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Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. :) If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses. Before we start, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast It's completely free! Ok, let's start! Today, I want to talk about something called Diogenes syndrome. It might not be something you're familiar with, but it's a big deal in society. This syndrome is about people accumulating too much stuff in their homes. My friend shared a story with me last week about her dear 80-year-old neighbor who recently passed away. Her children came to clear out the house so they could sell it. It turns out that the poor woman had collected a lot of stuff over the years—furniture, boxes, and more. It seems like she had a habit of collecting things. You might have seen cases like this in the news, or maybe you know someone who just can't seem to throw things away. It's like they have a habit of hoarding stuff. Many people can relate to this—I sometimes have to remind myself to get rid of things I don't need anymore because they start piling up at home. But what I'm talking about here is more extreme. It's a condition where people hoard so much stuff that their homes become overwhelmed with clutter. Ironically, it's named after Diogenes of Sinope, an ancient Greek philosopher who believed in living with very little. People with this syndrome, however, collect things indiscriminately, thinking they might need them one day. While it's not officially classified as a mental illness, it often goes hand in hand with other mental health issues, and it tends to affect older people more. Some experts think it might stem from difficult experiences in the past, like living through a war, where holding onto things was a matter of survival. In the US, when someone has Diogenes syndrome, people try to help them in different ways. Here's what they do: Doctors or nurses might visit their homes to see if they are physically and mentally okay. Mental health experts can talk to them and try to help them feel better. Support from Social Workers: These are people who help others with their problems. They can arrange for someone to clean their house, talk to them about keeping it tidy, and connect them with other helpful services like food or counseling. Keeping in Touch: It's essential to check on them to ensure they get the help they need. Sometimes, the Law Gets Involved: If the person is in danger or putting others in danger, some legal steps might need to be taken to make sure they get the proper care. The goal is always to make sure the person is safe and healthy. It's also essential for more people to learn about Diogenes syndrome so that those who need help can get it sooner. Sometimes, people don't want help, and professionals must respect their choice to live as they please. Research shows that the causes of Diogenes syndrome are complicated—it could be genetic, psychological, or tied to traumatic events. As society ages, we might see more of this syndrome cropping up. It's something policymakers need to think about and take action on. Is it the same where you live? If you have any insights, feel free to share.

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. :) If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses. Ok, let's start! This episode is for my English students who work in finance. But don't worry if you don't! I'll explain marketing and accounting in a way that's easy for everyone to understand. Understanding Marketing Marketing is how businesses tell people about their products or services. Imagine it as a four-letter word: 'P-P-P-P.' 'Product' is what businesses want people to buy. It could be a smartphone, a pizza, or anything they sell. 'Price' is how much money you need to buy the product. It can attract or discourage customers. 'Place' is where you get the product. It can be in a store, online, or at a market. 'Promotion' is how companies advertise their products, like TV ads or online banners. Marketing Vocabulary Let's explore some common marketing terms. 'Advertising' is the commercials you see on TV or the banners you click online. 'Branding' is a company's personality. Think of a famous fast-food restaurant and its logo. 'Market research' is understanding what people like and want so companies can meet their needs. Introduction to Accounting Now, let's talk about accounting. It's like a financial diary for businesses. There are two key things in accounting: 'income' and 'expenses.' 'Income' is the money a company earns, like from sales or services. 'Expenses' are a business's costs, like paying employees or buying materials. Basic Accounting Terms Some essential accounting terms: 'Revenue' is the total sales or money a company makes. 'Expenses' are the costs to run a business. 'Profit' is what's left when you subtract expenses from revenue. A positive number means making money. A 'balance sheet' is like a financial snapshot of a company's assets and debts. The Connection Between Marketing and Accounting Marketing and accounting are partners in business success. Marketing attracts customers, increasing revenue. Accounting measures this success, ensuring a company is profitable and healthy. Now, let's look at the vital connection between marketing and accounting. Think of a business as a ship sailing toward success. Marketing acts like the wind in its sails, driving it forward, while accounting is like the compass that keeps it on the right path. Marketing efforts, such as advertising and promotions, bring in customers. More customers mean higher sales or revenue, which is excellent for a business. Think of marketing as a way to gather a crowd around the ship. However, it's not sufficient to gather a crowd; you must also ensure the ship stays afloat and profitable. This is where accounting comes into play. Accounting checks the ship's financial health. It helps you determine if you're making a profit (when more money comes in than goes out) or if adjustments are necessary. Picture accounting as examining the ship's supplies, making sure it has enough fuel, and ensuring the crew gets paid. So, marketing and accounting cooperate to help businesses succeed. Marketing attracts customers, while accounting closely watches over the ship's finances, ensuring it remains on the correct course toward success. Remember, understanding this connection is crucial for getting the full picture of how businesses operate. Marketing brings people in, and accounting evaluates and guarantees long-term success. Recap and Tips Let's summarize: Marketing spreads the word about products (P-P-P-P Product, Price, Place, Promotion). Accounting tracks money (Income, Expenses, Profit, Balance Sheet). They work together for business success. Practice your new vocabulary by listening to this episode several times during the week. I hope

If you want to save money, listen to this new episode. Last week, we discussed different strategies to save money; now, let's continue learning new tricks. And with a funny mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency. And if you want to get the transcript, then visit my website: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast It's completely free! Ok, let's start! Automate Your Savings Make saving money a habit by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This ensures that a portion of your income is saved automatically each month, reducing the temptation to spend it. Keep Track of Your Expenses Maintain a record of all your expenses to understand where your money goes. You can use a notebook or a smartphone app to record every purchase. This practice helps you identify areas where you might be overspending and where you can cut back. Shop Wisely When shopping, look for sales, discounts, and coupons to save money on everyday items. Consider purchasing generic or store-brand products, often more affordable than brand-name items. Plan your shopping trips and stick to your shopping list to avoid impulse buying. Reduce Utility Costs Save money on utility bills by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and addressing drafts in your home. These small changes can lead to noticeable savings over time. Pay Off High-Interest Debt If you have debt with high-interest rates, such as credit card debt, make it a priority to pay it off. High interest rates can eat into your savings. Allocate extra funds to paying down your high-interest debts and avoid accumulating more. Build an Emergency Fund This is essential for financial security. Do your best to save a few months' living expenses in a separate account. This fund acts as a safety net in case unexpected expenses arise, preventing you from going into debt.  

  Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses. Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast   Ok, let's start!   Do you want to save money? Today, we will explore some simple money-saving tips that are easy to understand and apply. And with a fun story, you will improve your English grammar in context.   Learn Basic Money Vocabulary Before we start talking about ways to save money, let's get to know some important financial terms in English. Knowing these words will help you better understand and handle your finances:   Income: This is the money you earn. Expenses: These are the costs or money you spend. Budget: A budget is a plan for managing your money. Savings: Savings are the money you keep for the future. Debt: Debt is money you owe.   Understanding these words is a great starting point for improving your financial knowledge.   Create a Simple Budget Creating a budget is the first step toward financial control. Start by listing your sources of income, such as your salary or any money you receive. Then, list your regular expenses, like rent or mortgage, groceries, transportation, and bills. A budget helps you see how much money you have left after covering your expenses, which you can allocate to savings.   Prioritize Your Spending It's important to distinguish between essential needs and non-essential wants. Needs are things like housing, food, and utilities—necessities for daily life. Wants are things like dining out, entertainment, or shopping for items that are not essential. Focus on covering your needs first, and allocate any remaining funds to your wants or savings.   Set Clear Savings Goals Identify specific financial goals that matter to you. Perhaps you want to save for unexpected expenses, education, a home, or retirement. Having clear goals provides motivation and direction for your savings efforts.   Great! In a future episode, we will continue learning more about how to save money.

Emily: Would you like to come over for a cuppa? Raquel: Is that like a cupcake or something sweet? Emily: Oh no, a cuppa is just a cup of tea. But I can offer you some cake if you like. Raquel: Sure, I'd love a cuppa and some cake. Get the full transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/285-how-to-make-a-cup-of-tea/ As you already noticed, I love drinking tea, and last week I talked about the history of tea in the UK. But if you're not sure about tea or think you might not like it, don't worry. I'm here to introduce you to different types of tea. I'm sure we can find one you'll really enjoy. And, of course, I'll show you how to make a British cuppa. By the way, you can say 'a cuppa' instead of 'a cup of tea.' People in some places use it a lot. For example, someone might say, 'When I'm tired, I enjoy having a cuppa to relax.' Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses. Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Ok, let's start! In the UK, people enjoy drinking many different kinds of tea. However, the most popular tea in the UK is black tea. Black Tea: People often put milk and sometimes sugar in it. Some famous black teas are English Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Assam, and Darjeeling. Green Tea: is not as popular as black tea in the UK, but some people like it. It's healthy and comes from Japan and China. Herbal teas, such as peppermint and chamomile, are caffeine-free and come in various flavors. People enjoy them because they can have a calming effect. Fruit Chai Chai tea has spices like cinnamon and ginger. Trust me, it's delicious when you add milk and sugar. White Tea: isn't as standard, but some people enjoy it. It's light and has a subtle taste. Oolong Tea: is like black and green tea. And it comes in different flavors. Rooibos Tea: is a caffeine-free tea from South Africa. It has a gentle, sweet, and earthy taste, often with hints of vanilla or honey. In the UK, you can also find specialty blends; teas with unique flavors like flowers, spices, and much more. Get the full transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/285-how-to-make-a-cup-of-tea/  

Do you like tea? I love trying different kinds, especially on cold days. Today, we’ll talk about the British love for tea. And in a future episode, I’ll show you how to make a British-style cup of tea. Hi! I’m Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency. And if you want to get the transcript, then visit my website: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast It’s completely free! Ok, let’s start! Once Upon a Time: Long ago, in the 1600s, tea debuted in the UK. This fancy beverage didn’t magically appear; it came from Portugal. Catherine of Braganza, married to King Charles II, really liked tea and introduced this interesting new habit to the UK. Tea for the Elite: In the early days, tea was rare and expensive, like treasure! People kept their tea in special locked boxes called tea caddies. Back then, only people like the king and queen enjoyed it. Afternoon Tea Parties: In the 1700s, tea became more popular, but it was still costly. Then, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, had a brilliant idea: afternoon tea parties! She invited her friends for tea and snacks in the afternoon, which became a stylish tradition. The Tea Trade: The British East India Company played a huge part in making tea famous in the UK. They established trade relations with China and brought boatloads of tea back. There were even big arguments and fights, like the Opium Wars, over tea and other trading. Tea for Everyone: In the 1800s, tea became more affordable, and people from all walks of life started drinking it. Tea became a daily treat for everyone, including workers and those with a refined taste. A Solution to a Big Problem: In the 1800s, in the UK, many people drank too much alcohol. And it caused a lot of problems. Luckily, some smart people thought tea was a better choice than alcohol. Here’s why: Tea was cheaper: Tea cost less than alcohol, so more people could buy it. Easy to find: You could find tea in many places. It was easy to buy. No harmful effects: Tea didn’t make you sick or misbehave, like alcohol. Good for friends: People liked to meet and drink tea together. It was fun and didn’t make you drunk. Calming: Tea helped people feel calm and relaxed without alcohol.   While tea did not solve all alcohol problems, it was healthier and cheaper for many. It went from being an exclusive drink to something everyone loves. And that’s the short story of tea time in the UK! Enjoy your next cup of tea! In a future episode, I’ll talk about the different types of tea. And I will teach you how to make a proper cup of tea.

In this episode, we'll discuss whether English learners should pick an accent when they're at an intermediate level. And with a short story you will learn grammar in context without any boring rules. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses. Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Ok, let's start! When choosing between learning American or British English, it's crucial to think about your goals and situation. Here are a few reasons why you might prefer one accent over the other: I'll start by sharing my experience. As you may know, I'm also a language learner like you, and I've been learning languages for many years. I've chosen to learn languages by listening to a lot of content. This method has helped me become fluent in several languages, including Spanish. When I began learning Spanish many years ago, I spent much time watching TV shows from South America. This helped me learn new words and understand the language better. Later, I started listening to content from Spain. At first, I noticed the accent was different, but I quickly got used to it because I already had a good foundation. That's when I realized that listening daily is crucial when learning a language. I listened to many of hours of Spanish content before I could speak fluently. So, don't worry too much about which accent to choose at this stage. Right now, your main focus should be on listening. Listen to content that is easy to understand as much as you can. Also, if you are not completely fluent, you should consume content designed for English learners. When I record my podcast episodes, I do my best to speak as clearly as possible to help you understand me better. However, if you want to choose an accent, let's briefly discuss why you might select an American or British accent.   Get the transcript on my website.  https://speakenglishpodcast.com/283-american-or-british-english-which-ones-for-you/

Today, we will talk about how people in America celebrate New Year's Eve. And with a short story you will learn grammar in context without any boring rules. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses. Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast  Let's explore the fun traditions and superstitions that make New Year's Eve special in the USA. #1 Dropping the Ball in Times Square: Perhaps the most iconic New Year's Eve tradition in the USA is the dropping of the ball in Times Square, New York City. Imagine a big, shiny ball made of crystal. Every year, lots of people gather to watch the ball descend when the clock strikes midnight. It's a famous event since 1907, making people happy and hopeful about what's coming next. #2 Kissing at Midnight: Kissing someone at the stroke of midnight is considered a way to ensure that the year ahead will be filled with love and happiness. #3 Parties and Get-Togethers New Year's Eve is a time for friends and family to unite. We have parties where we dance, laugh, and have a great time. We also raise a toast with fizzy wine or champagne to celebrate and wish each other well. But don't confuse 'champagne' with 'shampoo.' It's not as bubbly and won't make your hair smell better! #4 Parades and Fireworks: In many parts of the country, there are parades and fireworks to celebrate the New Year. One of the most famous parades is the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. It's a happy parade with floats decorated with flowers, marching bands, and horses. It's a fun way to begin the new year. #5 Hangover Cure: Some people feel bad the next day after the party, like a headache and a sick stomach. This is called a 'hangover.' People say drinking water and eating breakfast can make you feel better. However, the best way to feel good is to sleep a lot on the first day of the year and wake up on January 2nd feeling fresh and ready! #6 New Year's Resolutions Many Americans like to make "resolutions" for the new year. These are like promises we make to ourselves. For example, we might promise to exercise more, learn something new, or be kinder. But let's be honest: many of us forget our resolutions by February. So, instead of saying we'll exercise every day, maybe we can just promise to enjoy chocolate without feeling bad about it. That's a resolution that's easy to keep!

Today, I will talk about Christmas Markets in New York. And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your speaking. If you need to give something special for Christmas, consider buying my Premium courses. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses and get my English programs at an exceptional price. Ok! Let’s talk about Christmas markets in New York. What are you planning to do at Christmas? I recommend you fly to NYC because the best Christmas markets are here. New York's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Plus, you can make your Christmas shopping a positive and relaxing experience. Bryant Park's Winter Village You could start by visiting Bryant Park's Winter Village. One of the highlights of this market is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which is free to use if you bring your skates. FAD Market And after ice skating, you could visit the FAD Market. Each season, the FAD market — for Fashion, Art, and Design - takes over a different Brooklyn venue with many independent vendors and creators. Here, you'll find New York City's emerging brands, designers, and small businesses offering a curated selection of handmade jewelry, clothing, skincare, tableware, and much more. Columbus Circle Holiday Market After all of this activity, you should go to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is one of the most iconic holiday markets. The uptown counterpart to the Union Square Holiday Market offers shoppers a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Get the full text here: speakenglishpodcast.com/281-christmas-markets/

Hi! Today, we will discuss "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. This story is about kindness and how people can change, especially during Christmas. So, let's dive into Ebenezer Scrooge's story together! Get the TRANSCRIPT on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/280-a-christmas-carol-by-charles-dickens-for-beginners/ "A Christmas Carol" is about a man named Ebenezer Scrooge. He doesn't like Christmas, and he's mean to everyone, even his worker, Bob Cratchit. One cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge gets a visit from the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, who is wrapped in chains. Marley tells Scrooge that he'll be in chains, too, if he doesn't change his ways. Scrooge is visited by three more ghosts—the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. They show him his past, his present, and a scary future. In the past, Scrooge sees when he was young and kinder. In the present, he sees people enjoying Christmas, even if they don't have much money. He especially sees Bob Cratchit and his family, who are poor but happy. The scariest part is when he meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This ghost shows him a future where nobody cares about Scrooge because he's so mean. Scrooge realizes he doesn't want this future. He wants to change and feels happy when he wakes up on Christmas morning. He starts being kind and helps people. Not only that, but he gives money to charity, gives more money to Bob Cratchit, and takes care of Tiny Tim, who is very sick. "A Christmas Carol" shows us that we can always choose to be kind, and Christmas is a time to love and share. Here are the themes of the novel: Change and Kindness: This story shows us that people can change and become kinder if they want to. Family and Togetherness: The Cratchit family's love reminds us that family is important even when they don't have much. Giving and Joy: Christmas is about giving and making others happy. "A Christmas Carol" is a story that reminds us to be kind, especially during Christmas. Whether you hear it for the first time or again, it's a story that warms our hearts. Get the TRANSCRIPT on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/280-a-christmas-carol-by-charles-dickens-for-beginners/  

In a previous episode, we talked about the mouse, the keyboard, and the screen. Today, we'll learn about more parts of a computer. And with a short story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your English fluency. If you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks. Before we start, get the transcript of this episode for free. At: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Ok, let's continue learning about computer parts: Now, let's talk about 'RAM.' RAM stands for 'Random Access Memory.' RAM is like a computer's working memory. It's where the computer keeps things while doing tasks, just like our brains remember stuff when we're busy. My old computer only had 8 megabytes of RAM. It's like having a small desk – you can only put a few things on it at once. Nowadays, computers have much more RAM, at least 8 gigabytes, which is like having a big desk with lots of space. This helps modern computers work faster and better. Another essential part of a computer is 'storage.' This is where we keep our files, such as photos and documents. The computer stores these files on a 'hard drive,' like a giant digital cabinet for our stuff. In the past, when we wanted to move information from one computer to another, we used something called a 'floppy disk.' A floppy disk was a small, flat, plastic thing that could only hold a tiny bit of information, like one page from a book. It was like using a small bag to carry your digital things. Today, we have much better ways to store our files. We use something called the 'cloud,' which is like a magical place on the internet where we can keep lots of information safely.  Examples of cloud services include 'iCloud' from Apple, 'Google Drive,' 'Microsoft OneDrive,' and 'Dropbox.' It's like having a big online storage room where you can keep your digital stuff. The closest thing we have now to a floppy disk is a 'flash drive.' It's a tiny device that can hold much information, like a small digital bag for your files. Before flash drives, we used something else called 'CDs.' A CD was like a flat, round disc that could hold more information than a floppy disk. It was like a small, thin plate. Get the full text here:  https://speakenglishpodcast.com/279-my-first-computer-and-new-alternatives-part2/

Tom (Being serious): Hey, do we have to send thank you notes to everyone we've ever met for Thanksgiving? James (Laughing): Oh no, it's not like that! Thanksgiving is more about enjoying turkey and pie with family and friends, not writing thank you notes to everyone! Hi! Welcome to a special podcast about Thanksgiving! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and I want to tell you about Thanksgiving. Before we start, get the transcript of this episode for free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Also, if you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks. Ok, let's start! Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US and Canada. It's a special day when people express their gratitude for things like family and food. Why People Celebrate this holiday: Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for good things. Many people have a big meal with family and friends. When It Is Celebrated: Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, it's on the second Monday of October. Where It Is Celebrated: People celebrate Thanksgiving in their homes or with family in other places. Others travel to be with family. What's the origin of this holiday? Thanksgiving began long ago when Pilgrims from England came to America on a ship called the Mayflower. Pilgrims are people who have a tough journey because of their religion, and these ones came to America so they could practice their religion freely. When they came to America, it was tough. It was cold, and they didn't have much food. But Native Americans, showed the Pilgrims how to grow food like corn, beans, and squash. In 1621, the Pilgrims had a good harvest during the fall because of what they learned from the Native Americans. So they had a big meal together to say thank you and celebrate. The feast is known as the first Thanksgiving. Since then, Thanksgiving has been a special day when people come together with their families. They usually eat turkey, potatoes, veggies, and pie. Some people also watch parades and football games on TV. As you can see, Thanksgiving is a wonderful day celebrated in the United States and Canada. Even if you're from another place, it's good to remember that Thanksgiving is all about being thankful and enjoying time with your loved ones.