Episodes

  • Roberto in America 2 | Pizza, Fashion, Roommates, and Coffee
    Nov 26 2024

    In this episode of Roberto in America, follow Roberto as he navigates the colorful, quirky, and often confusing aspects of daily life in New York City. From tackling giant slices of New York pizza to decoding the mysteries of American coffee culture, Roberto’s adventures are packed with humor, cultural insights, and valuable lessons for anyone adjusting to life in a new country.

    Highlights:

    1. Pizza Surprise: Roberto gets his first taste of the famous New York slice and discovers that pizza here is not just food—it’s a way of life. Between folding his oversized slice and learning the difference between a “slice” and a “pie,” Roberto bonds with locals and uncovers the true flavor of New York culture.
    2. Shopping for Style: Determined to blend in with the city’s bold fashion trends, Roberto dives into the world of graphic tees, oversized sneakers, and the mystery of American clothing sizes. What starts as a wardrobe disaster turns into a hilarious journey of self-expression, confidence, and unexpected compliments.
    3. Meet the Roommate: Moving into a shared apartment introduces Roberto to Jake, his serious, science-obsessed roommate. Between cooking garlic-heavy meals, air-drying clothes everywhere, and playing his guitar during study time, Roberto learns the art of compromise and discovers that even opposites can become friends.
    4. Banking Blunder: Opening a bank account in America turns into a comedy of errors as Roberto grapples with unfamiliar terms like "checking," "savings," and "PIN." With patient guidance from a friendly bank employee, Roberto takes one more step toward mastering life in New York—though he’s still not sure what “interest” really means.
    5. Coffee Confusion: For Roberto, coffee was always simple—espresso or cappuccino. But in New York, ordering coffee is an art form. Armed with determination, he orders his first “venti Americano,” only to realize the taste is an acquired one. Along the way, he meets friendly New Yorkers who share their favorite drinks, making his coffee adventure a little sweeter.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Common cultural differences Roberto encounters, like how pizza, fashion, and coffee differ in the U.S. compared to Italy.
    • Everyday vocabulary and phrases, such as slice, pie, venti, graphic tee, and roommate—perfect for English learners.
    • Insights into American culture, from quirky food habits to the power of confidence and the importance of humor in building friendships.

    Roberto’s journey continues to highlight the joys and challenges of embracing new experiences with an open mind. By the end of the episode, he’s not just learning about America—he’s teaching us that laughter and curiosity can turn any mistake into a memorable adventure.

    Unlock the Full Episode

    To listen to the full episode and gain access to our entire back catalogue of engaging discussions, become a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. You’ll unlock exclusive content and dive deeper into thought-provoking stories and lessons!

    Explore More on EnglishPlusPodcast.com

    Make sure to check out our English Plus Magazine for even more articles, vocabulary lessons, and our exciting new audio series available in our shop. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or explore new perspectives, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel

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    9 mins
  • A Forgotten Christmas 1 | The Other Side of the Window
    Nov 25 2024

    In this special episode of A Forgotten Christmas Series, we bring you the heartwarming story of Clara, a small girl whose world is defined by the icy streets outside a cozy bakery window. As she gazes longingly at the warmth and joy within, her journey unfolds—one of yearning, resilience, and an unexpected act of kindness that changes everything.

    Through vivid storytelling, this episode reminds us of the power of compassion and the transformative gift of being seen, even when the world seems cold and distant. With an evocative narrative and a touching original song, The Other Side of the Window captures the true spirit of Christmas—a time for hope, belonging, and reaching out to those in need.

    Join us as we explore the magic that happens when the frost melts away, revealing the light within. Don’t miss this beautiful start to A Forgotten Christmas Series.

    To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

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    14 mins
  • Word Power | Behind the Scenes of Success and More
    Nov 25 2024

    In this enriching episode of Word Power on the English Plus Podcast, we journey through five thought-provoking topics designed to challenge your perspective, expand your vocabulary, and inspire self-reflection.

    First, we explore the hidden sacrifices behind success, uncovering the untold stories of effort, resilience, and balance that lie beneath the surface of public achievements. What does it truly take to achieve greatness, and how do we define success for ourselves?

    Next, we turn to the powerful and devastating force of tsunamis, examining their origins, warning signs, and the lessons they teach us about resilience and preparation. From awe-inspiring natural phenomena to life-saving strategies, this segment is both humbling and practical.

    Then, we delve into the philosophy of "letting the chips fall where they may," discussing the balance between taking thoughtful action and accepting outcomes beyond our control. How do we embrace uncertainty while staying accountable?

    Our fourth segment revisits the myth of Cupid and Psyche, a timeless story of trust, betrayal, and redemption. We unpack the emotional and symbolic lessons from this classic tale, exploring how they resonate in our relationships today.

    Finally, we nurture our emotional core with a discussion on reconnecting with your inner child—a playful yet profound journey into self-care, creativity, and healing. What does your inner child need, and how can honoring it transform your adult life?

    Throughout the episode, we highlight key vocabulary in context, including terms like "relentless," "resilience," "redemption," "burnout," and "sunk cost," making them relevant and relatable for everyday use. Plus, we include engaging discussion questions and writing prompts to encourage deeper reflection and practical application.

    Whether you're here to boost your English skills, expand your understanding of the world, or simply enjoy a meaningful conversation, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in and let’s unlock the power of words together!

    To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

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    10 mins
  • Introducing English Plus Season 3
    Oct 1 2021
    Learn about the significant changes coming your way in season 3 of English Plus that will start on Monday, October 4, 2021. I will talk in this episode about the changes in the schedule, the new patron program and everything you need to know about English Plus in the brand-new season. Support me to keep English Plus alive on https://www.patreon.com/dannyballanAccess the full archive of English Plus on https://englishpluspodcast.com/english-plus-podcast-archive/Explore a world on learning on my website https://englishpluspodcast.com Unlock all Premium Episodes on Patreon

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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    40 mins
  • Roberto in America Episode 1
    Nov 18 2024

    Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a brand-new series that promises to entertain, educate, and inspire. It's called "Roberto in America"—a collection of funny, heartfelt, and sometimes downright silly stories about Roberto, a charming Italian with big dreams and a little English, navigating life in the U.S.

    Each episode in this series will feature five stories packed with Roberto's hilarious adventures, linguistic mishaps, and cultural discoveries. From ordering coffee to surviving the subway, Roberto’s journey is not just about learning a language—it’s about embracing a new way of life, one laugh at a time.

    In this episode we will talk about the following stories from the series:

    1. “Big Apple Dreams”

    Roberto arrives in New York City, overwhelmed and enchanted. He mixes up words at customs, leading to a funny but tense exchange with officers who almost think he's here for "spy work."

    1. “The Italian Chef”

    Roberto volunteers to cook an "authentic Italian dinner" for new friends but struggles with American grocery stores, buying bizarre substitutes. A hilarious dinner ensues with surprising results.

    1. “The Metro Mishap”

    Trying to navigate the subway, Roberto misunderstands directions and ends up on the wrong side of town. He meets locals who help him in their own unique ways.

    1. “Lost in Translation”

    Roberto’s first job interview becomes a comedy of errors as he misinterprets questions and idioms. Despite it all, he leaves a positive impression.

    1. “Roberto the Romeo”

    Roberto tries to flirt with an American girl but misuses romantic expressions he learned from old movies, leading to a hilariously awkward exchange.

    To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

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    10 mins
  • Unlock English Grammar 3 | Future Tenses
    Nov 12 2024

    Unlock the secrets of talking about the future with precision in English. Discover the nuances of future forms, including the present tenses for future events, 'going to' for predictions, and the subtleties of 'will,' 'shall,' and advanced forms like future continuous and future perfect. Master the art of speaking confidently about what’s to come with clear examples, practical tips, and engaging scenarios.

    To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

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    9 mins
  • Word Power | How Critical Are You, and More
    Nov 11 2024

    In this episode of English Plus Podcast, Danny tackles the art of critical thinking versus plain old criticism, the mysterious depths of “still waters run deep,” and why we sometimes feel pain just from seeing someone else get hurt. Join Danny as he explores when criticism becomes constructive, what makes quiet people fascinating, and how our brains respond to other people’s suffering. You’ll also get a vocabulary boost, with practical terms like empathy, wince, and inner world, all woven into a funny, thought-provoking discussion. Perfect for anyone looking to balance insight with kindness in a world full of snap judgments!

    To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

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    18 mins
  • Stories of Us | The Holocaust (In the Shadow of Lost Names)
    Nov 8 2024

    In the Shadow of Lost Names (The Holocaust), an original short story by Danny B. Phoenix. You can find Phoenix’s books on Amazon.

    Also, all the music in the background is written by Danny B. Phoenix.

    In this episode of The Story of Us on English Plus Podcast, we invite you into the heart-wrenching world of a Holocaust survivor, told through her eyes and in her own words. This is not just a recounting of history—it’s a personal journey through fear, loss, and the desperate will to hold on to what little remains. From the quiet corners of a ghetto to the brutal reality of a concentration camp, we walk beside her as she confronts the impossible, finding slivers of humanity in the unlikeliest places.

    This episode is more than one survivor’s story. It’s a reflection on what it means to suffer, to endure, and to live again. But beyond that, it asks us to rethink how we view suffering itself—not as something that belongs to any one group, but as a shared wound carried by all of humanity. Every act of cruelty, every moment of kindness, reverberates through us all.

    Tune in for an emotionally powerful narrative that blends poetic storytelling with deep reflection. This episode reminds us that the pain of any person, anywhere, is a loss to us all—and that the only way forward is together. Join us as we reflect not only on the horrors of the past but also on the resilience that continues to shape the present and future.

    To unlock our extensive back catalogue, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

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    1 hr and 18 mins