Synopsis: At the annual office mixer, Lyla and Penny discover that small talk can lead to real connection — from hobbies with Chloe to software tips from Mark. When David admits he’s feeling burnt out, Penny gently redirects the conversation, reminding everyone that friendship and balance matter just as much as productivity.

Note: Our workbooks include the full script (easy to follow along), seven creative exercises, and pronunciation practice so you can listen, practice, and learn confidently. This episode is just $3, or the four‑episode collection is $9.

$3 👉 https://www.patreon.com/posts/149046122?collection=1962951

Set of 4👉 https://www.patreon.com/collection/1962951?view=expanded

Synopsis:

At the annual office mixer, Lyla and Penny discover that small talk can lead to real connection — from hobbies with Chloe to software tips from Mark. When David admits he’s feeling burnt out, Penny gently redirects the conversation, reminding everyone that friendship and balance matter just as much as productivity.

Character Spotlight:

Lyla and Penny navigating small talk with confidence, while Adam and Mark model polite networking. Penny shows empathy and leadership as she helps David shift from stress to connection.

“Small talk builds big bridges.”

Learning Hook (Zoe’s Grammar & Vocabulary Corner):

This episode focuses on small‑talk language, polite requests, and workplace idioms.

Zoe highlights expressions like “talk shop,” “What do you do?”, “get up to,” “I was wondering if…,” and “work‑life balance.”

Learners can practice using small‑talk phrases to build rapport, make polite requests in social settings, and redirect conversations with natural transitions.

They also explore how language reflects cultural expectations around networking, rest, and workplace well‑being.

Tagline:

“Connection starts with a conversation.”

Follow along with the scripts, vocabulary, and seven exercises in each episode’s workbook. Episodes 5 – 8 are available in Lyla’s Winter Collection
https://www.patreon.com/collection/1962951?view=expanded

Workbooks with scripts are available for all episodes — link below.

Synopsis: Adam’s dedication keeps him at the office long into the night, but Douglas reminds him that balance matters as much as deadlines. With Penny and Lyla offering support, the team learns that health and teamwork are stronger than overtime.

Character Spotlight: Adam wrestling with deadlines, while Douglas models leadership by prioritizing health and balance.

“Burning the midnight oil isn’t the same as doing your best work.”

Learning Hook (Zoe’s Grammar & Vocabulary Corner):

This episode focuses on idioms and phrasal verbs about time, deadlines, and balance. Zoe highlights expressions like "burn the midnight oil", "tight deadline," "hit the sack", and "work‑life balance". You can practice using idioms about time, deadlines, and balance to describe workplace stress. As well as explore how language reflects cultural attitudes toward health and productivity.

Tagline: “Strong teams know when to rest.”

Follow along with the scripts, vocabulary, and seven exercises in each episode’s workbook. All four workbooks are available now for members —

Visit our “Episodes with Workbooks” Collection.

https://www.patreon.com/collection/1900861

Tags

#BusinessEnglish

#ESL

#WordsAtWork

Workbooks with scripts are available for all episodes — link below.

Synopsis: It’s Lyla’s first day at work, where HR’s Ms. Davies welcomes her with forms and a friendly packet. From Douglas’s office tour to Penny’s quick rescue finding the shared drive, she discovers how teamwork and tone shape her new workplace.

Character Spotlight: Lyla navigates formal HR language, Douglas’s warm, confident leadership as a successful African American manager, and Penny’s friendly coworker support.

“Welcome aboard!” — Douglas

Learning Hook (Zoe’s Grammar / Expression Tip):

This episode focuses on shifting tone in workplace communication. Zoe highlights how Lyla’s language changes depending on who she’s speaking with — formal with HR, casual with her manager, and friendly with a coworker. You can practice idioms like “lend me a hand” and “give me a shout”, while building confidence in adapting tone to different professional settings.

Tagline: “Every workplace has its rhythm — learn to match the tone.”

Follow along with the scripts, vocabulary, and seven exercises in each episode’s workbook. All four workbooks are available now for members —

Visit our “Episodes with Workbooks” collection.

https://www.patreon.com/collection/1900861

Tags

#Business English

#ESL

#Words at Work

Workbooks with scripts are available for all episodes — link below.

Synopsis: Lyla sets out with Penny on her first apartment search, carrying the sage advice of Kofi — a college student from Ghana who works at the neighborhood coffee shop. From cramped kitchens to lease negotiations with Mr. Evans, she learns the trade‑offs between convenience, comfort, and the fine print of renting.

Character Spotlight: Lyla weighing choices and comparing advantages between different apartments.

“It’s a trade‑off, isn’t it? Convenience versus comfort.”

Learning Hook (Zoe’s Vocabulary Corner):

This episode focuses on everyday housing language — the phrasal verbs and idioms you need when describing apartments and making rental decisions. Zoe highlights expressions like “look over” and “scope out,” showing how they apply not only to apartment hunting but also to workplace communication. You can practice balancing convenience and comfort while building confidence with practical vocabulary.

Tagline: “Finding a home means finding the right words.”

Follow along with the scripts, vocabulary, and seven exercises in each episode’s workbook. All four workbooks are available now for members —

Visit our “Episodes with Workbooks” collection.

https://www.patreon.com/collection/1900861

Tags

#Apartment Search

#ESL

#Every Day English

#Words at Work

Synopsis: The premiere introduces Douglas, Penny, Adam, and Lyla as they scramble to meet a sudden website deadline. A “Reply All” email mishap turns into a lesson in teamwork, humor, and clarity under pressure.

Character Spotlight: “Meet the team — Douglas, Penny, Adam, and Lyla — each with their own voice, quirks, and phrases that bring them to life.”

Learning Hook (Zoe’s Grammar):

This episode focuses on email tone — how word choice can change the impact of a message. Zoe highlights Penny’s mistake and Adam’s clear phrasing, showing when brevity works and when softening is needed. ESL learners practice avoiding casual fillers and choosing professional phrases that still feel approachable.

Focus: Office vocabulary, workplace discussions, professional phrases with casual meanings.

Tagline: “Every inbox has a story — and a lesson.”

If you’re curious about what’s coming next (or just want to see the cast photos), the Words at Work home page is waiting for you. Workbooks are available for all episodes at: https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork

Tags

#ESL

#Email Tips

#OfficeEnglish

#Words at Work