The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast
by Jack McBain
Welcome to The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, where we take you on a journey from learning the basics to mastering the nuances of the English language. Our podcast is designed for non-native speakers who are looking to improve their English skills in a fun and interactive way. Each episode covers a wide range of topics to help you navigate the English-speaking world with ease. Join us every week as we explore the English language and help you build confidence in your communication skills. Let's get started!
Episodes
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Is fall coming earlier?
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, we ponder aloud whether or not fall is coming earlier these days? WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook...
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Is Halloween Dead?
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack ask the question: Is Halloween dead? WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Should high school student wear uniforms? (Xochitl vs. Jack debate)
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack debate whether or not high school students should wear uniforms. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A…
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Influence or De-influence My Trip
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack name cities they would like to visit and the other person influences or de-influences the plan. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram:...
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Can you separate the art from the artist?
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack ask whether we can separate the art from the artist. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z…
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Xochitl and Jack Debate Disney
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack debate the topic of Disney them parks. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Are the Harry Potter books classics?
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss whether or not they believe the Harry Potter series should be considered classics? WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22...
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The History of Memes
In this episode of The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss the history of memes and share some of their favorite memes. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter…
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Censorship in the USA
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about censorship in the United States. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Xochitl explains the meaning of memology
In this episode of The Fluent Mind, Xochitl explains memology and how we will be doing episodes based on popular internet memes. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A…
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Xochitl's search for a teaching job in South Korea
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack asks Xochitl about her search or a teaching job in South Korea. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook...
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The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss the Charlie Kirk assassination, a huge news story in the United States. This is a long podcast, but we hope you can hang in there with us as we share our views on this story. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group:...
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Jack and his family go to Osaka, Japan
In this episode of the podcast, Jack talks about his family trip to Osaka, Japan. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Practical Jokes
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about pranks or practical jokes. WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Let's Catch Up!
Catch up with Xochitl and Jack on The Fluent Mind Podcast (formerly The A to Z English Podcast.) WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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The A to Z English Podcast is now The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast!
Xochitl and Jack have decided it's time for a rebrand. We have changed the name of the podcast to The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, a podcast where Xochitl and Jack discuss various topics related to social media, culture, and global issues. We want to discuss issues that affect everyone's lives across...
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The 4th of July!
In this episode of the podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about the 4th of July in the United States. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook…
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Contranyms: This episode is dope!
In this episode, we discuss three more contranyms. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page…
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An American Diner vs. An American Restaurant
Xochitl and Jack discuss the differences between a diner and a restaurant in the United States. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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The Male Loneliness Epidemic
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about the male loneliness epidemic. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z…
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We're Talking About Contractions!
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about contractions. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Xochitl talks about some work she has been doing recently
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl talks about some work she has been doing recently. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z...
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Fun With Conditionals
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack have more fun with conditionals! Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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Fun with Conditionals
Here are three fun second conditional (hypothetical) sentences you can use to spark imagination or conversation: If you could swap lives with any fictional character, who would it be and why? (e.g., If I were Harry Potter, I’d use magic to clean my house every day.) If animals could talk, which…
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Idioms Related to Not Understanding Something
Idioms Related to Not Understanding Something Go over one’s head – To not understand something because it’s too complex. "The professor’s explanation went right over my head." Be in the dark – To not know or understand what is happening. "We were in the dark about the changes until the last...
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Idioms Related to Missing Out on Something
Set 1: Idioms Related to Missing Out on Something Miss the boat – To miss an opportunity. "I wanted to invest early, but I missed the boat." Let it slip through your fingers – To fail to take advantage of a chance. "He had the perfect job offer, but he let it slip through his fingers." Left out…
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Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs!
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about tariffs. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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3 Marine-based Idioms
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss three marine-based idioms. Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook…
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Xochitl wrote an article for a travel website
In this episode, Xochitl wrote an article for a travel website highlighting markets in Oaxaca, Mexico. Article Here: Best Markets in Oaxaca for Shopping, Food, and Artisans Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group:...
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Dreams, Dreams, Dreams
It's all about dreams, dreams, dreams. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter: @atozenglish22 A to Z Facebook Page:...
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3 Idioms: cold turkey, kick the habit, and jonesing
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack explain the meanings of three English idioms. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22 Twitter:...
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American Politics, Trade Wars, and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack discuss American politics, trade wars, and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1...
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Our Weekly Challenge (Week 5)
Xochitl and Jack talk about their progress regarding the weekly challenges. They break down their successes (and failures) during the episode. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/…
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Collocation Quiz March 18th
Take a toll (on) – To have a negative effect on something or someone. Example: The stress of the job took a toll on his health. Turn a blind eye (to) – To ignore something, especially something wrong. Example: The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering during class. Hit the nail on...
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Collocation Quiz March 04
Draw the line – To set a limit on what is acceptable. Example: I don’t mind helping, but I draw the line at working on weekends. Leave no stone unturned – To try every possible way to achieve something. Example: The detectives left no stone unturned in their search for clues. Set the record...
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Our Weekly Challenge (Week 4)
Check out our new logo! This week, Xochitl and Jack talk about their latest weekly challenge and discuss this coming week's challenge. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok:...
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Collocation Quiz February 25
Bite the bullet – To endure a difficult or painful situation with courage. Example: She decided to bite the bullet and take the difficult exam again. Break the ice – To do something to ease tension and make people feel comfortable. Example: He told a funny joke to break the ice at the meeting....
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Collocation Quiz February 22
Face the music – To accept the consequences of one’s actions. Example: After missing the deadline, he had to face the music when his boss confronted him. Jump on the bandwagon – To start supporting something because it is popular. Example: Many companies jumped on the bandwagon of electric…
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Our Weekly Challenge (Week 3)
In this week's episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about last week's challenge where they had to eat a balanced breakfast every day. Listen and find out what this week's challenge will be! :) Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group:...
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Which story is true?
False Story: In January 2025, a Chinese tech company announced the invention of a smartphone that could communicate directly with household pets. The device, allegedly powered by advanced AI, claimed to translate barks, meows, and even hamster squeaks into human language. The company showcased a...
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Which story is true?
True Story: In January 2025, a zoo in China's Guangdong province made headlines for dyeing two Chow Chow puppies to resemble pandas. Visitors initially admired the "pandas" until they noticed the animals panting and barking. The zoo later admitted to the stunt, sparking outrage and criticism from...
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Our Weekly Challenge (Week 2)
In this week's episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about their experiences meditating for "20" minutes every day for the past week. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok:...
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Collocation Quiz February 8 Part 2
Cut corners – To do something in a cheaper, easier, or faster way that is often unethical or results in lower quality. Example: The construction company was accused of cutting corners to save costs. Go the extra mile – To make a special effort beyond what is expected. Example: The customer…
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Collocation Quiz February 8 Part 1
A collocation is a combination of words that are commonly used together in a natural way by native speakers of a language. These word pairings sound "right" to native speakers because they occur frequently in everyday language. Break new ground – To do something innovative or unprecedented....
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Our Weekly Challenge (Week 1)
In this week's episode, Xochitl and Jack explain their idea to start weekly challenges. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram: @atozenglish22…
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Collocation Quiz February 01
A collocation is a combination of words that are commonly used together in a natural way by native speakers of a language. These word pairings sound "right" to native speakers because they occur frequently in everyday language. Raise objections – To express disapproval or disagreement. Example:...
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Collocation Quiz January 31
A collocation is a combination of words that are commonly used together in a natural way by native speakers of a language. These word pairings sound "right" to native speakers because they occur frequently in everyday language. Pay tribute – To honor or show respect to someone or something....
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Composing Music with Xochitl and Jack
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack discuss writing music as a hobby. Find links to Jack's music here: https://soundcloud.com/jack-mcb https://www.youtube.com/@echodust77 https://echodust2.bandcamp.com/music Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast...
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When a pet dies
In this episode, Xochitl and Jack talk about their pets and the sad news related to Jack's dog, Lily. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/ Tik Tok: @atozenglish1 Instagram:...
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Xochitl's Trip to Korea and Japan
In this episode, Xochitl tells Jack about her trip to Korea and Japan. They also discuss the sad reason that Jack couldn't meet up with Xochitl while she was visiting Korea. Podcast Website: http://atozenglishpodcast.com Social Media: WeChat: atozenglishpodcast Facebook Group:...
About this show
Welcome to The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast, where we take you on a journey from learning the basics to mastering the nuances of the English language. Our podcast is designed for non-native speakers who are looking to improve their English skills in a fun and interactive way. Each episode covers a wide range of topics to help you navigate the English-speaking world with ease. Join us every week as we explore the English language and help you build confidence in your communication skills. Let's get started!
Hosted by
Jack McBain
Categories