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Pre listening activities coming soon!

Music by Ashot Danielyan on Pixabay

Transcript:

Sometimes, stories that sound exciting might not be true. It's important to think carefully about them. Many conspiracy theories don't really make sense when we look closely at them.

Let's take the moon landing hoax, for example. Some people say it was all a trick, but there's a lot of evidence showing that it really happened. Scientists have studied the rocks brought back from the moon, and we have lots of pictures and videos from the time. It's pretty clear that people really did go to the moon.

Host: These stories can be more than just fun to talk about—they can be dangerous. For instance, some people have been refusing to get vaccines because they believe stories that say vaccines are harmful. But vaccines actually help prevent diseases. We've seen this during the Covid-19 pandemic, where some people didn't take the virus seriously because they believed stories that weren't true.

It's important to be careful about what we believe and to think critically about the information we hear. By doing that, we can make better decisions for ourselves and our communities.

Thank you for listening, you can find activities and more info in the description. I’m your favorite teacher, Lua, signing off.

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Transcript:

Some stories that say powerful groups are hiding things have become really popular. Let's talk about one: the moon landing. Even though there's a lot of proof that it really happened, some people believe it was all a trick by NASA. They think NASA used special effects to fake everything, like the pictures and videos from space, and even the rocket launch. But that doesn't make much sense, especially when you think about how much money and effort it would take to do that back in the 1960s.

Another idea that's gotten a lot of attention lately is the belief that the Earth is flat and that vaccines are bad for you. Why do people think this way? Well, according to an article on The Conversation linked below, some experts think it's because when big events happen, like the Covid-19 pandemic, people start to feel uncertain and scared. They look for answers, and sometimes they believe in these strange theories because they want something to make sense of it all. But these ideas don't really match up with what science tells us. They're like trying to fill in gaps with something that doesn't quite fit. We’ll see more about the dangers of this on the next segment.

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Transcript:

Do you ever wonder if the moon landing was real? Or if the Earth is really round? Maybe you believed that Xuxa’s records backwards sent a message from the devil. I sure hope you don’t, but today, on "Smooth Ride to English," where we talk about different things and help you practice English, we're going to talk about something very interesting: conspiracy theories!

Let's start by understanding what conspiracy theories are. They're ideas or beliefs that say powerful groups or people are secretly controlling events. Sometimes, these theories come up when things happen that are hard to explain. They give us a story that seems to make sense out of something confusing. Psychologists think people like conspiracy theories because they make us feel like we have some control in a world that can be really confusing. They help us make sense of things that seem random or strange. So, when we talk about conspiracy theories, it's not just about believing in weird stuff; it's about trying to understand why some people find them so fascinating and comforting. Stay with me for the next segment.

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• Pre-listening activity: https://forms.gle/KQH8jckGGPS92meU7
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Transcript:

Let’s do a quick trip to Brasília, January 29th, 2004, where 27 transgender people and travestis went to Congress to claim their rights, which resulted in the Health Ministry officially showing their commitment to helping the queer community.

In 2016, trans people who hadn’t gone through gender affirmation surgery could officially change their name and gender and in 2018 we could change our names without the need for a lawsuit.

Now in the 2020 elections, 30 transgender people were elected in our country, including, but definitely not limited to Erika Hilton, Tieta Melo, Lorim da Valéria, Dandara, Duda Salabert, Paulette Blue, and Linda Brasil.

We have been approaching a new era these last years, but we still have a long way to go. Black trans women still face violence every day in our country, we still have little to no chance in the job market, and we frequently drop out of school and college because of bullying and discrimination. We are in no way a utopia, but you can help make trans people's lives better if you educate yourself on the issues and walk beside us in this fight.

Thank you for listening, you can find activities and more info in the description. I’m your favorite teacher, Lua, signing off.

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Transcript:

Let’s talk a little bit about the history of medical procedures for trans people.

In 1971 the first gender affirmation surgery for trans women was performed in Brazil, and the doctor responsible for it, Roberto Farina, was investigated for mutilation, which caused a commotion in the entire medical community, almost 20 researchers located in many countries sent letters supporting Farina. “It’d be a mistake from the legal authorities in Brazil to prosecute Dr. Farina for following an internationally respected and accepted medical procedure,” said John Money, a plastic surgeon from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. That was not enough to convince the judge. In September 1978, he sentenced the doctor to imprisonment for 2 years. Just a year before, the brilliant writer João Nery had also had a procedure done by Dr. Farina.

The letters kept coming, and Waldirene, his original patient, would retrieve letters in his defense in her hometown. The last supporting statement was from Waldirene’s father, Espiridião, who said she was perfectly healthy and had great relationships with people around her. The sentence was dropped in November 1979.

Finally, in 2008, gender affirmation surgery and HRT started being offered by SUS, the national public healthcare service. Since then, over 400 procedures have been done! I, myself am currently receiving gender-affirming care on SUS and it has been a wonderful experience, one that amidst all the chaos of the last years, makes me proud to be Brazilian.

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Transcript:

We begin with the story of Xica Manicongo, regarded as the first Brazilian travesti. Xica, an enslaved person working as a shoemaker, was kidnapped from Congo and brought to Brazil. Due to her feminine expression, she faced charges of sodomy from the colonizers in the sixteenth century. Sadly, that societal pressure led her to adopt clothing designed for men, so she would not be sentenced to public burning.

Xica is an incredibly important figure in our history, and in the words of the beloved Erika Hilton, “She represents the Brazilian travestis’ fight for their right to memory and recognition”

In the next segment, we’ll talk about the history of trans healthcare. See you in a bit!

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Transcript:

January is Transgender Visibility Month, and it is especially important in our country, as we will see on today’s episode of “Smooth Ride to English”, where we discuss various topics and give you a chance to have contact with English. I am your host Matheus Lua, and today we are going to talk about Transgender History in Brazil. Let’s go!

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Last, but not least, let's talk about the impact that food has on our culture!

You can find the pre-listening exercises here: https://forms.gle/Kfa1NanSMK6JCjos6

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Transcript:

Food really shapes our sense of self and community. Let's start our exploration in the heart of France, where the art of cooking is a cornerstone of cultural identity. From the meticulous techniques of French cuisine to the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, the French relationship with food is a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to their soil and climate.

Now, let's hop over to South Korea, as many of you know, this one might be my favorite. There, the table is more than just a place to eat; it's a reflection of familial and societal bonds. The diverse array of banchan, those delightful side dishes, showcases the importance of communal dining. Every bite is an expression of Korean hospitality and the unique social rituals that strengthen the cultural fabric.

Let’s go back to Italy to talk about risotto. In the land of pasta, risotto serves as a regional delicacy that varies from north to south. The meticulous preparation and attention to detail required in making the perfect risotto embody the Italian commitment to craftsmanship and the preservation of regional culinary traditions.

Even if we take a look at our own culture, Brazilian culture gives the utmost importance to our lunch, often eaten with family on Sundays and a reason to call your friends to cook for them. Most of our traditions have something to do with food!

As we journey through these cultural identities, it becomes clear that food is more than a source of nourishment; it's a storyteller, a keeper of traditions, and a bridge between generations. Whether it's the culinary artistry of French cuisine, the communal spirit of Korean dining, the ancestral ties found in Mexican masa, or the regional pride expressed through Italian risotto, each dish contributes to the mosaic of cultural identity.

So, as you enjoy your next meal, consider the impact of food on your own cultural identity. What stories does your plate tell?

Thank you for listening, you can find activities and more info in the description. I’m your favorite teacher, Lua, signing off.

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In this segment, let's see some stories and traditions behind some dishes!

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Transcript:

I think all of you know that food is more than just sustenance; it's a living, breathing reflection of a community's history, values, and traditions. Take, for instance, Italy's beloved pasta. Each region boasts its unique pasta shapes, and the choice of ingredients tells a story of the local landscape. From the hearty bolognese in the north to the fresh seafood-infused dishes of the south, pasta in Italy is a culinary journey through diverse landscapes and cultural influences.

Let's travel to Mexico, where the story of tacos unfolds. Tacos are more than a delicious street food; they are a testament to the blending of indigenous and Spanish influences. The humble taco encapsulates centuries of history, from the ancient Mesoamerican practice of wrapping food in tortillas to the introduction of new ingredients like beef and cheese by Spanish conquistadors. Today, every bite of a taco is a taste of Mexico's rich cultural tapestry.

Moving on to Japan, the story of sushi is a fascinating exploration of tradition and craftsmanship. Sushi-making is an art form that originated in Edo-period Tokyo. The combination of vinegared rice, fresh fish, and seaweed reflects the island nation's respect for simplicity and natural flavors. Each piece of sushi is a meticulous creation, and the cultural story it tells is one of precision, balance, and an intimate connection to the sea.

Let's now savor the rich flavors of India's curry dishes. The diverse use of spices and herbs in Indian cuisine is a reflection of the country's long history as a cultural crossroads. From the aromatic spices traded along the ancient Silk Road to the flavorful combinations born from regional diversity, every curry dish is a celebration of India's cultural complexity.

As we explore these cultural stories behind dishes, it becomes evident that food is a powerful storyteller, weaving narratives that transcend time and borders. Whether it's the pasta in Italy, tacos in Mexico, sushi in Japan, or curry in India, each dish carries with it the collective memory of a people.

So, as you enjoy your favorite dishes, take a moment to savor not just the flavors but the rich cultural stories behind each bite. Food truly is a universal language that connects us all, inviting us to understand and appreciate the diverse narratives that make our world so wonderfully complex.

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In this first segment, we'll explore the richness of some cousines around the world!

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Transcript:

Let's kick things off by talking about the incredible variety of ingredients that make global cuisine so fascinating. Picture this: the spicy and aromatic flavors of India, the fresh seafood delights of Japan, and the wholesome grains from the Middle East. Each region has its unique palette of tastes, and what's cool is that people use local, seasonal produce, making their dishes not only tasty but also deeply connected to the land.

Now, let's chat about the different ways people cook. In Japan, sushi-making is a delicate art. It involves precision and skill as chefs carefully craft those beautiful rolls. Over in Morocco, the tagine takes center stage. It's a slow-cooking method that allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic dish. the aroma of spices fills the air as the tagine simmers away. Oh my god, I’m getting hungry, I should have eaten dinner before recording.

Meanwhile, in France, chefs take pride in their exceptional knife skills. The precision with which they chop, slice, and dice is truly an art form. It's not just about the taste but also the presentation. Now, let's hop over to India, where chefs are masters of the tandoor. The tandoor is a traditional clay oven that imparts a unique smoky flavor to dishes like naan bread and tandoori meats. These cooking techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving the authenticity of each culinary tradition.

Food is more than just what's on the plate; it's a living story of cultures coming together. Think about the Silk Road, bringing spices from Asia to European kitchens, or the fusion of African, European, and Indigenous American ingredients in Latin American cuisine. Every bite tells a tale of cross-cultural connections and the resilience of culinary traditions.

To finish off this segment, let’s talk about celebrations! Festivals around the world bring out unique and special dishes. In India, Diwali is celebrated with colorful sweets, and in the United States, Thanksgiving is all about a big, hearty feast. These culinary traditions add an extra layer of joy and cultural significance to the act of sharing a meal.

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This is the intro, in the next tracks you can find pre-listening activities!

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Transcript:

Well folks, all of you were asking me for podcast recommendations, so I decided to give you something more homemade. Welcome to “Smooth Ride to English”, where we discuss various topics and give you a chance to have contact with English. I am your host Matheus Lua, and today I would like to explore something I believe all of us love: food!

Food is something that can make people fight and unite them, and more importantly, for today’s theme, it can give you a taste of another culture!

Food isn't just about flavors; it's about the stories and the cultural richness it brings to the table. Whether it's the spices of India, the noodles of Japan, or the comforting stews of Mexico, each dish tells a unique story of its origin and the people who savor it. So, let's embark on a flavorful journey and explore the magic of food and culture. See you on the next track!

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