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
Jan 27, 2021
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...
Jan 20, 2021
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 h...
Jan 13, 2021
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 ...
Jan 06, 2021
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 ...
Dec 30, 2020
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-...
Dec 23, 2020
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 secon...
Dec 16, 2020
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 e...
Dec 10, 2020
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...
Dec 02, 2020
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-g...
Nov 25, 2020
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: htt...
Nov 19, 2020
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 ...
Nov 11, 2020
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 int...
Nov 04, 2020
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 ...
Oct 28, 2020
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...
Oct 21, 2020
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 soci...
Oct 14, 2020
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 th...
Oct 07, 2020
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 comm...
Oct 01, 2020
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...
Sep 23, 2020
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 uni...
Sep 16, 2020
We all have certain habits that are embarrassing, counterproductive, and in some cases, negative for us. Whether it’s singing in the car, smoking cigarettes, or hitting the snooze button too many times, we all have our own guilty pleasures and vices. In today’s episode, we talk about common guilty pleasures and vices—including some of our own. Read the transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-101-vices-and-guilty-pleasures...
Sep 09, 2020
To celebrate Coffee With Gringos 100th episode Paige and Ian hosted a live event where they took questions from the audience. Tune in and hear about favorite episodes, embarrassing moments, favorite Chilean food to favorite drunk food. You can also watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFSAZrf3gsA
Sep 02, 2020
Since the beginning of time, humans have been searching for the answers to some of life’s biggest questions. One of the most widely accepted forms of answering these questions for people around the world has come in the form of religion. In today’s episode, we talk about faith, religious hypocrites, and our own personal beliefs. Read the full transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-99-religion
Aug 12, 2020
Did you know that it’s illegal to fly a kite in Victoria, Australia? Or that it’s prohibited to wear high-heel shoes at the Acropolis in Athens? If your answer is no, then you’ll want to listen to these strange and funny laws and many others that exist in different countries all around the world in this week’s episode. Read along with the transcript here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-98-strange-laws
Aug 05, 2020
The United States has a lot of big cities that offer plenty of tourist attractions such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. But there’s one big Midwestern city that gets overlooked. This beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Michigan is none other than Chicago. In today’s episode, we talk with fellow Dynamic English teacher and Chicago native—Matt Gutman—all about the Cubs, deep-dish pizza, and the best music and museums in “The Windy City.” Read the full transcript t...
Jul 29, 2020
“Never Have I Ever” is a popular drinking game in which someone says something they have never done before and if anyone else has done that before, they have to put down a finger and take a drink. In today’s episode, we play “Never Have I Ever…” and talk about our experiences with bungee jumping, exotic foods, and much more. Read the transcript to this episode here: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particulares-de-ingles/episode-9 6-never-have-i-ever...
Jul 22, 2020
What do a globe-cycling woman, a torch-swallowing fire performer, and a chainsaw-juggling, completely-tattooed man have in common? It’s not a joke punchline—it’s the list of some of this year’s Guinness World record-holders. The Guinness World Records started in 1955 with the goal of finding and recognizing the world’s weirdest, wildest, and most incredible feats of humankind. In this episode, we talk about some of our favorite Guinness World records for 2020. Read the transcript to this episode...
Jul 15, 2020
There’s something magical about opening up a book, feeling the paper pages in your hands, and allowing your imagination to transport you to a new world. However, in a digitized world of phones, computers, tablets, and many other digital devices, reading in its traditional form is becoming increasingly less popular. In today’s episode, we talk about our favorite books, the struggles of finding books abroad, and what the future holds for reading. Lee la transcripción aquí: https://www.dynamicengli...
Jul 08, 2020
Sleep—it’s something that all of us have to do in order to be able to function properly as humans. Sleep expert, Dr. Matthew Walker, points out that the majority of people do not get the daily recommended amount of sleep leading to bad moods, low energy, weak immune systems, and even serious diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. In today’s podcast, we break down sleep and why it’s so incredibly important for our health. Lee la transcripción aquí: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with...
Jul 01, 2020
If you found a briefcase full of money in the woods, would you take it or leave it? If you could change the human body, what enhancements would you make? These kinds of questions that make us consider what decision we would make in possible scenarios are called hypothetical questions. In today’s podcast, we discuss some funny and interesting hypothetical questions and what decisions we would make. Lee la transcripción aqui: https://www.dynamicenglish.cl/coffee-with-gringos-podcast-clases-particu...
Jun 24, 2020
