Perfect25 English Podcast

A: I’ve been so forgetful these days. I write memos on my phone not to forget things, but then I forget the fact that I wrote them. I feel so dumb!

B: That happens. I sometimes blank out when I think about what I ate yesterday.

A: So do you? Man, we’re aging.

B: But you can improve your memory by stimulating your brain. I heard a good way is to do something you’ve never done before.

A: I wanna take a pottery class, but I’m not sure if I can make time for that.

B: Then, let me tell you a simple thing you can do right now: draw a rectangle with your right hand while drawing a triangle with your left hand.

A: Oh, it’s tougher than it sounds. Anything else I can try to boost my brain?

B: Yea. This article listed some basic exercises: “Get your Zs, make time for friends, keep stress in check, have a laugh, and eat healthy fats like omega-3s.”

A: It's not surprising why I have a bad memory. The funny thing is, the reason that I sleep less and rarely hang out with my friends is to save time and work better.

B: But then you feel tired, stressed out, and become less productive. It's time to stop this vicious cycle for yourself!

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Did you hear Miyong is getting married next month?

B: Yea, I got her invitation. I guess her best friend Jini will catch the bouquet. Or, did Jini already get married?

A: No. Jini wants to remain single, but she’s having a hard time because her parents keep pressuring her to tie the knot.

B: Why? What’s wrong with being unmarried?

A: The conventional stereotypes are to blame: People think you need to marry someone at an appropriate age, and a married couple should have babies to carry on a family blood line.

B: But those clichés about marriage don’t guarantee one’s happiness.

A: Right. Some people think we’re living in a society where marriage isn’t necessary anymore. That’s why we see fewer marriages year after year.

B: Even after getting married, having a baby is one’s option, not a must. You can’t measure one’s happiness based on whether one has a child.

A: True. I think you have the right to choose your own answer about marriage as long as you take proper responsibility for your choice.

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: That’s a cute little cactus! Isn’t that good for reducing monitor radiation?

B: With this single tiny cactus? That’s overambitious. As far as I know, the cactus should be at least 4 times as big as your monitor to have an effect.

A: Really? That’s disappointing. But still, it’s a good decoration.

B: It’s more than a decoration. Just looking at it helps me relieve stress, and it’s really exciting to see the plant growing.

A: Isn’t it a lot of work, though?

B: I guess it depends on the type of plants. For example, I water and wipe leaves of my Areca palm tree once a week.

A: That’s not too bad if you can make the most out of the tree. Do you think it’s beneficial?

B: I heard the Areca makes fresh air by removing carbon dioxide, and it keeps humidity. But again, one tree is not enough to have dramatic effects.

A: Okay. I’ll grow several trees.

B: Good luck! I’m sure your time and money will be worth it.

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Hey, do you think you can ask for a burger refill at a restaurant?

B: What? Is that possible?

A: No, that's why I'm asking. I just watched this guy named Jia Jiang on YouTube,

and he asked for a burger refill.

B: So? did he get it?

A: Of course not, which actually was the point: getting rejected.

He made many other requests to strangers and mostly got turned down.

B: Why is he trying to get rejected?

A: Jiang said his goal was to desensitize himself to the pain and shame of rejection and overcome his fear.

B: Oh, I can understand him to some extent. I used to be afraid of saying “no” to others,

but got over it after realizing nothing terrible happens when I reject a request.

A: I think both rejecting and being rejected are just parts of everyday life.

You might need to train yourself, though, like Jiang.

B: I wanna train myself by doing this: sleeping at a mattress store.

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Did you watch Sonny’s game last night?

B: Of course, that’s why I’m half asleep now.

A: Me too. I couldn’t take my eyes off Sonny. He’s such a gifted player.

B: Yea, I think he can definitely be a role model for youth players.

A: He seems very sociable, too. It was interesting to see him shaking hands with all of his teammates in a different way.

B: That’s another skill he has. I don’t think I could mingle well with foreign teammates if I were the only Korean on my team.

A: That reminds me of my team. Our teamwork sucks.

B: Hey, be positive and try to bond with your teammates. I think Sonny’s handshake skills can help.

A: I wish my company had an open-minded atmosphere like Sonny’s team.

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Hey, is my breathing too loud?

B: Huh? Who cares about your breathing?

A: Somebody in the library put a sticky note on my desk. “Please breathe softer.”

B: Oh, you were in the library. People can be very sensitive in such a quiet place.

A: I didn’t think I was being a nuisance, though.

I was trying my best not to get on others’ nerves, but complainers DO exist.

B: Well, you might get a romantic note sometime soon.

A: In that heartless place? No.

B: Maybe you’ll get a note on a canned coffee, saying “I see you’re not feeling very well. Why don’t you get a long, long rest AT HOME? XOXO”

A: Oh, don’t be sarcastic.

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: You’re totally trapped in Instagram. Stop using the phone and eat!

B: Hold on. I just need a few more hashtags. I’m sure my followers are gonna like this place.

A: Isn’t it kinda shabby, though? People usually “like” fancy places.

B: That’s an old story. Many people are getting sick of seeing meaningless pictures just for showing off.

A: Well, I’m one of them. Some attention seekers’ phony pictures make me cringe.

B: Yea, I guess that’s why postings that represent one’s true tastes, stories, or philosophy get attention these days, just like mine on unknown brands or local stores with their own styles.

A: I respect your taste and philosophy, but can you finish your pizza first to show the chef respect? It’s getting cold.

B: Done. I’ve already got two likes!

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Hey, I heard today is your last day. Are you moving to another company?

B: Yea, I'm quitting, but I’m not going to another company.

A: Oh, really? Can I ask what your plan is?

B: I don't have a specific plan yet, but I'm going on a round-the-world-trip for sure.

A: Wow! That's awesome, but why now? Aren't you getting promoted soon?

B: True, but traveling around the world has been on my bucket list for a long time. And I feel like I won’t be able to do it if I don't quit now. You know, I've worked hard for the past 11 years.

A: I hear you. But still, it's a big decision.

B: I know, but from now on, I wanna live my life to the fullest. YOLO, man.

A: Well, it’s your life after all. I’ll be rooting for you.

Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: So, this is your new place! I like the big window! And..It's very clean.. way too clean...! You've only got this foldable table in the living room?

B: Yeah, I got rid of most of my stuff before moving.

A: Seriously? Including your sofa and bed? 

B: Yea, I realized I can live without them. I'm trying to live like a minimalist.

A: Wow, you've changed a lot! I envied the ornaments and furniture at your old place!

B: Most of them were actually unnecessary. Once I started owning less though, the things I own brought me more joy. Isn't it a cool paradox?

A: Really? What about all these things jammed in the utility room?

B: uhh… I’m keeping them in case I go back to my original lifestyle. 

A: I knew it!

Ask [email protected] for anything!

Review Session vol.1

첫번째 복습시간입니다.

청취자 질문 시간은 새로운 내용이 준비되어 있습니다.

Ask [email protected] for anything!