Eavesdropping on English with Rosie
This podcast is designed to allow beginning English language learners the opportunity to listen in on, or eavesdrop on, informal conversations in standard American English. The episodes will be short dialogues on topics common in everyday situations. Listeners will focus on recognizing the topic being discussed, familiar vocabulary and phrases used in context along with filler words and phrases typically used by fluent English speakers.
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Eavesdropping on English with Rosie
The word eavesdropping means to listen in on a conversation. This podcast is designed to allow beginning English language learners to listen in on authentic conversations between fluent English speakers. The episodes are brief, and guests respond to questions at a natural pace using both formal and informal language. By listening repeatedly to these conversations, you will begin to build up your comprehension skills, expand your vocabulary, and build up your listening stamina in order to progress engaging with longer and more complex dialogues.
Episodes

Jul 20, 2025
Jul 20, 2025
4 min
Here are 4 ways that you can answer a question that begins with the word did.

Jul 10, 2025
Jul 10, 2025
3 min
In English, many times, we ask about past activities by using the verb "did+ a present tense verb. This sounds confusing. Why use a present tense verb if you are asking about the past? On this episode we explain the structure of Did+ Subject + Present Tense Verb.

Jun 14, 2025
Jun 14, 2025
4 min
In conversation, how to describe your occupation in present tense. The questions you might hear are?
What type of job do you have? I am a_____.
What type of work do you do? I work for _____.
What do you do for a living? I am in______. I work at______.

Jun 8, 2025
Jun 8, 2025
4 min
This episode covers usual questions a server or restaurant employee might ask you in a restaurant and your answer:
What would you like? I'll have a ______.
What can I get you? I'll take a_________.
Are you ready to order? Yes, I'll try the ____.
Do you need more time? No, I'm ready to order. I'll have_______.

May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
4 min
Receiving appropriate customer service many times involves using the correct vocabulary word to express your needs accurately.
In this episode we discuss how to reschedule an appointment time by using the word "earlier" and how to reschedule an appointment date by using the word "sooner".

May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
55 sec
This conversation is about injuries in the PAST. Notice that the verbs we use are past tense.
Listen for the phrases " I was wondering" and "Let me ask you this". These are two common ways we can start off asking questions:
"Let me ask you this, have you ever broken a bone?
"I was wondering, if you have ever broken a bone?"
Vocabulary: broken, bone, stitches, wrist, toe

May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
51 sec
When we ask each other in English how we feel we are usually referring to how we feel emotionally of how we feel mentally.
Answers to this question could include- I feel excited. I feel anxious. I am feeling hopeful. I am feeling down. Things are not good.
We usually have a follow up question- What's going on? Do you want to talk? Is everything ok?
And well wishes-
I hope things get better. I am here if you want to talk. I am excited for you. Thank you for sharing with me.

May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
23 sec
How are you feeling is a usual question we ask in conversation in English. We are asking about your physical health. It is usually asked if someone appears to be in pain or not looking like they feel well. Usual answers include -I'm fine. I feel better. I am not so good. I have a headache. etc.
We usually answer by offering concern- Oh no! What's wrong? What's the matter? How can I help? etc.
Or we offer advice- Do you need acetaminophen? You should drink water. Why don't you sit down and rest. etc.

Apr 18, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
1 min
Ago is a useful word for describing events in the simple past.
Ago will follow a noun: weeks ago, months ago, hours ago, days ago, years ago

Apr 3, 2025
Apr 3, 2025
3 min
This conversation is about a person's experiences and opinions on traveling.
Vocabulary to listen for:
formal- location, relax, explore, flight
informal/slang-vibe, awesome


