Episode 121: Riddle Me This...

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Episode 121: Riddle Me This...

Riddles are tricky, brain-teasing statements or questions that are designed to be difficult to solve like a puzzle. Some people are great at solving them while others—like us—are not.

Join us for today’s episode as we try our best to solve and break down the meanings of some tough riddles in English.

Read the full transcript on our website: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-114-riddle-me-this

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Episode 120: Argentina Legalizes Abortion After Years-long Fight

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Episode 120: Argentina Legalizes Abortion After Years-long Fight

Argentina has finally achieved their goal of becoming the largest Latin American nation to legalize abortion after years of grassroots efforts in the historically Catholic and conservative country.

This marks a milestone for the growing feminist movement in the region which has experienced pushback from the Catholic church, conservative leaders, and anti-abortion movements for so long.

Will the effects spread to the rest of the region or will women’s rights continue to be suppressed as they have been for centuries?

Join us for today’s episode as we discuss Argentina’s historical conservatism, the rise of feminism, and how the landmark change could affect the rest of Latin America in the future.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-120-argentina-legalizes-abortion-after-years-long-fight

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Episode 119: Historic and Violent Break-In at the U.S. Capitol

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Episode 119: Historic and Violent Break-In at the U.S. Capitol

Only six days into the new year, we watched in horror as violent, Trump-supporting protesters forced their way into the US Capitol building after President Trump’s public speech encouraging them to stop Congress from finalizing the Electoral College results and democracy from taking place.

The historic coup-attempt resulted in hours of destruction, looting, and the deaths of five people before it all ended with Congress still proceeding to finalize the election results.

Will President Trump be held responsible for his actions or will he be able to avoid accountability as we have seen throughout his entire presidency?

Join us for today’s episode as we discuss the details of the US Capitol riots and what possible consequences it might have moving forward.

Read the full transcript and vocabulary guide here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-119-historic-and-violent-break-in-at-the-us-capitol

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Episode 118: Fake News - It's Everywhere

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Episode 118: Fake News - It's Everywhere

Fake News—it’s the buzzword that we hear across all forms of communication from social media platforms, news companies, and the most powerful politicians in the world.

The rise of digital communication has allowed us to publish and share any information across the internet with the click of a button without having to verify if it’s actually true.

While most of it is silly and harmless, what happens when fake news is taken too seriously and causes violence and hatred?

Join us for today’s episode as we discuss clickbait headlines, anti-vaxxers, and Nigerian genocide, and other problems caused by President Trump’s favorite word.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-118-fake-news-its-everywhere

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Episode 117: New Year's Resolutions - Past and Future

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Episode 117: New Year's Resolutions - Past and Future

As we all say goodbye (and good riddance) to 2020, we reflect on the goals and habits that many of us set for ourselves before the start of the year such as losing weight, learning a new skill, traveling, etc.

While most of us didn’t stick to these goals, just making it to the end of this crazy year safe and healthy is enough of an accomplishment.

Join us for today’s episode as we discuss quarantine drinking, broken resolutions, and our own personal objectives for 2021.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-117-new-years-resolutions

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Episode 116: 2020...What a Year

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Episode 116: 2020...What a Year

2020 was…well… where do we even start? From kicking off the year with Australian wildfires and the death of Kobe Bryant to the historic Chilean referendum and US presidential elections—all during a global pandemic—this year was one that we will never forget.

Join us for today’s episode as we give a year-in-review wrap-up and discuss some of the most important events that occurred in this crazy, unpredictable, and historic year.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-116-2020-what-a-year

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Episode 115: COVID Updates From Argentina, Brazil to the U.S.

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Episode 115: COVID Updates From Argentina, Brazil to the U.S.

As vaccines for COVID-19 have started to roll out in different parts of the world these last two weeks, the thought of terminating this deadly disease and returning to our normals lives is giving many hope as we near the end of a long and dark year.

However, with rising cases, unorganized policies, and limited vaccines available, it’s apparent that our fight against the deadly coronavirus is far from over.

Tune in to today’s episode as CWG gives an update on COVID-19 developments including second waves of infections, vaccine rollouts and Argentina’s coronavirus tax on the wealthy.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-115-covid-update

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Episode 114: The U.S. Presidential Election Is Over...More or Less

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Episode 114: The U.S. Presidential Election Is Over...More or Less

The US presidential election which we covered in Episode 105 is now over with Joe Biden presumably being the official winner to become the next president of the United States in a year that saw the highest voter turnout in 120 years.

However, Trump and his supporters continue to contest the election results, claiming voter fraud and corruption, and will possibly resist the transition of power.

Join us for this episode as we discuss the election results, Trump’s ongoing fight, and what we might expect to happen on inauguration day on January 20th.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-114-the-us-presidential-election-is-over

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Episode 113: Special Guest, David Vaughn, Talks About Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

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Episode 113: Special Guest, David Vaughn, Talks About Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain at 5,895 meters (19,240 feet) and takes seven days to complete. With only a 40% success rate of reaching the top, it’s clear that summitting the peak is not for the faint of heart. However, those who brave the harsh weather, high altitude, and physical/mental pain to reach the top can consider it a trip of a lifetime.

Join us today as we discuss mountain climbing training, toilet porters, and Tanzanian whisky on Africa’s tallest mountain with good friend and special guest, David Vaughn.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-113-climbing-mt-killmanjaro

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Episode 112: Some Common English Mistakes

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Episode 112: Some Common English Mistakes

Whether being a beginner or an advanced learner, making mistakes in a foreign language is inevitable. While it can be embarrassing and frustrating, making mistakes helps you recognize your weak spots in order to correct them and to sound more natural and fluent.

Tune into today’s episode as we discuss some common English mistakes and how to correct them in order to take your fluency to the next level.

Read the full transcript and vocabulary guide here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-112-some-common-mistakes

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Episode 111: CWG Talks About Dating - Past and Present

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Episode 111: CWG Talks About Dating - Past and Present

The rise of social media and technology has changed different aspects of our social interactions, including the way that we romantically date.

Meeting someone and asking them out on a pre-planned date has now been replaced by “liking” photos and swiping left or right on social media and dating apps like Tinder.

Tune into this week’s podcast as we compare dating in the past to the present including catfishing, ghosting, and searching for love in the digital age.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-111-cwg-talks-about-dating

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Episode 110: CWG Ponders Space and Other Life

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Episode 110: CWG Ponders Space and Other Life

Whenever we go outside and we look up at the big sky and we see the beautiful stars at night, we often ponder what is out there. What is in outer space? Are we alone? Are we the only ones? What's the meaning of life? Everyone thinks about the galaxy, other planets, space exploration, aliens, etc. and really makes us consider the possibilities that exist in the ever-expanding universe.

Tune in to today’s podcast as we discuss shooting stars, space exploration, and whether or not we believe other life exists in the universe.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-110-cwg-ponders-space-and-other-life

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Episode 109: Ethical Dilemmas

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Episode 109: Ethical Dilemmas

If you were the eyewitness to someone robbing a bank, would you report it to the police? If someone was convinced that they were guilty of a crime that you committed, would you let them take the blame? Would you kill one person in order to save five people?

These kinds of difficult scenarios are known in English as ethical dilemmas. There are always consequences and it's a matter of where your conscience lies. There's no right or wrong answer— it's just how strongly you feel either way.

Tune into today’s podcast as we discuss difficult ethical dilemmas and what moral decisions we would personally make.

Read the full transcript and vocabulary guide here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-109-ethical-dilemmas

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Episode 108: We Talk Conspiracy Theories With Special Guest, Mike Papale

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Episode 108: We Talk Conspiracy Theories With Special Guest, Mike Papale

A conspiracy theory is a belief that some covert organization is responsible for a circumstance or event that happens in the world. From the first moon landing to JFK’s assassination to the recent mysterious death of Jeffrey Epstein, there is no shortage of conspiracy theories that make their way into our everyday news cycles and conversations. Whether they are plausible or outlandish, there are few topics more interesting than the consideration of these theories and if we are really being told the truth about these events.

Tune in to today’s episode as we discuss the Illuminati, Barack Obama, Katy Perry, and some other current conspiracy theories with special guest, Michael Papale. (Disclaimer: CWG does not support any of the featured conspiracy theories. They are for discussion purposes only).

Read the full transcript and vocabulary guide here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-108-conspiracy-theories

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Episode 107: The Upcoming U.S. Election By State

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Episode 107: The Upcoming U.S. Election By State

As we discussed in Episode 105, voters will decide who will become the next president in the upcoming US election by ballot. In addition, voters will also be voting on state-specific issues such as Congress representatives, judges, alcohol and tobacco taxes, voting-age requirements, among many others. One could argue that these state laws affect citizens’ everyday lives even more than federal laws and therefore, their importance cannot be overlooked.

Tune in to today’s episode as we discuss some of the new ballot measures being presented in this year’s upcoming election and how they could possibly shape and change the future of certain states in the US.

Read the full transcript and vocabulary guide here:
https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-107-us-election-by-state

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Episode 106: Chile's Momentous Vote for A New Constitution

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Episode 106: Chile's Momentous Vote for A New Constitution

As we approach the one year anniversary of Chile’s social uprising that occurred last October following massive protests and military intervention, tensions are rising again in anticipation of the upcoming constitutional referendum vote in which Chileans will vote to determine if and how a new constitution will be drafted.

This vote will be the first of many steps towards change for current and future generations alike moving forward in a country that has experienced so much politically and socially in the last half-century.

Tune into today’s episode as we reflect on the social uprising, discuss the referendum details, and ponder the future of Chile.

Read the full transcript here as well as a key vocabulary guide: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-106-chiles-vote-for-a-new-constitution

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Episode 105: The Upcoming US Presidential Election

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Episode 105: The Upcoming US Presidential Election

Less than a month away from the US presidential elections, tensions are running high during a year that has given us a global pandemic, unprecedented forest fires, and a weakened economy. During a normal year, the US voting process can be complex and confusing, let alone with the complications that COVID-19 has presented us this year, in particular.

In today’s episode, we discuss the upcoming US elections from the candidates to campaigning to debating to persuading the Electoral College.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-105-the-upcoming-us-presidential-election

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Episode 104: Superstitions From Breaking Mirrors to Throwing Salt

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Episode 104: Superstitions From Breaking Mirrors to Throwing Salt

How did the number thirteen become so unlucky? Why is it bad luck to cross a black cat? Why shouldn’t you ever walk under a leaning ladder?

These superstitions—widely or commonly held beliefs that things are caused due to bad luck or due to supernatural circumstances—are still very much a part of people’s beliefs and influence their daily actions. But why are these seemingly silly beliefs so widely accepted?

Toss some salt over your shoulder and tune in to today’s episode as we discuss some common superstitions, their origins, and why we still believe them today.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-104-superstitions

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Episode 103: First jobs and odd jobs

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Episode 103: First jobs and odd jobs

Do you remember your first job? It might not have been the most professional or exciting, but it probably helped you build character and understand the importance of work.

Whether it’s cleaning golf carts, waitressing at a retirement home, or mowing lawns, young people get their first jobs for the experience and to have a few extra bucks in their pocket.

In today’s podcast, we talk all about our first jobs, odd jobs, and getting fired.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-103-first-jobs-odd-jobs

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Episode 102: Traditional Dances of Latin America

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Episode 102: Traditional Dances of Latin America

Latin America is known for many cultural aspects that make it so unique and special such as food, drinks, geography, art, and music. However, perhaps the most important of all the cultural aspects is dance. It seems to be infused into the daily rhythm and soul of every person that calls Latin America home—with each dance as unique and interesting as it’s own country and culture.

To celebrate Chile’s Fiestas Patrias celebrations on September 18th, we decided to discuss some of Latin America’s unique, traditional dances, including Chile’s own Cueca.

So put on your dancing shoes and tune in to find out more.

Read the transcript while you listen here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-102-the-traditional-dances-of-south-america

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