logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2011
52m 24s

Nerd vs Geek (rebroadcast) - 15 August 2...

Hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
About this episode
tail spinning
Up next
Mar 2
I Don't Have the Spoons (Rebroadcast) - 2 March 2026
Whether it’s a Rubik’s cube or a round of Wordle, why do so many of us find puzzles irresistible? A new book celebrates the allure and psychological benefits of brain teasers. Plus, powerful language for talking about the chronic illnesses and invisible disabilities that sap a pe ... Show More
53m 45s
Feb 23
Turn on a Dime - 23 February 2026
Every subculture has its own secret lingo, whether you’re talking about surfers, cab drivers, or coffee-shop baristas. A new book uncovers the slang of everyone from stunt performers to department-store Santas and more. Plus, why is English so darn weird? Those odd spellings and ... Show More
53m 45s
Feb 16
Excuse the Hogs (Rebroadcast) - 16 February 2026
When a teenager went a week without talking as part of a school project, he noticed a surprising side effect: Instead of rehearsing a response to what other people were saying to him, he was focused on listening — and feeling smarter as a result. Plus, a flight attendant is irrit ... Show More
53m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2025
215. Two-Letter Words
<p>Listener Erica commented: "Perhaps an idea for a bonus ep of Four Letter Word season would be one on two-letter words: there’s an established list that Scrabble nerds end up memorizing, and it’s full of weirdness." In fact, there are TWO established lists, NASPA, the North Ame ... Show More
19m 25s
Nov 2024
Word and Tomato Salad (Words, Words, Words 30)
If tomatoes are a fruit, why can't you put them in a fruit salad? Somewhat more importantly, did you know cashews aren't nuts? And most importantly of all, what does any of this have to do with the theory of translation? Today I'm responding to a question about the difference bet ... Show More
30m 54s
Jul 2024
Your English Five a Day #37.4
tail spinning
13m 16s
Sep 2025
Questions of English & Listener Comments 🙋Bits & Bobs 4 [951]
Dealing with some questions from listeners about pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, namely how to know when 'd is had or would (in writing and pronunciation), the curious origins of the word podcast and a vocabulary lesson about the word cast including various collocations an ... Show More
1h 21m
Sep 2025
Questions of English & Listener Comments 🙋Bits & Bobs 4 [951]
Dealing with some questions from listeners about pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, namely how to know when 'd is had or would (in writing and pronunciation), the curious origins of the word podcast and a vocabulary lesson about the word cast including various collocations an ... Show More
1h 24m
Oct 2012
Episode 87: Nothing to Declare But My Coconuts
<p><strong>TOPIC:</strong> Grit, Confidence, and Intuition.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin begin a conversation on what researchers and educators are learning about why students of all ages do or don't succeed. Yes, it's about intelligence and other cognitive skills, but it's ... Show More
1h 31m
Feb 2025
329. Why Is American English Different to British English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Download ELSA for free + get 7 days membership for free: https://bit.ly/ELSAxTHINKINGINENGLISH Get exclusive ELSA discounts: https://elsaspeak.com/inf/promo-code-thinking-in-english/?promocode=THINK85 Today I want to discuss Noah Webster, the man who played a major role in cre ... Show More
18m 19s
Jul 2023
Valerie Fridland (on linguistics)
Valerie Fridland (Like, Literally, Dude) is a professor, sociolinguist, and author. Valerie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why people dislike the word "moist" so much, how accents are a part of social identity, and where modern English developed from. Valerie and Dax talk a ... Show More
1h 59m
Nov 2025
Celebrity Scandals, Modern Romance Debates, and a Not So Serious Convo with Gary Lipovetsky
This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their LXR06 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Leaf Botanical Tea at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VAL ... Show More
51m 54s
Apr 2025
From the Archives: British Stereotypes
📝 Get FREE Episode Worksheet (S1/E3) Learn British English & about British culture in this episode where your host Charlie interviews a variety of English speakers starting with his school friends from the South of England to New Zealanders, Australians and even South African En ... Show More
29m 30s