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In this episode, we dive into how to use the prepositions at, in, and on inside common English idioms. I walk you through practical examples, song references, and clear explanations so you can understand these expressions and use them confidently in real conversations. Perfect for learners who want to sound more natural and fluent.

You'll learn:

• How at / in / on function inside idiomatic expressions

• Idioms for timing, like in the long run and at the 11th hour

• • Idioms for emotional states, like on cloud nine and at your wits’ end
  • Idioms for risk and uncertainty, like in hot water and at risk

• Key phrases:

• • In the long run → future outcomes

  • At the 11th hour → last minute

  • In no time → very quickly

  • In the blink of an eye → extremely fast

  • On cloud nine → very happy

  • At your wits’ end → very frustrated

  • On fire → performing extremely well

  • On edge → anxious or tense

  • In hot water → in trouble

  • At risk → possible danger

In this episode, I announce the winners of our Spooky Story Contest and read the top three horror stories written by English learners! Each story brings something special — suspense, emotion, and creativity — and we explore what makes them so engaging.In this episode I read: the runner-up “The Mystery Story" by Akko, the chilling second-place entry, "My first night by myself at home" by Joao, and the haunting winner “Always Here For You” by Almir. After each reading we break down what we liked about the stories: language choices, pacing, and ways to build fear and emotional impact.

✨ Takeaways:

• Creativity and originality make stories memorable.

• Listening helps you learn vocabulary in context.

• Analyzing stories deepens your understanding of how language works.

  
  

Keywords: spooky stories, storytelling, creative writing, writing contest, horror stories, English listening practice, story analysis, narrative techniques, vocabulary in context, engaging stories.

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In this episode we unpack how phrasal verbs turn into compound nouns. You will hear clear examples like takeover, breakdown, check-in, follow-up, and meetup, plus easy spelling tips and simple pronunciation rules to help your English sound more natural. Whether you use English at work, in social situations, or when making decisions, these words are everywhere. Listen for practice ideas you can try right away to lock this grammar into your speaking and writing.

What you will learn• How compound nouns form from phrasal verbs• Verb versus noun use, with easy examples• Spelling patterns and why some words change from two words to one word• Pronunciation and stress tips for natural sound• Plenty of examples to practice and remember these forms

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In this episode I break down one of the trickiest parts of English grammar: verbs that take gerunds vs infinitives. We cover common patterns, mental-process verbs (think, imagine, recall), verbs of intention (intend, plan), and verbs that accept both forms with little change in meaning. Expect real-life examples, practical chunks you can use in conversation, and teaching tips for ESL learners (B2–C1). Whether you’re preparing for interviews, improving fluency, or teaching English, this episode gives bite-sized rules and plenty of practice ideas to make gerunds and infinitives stick.

Key takeaways

• Some verbs require gerunds (e.g., enjoy, avoid) — often for likes/dislikes or ongoing actions.

• Some verbs require infinitives (e.g., intend, decide) — often for intentions/decisions.

• A small group of verbs can take both gerund and infinitive with little or no change in meaning (e.g., start, begin, continue).

• Context and meaning decide which form to use — practise with categorised lists and speaking drills.

• Use real-life examples and mixing activities to make the forms feel natural.

Practice suggestions

• Make a 2-minute recording using 5 gerund phrases (I enjoy…, I’m used to…, I avoid…).

• Role-play intentions: use infinitives for decisions (I intend to…, I plan to…, I decided to…).

• Sorting activity: create two columns (gerund / infinitive) and sort verbs from the episode.

• Conversation prompt: “What’s something you pretend to do? What’s something you intend to start?”

To watch on YouTube go to: https://youtu.be/TnxcbEHsdos

I chat with my sister Stacey about what it is really like to work in animal control. Stacey shares field stories, the kinds of calls she gets, and the choices officers make when balancing animal welfare and community needs. Along the way we focus on language that learners can use in real life. You will hear natural vocabulary and phrases, pronunciation practice of animal names, and clear explanations of animal behavior that help with safety and pet care. This is a great fast-paced conversation to learn plenty of vocabulary because we don't just use technical words, we also use a lot of conversational phrases and phrasal verbs (clutter up, on the books, etc.)

What learners will get from this episodePractice listening to everyday conversation about animals and jobsVocabulary and pronunciation examples for animal names and common phrasesStories about animals and animal controlPractical pet tips like microchipping and reading body language

In this live Q&A I answer student questions about casual speaking, speaking and learning tips, verb tenses (past perfect and the past participle,) causative verbs, pronunciation difficulties, and small language nuances like the difference between “shade” and “shadow.” I give many examples, correction tips, and practice suggestions you can use right away. Suitable for B1–B2 learners who want practical speaking practice and clearer grammar use.Some takeaways:-Use adverbs at the start of sentences to sound more natural.-Phrasal verbs are essential for conversational fluency.-Use past perfect to show event order/background.-Causative verbs (make/have/get) show actions done by others.-Cultural context improves comprehension and use.-Practice vowel sounds with rhymes and minimal pairs.-Balance communicative speaking with targeted grammar practice.-Solo speaking practice also builds fluency and confidence.

Remember you can watch on youtube at @charmenglishmaggie and you can sign up for a class at www.charmenglish.cl

In this episode, I explore sayings and life mottos that we live by. We dig into procrastination, motivation, and how social media shapes our views of other people’s lives. Along the way I share language tips for learners, cultural expressions you can use today, and simple mindset shifts that make action easier.

What you’ll get from this episode

• Life mottos that can guide you and your lifestyle

• Idioms that express motivation, acceptance and resilience.

• Reflections on beating procrastination and not comparing yourself to others on social media

• Language learning + communication tips for speaking English

Chapters (highlights) — jump in at the time that fits you
00:00 Intro • 02:14 Personal life mottos • 16:15 Honesty & communication • 23:06 No pain, no gain • 25:14 Social media comparisons • 27:07 Idioms & cultural expressions • 31:28 Language tips for interviews • 36:58 Final reflections

Love the episode? Leave a review, subscribe, and share a life motto that guides you

In this episode, I break down how to use modals of possibility like may, might, and could in real-life English conversations. We also talk about phrasal verbs and idioms that help you sound more fluent and express uncertainty naturally — phrases like turn out, end up, and up in the air.

If you’re trying to speak English with more confidence, this lesson will help you understand how to talk about odds, likelihood, and future possibilities in a clear and natural way. It’s a great mix of grammar, pronunciation, and conversation practice, so you can use what you learn right away.

What you’ll learn:• How to use may, might, and could to express uncertainty• Common idioms and phrasal verbs for talking about results• Ways to describe odds and possibilities in everyday English• Tips to improve fluency and communication skills

Perfect for learners who want to build stronger English communication skills and sound more natural when they speak.

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