Some people work hard to lose their accent in order to fit in when they move somewhere else. But others may be homesick for the sounds they grew up with and want to try to reclaim them. How can you regain your old accent? Also, a compelling book about scientific taxonomy shows how humans use language to try to divide up and impose order on the word. And Uff- ... Show More
Nov 17
No Bones - 17 November 2025
Whippoorwills, bob whites, and chickadees. How do we decide the names of birds and what to call their calls? Plus, the last syllables of Arkansas and Kansas are pronounced differently, but they come from the same etymological root. And: What’s the best word to describe your relat ... Show More
53m 45s
Nov 3
Herd of Turtles (Rebroadcast) - 3 November 2025
Some college students are using the word loyalty as a synonym for monogamy. Are the meanings of these words now shifting? Plus, a biologist discovers a new species of bat, then names it after a poet he admires. The poet? Nikki Giovanni. Also, warm memories of how a childhood libr ... Show More
53m 45s
Aug 28
Catch Word #287 – Off the rails
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English idioms: to go off the rails and to get out of hand. These are common expressions that English speakers use to describe situations that become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control. You’ll hear And ... Show More
25m 7s
Jun 2024
Dollar stores dominate rural America (Fall out of fashion)
<p><strong>Today's story:</strong> Dollar stores started as a novelty, a place where consumers could hunt for amusing bargains. But now, they're a big business. Customers can buy cleaning supplies, hardware, clothes, and some food there, all for rock-bottom prices. But not everyo ... Show More
21m 23s
Nov 10
361. What Are Idioms, Euphemisms, and Slang? (And Should You Learn Them?) (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Try the Lingoda Sprint Today! 20 EUR OFF with code 20THINKING or click the link https://try.lingoda.com/ThinkingAugust Have you ever heard someone say, “kick the bucket” or “pass away,” and felt confused? They both have the meaning of “die”… but are used in different contexts. ... Show More
25m 46s
Mar 2013
11 - Sleep
<h3 dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Words to Know</strong></h3>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size ... Show More
19m 2s