Best Slang Origins Podcasts (2025)

1
The REAL Reason Japan doesn't have public TRASH CANS! They're LYING TO YOU! | Japan Station 163 46:49

3h ago46:49

46:49

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why there's so few trash cans in public places in Japan. Despite what many sources say the 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo is not the reason there are so few trash cans in public places in Japan. It's actually more complicated than that. While yes, it is true that there was a reduction in the amount of…

1
#446 - My Daily Routine for Learning Languages — Improve Your English Every Day with These Habits for the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening 23:08

5d ago23:08

23:08

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Struggling to stay consistent with your English learning? Discover the powerful daily routine that helps language learners succeed — morning, afternoon, and evening. In this episode, Ethan shares the RealLife Way methodology, backed by mental health habits, communication practice, an…

1
Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? | Japan Station 162/Ichimon Japan 14 54:39

5d ago54:39

54:39

This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 12. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we are honored to once again be joined by Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed Some funny Japanese vegetable-based…

1
Two Zero Q: Kyle Casey Chu, AKA Panda Dulce 53:58

5d ago53:58

53:58

You are listening to Two Zero Q: 20 Questions With Interesting People from the LGBT community and friends. This time, my guest is Kyle Casey Chu (aka Panda Dulce) - a writer, filmmaker, and one of the founding queens of Drag Story Hour. In June 2022, far-right extremists stormed her Drag Story Hour in an attempt to silence her. She is now using her…

1
#445 - Improve Your English Speaking with 5 Funny NEWS STORIES — Podcast for English Learners 22:37

12d ago22:37

22:37

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this laugh-out-loud episode, Izzy teams up with Humbert, our video producer and resident movie buff, to break down some of the craziest real news stories — including a parrot swearing at zoo visitors, a suspect caught thanks to a hilariously bad sketch, and even an alligator used …

1
What is "PLUS ALPHA?" The Meaning & Origin of the Japanese term purasu arufa/プラスアルファ | Japan Station 161 24:14

16d ago24:14

24:14

On this episode of Japan Station, I break down what the Japanese term "plus alpha" (purasu arufa/プラスアルファ) means and its possible origins. 👉Topics Discussed What does "plus alpha" (purasu arufa/プラスアルファ) mean? How you use the Japanese term purasu arufa プラスアルファ The most popular etymology of the term of purasu arufa Real world examples of purasu arufa …

1
2ZQ167 - AI Employment 46:05

19d ago46:05

46:05

You are listening to 2ZQ Hot Takes. This time, I’ll be talking about AI Employment. The risks, the challenges, the collective 'blind eye' turned to ward the looming, profound changes coming soon and powerfully to all facets of life and the lack of preparedness to these changes, the prospects for employment during and after the changes are implement…

1
#444 - 3 Exercises to Speak English Faster (Like a Native) — Proven Tips That Work For Anyone, Why You Still Speak Slowly, and Using Rap Songs to Train Your English 30:24

19d ago30:24

30:24

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Ethan shares 3 powerful exercises to help you unlock fast, fluent English! Learn practical tips to boost your speaking speed, discover fun travel-related vocabulary, and test your listening skills with Oprah, Adele, and Homer Simpson. And how about a rap song challen…

1
The HISTORY of SUSHI (Dr. Eric C. Rath) | Japan Station 160 44:08

20d ago44:08

44:08

On this episode of Japan Station, Dr. Eric C. Rath joins us to talk all about the history of what may be Japan's most famous cuisine: SUSHI! We discuss its origins, evolution and more! 👉Topics Discussed Where sushi came from Fermented sushi The meaning of sushi Sushi's Chinese origins Shiga Prefecture's funazushi Sushi in the Edo period Sushi in Ja…

1
#443 - How You Can Speak English with CONFIDENCE — We Analyzed the Speech of These 5 Non-Native Celebrities 32:46

26d ago32:46

32:46

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journeys of five celebrities who learned English as a second language and used it as a powerful tool to connect with the world and achieve international success. Join Izzy and Ethan as they break down real video clips of each star, analyze …

1
I'm Walking Across KYŪSHŪ! About the Kyūshū Challenge | Japan Station 159 11:25

29d ago11:25

11:25

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about my upcoming walk across the island of Kyushu. This fall I will be walking roughly 500 km from Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture all the way down to Kagoshima as part of what I'm calling the Kyushu Challenge, part three of my ongoing Blind Japan Project. Listen to find out more and please consider coming …

1
Japanese Street Merchant Slang: 10 Words from Japan's Edo Merchants | Japan Station 158 42:00

1M ago42:00

42:00

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese slang that traces its roots back to Edo and Meiji era street vendors. We're digging into the origins of words like deka, mappo, and even the infamous yabai. 👉Topics Discussed The etymology/origins of 10 words that trace their origins back to the Edo and Meiji Periods About the meaning a…

1
#442 - Learn 30 Advanced Expressions From This Powerful TED Talk — Best TED Talks for Learning English 37:23

1M ago37:23

37:23

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this inspiring episode, Ethan takes you on a journey through one of the most powerful TED Talks ever — Jill Bolte Taylor’s “My Stroke of Insight.” You'll not only learn 30+ advanced English expressions in context, but you’ll also explore fascinating ideas about the brain, ego, emo…

1
Two Zero Q: Garrett Glaser 1:22:00

1M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

You are listening to Two Zero Q – 20 Questions With Interesting People, where we learn the 'Origin Story' of Garrett Glaser Author of ""FAIRYBOY" Growing up Gay and Out in Pre-Stonewall New York and Beyond Garrett has a fantastic story of growing up in New York City and coming out at age 13 in Manhattan. His life and times, including being the very…

1
What are gyaru? (About the Slang, Fashion and History of Japan's Gyaru/Gal) | Japan Station 157/Ichimon Japan 52 1:06:21

1M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

This episode of Japan Station is a re-broadcast of episode 52 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are gyaru? Topics Discussed What the term gyaru/gal means/refers to About the word gyaru How the word gyaru was used in Dragonball by Master Roshi What a kogyaru/kogal is About the singer Namie Amuro and her role in populari…

1
#441 - How to Stop Translating in Your Head and START to Think in English — Here's What I Did 14:36

1M ago14:36

14:36

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Want to stop translating in your head and start thinking naturally in English? In this episode, Izzy shares his personal journey from being a native Portuguese speaker in Brazil to mastering fluent English. Discover 3 powerful principles that helped him break free from the habit of m…

1
Telling Time in the Edo Period! Obscure Japanese Vocabulary & Etymology | Japan Station 156 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about vocabulary and phrases related to telling time during the Edo Period! This is a surprisingly deep and interesting topic no matter whether you're learning Japanese or not! 👉Topics Discussed What does oyatsu mean? (おやつ) What the origin of the word oyatsu is About the Edo Period time system How to …

1
#440 - How to Become FLUENT in English by Playing Video Games — Stories From Learners Who Did it, and Our Favorite Video Games from Our Childhoods 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Izzy and Ethan explore how video games helped RealLife English team members learn real, everyday English. Discover three inspiring stories, learn why gaming is an underrated learning tool, and get recommendations for mobile games you can start using today. Plus, take…

1
2ZQHT166- AI Brain Fog 55:15

2M ago55:15

55:15

You are listening to 2ZQ Hot Takes. This time, I’ll be talking about The intentional dissonance between the news about AI and the increasingly stressed workforce, job scams, AI job scams, 'stress testing' human/drone swarm ratios, 'vibe coding' 'package hallucination' scams, Agentic AI, cocktail party AI buzzwords, the rapid elimination of jobs; 'F…

1
Japan's DEADLY Treat: MOCHI Explained! | Japan Station 155 47:24

2M ago47:24

47:24

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about one of Japan's most iconic foods: mochi. Learn all about the history, lore and consumption practices of this important Japanese food! 👉Topics Discussed About the history and origins of mochi What mochi is About how people eat mochi in Japan About yukimi daifuku/ice cream mochi About kagami mochi…

1
#439 - How to Understand Americans 100% When They Speak Fast — 5 Speech Patterns You Must Know, Real Clip Analysis, and a Deep Reflection on Global Consciousness 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Are you ready to transform your English listening and speaking skills? 🚀 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the magic of connected speech — the secret weapon that fluent English speakers use every day without even thinking about it. You’ll listen to an authentic American speaker w…

1
#438 - 5 Ways to Improve Your English Speaking Alone by Reading Books — The Strategies Used by the Best Learners, Essential Lessons for Life, and Why You Should Focus on Discoveries Rather Than Outcomes ... 17:50

2M ago17:50

17:50

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Ethan gets real about a common challenge many English learners face — feeling intimidated by reading in English. He shares five personal, practical strategies that can help you improve your speaking skills simply by picking up a book, even if you're learning on your …

1
Supernatural Stories from JAPAN (Kevin O'Shea) | Japan Station 154 47:46

2M ago47:46

47:46

On this episode of Japan Station, supernatural stories, Japanese folklore, Japanese urban legends and more with Kevin O'Shea, host of the Supernatural Japan podcast. 👉Topics Discussed About the Supernatural Japan podcast About Ikuta Shrine's ghost story About the forest behind Ikuta Shrine in Kobe About exploring spooky places in Japan About the Ha…

1
#437 - 5 Great Songs to LEARN Phrasal Verbs in ENGLISH — Let's Sing, Analyze the Lyrics, and Learn (with Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Guns N' Roses, Lady Gaga & More!) 34:23

2M ago34:23

34:23

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Join Ethan and Izzy in this musical English lesson where learning phrasal verbs becomes fun and unforgettable! 🎶 This episode features five hit songs from top artists like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Guns N' Roses, and Lady Gaga. Together, you'll listen to catchy lyrics, discover dozens …

1
Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Japan Station 153 (Rebroadcast) 57:05

2M ago57:05

57:05

Originally released on 3/21/2024 as pisode 80 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about what the best kind of English teaching in Japan is: Eikaiwa, JET Programme (ALT) or university teacher. Topics Discussed What it is like working in an eikaiwa school in Japan What the salary is for an eikaiwa teacher The good and bad about…

1
How a J-Pop Star's Stomach Hair Resulted in a NEW Japanese Word (The Origins of Gyarandu/ギャランドゥ) | Japan Station 152 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the history of a fascinating example of Japanese slang: gyarandu (ギャランドゥ). This is a Japanese word that means refers to the patch of hair some people have between their belly button and public area. Often called "happy trail" or "belly/stomach hair," in English, gyarandu has a really interesting history …

1
Two Zero Q: Sharon Flake 1:17:59

2M ago1:17:59

1:17:59

You are listening to Two Zero Q – 20 Questions With Interesting People, where we learn the 'Origin Story' of Author Sharon Flake. Sharon G. Flake is a celebrated author with multiple honors, including two Coretta Scott King Honor Awards and author of THE FAMILY I’M IN, the third installment in the I’m In series, following her groundbreaking debut T…

1
#436 - How to Get Fluent in English WITHOUT Studying Grammar — What You Should Focus On Instead, Why Natives Don't Know Grammar, and How I Learned Verb Tenses in English 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In today’s episode, Izzy dives into one of the most debated questions in language learning: Is grammar actually necessary to become fluent? If you’ve ever felt guilty for not remembering all the grammar rules, this one’s for you. Oh — and we’ll tackle the ultimate question: Is colleg…

1
Preserving Japan's SHOKUNIN Culture (Michael Magers) | Japan Station 151 1:04:45

3M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to photographer and journalist Michael Magers. Michael has spent over a decade documenting shokunin (artisans/crafworkers) across Japan. During that time has has had many extremely unique expriences such as ama divers, participating in Osaka's infamous Danjiri Festival, and getting tattooed by a traditional …

1
#435 - The Key to Changing Your Life's Destiny — How to Get Unstuck, Take Control of Your Life, and Find Joy 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Feeling stuck in life? In this powerful episode, Izzy invites Ethan to uncover the key to breaking free from autopilot living. Discover how defining your personal values and beginning with the end in mind can transform your mindset, help you take control of your future, and bring mor…

1
Two Zero Q: Rio Cortez 50:57

3M ago50:57

50:57

You are listening to Two Zero Q – 20 Questions With Interesting People, where we learn the 'Origin Story' of Author Rio Cortez From the New York Times bestselling creative team behind The ABCs of Black History comes a statement-making follow-up that celebrates women, their history, and their future. THE ABC’S OF WOMEN’S HISTORY by Rio Cortez and La…

1
#434 - Discover the ORIGIN of Words in English — Learn Vocabulary More Easily 33:37

3M ago33:37

33:37

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Have you ever wondered why English words are the way they are? In this episode, Izzy and Ksenia dive into the fascinating world of etymology—the study of word origins! Understanding where words come from can make them easier to learn, remember, and use in real life. Boost your vocabu…

1
What it's like running a bar in TOKYO! (Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky) | Japan Station 150 43:09

3M ago43:09

43:09

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to Kyle Broyles of Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky in Tokyo. In this interview we talk about what it's like running a bar in Tokyo, starting a business in Tokyo, Japanese craft beer and more. 👉Topics Discussed About Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky About running a craft beer bar in Tokyo Japanese craft beer in To…

1
#433 - How to Stop Using the Same Basic English Words — Speak with a Rich Vocabulary (Like a Native) 30:05

3M ago30:05

30:05

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Do you ever feel like your English sounds too simple? In this episode, we’ll show you how to express yourself more naturally — so instead of saying “The movie was good,” you can describe it in a way that truly reflects your feelings! Plus, we have a special guest who will help you un…

1
Two Zero Q - Tony Keith, PhD 1:17:28

3M ago1:17:28

1:17:28

You are listening to "Two Zero Q - 20 Questions With Interesting People," the show that tells the 'Origin Stories' of everyday superheros in the lgbtqi community and friends. Our guest this time is Tony Keith, PhD. Join me as Tony and I discuss Knucklehead, a YA poetry collection, which is written as a series of letters to Black boys and men, espec…

1
#432 - Why Some People Have SUCCESS Speaking English... and Others Don't 15:01

3M ago15:01

15:01

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Why do some people succeed in speaking English fluently while others struggle, even after years of effort? 🤔 In this episode, we uncover the #1 reason why some learners achieve confidence while others feel stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying and trying but not making real p…

1
2ZQHT165 - Are Employees Alright 47:01

4M ago47:01

47:01

You are listening to 2ZQ Hot Takes. This time, I’ll be talking about if the 'employees are alright', worker's concerns about AI, 60 hour 'sweeet spot' work weeks, MORE mass layoffs, "Bullshit Jobs" and their coming obsolescence, Robotic replacements, Prescient Sci Fi, useless, unsolicited advice for the unemployed, a Monty Python reference and work…

1
The ORIGINS of "NEKO!" Digging into the ETYMOLOGY of the Japanese Word for "CAT" | Japan Station 149 30:43

4M ago30:43

30:43

On this episode of Japan Station, I examine the mysterious origins of the Japanese word for cat: neko. Trust me, there's a whole lot more to say about the topic than you might think! 👉Topics Discussed The etymology of neko/cat Various theories that try to explain the origins of the Japanese word for cat Whether the Japanese word for cat traces its …

1
#431 - How I Started to Understand Movies in English WITHOUT Subtitles — My 5 Secrets 21:52

4M ago21:52

21:52

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Struggling to understand fast English in movies and TV shows? In this episode, Izzy shares how he trained his ears to understand fast English without subtitles. He’ll break down connected speech, look at real examples from movies, and give you his top five secrets to help you do the …

1
Murakami Haruki on FILM: A Guide to the Movie Adaptations of Japan's Most Famous Novelist (Marc Yamada) | Japan Station 148 33:26

4M ago33:26

33:26

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the many film adaptation of the works of Haruki Murakami, Japan's most well-known and commercially successful novelist. 👉Topics Discussed Why is Haruki Murakami so popular around the world? About the many film adaptations of the books and short stories of Haruki Murakami About the relatability of Mura…

1
100th Episode Birthday Bash - Season Finale 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

We finally made it, Slangers! 100 episodes!! And what better way to celebrate that than an impromptu birthday bash for our very own Matt!!! They'll be laughs, and cake, and probably cussing, as we wrap up season 2 of everyone's favorite place to hang... ummm, with their slang's out... ummm, that's not right... Anyways, thank you all for listening a…

1
#430 - How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Getting FLUENT in English — Try These 3 Solutions and Start Making Progress in 5 minutes 33:28

4M ago33:28

33:28

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Ever plan to study English but end up doing everything except studying? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! In this episode, we’re sharing three simple tips to beat procrastination and get things done. Oh, and there’s a bonus tip at the end you don’t want to miss! Tune in and let’s tac…

1
2ZQHT164 - Mass layoffs, the revolt of the 'low performers’ no longer working for Meta, and dicey legitimate job offers, 2025 1st edition 40:56

4M ago40:56

40:56

You are listening to 2ZQ Hot Takes. This time, I’ll be talking about Mass layoffs, the revolt of the 'low performers’ no longer working for Meta, and dicey legitimate job offers, 2025 1st edition. A bunch of doozies. #2ZQHT #theveryhandsomeTimKirk #Meta #layoffs #legtimatejoboffers #techlayoffs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

1
What is ODEN? A Deep Dive into a Classic Japanese Winter Food | Japan Station 147 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about oden, one of Japan's most popular winter foods. 👉Topics Discussed What is oden? Where to buy oden in Japan? What are the common igredients of oden? The history of oden Where the name oden came from About dengaku About regional varieties of oden Whether oden tastes good Should you try oden? What is kon…

1
This CLOSED Kyoto Hotel Let Me Stay the Night! Here's What Happened! | Japan Station 146 13:31

4M ago13:31

13:31

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about what it was like staying at a new Kyoto hotel before it opened. 👉Topics Discussed About Fushigina Yado Where Fushigina Yado is located About the theme and concept of Fushigina Yado About what it was like staying in Fushigina Yado Why I got to stay at Fushigina Yado before it opened About the shops and …

1
#429 - How to Get Fluent in English in 2025 — Even If You’re BUSY 39:46

4M ago39:46

39:46

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Feeling stuck in your English learning journey?⏳ Do years pass by, yet your English stays the same? In this episode, Izzy and Ethan bring you three science-backed lessons from the book Atomic Habits to help you finally start speaking English confidently—even if you're super busy! 🚀 Y…

1
Fetch - Flashback 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

80's? Been there. 90's?? Done that. 00's??? That's sooooooo FETCH! Join us for a fun flashback that let us unleash our inner Mean Girls. EP. 099 - S2 "Hey, Slangers, send us a Text Message." Alright, Slangers, we want to hear from you. Stalk us on all our different socials, drop us an email, or just let us know how we're doing. What word(s) should …

1
#428 - How to Understand All the Jokes in ENGLISH (in Movies, TV, Conversations): Understand Humor, Sarcasm, etc in English Like a Native Speaker 40:23

4M ago40:23

40:23

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Struggling to catch the jokes in English movies, TV shows, or conversations? In this episode, we’ll show you how to unlock English humor, sarcasm, and wordplay so you can laugh along like a pro. Learn the secrets behind what makes things funny and boost your cultural understanding of…

1
22ZQHT163 - 2025 Slang 1st Edition 24:36

4M ago24:36

24:36

You are listening to 2ZQ Hot Takes. This time, I’ll be talking about the evolution of Memes, Gen Z Jargon, Gen A Jargon, a brief touch on the frequently off-putting evolution of Emojis, a few standout, irksome LinkedIn codewords in current use among other things, including intentionally mean spirited, contradictory, intergenerational, drastically d…

1
Boolin' 27:59

5M ago27:59

27:59

Your favorite comedy podcast about 80s slang and more is back with a fun "on the road" episode!!! Join us as we take you to the fun and feisty city of Orlando, FL, from the beautiful halls of this year's Podfest Expo 25. We're not gonna lie, it was pretty BOOLIN'... umm... it'll all make sense when you listen to the episode! Enjoy, Slangers!!! EP. …

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