Welcome back to Honto Eigo! After a week-long break for a summer vacation trip to Canada (more on that in future episodes), we're back to follow up on last week's topic of "Why do we read?" This episode I talk about 'elitism' in reading, that is, people who think they are better than others because they read certain things and not others. Remember that reading can be a relaxing hobby, a passionate love affair, a tool for knowledge and understanding, and many more! Follow Honto Eigo on Instagram: @hontoeigopod Send questions and emails to [email protected]

On today's episode, I talk about the classic PBS edutainment show 'Reading Rainbow', as well as the emotional and intellectual power of reading. Other recommendations in today's episode include 'LeVar Burton Reads,' the short story audiobook podcast hosted by the original host of Reading Rainbow. As always, follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopod, and send emails to [email protected]

YAHO~~~~! If you have visited Japan, you've probably seen Mount Fuji in the distance. It *is* 3776m tall after all. But have you ever climbed it? This week on Honto Eigo, I talk about my 2 separate experiences of climbing Fuji. Should you climb at night to see the sunset? Should you stay in a cabin overnight? What should you bring with you? What's the weather like up there? All of these questions and more will be answered for you. August is the peak mountain climbing season here in Japan, so let's embark! Follow us on Instagram (to see pictures of Mount Fuji and more content!) @hontoeigopodPost comments and questions on Instagram, Youtube, or email them to [email protected]

Are you interested in Canadian literature, but want to read something newer than dudes hunting for beaver pelts? Andre Alexis is a contemporary Canadian novelist, playwright, and poet. Today I recommend his excellent collection of five novels, The Quincunx Cycle, including 'Fifteen Dogs,' 'Days by Moonlight,' and 'Ring,' all of which take place in Ontario, Canada. His writing is emotional, powerful, tragic, funny, and full of hidden magic. I hope you enjoy Andre Alexis!Follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopodComment wherever you are listening with questions or topic ideas, and for anything else, email us at [email protected]

Why do people like scary stories? Why do we like sad movies? Can it feel good to feel angry at a game? "Catharsis" is experiencing strong emotions in order to release them from your body and feel refreshed. Today I talk about where the idea of catharsis was made popular, and talk about some cathartic experiences with fiction. What books, movies, games, or music have made you feel most emotional? Let me know in the comments! Follow on Instagram @hontoeigopodSend questions or topic requests to [email protected]

Excalibur! This week I talk about characterization (how stories tell us about characters), indirect vs. direct characterization, and the classic Arthurian fantasy novel 'The Once and Future King' by British author T.H. White. This episode I mainly talk about part 1 of the novel: 'The Sword in the Stone,' but that is a novel that only gets better and better with parts 2, 3, and 4. Who are your favorite fictional characters? How would you describe them? How do you learn in the story that the character is kind, melancholic, brave, stoic, arrogant, and so on? As always, follow Honto Eigo on Instagram @hontoeigopod -- we are going to begin making 1 minute videos on English Grammar starting this week, so stay tuned. Send questions, comments, or topic ideas to [email protected]

Do you play video games? These days, who doesn't? In this episode of Honto Eigo I talk about using video games to practice listening and reading English. Some series / games mentioned in this episode include Mass Effect, Pokemon, Final Fantasy, and Animal Crossing. Follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopodSubmit questions or topic ideas to [email protected]

Today we look at character names in English. What can a character's name tell us about that character? Is there a hidden meaning behind the name? Is there a tone to the name? Should we translate character names if we translate a book or story? Plus, there is a bonus quiz at the end of Japanese characters with different names in English! Follow us on Instagram @hontoeigopodEmail us with topic ideas or questions at [email protected]

For many English learners, the TOEFL test is a good way to measure your ability. Today, I will talk about some tips for part of the Speaking portion of the TOEFL test, and TAKE THE TEST THREE TIMES LIVE as example (and for your enjoyment). Today's TOEFL example topics were taken from Michael Goodine's TOEFL Resources website: https://www.toeflresources.com/speaking-section/toefl-speaking-samples/As always, be sure to follow Honto Eigo on Instagram @hontoeigopodand email us at [email protected] with topic ideas and questions!