Mike & Owain talk about idioms from the English language. Listen as they test each others' knowledge not only about what these phrases mean but also where they come from, their origins (listen for my terrible pronunciation of this word, but don't copy me!)   So, find out what 'bog standard' means and how we use it? Listen for the second idiom as well which includes the words 'push' and 'shove'. Have you heard them before? Are these expressions that you think you could use?   Write in and tell us what you think. Go to englishwaffle.co.uk and the Contact Us page. Why not sign up to listen for free while you're there and help grow the EW Community?

In this episode, Mike and Owain talk about car boot sales. If you haven't heard of these, you should definitely listen to find out. If you have, listen to hear Owain tell us an exciting story about 'mixed messages' and to hear Mike demonstrate that he's a real cheapskate (meaning: a person who is unwilling to spend money). There's also more about a new feature on The EW (English Waffle) website, which you can find here: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/

In this episode, Owain and Mike do some catching up. After the summer break, there is plenty to talk about. They play a game where they have to guess the meaning of the words or phrases each of them have selected. The words or phrases are relevant to what they're doing now and their plans for the English Waffle. Listen to find out more!   Go to the website for transcripts, language analysis and...coming soon!!!...Quizzes to check your understanding! https://englishwaffle.co.uk/   Please contact us if you have any questions: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Join the conversation. Book an online lesson! https://englishwaffle.co.uk/online-lessons

The Waffle is back! No, not Waffle & Shakess in Leicester in the UK; not The Waffle - Irish League Podcast; not the Creative Waffle - Design & Illustration Podcast... (Mike! Couldn't we come up with a more original name?!) It is the English Waffle, a podcast for you, advanced English language learners who want to improve your listening by tuning in to real conversations; sometimes between Mike and me (Owain), and sometimes with a guest interviewee. We're back with the usual offering and something new. Listen to this short episode to find out what we've got in store for 2020/21. Keep waffling!

In this episode, Owain and Mike talk about idioms. They give some and examples and try to guess where the expressions come from. Listen to find out whether they know their history.   The guys also have some important news for regular listeners of the podcast!   Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, Mike and Owain talk about the word 'foreigner'. Is it a positive or negative word? Do you consider yourself to be a foreigner? Is it good or bad to be a foreigner? Or is it all a load of cobblers? And what's all this got to do with The English Waffle theme tune?! These are all good questions. Listen and find out as we waffle on, starting off quite defensive, but then having a useful discussion about World Englishes, British English, and learning English in general. Hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, Mike talks to Alex Asher about Online language learning. They talk about what are the benefits of learning online versus going to a physical classroom, and some of the challenges that teachers/learners may find. To prepare you to listen and help you check your understanding, think about these questions: What things does Alex mention about Online language learning (4-6min)? What variation of English does Alex speak? Listen to the end to hear the answers. Write in if you want to ask us a question about this chat or just make a comment.

In this episode, Mike and Owain discuss a topic suggested by a listener, Laura Camila, who lives in China. Laura wanted to hear our experiences of and views on going out with someone from another country. Both Wafflers have experiences to share although they're not sure how much they want to reveal. Listen to find out about who Mike and Owain have dated and how it worked out or didn't as the case may be. Here are some questions to guide your listening: What has been Owain's experience with intercultural dating? What’s Mike’s favourite nationality that he’s been out with? On what occasion was Mike made to feel quite prudish? What example does Owain give where cultural stereotypes were undermined?   Enjoy listening!   Transcript Transcript PDF Download Language Analysis

In this episode, Owain and Mike are talking about their own language experiences. Find out what languages they speak and what languages they're learning. They waffle on a bit so you won't get to much help with learning tips, but you will hear something about their shared past! To prepare you to listen and help you check your understanding, think about these questions: What languages does Mike speak? Why does Mike mention a tape player and Silvio Rodriguez? Does Owain use music to learn languages? How has Mike used Desta's (see Episode 27) course? Listen right to the end to hear the answers. Write in if you want to ask us any questions about this chat or just make a comment: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/contact-us   Transcript Transcript PDF Download Language Analysis

In this episode, our regular raconteurs, Owain & Mike, are back for a bit of lockdown loquacity. Find out what they've been doing while they've had to stay at home. The conversation took place about 3 weeks ago, but is still highly relevant to our current situation, even though the rules in the UK have now changed for the better. Here are some questions to help guide your listening during the first half of the conversation - answers at the end of the episode: Has lockdown been good or bad for Mike? What reasons does he give? How much time did Mike spend travelling around London before lockdown? Why does Owain ask Mike about sitting down in the park during his lunch break?   Links: The English Waffle Website: https://englishwaffle.co.uk/ Transcript, PDF Download, Language Analysis UK Guidelines for behaviour during the Coronavirus pandemic: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do