[Fun Quiz Questions: Dogs, Selfies, and Exotic Foods]-[Topic Talk | We ask each other funny questions]

The A to Z English Podcast · B1 · 2024-07-10

📋 Summary

Introduction to the A to Z English Podcast

In this episode, hosts Jack and Social introduce their new WeChat group, inviting listeners to join the community at "A to Z English Podcast." The hosts emphasize the value of active participation, noting that they frequently read comments and answer questions from their audience. The core of this episode revolves around a series of lighthearted and "silly" quiz questions, designed to spark conversation and explore the hosts' personal experiences.

Humanizing Pets: The Dog Dilemma

One of the first topics discussed is the hypothetical scenario of teaching their dogs to perform a human task. Social, who owns a dog named Dwende, expresses a desire for her pet to be "self-sufficient," enabling him to handle his own feeding and walking. She jokes about picturing him sitting on the sofa with a remote control, searching for television shows—a nod to the fact that some dogs, like her previous pet Melcy, seem to enjoy watching specific shows like The Walking Dead. Jack shares a similar sentiment regarding his own dog, admitting that while teaching a dog to speak might seem like a "blessing," it could quickly turn into a "curse" due to the endless chatter. Instead, Jack wishes his dog could use a toilet, highlighting the "huge convenience" that would provide for pet owners.

The Psychology of Selfies and "Mirror Faces"

Moving into personal habits, the hosts discuss their "silly" selfie faces. Social recounts the "duck lips trend" from her teenage years, noting that while some people used it "unironically" to look cuter, she and her friends often used it to make fun of the trend. Jack confesses to a more embarrassing habit: the "mirror face." He describes an unconscious habit of distorting his mouth whenever he caught his reflection in a window, a behavior that was once pointed out to him in a "humiliating" moment in an office. This leads to a thoughtful realization: the key to a good photograph isn't the mouth, but the eyes. Jack emphasizes that one must "smile with your eyes" to achieve a natural look, rather than relying on forced expressions.

Culinary Adventures: From Lotus Root to Insects

As "adventurous eaters," the hosts dive into the weirdest things they have ever consumed. Jack shares a story from his time in China, where he tried lotus root that, due to its specific preparation, tasted like "cold chapstick." The conversation then shifts to the consumption of insects, a practice common in many cultures. In Mexico, Social explains, ingredients like the worm from the maguey plant are used to make "worm salt," which is enjoyed with orange wedges. They also discuss crickets, which are fried in oil and salted, describing them as "earthy" and "herbaceous" because the insects feed on grass and herbs. While Social notes that some people consider insects the "meat of the future" due to their protein content, she admits to being less fond of them compared to other snacks.

Cultural Perspectives on Insects and Phobias

Finally, the hosts compare their experiences with insects, touching upon the Korean delicacy Bundegi (silkworm). While Social’s husband enjoys it, her daughter has such a severe "phobia of insects" that the mere mention of them can cause her to "almost faint." The hosts reflect on the necessity of "toughening up" when dealing with pests like roaches, which they both find "creepy" and "awful." The episode concludes with a brief discussion on frog legs and alligator, with the hosts agreeing that while deep-frying can make almost anything taste good, these exotic proteins are often reminiscent of chicken or white fish in texture and flavor. The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to join their English corner for further practice and community engagement.

🎯Key Sentences

I still haven't figured out the pattern yet

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📝Key Phrases

talk my ear off

under one umbrella

be careful what you wish for

call someone out on something

catch a glimpse of

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📖 Transcript

Hey, A to Z English Podcastlisteners, it's Jackhere.

And we just want to announce that we are now onWeChat.

Our WeChat ID is A to Z EnglishPodcast.

That is A to Z EnglishPodcast.

Oneword, alllowercase.

And if you join thegroup, you'll be able to talk withme, you'll be able to talk withsocial.

Or study on the web version →