Meghan Markle Talks to Serena Williams about Ambition

Meghan Markle has recently launched Archetypes, an original podcast on Spotify.  In the first episode, the Duchess of Sussex has a casual chat to her friend and tennis champion Serena Williams about ambition in women.

The conversation, in very natural American English, is quite long (57:28), so it is recommended for C1 students and above. There seems to be no operating link to the script on the web page, so, you can use this list of interesting and salient words as a listening guide: a commercial, greasy, pots and pans, to belong in the kitchen, to reach out to, triumph, to have a ripple effect, an awakening, to box women, to make a difference, diva, the "b" word, slut, harsh, abrasive, to suck around, bitch, mortified, dumb, dragon-lady, household names, to bear the brunt of [something], label, to open up, competitive, an order [of nuns], the sisters, to renounce [their] vows, to behold to a system, to be raised [Catholic], to trickle down, limitless, to date [my now husband], to embody [the spirit of ambition], a trend-setter, a trail-blazer, to focus on [other passions], to pop in, a great vibe, super loyal, to show up, [the pain] I am going through, to check yourself, bossy, to fade, to be fearless, to be blanking, to be afraid of heights, a wound, a godly fear, unhealthy fear, to jump in [there], to call [the ball] out, [to have] a meltdown, a double standard, a stand-point, [pressure] to mount, [these] fellows, that was nuts, to be at fault, [to use] a curse word, to step away [from tennis], deleting, to dig [deeper on an idea], scenarios, [is] power hungry, a role model, it boils down to [antipathy], to come with a backlash, a climber,  a ripple effect, to be nurturing, a boost [in pay], careerwise, the mother-work balance, [I'm always] devil's advocate, breastfeeding, infamous [cat suit], that outfit, [she fell from] a high chair, [I felt so] guilty, a cast, to rock [her to sleep], [I'm] hard on myself, so emotionally drained, I took a lot on, to show up, an official engagement, a township, a nursery, to give [each other] a break, to swim in the shallow end, to betray that trust, a monumental decision, baseball cap, on vacation, to struggle with it, for one purpose, I can't wait [to wake up one day], it's new territory, to toil over [a decision], it takes [counselling, support], [the last] hurrah, the locker room, sad tears, to evolve [into something else], [some sort of] involvement, pregnancy, to wobble around, [I'm] fortunate enough, your calling, choosing a path, it takes [a lot of] courage, that's insane, classy girl, to tear up, this newness, it doesn't get better than that, to be messing around, stunning, it's the sweetest thing, a two-bedroom home, the most amazing ride, I'm getting emotional, to close things out, to hold a space, a perfectionist, thoughtful, compassionate, genuinely funny, a fully-fledged [human being], [I] have a voice, super-understanding, a mom, a marker of drive, a commitment to achievement, nuances, to have an agenda, whatever gets thrown at you, my little mermaid, to shut the door on her ambition, see you guys!

Brad Pitt, the Ultimate Star of the Century

Brad Pitt has just starred a new action comedy film, "Bullet Train", which has become a box-office success in Spain. Most film critics have panned the movie, though. Here you can read the review of "Bullet Train" in Esquire where Charles Taylor says that Even Brad Pitt's Endless Charm Can't Save Bullet Train. whereas Wendy Ide, in The Guardian, says that Brad Pitt Goes Second Class in a Brainless Action Movie. 

With a more positive perspective, Caryn James, in a BBC Culture article, revisits Brad Pitt's career and personal life and describes him as "The Ultimate Star of the 21st Century", "not an Instagram celebrity or influencer". In this long article, whose rich, descitptive vocabulary makes it suitable for C2 students, you will find many interesting words like: ultimate, to display, wry [self-referential] humour, to earn an enduring status, hunky, a toy toy, a heartthrob, lookalike, off-screen, tabloids, to overshadow, performance, to range over, genre, savvy, goofy, hitman, unflattering, a bucket hat, to fend off, a high-speed [train], to spout, self-help [lines], deadpan, an [action] extravaganza, distinguishing feature, sardonic tone, to make the case, a stuntman, to be infused, dry [humour], a smirk, mischievous, off-putting, scalper, plummy, a whiff [of humour], droll, a sweet spot, underappreciated, the ease, stressed-out, a powerful [performance], to defy, to plummel, alter ego, flat-out, hilariously, to chomp [gum], to set up [a character], to run away with [it], wit, the path, stature, to give up [acting], to cling to [his past], an endless string, a box-office hit, an earnest [dad], to pick, all over the place, a sly [cameo], canny, an on-screen persona, to be typecast, [to become] stale, to mock, to turn his back on [it], disarming, to show up, nerdy, rom-com, a fixer, kidnapped, stunned, [to answer] matter-of-factly, to dismiss [his looks casually], bemused, [the best] supporting actor, the lead, charisma, to steal [the film], a ranch, to squat, to pitch, concern, easygoing, awareness, scruffy, greased-back [hair], ruthless, uneasy, at close range, to set up [the murder], touchy-feely, to plead, [to make] a squeamish [face], to deliver the line, a tough [guy], a half-hearted [attempt], fate, free will, nice try, cartoonish, a megawatt [actor], to handle, a high-grossing [film], thoroughly [amusing], to tangle with, to go flat, a [sardonic] edge, to catch [viewers] off-guard, gung ho, to nickname, to lean, dashing, an undercover [agent], blatant, caricature, satire, arched [eyebrows], brow furrows, to squint, [a marriage] is on the rocks, an ongoing [custody fight], a lawsuit, a winery, shrewdly, flawlessly, attention-grabbing [fashions], red-carpet, rumpled, to be sober, to make a stir, wan, [eye] liner, a backdrop.

In the short YouTube video below (4:40) you can watch a GMA interview to the cast of "Bullet Train". The language is much more colloquial and simple and with the help of the subtitles, it can be accessible to C1 students and above:

Flamenco, Rock and Songs of Rebellion from Spain

Alt.Latino is NPR's music programme dedicated to alternative and rock music in Spanish, hosted by Felix Contreras and Jasmine Garsd.  

Last July 3rd, Alt.Latino summer intern, Vita Dadoo, hosted and produced the show "Flamenco, Rock and Songs of Rebellion from Spain", a monographic episode, which compiles interviews, songs and narrates the influences on alternative music from Spain, featuring Sylvia y Los Caminantes, Martirio, Pedro Iturralde (with Paco de Lucía), Antonio Lizana, Camarón de la Isla, and Ángeles del Infierno. This 32 minute radio show, which includes a bilingual interview to flamenco saxophonist Antonio Lizana, can be acessible to B2 learners and above, since the cultural references are close to Spanish listeners.  There is no transcript, but you can follow the show with the notes below of the most salient and interesting words, as a listening guide: 

Hiatus, to rethink, to dig around, 2017, 2014, 2011, to cover [music], earbuds, whether, to wrestle  with, to seep, to draw from [eachother], to feature, rule [over Spain], itinerary, repression, the analogues, Latin counterparts, to absorb [musical influences], Sylvia y Los Caminantes, to check out [this sound], the background vocals, doo-wop [influence],

A jazzy, blues break in the middle, to sip in, tiny bit [of musical influence], [pretty] revolutionary, franquismo, the rule [of Franco], to mobilize the masses, copla, the soundtrack [of franquismo], to incorporate, [jazz], [to be] eyebrow raising, explosion, Martirio, to reflect [on the influence of copla], 

I love Martirio, to trace [this political evolution], development [of Spain], [Martirio is] a character, a performance artist, the post-Franco era, [to dress in] elaborate [costumes], hair combs, dark sunglasses, Pedro Almodovar, fascinating, to go through [a similar period], brutal dictatorships, that creative energy and freedom, to wrap up, a tenor saxophone player, Pedro Iturralde, to record [a track], to be listed, Paco de Lucía,

so brilliant, how the saxophone [is] emulating [the flamenco vocals], Pedro Iturralde, underrated and unsung hero, the music scene, to think far ahead, 

Pedro Iturralde's music, a massive impact, to mingle with, persecution, repression, Antonio Lizana, to inspire [him]

Antonio Lizana, guest DJ, exposure [to flamenco], in flamenco roots, to copy the sound, to mix [flamenco and jazz], Jorge Pardo, a mixture, part of your identity, Camarón de la Isla, 

unmistakeable sound, goose-pumps, a tremendous power and emotion, like rock stars, Jorge Pardo, in the flute, pain, to be chased, to be kicked out, to be persecuted, the blues, an expression of suffering, 

Flamenco is a genre, synonimous to Spain, rock-and-roll, to set the scene, a record label, BMG Ariola, to be geared towards celebrating rock music [from Spain, Argentina, Mexico], to reverberate, heavy metal, basque culture, 

Within the umbrella of Latin alternative, Ángeles del Infierno, 

Which Felix is gonna come to work, techno-Felix, banda-Felix, devil, cursed be your name, the falsetto, crunchy guitar work, driving drums, a high-pitched voice, to bring something out, Ángeles del Infierno, on shelf, black T-shirts, basque, you are kidding, rock radical vasco, anti-establishment, euskera, consonants, made for heavy metal, pacts with the devil, to trick [all human beings], 

To draw from [influences], to tie to [sentiments and histories], shared language, conquest and colonization, appropriation, to be tied to [to my own musical memory], central to my upbringing, on loop, bending and blending [genres], [to produce] chart topping hits, to leave these questions with you, another dive [into the Alt.Latino archives].

Carnival

Summer, together with February, is Carnival season.  You may be out there, enjoying the carnivals of your hometown, or not.  In that case, perhaps you can make a virtual trip to the Caribbean and enjoy the colour and the fun here, in this National Geographic article about carnival in the Caribbean islands.

In the text , which can easily be read by C1 students, you will come across interesting words like: lesser-known [islands], to ring, lure, flamboyant, costumes, Lenten, Mardi Gras, debauchery, a masquerade ball, to enslave, to tap into, to drum, a [rebellious] chant, to mock, a [colonial] master, defiance, slavery, to spill [onto the streets], to bear [similarities], distinct [traditions], craftmanship, to honour [their ancestors' resistance], fellowship, a whopping [$124bn], performers, on display, iconic [carnivals], to be dubbed ['the mother of all carnivals'], to draw [visitors], to purchase, to join in, a parade, the entire [country], masqueraders, to gather, mud, sunrise, feather, glitter, jewelled [costumes], a steel pan band competition, fetes, themed parties, a trendsetter, to renact, a riot, emancipated slaves, to ban, to fuel up [on local foods], doubles, bake and shark, roti, pelau, pineapple chow, to add to [the experience], the launch, pan yaad hopping, a meet up, T-shirt mas, a reveller, a swimsuit, a casual cut-off outfit, J'ouvert, a powered-down [body], a wig, daybreak, to showcase, conch wate, souse, bakes, a distinct [feature], cowbells, car rims, infectious beats, to pack a [significant] punch, season festivities, ride parties, soca fetes, to sell out, value for {your] money, to wind down, [island] commute, the harvesting season, a long-running [carnival], to kick off, an elaborate [show], a skit, calypso music, to pass down to [the future generation], to feature, crafts, live performers, the highlight, to name after, a bounty [of spices], glistening [oiled-bodies], to take over, helmets, devil horns, to drag [chains], a smoked herring, to protrude, to lunge, in jubilance, a satire, Bacchanal Friday, Soca Monarch, Pantastic Saturday, Monday Night Mas, to stand out, to show up [at dusk], glowing paraphernalia, sticks, a fancy costumed parade, a last-lap [parade], a picturesque [waterfront], to check out, an off-the-beaten track [experience], a loser, whip, the sidelines, to host, startling [diversity], a vibrant [parade], the seafront [boulevard], island-hopping, a southernmost [island], Junior Pan Fest, a pristine [beach].

Football's Coming Home!

After the Lionesses, England's female football team, won the European Cup last Sunday, there has been a national celebration of soccer and female empowerment. The media have reflected the historical moment by flooding the waves with words of praise and joy for the victorious women athletes. BBC Radio 4 programme Today is a good example of this shared communal enthusiasm, and on August 1st, Today devoted several slots to cover the different angles of the the story during the 3 hour programme (that podcast is available on line for 29 days, and it is suitable for C2 students). A compilation of the different interviews can be heard on Best of Today, a podcast that is only available on line for 6 days, also suitable for C2 students. In the podcast 5 Minutes On, you can hear a short summary of the story for a whole year (C1).

Below you can watch a Sky Sports News video, where the England players interrupt the press conference that coach Sarina Wiegman was giving by singing the song "It's Coming Home", the song that had been played before every single international competion and many English fans had already associated with the frustration of never winning an international football tournament, until the girls did the job last Sunday. Sarina Wiegman, a Dutch national, has been called "The Alchemist that has built England into a formidable team", by The Guardian, who wrote that "This Win Will Change Women's Football For Ever". Congratulations!

The article about Sarina Wiegman can be read by C1 students, and you will find interesting words like: an alchemist, formidable, an accomplishment, to sum up, austere, stern, the touchline, to imprint on, to flourish, sore, a feat, back-to-back, to play bad cop, to raise an eyebrow, a close-knit [England camp], to eke out, priceless, the dressing-room, to be forthright, the national team, a tall order, arduousness, surreal, contenders, to haul [them] over the line, to tie up, loose [ends], sleek, at the helm, to back up [a title], a stunning [win], deservedly, a letdown, a squad, akin to, [with] momentum, a fixture, a draw, the buildup, to bask, glow, on the pitch, legacy, a camper van [holiday], to eschew, glitz, glare, damehood.

In the article "This Will Change Women's Football for Ever" (C1), you can find interesting words like: a lioness, to capture [the country's] imagination, [girls and boys] alike, outrageous, to score, attendance, a turnstile, to top it off, a thunderbolt, to crack [into the net], [the clock] to tick down [towards extra-time], to backheel, a nutmeg [goal], stunning, cheek, to roar, an [advertising] hoarding, the pitch, coverage, a pundit, mainstream, watercooler talk, to flock, to stick around, for years to come, to reach [the final], funding, a squad, a [home/ away] leg, a day job, fixture, vile [weather], to set up, to aim [top], to pay off, to land [a trophy], to draw from [a diverse talent pool], to launch, to address [a problem], a grassroots [club], a step, an inspirational role model, to clear the path, legacy, to ensure [that], to go down in history,