Honto Eigo

Welcome back to Honto Eigo! After a week-long break for a summer vacation trip to Canada (more on that in future episodes), we're back to follow up on last week's topic of "Why do we read?" This episode I talk about 'elitism' in reading, that is, people who think they are better than others because they read certain things and not others. Remember that reading can be a relaxing hobby, a passionate...

On today's episode, I talk about the classic PBS edutainment show 'Reading Rainbow', as well as the emotional and intellectual power of reading. Other recommendations in today's episode include 'LeVar Burton Reads,' the short story audiobook podcast hosted by the original host of Reading Rainbow. As always, follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopod, and send emails to hontoeigo@gmail.com

YAHO~~~~! If you have visited Japan, you've probably seen Mount Fuji in the distance. It *is* 3776m tall after all. But have you ever climbed it? This week on Honto Eigo, I talk about my 2 separate experiences of climbing Fuji. Should you climb at night to see the sunset? Should you stay in a cabin overnight? What should you bring with you? What's the weather like up there? All of these questions...

Are you interested in Canadian literature, but want to read something newer than dudes hunting for beaver pelts? Andre Alexis is a contemporary Canadian novelist, playwright, and poet. Today I recommend his excellent collection of five novels, The Quincunx Cycle, including 'Fifteen Dogs,' 'Days by Moonlight,' and 'Ring,' all of which take place in Ontario, Canada. His writing is emotional, powerfu...

Why do people like scary stories? Why do we like sad movies? Can it feel good to feel angry at a game? "Catharsis" is experiencing strong emotions in order to release them from your body and feel refreshed. Today I talk about where the idea of catharsis was made popular, and talk about some cathartic experiences with fiction. What books, movies, games, or music have made you feel most emotional? L...

Who doesn't love movies? Today's episode, we talk about the moviegoing experience, and theaters/cinemas in Japan and Canada. Plus, I give a couple stories about my favorite theater experiences, and one of my most embarrassing theater memories. Do you have any funny, memorable, interesting, or embarrassing stories from going to the movies? What has been your best theater experience? You can comment...

Excalibur! This week I talk about characterization (how stories tell us about characters), indirect vs. direct characterization, and the classic Arthurian fantasy novel 'The Once and Future King' by British author T.H. White. This episode I mainly talk about part 1 of the novel: 'The Sword in the Stone,' but that is a novel that only gets better and better with parts 2, 3, and 4. Who are your favo...

Do you play video games? These days, who doesn't? In this episode of Honto Eigo I talk about using video games to practice listening and reading English. Some series / games mentioned in this episode include Mass Effect, Pokemon, Final Fantasy, and Animal Crossing. Follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopodSubmit questions or topic ideas to hontoeigo@gmail.com

Today we look at character names in English. What can a character's name tell us about that character? Is there a hidden meaning behind the name? Is there a tone to the name? Should we translate character names if we translate a book or story? Plus, there is a bonus quiz at the end of Japanese characters with different names in English! Follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopodEmail us with topic ideas...

For many English learners, the TOEFL test is a good way to measure your ability. Today, I will talk about some tips for part of the Speaking portion of the TOEFL test, and TAKE THE TEST THREE TIMES LIVE as example (and for your enjoyment). Today's TOEFL example topics were taken from Michael Goodine's TOEFL Resources website: https://www.toeflresources.com/speaking-section/toefl-speaking-samples/...

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction... In this episode I recommend some books and stories written by American essayist David Sedaris , a very funny and talented writer who writes about his own life, his odd family, and this crazy world we all live in. Books / Stories recommended in this episode: Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000) by David Sedaris -- especially the story with the same name When You...

Left, right, left, right... Do you like running or jogging? Or are you looking for a hobby that's healthy for both your mind and your body? In this episode I talk about how I got into running, and the benefits of this great hobby. As always, check out @hontoeigopod on Instagram for bonus content related to each episode, and submit topic ideas to hontoeigo@gmail.com

When you think of Canada, what do you think of? This episode, I talk about a few Canadian stereotypes, and whether they are true or not. Some of them are true, eh! Be sure to check out our Instagram page @hontoeigopod for bonus information and posts related to each episode!

Welcome to Honto Eigo! My name is Matt. In this intro episode I talk about the goals of this show and how you, the listener, may be able to use it to level up your English listening ability. Please follow the show on Instagram @hontoeigopod for bonus vocabulary and other content related to the show. If you have a question or a topic you want to hear about, please email us at hontoeigo@gmail.com