This is the second episode in a mini series about British folktales and legends. Mike and Owain tell you a story and have a chat about it.   Looking back at the history and culture of different parts of the world is fascinating. It gives a feel for where a particular community has come from and what their modern lives are founded on. The British Isles is no exception and we thought it would be interesting to share some those 'nuggets' of tradition and record ourselves as we have a quick chat about them.     In this episode, we chat about The Dog That Talked. Listen to the story and pause the audio before our chat to think about the following questions. What did you think of it? Did you like it? Why/why not? Have you heard the story before? Was it exactly the same? Were there any differences?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

This is the first episode in a new mini series based on British folktales and legends. Mike and Owain tell you a story, repeat it in summary format and have a chat about it.   Looking back at the history and culture of different parts of the world is fascinating. It gives a feel for where a particular community has come from and what their modern lives are founded on. The British Isles is no exception and we thought it would be interesting to share some those 'nuggets' of tradition and record ourselves as we have a quick chat about them.     In this episode, we chat about Ashey Pelt. Listen to the story and pause the audio before our chat. Which well-known fairy  tale has the same basic storyline?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

A New Year, a new episode and new beginnings!   Mike and Owain catch up and talk about the plan for The English Waffle this year. Listen to find out what audio treats they have in store!   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

As the end of the year draws near, Owain and Mike have a quick chat to talk about New Year's Eve in London.    Listen to find out how people in London celebrate the end of the year and some of the traditions associated with this time of year.   Also, listen for details of Mike's new listening course. There is a special discount for EW listeners! So, get your orders in quick!   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts   

Mike and Owain have a catch-up chat! They answer questions about 2021 and wish each other a Merry Christmas.   Listen for some exciting news about the first English Waffle online listening course!   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

This is number 4 in the accent mini series. We go around the UK and talk to people from different regions, each with their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent’.   We thought it would be good listening practice to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Ollie. Where do you think he's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

This time Owain is speaking to Anton who is one of my students. If you’re thinking of coming to live in the UK or even just coming to visit, you'll find this interesting. We talk about some of his experiences since he arrived with his partner this year.   This episode as part of our commitment to explore and share World Englishes. English is an organic thing which has grown and developed to include far more people, ideas and stories than those who speak it as a native language. We want to bring you the voices of English speakers around the world as part of a rich listening diet that will prepare you to communicate with anyone you may meet.   So, here’s Anton, now based in London but originally from Siberia in Russia.     Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Welcome to the second in a mini series in which we go around the UK and talk to people from different regions. Each of them having their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent’.   So, we thought it would be useful to give you some listening practice and have the opportunity to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Steve. Where do you think he's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Welcome to the second in a mini series in which we go around the UK and talk to people from different regions. Each of them having their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent’.   So, we thought it would be useful to give you some listening practice and have the opportunity to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Julie. Where do you think she's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Welcome to the first of a mini series in which we go around the UK and talk to people from different regions. Each of them having their own regional accent.     Spoken English can be really different from one region of the UK to the next. Some say we have the largest variation of accents of any country. That means there is no single ‘British accent’.   So, we thought it would be useful to give you some listening practice and have the opportunity to become more familiar with some different British accents.   In this episode, Mike talks to Lisa. Where do you think she's from?   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Listen to find out about The English Waffle's latest mini series!

In this episode, Owain is chatting to Joaquin from Spain!   Listen to find out who Joaquin is, where he lives, and why he is on the podcast. They talk about Joaquin's work, his experiences during the pandemic and, of course, learning English.   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

In this episode, Mike speaks to Robert – an English teacher who lives in France.   They discuss Business English, what aspects of this category of English are useful and what can be seen as General English made “sexy’.   They discuss how small-talk, presentations and soft-skills are essential in English in the workplace. And they share thoughts on what topics are appropriate to talk about at work and what topics are maybe best left at home.   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts   

In this episode, Mike is chatting to Linda.   Listen to find out where Linda is from and what her language learning journey has been like.   Tell us what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts 

Mike's back with another guest this week. He's talking to Robert, a Business English teacher based in France. They chat about Robert's work and try to work out what is actually meant by the term 'Business English'. Is it really any different from the English skills learners need for any other area of life?   Listen and decide what you think. Write in to the English Waffle to let us know: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Check out the quizzes and transcript for the episode: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts      Image info: https://pixabay.com/photos/teamwork-cooperation-brainstorming-3213924/Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

Welcome back to another year of The English Waffle! Mike & Owain are getting ready for another year of chatting, recording and teaching. They're continuing to think about what you need to improve your English listening skills and about how to create content that will help you feel more confident.   In this episode, Mike talks about the EW project and shares his observations of difficulties with using compound nouns when speaking English. Find out where he's been this summer and who he has been observing.   Remember, for information related to the episodes, including transcripts, quizzes and news, go to the EW website and subscribe to the email list: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ Or, sign up to be a member here! https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Mike and Kate talk about conditionals again this week. In WB12 you looked at the 1st and 2nd Conditionals. This time it's the 3rd Conditional which we use in the same way as the 2nd Conditional but for things that didn't happen in the past. Confused?! Good! You need to listen this episode. Listen for how they apply these two structures: if + past perfect,...would have + past participle Enjoy the episode!   For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/login?r=%2Fbonus-episodes For new listeners: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account  

Mike chats to Michael Palmer, the musician behind the Music and Sound Design company, 'Born Music'. They talk about Michael's work, the business of media composing for TV and advertising, and we get to listen to some of the music that he makes. This is a longer episode than usual but is only a small part of the conversation they had. Fascinating! Well worth listening to the end!   For more info about Michael and his company here's a link: https://bornmusic.studio/   You will be able to see the transcript and quiz questions here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes

Mike and Kate are talking conditionals this week. They will guide you through how to use the first and the second conditionals. If you pay attention, you will probably learn something which will help you improve you language skills.   Listen for how they apply these two structures: if + present simple,...will/etc + infinitive if + past simple,...would/etc + infinitive We hope you enjoy the episode. For answers and transcripts: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/m/create-account

Mike and Kate talk about dating this time. Well, actually, Kate asks Mike a load of questions about his love life. It's great listening!   Listen to find out: how Mike used to 'meet' people whether he broke up with his dates or whether they broke up with him if he has ever cheated on anyone if he has ever been stood up whether he sees eye to eye with his girlfriend   We'll give you some explanations at the end of the episode, but you will be able to see the transcript and quiz questions here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/transcripts https://englishwaffle.co.uk/quizzes