Episodes

  • Talk Americano - Episode 9

    Talk Americano - Episode 9
    Feb 3 2026
    In this episode of the "Talk Americano" podcast, hosts Ulysses and Maria, both expats living in the Czech Republic, discuss their experiences navigating life in a foreign country and learning a new language. Ulysses, originally from the United States with Salvadoran and Mexican heritage, shares his journey to the Czech Republic for university studies in international trade languages. Maria, who grew up in Russia, reflects on the challenges of learning Czech and the cultural adjustments they both faced.
    The conversation emphasizes the importance of language in their lives, particularly English, which has opened many opportunities for them. They discuss the common struggles of language learners, such as the tendency to apologize for language mistakes, and encourage listeners to practice speaking without fear of making errors. The episode highlights the significance of language learning in fostering communication and building confidence, making it relevant for anyone navigating life in a new cultural context.
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    22 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 8

    Talk Americano - Episode 8
    Jul 23 2025
    In this podcast episode, co-hosts Ulysses Sharatov and Maria discuss their recent trip to the United States, reflecting on their experiences as expats. The conversation takes place shortly after their return, highlighting their jet lag and cultural observations. They compare aspects of life in the U.S. and the Czech Republic, including public restrooms, dining experiences, and healthcare services. Ulysses shares his initial impressions of the U.S. from a tourist perspective and later as a resident, while Maria recounts her first visit to a live performance in Hollywood, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere and audience engagement.
    The discussion also touches on the efficiency of emergency services in the U.S., illustrated by a personal incident involving Maria's mother. This episode is significant as it provides insights into the challenges and joys of living abroad, the cultural differences encountered, and the importance of community and services in different countries. The speakers aim to share their experiences to connect with listeners who may relate to the expat experience.
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    23 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 7

    Talk Americano - Episode 7
    Dec 13 2024
    Christmas
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    23 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 6

    Talk Americano - Episode 6
    Nov 15 2024
    Talk Americano - Episode 6 - The podcast featured Ulysses and Maria discussing the US election system, focusing on illegal immigration, tax cuts, the electoral process, and the candidates. The conversation highlighted the complexity of the US election system, including primary elections, the Electoral College, and the role of political conventions in selecting candidates. The speakers also touched on the importance of staying neutral in political conversations. The discussion took place during the US election year, emphasizing the significance of understanding the electoral process and key issues in American politics. The speakers shared personal opinions and observations on the changing political landscape in the US, noting the impact on small businesses and societal norms. Overall, the podcast aimed to provide clarity on the US election system and encourage listeners to engage in informed political discussions.
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    34 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 5

    Talk Americano - Episode 5
    Dec 14 2023
    In a podcast, Maria Sharapova and Ulysses discuss Christmas traditions around the world. They share their experiences growing up in Latin American and American households. The conversation focuses on the differences between celebrating Christmas in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States. They mention traditions like leaving milk and cookies for Santa, making tamales, and glazing ham. They also talk about advent calendars and eggnog. The podcast was recorded around Christmas time, as they mention it is 10 days before Christmas. This discussion is important because it highlights the diversity of Christmas traditions across cultures and countries. It provides insights into the personal experiences and memories of the speakers during the holiday season. The speakers mention various traditions, such as children in Mexico writing notes to Santa and tying them to balloons, and celebrating Christmas on January 7th in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. They also discuss the influence of Eastern European traditions on American customs, like Santa Claus and Coca Cola's red can. They mention a scary tradition in the Czech Republic where a devil visits neighborhoods during Christmas. The speakers emphasize the importance of maintaining the magic of Christmas for children and the joy of celebrating with family. They share their own childhood memories and express gratitude for their parents' efforts to create special moments. The speakers conclude by wishing listeners a happy holiday season and encouraging support for local businesses.
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    30 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 4

    Talk Americano - Episode 4
    Nov 28 2023
    In this podcast episode, two speakers named Maria and Ulysses engage in a conversation about idioms in the English language. They explore the meanings and usage of various idioms such as "fish out of water," "burn bridges," "break the ice," and "piece of cake." The discussion delves into the origins and examples of these idiomatic expressions in different contexts. Although the specific date of the recording is not mentioned, the importance of this discussion lies in its ability to help listeners comprehend and learn common idioms, thereby enhancing their language skills and improving their communication effectiveness. The speakers also touch upon idioms like "walking on thin ice," "take it with a grain of salt," "bite off more than you can chew," "quit cold turkey," "don't put all your eggs in one basket," and "blow off steam." They provide insights into the origins, meanings, and usage of these idioms, offering examples to illustrate their application in various situations. While the speakers' names and the recording date are not disclosed, the significance of this conversation lies in its contribution to listeners' understanding and utilization of these widely used expressions in the English language.
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    33 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 3

    Talk Americano - Episode 3
    Nov 20 2023
    In this podcast, Maria and Ulysses, a married couple, discuss various topics related to travel. They talk about the differences between traveling within the United States and outside of it, highlighting the limited vacation time for Americans due to high living costs and constant work. The speakers also discuss the benefits of taking vacations and the different reasons people travel, such as for business, leisure, or family matters. They share their experiences with different modes of transportation, including planes, trains, cars, and subways. They mention their preference for the Prague subway system and discuss the challenges they faced with parking and communication during their last trip to Germany. The speakers also talk about the ideal duration of a vacation and the importance of wanting to go back home after a certain period of time. They share a humorous anecdote about struggling to close a suitcase and mention that Maria is responsible for packing and unpacking. Overall, the podcast provides insights into the couple's travel experiences and preferences. Although the specific date and context of the conversation are not mentioned, the transcript is valuable for its relatability to travelers and the practical tips and insights shared by the speakers.
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    29 mins
  • Talk Americano - Episode 2

    Talk Americano - Episode 2
    Nov 16 2023
    In a podcast recorded on November 16th, Maria Shara Tova and Ulysses Sheri discuss the topics of Halloween and Thanksgiving. They highlight Halloween's popularity in the United States, particularly for the candy and decoration industries. The tradition of trick-or-treating is mentioned, along with its potential scariness. The conversation then shifts to Thanksgiving, the next big holiday in the US. The speakers delve into the history of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the pilgrims' learning from Native Americans how to grow food. Traditional Thanksgiving foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and pies are mentioned. The multicultural aspect of Thanksgiving is also explored, with different families having their own traditions and dishes. The podcast offers insights into American culture and the traditions surrounding these holidays.
    The podcast transcript features two speakers discussing Thanksgiving. They note that Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, similar to Christmas. Traveling during this time is discouraged due to crowded airports and roads. The speakers touch on the tradition of dressing up and looking nice for Thanksgiving, as well as the American custom of wearing shoes inside the house. The abundance of food during Thanksgiving is highlighted, with feasting being a central aspect. The lack of religious significance to Thanksgiving is mentioned, along with the potential for family arguments about politics and other topics. Sports, particularly football, are often watched during Thanksgiving gatherings. The speakers recommend watching movies like "Turkey Day" to gain insight into typical American Thanksgiving celebrations. The shopping frenzy that follows Thanksgiving, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday offering deals, is also discussed. The speakers conclude by expressing their enjoyment of the autumn weather and thanking the listeners for tuning in. Overall, the podcast provides valuable insights into the traditions and experiences associated with Thanksgiving in America.
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    25 mins