Coffee and Conversation for ESL Listening

Join the conversation! What do 70,000 videotapes, a race against the clock, and potatoes have in common? They all make their way into this Coffee Break as Donielle and Khrystyna share a fascinating story and put their word-game skills to the test. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language...

Join the conversation! For our 50th episode, we’re mixing things up with a bowl full of random questions. Grab a coffee and join us for an unscripted conversation full of opinions, stories, laughs, and plenty of real English. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this ...

Join the conversation! Welcome to the Midwest, where the winters are cold, the cheese curds are fried, and saying goodbye can take forever. Join us as we talk food, culture, traditions, and more! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.com/p...

Join the conversation! From soccer and hockey to Scrabble and Uno, this episode covers all things sports and games. Donielle and Khrystyna share childhood memories, debate spectator sports, swap game-night stories, and discover that winning isn't nearly as important as having fun... unless you're a sore loser! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabu...

Join the conversation! What do you do when you start feeling sick? In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss home remedies, family traditions, and common treatments for everyday ailments. They compare experiences from different cultures, explore why some remedies become so popular, and share plenty of stories and opinions along the way. It's a fun and engaging conversation filled with useful vocabulary and cultural insights for English learners. Show Notes Support the show ...

Join the conversation! Today, Donielle and Khrystyna are sharing a bit of nostalgia. We’re talking about childhood memories, funny habits, and the stories that stayed with us. Click “Join the Conversation” and share a funny childhood memory of your own! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and ...

Join the conversation! Why do people say “How are you?” but don’t expect a real answer? And is it rude to start eating before everyone else? In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna explore social norms, while sharing funny, surprising, and sometimes confusing cultural differences. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation ...

Join the conversation! In this episode, we talk all things color — personality quizzes, cultural meanings, marketing psychology, and why certain colors make us feel calm, hungry, confident, or creative. What does your favorite color say about you? Show Notes Enjoying the show? Buy us a coffee at the link below ⬇️ Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabula...

Join the conversation! In this episode, you'll hear a discussion about opinions on the best and worst of everyday life—from candy and coffee choices to household chores and vacation experiences. Along the way, it becomes clear that Donielle and Khrystyna share many opinions… just not when it comes to candy. It’s a relaxed, lighthearted conversation that shows how “best” and “worst” things really depend on who you ask. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this ...

Join the conversation! Today, Donielle and Khrystyna are discussing all things movies—genres they love, the films they can watch a thousand times, and the hilarious clichés that always show up on screen. They also compare movie-theater experiences, share guilty pleasures, and unpack useful vocabulary along the way. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabula...

Join the conversation! What do onions on your head and spaghetti behind your ear have to do with memory? In this fun episode, Donielle and Khrystyna put their brains to the test with a wacky grocery list challenge and share creative tricks for remembering things—from visualization to music and more. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the c...

Join the conversation! Join Donielle and Khrystyna for a lively conversation about Donielle’s summer travels through Italy, Greece, and Turkiye. You'll hear all about some unforgettable Italian food (and yes, the pizza’s amazing!), feeding cats on a black sand beach in Greece, and a souvenir from Turkiye that's a bit of an upgrade from your average keychain. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you w...

Join the conversation! We’re catching up after a little summer break and some fun travels, and Khrystyna has plenty to share about her trip to San Francisco. Hear all about the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, whale watching, amazing food, and a ride in a car with no driver. Yep. That happened. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation...

Join the conversation! Today Donielle and Khrystyna play a spontaneous and silly game of Finish the Sentence. From revealing their dessert alter-egos and dream homes to unexpected exotic pets, you’ll hear fun stories, personal quirks, and plenty of laughter. Grab a cup and join in! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and ad...

Join the conversation! From the surprising misadventures of a parrot to an unusual case of mistaken identity, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss quirky real-life stories with interesting or unexpected twists. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.c...

Join the conversation! Join Donielle and Khrystyna for a relaxed coffee break episode filled with laughs, quirky “Would You Rather” questions, and a surprisingly effective sleep hack. From elevator stories to fashion debates, it’s an easygoing chat for fun listening and vocabulary practice! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversati...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna open up about the everyday stressors we all face. We share how stress shows up in our lives and our personal tips for managing it. Tune in for relatable stories, vocabulary-rich natural conversation, and a few laughs along the way. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation ...

Join the conversation! What’s your favorite way to relax? In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna chat about hobbies — from baking and reading to board games and gardening — and share some laughs along the way. Grab a cup and join the conversation! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language not...

Join the conversation! Today, Donielle and Khrystyna talk about their social media preferences and habits. They discuss which platforms they use most, the kind of content they enjoy, and their thoughts on pros and cons of social media. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding ...

Join the conversation! In this Coffee Break episode, Donielle and Khrystyna play a fun round of Tell Me Some Things... where they discuss hilarious do’s and don’ts for various situations. Grab your coffee and join the laughs! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topi...

Join the conversation! In today’s episode, Donielle and Khrystyna need a break from the daily news headlines, so we're scouring the interwebs to uncover uplifting and funny news stories. Join us for a lighthearted conversation filled with moments designed to bring a smile to your face. We hope these stories brighten your day, too! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about ...

Join the conversation! Today we're exploring the colorful world of body-related idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions! With so many to choose from, we’re putting fate in the hands of a spinning wheel, landing on a body part, and uncovering a few surprising idioms featuring each one. Don't turn your nose up at these useful idioms - this episode is full of fun, laughs, and phrases you’ll want to keep an eye out for! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure t...

Join the conversation! Today we continue our conversation about restaurants and restaurant culture in the United States, including explaining a little about how tipping works here. And of course, because it's us, we'll also talk about favorite restaurant foods. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and lang...

Join the conversation! Today we're discussing all things restaurant related: eating out, take out, cuisines, etc. But it turns out that this is a big topic, and since we love talking about food, we're calling this a part 1, and we'll continue our discussion next time! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultu...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna dive into some of the puzzling customs, habits, and practices that leave us scratching our heads. Join us for a lighthearted conversation about things that just don't make sense to us and our attempts to figure out what the reason might be that they persist. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabular...

Join the conversation! Today we're talking about a famous U.S. city that receives millions of visitors per year: Chicago, Illinois! Donielle has lived there, and Khrystyna has visited many times, so we're sharing our experiences and discussing places to visit and famous Chicago foods to try. show notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation a...

Join the conversation! Today, Donielle and Khrystyna are discussing experiences renting and living in apartments. We also discuss an interesting court case, sparking conversations about the diverse cultural influences shaping perspectives on adult children continuing to reside in their parents' home. Download the show notes for this episode for lots more helpful language info! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each epis...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna start off the discussion with a funny news story about not-so-big lottery winnings. We then talk about our own luck when it comes to winning things, and imagine what we would do if we ever hit it big in the lottery! Download the show notes for this episode for lots more helpful language info! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more infor...

Join the conversation! Another fun installment in our coffee break series - a quick game or fun discussion that's perfect for when you're short on time and would prefer to listen to a shorter recording. Each episode will be about 15 minutes long with a discussion about a topic, a quick Q&A, or a fun game. Because these are short conversations that we will be sprinkling in with the regular episodes, the show notes will also be brief – just focusing on a few key words and phrases used...

Join the conversation! In this episode, our conversation revolves around various phrasal verbs that include the verb "come" but you'll also hear about lots of other phrasal verbs and expressions! Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding thi...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss common dreams, dream meanings, and our own dream habits. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.com/podcast Music: Wake Up to the Renais...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna talk about weddings: culture, traditions, and superstitions, and you'll hear a little about their own wedding experiences! Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. ...

Join the conversation! Superstitions are common in just about all cultures, and they are so much fun to discuss! In today’s episode Donielle and Khrystyna talk about superstitions that are common in the U.S., and Khrystyna shares some unique Ukrainian superstitions. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in th...

Join the conversation! Today we are trying something new! In addition to our regular, full-length episodes, we are starting a new series we are calling Coffee Break. Each episode will be a short discussion about a topic, a quick Q&A, or a fun game. Because these are short conversations that we will be sprinkling in with the regular episodes, the show notes will also be brief – just focusing on a few key words and phrases used in our discussion that we think may be helpful to explain. In t...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss an activity almost everyone can relate to in some way: watching TV. In this conversation, you'll hear about favorite genres of shows, specific show opinions, and television watching habits. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in th...

Join the conversation! Today we're doing something a little bit different! Khrystyna has just returned from a fun family trip to Ireland, and Donielle is talking to her about her experience. You'll hear about some of the places she visited, her impressions of Ireland, and you know us already - of course we manage to talk a little about coffee and food she enjoyed during her trip. Join us as we discuss this amazing vacation destination! Be sure to download the show notes for even more co...

Join the conversation! In today's episode, Donielle and Khrystyna are having a little fun with animal idioms! English is full of interesting idioms that we frequently use in conversations, but it's not always so easy to understand them from context alone. Today we are talking about some of our favorites with an animal theme. Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. Ther...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss common everyday annoyances and our personal pet peeves. Not sure what a "pet peeve" is? Tune in to find out! Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. r...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna are talking all about jobs - different types of jobs we have had, our dream jobs and more. Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.com/podcast...

Join the conversation! In this episode, we're mixing things up a bit! One of the most important things to learn for conversation skills is phrasal verbs because we use them SO often in our daily speech. They are often difficult to learn without some context and lots of examples, so we thought this was a perfect way to help make them a bit easier. Today our conversation is all about phrasal verbs that contain the word PUT. Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Suppor...

Join the conversation! In this episode, we are talking about getting a fresh start with a new year! You'll hear us discuss different ways to celebrate New Year's Eve and other New Year's Day traditions, including making new year's resolutions. Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and ...

Join the conversation! In this episode, we are talking about another popular holiday in the United States - Thanksgiving! You'll hear a little about the holiday's history, common ways to celebrate it in the U.S., and what we traditionally eat for Thanksgiving dinner. Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about th...

Join the conversation! Things are getting spooky in here! In this episode, we are talking about one of the most popular holidays in the United States - Halloween! You'll hear a little about the holiday's history, traditional ways to celebrate it in the U.S., and our personal favorite things about Halloween. Be sure to download the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will f...

Join the conversation! If there's one thing Donielle and Khrystyna love as much as coffee, it's breakfast foods! In this episode we talk about our favorite things to have for breakfast and discuss some common breakfast foods in the United States and other regions. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used i...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss their opinions of different types of music and share experiences related to enjoying music. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.com/po...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss some of the funny observations non-Americans have made about life in the United States. Just like anywhere else, the U.S. has its peculiarities, and it’s fun to discuss what others find a bit strange about the way we do things here! We believe that each country’s uniqueness and quirks are what make it special and wonderful. So today we are talking about what makes our country weird and wonderful! Be sure to grab the ...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss our love of animals and we share stories about pets in our lives. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.com/podcast Music: ...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss the different kinds of pranks and practical jokes that people play on April Fools' Day, or any time of year! We discuss specific pranks we have been involved in and some internet and TV favorites. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary use...

Join the conversation! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss retail shopping habits, likes and dislikes, etc. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about the vocabulary used in the conversation and additional cultural and language notes regarding this topic. realcoolenglish.com/podcast Music: Wake Up to the Renaissance by...

Join the conversation! In this episode Donielle and Khrystyna talk about favorite vacation destinations and activities. You'll hear about some of our most memorable travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad, as well as discussions about travel destinations that are still on our bucket lists! Be sure to grab the show notes for even more content! Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. There you will find more information about...

Join the conversation! Welcome to Coffee and Conversation for ESL Listening! In this podcast, advanced learners of English will have a chance to listen to authentic conversations in English and learn new vocabulary words and expressions along the way. In this first episode, you will listen to a conversation with your hosts Donielle and Khrystyna as they discuss their love of coffee, different types of coffee shops, and other coffee-related topics. Be sure to grab the show notes for even more...