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Words at Work: ESL for Every Day

Words at Work: ESL for Every Day

Written by: Mr. Lawrence
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About this listen

Welcome to Words at Work — an ESL podcast designed for everyday English, real conversations, and a little encouragement along the way. You can listen to every episode for free right here in the feed. If you’d like the full learning experience — the workbook PDFs, the pronunciation practice audio, and the monthly collection of four episodes — you can get all of that on the Words at Work home page for $9 USD a month (less than the cost of a deluxe latte). Learn more or join the community here: https://www.patreon.com/WordsatWork Thanks for listening — I’m glad you’re here, like friends and family.© 2025 Lawrence Weiser — Words at Work. All rights reserved. Foreign Language Audiobooks
Episodes
  • Episode 4B — Accidental Overtime
    Jan 4 2026

    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

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    9 mins
  • Episode 3B — First Day on the Job
    Jan 4 2026

    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

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    10 mins
  • Episode 2B — Lyla’s Apartment Search
    Jan 3 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
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