Bree believes in her idea, but when reality doesn’t match her expectation, she must rethink and adapt.

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: Canadian

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Key Vocabulary:

LEAN: To bend your body slightly forward or toward something. "Lean in" can also be used to mean actively engage or embrace something.

NOD: To move your head up and down to show agreement or acknowledgment.

GLOW: To look happy, healthy, or full of joy, often shown through a bright smile or expression.

PICK (SOMETHING) OUT: To choose something from a group.

ON PAPER: How something appears in theory or on a written plan, not necessarily in practice.

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Gabriel Kazz’s musical journey takes him to the TV show The Voice, where he realizes the power of showing up and trying.

Level: Advanced  

Accent: Canadian

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Key Vocabulary:

HONE: To improve a skill through practice and effort.

HAVE A THICK SKIN: To be able to handle criticism or difficult situations without being upset.

A FALLING OUT: A disagreement or argument that damages a relationship.

REKINDLE: To bring back or restart something, like a feeling or relationship.

THE CHERRY ON TOP: The final touch that makes something perfect or even better.

Follow Gabriel Kazz:

Gabriel Kazz on Spotify

@GabrielKazzMusic on Instagram

Music Credits:

All songs from the album “Lonely Fire” by Gabriel Kazz

“Where is the Wind”

“Change the World”

“Candle”

“Lonely Fire”

When Charlie Baxter meets his girlfriend's parents for the first time, a big mistake turns into a lesson on honesty and connection. 

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (London) 

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Key Vocabulary:

- Prove Your Worth: To show that you are capable or valuable. 

- Rev / Keep the Revs Up: To increase the speed of a car’s engine, or to maintain energy or momentum. 

- Blatantly: In a very obvious or offensive way, without trying to hide it. 

- Chip In: To contribute money, help, or ideas. "He chipped in with a helpful suggestion during the meeting."

- Flaws / Flawless: To have imperfections or to be perfect without mistakes.

Follow Charlie Baxter:

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TheBritishEnglishPodcast.com

When Nikki started her career in human rights, she found herself adapting to a job that required a lot more than she expected. 

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: Canada (Calgary)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- BLASTING (MUSIC/AIR-CONDITIONING): Playing music or running air-conditioning at a very high volume or strength. "They had the music blasting at the party."

- TO CRAM INTO: To fit many people or things into a small space. "We all crammed into the car for the road trip."

- TO BLEND IN: To look or act like the people or things around you, so you are not noticed. "The animal’s fur helped it blend in with its surroundings."

- TUNNEL VISION: Focusing on one thing and ignoring everything else around you. "He had tunnel vision while studying, ignoring his friends."

- TO SHRUG: To lift your shoulders slightly to show you don’t know or don’t care. "She shrugged when asked about her plans."

Episode Links: 

- To learn more about the work that Nikki does, visit Inter Pares 

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Sarah Allworthy tells a story of what happens when you do something you're "not supposed to do."

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (London)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- TO CALL SOMEONE’S BLUFF: To challenge someone to prove something they said or did.  "He called her bluff during the poker game."

- WHIFF: To briefly smell something, often a faint or slight smell. "He got a whiff of smoke from the nearby barbecue."

- BLUR: Something unclear or not easy to see or remember. "The events of last night are a blur to me."

- TO BE DARING: To be bold and willing to take risks. "She was daring enough to try skydiving." 

- CLOSE CALL: A situation where something bad almost happened, but didn’t. "We had a close call when we almost missed our flight."

Episode Links: 

-  Follow Sarah Allworthy on LinkedIn

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Growing up, Archy Jamjun didn't feel seen, until someone finally saw him for who he really was. 

Level: Advanced  

Accent: United States (Chicago)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- TO THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET: To challenge or invite someone to compete or flight. "She threw down the gauntlet by saying she could win the competition."

- TO FLING: To throw or push something with force. "She flung her coat onto the chair." 

- TO BE ADEPT: To be good at doing something. "She is adept at solving math problems." 

- TO MAKE THE NEWSPAPERS: To be featured in the news or media, especially in newspapers. "The story made the front page of the newspapers."

- TO SHOWER SOMEONE WITH SOMETHING: To give someone a lot of presents, praise, or attention. "On her birthday, she was showered with gifts by her friends." 

Episode Links: 

-  Follow Archy Jamjun on Instagram @archyjam

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After her dream job left her exhausted, Megan Nicholls decides to change her pace completely. 

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (Manchester)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- TO RUSTLE: To make a soft, crackling sound, usually from something moving, like leaves or paper. "The wind rustled the leaves in the trees." 

- PICK UP THE PACE: To go or work faster. "We need to pick up the pace if we want to finish on time."

- TO AIR (SOMETHING) OUT: To let fresh air into something, like a room or clothing. “I aired my shoes out after the hike.”

- TO BE AT EASE: To feel comfortable and relaxed. "He felt at ease after solving the problem.

- TO BE STILTED: Awkward or unnatural, especially in speech or movement. "Their conversation felt stilted, with long pauses." 

Episode Links: 

- Learn more about Megan Nicholls at her website megalanguagecoach.com

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Ariel Goodbody steps into the world of stand-up comedy with a performance no one expected. 

Level: Advanced 

Accent: United Kingdom (Bath)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- DEADPAN: To say something serious or with no emotion, often in a funny way. "He told the joke in a deadpan voice, and everyone laughed."

- A SET (COMEDY): A group of jokes or a routine performed by a comedian. "She practiced her set for the open mic."

- TO BE UNSETTLED: To feel disturbed or uncomfortable, either mentally or physically. "He felt unsettled after hearing the bad news."

- TO PUT (SOMETHING) OFF: To delay or postpone something. "She put off studying until the night before the exam."

- TO BE OVERDONE: To be done too much or in an excessive way. "The meme was funny at first, but now it’s overdone."

Episode Links: 

- Learn more about Ariel Goodbody at their website, ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com

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Rob Rudge tells a story about that moment when you’re so close to a problem that you can’t see the solution.

Level: Upper-Intermediate 

Accent: United Kingdom (Yorkshire)

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5 words & expressions in today's story:

- UPBRINGING: The way a child is raised and taught by their parents. Examples: "Her strict upbringing influenced her strong work ethic." or "He credits his upbringing for his sense of responsibility."

- TO KICK BACK: To relax and do nothing. Examples: "After a long day, I just want to kick back and watch TV." or "She kicked back on the sofa with a good book."

- MAIN DRAG: The main street or central road in a town or city. Examples: "The main drag is always busy with traffic." or "Shops and restaurants line the main drag of the city."

- WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE: Without showing any reaction or surprise. Examples: "She handled the criticism without batting an eye." or "He agreed to the risky plan without batting an eye."

- TO DREAD: To feel great fear or anxiety about something. Examples: "She dreaded going to the dentist." or "He dreaded the long flight ahead."

Episode Links: 

- Learn more about Rob Rudge at his website, Energetic English 

- Listen to Rob & Bree chat about small talk on The Business English Podcast

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Fabio decides to contact someone famous and what ends up happening gives him a new perspective on what becomes possible, when you ask. 

Level: Intermediate 

Accent: Non-Native English Speaker (Italy)

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WE HAVE A NEW SPONSOR!

5% OFF in my TRAVEL INSURANCE - I contacted them after several years using it with my family, not the other way around. I recommend it because it's been working really well for me.

5 words and expressions in today's story:

- THERE'S SOMETHING HERE: An expression used to say that something is interesting or has potential.

- TO SHOW UP (IN THE SENSE OF DOING YOUR BEST): To be present and perform to the best of your ability.

- TO LET SOMEONE DOWN: To disappoint someone by not meeting their expectations.

- CATASTROPHIZING: Imagining the worst possible outcome of a situation.

- TO LOSE SIGHT OF SOMETHING: To forget or overlook something important.

Episode Links:

- Learn more about Fabio Cerplloni at www.fabiocerpelloni.com

💛 Want more from Into the Story? Subscribe to our⁠⁠ ⁠free newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to get a quick email from Bree every few weeks filled with practical tips, fascinating topics from the world of psychology, and strategies to improve your life.