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English Plus Podcast
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Danny's Music Weekly Pick
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Recently on English Plus Magazine
The Story of Literature EP5 | The Courtyard of a Thousand Tales: The Golden Age of Arabic and Persian Literature
This episode journeys into the vibrant world of the Islamic Golden Age. We’ll explore the profound influence of the Quran as a literary text, the epic scope of the Persian Shahnameh, the mystical poetry of Rumi and Hafez, and the global travels of the enchanting collection, One Thousand and One Nights.
The Story of Literature EP4 | The Brush and the Sword: Poetry and Philosophy in East Asia
Focusing on the interconnected traditions of China, Japan, and Korea, this episode explores a literature where poetry, philosophy, and governance are deeply intertwined. We’ll discuss the wisdom of Confucius, the breathtaking beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry, and the creation of the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji in Japan.
The Story of Literature EP3 | The Ocean of Stories: Epics and Wisdom of South Asia
This episode dives into the immensely rich and ancient literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. We explore the spiritual depth of the Vedas and the Upanishads, and unravel the sprawling narratives and profound moral questions of the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which continue to influence billions of lives today.
The Story of Literature EP2 | Echoes of Olympus: The Greek and Roman Foundations
We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric.
The Story of Literature EP1 | The First Scribes: Tales from the Fertile Crescent
This episode travels back to the dawn of writing in Mesopotamia. We explore the world’s first known literary work, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discuss how ancient civilizations in the Near East used cuneiform script not just for records, but to wrestle with the fundamental human questions of life, death, friendship, and the divine.
Author Reflection | Listening Comprehension Practice
Listen to an author reflect on their literary prize nomination. A great exercise for TOEFL/IELTS, with script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz to test your comprehension of personal storytelling.
The Narrative Thread: Are You the Author or the Character?
This piece explores the art of finding meaning in life by viewing our existence through the lens of a story. Delve into philosophical nuggets on free will, destiny, and memory to question whether you’re the author or the character in your own epic.
Is Your Favorite TV Show Literature? Redefining Storytelling in the 21st Century
Challenge the traditional definition of literature. Explore the literary merits of graphic novels like Maus, prestige TV like The Sopranos, and cinematic video games like The Last of Us.
The Question a Story Leaves in Its Wake
How do stories change us? Go beyond plot summaries and character analysis with a guide to reflective reading, exploring the deep, personal questions that great narratives ask of you, long after the final page is turned.
Sci-Fi Book Review | Listening Comprehension Practice
Test your listening skills with a passionate review of a fictional sci-fi novel. Perfect for IELTS and TOEFL prep, this post includes a full audio script, key vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz.
English Plus Founder & Host
Danny Ballan
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey of language and inspiration? Look no further than English Plus Podcast, where your host, Danny, awaits to guide you through an enchanting fusion of education and entertainment.
As a podcaster, writer, and musician, Danny brings a diverse range of talents to his listeners and students worldwide. With his magnetic presence and passion for teaching, he transforms the process of learning English into a delightful and engaging experience.
But Danny’s expertise extends beyond the podcast realm. Through his online courses, books, music, and more, he seamlessly combines education and entertainment, ensuring that you never cease to learn while having a fantastic time.
Discover the magic of English Plus Podcast today and connect with Danny at danny@englishpluspodcast.com. Embark on a journey to master English with a touch of style and substance, where learning becomes a joyous pursuit that never ceases to amaze. Don’t wait any longer – let the adventure begin!
