Ze English Podcast by Ecsplicite

After 44 rugby matches in 5 weeks, we are now down to the last 4 teams in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup.  Even if the former top rated 2 teams in the world until this weekend, Ireland and France, have just been eliminated., there is still one team from the northern hemisphere, still in the tournament, England.  In all likelihood, however, it is the Springboks and the All Blacks who will f...

An historic World Cup victory by the Spanish women's soccer team, in August this year, was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation during the medal ceremony when he kissed striker Jenny Hermoso on the mouth.  An exuberant if regrettable display of masculine joy and or a political red-line that has been crossed all too often? What’s the story, why it matters...

Our colleague Emma tells us today about what happened to the Spanish wome n’s football because of a very controversial kiss.   

FLY ON ZE WALL - Ecseptional, Ecsiting, Ecsentric! Ze English Podcast by Ecsplicite is back for Season 2. Nous sommes de retour avec de courts reportages décalés et collés aux actualités. Tous les mois nous allons dégoter un sujet brûlant d'actualité, soit un sujet bien français vu depuis l'étranger, soit un sujet d’intérêt général qui touche tout le monde. En donnant la parole à nos collè...

The Toronto international film festival (or TIFF for short) jury will be announcing the winners for the 2023 season this weekend and our colleague Phoeby gives us an insight into what makes the TIFF the artistic, cultural and economic equivalent of the Cannes festival here in France.  Along with festivals like Sundance & Tribeca this is of THE top film festivals to follow in the late summer, f...

Creativity: according to the Cambridge dictionary, it's the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas. But how and when do you express your creativity? Do you consider yourself a creative person? Most of us would probably answer "yes". But when you're asked to take part in a brainstorming session, does your brain freeze or does your heart clench at the thought of coming up with new idea...

If you love travelling and enjoy exotic destinations, then you are no doubt aware of the ethical choices your globe-trotting involves.  Today we hear from Tazmin about the plight of working elephants in Thailand which have played such a substantial role in the social and economic development of the country over the centuries, participating in manual labor, armed conflicts, as tourist attractions a...

We often associate national parks in Africa with unique wildlife and capturing what are known as the big five on camera; the big five are amongst the most famous of Africa's large animals and often feature in popular culture.  In today's episode we hear from our colleague Desiree who shares a childhood encounter with one of the big five in a surprising story that took place in the enormous Kruger...

Australians call them crocs and last month alone there were 3 reports in the news of the dangers of getting too close to Crocodiles, including one holidaymaker who was attacked while out snorkeling.  He only managed to escape by prising the predator’s jaws off his head.  Well, what do you know? Anne has a cold-blooded story to share about her close shave with a reptile.  Spoiler alert – to reassur...

Last week the governor of the bank of France told us not to fret – inflation would be back to a comfortable 2% by the end of the year.  Yet over the last year inflation has reached heights not seen for 40 years in the UK, where it is currently somewhere between 10% & 11%,  Here in France, official figures suggest only half that figure, but that’s for the birds and if you are like me, you are r...

Have you ever wondered how much your childhood and upbringing have influenced the adult you are now? What memories do you carry with you from your youth?   In this episode, Sasha Gaye uses her senses to recall her childhood in the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. The friendship, the games, the food, but also the chores...   Through the memory of the sometimes arduous daily tasks she had to perform, sh...

This week marks just over 400 years since the death of probably our most famous playwright William Shakespeare. Curiously we know comparatively little about his life, but his legacy of poetry and plays mean that today he is still very much alive in the words and expressions we use everyday.  And that’s precisely what we are going to hear about today in the company of April and Edward.

Blackouts, power cuts, energy restrictions: from September to November in France, we were told they were likely to happen and we should be prepared. There was a real possibility that we were going to come home in the dark to find the house with no lights, no heating, food melting in the freezer, no telephone, no C-news, no Netflix! But finally nothing really happened; at least here in Provence. Fo...

In today’s episode, we are going to talk about sound with our colleague John who is a professional bass player.  We all love going to concerts of our favourite singers and groups.  But we probably don’t spend much time thinking about the preparation involved in a successful music concert.  John is here today to set us straight. And as you’ll see the process is of clockwork precision and balance.

In this special edition we go to the Emerald Isle, to meet Therese, our colleague who lives in the beautiful city of Baile Átha Cliath or Dublin as it is known in more commonly. She’s going to talk about Saint Patrick’s Day, held annually on March 17, which marks and celebrates the patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.  Therese tells us about what this celebration means for her and no doubt for...

In today’s episode we travel to India with our colleague Anne to hear more about one of the most ancient of Hindu festivals called Holi-the Festival of Colour.  Celebrated this year on March 8th, Holi is a playful rainbow celebration of fun and laughter at the end of winter where happy excited crowds cover each other from head to foot in vividly coloured powders. As you will hear, Holi also posses...

Many of us dream of relocating to another country.  We imagine the positive impact of starting over in a completely different place.  But how easy is it really to make the change?  In this episode we explore the experience of moving abroad and we hear from our colleague, Sankie, about the challenges and rewards of moving with his family to Portugal to embark on a new chapter in their lives as they...

In today’s podcast we are curious to learn more about one of the United State’s biggest sporting events of the year.  Whether or not you are fan of American football, the Super Bowl is the ultimate sporting antidote to mid-winter blues, bringing spills and thrills, pageantry and music, family and friends all together to celebrate a jaw-dropping, heart-pounding, totally rivetting and perfectly chor...

In today’s podcast we have been asking colleagues at our office in Provence, in France, what they are looking forward to in 2023.  While some aspirations are common for many of us as we embark on a new year, they are one or two which may surprise you.

In this first podcast of 2023 we wish you a happy new year by taking you to the Carribean island of Jamaica to talk to our colleague Floyd about some intriguing local traditions.

When we are unsure of what to say, a hesitation can seem cold and unwelcoming, particularly when meeting someone for the first time.  In this episode we will be reviewing language for welcoming visitors in a business context and learning a few simple expressions to make your guest feel “at home” and appreciated.

In this episode our colleague Hannah, who is an international athlete, shares an inspiring story about the challenges of starting a family in a foreign country as she meets the demands of training for top level international sporting competitions.

In this special bonus episode for Thanksgiving, we go to Canada to find out how Thanksgiving in Canada differs from the United States. Cecilia, our Canadian colleague, explains how this also reflects the diverse culture over there.

In this episode our American colleague Regina shares her impressions about Thanksgiving, a celebration which is almost unique to North America.  We’ve all seen movies where families sit down together to celebrate, but there is much more to the Thanksgiving Day than turkey, as you shall find out.

In this episode, Cecilia, our Canadian colleague talks to us about some unexpected behavior during lockdown which has opened up a really positive opportunity for her.