The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast

Here are some historical events that happened on November 21st: 1620: The Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower reach Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 1783: Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent, Marquis d'Arlandes, make the first untethered hot air balloon flight in Paris, France. 1877: Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph, a device capable of both recording and reproducing...

Dear Xochitl and Jack, I've been dating someone for a few months, and things were going well until they started talking about their ex constantly. It's making me uncomfortable, and I'm not sure how to address it without sounding jealous. How can I communicate my feelings and ask for some boundaries without causing a rift in our relationship? Sincerely, Feeling Ex-ed Out Transcript: 00:...

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are typically given a cue card with a topic and some prompts. You have one minute to prepare notes, and then you need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here's a sample IELTS Speaking Part 2 question: Cue Card Topic: Describe a memorable journey you have taken. Where did you go? How did you travel? Who were you with? What made the journey memorable? Podcast We...

Here are some historical events that happened on November 20th: 1789: New Jersey becomes the first U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights. 1945: The Nuremberg Trials begin, prosecuting prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes. 1962: The Cuban Missile Crisis comes to an end as the United States lifts its naval blockade of Cuba. 1969: The American occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native Ame...

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss the following three idioms: Throw in the towel: To give up or surrender. Cut to the chase: To get to the main point without wasting time on details. All ears: Fully listening or eager to hear what someone has to say. Podcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-3-lesser-known-idioms/ Social Media:...

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack interviews Kaveenu from Sri Lanka about his English language learning journey. He asks Kaveenu when he started learning English and how he has found so much success in such a short amount of time. You won't want to miss this interesting interview! Podcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-an-interview-with-kav...

Here are some historical events that happened on November 19th: 1493: Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico on his second voyage to the Americas. 1863: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address during the American Civil War. 1911: The first Indianapolis 500 automobile race is held. 1942: Soviet forces launch Operation Uranus, a counteroffensive during the Battle of Stalin...

Dear Xochitl and Jack, My neighbor has a habit of borrowing my things without asking and returning them in poor condition. I want to maintain a good relationship, but this is becoming frustrating. How do I set boundaries and communicate that I'd appreciate it if they asked before borrowing my belongings? Sincerely, Neighborly Boundaries Podcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-de...

Here are some historical events that happened on November 18: 1928: Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the cartoon "Steamboat Willie," marking the official debut of the iconic Disney character. 1963: The first push-button telephone went into service. It was introduced by the Bell System in Carnegie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 1978: The People's Temple, a cult led by Jim Jones,...

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss phrasal verbs which include the verb “do.” Transcript: 00:00:00 Jack You're listening to the A-Z English podcast. 00:00:15 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 going to do a language tips episode and we're going to do some 3 phrasal verbs tha...

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in. You should say: where it is / Where it would be what you would like to do there who you would like to live there with and explain why you would like to live in this place Podcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-ielts-speaking-01-describe-a-house-or-apartment-you-would-like-to-live-in/ Social Media: Facebook Group:  https://www...

In this episode, Jack is joined by guests Agnieszka, Salimeh, and May. During the podcast, our three guests share how they celebrate the New Year in their countries: Dominican Republic, Iran, and Malaysia. Podcast Website: https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-celebrating-the-new-year-in-the-dominican-republic-malaysia-and-iran/ Social Media: Facebook Group:  https://www.facebo...

Here are some historical events that happened on November 17: 1558: Elizabeth I acceded to the English throne. 1869: The Suez Canal opened in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. 1911: The Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the first African-American fraternity at a historically black college, was founded at Howard University. 1970: The Soviet Union landed an unmanned, remote-controlled veh...

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack explains the meanings of these three idioms: Jump on the bandwagon: Meaning: To join others in doing something that has become fashionable or popular. Chew the fat: Meaning: To have a casual conversation or chat, especially one that is lengthy and leisurely. Hit the hay: Meaning: To go to bed or go to sleep. Podcast Website: https://atozenglishpo...

Here are some historical events that happened on this day in previous years: 1532: Francisco Pizarro and his Spanish conquistadors capture the Inca Emperor Atahualpa at the Battle of Cajamarca. 1776: British and Hessian troops capture Fort Washington in New York during the American Revolutionary War. 1885: Canadian rebel leader Louis Riel is executed for treason. 1907: Oklahoma becomes the 46th U....

Dear Jack, I've always been the go-to person for friends and family when they need advice or a listening ear. While I appreciate being trusted, I've noticed that lately, I've become the unofficial therapist for everyone around me. It's starting to feel like I'm carrying the weight of everyone else's problems on my shoulders. I want to be there for my loved ones, but I also...

Dear Jack, I've recently taken up a new hobby that I'm passionate about, and it brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment. The issue is that some friends and family members don't seem to understand or appreciate my newfound interest. They make subtle comments or express disapproval, which leaves me feeling discouraged. I want to pursue my passion without feeling judged or misunderstood. H...

Here are some historical events that happened on this day in the past: 1777: The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress in the United States. 1889: Brazil officially became a republic, ending its monarchy. 1920: The League of Nations held its first assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. 1940: The German Luftwaffe bombed Coventry, England during World War II. 1969: A quarter o...

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack break down some song lyrics by famous artists. Transcript: 00:00:00 Jack You're listening to the A-Z English podcast. 00:00:15 Jack Welcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is. 00:00:17 Jack Jack and I. 00:00:18 Jack Am here with my co-host social and today we have a song lyrics episode for you where we will read a small sectio...

Dear Jack, I work in a small office, and there's a colleague who constantly microwaves fish for lunch. The smell is overpowering and lingers in the breakroom for hours, making it uncomfortable for everyone. I've tried dropping hints, but they don't seem to get it. How can I address this without creating an awkward situation at work? Any advice on how to tackle the "fishy" situa...

Here are some historical events that happened on November 14th in the past: 1851: Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick" was published in the United States. 1889: Pioneering female journalist Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) began her attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in Eighty Days." 1940: During World Wa...

Dear Jack, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you with a dilemma that has been weighing heavily on my mind. I have a best friend with whom I've shared countless experiences, joys, and challenges over the years. Our friendship has always been based on openness and trust, but recently, I stumbled upon a secret about them that they have kept from me. The nature of the secret is no...

Here are some notable events that happened on November 13 in history: 1002: English king Æthelred the Unready ordered the St. Brice's Day massacre, a brutal and indiscriminate killing of Danish settlers in England. 1789: Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to a friend in which he famously wrote, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." 1833: The first re...

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss whether they make most of their decisions by using their heads or their hearts. Transcript: 00:00:00 Jack You're listening to the A-Z English podcast. 00:00:14 Jack Welcome to the. 00:00:14 Jack A-Z English podcast My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social and today we're going to do another quick talk ep...

Here are some historical events that happened on November 12 in the past: 1918: Austria becomes a republic, marking the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 1927: Leon Trotsky is expelled from the Soviet Communist Party, marking a significant moment in the power struggle within the Soviet Union. 1941: During World War II, the Soviet Union launches Operation Typhoon, an offensive against German forc...