The A to Z English Podcast Jack McBain

Become a monthly subscriber for just $1.99 per month and receive an additional two to three episodes per week!
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-content
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss the following three idiomatic expressions:

Out of the blue:
Definition: Unexpectedly or without warning; something happening suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: "I hadn't spoken to my old friend in years, but then out of the blue, she sent me an email asking how I was doing."

Take it with a grain of salt:
Definition: To be skeptical about something; not to completely believe or trust something.
Example: "The tabloids reported that the celebrity was getting married again, but we should take it with a grain of salt until we hear it from a reliable source."

Give it a shot:
Definition: To attempt or try something; to give something a try, especially when facing uncertainty or difficulty.
Example: "I've never played golf before, but I'm willing to give it a shot and see how it goes."

Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-out-of-the-blue-take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt-and-give-it-a-shot/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Free
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become a monthly subscriber for just $1.99 per month and receive an additional two to three episodes per week!
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-content
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about why it's still important for adults to learn a new language.
Transcript:
00:00:00
Jack
Hey A-Z listeners, this is Jack here.
00:00:03
Jack
And if you would like to become a an exclusive subscriber to the show, you can hit the link in the description and that will take you to our Red Circle page, where for $1.99 a month you will get access to an extra two or three episodes each week.
00:00:23
Jack
And be careful, don't hit that donation button if you want to become an exclusive subscriber because the donation button is just a one time donation. However, the exclusive subscriber button will give you access to the extra two or three episodes.
00:00:42
Jack
Each week.
00:00:44
Jack
So make sure you hit that exclusive subscriber button if you want access to the extra episodes.
00:00:52
Jack
Now let's get on with the show.
00:00:56
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are doing a topic talk and the topic of today's conversation is why you are never too old to learn a language and such a I just went online and did a little bit of research.
00:01:18
Jack
And I found five pretty interesting reasons why you're never too old to learn a language, and the first one is about near neuroplasticity.
00:01:29
Xochitl
Oh, interesting.
00:01:30
Jack
And so yeah, and it's it's it says here while it's true that children often have an easier time picking up languages due to their brains, high level of neuroplasticity, which means ability to adapt and change, adults can still learn new languages.
00:01:50
Jack
Effectively, research has shown that the adult brain remains capable of forming new neural connections.
00:01:58
Jack
Actions and adapting to new linguistic challenges, albeit at a different pace than children, so it's not like we have zero ability to learn a language and and build new neural pathways, but it's not the same as when we're like in the the critical age when you know.
00:02:18
Jack
Whatever that might be, five to three years old.
00:02:21
Jack
You know, I don't know. Thirteen years old or whatever, so yeah.
00:02:25
발표자
Right, right.
00:02:26
Xochitl
Yeah. OK. I think that's very interesting. I've heard before on theories that if you learn two or more languages as a balanced bilingual from childhood that you're also more able to pick up new languages. But even if you hadn't, even if you are monolingual.
00:02:44
Xochitl
And you never learned more than one language growing up. I think research shows that adults, it's it's beginning to show at an increasing weight that adults still retain quite a bit of neuroplasticity. Right, so I think.
00:03:02
Xochitl
Yeah, that just gives you every more reason to have faith that you can learn another language and a lot of the world has light up on us because they have learned two or more languages.
00:03:15
Xochitl
From a young age so.
00:03:17
Jack
Yeah. And this one kind of dovetails nicely. It connects with the one later, which is cognitive benefits. You know, like the like, holding off dementia and stuff like that is creating new neural pathways in your brain, you know, so neurons are making new connections.
00:03:28
발표자
Yep.
00:03:36
Jack
This is a good thing, like it's a it's a good practice. It's like exercise for your brain, you know, it's like working out your brain. So yeah, definitely a good thing. And I also I wanted to say one more thing about what you said about bilingual children.
00:03:44
Xochitl
Right.
00:03:56
Jack
Cause my daughter is a a balanced bilingual just like you.
00:04:00
Jack
Bar and I think there's something that children learn early that that we don't, that I didn't learn till I was older and that is that language

Become a monthly subscriber for just $1.99 per month and receive an additional two to three episodes per week!
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-content
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about fillers English speakers often use.

English language fillers are words or phrases that people use in speech to fill pauses or gaps in conversation. Here are some common ones:

Um / Uh: Used to indicate hesitation or to fill a pause while thinking.
Well: Often used to introduce a statement, express agreement, or to indicate that you're considering something.
So: Frequently used to transition between topics or to start a new thought.
You know: Used to seek validation from the listener or to emphasize a point.
Like: Often used as a filler word, especially among younger speakers, to pause or emphasize a point.
I mean: Used to clarify or rephrase a statement.
Actually: Used to add emphasis or correction to a statement.
Basically: Often used to simplify or summarize a complex idea.
Well, you see: Used to begin an explanation or to introduce reasoning.
In a way / In a sense: Used to qualify or add nuance to a statement.

Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-fillers/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Free
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become a monthly subscriber for just $1.99 per month and receive an additional two to three episodes per week!
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-content
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack explain the meanings of several phrasal verbs using the verb "push."

Push around: This phrasal verb means to treat someone in a bossy or unfair manner, often by using one's authority or physical strength. For example:
"The new manager likes to push around junior staff members to assert her authority."
"Don't let him push you around like that; stand up for yourself!"
Push for: This phrasal verb means to advocate for or strongly support something, often in a determined or persistent manner. For example:
"The environmental activists are pushing for stricter regulations on pollution."
"The union is pushing for better working conditions for its members."
Push through: This phrasal verb means to overcome obstacles or resistance in order to achieve something, often by using determination or force. For example:
"Despite facing numerous challenges, she managed to push through and complete her project on time."
"We need to push through these difficult times together and come out stronger on the other side."

Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/grammar-zone-push-around-push-for-and-push-through/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Free
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become a monthly subscriber for just $1.99 per month and receive an additional two to three episodes per week!
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-content
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack explain the meanings of several expressions which use the word "dead."
Dead on: This phrase means exactly accurate or precise. For example:
"You were dead on with your prediction about the outcome of the game."
"Her aim was dead on, hitting the target every time."
Dead to rights: This expression refers to being caught red-handed or being unmistakably guilty of something. For example:
"The thief was caught dead to rights with the stolen goods in his possession."
"She was caught cheating on the exam, caught dead to rights by the teacher."
Dead as a doornail: This phrase is used to emphasize that something is completely lifeless or inactive. For example:
"After the accident, the engine was dead as a doornail."
"The party was so dull, it felt dead as a doornail within minutes."
Podcast Website:
https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-expressions-using-the-word-dead/
Social Media:
WeChat: atozenglishpodcast
Facebook Group: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/
Tik Tok: @atozenglish1
Instagram: @atozenglish22
Twitter: @atozenglish22
A to Z Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcast
Check out our You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8A
Become a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670
Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7
Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Free
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become a monthly subscriber for just $1.99 per month and receive an additional two to three episodes per week!
https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/exclusive-content
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack share their teenage celebrity crushes!
Transcript:
00:00:01
Jack
Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are doing a topic talk and we're talking about celebrity crushes that you had when you were a kid. OK and social, just for our audiences understanding what is a crush.
00:00:22
Jack
Again, if you have a crush on someone.
00:00:25
Xochitl
A crush is like when you really, really like someone. Kind of like an intense infatuation.
00:00:31
Xochitl
But it's not really based on anything real like like a real connection with that person. It's a lot of what you project on that person, and it's usually based on, like either appearance or small like personality traits that you've acquired through seeing them act or whatever, that you kind of imagined for this person.
00:00:44
발표자
Right.
00:00:50
Jack
And so you you.
00:00:51
Jack
You know, often like, like high school kids will. You'll have a crush on a girl in your class or a guy in your class, but you don't really know that person. You just. But. But it's like, almost like an intense feeling of love. Like it's not real.
00:00:59
발표자
MHM.
00:01:04
Jack
Love. But it's just like it feels like you're you're your chest is being crushed because you're you're so you. Your feelings are so strong for this person. Like they're perfect, you know? Ohh the perfect person. But really in reality you don't know them at all. And they could be awful, you know, so.
00:01:24
발표자
Great.
00:01:25
Jack
Yeah, that's. So we have a thing called celebrity crushes because there's, you know, we're we're surrounded by celebrities all the.
00:01:32
Jack
Time and sometimes we will develop. You know that feeling of like, again, that crush feeling. It's like it's not love or it's not real love, but it's like attraction to a person who you feel like is your soul mate your perfect person, you know.
00:01:47
발표자
Right.
00:01:52
Jack
Like Ohh that's that's my ideal, you know person.
00:01:57
Jack
And so when you were like young, when you're a kid who were your celebrity crushes, like who, who were you, who did you crush on when you were?
00:02:10
Xochitl
Oh boy.
00:02:12
Xochitl
My biggest one was Justin.
00:02:16
Xochitl
Sure.
00:02:17
Jack
Ohh, I was gonna say Justin Timberlake.
00:02:20
Xochitl
No, I I he was too old, I think for my. Yeah, cause. Yeah, Justin Bieber was like my he was a couple years older, like few years. He's a few years older than me, I think. Yeah. And so he was a big celebrity crush of mine when I was probably like, 14 or 30 when I was 13, he was like.
00:02:22
Jack
Yeah, he's like a grandfather.
00:02:39
Xochitl
16 probably and uh.
00:02:41
Jack
Can I ask you a question? So did you have Bieber fever?
00:02:42
Xochitl
Yeah.
00:02:46
Xochitl
God. Yeah, I did. Uh, I thought it was too good to have Beaver fever, but I wasn't. And I didn't like him at the same time that every, like everyone else, already liked him. And I was, like, holding out. And then I saw this interview where he was really nice to this little girl, and it was like I thought it was so cute.
00:03:04
Xochitl
UM.
00:03:06
Jack
And that was before all the facial tattoos and the like neck tattoos.
00:03:09
Xochitl
Yeah, it was. We went kind of crazy and, you know, had a meltdown because he was like he was transitioning from child star to adult star. And I thought he was just so cute. And I had, like, a people bought me, like gifts for my birthday. Like, they bought me both of his.
00:03:12
Jack
Yeah.
00:03:18
발표자
Yeah, yeah.
00:03:27
Xochitl
Like CD's that he had at the time, a lunch box with his face on it.
00:03:32
Xochitl
And I had a huge poster that my sister bought me on my bedr