret of the Rambla's Majestic Sculpture Unveiled Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-23-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Un matí clar d'hivern, la Rambla bullia d'activitat.En: One clear winter morning, the Rambla was bustling with activity.Ca: Els carrers eren plens de gent: turistes curiosos, músics tocant cançons alegres, i artistes mostrant les seves obres.En: The streets were full of people: curious tourists, musicians playing cheerful songs, and artists displaying their works.Ca: Entre totes aquestes persones, hi havia la Montserrat.En: Among all these people was Montserrat.Ca: Era una artista jove, amb bigues a les mans i el cap ple de somnis.En: She was a young artist, with paints on her hands and a head full of dreams.Ca: Vivia per la passió de l'art i volia deixar la seva empremta en el món artístic de Barcelona.En: She lived for the passion of art and wanted to leave her mark on the artistic world of Barcelona.Ca: De cop, una bona part de la multitud es reuní al voltant d'una figura misteriosa.En: Suddenly, a large part of the crowd gathered around a mysterious figure.Ca: Encara que era difícil veure-ho, la Montserrat va aconseguir obrir-se pas fins a la primera fila.En: Although it was difficult to see, Montserrat managed to make her way to the front row.Ca: Allà, una escultura majestuosa s'erigia davant seu, emergint inesperadament durant la nit com una aparició màgica.En: There, a majestic sculpture stood before her, emerging unexpectedly during the night like a magical apparition.Ca: Qui era l'artista d'aquella meravellosa obra?En: Who was the artist of that wonderful work?Ca: Això ningú ho sabia.En: This no one knew.Ca: Oriol, un historiador d'art amb una mirada crítica però curiosa, es trobava entre la multitud.En: Oriol, an art historian with a critical yet curious outlook, was among the crowd.Ca: Ell, conegut pel seu mètode de treball rigorós, volia saber si l'escultura tenia una història darrere.En: He, known for his rigorous working method, wanted to know if the sculpture had a story behind it.Ca: Montserrat i Oriol, tot i tenir objectius molt diferents, es van mirar amb complicitat compartint un mateix desig: descobrir la veritat.En: Montserrat and Oriol, despite having very different objectives, looked at each other with shared complicity, both wishing to discover the truth.Ca: Montserrat va decidir preguntar a altres artistes de la Rambla.En: Montserrat decided to ask other artists on the Rambla.Ca: Va parlar amb pintors i escultors, buscant pistes.En: She spoke with painters and sculptors, searching for clues.Ca: Mentre, Oriol es dirigí a la biblioteca, volent analitzar estils i èpoques de la peça.En: Meanwhile, Oriol headed to the library, wanting to analyze the piece's styles and periods.Ca: Els dos, sumits en la recerca, van trobar-se al cap d'uns dies al mateix cafè a prop del Liceu.En: The two, immersed in their search, met a few days later at the same café near the Liceu.Ca: Montserrat, emocionada, comentà que un dels artistes li va parlar d'un creador oblidat que possiblement podria haver estat l'autor.En: Montserrat, excited, commented that one of the artists had told her about a forgotten creator who could possibly have been the author.Ca: Oriol, amb els seus llibres, revelà descobriments sobre una signatura amagada en la base de l'escultura, que coincidia amb un artista que ningú recordava.En: Oriol, with his books, revealed discoveries about a hidden signature at the base of the sculpture, which matched an artist no one remembered.Ca: Amb aquesta informació, Montserrat i Oriol van decidir compartir la història amb la comunitat.En: With this information, Montserrat and Oriol decided to share the story with the community.Ca: Van organitzar una petita exposició on explicaven la vida i obra del creador, un artista que havia caminant per la Rambla temps enrere, creant obres amb l'ànima.En: They organized a small exhibition explaining the life and work of the creator, an artist who had once walked the Rambla, creating works with soul.Ca: Montserrat, pel seu esforç, va guanyar-se el respecte i l'admiració dels altres artistes.En: Montserrat, through her effort, earned the respect and admiration of the other artists.Ca: Va trobar en aquesta investigació la confiança que necessitava i una inspiració renovada per a la seva vida.En: She found in this investigation the confidence she needed and a renewed inspiration for her life.Ca: Oriol, en canvi, va aprendre a valorar la intuïció i l'esperit col·lectiu, que sovint passa desapercebut en els llibres d'història.En: Oriol, on the other hand, learned to value intuition and the collective spirit, which often goes unnoticed in history books.Ca: La peça de La Rambla esdevingué un emblema de la creativitat i història compartida.En: The Rambla piece became an emblem of creativity and shared history.Ca: De llavors ençà, la Rambla no només vibrava art, sinó també històries oblidades ressuscitades per l'empeny d'una jove artista i un entregat historiador.En: From then on, the Rambla not only vibrated with art but also with forgotten stories resurrected by the determination of a young artist and a dedicated historian. Vocabulary Words:the street: el carrerthe tourist: el turistathe sculpture: l'esculturathe crowd: la multitudthe signature: la signaturathe morning: el matíthe aspiration: l'aspiraciómajestic: majesticthe exhibition: l'exposicióthe historian: l'historiadorthe song: la cançóthe view: la miradato rustle: bullirthe piece: la peçathe library: la bibliotecaunexpectedly: inesperadamentthe artist: l'artistato resurrect: ressuscitarthe base: la basethe admiration: l'admiracióthe painting: la pinturato erige: erigirthe clue: la pistato analyze: analitzarthe determination: l'empenythe café: el cafèthe truth: la veritatthe discovery: el descobrimentthe passion: la passióto succeed at: aconseguir

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Finding Forgiveness: A Family's Journey to Reconciliation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-22-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El vent fred del matí d'hivern assotava la cara de l'Oriol mentre pujava lentament les escales de Montserrat.En: The cold morning winter wind whipped Oriol's face as he slowly climbed the steps of Montserrat.Ca: Els cims punxeguts de les muntanyes semblaven vigilar-lo, com si comprenguessin la seva missió.En: The jagged peaks of the mountains seemed to watch over him, as if they understood his mission.Ca: Aquest lloc especial era on esperava reconciliar-se amb Pau i Marina, esperant que la pau del monestir els ajudés a deixar enrere els malentesos del passat.En: This special place was where he hoped to reconcile with Pau and Marina, hoping that the peace of the monastery would help them leave behind the misunderstandings of the past.Ca: Feia anys que no es veien.En: It had been years since they last saw each other.Ca: Una discussió sense importància havia esdevingut un mur entre ells.En: An insignificant argument had become a wall between them.Ca: Ara, Oriol se sentia preparat per trencar aquella barrera, però els records encara eren vius i dolorosos.En: Now, Oriol felt ready to break down that barrier, but the memories were still alive and painful.Ca: Amb el cor bategant amb nerviosisme, va entrar al claustre.En: With his heart beating nervously, he entered the cloister.Ca: Allà, Pau, el seu germà petit, i Marina, la seva cosina, l'estaven esperant.En: There, Pau, his younger brother, and Marina, his cousin, were waiting for him.Ca: "Hola, Oriol", va dir Pau amb un to fred.En: "Hello, Oriol," said Pau with a cold tone.Ca: Marina va fer una mena de somriure forçat, però els ulls li brillaven amb esperança.En: Marina gave a sort of forced smile, but her eyes shone with hope.Ca: Oriol sabia que aquest era el moment.En: Oriol knew this was the moment.Ca: "És hora de parlar, de veritat", va dir Oriol amb una veu ferma però amable.En: "It's time to talk, truly," Oriol said with a firm yet kind voice.Ca: "No podem deixar que el passat ens separi més".En: "We cannot let the past keep us apart any longer."Ca: Pau va alçar les espatlles, encara ressentit.En: Pau shrugged, still resentful.Ca: "Les coses no són tan senzilles", va contestar amb un fil de veu.En: "Things aren't that simple," he replied in a low voice.Ca: Per uns instants, el silenci només es trencava pel murmuri llunyà dels monjos resant.En: For a few moments, the silence was only broken by the distant murmur of the monks praying.Ca: Finalment, Marina va agafar la mà d'Oriol.En: Finally, Marina took Oriol's hand.Ca: "Hem de començar a escoltar-nos, a parlar sense por".En: "We need to start listening to each other, to talk without fear."Ca: La conversa va escalfar-se.En: The conversation heated up.Ca: Els records del malentès que els havia allunyat ressorgien.En: Memories of the misunderstanding that had distanced them resurfaced.Ca: Llavors, Pau es va aixecar sobtadament, mirant Oriol amb frustració.En: Then, Pau suddenly stood up, looking at Oriol with frustration.Ca: "Per què mai vas intentar solucionar-ho abans?En: "Why did you never try to solve it before?"Ca: ", va exclamar, amb dolor a la veu.En: he exclaimed, pain in his voice.Ca: Oriol va fer una pausa.En: Oriol paused.Ca: Sabia que aquest moment seria decisiu.En: He knew this moment would be decisive.Ca: "Vaig ser orgullós i tossut", va admetre amb sinceritat.En: "I was proud and stubborn," he admitted sincerely.Ca: "Però ara vull canviar això.En: "But now I want to change that.Ca: Vull que siguem una família de nou".En: I want us to be a family again."Ca: A poc a poc, les seves paraules van començar a tenir efecte.En: Slowly, his words began to have an effect.Ca: Pau va respirar profundament i va baixar la mirada.En: Pau took a deep breath and lowered his gaze.Ca: "També m'he equivocat", va admetre finalment.En: "I've also made mistakes," he finally admitted.Ca: I així, amb l'ajuda de Marina, van començar a recordar els moments feliços de la infància compartida.En: And so, with Marina's help, they began to recall the happy moments of their shared childhood.Ca: Després de molts mesos de silenci, els tres van començar a parlar de veritat, amb honestedat i tendresa.En: After many months of silence, the three began to talk truly, with honesty and tenderness.Ca: Les paraules no van curar immediatament les ferides, però van establir una base per a un nou començament.En: The words didn't immediately heal the wounds, but they laid a foundation for a new beginning.Ca: Quan el sol començava a amagar-se darrere les muntanyes, Oriol sentia que un pes li havia estat aixecat del cor.En: As the sun began to hide behind the mountains, Oriol felt a weight had been lifted from his heart.Ca: Els tres van somriure amb complicitat mentre baixaven les escales del monestir junts.En: The three smiled in complicity as they descended the monastery steps together.Ca: Estaven disposats a redescobrir els llaços que els unien, amb una apreciació renovada per la importància de la família i la màgia de la reconciliació.En: They were willing to rediscover the bonds that united them, with a renewed appreciation for the importance of family and the magic of reconciliation.Ca: La tranquil·litat de Montserrat havia fet la seva feina.En: The tranquility of Montserrat had done its job.Ca: En aquell lloc sagrat, havien trobat la força per perdonar, recordar i estimar de nou.En: In that sacred place, they found the strength to forgive, remember, and love again.Ca: I amb això, una nova etapa va començar per a l'Oriol, el Pau i la Marina.En: And with that, a new chapter began for Oriol, Pau, and Marina. Vocabulary Words:the wind: el ventthe morning: el matíthe winter: l'hivernto whip: assotarjagged: punxegutsthe peaks: els cimsto watch over: vigilarthe discussion: la discussióinsignificant: sense importànciabarrier: barrerathe cloister: el claustreresentful: ressentitto shrug: alçar les espatllesthe murmur: el murmurithe monks: els monjosto pray: resarto listen: escoltarto resurface: ressorgirfrustration: frustracióto admit: admetrestubborn: tossutdecisive: decisiuto recall: recordarthe childhood: la infànciato pause: fer una pausato lower (the gaze): baixar la miradathe wounds: les feridesto lay a foundation: establir una basethe sunset: l'ocàscomplicity: complicitat

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Delicious Journey: Discovering Barcelona's Culinary Magic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-21-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: La boira del matí sobre Barcelona encara no s'havia dissipat quan Martí i Núria van arribar al Mercat de la Boqueria.En: The morning fog over Barcelona had not yet dissipated when Martí and Núria arrived at the Mercat de la Boqueria.Ca: Era un dissabte d'hivern, i el mercat resplendia amb una barreja de colors vius i olors captivadores.En: It was a winter Saturday, and the market glowed with a mix of lively colors and captivating smells.Ca: A mà dreta, les parades lluïen verdures fresques; a mà esquerra, els peixos del dia llampurnejaven en el seu gel brunyit.En: On the right, the stalls displayed fresh vegetables; on the left, the day's fish shimmered on their polished ice.Ca: "Avui és el gran dia", va dir Martí amb una barreja d'excitació i nervis.En: "Today is the big day," said Martí with a mix of excitement and nerves.Ca: "La meva mare política vindrà a sopar, i ha de ser perfecte."En: "My mother-in-law is coming for dinner, and it has to be perfect."Ca: "Cristina només vol passar una bona estona", va replicar Núria amb un somriure tranquil.En: "Cristina just wants to have a good time," Núria replied with a calm smile.Ca: "No ens preocupem per la perfecció."En: "Let's not worry about perfection."Ca: Martí va agafar el carro amb decisió, fixant-se en la llista meticulosament preparada.En: Martí took the cart with determination, focusing on the meticulously prepared list.Ca: Però, de seguida, es va adonar que no podien caminar fàcilment entre la multitud.En: But he quickly realized they couldn't easily walk through the crowd.Ca: "Com ho farem així?" va dir, inquiet.En: "How will we manage like this?" he said, concerned.Ca: Mentre avançaven amb paciència, van descobrir que alguns dels seus ingredients preferits, com els tomàquets de Montserrat, no estaven disponibles.En: As they moved forward patiently, they discovered that some of their favorite ingredients, like Montserrat tomatoes, were unavailable.Ca: Martí va bufar frustrat. "No és el que esperava", va murmurar.En: Martí sighed in frustration. "It's not what I expected," he murmured.Ca: Núria, amb la seva espontaneïtat habitual, li va agafar la mà.En: Núria, with her usual spontaneity, took his hand.Ca: "Confia en mi. Ens adaptarem.En: "Trust me. We can adapt.Ca: Mira aquestes cebes tendres. Podem fer servir-les en lloc dels tomàquets", va suggerir.En: Look at these green onions. We can use them instead of the tomatoes," she suggested.Ca: Al principi, Martí no estava convençut, però va veure el somriure confiada de Núria i va assentir.En: Initially, Martí wasn't convinced, but he saw Núria's confident smile and nodded.Ca: A poc a poc, va començar a deixar-se portar per l'experiència.En: Gradually, he started to let himself be carried away by the experience.Ca: Les olors de les espècies, el murmuri dels venedors, les cançons en l'aire... tot tenia un encant especial.En: The smells of the spices, the murmurs of the vendors, the songs in the air... everything had a special charm.Ca: De sobte, mentre avançaven per la zona de carns, Martí va veure alguna cosa que el va fer aturar-se en sec.En: Suddenly, as they moved through the meat section, Martí saw something that made him stop dead in his tracks.Ca: Allà, entre pollastres i conills, hi havia una peça de carn de vedella que brillava amb una frescor insuperable.En: There, among chickens and rabbits, was a piece of veal that shone with unsurpassable freshness.Ca: No estava a la seva llista, però Martí la va imaginar perfectament a la seva taula.En: It wasn't on his list, but Martí imagined it perfectly on his table.Ca: Amb ànim renovat, va comprar la carn.En: With renewed enthusiasm, he bought the meat.Ca: Núria va somriure. "Veus? El mercat sempre et sorprèn."En: Núria smiled. "See? The market always surprises you."Ca: Quan van arribar a casa, Martí va trobar plaer en preparar el sopar, aquesta vegada sense angoixes.En: When they got home, Martí found pleasure in preparing the dinner, this time without anxiety.Ca: Quan la seva mare política va tastar el menjar, va fer un gest de sorpresa i va aplaudir les seves habilitats culinàries.En: When his mother-in-law tasted the food, she showed surprise and praised his culinary skills.Ca: "Està deliciós!", va exclamar.En: "It's delicious!" she exclaimed.Ca: Després de sopar, mentre recollien la taula, Martí va agafar la mà de Núria.En: After dinner, while clearing the table, Martí took Núria's hand.Ca: "Gràcies per ajudar-me a veure que l'important no és només el resultat, sinó també el viatge", va dir amb sinceritat.En: "Thank you for helping me see that what's important isn't just the result, but also the journey," he said sincerely.Ca: Martí havia après que, a vegades, deixar-se portar per l'experiència i confiar en els instints —i en la Núria— podia crear moments inoblidables.En: Martí had learned that sometimes letting himself be carried by the experience and trusting his instincts—and Núria—could create unforgettable moments.Ca: Barcelona, amb tota la seva vida, l'havia ensenyat a ser flexible i a trobar bellesa en l'imperfecció, tal com Núria sempre havia viscut.En: Barcelona, with all its life, had taught him to be flexible and to find beauty in imperfection, just as Núria had always lived. Vocabulary Words:the fog: la boirato dissipate: dissiparthe stall: la paradato shimmer: llampurnejarthe anxiety: l'angoixathe charm: l'encantthe meat: la carnto murmur: murmurarto adapt: adaptar-sethe freshness: la frescorunbeatable: insuperablethe determination: la decisióto nod: assentirthe perfection: la perfeccióthe instinct: l'instintthe surprise: la sorpresato trust: confiarto clear (the table): recollir (la taula)the journey: el viatgethe charm: l'encantthe spontaneity: l'espontaneïtatthe crowd: la multitudto sigh: bufarto praise: aplaudirthe vendor: el venedorcaptivating: captivadorto let oneself be carried away: deixar-se portarthe scent: la olorflexible: flexiblethe spontaneity: l'espontaneïtat

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Secrets of Montserrat: Unveiling the Hidden Manuscript Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-19-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El vent fred bufava entre les roques de Montserrat, portant amb ell els càntics dels monjos ressonant a l'interior de l'abadia.En: The cold wind blew between the rocks of Montserrat, bringing with it the chants of the monks resonating inside the abbey.Ca: Era hivern i la festa de Sant Pau s'apropava, un moment especial per a Pau, el monjo que sempre havia buscat descobrir els secrets del passat de l'ordre.En: It was winter and the feast of Sant Pau was approaching, a special moment for Pau, the monk who had always sought to uncover the secrets of the order's past.Ca: Un dia d'hivern, a la biblioteca de l'abadia, Pau trobà un manuscrit misteriós.En: One winter day, in the abbey's library, Pau found a mysterious manuscript.Ca: Les pàgines desgastades portaven una escriptura codificada que ningú no podia entendre.En: The worn pages bore a coded writing that no one could understand.Ca: Aquest manuscrit amagava secrets valuosos.En: This manuscript hid valuable secrets.Ca: Pau desitjava intensament desxifrar-los i demostrar el seu enginy als seus superiors.En: Pau intensely wished to decipher them and demonstrate his wit to his superiors.Ca: Però Pau no estava sol en aquesta recerca.En: But Pau was not alone in this pursuit.Ca: Ramon, el seu rival, també havia posat els ulls en el manuscrit.En: Ramon, his rival, had also set his sights on the manuscript.Ca: Ramon era conegut per la seva astúcia i volia també els honors que aquest document podia atorgar.En: Ramon was known for his cunning and also desired the honors that this document could grant.Ca: Pau sabia que havia d'actuar ràpidament.En: Pau knew he had to act quickly.Ca: En la seva desil·lusió, Pau pensà en Eulàlia, una erudita que visitava l'abadia.En: In his disappointment, Pau thought of Eulàlia, a scholar visiting the abbey.Ca: Els monjos vells desconfiaven dels forasters, però Pau estava decidit.En: The old monks distrusted outsiders, but Pau was determined.Ca: Va buscar Eulàlia a les gelades galeries de pedra i li explicà la seva situació.En: He sought out Eulàlia in the icy stone galleries and explained his situation.Ca: Ella escoltà amb atenció i accedí a ajudar-lo.En: She listened intently and agreed to help him.Ca: Junts, Pau i Eulàlia passaren hores examinant el manuscrit.En: Together, Pau and Eulàlia spent hours examining the manuscript.Ca: Les lletres i símbols eren únics, però Eulàlia tenia coneixements en llengües antigues.En: The letters and symbols were unique, but Eulàlia had knowledge of ancient languages.Ca: A mesura que desxifraven el codi, trobaven pistes que els guiaven a una part oblidada de l'abadia.En: As they deciphered the code, they found clues that guided them to a forgotten part of the abbey.Ca: Pau i Eulàlia descobriren una porta secreta amagada darrere d'un gran tapís al final d'un passadís fosc.En: Pau and Eulàlia discovered a secret door hidden behind a large tapestry at the end of a dark hallway.Ca: Darrere la porta, hi havia una cambra subterrània plena de documents antics i, entre ells, la clau que desxifrava el manuscrit.En: Behind the door, there was an underground chamber full of ancient documents and, among them, the key to deciphering the manuscript.Ca: Amb el misteri revelat, Pau i Eulàlia tornaren a la biblioteca.En: With the mystery revealed, Pau and Eulàlia returned to the library.Ca: Junts presentaren el descobriment als ancians de l'abadia.En: Together they presented the discovery to the elders of the abbey.Ca: Els ancians quedaren impressionats.En: The elders were impressed.Ca: Pau guanyà el respecte que tant havia anhelat, però també comprengué la importància de la col·laboració.En: Pau gained the respect he had so yearned for, but he also understood the importance of collaboration.Ca: Camí de sortida, envoltat per les ombres de Montserrat, Pau s'adonà que havia crescut.En: On the way out, surrounded by the shadows of Montserrat, Pau realized he had grown.Ca: Ja no volia treballar sol; havia après a valorar l'ajuda dels altres.En: He no longer wanted to work alone; he had learned to value the help of others.Ca: Eulàlia li somrigué i li digué: "Sempre hi ha noves històries esperant ser descobertes."En: Eulàlia smiled at him and said, "There are always new stories waiting to be discovered."Ca: Pau assentí, sentint-se més fort i segur que mai.En: Pau nodded, feeling stronger and more confident than ever. Vocabulary Words:the cold wind: el vent fredthe rocks: les roquesthe chants: els cànticsthe monks: els monjosthe abbey: l'abadiathe feast: la festathe order: l'ordrethe manuscript: el manuscritthe pages: les pàginesthe writing: l'escripturathe secrets: els secretsthe wit: l'enginythe superiors: els superiorsthe pursuit: la recercathe rival: el rivalthe cunning: l'astúciathe honors: els honorsthe disappointment: la desil·lusióthe scholar: l'eruditathe outsiders: els forastersthe galleries: les galeriesthe letters: les lletresthe symbols: els símbolsthe languages: les llengüesthe clues: les pistesthe tapestry: el tapísthe hallway: el passadísthe chamber: la cambrathe documents: els documentsthe elders: els ancians

Learn about African diasporic identity, migration, cultural memory, and building a global Black storytelling project. _____________________________ Get the ⁠Monday Minute⁠ --My weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders that you can read in 60 seconds. Follow The Maverick Show and DM Matt on ⁠Instagram⁠ ____________________________________ Award-winning journalist and media entrepreneur Melissa Noel starts by sharing her first impressions of Brazil and attending the Black Travel Summit in Rio, where she won the BET+ Passport to Storytelling pitch competition for her Destination Diaspora docuseries. She reflects on growing up in a Guyanese immigrant household in New Jersey, her parents' migration experience, and how attending Howard University deepened her understanding of global Black identity and Pan-Africanism, including the lasting influence of Guyanese scholar Walter Rodney. The episode also explores her life-changing visit to Ghana during the Year of Return and her years living and reporting across the Caribbean. Melissa shares stories from hiking Caribbean volcanoes, explains why St. Vincent and the Grenadines holds such a special place in her heart, describes what it's like to walk through Montserrat's buried city of Plymouth, and unpacks the intertwined African and Irish history commemorated during Montserrat's St. Patrick's Festival. ⁠⁠FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE⁠⁠. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that's not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See HowI Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Yuletide Mix-Up: Laughter and Love at the Mercat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-05-23-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Lluïa el sol d'hivern sobre el mercat brillant, on les llums nadalencs reprimien el fred amb el seu caliu daurat.En: The winter sun shone over the mercat glittering, where the Christmas lights held back the cold with their golden warmth.Ca: Les olors de les castanyes torrades omplien l'aire mentre la gent passejava animada, comprant regals per al Dia de Reis.En: The smells of roasted chestnuts filled the air as people strolled cheerfully, buying gifts for Dia de Reis.Ca: Lluís, amb la seva cara afable i una mica despistat, es movia entre les parades amb pressa.En: Lluís, with his affable and somewhat absent-minded face, moved hurriedly among the stalls.Ca: Portava una bossa petita amb un regal que havia comprat per a Montserrat: un suèter càlid, però tristament, la talla equivocada.En: He carried a small bag with a gift he had bought for Montserrat: a warm sweater, but sadly, the wrong size.Ca: Sabia que Montserrat voltava per allà, buscant regals també, i preferia evitar que la trobés abans de poder canviar el suèter.En: He knew Montserrat was around, also looking for gifts, and he preferred to avoid being found by her before he could exchange the sweater.Ca: Tenia por que veiés el regal equivocat i es desil·lusionés.En: He was afraid she would see the wrong gift and be disappointed.Ca: Enmig de la multitud, Lluís va veure un posat de barrets i, sense pensar-ho dues vegades, va agafar un barret de Pare Noel per posar-se'l com a disfressa improvisada.En: In the midst of the crowd, Lluís saw a stall selling hats, and without thinking twice, he grabbed a Santa hat to disguise himself.Ca: —Potser així no em reconeixerà —es va dir, satisfet amb el seu enginy.En: "Maybe this way she won't recognize me," he said to himself, satisfied with his cleverness.Ca: El mercat, ple de colors i veus, semblava un laberint sense fi.En: The mercat, full of colors and voices, seemed like a never-ending labyrinth.Ca: Els nens corrien emocionats, i els pares carregaven bosses de regals.En: Children ran excitedly, and parents carried bags of gifts.Ca: Lluís va trobar la botiga on havia comprat el suèter i va entrar decidit a fer l'intercanvi abans que fos massa tard.En: Lluís found the store where he had bought the sweater and entered determined to make the exchange before it was too late.Ca: Amb el regal corregit sota el braç, Lluís va intentar sortir de la botiga amb discreció, però el seu pla va tenir un gir inesperat.En: With the corrected gift under his arm, Lluís tried to leave the store discreetly, but his plan took an unexpected turn.Ca: De sobte, va topar directament amb Montserrat.En: Suddenly, he bumped directly into Montserrat.Ca: La bossa li va caure, i el suèter corregit va sortir rodant pel terra.En: The bag fell, and the corrected sweater rolled across the floor.Ca: —Lluís!En: "Lluís!"Ca: —va dir Montserrat rient quan va veure'l amb el barret ridícul de Pare Noel—.En: Montserrat said, laughing when she saw him with the ridiculous Santa hat.Ca: Què fas així vestit?En: "What are you doing dressed like that?"Ca: Lluís, una mica avergonyit, va intentar explicar-s'ho entre rialles.En: Lluís, a little embarrassed, tried to explain himself amid laughter.Ca: Montserrat va començar a riure encara més quan va descobrir el suèter.En: Montserrat began to laugh even more when she discovered the sweater.Ca: —Volia assegurar-me que el dia de Reis fos perfecte per tu —va admetre Lluís, encara amb el somriure sota el barret.En: "I wanted to make sure Dia de Reis was perfect for you," Lluís admitted, still smiling under the hat.Ca: Montserrat no podia parar les rialles.En: Montserrat couldn't stop laughing.Ca: Li va ensenyar una bossa que portava ella mateixa.En: She showed a bag she was carrying herself.Ca: —Sabies que a mi també m'han donat la mida errònia per a tu?En: "Did you know they also gave me the wrong size for you?Ca: Sembla que tots dos podem aprendre a riure dels nostres errors.En: It seems we both can learn to laugh at our mistakes."Ca: Es van mirar, compresos i alleujats.En: They looked at each other, understanding and relieved.Ca: Els errors havien conduït a un moment inesperat i ple de significat, i això els va omplir de calidesa.En: The mistakes had led to an unexpected and meaningful moment, and it filled them with warmth.Ca: Al capdavall, eren l'esforç i l'afecte allò que més importaven.En: After all, it was the effort and affection that mattered most.Ca: Amb el sol ponent-se sobre les llums del mercat, Lluís i Montserrat van caminar junts, compartint les seves històries i rient dels seus errors.En: With the sun setting over the lights of the mercat, Lluís and Montserrat walked together, sharing their stories and laughing at their mistakes.Ca: Aprengueren que les experiències, fins i tot amb errors, poden ser bellíssimes si són compartides amb un amic sincer.En: They learned that experiences, even with errors, can be beautiful if shared with a true friend. Vocabulary Words:the winter: l'hivernthe sun: el solthe light: la llumthe warmth: el caliuthe chestnuts: les castanyesthe crowd: la multitudthe stall: la paradathe sweater: el suèterthe mistake: l'errorthe gift: el regalthe hat: el barretaffable: afableabsent-minded: despistatthe fear: la porthe labyrinth: el laberintto stumble: toparunexpected: inesperatdisguise: disfressato laugh: riureto exchange: intercanviarcorrect: corregitto recognize: reconèixercleverness: enginythe effort: l'esforçthe affection: l'afectethe understanding: la compresióto share: compartirthe joy: l'alegriato stroll: passejarthe parent: el pare

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Last-Minute Grapes Save Barcelona's Festive New Year Panic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-31-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Barcelona vibrava amb l'esperit de l'hivern.En: Barcelona vibrated with the spirit of winter.Ca: Les llums de Nadal il·luminaven els carrers i el shopping center estava ple de vida.En: The Christmas lights illuminated the streets, and the shopping center was full of life.Ca: Era gairebé impossible trobar un lloc on caminar sense topar amb algú.En: It was almost impossible to find a place to walk without bumping into someone.Ca: Laia, Pere i Montserrat havien arribat amb una missió: preparar tot per la nit de Cap d'Any.En: Laia, Pere, and Montserrat had arrived with a mission: to prepare everything for New Year's Eve.Ca: Laia era la més preocupada.En: Laia was the most concerned.Ca: Volia que la celebració fos perfecta.En: She wanted the celebration to be perfect.Ca: "Hem de moure'ns ràpid i no perdre temps!En: "We have to move quickly and not waste time!"Ca: " deia mentre consultava la llista.En: she said while checking the list.Ca: Pere, en canvi, semblava encantat amb l'agitació.En: Pere, on the other hand, seemed delighted with the hustle and bustle.Ca: "Mira!En: "Look!"Ca: " cridava, corrent cap a una botiga de joguines plena de barbaques i ninots d'acció.En: he shouted, running towards a toy store full of toy cars and action figures.Ca: Montserrat, sempre pràctica, sospirava i deia, "Ens farem un embolic.En: Montserrat, always practical, sighed and said, "We'll get all mixed up.Ca: Hem de dividir-nos.En: We need to split up."Ca: " Laia va estar d'acord, tot i les protestes de Pere.En: Laia agreed, despite Pere's protests.Ca: "Pere, tu busca els serpentins i els globus.En: "Pere, you find the streamers and balloons.Ca: Montserrat, ajuda'm amb els fruits secs i els decoratius.En: Montserrat, help me with the nuts and decorations."Ca: "El temps passava ràpidament mentre cadascú anava pel seu camí.En: Time passed quickly as each went their separate ways.Ca: Laia mirava les prestatgeries amb certa frustració: moltes coses ja estaven esgotades.En: Laia looked at the shelves with some frustration: many things were already sold out.Ca: El rellotge marcava que faltaven vint minuts pel tancament quan Laia va adonar-se que faltava el més important: els raïms per a les campanades de mitjanit.En: The clock showed there were only twenty minutes until closing when Laia realized they were missing the most important item: the grapes for the midnight chimes.Ca: Amb el cor bategant ràpid, va buscar desesperadament Pere i Montserrat.En: With her heart racing, she desperately searched for Pere and Montserrat.Ca: "Els raïms!En: "The grapes!Ca: No els trobo enlloc!En: I can't find them anywhere!"Ca: " va exclamar, intentant no perdre la calma.En: she exclaimed, trying not to lose her calm.Ca: Pere, encara amb un grapat de serpentins a les mans, va intentar alleugerir l'ànim.En: Pere, still with a bunch of streamers in his hands, tried to lighten the mood.Ca: "Sempre podem menjar olives!En: "We can always eat olives!"Ca: "Montserrat va fer un somriure tranquil·litzador.En: Montserrat gave a reassuring smile.Ca: "Conec un lloc", va dir.En: "I know a place," she said.Ca: "Hi ha una parada al fons del centre que sempre deixa alguna cosa pel final.En: "There's a stall at the back of the center that always leaves something for the last minute."Ca: "Amb poca esperança però sense alternatives, van córrer cap allà.En: With little hope but no alternatives, they ran there.Ca: Just quan les portes començaven a tancar, la parada encara tenia un munt d'últims raïms amagats darrere d'una petita pancarta.En: Just as the doors were starting to close, the stall still had a bunch of the last grapes hidden behind a small sign.Ca: Montserrat, amb la seva usual calma, en va comprar prou per la celebració.En: Montserrat, with her usual calmness, bought enough for the celebration.Ca: A la sortida del centre comercial, Laia va respirar en un llarg sospir d'alleujament.En: At the exit of the shopping center, Laia let out a long sigh of relief.Ca: "Ho hem fet!En: "We did it!"Ca: ", va dir, encara amb el cor accelerat.En: she said, still with her heart racing.Ca: Mirant Pere i Montserrat, va afegir: "Potser no ha estat tan organitzat com volia, però ha estat divertit.En: Looking at Pere and Montserrat, she added: "Maybe it wasn't as organized as I wanted, but it was fun."Ca: "Aquella nit, la música, les rialles i, sobretot, l'esperit de compartir van ser els protagonistes de la festa a casa de Laia.En: That night, the music, laughter, and above all, the spirit of sharing were the highlights of the party at Laia's house.Ca: Va ser un recordatori que, fins i tot en el caos, l'important és gaudir del moment i de la companyia.En: It was a reminder that even in chaos, the important thing is to enjoy the moment and the company.Ca: I quan van sonar les campanades, amb els raïms a punt, Laia va somriure, sabent que la perfecció no era el més important.En: And when the chimes struck, with the grapes ready, Laia smiled, knowing that perfection wasn't the most important thing. Vocabulary Words:the spirit: l'esperitthe winter: l'hivernthe mission: la missióthe celebration: la celebracióthe hustle: l'agitacióthe toy store: la botiga de joguinesthe streamers: els serpentinsthe balloons: els globusthe nuts: els fruits secsthe decorations: els decoratiusthe shelf: la prestatgeriato be sold out: estar esgotatthe clock: el rellotgethe chimes: les campanadesthe grapes: els raïmsthe bunch: el grapatthe stall: la paradathe sign: la pancartathe exit: la sortidathe relief: l'alleujamentthe chaos: el caosthe laughter: les riallesthe company: la companyiato enjoy: gaudirto vibrate: vibrarto bump into: topar ambthe toys: les joguinesthe party: la festathe minute: el minutthe heart: el cor

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Trusting the Heart: Laia's Special New Year Gift in Barcelona Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-30-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: L'aire fred de l'hivern acariciava les galtes de la Laia mentre caminava per La Rambla, a Barcelona, amb el so alegre dels petards de la nit de Cap d'Any omplint l'ambient.En: The cold winter air caressed Laia's cheeks as she walked down La Rambla in Barcelona, with the cheerful sound of New Year's Eve fireworks filling the atmosphere.Ca: Al seu costat, l'Oriol somreia i explicava acudits, intentant alleugerir l'ànim de la seva amiga, que semblava embolicada en els seus propis pensaments.En: Beside her, Oriol smiled and told jokes, trying to lighten the mood of his friend, who seemed wrapped up in her own thoughts.Ca: "Vinga, Laia," deia l'Oriol, "trobarem alguna cosa especial per a la teva àvia.En: "Come on, Laia," said Oriol, "we'll find something special for your grandmother.Ca: No et preocupis tant.En: Don't worry so much."Ca: "Les dues cruixinets resplendien de llums de colors i una multitud d'estands oferien tota mena de productes: castanyes torrades, bufandes gruixudes, i artesania local.En: The two pedestrian paths shone with colorful lights, and a multitude of stalls offered all sorts of products: roasted chestnuts, thick scarves, and local crafts.Ca: Laia volia trobar el regal perfecte per a la seva àvia, quelcom que expressés tot el seu amor i agraïment.En: Laia wanted to find the perfect gift for her grandmother, something that would express all her love and gratitude.Ca: Però quina cosa podria fer-ho millor que les paraules?En: But what could do that better than words?Ca: Mentre passejaven, van topar amb un estand ple de joies fetes a mà.En: As they strolled, they came across a stall full of handmade jewelry.Ca: Darrere la taula, una dona anomenada Montserrat, amb un aspecte esotèric, els va somriure amb complicitat.En: Behind the table, a woman named Montserrat, with an esoteric look, smiled at them conspiratorially.Ca: Els seus ulls brillaven amb una saviesa que semblava haver viscut moltes vides.En: Her eyes shone with a wisdom that seemed to have lived many lives.Ca: "Bona nit i bon any!En: "Good evening and happy new year!"Ca: ", va dir Montserrat amb entusiasme.En: said Montserrat enthusiastically.Ca: "Potser esteu buscant alguna cosa especial per celebrar aquesta nit màgica?En: "Perhaps you are looking for something special to celebrate this magical night?"Ca: "La Laia, encuriosida, va començar a examinar les peces, mentre l'Oriol mirava al seu voltant, relaxat i tranquil.En: Laia, curious, began to examine the pieces, while Oriol looked around, relaxed and calm.Ca: Les joies tenien dissenys intricats, i cadascuna semblava contenir una història pròpia.En: The jewelry had intricate designs, and each one seemed to contain its own story.Ca: Montserrat observava les mans dubtoses de la Laia.En: Montserrat watched Laia's hesitant hands.Ca: "Aquest penjoll," va dir Montserrat, assenyalant una peça d'or que penjava amb suavitat, "representa la renovació i els llaços familiars.En: "This pendant," said Montserrat, pointing to a softly hanging gold piece, "represents renewal and family bonds.Ca: És perfecte per a una àvia que mereix sentir-se estimada.En: It's perfect for a grandmother who deserves to feel loved."Ca: "Laia es va quedar mirant el penjoll amb ulls brillants, però dubitava.En: Laia gazed at the pendant with bright eyes, but she hesitated.Ca: I si la història era només un conte per vendre?En: What if the story was just a sales pitch?Ca: Però una part d'ella sentia que Montserrat havia dit la veritat.En: But part of her felt that Montserrat had told the truth.Ca: "Què en penses, Oriol?En: "What do you think, Oriol?"Ca: " va preguntar Laia, buscant el seu consell.En: Laia asked, seeking his advice.Ca: "Llegeix el teu cor, Laia," va respondre l'Oriol amb un somriure.En: "Listen to your heart, Laia," replied Oriol with a smile.Ca: "Confia en el teu instint.En: "Trust your instinct.Ca: Ja saps què vols fer.En: You already know what you want to do."Ca: "Laia va respirar profundament, sentint l'energia de la nit envoltar-la.En: Laia took a deep breath, feeling the night's energy envelop her.Ca: Va decidir confiar en la seva intuïció.En: She decided to trust her intuition.Ca: Amb un somriure assossegat, va comprar el penjoll i, per un moment, va sentir una pau interior que confirmava la seva decisió.En: With a serene smile, she bought the pendant, and for a moment, she felt an inner peace that confirmed her decision.Ca: En acabar la nit, de tornada cap a casa, Laia va sentir-se plena de confiança, sabent que el valor del regal no radicava en el seu preu, sinó en l'amor amb què l'havia escollit.En: At the end of the night, on her way home, Laia felt full of confidence, knowing that the value of the gift didn't lie in its price, but in the love with which she had chosen it.Ca: Aquesta nit, i sempre, havia après a escoltar el seu cor.En: This night, and always, she had learned to listen to her heart. Vocabulary Words:the cheeks: les galtesto caress: acariciarcheerful: alegrethe atmosphere: l'ambientto lighten: alleugerirwrapped up: embolicadathe multitude: la multitudthe stalls: els estandsthe chestnuts: les castanyesthick: gruixudesthe crafts: l'artesaniato stroll: passejarhandmade: fetes a màconspiratorially: amb complicitatshone: brillavenesoteric: esotèricthe wisdom: la saviesato hesitate: dubtarthe sales pitch: el conte per vendreto seek advice: buscar consellcalm: assossegatthe intuition: la intuïcióto trust: confiarthe energy: l'energiato envelop: envoltarserene: assossegatthe inner peace: la pau interiorto confirm: confirmarconfidence: confiançato choose: escollir

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Montserrat's Christmas: A Journey to Reconnect and Reflect Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-26-08-38-19-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El sol brillava intensament sobre el paisatge escarpat de Montserrat.En: The sun shone intensely over the rugged landscape of Montserrat.Ca: Les agulles de les roques semblaven voler tocar el cel.En: The rock pinnacles seemed to want to touch the sky.Ca: El vent fresc de l'hivern portava l'aroma dels pins.En: The fresh winter wind carried the scent of the pines.Ca: Martí i Núria caminaven pel camí estret que pujava fins al monestir, els seus passos ressonaven en el silenci de la muntanya.En: Martí and Núria walked along the narrow path that climbed up to the monastery, their steps echoing in the silence of the mountain.Ca: Martí havia passat les últimes setmanes estressat amb la feina.En: Martí had spent the last few weeks stressed with work.Ca: Correus electrònics, trucades i reunions ocupaven el seu temps.En: Emails, calls, and meetings took up his time.Ca: No obstant, aquell dia havia decidit una cosa important: deixaria el mòbil i l'ordinador portàtil al cotxe.En: However, that day he had decided on something important: he would leave the mobile phone and the laptop in the car.Ca: Mentrestant, Núria, plena d'energia, portava la seva càmera fotogràfica per capturar cada racó del lloc.En: Meanwhile, Núria, full of energy, carried her camera to capture every corner of the place.Ca: —Vinga, Martí, no et quedis enrere!En: "Come on, Martí, don't fall behind!"Ca: —cridà Núria, mentre el vent li movia els cabells.En: Núria shouted as the wind blew through her hair.Ca: Martí va somriure, respirant profundament l'aire pur.En: Martí smiled, breathing deeply the pure air.Ca: Era el moment de deixar les preocupacions enrere i connectar amb la seva germana.En: It was time to leave the worries behind and connect with his sister.Ca: Les vistes eren espectaculars i la sensació de llibertat era contagiosa.En: The views were spectacular and the feeling of freedom was contagious.Ca: —He preparat un itinerari, però podem improvisar una mica, si vols — proposà ella amb un somriure entremaliat.En: "I've prepared an itinerary, but we can improvise a bit if you want," she proposed with a mischievous smile.Ca: Martí va assentir.En: Martí nodded.Ca: Volia ser present, gaudir del moment, deixar-se portar per l'aventura.En: He wanted to be present, enjoy the moment, and go with the adventure.Ca: Al capdavall, el Nadal era un moment per reconnectar, per estimar-se més.En: After all, Christmas was a time to reconnect, to love each other more.Ca: Quan van arribar al cim, la vista era impressionant.En: When they reached the top, the view was impressive.Ca: Les muntanyes s'estenien per tot arreu, i el cel blau contrastava amb les puntes de neu.En: The mountains stretched everywhere, and the blue sky contrasted with the snow tips.Ca: Martí i Núria es van seure en una pedra i van contemplar el paisatge.En: Martí and Núria sat on a rock and contemplated the landscape.Ca: —És increïble, oi?En: "Amazing, isn't it?"Ca: —va dir Núria amb els ulls brillants.En: Núria said with bright eyes.Ca: —Sí, tens raó —respongué Martí, més relaxat—.En: "Yes, you're right," responded Martí, more relaxed.Ca: Gràcies per portar-me aquí.En: "Thanks for bringing me here.Ca: Necessitava això.En: I needed this."Ca: El silenci del moment els va unir.En: The silence of the moment brought them together.Ca: Sense paraules, Martí va entendre que havia de trobar un equilibri entre la feina i la família.En: Without words, Martí understood that he needed to find a balance between work and family.Ca: Núria també ho va comprendre: les responsabilitats de Martí eren pesades, però ell estava fent el possible.En: Núria understood too: Martí's responsibilities were heavy, but he was doing his best.Ca: Després d'aquell dia, quan van tornar a casa, els dos van saber que havien de fer d'aquesta visita una tradició nadalenca.En: After that day, when they returned home, both knew they had to make this visit a Christmas tradition.Ca: Martí va prometre estar més present, i Núria va decidir ser pacient amb el seu germà.En: Martí promised to be more present, and Núria decided to be patient with her brother.Ca: Amb els somnis i promeses de futur, el Nadal a Montserrat es convertiria en un simbol de pau i connexió fraternal.En: With dreams and promises for the future, Christmas at Montserrat would become a symbol of peace and fraternal connection.Ca: Mentre el tren els portava de tornada a la rutina, sabien que, un any més tard, les muntanyes els acollirien de nou.En: As the train took them back to the routine, they knew that, a year later, the mountains would welcome them again. Vocabulary Words:the sun: el solthe landscape: el paisatgerugged: escarpatpinnacles: les agullesthe scent: l'aromathe path: el camíthe monastery: el monestirsilence: el silencistressed: estressatresponsibilities: les responsabilitatsthe air: l'airecontagious: contagiosaitinerary: l'itinerarimischievous: entremaliatthe freedom: la llibertatthe adventure: l'aventuraimpressive: impressionantsnow tips: les puntes de neuthe view: la vistato contemplate: contemplarthe balance: l'equilibrithe tradition: la tradiciópatient: pacientdreams: els somnispromises: les promesespeace: la paufraternal connection: connexió fraternalthe mountain: la muntanyaroutine: la rutinawelcome: acollir

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Lost and Found: Miquel's Journey to Leadership at Montserrat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-26-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: L'aire fred de l'hivern envoltava el monestir de Montserrat, embolcallant les agulles rocoses en una lleugera capa de boira.En: The cold winter air enveloped the monastery of Montserrat, wrapping the rocky spires in a light layer of fog.Ca: Els treballadors de l'empresa tecnològica local estaven reunits per un retir de construcció d'equip.En: The workers of the local tech company were gathered for a team-building retreat.Ca: En Miquel, carregat d'esperances i nervis, volia impressionar el seu cap, en Jordi, i assegurar-se una promoció.En: Miquel, filled with hope and nerves, wanted to impress his boss, Jordi, and secure a promotion.Ca: Els llums de Nadal brillaven suaument entre els arbres, donant un toc màgic al paisatge.En: The Christmas lights softly shone among the trees, giving a magical touch to the landscape.Ca: En Miquel es trobava envoltat pels sons de les rialles dels companys, però no podia evitar sentir-se una mica fora de lloc.En: Miquel found himself surrounded by the sounds of his colleagues' laughter, yet he couldn't help but feel a bit out of place.Ca: Admirava la facilitat amb què els seus col·legues parlaven, especialment la Laia, sempre amb un somriure i una frase enginyosa a la punta de la llengua.En: He admired the ease with which his colleagues spoke, especially Laia, always with a smile and a witty phrase at the tip of her tongue.Ca: “Aquesta és la teva oportunitat”, es va dir en Miquel mentre observava en Jordi acomiadar-se dels organitzadors de l'activitat de grup.En: "This is your opportunity," Miquel told himself as he watched Jordi say goodbye to the activity organizers.Ca: “Dóna el millor de tu mateix”.En: "Give your best."Ca: Va decidir participar a la caminada fins al cim.En: He decided to join the hike to the summit.Ca: Això demostraria el seu compromís amb l'equip.En: This would demonstrate his commitment to the team.Ca: El grup va començar el seu camí, gaudint de les vistes impressionants de l'entorn.En: The group began their journey, enjoying the breathtaking views of the surroundings.Ca: La caminada era un esforç conjunt, on tots havien de confiar en els uns i els altres.En: The hike was a joint effort where everyone had to rely on each other.Ca: Mentre ascendien, el temps va canviar sobtadament.En: As they ascended, the weather suddenly changed.Ca: Una boira espessa va envoltar el grup, desorientant-los.En: A thick fog engulfed the group, disorienting them.Ca: Els riallers comentaris van passar a ser murmuris preocupats.En: The joyful comments turned into worried murmurs.Ca: En aquest moment, en Miquel va sentir l'oportunitat.En: At that moment, Miquel sensed the opportunity.Ca: Va recordar el mapa i la brúixola que duia a la motxilla.En: He remembered the map and compass he carried in his backpack.Ca: “Aixequem ànims, tothom”, va dir en veu alta.En: "Let's lift our spirits, everyone," he said loudly.Ca: “Podem tornar al camí segur, si seguim junts.En: "We can get back on the safe path if we all stick together.Ca: Confieu en mi.En: Trust me."Ca: ”Amb calma i precisió, en Miquel va guiar el grup, consultant el mapa i el compàs.En: With calmness and precision, Miquel guided the group, consulting the map and compass.Ca: Va sentir com la confiança creixia en cada pas fermament assentat sobre la terra.En: He felt the confidence grow with each step firmly planted on the ground.Ca: La resta del grup, inclòs en Jordi, el seguia, apreciant la seva determinació.En: The rest of the group, including Jordi, followed him, appreciating his determination.Ca: Després d'unes hores de paciència i lideratge, van arribar de nou al refugi segur del monestir.En: After a few hours of patience and leadership, they arrived safely back at the monastery.Ca: Les cares relaxades i els agraïments dels seus companys eren el millor regal de Nadal.En: The relaxed faces and gratitude of his colleagues were the best Christmas gift.Ca: En Jordi es va acostar a en Miquel i li va posar una mà a l'espatlla.En: Jordi approached Miquel and placed a hand on his shoulder.Ca: “Has demostrat el que és el veritable lideratge, Miquel.En: "You have shown what true leadership is, Miquel.Ca: Estem orgullosos de tu”, li va dir.En: We are proud of you," he said.Ca: El sopar de Nadal aquell vespre va ser diferent.En: The Christmas dinner that evening was different.Ca: En Miquel va sentir com el seu lloc dins de l'equip estava reforçat.En: Miquel felt as though his place within the team had been strengthened.Ca: Havia après que el lideratge no depèn de qui parla més alt, sinó de qui actua amb cura i resolució.En: He had learned that leadership does not depend on who speaks the loudest, but on who acts with care and resolution.Ca: Amb un somriure sincer, es va unir a les converses i els brindis d'alegria.En: With a sincere smile, he joined in the conversations and joyful toasts.Ca: El retir a Montserrat havia estat no només un entrenament de treball en equip sinó una revelació personal per a ell.En: The retreat at Montserrat had been not just a team-building exercise but a personal revelation for him.Ca: La seva veu interior havia trobat un nou to de seguretat, llest per als desafiaments que vindrien.En: His inner voice had found a new tone of confidence, ready for the challenges to come. Vocabulary Words:the air: l'airethe winter: l'hivernthe monastery: el monestirthe spires: les agullesthe fog: la boirathe hope: l'esperançathe nerves: els nervisthe promotion: la promocióthe landscape: el paisatgethe laughter: les riallesthe ease: la facilitatthe tongue: la llenguathe summit: el cimthe map: el mapathe compass: el compàsthe backpack: la motxillathe spirits: els ànimsthe path: el camíthe confidence: la confiançathe step: el pasthe patience: la paciènciathe leadership: el lideratgethe shoulder: l'espatllathe dinner: el soparthe team: l'equipthe care: la curathe resolution: la resolucióthe smile: el somriurethe retreat: el retirthe challenges: els desafiaments

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts.Celebrate the holidays with us with a throwback episode as we open a window onto a season where streets become stages, kitchens turn into archives, and every drumbeat and carol carries a story. From the clatter of cowbells in Nassau to the smoky crackle of a roast pig on Christmas Eve, the region's holidays reveal how history lives in sound, taste, and togetherness. We start with the pulse of festival culture: Junkanoo's lavish costumes and goatskin drums marching down Bay Street in the Bahamas, and the Boxing Day launches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize, and Montserrat. Each celebration stitches heritage to the present—months of planning, bursts of creativity, and a shared promise to meet at dawn. Then we head to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where Nine Mornings wakes neighborhoods at 4 a.m. with concerts and games, culminating in a joyful jump up that proves community thrives when people gather before sunrise.Our journey continues into homes and churches. In Suriname, Godo Pa—Dearest Daddy—arrives on December 6 with gifts and poems, a post-independence figure who replaces Old World icons with a reflection of local identity. Across the Spanish Caribbean, Noche Buena brings families to the table for lechón, yuca, and music that lasts late into Christmas Eve, while Three Kings Day keeps the season open into January as children leave grass and water for the camels and wake to gifts beneath the bed. These customs hold the region's layered past while nurturing the joy that keeps people close. No Caribbean holiday is complete without music. Parang bands roam neighborhoods in Grenada, and parang-soca lights up Trinidad and Tobago with door-to-door harmonies. We share favorites—from Scrunter's Christmas classics and Bindley B's celebratory anthems to Carlene Davis's reggae carols—curating a playlist that can transform a winter commute into a warm-weather fête. By the end, you'll hear how a festival becomes a bridge, how a song becomes a keepsake, and how a meal becomes a map back home.Press play, share your family tradition, and tell us the holiday song you return to every year. If this tour of Caribbean celebrations moved you, follow, rate, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the showConnect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!Want to Support Strictly Facts? Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform Share this episode with someone or online and tag us Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education Produced by Breadfruit Media

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Rekindling Sibling Bonds: A Christmas Miracle at Montserrat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-24-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Montse ja era envoltada d'una bellesa freda i tranquil·la.En: Montse was already surrounded by a cold and tranquil beauty.Ca: La neu cobria els camins i el Monestir de Montserrat brillava amb la llum suau de les espelmes.En: The snow covered the paths, and the Monestir de Montserrat shone with the soft light of candles.Ca: Martí respirava l'aire fresc, ple de records i emocions.En: Martí breathed in the fresh air, full of memories and emotions.Ca: Havia convidat la seva germana Laia a aquest lloc sagrat, amb l'esperança de reconciliar-se.En: He had invited his sister Laia to this sacred place, hoping to reconcile.Ca: Després de molts anys de silencis i allunyament, Martí sabia que el moment havia arribat.En: After many years of silence and distance, Martí knew the moment had come.Ca: Laia va arribar mentre les campanes anunciaven el capvespre.En: Laia arrived as the bells announced the evening.Ca: El seu rostre era serè, però Martí va notar una llambregada de dolçor en els seus ulls que li va donar força.En: Her face was serene, but Martí noticed a glimmer of sweetness in her eyes that gave him strength.Ca: —Gràcies per venir, Laia —va dir Martí amb veu serena.En: “Thank you for coming, Laia,” Martí said with a calm voice.Ca: —De res, Martí. Sabia que aquest lloc tindria importància per a nosaltres —va respondre Laia, mantenint el seu to pragmàtic.En: “You're welcome, Martí. I knew this place would be important for us,” Laia responded, maintaining her pragmatic tone.Ca: Van caminar junts pels senderons emblanquinats, els seus passos ressonant suaus entre el murmuri de les muntanyes.En: They walked together along the snow-laden paths, their steps softly echoing among the murmurs of the mountains.Ca: Havia nevant recentment, deixant un paisatge digne d'un quadre.En: It had snowed recently, leaving a landscape fit for a painting.Ca: Finalment, van arribar a la capella del monestir, un lloc on moltes famílies cercaven pau i reflexió, i on els records dels seus pares eren més vius que mai.En: Finally, they reached the chapel of the monastery, a place where many families sought peace and reflection, and where the memories of their parents were more alive than ever.Ca: —Recordes com ens portaven aquí cada Nadal? —va mencionar Martí, amb els ulls brillants de nostàlgia.En: “Do you remember how they brought us here every Christmas?” Martí mentioned, his eyes shining with nostalgia.Ca: —Sí, ho recordo bé. Els pares sempre deien que Montserrat era un lloc especial, un lloc de miracles —va respondre Laia, deixant caure qualsevol escut emocional.En: “Yes, I remember it well. Our parents always said that Montserrat was a special place, a place of miracles,” Laia replied, letting go of any emotional shield.Ca: Un silenci càlid es va establir entre els dos.En: A warm silence settled between the two.Ca: La capella era plena de figures de pessebre, la llum d'espelmes dansava en les ombres.En: The chapel was full of nativity figures, the candlelight dancing in the shadows.Ca: De sobte, les velles ferides van emergir en la conversa.En: Suddenly, old wounds emerged in the conversation.Ca: Martí va parlar de la seva tristesa per la seva llunyania; Laia va expressar els seus sentiments de pèrdua per la família desunida.En: Martí spoke of his sadness over their distance; Laia expressed her feelings of loss for the fractured family.Ca: Era un moment tens, marcat per barreres emocionals que semblaven impossibles de traspassar.En: It was a tense moment, marked by emotional barriers that seemed impossible to cross.Ca: Però aleshores, de manera inesperada, una imatge del passat va aparèixer vividament en les seves ments: una excursió amb els seus pares a la muntanya, la calidesa d'aquells moments preciosos.En: But then, unexpectedly, an image from the past vividly appeared in their minds: a hike with their parents on the mountain, the warmth of those precious moments.Ca: Sense saber com, una comprensió mútua nació.En: Without knowing how, a mutual understanding was born.Ca: Les màscares es van caure i, amb elles, les tensions.En: The masks fell away, and with them, the tensions.Ca: Lentament, les seves converses van començar a fluir lliure de recriminacions, plenes de promeses i esperances de futur.En: Slowly, their conversations began to flow free of recriminations, full of promises and hopes for the future.Ca: —Vull que ens veiem més sovint —va dir Martí, amb un somriure autèntic.En: “I want us to see each other more often,” Martí said with an authentic smile.Ca: —Jo també. No podem deixar que el passat dicti el nostre futur —va respondre Laia, disposada a reconstruir el vincle trencat.En: “So do I. We can't let the past dictate our future,” Laia replied, ready to rebuild the broken bond.Ca: Quan la nit va caure sobre Montserrat, les campanes del monestir van ressonar novament, com un senyal de renovació i esperança.En: As night fell over Montserrat, the bells of the monastery rang again, like a sign of renewal and hope.Ca: Martí i Laia es van quedar una estona més, disfrutant la tranquil·litat i la bellesa del moment, amb la promesa de conservar el seu llegat familiar i construir nous records junts.En: Martí and Laia stayed a while longer, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the moment, with the promise to preserve their family legacy and create new memories together.Ca: Va ser en aquell lloc sagrat, envoltats de la lenta caiguda de la neu, on Martí i Laia van trobar una nova oportunitat per ser germans, per ser una família de nou.En: It was in that sacred place, surrounded by the slow falling snow, where Martí and Laia found a new opportunity to be siblings, to be a family again.Ca: Per Nadal, la màgia de Montserrat havia fet un altre miracle.En: For Christmas, the magic of Montserrat had performed another miracle.Ca: I amb l'esperit renovat, van deixar enrere la distància i les malinterpretacions.En: And with renewed spirit, they left behind the distance and misunderstandings.Ca: L'amor fraternal va brillar una vegada més, fent d'aquella Nit de Nadal una que mai oblidarien.En: Brotherly love shone once more, making that Christmas Eve one they would never forget. Vocabulary Words:the chapel: la capellathe candles: les espelmesto reconcile: reconciliar-sethe glimmer: la llambregadathe echoes: els ressonsthe murmurs: els murmurispragmatic: pragmàticemotional barrier: barrera emocionalthe nativity figures: les figures de pessebreauthentic: autènticfractured: trencatto rebuild: reconstruirthe misunderstanding: el malenterèsthe renewal: la renovacióserene: serèthe paths: els caminsthe silence: el silencito emerge: emergirthe landscape: el paisatgeto dictate: dictartense: tensthe mask: la màscarathe distance: la distànciabrotherly love: l'amor fraternalto preserve: conservarthe nostalgia: la nostàlgiato resonate: ressonarthe mountain: la muntanyato perform: ferthe emotion: l'emoció

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Timeless Gift: Creativity Among Empúries' Ancient Ruins Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-24-23-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Entre les ombres antigues de les ruïnes d'Empúries, un vent fred bufava des del mar proper.En: Among the ancient shadows of the ruins of Empúries, a cold wind blew from the nearby sea.Ca: L'Oriol caminava amb cura, amb la bufanda tibada al voltant del coll, mentre contemplava les pedres mil·lenàries.En: Oriol walked carefully, with his scarf wrapped tightly around his neck, as he contemplated the millennia-old stones.Ca: Era l'hivern, i l'aire sota el cel gris s'omplia de l'olor de la sal marina.En: It was winter, and the air under the gray sky was filled with the scent of sea salt.Ca: Avui, com en altres anys, esperava amb ganes el Nadal.En: Today, as in other years, he eagerly awaited Christmas.Ca: Aquest any, però, volia fer un regal especial als seus amics, Montserrat i Guillem.En: This year, however, he wanted to give a special gift to his friends, Montserrat and Guillem.Ca: El problema sorgia en un detall que havia oblidat: no havia portat paper per embolicar els regals.En: The problem arose from a detail he had forgotten: he hadn't brought wrapping paper for the gifts.Ca: Mentre pensava en una solució, l'Oriol va veure trossos de terrissa antiga escampats pel terra.En: While thinking of a solution, Oriol saw pieces of ancient pottery scattered on the ground.Ca: "Potser...," va murmurar amb un sospir.En: "Maybe...," he murmured with a sigh.Ca: Amb cura, va recollir fragments petits i els va guardar a la butxaca.En: Carefully, he picked up small fragments and put them in his pocket.Ca: Després, es va endinsar més profundament en les ruïnes i va trobar fulles de parra, encara verdes malgrat el fred, enredades a una paret vella.En: Then, he wandered deeper into the ruins and found grape leaves, still green despite the cold, tangled around an old wall.Ca: "Tinc una idea," es va dir, i va començar a treballar.En: "I have an idea," he told himself, and began to work.Ca: Va utilitzar la terrissa com a decoració rústica i va embolicar els regals amb les fulles de parra, fixant-les amb fils improvisats de petites branques.En: He used the pottery as rustic decoration and wrapped the gifts with the grape leaves, fastening them with improvised threads of small branches.Ca: A poc a poc, els regals van prendre una aparença única, gairebé artística.En: Slowly, the gifts took on a unique, almost artistic, appearance.Ca: Per donar el toc final, va escampar una mica de sorra fina sobre les fulles, brillant com petites estrelles de mar a la llum de l'ocàs.En: To give the final touch, he sprinkled a bit of fine sand over the leaves, shining like tiny sea stars in the sunset light.Ca: De sobte, va sentir rialles familiars.En: Suddenly, he heard familiar laughter.Ca: Montserrat i Guillem arribaven.En: Montserrat and Guillem were arriving.Ca: Amb el cor bategant, Oriol amagà les restes dels materials emprats darrere les pedres mentre es posava dret, somrient com si tot estigués perfectament planificat.En: With his heart racing, Oriol hid the remnants of the materials used behind the stones while he stood up, smiling as if everything had been perfectly planned.Ca: Quan es van trobar, Montserrat va exclamar admirant les ruïnes, però ràpidament va fixar-se en els regals que Oriol duia al braç.En: When they met, Montserrat exclaimed admiring the ruins, but quickly noticed the gifts that Oriol carried in his arm.Ca: "Que bonic! És molt original, Oriol!" va dir en veure el treball manual amb les fulles i la terrissa.En: "How beautiful! It's very original, Oriol!" she said, seeing the handmade work with the leaves and the pottery.Ca: "No hi ha res semblant," va afegir Guillem, mirant de prop el detall dels fragments antics.En: "There's nothing like it," added Guillem, closely examining the detail of the ancient fragments.Ca: Oriol es va ruboritzar, conscient que tot havia sorgit d'un incident gairebé oblidat.En: Oriol blushed, aware that everything had come from an almost forgotten incident.Ca: Amb l'elogi dels seus amics, Oriol va somriure, sentint el caliu dins seu.En: With his friends' praise, Oriol smiled, feeling warmth inside him.Ca: Havia après que la improvisació, i sobretot la intenció, podien convertir un simple regal en quelcom especial.En: He had learned that improvisation, and especially the intention, could turn a simple gift into something special.Ca: Al final del dia, no era la perfecció del paper d'embolicar el que comptava, sinó els records creats junts entre les antigues pedres d'Empúries.En: At the end of the day, it wasn't the perfection of the wrapping paper that mattered, but the memories created together among the ancient stones of Empúries. Vocabulary Words:the shadows: les ombresthe ruin: la ruïnathe wind: el ventto blow: bufarthe scarf: la bufandawrapped: tibadathe neck: el collto contemplate: contemplarmillennia-old: mil·lenàriesthe scent: l'olorancient: antigathe gift: el regalthe problem: el problemathe detail: el detallto forget: oblidarthe wrapping paper: el paper d'embolicarthe pottery: la terrissascattered: escampatsthe fragment: el fragmentthe pocket: la butxacathe grape leaf: la fulla de parrato entangle: enredarthe thread: el filto fasten: fixarto sprinkle: escamparthe sand: la sorrato shine: brillarthe laughter: les riallesto hide: amagarto plan: planificar

John Cena has officially retired. We're also doing the 2025 Powerbomb Jutsu awards. You know we're going to go off topic because that's what we do. We pay respects to the wrestlers, promotions and podcasts we lost this year. This is the last episode for 2025, all this and more on the next Powerbomb Jutsu.You can watch this episode too: youtube.com/@PowerbombJutsu Twitter & IG: @PowerbombJutsuHistory with Darrrell on YouTube: YouTube.com/@UltrxBlxck [Play/Download]    

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Frosty Paths and Warm Tales: A Montserrat Christmas Awakening Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-18-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Els camins cap a l'Abadia de Montserrat estaven coberts de gebre aquell matí d'hivern.En: The paths leading to the Abadia de Montserrat were covered in frost that winter morning.Ca: L'aire fred picava les galtes dels visitants que, abrigats amb bufandes i gorros de llana, caminaven cap al lloc sagrat.En: The cold air stung the cheeks of the visitors who, wrapped in scarves and wool hats, walked towards the sacred place.Ca: Entre ells, Oriol portava la seva motxilla plena de llibres sobre història i arquitectura.En: Among them, Oriol carried his backpack full of books about history and architecture.Ca: Els seus passos eren ferms, però el seu cor bategava amb una mica de nerviosisme.En: His steps were steady, but his heart beat with a bit of nervousness.Ca: Oriol havia decidit fer un pas important: obrir-se una mica més als altres.En: Oriol had decided to take an important step: to open up a bit more to others.Ca: A l'abadia, els preparatius per l'esdeveniment de Nadal eren en ple apogeu.En: At the abbey, preparations for the Christmas event were in full swing.Ca: La llum dels llums decoratius donava calor a les parets de pedra freda i les nadales animaven l'ambient.En: The light from the decorative lights gave warmth to the cold stone walls, and Christmas carols brightened the atmosphere.Ca: Nuria, una voluntària amb un somriure radiant que il·luminava la sala, anava d'un costat a l'altre, ajudant a organitzar-ho tot.En: Nuria, a volunteer with a radiant smile that lit up the room, was going from one side to the other, helping to organize everything.Ca: Després d'un canvi de carrera recent, buscava inspiració i eines per començar una nova etapa.En: After a recent career change, she was looking for inspiration and tools to start a new chapter.Ca: Oriol i Nuria es van trobar entre els passadissos de l'abadia mentre col·locaven decoracions festives.En: Oriol and Nuria met in the abbey's corridors while placing festive decorations.Ca: "Hola, sóc Oriol," va dir amb un somriure tímid, estenent la seva mà.En: "Hello, I'm Oriol," he said with a shy smile, extending his hand.Ca: "Soc dos mans esquerres amb les decoracions, però m'encanta la història del lloc.En: "I'm all thumbs with decorations, but I love the history of this place."Ca: "La Nuria va riure, una rialla càlida que va ressonar a les parets.En: Nuria laughed, a warm laugh that echoed off the walls.Ca: "Soc més de somriures i ajudar les persones, però encara no sé cap a on em portarà això," va confessar.En: "I'm more about smiles and helping people, but I still don't know where this will lead me," she confessed.Ca: Van començar a parlar, primer sobre l'abadia i després sobre les seves vides.En: They began to talk, first about the abbey and then about their lives.Ca: A mesura que s'acostava el moment culminant de les festes, Oriol es va trobar col·laborant amb Nuria.En: As the peak of the festivities approached, Oriol found himself collaborating with Nuria.Ca: Van treballar colze a colze, organitzant les activitats, parlant i compartint les seves històries.En: They worked hand in hand, organizing the activities, talking, and sharing their stories.Ca: Oriol, amb un esforç conscient, va decidir obrir-se més i compartir el seu amor pel patrimoni i la importància de mantenir la història viva.En: Oriol, with a conscious effort, decided to open up more and share his love for heritage and the importance of keeping history alive.Ca: Nuria, per la seva banda, se sentia cada vegada més segura i inspirada per les moltes configuracions i possibilitats que veia a Montserrat.En: Nuria, on her part, felt increasingly confident and inspired by the many settings and possibilities she saw at Montserrat.Ca: Quan va arribar la principal celebració de Nadal, amb música i llums envoltant l'abadia, Oriol i Nuria van trobar un moment per seure junts.En: When the main Christmas celebration arrived, with music and lights surrounding the abbey, Oriol and Nuria found a moment to sit together.Ca: "He après molt avui," va dir Oriol, mirant l'horitzó il·luminat per la lluna.En: "I've learned a lot today," said Oriol, gazing at the horizon illuminated by the moon.Ca: "No només sobre història, sinó sobre persones.En: "Not just about history, but about people."Ca: "La Nuria va somriure amb complicitat.En: Nuria smiled in understanding.Ca: "I jo he trobat nova inspiració, una nova aura per seguir endavant.En: "And I have found new inspiration, a new aura to move forward.Ca: Potser no sé encara exactament el camí, però sé que estic encaminada.En: Maybe I don't yet know the exact path, but I know I'm on the right track."Ca: "Amb cada paraula, una connexió naixia entre ells, una que anava més enllà de l'amistat.En: With every word, a connection was born between them, one that went beyond friendship.Ca: Oriol va sentir que el seu cor estava en pau, ja no només connectat amb la seva herència, sinó també amb aquells al seu voltant.En: Oriol felt his heart at peace, no longer just connected with his heritage, but also with those around him.Ca: Nuria, plena de confiança, es preparava per afrontar noves aventures professionals i personals.En: Nuria, filled with confidence, was ready to face new professional and personal adventures.Ca: Aquell Nadal a Montserrat va marcar un nou començament per a tots dos, envoltats del caliu de la comunitat i de les noves amistats que hi havien forjat.En: That Christmas at Montserrat marked a new beginning for both of them, surrounded by the warmth of the community and the new friendships they had forged.Ca: I en el fons, la música i la llum de les festes continuaven celebrant la màgia del moment, mentre l'abadia acollia aquelles històries quals encara no s'havien escrit.En: And deep down, the music and lights of the festivities continued to celebrate the magic of the moment, as the abbey embraced those stories that had yet to be written. Vocabulary Words:the paths: els caminsfrost: el gebrescarf: la bufandathe backpack: la motxillathe cheeks: les galtesarchitecture: l'arquitecturanervousness: el nerviosismepreparation: els preparatiusdecorative lights: els llums decoratiusthe atmosphere: l'ambientvolunteer: el voluntari / la voluntàriacareer change: el canvi de carreracorridors: els passadissosthe decorations: les decoracionslaugh: la riallasmiles: els somriuressupport: l'ajudaheritage: el patrimoniconfidence: la confiançasettings: les configuracionspossibilities: les possibilitatsmusic: la músicalight: la llumhorizon: l'horitzóinspiration: la inspiracióconnection: la connexiófriendship: l'amistatpeace: la pauadventures: les aventurescelebration: la celebració

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Unraveling the Ghostly Village: A Catalan Winter Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-15-08-38-19-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Montserrat va mirar per la finestra del cotxe mentre la neu cobria el paisatge.En: Montserrat gazed out the car window as the snow covered the landscape.Ca: Els pics dels Pirineus brillaven sota el sol d'hivern.En: The peaks of the Pirineus shone under the winter sun.Ca: Jordi conduïa amb cura per les carreteres estretes i gelades.En: Jordi drove cautiously across the narrow and icy roads.Ca: Núria, asseguda al seient del darrere, llegia una guia de folklore català.En: Núria, seated in the back seat, was reading a guide of Catalan folklore.Ca: "Sabíeu que una vegada hi va haver un poble aquí que va desaparèixer?" va començar Montserrat, amb els ulls brillants d'emoció.En: "Did you know there was once a village here that disappeared?" began Montserrat, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Ca: "És només una llegenda," va dir Jordi, sense desviar els ulls de la carretera.En: "It's just a legend," said Jordi, without taking his eyes off the road.Ca: "La meva àvia em va explicar aquesta història," va continuar Montserrat.En: "My grandmother told me this story," Montserrat continued.Ca: "Diuen que l'hivern de 1952 va ser molt cru i el poble va quedar aïllat.En: "They say the winter of 1952 was very harsh and the village became isolated.Ca: Mai més ningú els va veure."En: No one ever saw them again."Ca: Núria es va inclinar cap endavant amb interès. "Què va passar amb la gent?"En: Núria leaned forward with interest. "What happened to the people?"Ca: "Això és el que vull descobrir," va dir Montserrat amb determinació.En: "That's what I want to find out," said Montserrat with determination.Ca: Va treure un mapa vell, ple de marques.En: She pulled out an old map, full of marks.Ca: El viatge va continuar mentre endinsaven per valls amagades i solitàries.En: The journey continued as they delved into hidden and lonely valleys.Ca: La neu caient feia que el món semblés un altre.En: The falling snow made the world seem different.Ca: Els arbres coberts de blanc, l'aire fresc amb aroma a pi.En: The trees covered in white, the fresh air with a scent of pine.Ca: Montserrat sentia que el misteri la cridava.En: Montserrat felt the mystery calling her.Ca: Amb el pas de les hores, la tempesta de neu va empitjorar, fent que la marxa fos lenta.En: As the hours passed, the snowstorm worsened, making the journey slow.Ca: Jordi va expressar els seus dubtes, però Montserrat insistia a seguir.En: Jordi expressed his doubts, but Montserrat insisted on continuing.Ca: La seva curiositat superava el seu temor.En: Her curiosity outweighed her fear.Ca: Finalment, van arribar a un punt on el camí desapareixia.En: Finally, they reached a point where the road disappeared.Ca: Montserrat va decidir continuar a peu.En: Montserrat decided to continue on foot.Ca: Després d'una llarga caminada, va arribar a un poble fantasmal.En: After a long walk, she arrived at a ghostly village.Ca: Les cases estaven intactes però abandonades.En: The houses were intact but abandoned.Ca: Hi havia traces de foc recent i passos a la neu.En: There were traces of recent fire and footprints in the snow.Ca: "Però... això és impossible," va murmurar Montserrat mentre explorava.En: "But... this is impossible," murmured Montserrat as she explored.Ca: Sabia que estava davant d'un misteri no resolt.En: She knew she was facing an unsolved mystery.Ca: Va agafar una peça de roba mig coberta de gel com a prova.En: She picked up a piece of clothing half-covered in ice as evidence.Ca: Quan va tornar al cotxe, Jordi i Núria estaven ansiosos per escoltar el que havia trobat.En: When she returned to the car, Jordi and Núria were eager to hear what she had found.Ca: Tot i així, Montserrat havia canviat.En: Nevertheless, Montserrat had changed.Ca: Ja no necessitava totes les respostes.En: She no longer needed all the answers.Ca: Havia après a respectar l'inexplicable.En: She had learned to respect the inexplicable.Ca: Els tres van tornar a casa, mentre les campanes de Nadal sonaven a la llunyania.En: The three of them returned home as Christmas bells rang in the distance.Ca: Montserrat, somrient, va decidir guardar algunes coses per a ella mateixa, comprenent que alguns misteris són millors respectats que revelats.En: Smiling, Montserrat decided to keep some things to herself, understanding that some mysteries are better respected than revealed.Ca: Les muntanyes amagaven històries profundes i ella es va sentir privilegiada d'haver-ne viscut una.En: The mountains held deep stories, and she felt privileged to have experienced one. Vocabulary Words:landscape: el paisatgepeaks: els picsicy: geladesnarrow: estreteslegend: la llegendaisolated: aïllatdetermination: la determinacióhidden: amagadesvalleys: les vallsscent: aromapine: el picuriosity: la curiositatfear: el temorghostly: fantasmalintact: intactesfootprints: els passosunsolved: no resoltevidence: la provaanxious: ansiososinexplicable: l'inexplicableprivileged: privilegiadasnowstorm: la tempesta de neujourney: el viatgecar window: la finestra del cotxesparkling: brillantsharsh: cruabandoned: abandonadesmystery: el misterifire: el focChristmas: Nadal

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: The Hidden Treasure of Montserrat: A Christmas Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-14-23-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Amb el Nadal a prop i una fina capa de neu cobrint la muntanya de Montserrat, Oriol, un nen de deu anys amb una imaginació desbordant, estava més emocionat que mai.En: With Christmas near and a thin layer of snow covering the mountain of Montserrat, Oriol, a ten-year-old boy with a boundless imagination, was more excited than ever.Ca: Sempre havia escoltat històries de tresors amagats a la muntanya i somiava amb trobar-ne algun.En: He had always heard stories of hidden treasures on the mountain and dreamed of finding one.Ca: Aquell dia no seria només una excursió familiar, sinó una autèntica cacera del tresor.En: That day would not just be a family excursion but a true treasure hunt.Ca: El fred era penetrant i el vent bufava amb força, però Oriol estava ben abrigat amb el seu anorac vermell.En: The cold was piercing, and the wind blew strongly, but Oriol was well bundled up in his red anorak.Ca: La seva germana Laia, que tenia disset anys, estava més interessada a fer fotos del paisatge que a buscar tresors.En: His sister Laia, who was seventeen years old, was more interested in taking photos of the landscape than in searching for treasures.Ca: En canvi, el Martí, el pare de l'Oriol, estava decidit a passar un dia tranquil i gaudir de l'aire fresc i de la vista espectacular de la Serra de Montserrat.En: On the other hand, Martí, Oriol's father, was determined to spend a peaceful day enjoying the fresh air and the spectacular view of the Serra de Montserrat.Ca: Amb una motxilla a l'esquena i un mapa que havia dibuixat basant-se en els contes que havia llegit, Oriol es va unir a la caminada familiar.En: With a backpack on his back and a map he had drawn based on the tales he had read, Oriol joined the family hike.Ca: Caminaven per un sender estret i nevat, el terra cruixia sota les botes mentre avançaven entre els arbres nus per l'hivern.En: They walked along a narrow, snowy path, the ground crunching under their boots as they advanced among the winter-bare trees.Ca: De sobte, aprofitant que els pares i la seva germana es distreien fent un descans, Oriol es va endinsar per un petit camí lateral.En: Suddenly, taking advantage of his parents and sister being distracted during a break, Oriol ventured down a small side path.Ca: El seu cor bategava ràpidament mentre observava el seu mapa, que assenyalava un lloc misteriós prop d'on eren.En: His heart beat quickly as he looked at his map, which marked a mysterious place near where they were.Ca: El vent bufava més fort a mesura que Oriol s'allunyava del camí principal.En: The wind blew harder as Oriol moved away from the main path.Ca: Les roques semblaven dents gegants, formant un laberint confús i desorientador.En: The rocks seemed like giant teeth, forming a confusing and disorienting labyrinth.Ca: Va sentir un calfred, tant pel fred com per l'emoció.En: He felt a chill, both from the cold and from excitement.Ca: Finalment, va arribar a un petit altar antic cobert d'una crosta de glaç.En: Finally, he arrived at a small ancient altar covered with a crust of ice.Ca: Allà va veure un símbol gravat que coincidia amb el seu mapa.En: There he saw a symbol engraved that matched his map.Ca: Una barreja de sorpresa i triomf el va envair.En: A mix of surprise and triumph overwhelmed him.Ca: Havia trobat una pista!En: He had found a clue!Ca: Mentrestant, el Martí i la Laia van adonar-se que Oriol no era allà.En: Meanwhile, Martí and Laia realized that Oriol was not there.Ca: Espantats, van cridar el seu nom.En: Frightened, they called his name.Ca: Els crits van ressonar entre les parets de la muntanya, fins que finalment el van trobar.En: Their shouts echoed against the mountain walls until they finally found him.Ca: Oriol va sentir una barreja d'alleujament i vergonya quan els va veure.En: Oriol felt a mixture of relief and shame when he saw them.Ca: Ell no havia trobat or ni joies, però va comprendre quelcom molt més valuós.En: He hadn't found gold or jewels, but he understood something much more valuable.Ca: El caliu de la seva família, preocupada i alleugerida per trobar-lo sa i estalvi.En: The warmth of his family, worried and relieved to find him safe and sound.Ca: Aquella experiència va fer que Oriol entengués que la màgia no estava només en els tresors físics, sinó en les aventures compartides.En: That experience made Oriol understand that magic was not only in physical treasures but in shared adventures.Ca: Com van quedar junts contemplant la posta de sol, amb Montserrat com a testimoni, Oriol va somriure.En: As they remained together watching the sunset, with Montserrat as their witness, Oriol smiled.Ca: Havia descobert un tresor que ni l'or podia comprar.En: He had discovered a treasure that not even gold could buy. Vocabulary Words:Christmas: el Nadallayer: la capasnow: la neumountain: la muntanyaimagination: la imaginaciótreasure: el tresorhunt: la caceracold: el fredwind: el ventanorak: l'anoraclandscape: el paisatgefresh air: l'aire frescview: la vistabackpack: la motxillamap: el mapatales: els contesnarrow: estretpath: el senderground: el terraboots: les botestrees: els arbreschill: el calfredaltar: l'altarice: el glaçclue: la pistashame: la vergonyawarmth: el caliusafe: sa i estalvimagic: la màgiaadventures: les aventures

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Baking Bonds: A Mix-Up Leads to Holiday Magic in Barcelona Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-14-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El mercat de Nadal al cor de Barcelona bategava d'activitat.En: The Christmas market in the heart of Barcelona was bustling with activity.Ca: Les llums brillaven com estrelles entre les parades plenes de nadalets i dolços nadalencs.En: The lights shone like stars among the stalls full of Christmas knick-knacks and holiday sweets.Ca: L'aroma de castanyes torrades i vins calents s'escampava per l'aire fred, mentre les rialles dels nens omplien el lloc amb alegria.En: The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wines wafted through the cold air, while the laughter of children filled the place with joy.Ca: Entre la multitud, Roger, un jove que sempre es mantenia lluny de la cuina, va veure un cartell gran que deia: "Concurs de Pastissos de Nadal - Inscripció aquí!".En: Among the crowd, Roger, a young man who always stayed far from the kitchen, saw a large sign that read: "Christmas Cake Contest - Sign up here!"Ca: Malinterpretant el cartell, pensava que era una degustació gratuïta.En: Misunderstanding the sign, he thought it was a free tasting.Ca: Sense pensar-s'ho dues vegades, es va registrar, esperant tastar pastissos suculents.En: Without a second thought, he registered, hoping to taste succulent cakes.Ca: De sobte, es va trobar envoltat d'altres participants, amb ingredients desconeguts davant seu.En: Suddenly, he found himself surrounded by other participants, with unfamiliar ingredients before him.Ca: Al seu costat estava Montserrat, una apassionada per la pastisseria.En: Next to him was Montserrat, a passionate baking enthusiast.Ca: Ella somiava fer-se un nom al món de la cuina.En: She dreamed of making a name for herself in the culinary world.Ca: Mirava Roger, qui semblava perdut entre ous, farina i nadaletes.En: She looked at Roger, who seemed lost among eggs, flour, and Christmas decorations.Ca: Roger va decidir seguir endavant, esperant que Montserrat li fes costat.En: Roger decided to move forward, hoping Montserrat would support him.Ca: "Potser em donarà un cop de mà per compassió", pensava ell, intentant semblar tranquil.En: "Maybe she'll lend me a hand out of pity," he thought, trying to appear calm.Ca: Mentrestant, Montserrat es movia amb gràcia, mesurant ingredients amb precisió.En: Meanwhile, Montserrat moved gracefully, measuring ingredients with precision.Ca: El famós xef i jutge s'apropava avaluant cada participant amb ulls crítics.En: The famous chef and judge was approaching, evaluating each participant with critical eyes.Ca: Roger, nerviós, accidentalment va colpejar la taula de Montserrat.En: Nervous, Roger accidentally bumped Montserrat's table.Ca: El seu pastís es va tombar, rodolant i creant un efecte dominó de desastres.En: Her cake toppled over, rolling and creating a domino effect of disasters.Ca: Les esgarips es van transformar ràpidament en rialles.En: The gasps quickly turned into laughter.Ca: Montserrat, amb un somriure, va dir: "Tranquil, Roger. Farem alguna cosa junts."En: Montserrat, with a smile, said: "Don't worry, Roger. We'll do something together."Ca: Va ser el començament d'un treball en equip inesperat.En: It was the start of an unexpected teamwork.Ca: Amb paciència i molt d'humor, van començar a remenar ingredients.En: With patience and a lot of humor, they began mixing ingredients.Ca: Roger, veient les habilitats de Montserrat, va deixar anar els seus temors.En: Roger, seeing Montserrat's skills, let go of his fears.Ca: Va descobrir que cuinar podia ser divertit, especialment en bona companyia.En: He discovered that cooking could be fun, especially in good company.Ca: Ràpidament, van crear un pastís de Nadal que, sorprenentment, va rebre elogis del temut xef.En: Quickly, they created a Christmas cake that, surprisingly, received praises from the feared chef.Ca: Ells reien, pensant en la juguesca que havia estat el concurs.En: They laughed, thinking about the mishap that the contest had been.Ca: Al final, el pastís no era perfecte, però havia capturat la màgia del moment.En: In the end, the cake wasn't perfect, but it had captured the magic of the moment.Ca: Roger va aprendre que, a vegades, el que compta no és la perfecció, sinó gaudir del camí i la gent que t'hi acompanya.En: Roger learned that, sometimes, what matters isn't perfection, but enjoying the journey and the people who accompany you.Ca: I qui sap, potser aquella espurna d'alegria va ser el principi de moltes aventures i amistats a la cuina.En: And who knows, maybe that spark of joy was the beginning of many adventures and friendships in the kitchen. Vocabulary Words:the market: el mercatthe heart: el corthe crowd: la multitudthe sign: el cartellthe participant: el participantthe ingredient: l'ingredientthe judge: el jutgethe eyes: els ullsthe laughter: les riallesthe aroma: l'aromathe cake: el pastísthe disaster: el desastrethe skill: l'habilitatthe fear: la porthe company: la companyiathe praise: l'elogithe adventure: l'aventurathe friendship: l'amistatthe journey: el camíthe spark: l'espurnathe joy: l'alegriathe perfection: la perfeccióthe humor: l'humorthe magic: la màgiathe name: el nomthe patience: la paciènciathe misinterpretation: la malinterpretaciósurprised: sorprèsunexpected: inesperatcritical: crític

Does Gunther need Cena's last match? TNA is wasting money. The Death Riders about to cause death. Ricky Saints can't eat at The Olive Garden. Matt Hardy won't spare anybody. Road Dogg and Delirious have to go. Masha Slamovich can learn a lot from Charlotte Flair. All this and more on the next Powerbomb Jutsu. You can watch this episode too: youtube.com/@PowerbombJutsu Twitter & IG: @PowerbombJutsuHistory with Darrrell on YouTube: YouTube.com/@UltrxBlxck [Play/Download]   

To think through soil is to engage with some of the most critical issues of our time. In addition to its agricultural role in feeding eight billion people, soil has become the primary agent of carbon storage in global climate models, and it is crucial for biodiversity, flood control, and freshwater resources. Perhaps no other material is asked to do so much for the human environment, and yet our basic conceptual model of what soil is and how it works remains surprisingly vague. In cities, soil occupies a blurry category whose boundaries are both empirically uncertain and politically contested. Soil functions as a nexus for environmental processes through which the planet's most fundamental material transformations occur, but conjuring what it actually is serves as a useful exercise in reframing environmental thought, design thinking, and city and regional planning toward a healthier, more ethical, and more sustainable future. Through a sustained analysis of the world's largest wastewater agricultural system, located in the Mexico City–Mezquital hydrological region, Thinking Through Soil: Wastewater Agriculture in the Mezquital Valley (Harvard UP, 2025) by Montserrat Bonvehi Rosich & Dr. Seth Denizen imagines what a better environmental future might look like in central Mexico. More broadly, this case study offers a new image of soil that captures its shifting identity, explains its profound importance to rural and urban life, and argues for its capacity to save our planet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Unexpected Delights: From Retreat to Chocolate Treat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-10-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: En Jordi va arribar a Montserrat amb un somriure d'orella a orella.En: En Jordi arrived in Montserrat with a smile from ear to ear.Ca: Li havia explicat a tothom que estava decidit a participar en una cata de xocolata ben especial per Nadal.En: He had told everyone that he was determined to participate in a very special chocolate tasting for Christmas.Ca: Això sí, la seva vena despistada el va portar, sense voler, a un retir espiritual.En: However, his absent-minded nature unwittingly led him to a spiritual retreat.Ca: Les muntanyes de Montserrat es mostraven esplèndides, cobertes amb un vel lleuger de neu, creant un paisatge majestuós.En: The mountains of Montserrat appeared splendid, covered with a light veil of snow, creating a majestic landscape.Ca: Quan va entrar al centre de retir, l'ambient era de calma absoluta.En: When he entered the retreat center, the atmosphere was one of absolute calm.Ca: El Jordi, amb la seva bufanda vermella, va preguntar a la recepcionista si allà es trobava la sala de la cata.En: Jordi, with his red scarf, asked the receptionist if the chocolate tasting room was there.Ca: La noia, amb un somriure comprensiu, li va assenyalar una porta a l'esquerra.En: The girl, with an understanding smile, pointed to a door on the left.Ca: En Jordi, sense dubtar, hi va entrar.En: Without hesitation, Jordi went in.Ca: Els participants estaven asseguts un darrera l'altre, en silenci.En: The participants were seated one behind the other, in silence.Ca: Una dona, la Marta, es va aixecar al mig de la sala, i va avisa a tots de mantenir-se en silenci durant tot el procés.En: A woman, Marta, stood up in the middle of the room and notified everyone to remain silent throughout the process.Ca: En Jordi, un xic confós, va pensar que era una introducció especial.En: A bit confused, Jordi thought it was a special introduction.Ca: Se sentia intrigat pel que estava a punt d'experimentar.En: He felt intrigued by what he was about to experience.Ca: Durant mitja hora, va intentar mantenir-se en el silenci.En: For half an hour, he tried to remain silent.Ca: Cada minut li semblava etern.En: Each minute seemed eternal.Ca: Els sons del vent a fora l'habitació li recordaven el fred de l'hivern.En: The sounds of the wind outside the room reminded him of the winter cold.Ca: A poc a poc, va començar a preguntar-se quan arribaria la xocolata.En: Gradually, he began to wonder when the chocolate would arrive.Ca: De sobte, un dels participants, en Pere, sense voler, va deixar caure una campana de meditació.En: Suddenly, one of the participants, Pere, accidentally dropped a meditation bell.Ca: En Jordi, incapaç de controlar-se més, va esclatar en rialles.En: Jordi, unable to control himself any longer, burst into laughter.Ca: El so va ressonar amb força entre les parets de la sala.En: The sound echoed loudly between the room's walls.Ca: Per un moment, tothom va quedar en silenci, sorprès.En: For a moment, everyone was silent, surprised.Ca: Però l'humor del Jordi va ser contagiós, i poc a poc, els altres van començar a riure també.En: But Jordi's humor was contagious, and slowly, the others began to laugh too.Ca: Marta va somriure i va proposar canviar el pla: "Què us sembla si convertim aquesta sessió en una cata de xocolata improvisada de Nadal?En: Marta smiled and suggested changing the plan: "What do you think about turning this session into an impromptu Christmas chocolate tasting?"Ca: "Tots van estar d'acord, encantats per la idea.En: Everyone agreed, delighted with the idea.Ca: La Marta va treure unes rajoles de xocolata dels seus bosses i les va repartir.En: Marta pulled out some chocolate bars from her bags and shared them.Ca: La sala es va omplir de rialles i de les olors dolces de la xocolata.En: The room filled with laughter and the sweet aromas of chocolate.Ca: En Jordi va descobrir que a vegades, les sorpreses de la vida podien ser ben dolces i inesparades.En: Jordi discovered that sometimes, life's surprises could be very sweet and unexpected.Ca: Així, va marxar de Montserrat amb un record càlid i una nova lliçó.En: So, he left Montserrat with a warm memory and a new lesson.Ca: Descobrir humor i alegria en llocs inesperats era una forma infal·lible d'aconseguir enlluernar les seves vacacions d'hivern.En: Finding humor and joy in unexpected places was an infallible way to brighten up his winter vacation. Vocabulary Words:retreat: el retiratmosphere: l'ambientreceptionist: la recepcionistaspiritual: espiritualveil: el velmajestically: majestuosamentintroduce: introduirintrigued: intrigatmediation bell: la campana de meditacióunwittingly: sense volerparticipant: el participantchocolate tasting: la cata de xocolataear to ear: d'orella a orellamajestic: majestuóslaugh: riuresilence: el silencisession: la sessiósurprise: la sorpresabreeze: la brisaspontaneous: improvisatsweet aroma: les olors dolcesdelighted: encantatinfallible: infal·libleabsent-minded: despistatunexpected: inesperatmemory: el recordlesson: la lliçóhumor: el humorechoed: ressonatunderstanding smile: un somriure comprensiu

To think through soil is to engage with some of the most critical issues of our time. In addition to its agricultural role in feeding eight billion people, soil has become the primary agent of carbon storage in global climate models, and it is crucial for biodiversity, flood control, and freshwater resources. Perhaps no other material is asked to do so much for the human environment, and yet our basic conceptual model of what soil is and how it works remains surprisingly vague. In cities, soil occupies a blurry category whose boundaries are both empirically uncertain and politically contested. Soil functions as a nexus for environmental processes through which the planet's most fundamental material transformations occur, but conjuring what it actually is serves as a useful exercise in reframing environmental thought, design thinking, and city and regional planning toward a healthier, more ethical, and more sustainable future. Through a sustained analysis of the world's largest wastewater agricultural system, located in the Mexico City–Mezquital hydrological region, Thinking Through Soil: Wastewater Agriculture in the Mezquital Valley (Harvard UP, 2025) by Montserrat Bonvehi Rosich & Dr. Seth Denizen imagines what a better environmental future might look like in central Mexico. More broadly, this case study offers a new image of soil that captures its shifting identity, explains its profound importance to rural and urban life, and argues for its capacity to save our planet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

To think through soil is to engage with some of the most critical issues of our time. In addition to its agricultural role in feeding eight billion people, soil has become the primary agent of carbon storage in global climate models, and it is crucial for biodiversity, flood control, and freshwater resources. Perhaps no other material is asked to do so much for the human environment, and yet our basic conceptual model of what soil is and how it works remains surprisingly vague. In cities, soil occupies a blurry category whose boundaries are both empirically uncertain and politically contested. Soil functions as a nexus for environmental processes through which the planet's most fundamental material transformations occur, but conjuring what it actually is serves as a useful exercise in reframing environmental thought, design thinking, and city and regional planning toward a healthier, more ethical, and more sustainable future. Through a sustained analysis of the world's largest wastewater agricultural system, located in the Mexico City–Mezquital hydrological region, Thinking Through Soil: Wastewater Agriculture in the Mezquital Valley (Harvard UP, 2025) by Montserrat Bonvehi Rosich & Dr. Seth Denizen imagines what a better environmental future might look like in central Mexico. More broadly, this case study offers a new image of soil that captures its shifting identity, explains its profound importance to rural and urban life, and argues for its capacity to save our planet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

To think through soil is to engage with some of the most critical issues of our time. In addition to its agricultural role in feeding eight billion people, soil has become the primary agent of carbon storage in global climate models, and it is crucial for biodiversity, flood control, and freshwater resources. Perhaps no other material is asked to do so much for the human environment, and yet our basic conceptual model of what soil is and how it works remains surprisingly vague. In cities, soil occupies a blurry category whose boundaries are both empirically uncertain and politically contested. Soil functions as a nexus for environmental processes through which the planet's most fundamental material transformations occur, but conjuring what it actually is serves as a useful exercise in reframing environmental thought, design thinking, and city and regional planning toward a healthier, more ethical, and more sustainable future. Through a sustained analysis of the world's largest wastewater agricultural system, located in the Mexico City–Mezquital hydrological region, Thinking Through Soil: Wastewater Agriculture in the Mezquital Valley (Harvard UP, 2025) by Montserrat Bonvehi Rosich & Dr. Seth Denizen imagines what a better environmental future might look like in central Mexico. More broadly, this case study offers a new image of soil that captures its shifting identity, explains its profound importance to rural and urban life, and argues for its capacity to save our planet. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Rediscovering Christmas: Love and Memories in Montserrat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-08-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: A les faldes de Montserrat, el mercat de Nadal brillava amb colors vius i sons alegres.En: At the foothills of Montserrat, the Christmas market shone with bright colors and joyful sounds.Ca: El sol del matí d'hivern feia brillar les paradetes atapeïdes de gent, mentre l'aroma de castanyes torrades omplia l'aire fred.En: The winter morning sun made the crowded stalls glitter, while the aroma of roasted chestnuts filled the cold air.Ca: Entre la multitud, Jordi passejava amb les mans a les butxaques, rumiant.En: Among the crowd, Jordi walked with his hands in his pockets, deep in thought.Ca: Amb trenta-cinc anys, Jordi portava a sobre el pes d'unes quantes festes nadalenques fallides.En: At thirty-five years of age, Jordi carried the weight of a few failed Christmas holidays.Ca: Sempre es donava cops de cap amb els regals de Nadal.En: He always struggled with Christmas gifts.Ca: Aquest any, però, volia que fos diferent.En: This year, however, he wanted it to be different.Ca: Mirava les artesanies, els adorns fets a mà, i se sentia aclaparat.En: He looked at the crafts, the handmade decorations, and felt overwhelmed.Ca: No sabia per on començar.En: He didn't know where to start.Ca: Amb un pressupost estret i el cor pesant, Jordi floria d'ençà que Pau i Anna, els seus nebots, li havien demanat alguna cosa especial.En: With a tight budget and a heavy heart, Jordi blossomed since Pau and Anna, his nephews, had asked him for something special.Ca: Les cançons de Nadal que s'escoltaven des de l'abadia li donaven una força gairebé màgica.En: The Christmas carols heard from the abbey gave him an almost magical strength.Ca: Es va adonar que era el moment de confiar en el seu instint.En: He realized it was time to trust his instincts.Ca: Va veure unes figuretes de pessebre, esculpides amb sol·licitud.En: He saw some nativity scene figures, sculpted with care.Ca: Li van recordar aquells hiverns de la seva infància, quan la seva àvia muntava el pessebre amb ell.En: They reminded him of those winters of his childhood when his grandmother would set up the nativity scene with him.Ca: Aquesta memòria li va escalfar l'esperit.En: This memory warmed his spirit.Ca: Amb un somriure als llavis, va escollir tres figures.En: With a smile on his lips, he chose three figures.Ca: Una per a cada nen i una per a la seva mare.En: One for each child and one for his mother.Ca: Sabia que aquestes figures portaven un símbol molt més profund que un simple regal.En: He knew these figures carried a much deeper symbol than a simple gift.Ca: En aquell moment, va sentir que allò era el que realment importava: l'amor i el record.En: At that moment, he felt that this was what truly mattered: love and remembrance.Ca: De sobte, un aroma nou li va captivar els sentits.En: Suddenly, a new aroma captivated his senses.Ca: Va trobar una vella enciclopèdia de receptes catalanes oblidades.En: He found an old encyclopedia of forgotten Catalan recipes.Ca: Aquesta li va recordar els plats que cuinava el seu pare durant les festes.En: It reminded him of the dishes his father used to cook during the holidays.Ca: Jordi la va aferrar amb força, sentint que ara sí, havia trobat el regal perfecte.En: Jordi held onto it tightly, feeling that now, he had found the perfect gift.Ca: Quan va sortir del mercat, amb les compres sota el braç i el cor més lleuger, el sol començava a pondre's darrere de les muntanyes.En: When he left the market, with his purchases under his arm and a lighter heart, the sun was beginning to set behind the mountains.Ca: Jordi sentia que, per primera vegada en molt de temps, havia trobat el que realment volia regalar: fragments de memòria i amor.En: Jordi felt that, for the first time in a long time, he had found what he truly wanted to give: fragments of memory and love.Ca: En arribar a casa, l'acollidora calidesa de la família el va rebre amb alegria.En: Upon arriving home, the welcoming warmth of his family greeted him with joy.Ca: Aquella nit de Nadal, el somriure dels nens i la llum en els ulls de la seva mare li van fer saber que havia encertat.En: That Christmas night, the children's smiles and the light in his mother's eyes let him know he had succeeded.Ca: Jordi havia après que l'assaboriment sincer i l'amor eren més valuosos que qualsevol perfecció material.En: Jordi had learned that sincere savouring and love were more valuable than any material perfection.Ca: I així, sota el cel estrellat de Montserrat, el van envoltar el caliu i els records d'un Nadal veritable.En: And so, under the starry sky of Montserrat, he was surrounded by the warmth and memories of a true Christmas. Vocabulary Words:foothills: les faldesstall: la paradetacrowd: la multitudto ponder: rumiarburden: el pesbudget: el pressupostoverwhelmed: aclaparatcraft: l'artesaniahandmade: fet a màfigure: la figuretanativity scene: el pessebreinstinct: l'instintto remember: recordarmemory: la memòriasmile: el somriuresymbol: el símbolaroma: l'aromaforgotten: oblidatstrength: la forçasong: la cançóchildhood: la infànciawinter: l'hivernabbey: l'abadiato sculpt: esculpirheart: el corlight: la llumjoy: l'alegriato savour: assaborirwelcoming: acollidorperfection: la perfecció

Desde los anos setenta existe en Espana un departamentos de la Policia Nacional que tiene por objetivo proteger el rico patrimonio historico que poseemos y las enormes y valiosas piezas arqueologicas con las que contamos. Al frente de esa brigada se encuentra Montserrat de Pedro, con quien charlamos en La rosa de los vientos.

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Christmas Magic in Montserrat: Tradition Meets Innovation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-07-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: A Montserrat, el primer indici que el Nadal s'apropa és l'olor de castanyes torrades barrejada amb la frescor de l'aire de tardor.En: In Montserrat, the first sign that Christmas is approaching is the smell of roasted chestnuts mixed with the freshness of the autumn air.Ca: Les muntanyes rocoses embolcallen el monestir amb una majestuositat que sembla atemporal.En: The rocky mountains envelop the monastery with a majesty that seems timeless.Ca: En aquest entorn, Martí i Laia condueixen turistes curiosos, mostrant la riquesa del lloc i les seves històries antigues.En: In this setting, Martí and Laia guide curious tourists, showing the richness of the place and its ancient stories.Ca: Martí és un apassionat.En: Martí is passionate.Ca: Sempre parla amb entusiasme de la història del monestir, de les llegendes i de les tradicions catalanes.En: He always speaks enthusiastically about the history of the monastery, the legends, and the Catalan traditions.Ca: A mesura que s'acosta el Nadal, sent una forta necessitat de compartir aquesta màgia amb els seus visitants.En: As Christmas approaches, he feels a strong need to share this magic with his visitors.Ca: —Què et sembla si incorporem alguna cosa especial per Nadal, Laia? —proposa Martí amb ulls brillants.En: "What do you think about incorporating something special for Christmas, Laia?" proposes Martí with bright eyes.Ca: Laia, que preferia mantenir-se fidel al guió de les visites, aixeca una cella.En: Laia, who preferred to stick to the script of the tours, raises an eyebrow.Ca: —Martí, la nostra feina és respectar el cronograma. No tenim temps per a floritures.En: "Martí, our job is to respect the schedule. We don't have time for embellishments."Ca: Però Martí pensa en el caga tió, en la música alegre dels villancicos que ressonen pels passadissos del monestir, i en els trossos dolços de torró que transporten records d'infància.En: But Martí thinks of the caga tió, the cheerful music of the villancicos echoing through the monastery halls, and the sweet pieces of turrón that bring back childhood memories.Ca: Amb decisió, decideix afegir aquests elements atrevitament a les visites.En: With determination, he decides to boldly add these elements to the tours.Ca: Durant una visita, Martí ofereix als turistes petits trossos de torró.En: During one tour, Martí offers the tourists small pieces of turrón.Ca: Els seus ulls s'il·luminen amb eufòria, i es fa un silenci positiu mentre assaboreixen aquesta delícia catalana.En: Their eyes light up with euphoria, and a positive silence falls as they savor this Catalan delight.Ca: —Què és això? —pregunta un visitant amb interès genuí.En: "What is this?" a visitor asks with genuine interest.Ca: —És torró. Una tradició dolça de Nadal a Catalunya —explica Martí, sense poder contenir el seu somriure.En: "It's turrón. A sweet Christmas tradition in Catalonia," explains Martí, unable to contain his smile.Ca: La visita continua, i tornant a través de les sales, la llum dels pessebres fa que els turistes s'aturin a admirar-los amb oohs i aahs d'admiració.En: The visit continues, and as they return through the halls, the light from the pessebres makes the tourists stop to admire them with oohs and aahs of admiration.Ca: Quan el tour acaba, les seves cares mostren emoció i gratitud.En: When the tour ends, their faces show excitement and gratitude.Ca: —Ha estat increïble! Gràcies per fer-ho especial! —diu una dona del grup.En: "That was incredible! Thank you for making it special!" says a woman from the group.Ca: En escoltar aquestes paraules, Laia, que ha observat discretament, accepta que Martí tenia raó.En: Hearing these words, Laia, who has been observing discreetly, acknowledges that Martí was right.Ca: La seva creativitat havia aportat un valor inesperat i apreciat.En: His creativity had brought unexpected and appreciated value.Ca: —Bé, potser una mica de màgia nadalenca no fa mal a ningú —admet Laia, somrient finalment.En: "Well, maybe a little Christmas magic doesn't hurt anyone," admits Laia, finally smiling.Ca: La parella d'amics decideix incorporar permanentment aquests tocs nadalencs a les visites durant les festes.En: The pair of friends decides to permanently incorporate these Christmas touches into the tours during the holidays.Ca: Martí, ara més segur de les seves idees, somia amb altres formes de fer brillar la cultura mentre Laia aprèn a valorar el poder dels detalls que fan somriure a la gent.En: Martí, now more confident in his ideas, dreams of other ways to make the culture shine, while Laia learns to appreciate the power of details that make people smile.Ca: I així, amb el monestir vestit de festes, Martí i Laia descobreixen el perfecte equilibri entre tradició i innovació, creant records que perduren en els cors dels seus visitants molt després que hagin marxat de Montserrat.En: And so, with the monastery dressed for the holidays, Martí and Laia discover the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, creating memories that linger in the hearts of their visitors long after they have left Montserrat. Vocabulary Words:the monastery: el monestirthe chestnuts: les castanyesthe freshness: la frescorthe tourists: els turistesthe richness: la riquesathe legends: les llegendesthe schedule: el cronogramathe embellishments: les florituresthe halls: els passadissosthe determination: la decisióthe laughter: la riallathe euphoria: l'eufòriathe delight: la delíciathe tradition: la tradicióthe admiration: l'admiracióthe gratitude: la gratitudthe creativity: la creativitatthe magic: la màgiathe power: el poderthe details: els detallsthe balance: l'equilibrithe innovation: la innovacióthe memories: els recordsthe childhood: la infànciathe need: la necessitatto incorporate: incorporarto envelop: embolcallarto appreciate: valorarto acknowledge: acceptarto contain: contenir

El Duque de Fire ens parla del seu tema: les joguines per adults. El Duque de Fire ens parla del seu tema: les joguines per adults. Conrad Consum obre el seu Consumtori, edició especial gent que es queda sense coses.

Nia Jax is single and looking for a man, War Games, more like mid games, Jey Uso is tired. HHH is still lying. TNA is going to AMC, but will Delirious go too? WWE might not be for us anymore. 6 7? NXT Deadline and Final Resolution. All this and more on the next Powerbomb Jutsu.You can watch this episode too: youtube.com/@PowerbombJutsu Twitter & IG: @PowerbombJutsuHistory with Darrrell on YouTube: YouTube.com/@UltrxBlxck [Play/Download]  

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Scaling Montserrat: A Winter Adventure of Courage and Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-03-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Entre les màgiques muntanyes de Montserrat, un dia d'hivern, Jordi, un adolescent ple d'energia i aventura, venia amb els seus amics, la Gemma i el Pere.En: Among the magical mountains of Montserrat, on a winter's day, Jordi, an energetic and adventurous teenager, was there with his friends, Gemma and Pere.Ca: El somni de Jordi era arribar al cim per veure una vista espectacular, especialment amb la claror de les festes de Nadal a l'horitzó.En: Jordi's dream was to reach the summit to see a spectacular view, especially with the holiday lights on the horizon.Ca: Les llums dels pobles llunyans brillaven, invitants, entre els arbres coberts de neu.En: The lights from distant villages shone invitingly among the snow-covered trees.Ca: Jordi era impacient i avançava pel camí sinuós amb rapidesa.En: Jordi was impatient and moved quickly along the winding path.Ca: La Gemma, sempre pràctica, havia embotit de tot en la seva motxilla: aigua, una jaqueta extra i, com sempre previnguda, un inhalador.En: Gemma, always practical, had stuffed everything into her backpack: water, an extra jacket, and, always prepared, an inhaler.Ca: Al seu costat, el Pere, el seu germà gran, mirava amb desconfiança els núvols que es reunien al cel.En: Beside her, Pere, her older brother, looked warily at the gathering clouds in the sky.Ca: "Jordi, t'has d'anar amb compte", li deia, potser massa sovint per al gust aventurer del seu germà petit.En: "Jordi, you need to be careful," he said, perhaps too often for his younger brother's adventurous taste.Ca: A meitat del camí, tot semblava bé.En: Halfway there, everything seemed fine.Ca: Els arbres es movien suaument i el cel, tot i el fred, era blau.En: The trees swayed gently, and despite the cold, the sky was blue.Ca: Però, de sobte, Jordi es va aturar.En: But suddenly, Jordi stopped.Ca: Un xiulet familiar va sortir del seu pit i els seus pulmons semblaven col·lapsar-se.En: A familiar wheeze came from his chest, and his lungs seemed to collapse.Ca: "La meva asma..." va murmurar, espantant els seus amics.En: "My asthma..." he murmured, alarming his friends.Ca: Gemma ràpidament va buscar el seu inhalador.En: Gemma quickly found his inhaler.Ca: "Aquí tens, Jordi!", va dir amb confiança.En: "Here you go, Jordi!" she said confidently.Ca: El Pere estava preocupat.En: Pere was worried.Ca: "Hem de tornar enrere", va insistir, el seu to ferm i protector.En: "We have to go back," he insisted, his tone firm and protective.Ca: Però Jordi no volia rendir-se.En: But Jordi didn't want to give up.Ca: "He vingut aquí per veure-ho", va dir, resolut.En: "I came here to see it," he said resolutely.Ca: Amb el cor una mica dubtós, va utilitzar l'inhalador.En: With a slightly doubtful heart, he used the inhaler.Ca: El seu alè es va restablir lentament i la seva decisió era clara: continuar.En: His breath slowly returned, and his decision was clear: to continue.Ca: El temps semblava volar mentre avançaven, el sol ja començava a baixar darrere dels pics.En: Time seemed to fly as they moved forward, the sun already starting to set behind the peaks.Ca: Amb cada pas, Jordi agraïa la Gemma pel seu instint de prudència.En: With every step, Jordi was grateful to Gemma for her prudent instincts.Ca: I just quan els últims rajos de sol acariciaven la seva destinació, van arribar al cim.En: And just as the last rays of the sun caressed their destination, they reached the summit.Ca: La vista era espectacular, les llums de Nadal brillaven com estrelles petites a la vall.En: The view was spectacular, the Christmas lights shone like little stars in the valley.Ca: La calidesa d'aquell moment va fondre el fred hivernal del aire.En: The warmth of that moment melted the winter chill from the air.Ca: Finalment, Jordi va veure el que tant desitjava.En: Finally, Jordi saw what he had longed for.Ca: L'alegria de fer-ho amb els seus amics i germà va fer que apreciés la importància d'estar preparat.En: The joy of doing it with his friends and brother made him appreciate the importance of being prepared.Ca: Comprenia ara la saviesa darrere la cautela del Pere.En: He now understood the wisdom behind Pere's caution.Ca: El paisatge, aquell Nadal tan especial, era molt més que una conquesta, era una lliçó d'amistat i responsabilitat.En: The landscape, that very special Christmas, was more than a conquest; it was a lesson in friendship and responsibility.Ca: I així, amb l'ànima plena i l'horitzó gravat a la memòria, Jordi, Gemma i Pere van iniciar el camí de tornada, envoltats per l'encant màgic de Montserrat, sabent que havien viscut una aventura que mai oblidarien.En: And so, with their spirits full and the horizon etched in memory, Jordi, Gemma, and Pere began their journey back, surrounded by the magical charm of Montserrat, knowing they had experienced an adventure they would never forget. Vocabulary Words:the summit: el cimdistant: llunyanssnow-covered: coberts de neuwinding: sinuósthe backpack: la motxillaan extra jacket: una jaqueta extrathe clouds: els núvolswarily: amb desconfiançathe trees: els arbresto collapse: col·lapsar-sethe breath: l'alèto set (sun): baixarprudent: previngudarays of sun: rajos de solmelt: fondrethe chill: el fredlonged for: desitjavaprepared: preparatwisdom: saviesacaution: cautelalesson: lliçófriendship: amistatthe horizon: l'horitzóetched: gravatto reach: arribarinvitingly: invitantsenergetic: ple d'energiaadventurous: aventuraspectacular: espectacularresolutely: resolut

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Overcoming the Storm: A Christmas Adventure on Montserrat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-03-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Les primeres llums de l'alba il·luminaven els pics escabrosos de Montserrat.En: The early dawn lights illuminated the rugged peaks of Montserrat.Ca: Les roques es retallaven contra el cel d'hivern, una terra de llegendes i promeses enceses.En: The rocks stood out against the winter sky, a land of legends and burning promises.Ca: Martí, amb la seva càmera penjada al coll, es va aturar un instant per capturar aquell paisatge impressionant.En: Martí, with his camera hanging around his neck, paused for a moment to capture that impressive landscape.Ca: A la seva vora, Laia observava amb precaució el cel, notant els núvols foscos que s'apropaven lentament.En: Beside him, Laia cautiously watched the sky, noticing the dark clouds slowly approaching.Ca: "Vols seguir pujant?En: "Do you want to keep climbing?"Ca: ", va preguntar ell, els ulls brillants per l'emoció.En: he asked, his eyes shining with excitement.Ca: "No estic segura", va respondre Laia, intentant ocultar el neguit que sentia a l'estómac.En: "I'm not sure," replied Laia, trying to hide the unease she felt in her stomach.Ca: Era el dia abans de Nadal, i la idea de no tornar a temps per celebrar-ho amb la família la intranquil·litzava.En: It was the day before Christmas, and the idea of not returning in time to celebrate with family unsettled her.Ca: Martí, intrèpid, va alçar el seu braç, assenyalant una senda empinada que serpentejava entre les roques.En: Martí, undaunted, raised his arm, pointing to a steep path winding between the rocks.Ca: "Aquesta serà la foto perfecta pel meu blog", va insistir.En: "This will be the perfect photo for my blog," he insisted.Ca: Laia va sospirar i va assentir amb el cap, malgrat la inquietud que l'assaltava.En: Laia sighed and nodded, despite the anxiety attacking her.Ca: Les dues figures van seguir caminant, trepitjant la neu que començava a cobrir els camins.En: The two figures continued walking, stepping on the snow that began to cover the paths.Ca: Però el temps va canviar ràpidament.En: But the weather changed quickly.Ca: El vent es va despertar amb força, arrossegant flocs de neu al seu camí.En: The wind awoke with force, dragging snowflakes in its path.Ca: Martí no va parar de fer fotos, encantat per la grandiositat de la tempesta que s'apropava.En: Martí didn't stop taking photos, enchanted by the grandeur of the approaching storm.Ca: Però Laia, amb la seva intuïció, va saber que era moment de baixar.En: But Laia, with her intuition, knew it was time to go down.Ca: "Hem de tornar, Martí", va dir amb un to ple d'alarma.En: "We have to go back, Martí," she said with a tone full of alarm.Ca: Ell va somriure, però va veure la determinació d'ella.En: He smiled, but saw her determination.Ca: "Només una mica més i després baixem", va proposar, sempre amb un esperit aventurer.En: "Just a little more and then we'll go down," he proposed, always with an adventurous spirit.Ca: Van seguir caminant, però aviat el vent es va convertir en una broma perillosa, i la neu començava a cobrir-ho tot.En: They continued walking, but soon the wind turned into a dangerous jest, and the snow began to cover everything.Ca: Martí, convençut de conèixer millor el camí, va decidir buscar una drecera.En: Martí, convinced he knew the way better, decided to look for a shortcut.Ca: Laia, per contra, va aturar-se, atrapada entre la por i la necessitat de seguir.En: Laia, on the other hand, stopped, trapped between fear and the need to continue.Ca: Laia va respirar profundament.En: Laia took a deep breath.Ca: Va recordar els consells del seu pare sobre la muntanya i, sentint la valentia despertar-se dins seu, va dir: "No, Martí.En: She remembered her father's advice about the mountain and, feeling courage awaken inside her, said, "No, Martí.Ca: Hem de tornar pel camí segur.En: We have to return by the safe path."Ca: "Martí la va mirar, notant el canvi en ella.En: Martí looked at her, noticing the change in her.Ca: Confia en el criteri de Laia.En: He trusted Laia's judgment.Ca: Junts, van enfilar el camí conegut mentre la tempesta augmentava la seva intensitat al seu voltant.En: Together, they followed the known path as the storm increased its intensity around them.Ca: Va ser un descens difícil.En: It was a difficult descent.Ca: Laia va prendre la iniciativa, guiant cada pas amb cura.En: Laia took the lead, guiding every step carefully.Ca: Martí, admirat, va veure com la seva amiga conqueria les seves pròpies pors.En: Martí, admiring, watched as his friend conquered her own fears.Ca: Quan van arribar a baix, exhaustos però sans i estalvis, la tempesta bufava la seva fúria darrere seu.En: When they reached the bottom, exhausted but safe and sound, the storm blew its fury behind them.Ca: Era tard, pero havien derrotat la muntanya junts.En: It was late, but they had conquered the mountain together.Ca: Aquella nit, a la calor de casa, les llums del Nadal brillaven càlidament.En: That night, in the warmth of home, the Christmas lights shone warmly.Ca: Les famílies de Martí i Laia els van acollir amb abraçades i somriures.En: The families of Martí and Laia welcomed them with hugs and smiles.Ca: Martí va aprendre a respectar no només la natura sinó també la saviesa de Laia.En: Martí learned to respect not only nature but also Laia's wisdom.Ca: I ella, amb un somriure orgullós, va saber que, de vegades, les pors es podien vèncer.En: And she, with a proud smile, knew that sometimes fears could be overcome.Ca: La màgia de Montserrat havia deixat la seva empremta.En: The magic of Montserrat had left its mark.Ca: La muntanya no només havia posat a prova la seva amistat, sinó que també havia forjat noves forces a dins seu.En: The mountain had not only tested their friendship but had also forged new strengths within them.Ca: I així, entre rialles i una taula plena, van celebrar el Nadal més valorat, junts i agraïts.En: And so, amidst laughter and a full table, they celebrated the most cherished Christmas, together and grateful. Vocabulary Words:the dawn: l'albarugged: escabrososthe landscape: el paisatgethe anxiety: la inquietudthe paths: els caminsexcitement: l'emocióthe clouds: els núvolsthe descent: el descensthe storm: la tempestato illuminate: il·luminarthe spirit: l'esperitthe shortcut: la drecerato insist: insistirthe adventure: l'aventurato admire: admirarthe fear: la porthe determination: la determinacióto conquer: conquerirthe courage: la valentiathe fury: la fúriaexhausted: exhaustthe advice: els consellsthe grandeur: la grandiositatto trust: confiarto guide: guiarthe intuition: la intuïcióto overcome: vèncersafe and sound: sans i estalvisthe magic: la màgiathe whisper: el murmuri

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Keeping the Art of Wooden Carving Alive in Montserrat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-02-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El vent fred bufava suaument a través dels cims rocosos de Montserrat, mentre la llum del matí començava a revelar les parets antigues del monestir.En: The cold wind blew gently across the rocky peaks of Montserrat as the morning light began to reveal the ancient walls of the monastery.Ca: El Jordi estava ocupat al seu lloc del mercat, envoltat de peces de fusta colorides i tallades amb delicadesa.En: Jordi was busy at his market stall, surrounded by colorful and delicately carved wooden pieces.Ca: La seva parada, plena de petites escenes de naixement, semblava viva sota els llums de festa.En: His stand, full of small nativity scenes, appeared alive under the festive lights.Ca: Era el dia de la Immaculada Concepció i l'ambient estava ple d'alegria.En: It was the day of the Immaculate Conception, and the atmosphere was full of joy.Ca: Flotava l'aroma del vi calent i dels pins, mentre la gent, embolicada amb abrics de llana, passejava entre les parades buscant regals i records.En: The aroma of mulled wine and pine filled the air as people, wrapped in wool coats, strolled among the stalls looking for gifts and souvenirs.Ca: El Jordi recordava el seu avi, qui li havia ensenyat a treballar la fusta quan era només un noi.En: Jordi remembered his grandfather, who had taught him to work with wood when he was just a boy.Ca: Amb cada figura que tallava, sentia la presència d'aquesta tradició antiga que temia que es pogués perdre.En: With each figure he carved, he felt the presence of this ancient tradition he feared might be lost.Ca: No obstant això, veia amb tristesa que la gent semblava més atreta pels productes moderns i de fàbrica.En: However, he viewed with sadness that people seemed more attracted to modern, factory-made products.Ca: "He de trobar algú que pugui veure la bellesa d'aquest art," pensava el Jordi.En: "I have to find someone who can see the beauty in this art," Jordi thought.Ca: Marta, una jove amb una bufanda vermella, va aturar-se davant la parada del Jordi.En: Marta, a young woman with a red scarf, stopped in front of Jordi's stall.Ca: Amb ulls brillants, va agafar una petita figura d'un pastoret.En: With bright eyes, she picked up a small figure of a shepherd.Ca: "És preciosa," va dir ella, "m'encanta la delicadesa de cada detall.En: "It's beautiful," she said, "I love the delicacy of each detail."Ca: "El Jordi va somriure, agraint la seva admiració sincera.En: Jordi smiled, grateful for her sincere admiration.Ca: "És un art que ha passat de generació en generació a la meva família," va explicar.En: "It's an art that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family," he explained.Ca: Marta va explicar que ella mateixa era una fuster, però recentment havia perdut la inspiració i estava cercant un nou camí a seguir.En: Marta shared that she was a woodworker herself but had recently lost her inspiration and was looking for a new path to follow.Ca: "M'agradaria aprendre el que tu fas," va dir amb entusiasme.En: "I'd love to learn what you do," she said enthusiastically.Ca: El Jordi, veient l'oportunitat de transmetre aquest llegat, va prendre una decisió.En: Jordi, seeing the opportunity to pass on this legacy, made a decision.Ca: "Vindràs a visitar-me al meu taller la setmana vinent?En: "Will you visit me at my workshop next week?"Ca: " li va proposar.En: he proposed.Ca: Durant tot el dia, el mercat es va omplir de vida amb rialles i música.En: Throughout the day, the market filled with life, laughter, and music.Ca: Però per al Jordi, la trobada amb la Marta havia tingut un efecte profund.En: But for Jordi, the encounter with Marta had a profound effect.Ca: Sabia que el seu art no es perdria sense més, sinó que continuaria en mans noves.En: He knew that his art wouldn't simply be lost but would continue in new hands.Ca: Dies més tard, al seu taller, el Jordi va començar a ensenyar a Marta els secrets de la seva artesania.En: Days later, at his workshop, Jordi began teaching Marta the secrets of his craft.Ca: Amb cada tros de fusta tallat, amb cada figura creada, un nou capítol començava.En: With each piece of wood carved, with each figure created, a new chapter began.Ca: A mesura que els cims de Montserrat es tenyien de blanc amb la neu d'hivern, Jordi es va adonar que el futur del seu art estava assegurat.En: As the peaks of Montserrat were tinged white with winter snow, Jordi realized that the future of his art was secure.Ca: Havia trobat un nou propòsit i una nova manera de connectar amb el món canviant al seu entorn.En: He had found a new purpose and a new way to connect with the changing world around him.Ca: La tradició seguiria viva, gràcies a Marta i a l'esperit compartit de conservar la bellesa del passat en el present.En: The tradition would stay alive, thanks to Marta and the shared spirit of preserving the beauty of the past in the present. Vocabulary Words:the monastery: el monestirthe peak: el cimthe stall: la paradathe aroma: l'aromathe nativity scene: l'escena de naixementthe wool coat: l'abric de llanathe gift: el regalthe souvenir: el recordthe shepherd: el pastoretthe craft: l'artesaniathe legacy: el llegatthe workshop: el tallerthe encounter: la trobadathe woodcarver: el fusterthe inspiration: la inspiracióthe detail: el detalldelicate: delicadathe tradition: la tradicióthe generation: la generacióthe chapter: el capítolthe presence: la presènciathe beauty: la bellesathe path: el camíthe secret: el secretsecure: asseguratthe sadness: la tristesathe opportunity: l'oportunitatthe market: el mercatthe laughter: la riallathe spirit: l'esperit

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Culinary Christmas Quest: Jordi's Market Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-01-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Els llums de Nadal il·luminaven el sostre del Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, creant una atmosfera màgica.En: The Christmas lights illuminated the ceiling of the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, creating a magical atmosphere.Ca: L'aroma dels torrons, el pa acabat de forn i les espècies mediterrànies flotava a l'aire.En: The aroma of torrons, freshly baked bread, and Mediterranean spices floated in the air.Ca: Enmig de la multitud de compradors festius, en Jordi es movia amb determinació.En: Amidst the crowd of festive shoppers, Jordi moved with determination.Ca: Volia preparar un sopar de Nadal inoblidable per a la seva família.En: He wanted to prepare an unforgettable Christmas dinner for his family.Ca: Estava decidit a trobar els millors ingredients.En: He was determined to find the best ingredients.Ca: Però la Boqueria estava plena de gent, i es feia difícil moure's entre les parades de colors vius.En: But La Boqueria was crowded, making it difficult to move between the brightly colored stalls.Ca: En Jordi, un autèntic amant del menjar, havia confeccionat una llista especial, però no deixava de pensar en les preferències de la seva germana, la Gemma.En: Jordi, a true food lover, had crafted a special list, but he couldn't stop thinking about his sister's preferences, Gemma.Ca: La Gemma tenia algunes restriccions alimentàries i era meticulosa en la planificació.En: Gemma had some dietary restrictions and was meticulous in planning.Ca: A més, es posava nerviosa quan es tractava de les reunions familiars grans.En: Moreover, she got nervous when it came to large family gatherings.Ca: Passejant pels passadissos, en Jordi va veure la Montserrat.En: Walking through the aisles, Jordi saw Montserrat.Ca: La Montserrat era una venedora molt coneguda al mercat pels seus pastissos deliciosament irresistibles i la seva personalitat vibrant.En: Montserrat was a well-known vendor at the market for her irresistibly delicious cakes and her vibrant personality.Ca: "Hola, Montserrat!En: "Hello, Montserrat!"Ca: ", va dir en Jordi amb un somriure.En: Jordi said with a smile.Ca: "Necessito la teva ajuda.En: "I need your help.Ca: Estic buscant alguna cosa única per al sopar de Nadal.En: I'm looking for something unique for Christmas dinner."Ca: ""Ah, en Jordi!En: "Ah, Jordi!Ca: Sempre és un plaer ajudar-te", va replicar la Montserrat amb alegria.En: It's always a pleasure to help you," replied Montserrat cheerfully.Ca: "Què tens en ment?En: "What do you have in mind?"Ca: ""Vull sorprendre la meva família, però també necessito tenir cura amb els gustos de la Gemma", va explicar en Jordi.En: "I want to surprise my family, but I also need to be careful with Gemma's tastes," Jordi explained.Ca: La Montserrat va assenyalar cap a una parada plena d'olives, espècies i delicadeses.En: Montserrat pointed to a stall full of olives, spices, and delicacies.Ca: "Aquí trobaràs alguna cosa per a tothom.En: "Here you'll find something for everyone.Ca: I no et preocupis per la teva germana.En: And don't worry about your sister.Ca: Els alvocats frescs són perfectes per a ella.En: Fresh avocados are perfect for her."Ca: "En Jordi va seguir el seu consell i va continuar amb les compres.En: Jordi followed her advice and continued with his shopping.Ca: D'altra banda, va decidir delegar algunes tasques a la seva germana per rebaixar la seva ansietat.En: Additionally, he decided to delegate some tasks to his sister to lessen her anxiety.Ca: Al final, va ser molt més fàcil del que pensava.En: In the end, it was much easier than he thought.Ca: Mentre treballava a la llista, en Jordi va notar un ingredient que destacava: un pebre picant exòtic.En: While working through the list, Jordi noticed an ingredient that stood out: an exotic hot pepper.Ca: Només en quedava una unitat, i just llavors, un altre comprador el va veure i es va acostar.En: There was only one left, and just then, another shopper saw it and approached.Ca: En una atmosfera de caos nadalenc i darreres compres de la temporada, en Jordi va decidir parlar amb aquell comprador.En: In an atmosphere of Christmas chaos and last-minute seasonal shopping, Jordi decided to speak to that shopper.Ca: Amb somriure, va dir: "Si em permets comprar aquest pebre, et prometo que compartiré el meu plat amb tu, si mai ens tornem a trobar.En: With a smile, he said, "If you let me buy this pepper, I promise I'll share my dish with you if we ever meet again."Ca: "L'altre comprador va acceptar, i en Jordi va marxar content, amb la bossa plena del que necessitava.En: The other shopper agreed, and Jordi left happy, with the bag full of what he needed.Ca: Va sortir del mercat, experimentant una sensació de satisfacció i una connexió renovada amb la seva germana.En: He left the market, experiencing a sense of satisfaction and a renewed connection with his sister.Ca: En Jordi havia après que el Nadal no era només sobre el sopar perfecte.En: Jordi had learned that Christmas wasn't just about the perfect dinner.Ca: Era sobre la col·laboració, la paciència i, sobretot, estar junt amb els éssers estimats.En: It was about collaboration, patience, and above all, being together with loved ones. Vocabulary Words:the ceiling: el sostrethe aroma: l'aromafreshly baked: acabat de fornthe spices: les espèciesthe crowd: la multitudthe stalls: les paradesthe food lover: l'amant del menjarthe preferences: les preferènciesthe dietary restrictions: les restriccions alimentàriesmeticulous: meticulosathe vendor: la venedoravibrant personality: personalitat vibrantunique: únicato surprise: sorprendrecareful: tenir curathe delicacies: les delicadesesfresh: frescsanxiety: ansietatexotic: exòtichot pepper: pebre picantatmosphere: atmosferathe chaos: el caosto share: compartirthe dish: el platthe shopper: el compradorconnection: connexiósatisfaction: satisfacciócollaboration: col·laboraciópatience: pacièncialoved ones: éssers estimats

Los del Jueves Santo celebran elecciones este martes con la única candidatura de Pedro Avendaño, mientras que los del Viernes Santo, con Juan Coto como hermano mayor, llevan a su Dolorosa este mes a tierras catalanas

Welcome to the special programming for Advent 2025. Each week, The Black Madonna Speaks will be exploring themes of the season and a Black Madonna who will embody the spirit of the week. For this first Sunday and Week in Advent, we will explore the Virgin of Montserrat and what she and her narrative have to offer as we begin this sacred journey into the heart of Divine Darkness.To make a one time donation of any amount to support the podcast, please donate tohttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BlackMadonnaHeartBecome a Patron for the channel at https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackMadonnaSpeaksTo purchase Black Madonna Speaks extra content, please visithttps://www.patreon.com/theblackmadonnaspeaks/shop#Advent #FirstSundayOfAdvent #divinefeminine #AdventSeason #sacredfeminine #virginmary #ourlady #blackmadonna #anthroposophy#spiritualjourney #camino #pilgrimage #mothermary #spirituality #montserrat #Ourladyofmontserrat

Survivor Series has come and gone, we have a new AEW Champion. Mark Henry is saying some crazy things again. AEW Really just copied the NWA homework for their new championship. We talk about a whole lot of stuff that isn't wrestling related. All this and more on the next episode of Powerbomb Jutsu. You can watch this episode too: youtube.com/@PowerbombJutsu Twitter & IG: @PowerbombJutsuHistory with Darrrell on YouTube: YouTube.com/@UltrxBlxck [Play/Download]   

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Ascending Montserrat: A Journey Beyond the Summit Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-11-29-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Les fulles seques cruixen sota les sabates de Marc mentre ell, Clara i Joan comencen la seva aventura a Montserrat.En: The dry leaves crunch under Marc's shoes as he, Clara, and Joan begin their adventure in Montserrat.Ca: Els núvols cobreixen el cel com una manta, amagant les agulles serrades de la muntanya.En: The clouds cover the sky like a blanket, hiding the rugged peaks of the mountain.Ca: La tardor transforma el paisatge, pintant els arbres amb colors de foc.En: Autumn transforms the landscape, painting the trees with fiery colors.Ca: "Estàs preparat, Marc?En: "Are you ready, Marc?"Ca: " pregunta Clara, amb el seu somriure contagiós.En: asks Clara, with her contagious smile.Ca: Marc assenteix amb determinació.En: Marc nods with determination.Ca: Ell busca alguna cosa que no pot explicar amb paraules.En: He is searching for something he cannot describe in words.Ca: Potser al cim trobarà la resposta.En: Perhaps at the summit, he will find the answer.Ca: Joan, el guia coneixedor de la zona, els explica històries.En: Joan, the knowledgeable guide of the area, tells them stories.Ca: "Montserrat és un lloc màgic", diu amb passió.En: "Montserrat is a magical place," he says passionately.Ca: Els camins de roca i els senders boscosos són part de la seva ànima.En: The rocky paths and wooded trails are part of his soul.Ca: Marc escolta atentament.En: Marc listens attentively.Ca: Cada petita històrica aporta força a les seves passes.En: Every little story adds strength to his steps.Ca: A mesura que pugen, el camí es complica.En: As they climb, the path becomes more challenging.Ca: Marc comença a sentir la càrrega de la seva motxilla i de les seves pròpies inseguretats.En: Marc starts to feel the burden of his backpack and his own insecurities.Ca: "Puc fer-ho?En: "Can I do it?"Ca: ", es pregunta internament.En: he questions internally.Ca: Els núvols en el cel es tornen foscos.En: The clouds in the sky turn dark.Ca: El vent es fa més fred.En: The wind grows colder.Ca: Clara observa en silenci l'expressió de Marc.En: Clara silently observes Marc's expression.Ca: Sempre hi és per donar-li suport, però sap que això és un desafiament personal per a ell.En: She is always there to support him, but she knows this is a personal challenge for him.Ca: "Jo crec en tu", li diu amb suavitat.En: "I believe in you," she says softly.Ca: Aquestes paraules fan que el cor de Marc es calmi per un moment.En: These words calm Marc's heart for a moment.Ca: Quan arriben a un tram estret, la tempesta amenaça amb pluja.En: When they reach a narrow passage, the storm threatens with rain.Ca: Joan els recomana prudència.En: Joan recommends caution.Ca: "Podem esperar o tornar.En: "We can wait or turn back.Ca: És la vostra decisió", diu amb sinceritat.En: It's your decision," he says sincerely.Ca: Marc sap que la decisió és seva.En: Marc knows the decision is his.Ca: El seu cor batega fort de dubte.En: His heart beats strongly with doubt.Ca: Entre el so del tronar llunyà, Marc mira cap amunt.En: Amid the sound of distant thunder, Marc looks up.Ca: "Seguim", decideix amb fermesa.En: "Let's continue," he decides firmly.Ca: Vol demostrar-se que pot vèncer les seves pors.En: He wants to prove to himself that he can overcome his fears.Ca: Clara i Joan el segueixen.En: Clara and Joan follow him.Ca: La pluja comença a caure, escampant una boira espessa al seu voltant.En: The rain begins to fall, spreading a thick fog around them.Ca: Finalment, amb els sentits en alerta, arriben al cim.En: Finally, with senses on high alert, they reach the summit.Ca: La pluja afluixa i el vent allunya els núvols.En: The rain eases and the wind drives the clouds away.Ca: L'aire clar revela el paisatge com una pintura perfecta.En: The clear air reveals the landscape like a perfect painting.Ca: Els colors de la tardor s'estenen davant d'ells.En: The colors of autumn stretch out before them.Ca: El silenci només és trencat pel respirar profund de l'esforç compartit.En: The silence is only broken by the deep breathing of shared effort.Ca: Marc sent una pau inesperada.En: Marc feels an unexpected peace.Ca: Ha arribat no només al cim de la muntanya, sinó també a un punt d'inflexió en la seva vida.En: He has reached not only the mountain's summit but also a turning point in his life.Ca: Entén que, malgrat el dubte, sempre pot continuar avançant.En: He understands that despite the doubt, he can always keep moving forward.Ca: Clara i Joan es feliciten mutuament, i Marc somriu.En: Clara and Joan congratulate each other, and Marc smiles.Ca: Ha guanyat confiança i un nou sentit del propòsit.En: He has gained confidence and a new sense of purpose.Ca: Per moments com aquest, val la pena seguir endavant.En: For moments like this, it's worth moving forward.Ca: Mentre tornen, ell porta un tros del cel clar dins seu, esperant el proper desafiament.En: As they return, he carries a piece of the clear sky within him, awaiting the next challenge. Vocabulary Words:the blanket: la mantathe summit: el cimthe storm: la tempestathe burden: la càrregathe guide: el guiathe fog: la boiramagical: màgicrugged: serradesthe path: el camíchallenging: complicatthe insecurity: la inseguretatattentively: atentamentthe thunder: el tronarthe landscape: el paisatgeto hide: amagarthe bravery: la valentiadetermination: determinaciócontagious: contagiósknowledgeable: coneixedorinternally: internamentto overcome: vèncerpride: orgullthe decision: la decisióto ease: afluixarthe doubt: el dubtethe confidence: la confiançafriar: el frarefiery: de focunexpected: inesperadaalert: alerta

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Unity in the Shadows of Montserrat: A Journey of Balance Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-11-24-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: A les primeres llums d'un matí de tardor, un grup de treballadors es trobava a Montserrat, amb les seves muntanyes comuns i màgiques al fons.En: At the first light of an autumn morning, a group of workers found themselves at Montserrat, with its familiar and magical mountains in the background.Ca: El vent suau mouia les fulles dels arbres, deixant caure colors càlids a terra.En: The gentle wind moved the leaves of the trees, dropping warm colors to the ground.Ca: Els rostres dels participants, alguns emocionats, altres encara adormits, miraven cap al projecte de la jornada.En: The faces of the participants, some excited, others still sleepy, looked towards the day's project.Ca: Marc, amb el seu somriure afable, es passejava pel campament improvisat.En: Marc, with his friendly smile, wandered around the makeshift campsite.Ca: La seva intenció era clara: volia unir el grup per crear amistat i cohesió.En: His intention was clear: he wanted to unite the group to create friendship and cohesion.Ca: Per contra, Laia, vigilant el mòbil abans de començar, tenia altres plans.En: In contrast, Laia, checking her phone before starting, had other plans.Ca: Ella intentava organitzar l'activitat per maximitzar la productivitat.En: She was trying to organize the activity to maximize productivity.Ca: Estava decidida a fer d'aquest viatge un èxit professional.En: She was determined to make this trip a professional success.Ca: Després de l'esmorzar, Marc va suggerir una activitat de jocs en equip per començar el dia.En: After breakfast, Marc suggested a team game activity to start the day.Ca: "Podria ser divertit explorar el treball col·laboratiu, no creus?En: "It could be fun to explore collaborative work, don't you think?"Ca: ", va dir amb entusiasme.En: he said enthusiastically.Ca: Però Laia no va semblar impressionada.En: But Laia didn't seem impressed.Ca: "Crec que hauríem de començar amb els tallers planificats", va respondre, una mica seca.En: "I think we should start with the planned workshops," she replied, a bit dryly.Ca: Amb el pas de les hores, la tensió va anar augmentant entre ells.En: As the hours passed, the tension between them grew.Ca: Els integrants del grup, enmig de les seves converses, comentaven la rigidesa de l'horari.En: The group members, in the midst of their conversations, commented on the rigidity of the schedule.Ca: Marc veia la incomoditat i va decidir fer un pas valent.En: Marc saw the discomfort and decided to take a bold step.Ca: "Parlem, Laia.En: "Let's talk, Laia.Ca: Si combinem una mica els nostres plans?En: How about we combine some of our plans?"Ca: ", va proposar, tractant de trobar un equilibri.En: he proposed, trying to find a balance.Ca: La resposta no va arribar fins que la pluja sorpresa va interrompre la seva caminada.En: The response didn't come until a surprise rain interrupted their hike.Ca: Tots es van aixoplugar sota un gran avet, les fulles ennegrides per l'aigua.En: Everyone took shelter under a large fir tree, the leaves darkened by the water.Ca: En aquell moment, en la seva fragilitat compartida, Marc i Laia van començar a veure les coses d'una altra manera.En: In that moment, in their shared vulnerability, Marc and Laia began to see things differently.Ca: "Potser un camí mixt seria millor", va admetre Laia, mentre intentava tapar-se amb una jaqueta.En: "Maybe a mixed approach would be better," Laia admitted, while trying to cover herself with a jacket.Ca: Marc va somriure, agraït per la comprensió.En: Marc smiled, grateful for the understanding.Ca: "I podem començar amb els teus tallers després de dinar", va dir amb optimisme.En: "And we can start with your workshops after lunch," he said optimistically.Ca: Amb el nou horari, el grup va sentir una renovada energia.En: With the new schedule, the group felt a renewed energy.Ca: L'equilibri entre treball i lleure va aportar força als vincles personals i va facilitar el treball en equip.En: The balance between work and leisure strengthened personal bonds and facilitated teamwork.Ca: Al final del retir, els somriures eren genuïns, i l'harmonia, palpable.En: By the end of the retreat, the smiles were genuine, and the harmony, palpable.Ca: Marc havia après a defensar les seves idees, mentre que Laia havia trobat la bellesa en la flexibilitat.En: Marc had learned to stand up for his ideas, while Laia had found beauty in flexibility.Ca: Montserrat, amb la seva majestat silenciosa, havia sigut testimoni d'aquesta important resolució.En: Montserrat, with its silent majesty, had been witness to this important resolution.Ca: Al baixar de la muntanya, el grup estava unit, preparat per afrontar nous reptes amb força i confiança.En: As they descended the mountain, the group was united, ready to face new challenges with strength and confidence. Vocabulary Words:the morning: el matíthe wind: el ventthe leaf: la fullathe face: el rostrethe participant: el participantsleepy: adormitthe camp: el campamentthe success: l'èxitthe breakfast: l'esmorzarenthusiasm: l'entusiasmerigidity: la rigidesathe schedule: l'horaribold: valentthe hike: la caminadathe shelter: l'aixoplucthe fir tree: l'avetdarkened: ennegritvulnerability: la fragilitatthe balance: l'equilibrithe harmony: l'harmoniagenuine: genuíthe retreat: el retirthe mountain: la muntanyathe challenge: el reptedetermined: deciditthe rain: la plujathe jacket: la jaquetathe resolution: la resolucióflexibility: la flexibilitatthe majesty: la majestat

En este episodio absolutamente fascinante desde Valencia, recibimos a Josep Guijarro, uno de los mayores expertos en fenómeno OVNI de España y cronista del misterio catalán. Hablamos sin filtros sobre las recientes revelaciones del Congreso de los Estados Unidos, las declaraciones de David Grush, y por qué estamos viviendo el momento más extraño de la historia de la ufología. Josep nos desvela casos escalofriantes como los suicidios de Carrasa de 1972, nos lleva a la montaña de Montserrat y su relación con los avistamientos, y plantea preguntas perturbadoras: ¿Son los OVNIS visitantes del espacio, entidades de otras dimensiones, o algo mucho más cercano a lo espiritual? Además, exploramos la teoría de los alienígenas ancestrales, las conexiones entre civilizaciones separadas por miles de años, y por qué las élites podrían estar controlándonos mediante el miedo y la desinformación. Un viaje apasionante entre la ciencia, el misterio y la conspiración. Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Unraveling the Mysteries: Discovering Montserrat's Secret Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-11-19-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: A l'aire aspre de la tardor, el sol es ponia darrere les agulles de la muntanya de Montserrat.En: In the harsh autumn air, the sun set behind the peaks of Montserrat mountain.Ca: Els cims escarpats es perfilaven contra el cel, un recordatori omnipresent de la història i els misteris de Catalunya.En: The rugged summits outlined against the sky, serving as an omnipresent reminder of the history and mysteries of Catalunya.Ca: Martí, un historiador local amb ulls brillants de curiositat, caminava pel camí costerut cap al monestir.En: Martí, a local historian with eyes bright with curiosity, walked the steep path to the monastery.Ca: Al seu costat, Núria, una excursionista escèptica, l'acompanyava amb passos decidits.En: Beside him, Núria, a skeptical hiker, accompanied him with determined steps.Ca: Núria era una amant de la natura que sempre buscava explicacions lògiques a les coses, però en secret li captivaven els misteris no resolts.En: Núria was a nature lover who always sought logical explanations for things, but secretly, the unresolved mysteries captivated her.Ca: El monestir havia patit una pèrdua inesperada: la desaparició d'un antic artefacte que es deia que estava vinculat a una llegenda oblidada.En: The monastery had suffered an unexpected loss: the disappearance of an ancient artifact said to be linked to a forgotten legend.Ca: Martí, en la seva ànsia de reconeixement, volia trobar-lo.En: Martí, with his eagerness for recognition, wanted to find it.Ca: Núria, que a la superfície desitjava provar que no hi havia res de màgic, no podia evitar sentir una punxada d'interès.En: Núria, who outwardly desired to prove there was nothing magical, couldn't help but feel a twinge of interest.Ca: "Hi anem," va dir Martí amb determinació, mentre s'endinsaven per un camí poc conegut darrere les parets del monestir.En: "Let's go," said Martí with determination, as they ventured onto a little-known path behind the monastery walls.Ca: Núria sospirava, barreja de dubte i fascinació.En: Núria sighed, a mix of doubt and fascination.Ca: No volia creure en històries, però l'atracció del desconegut la motivava a seguir endavant.En: She didn't want to believe in stories, but the allure of the unknown motivated her to keep going.Ca: La muntanya era un laberint de roques i senderons amagats.En: The mountain was a labyrinth of rocks and hidden trails.Ca: Exploraven durant hores sense trobar pista.En: They explored for hours without finding any clues.Ca: L'aire es feia cada cop més fred i feia olor de fulles mortes.En: The air grew colder and smelled of dead leaves.Ca: Malgrat les dificultats, van seguir el seu instint fins a trobar una entrada mig oculta entre les roques.En: Despite the difficulties, they followed their instincts until they found a partially hidden entrance among the rocks.Ca: Amb nervis i excitació, van descobrir una cambra secreta.En: With nerves and excitement, they discovered a secret chamber.Ca: A dins, les parets estaven gravades amb símbols antics i, al centre, un petit pedestal buit indicava el lloc on hauria estat l'artefacte.En: Inside, the walls were engraved with ancient symbols, and at the center, a small empty pedestal indicated where the artifact would have been.Ca: Martí i Núria es miraven, compartint un moment de comprensió sense paraules.En: Martí and Núria looked at each other, sharing a moment of wordless understanding.Ca: "Potser, aquesta és la prova que la llegenda és real," va admetre Núria, amb la veu esmorteïda per l'admiració.En: "Perhaps this is proof that the legend is real," admitted Núria, her voice muted by admiration.Ca: Martí sabia que havia trobat més del que esperava.En: Martí knew he had found more than he expected.Ca: No era el reconeixement el que realment importava, sinó la veritat que havien desenterrat junts.En: It wasn't recognition that truly mattered, but the truth they had unearthed together.Ca: A mesura que sortien de la cambra, amb el cor ple d'emoció, van saber que la història restant a Montserrat era complexa.En: As they left the chamber, hearts full of excitement, they knew the story remaining at Montserrat was complex.Ca: El més important era la descoberta i el compartir d'aquest coneixement amb els altres.En: The most important thing was the discovery and sharing of this knowledge with others.Ca: Núria va acceptar que alguns misteris poden coexistir amb la realitat i va abraçar el seu nou interès pel desconegut.En: Núria accepted that some mysteries can coexist with reality and embraced her new interest in the unknown.Ca: Des d'aquell dia, la muntanya de Montserrat esdevingué encara més especial per Martí i Núria.En: From that day on, the mountain of Montserrat became even more special for Martí and Núria.Ca: Tot i que havien trobat el que buscaven, la trama de mites, història i natura havia creat un nou vincle entre ells, un misteri que roman part de la seva pròpia història compartida.En: Although they had found what they were looking for, the weave of myths, history, and nature had created a new bond between them, a mystery that remains part of their own shared story. Vocabulary Words:the air: l'aireharsh: asprethe peaks: les agullesrugged: escarpatthe local historian: l'historiador localthe monastery: el monestirskeptical: escèpticdetermined: deciditthe path: el camíunexpected: inesperatancient: anticthe artifact: l'artefactelinked: vinculatthe legend: la llegendathe eagerness: l'ansietatrecognition: reconeixementthe allure: l'atraccióthe unknown: el desconegutthe labyrinth: el laberinttrails: senderonsthe clue: la pistathe entrance: l'entradapartially: migthe chamber: la cambraengraved: gravatthe symbols: els símbolsthe pedestal: el pedestalwordless: sense paraulesthe discovery: la descobertaunearth: desenterrar

En este episodio especial grabado en directo durante el II Congreso de Misterio e Historia de Valencia, DÍAS EXTRAÑOS ofrece uno de sus programas más emotivos e intensos. Comenzamos recordando la tragedia de la DANA de 2024 con testimonios desgarradores de Maika y Carlos, supervivientes y voluntarios que vivieron el horror en primera persona. Luego, un momento de magia con Luis Antonio Muñoz y el experimento del piano que nos conecta con la belleza de lo efímero. Josep Guijarro nos adentra en el fascinante mundo de los no identificados, desde las revelaciones de David Grush hasta los misterios de Montserrat. Y cerramos con Manuel Martín Loeches explorando los mayores enigmas: nuestro propio cerebro, las emociones y la consciencia. Un programa que mezcla lágrimas, asombro y conocimiento a partes iguales. Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: From Storm to Harmony: Saving La Castanyada Festival Together Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-11-15-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: L'aire de tardor a Montserrat era fresc i net, i el petit poble es preparava per celebrar La Castanyada.En: The autumn air in Montserrat was fresh and clean, and the small town was preparing to celebrate La Castanyada.Ca: Núria caminava pel carrer amb els braços plens de fulls i llistats.En: Núria walked down the street with her arms full of sheets and lists.Ca: Era el dia abans del festival escolar, i ella havia de tenir-ho tot a punt.En: It was the day before the school festival, and she had to have everything ready.Ca: El poble s'estenia als peus de la muntanya, amb els seus edificis de pedra i els boscos al voltant.En: The town stretched out at the foot of the mountain, with its stone buildings and surrounding forests.Ca: "Núria!" va cridar Carles a l'altra banda del carrer.En: “Núria!” shouted Carles from across the street.Ca: Ell vestia una samarreta desgastada i un somriure relaxat.En: He wore a worn-out t-shirt and had a relaxed smile.Ca: Es va apropar corrents.En: He approached running.Ca: "Estàs massa estressada."En: “You're too stressed.”Ca: "Carles, no tinc temps per relaxar-me", va dir Núria, ajustant els papers a les mans.En: “Carles, I don't have time to relax,” said Núria, adjusting the papers in her hands.Ca: "Encara falta decorar, organitzar les activitats i verificar els artistes!"En: “There's still decorating to do, organizing the activities, and checking on the performers!”Ca: Carles la va mirar amb un somriure.En: Carles looked at her with a smile.Ca: "Per això estic aquí. Deixa'm ajudar."En: “That's why I'm here. Let me help.”Ca: "Núria", va intervenir una veu tímida.En: “Núria,” a timid voice interjected.Ca: Era Jordi, el nou alumne.En: It was Jordi, the new student.Ca: Ell sempre estava silenciós, amagant-se darrere dels llibres.En: He was always quiet, hiding behind books.Ca: "També puc ajudar."En: “I can help too.”Ca: Núria dubtava.En: Núria hesitated.Ca: No estava segura si els seus amics podrien complir amb les seves expectatives.En: She wasn't sure if her friends could meet her expectations.Ca: Però sabia que necessitava suport.En: But she knew she needed support.Ca: "Bé, d'acord.En: “Well, okay.Ca: Carles, pots encarregar-te de la decoració.En: Carles, can you take care of the decorations?Ca: Jordi, necessitaria algú que pugui anar preparant la música."En: Jordi, I need someone who can start preparing the music.”Ca: Va arribar el dia del festival i Núria estava nerviosa.En: The day of the festival arrived, and Núria was nervous.Ca: Tot semblava anar bé fins que va començar a ploure.En: Everything seemed to be going well until it started to rain.Ca: Un xàfec fort va sorprendre a tothom.En: A heavy downpour surprised everyone.Ca: Els preparatius exteriors s'havien desfet en minuts.En: The outdoor preparations were ruined in minutes.Ca: Núria va sentir el pànic apoderant-se d'ella.En: Núria felt panic take over her.Ca: Però aleshores, Carles es va apropar amb decisió.En: But then Carles approached with determination.Ca: "Traslladem-ho tot al gimnàs.En: “Let's move everything to the gym.Ca: Ràpid."En: Quickly.”Ca: Amb l'ajuda dels altres estudiants, van moure taules, guirnaldes, i castanyes al cobert del gimnàs.En: With the help of the other students, they moved tables, garlands, and chestnuts to the shelter of the gym.Ca: Núria va veure com Jordi agafava la seva guitarra i es col·locava a un racó de l'escenari improvisat.En: Núria saw Jordi take his guitar and position himself in a corner of the improvised stage.Ca: Va començar a tocar una melodia entranyable, una cançó tradicional catalana que va captivar a tothom.En: He began to play a touching melody, a traditional Catalan song that captivated everyone.Ca: Els rostres preocupats dels vilatans es van il·luminar i l'ambient es va omplir de calidesa, malgrat la pluja de fora.En: The worried faces of the townspeople lit up, and the atmosphere filled with warmth despite the rain outside.Ca: Núria va respirar profundament i va somriure.En: Núria took a deep breath and smiled.Ca: Havien aconseguit salvar el festival.En: They had managed to save the festival.Ca: Quan el dia va acabar, Núria es va adonar que no podia haver-ho fet sola.En: When the day ended, Núria realized she couldn't have done it alone.Ca: Els seus amics eren part essencial del projecte.En: Her friends were an essential part of the project.Ca: "Gràcies, Carles.En: “Thank you, Carles.Ca: Gràcies, Jordi", va dir amb sinceritat.En: Thank you, Jordi,” she said sincerely.Ca: I així, enmig de les llums càlides del gimnàs, amb el so de la guitarra de Jordi omplint l'aire, Núria va aprendre que ser líder significava també confiar i treballar amb els altres.En: And so, amid the warm lights of the gym, with the sound of Jordi's guitar filling the air, Núria learned that being a leader also meant trusting and working with others.Ca: El festival s'havia convertit en un èxit gràcies a tots.En: The festival had become a success thanks to everyone. Vocabulary Words:autumn: la tardorfresh: frescfestival: el festivaltown: el poblemountain: la muntanyastone: la pedraforest: el boscstressed: estressadadecorate: decoraractivity: l'activitatperformer: l'artistahesitate: dubtarexpectation: l'expectativasupport: el suportrain: la plujadownpour: el xàfecpanic: el pànicshelter: el cobertguitar: la guitarramelody: la melodiatraditional: tradicionalsong: la cançócaptivate: captivarvillager: el vilatàwarmth: la calidesabreathe: respiraressential: essencialleader: el lídertrust: confiarsuccess: l'èxit

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Blending Traditions: A Heartwarming Family Compromise Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-11-12-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El sol d'octubre brillava sobre les fulles daurades que cobriren el jardí de la casa familiar.En: The October sun shone on the golden leaves that covered the garden of the family home.Ca: A dins, Montserrat estava enfeinada a la cuina, bullint una gran olla d'escudella amb la menta del pati.En: Inside, Montserrat was busy in the kitchen, boiling a large pot of escudella with mint from the yard.Ca: Era diumenge i tota la família venia a dinar.En: It was Sunday, and the whole family was coming for lunch.Ca: La llar de foc cremava suaument, escalfant l'ambient del menjador, on una taula llarga estava parada amb vaixelles que brillaven.En: The fireplace burned softly, warming the atmosphere of the dining room, where a long table was set with shining dishes.Ca: Pere, el fill de Montserrat, ja havia arribat amb les seves tres filles.En: Pere, Montserrat's son, had already arrived with his three daughters.Ca: Ell era un home d'idees noves, sempre ple d'entusiasme per canviar les tradicions.En: He was a man with new ideas, always full of enthusiasm for changing traditions.Ca: Avui, tenia una proposta.En: Today, he had a proposal.Ca: "Pare," va dir Pere somrient, "què et sembla si enguany fem les festes d'hivern a la muntanya? Podem provar coses noves, potser fins i tot fer un àpat diferent."En: "Father," Pere said with a smile, "how about we spend the winter holidays in the mountains this year? We could try new things, maybe even have a different meal."Ca: Montserrat va deixar la cullera i va girar-se cap a Pere amb el front arrugat.En: Montserrat put down the spoon and turned to Pere with a furrowed brow.Ca: "A la muntanya?" va repetir.En: "In the mountains?" she repeated.Ca: "Sempre fem el Nadal a casa, amb el pessebre i la sopa de galets..."En: "We always celebrate Christmas at home, with the nativity scene and the sopa de galets..."Ca: Laia, la filla gran de Pere, estava asseguda al sofà, observant la conversa.En: Laia, Pere's eldest daughter, was sitting on the couch, observing the conversation.Ca: Sabia que el seu pare tenia idees molt modernes, però també entenia el significat de les tradicions per la seva àvia.En: She knew her father had very modern ideas, but she also understood the significance of traditions for her grandmother.Ca: La tensió es palpava en l'ambient i Laia va decidir intervenir.En: The tension was palpable in the air, and Laia decided to intervene.Ca: "Per què no busquem una mica de compromís?" suggerí Laia.En: "Why don't we look for a bit of compromise?" Laia suggested.Ca: "Podem portar el pessebre a la muntanya i menjar els galets sota els estels. Així tindríem les dues coses."En: "We could bring the nativity scene to the mountains and eat the galets under the stars. That way, we'd have both things."Ca: Montserrat va mirar Laia, sorpresa.En: Montserrat looked at Laia, surprised.Ca: Pere va aixecar les celles, considerant.En: Pere raised his eyebrows, considering.Ca: Tots dos, amb l'ajuda de Laia, van reflexionar sobre l'opció.En: Both, with Laia's help, pondered the option.Ca: Després de la crema catalana, les discussions es van suavitzar.En: After the crema catalana, the discussions softened.Ca: Montserrat ho va pensar millor.En: Montserrat thought it over.Ca: "Laia té una bona idea," va admetre finalment.En: "Laia has a good idea," she finally admitted.Ca: "Podem provar-ho aquest any."En: "We can try it this year."Ca: Així, la família va trobar una manera d'acollir les noves idees sense perdre les seves estimades tradicions.En: Thus, the family found a way to embrace new ideas without losing their beloved traditions.Ca: Montserrat va comprendre que, per mantenir la família unida, era important adaptar-se, però també preservar el que és valuós.En: Montserrat understood that, to keep the family together, it was important to adapt, but also to preserve what is valuable.Ca: Quan les últimes fulles de la tardor van caure, la casa de Montserrat es va omplir d'una nova esperança per al futur, amb la calidesa d'un amor familiar renovat.En: When the last autumn leaves fell, Montserrat's house was filled with a new hope for the future, with the warmth of a renewed family love. Vocabulary Words:the sun: el solthe leaves: les fullesthe fireplace: la llar de focto shine: brillarto boil: bullirto burn: cremarenthusiasm: entusiasmethe tension: la tensiócompromise: compromísthe mountain: la muntanyathe spoon: la cullerapalpable: palpableto ponder: reflexionarthe hope: l'esperançato adapt: adaptar-sevaluable: valuósthe brow: el frontto intervene: intervenirmodern: modernesto admit: admetreto preserve: preservarto suggest: suggerirto observe: observarthe nativity scene: el pessebreto celebrate: celebrarfull of: ple dethe dining room: el menjadorthe dishes: les vaixelleswith a furrowed brow: amb el front arrugatto embrace: acollir

In this empowering episode of The Entrepreneurial You, Heneka Watkis-Porter sits down with Nerissa Golden, author, speaker, and fearless entrepreneur, to talk about what it truly means to trust your intuition, embrace faith, and step courageously into your God-given purpose. Nerissa shares her bold journey of walking away from her prestigious role as the first Director of Information for the Government of Montserrat — a life-changing decision that tested her faith and strengthened her trust in God's plan. Through honesty and vulnerability, she reveals how surrendering to divine guidance can unlock freedom, peace, and success far beyond what logic can offer. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to trust your intuition when logic says otherwise The difference between fear-driven and faith-driven decisions How to overcome fear in business and step into your purpose Why prayer and worship are essential weapons against fear Practical lessons from Live Fearless: A Christian Entrepreneur's Guide to Life and Business COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Now it's time for one of my favourite parts of the show — Community Connection! This is the moment where I get to pause and connect directly with you — our incredible listener. I absolutely love hearing how these conversations are inspiring your journey, shaping your leadership, and helping you grow into the phenomenal entrepreneur you were created to be. Today's message comes from Tashana Lindsay, a graduate of the Grace to Grow Cohort 5 & 6, who shared this beautiful note following our celebration at LeaderHouse Kingston: “Remarkable, remarkable, remarkable — and again I say remarkable! It was such a wonderful experience for me. THUMBS UP to everyone — you all felt like family. Now, let's shine and pay this beautiful grace forward! Thank you, Heneka.” Thank you so much, Tashana, for sharing your heart! Your words remind us what this community is all about — connection, courage, and paying grace forward. CONTACT NERISSA GOLDEN: Instagram: instagram.com/trulynerissagolden LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nerissagolden Facebook: facebook.comnerissa.golden GIVE AWAY: Fearless Quiz and get a personalised strategy and access to my free fearless living course. TRENDING NOW: According to Forbes 2025, almost 72% of female entrepreneurs cite fear of failure as their primary barrier to scaling. Yet, research from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor shows that women who blend purpose with profit now lead 48% of new business innovations. Nerissa's brand of fearless entrepreneurship is what more of the world needs right now. If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Visit henekawatkisporter.com to download a free eBook on how to conduct podcast interviews like a pro! RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY: Discover more episodes that offer valuable insights, inspiration, and practical tips to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Rewrite Your Story: Human Behavior as the Key to Leadership and Growth With Carly Pepin Time Freedom: The Secret Weapon for Entrepreneurs and Executives With Renee Hastings AFFIRM WITH ME: I am fearless, faithful, and fully equipped for the purpose God has placed within me. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: Spotify: https://bit.ly/TEYSpotify Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2nDEbsZ POWERED BY OUR SPONSORS: Thanks to our sponsors henekawatkisporter.com & the Jamaica Stock Exchange Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices