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Bookshop
I had to get a present for my mom’s birthday, so I popped into our local bookshop for some inspiration. And, of course, surprise, surprise, I bumped into Ethan.
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Hey, what brings you here? I asked.
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Hey Allie. I’m looking for a title that the Barista mentioned in his podcast.
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Well, I guess you’ve come to the right place. Why don’t you just get it online, or download it as an E-book?
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Could do that, but sometimes it’s just nicer to have something in your hands.
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And you? What brings you here?
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Mom’s birthday and no idea. I mean, what do you give a person who has everything?
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Your time, said Ethan, do something together. You know, as the saying goes, “quality time”, lifting his hands to show the quotation mark sign.
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So, what’s this podcast you’re banging on about?
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I’m not banging on about it. The Barista and others get together once a week and talk about all kinds of subjects. The Barista hosts it, usually has a topic, and then they all talk about it.
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Hmm, I said, so, lots of hot air being produced, I guess. Too much talking, not enough doing.
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It’s a question of interpretation but look at it. You’re here to find a present for your mom. So, you’re roaming the bookshop for ideas. You get something, duty done, polite words said in return, and everyone is happy the awkwardness is over for another year.
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That’s not true, I retorted. But I knew he was right. But what’s that got to do with your stupid podcast?
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I needed to keep up the pretence.
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Well, you should listen to it. Because if you listen carefully, people from different backgrounds are all looking for ideas and solutions….. And, because their mother tongue is not English, they have to learn to express complex ideas in a foreign language. And the Barista even let one of them host the show, so an extra responsibility delegated to learning by doing. So, perhaps they’re talking AND doing.
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Wow, Ethan was really fighting back. I was impressed!
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And then, the Barista told me, as I was paying for my coffee, that he’d just received a text from another member asking about posting a thought about something discussed in the podcast.
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About news, and how it makes people stressed and unhappy, and this person wanted to know whether one should take a break from the news.
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Well, I guess that person was curious to see if she could learn something from others and how it might improve her life or, I don’t know, do something more positive.
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Hmm, well, each to their own, I guess. I replied. But listen, I have to get going and sort out my present problem.
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Problem? Do you have a problem? Well, I could pass it on the Barista and maybe it’s a topic for one of his podcasts.
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I stared at him. Was he really being stupid, or just playing stupid?
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This week's menu. And some leftovers too!
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Nathalie takes our breath away.
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I just wanted to share with you the extraordinary evening I attended in Seoul: a “drones light show”!
I’ll let you discover via this link…
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Martin has a question.
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Hello everyone, inspired by Sebastian, I have a question:
Can you share with us your school experiences?
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Sebastian shares an experience.
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On Sunday, we had a school reunion from my last class in middle school, from which we graduated 28 years ago.
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Céline & Alexandre describe Porto.
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Hello everybody, in September we travelled to Porto for a week-end
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Really?
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I need to become a better woman. Hidden in the humour is actually a very serious topic: what men can learn from women,
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Latest Podcasts
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Paths to Happiness
What do we do when we feel low? What is a Buteco? Have you heard of the 'Don't do List?. And what has this got to do with happiness? Find out in this week's 'Brewed Journeys', hosted by Igor in Los Angeles;
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New "Sip'n'Study" in the
Brida Learning Lounge
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A community project, helping each other and benefiting ourselves.
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Are you eager to improve your English while making a meaningful impact? Welcome to Brida Get Togethers, where the motto is 'Talk Global, Inspire Local.' As a member of the Brida Community, you're invited to join us at the Brida Café, a unique space where you can engage in conversations with like-minded individuals from around the globe. Here, you won't just practice English; you'll absorb diverse perspectives that empower you to inspire developments at home. Browse the upcoming meetings and choose one that resonates with you. Come talk, come inspire—both globally and locally.
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Tuesday Get-together.
18h UTC / 19h CET (Duration 60 minutes)
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Hosted by me in France, meet Ismar from Brazil, Igor in Los Angeles, Sebastian in Germany, and other people from other places. The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Mondays
14.00h UTC / 16.00h CEST
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Brazil and Europe are connected. What do we have in common? Let's find out.
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The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Wednesdays
17.00h UTC / 19.00h CEST
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"Life Unboxed" is a vibrant podcast that dives into the uncharted territories of international work, life, and open-mindedness. Join Igor, originally from Brazil but now thriving in Los Angeles, and Mandar, who hails from Mumbai but currently calls Kampala home, as they explore life across borders.
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Become a member of the community.
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Would you like to practise and improve your English? You can do so by joining the Brida Community. I offer a 30-day free trial and then if you like it, become a member.
With your membership, you can:
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1. Have regular meetings with me and other community members to practise and improve your English. Meeting times are flexible to suit your routines.
2. Participate in and contribute to the community conversation.
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3. Read our conversations when you want.
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4. Collaborate in global projects.
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5. Read and contribute to the Brida Journal.
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Contact me for more information or :
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