Welcome to 5-Minute English Talk - your daily dose of real-world English made simple. In just 5 minutes (or even less!), you'll learn something useful every day, from everyday phrases and clear pronunciation, to casual small talk, grammar basics, and real-life speaking tips. No pressure, no textbooks, just easy, practical English you can use right away. Whether you're just starting out or want to sound more natural, this podcast is here to help, like a friend by your side. Short. Simple. Rea ...
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5MM Podcasts
The Breakout CEO podcast brings you candid conversations with scaling CEOs at leadership & strategic inflection points. Each episode is a curated interview that explores the mindset, strategy, and pivotal decisions driving breakthrough success for high-growth companies ($5MM-$50MM+). Jeff Holman is the host of The Breakout CEO podcast and the founder of Intellectual Strategies, where he works closely with CEOs and leadership teams of scaling companies on strategy, governance, and risk during ...
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The podcast that covers the 1999 super hero ensemble comedy Mystery Men 5 minutes at a time.
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Shadow English Practice - Happy New Year Conversations
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2:56Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk! I’m Bruce, and this Wednesday we’re starting the year with a Happy New Year Shadow English Practice. In this episode, you’ll practice positive, natural English that people commonly use at the beginning of a new year — at work, with friends, and in everyday conversations. You’ll repeat and shadow sentences like…
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22 - Scaling Exposes This Leadership Weakness Every Founder Has
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41:57Scaling doesn’t fail because of strategy, capital, or product. It fails because of a leadership weakness almost every founder carries into growth. Impatience. In this episode of The Breakout CEO podcast, Jeff Holman sits down with David Sluss, Professor at ESSEC Business School and advisor to scaling CEOs, to unpack how impatience quietly undermine…
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Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk with Bruce and Stacy. In this New Year episode, we explore how to wish someone a Happy New Year and talk about goals and resolutions in natural, everyday English—the way native speakers really speak. You’ll learn simple, friendly phrases like “Happy New Year,” “Here’s to a fresh start,” and “Wishing you health …
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Shadow English Practice – Christmas Conversations
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2:58Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk! I’m Bruce, and this Wednesday we’re back with another Shadow English Practice episode — designed to help you speak more naturally by listening, repeating, and copying intonation. Since it’s Christmas season, today’s practice focuses on warm, friendly English you’ll hear at this time of year — with family, frie…
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21 - The Leadership Blind Spots That Create Avoidable Problems
37:03
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37:03In this episode of The Breakout CEO podcast, Jeff Holman sits down with Leah Brown, former corporate lawyer turned mediator and founder of The WayFinders Group, to explore what really breaks inside fast-growing companies and how CEOs can address it before it slows everything down. Leah shares what she’s seen firsthand inside boardrooms and leadersh…
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In this special Christmas episode of 5-Minute English Talk, you’ll learn how people naturally talk during the holiday season using simple, warm, everyday English. You’ll hear common Christmas greetings like “Merry Christmas,” friendly ways to check in on others, and relaxed responses about holiday plans such as “Keeping it simple this year” and “No…
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20 - When CEOs Stop Listening: Early Warning Signs Your Business Is Scaling the Wrong Way
43:27
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43:27In this episode of The Breakout CEO Podcast, I sit down with Steve Smith, a veteran business coach with more than 45 years of experience in manufacturing, corporate leadership, and executive coaching. Steve breaks down what he’s learned from big companies and small companies, and why scaling smart always comes down to the same three factors: capaci…
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Shadow English Practice – Holiday Season Conversations In English
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3:00In this episode, you’ll practice real holiday-time sentences like: “I’m getting ready for the holidays.” “Do you have any plans for the holidays?” “It’s been a busy end of the year.” “I’m looking forward to some time off.” “The holiday season always goes by so fast.” “Wishing you a happy and relaxing holiday.” “Let’s catch up again in the new year.…
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19 - The Unconscious CEO Habits That Are Holding Back Your Growth
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41:10In this episode of The Breakout CEO Podcast, Jeff Holman sits down with Dr. Noah St. John, bestselling author of Power Habits and the creator behind the Zero Friction Framework. Together, they unpack why so many CEOs hit income ceilings, stall out after early wins, and unknowingly sabotage their own growth. They discuss the concept of 'Power Habits…
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Talking About the Holiday Season in English – Mid-December Conversations
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4:24In this seasonal episode of 5-Minute English Talk, you’ll learn how to talk naturally about the holiday season in mid-December — the time when the year is slowing down, plans are being wrapped up, and conversations feel warmer and more relaxed. You’ll hear natural, everyday English phrases like: • “Can you believe how fast this year went?” • “It do…
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18 - When Survival Turns into Strategy: The Breakout Shift Every CEO Needs
1:09:20
1:09:20
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1:09:20In this episode of the Breakout CEO podcast, host Jeff Holman interviews Jerry Brazie, an entrepreneur with a remarkable journey from poverty to success. Jerry shares his experiences growing up in a challenging environment, the lessons learned from his family, and the importance of accountability and responsibility in business. He emphasizes the va…
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Shadow English Practice – Polite Expressions for Everyday English
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2:28Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk! I’m Bruce, and today’s Wednesday session is all about Shadow English — the simple method where you listen, repeat, and copy my intonation to sound more natural and confident. In this episode, we’re practicing useful polite expressions you can use at work, with friends, or anywhere in daily life. You’ll repeat …
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17 - The Hidden Spiral Pattern Behind Fast-Growth Companies
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40:05In this episode of The Breakout CEO Podcast, host Jeff Holman sits down with Dr. Natasha Todorovic-Cowan, author of Making Change Work and expert in Spiral Dynamics, to unpack the real challenges CEOs face when leading through rapid change. Natasha shares her own story of navigating unexpected disruption early in her career and explains why adaptab…
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Let’s Grab Coffee: How to Invite Someone Naturally in English
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4:34In this social and fun episode of 5-Minute English Talk, you’ll learn how to invite someone for coffee, lunch, or dinner in natural, relaxed English. You’ll hear useful everyday phrases like: • “Want to grab a coffee sometime?” • “Maybe we could grab a coffee this week?” • “Are you free for lunch tomorrow?” • “Do you have time for a quick coffee th…
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16 - The CEO Advantage No One Tracks: Understanding Your People Better Than Your Competitors Do
40:42
40:42
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40:42In this episode of The Breakout CEO Podcast, host Jeff Holman sits down with leadership coach and former competitive chess player John Whitt to explore the powerful parallels between chess strategy and modern business leadership. John shares how his early experience competing in the U.S. Chess Championships shaped his approach to clarity, planning,…
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Shadow English Practice – Repeat After Me to Sound More Natural
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2:28Welcome to a special Wednesday edition of 5-Minute English Talk! I’m Bruce, and today we’re doing our very first Shadow English episode — a powerful technique where you listen, repeat, and copy my intonation exactly. Shadow English is one of the fastest ways to improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and confidence. In today’s practice, you’ll repeat r…
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15 - Your Story Is Your Strategy: Why Most CEOs Miss It
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53:15In this episode of The Breakout CEO, Jeff Holman sits down with Paige Arnof-Fenn, a 24-year marketing veteran and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, to break down what truly drives growth for scaling companies. Paige explains why the core principles of marketing haven’t changed even as tools, platforms, and AI evolve. She shows why a strong brand story still …
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5-Minute English Vocabulary Click below to listen to our show on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Castbox Web Player Karma Documentary Click below to listen to our show on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Castbox Web Player In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy explore one of the simplest but most pow…
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14 - Preventing Burnout: The EQ Approach Every CEO Needs Now
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44:04In this episode of The Breakout CEO Podcast, host Jeff Holman sits down with Aasha LaCount, CEO of BeyondEQ International, to explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) is transforming modern leadership. Aasha shares her raw personal story of burnout, anxiety, loss, and rebuilding, and how those experiences led her to uncover the hidden link between e…
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How to Introduce Yourself Naturally - In English
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3:48Hello listeners, We have launched a new episode i.e. Karma Documentary, please listen to the show and give us your feedback: https://karma-documentary-real-lives-real-actions-real-karma.simplecast.com/episodes/keanu-reeves-the-karma-of-kindness Episodic Description: In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy teach you how to introduc…
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How to Make Your English Sound More Natural in Everyday Conversations
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3:38In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy teach you how to make your English sound more natural, relaxed, and fluent — the way people speak in real life. Learn simple tricks like using shorter expressions, adding softening words (“kind of,” “a bit”), reacting naturally with phrases like “Oh really?” and “That’s cool!”, and using sma…
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13 - Fractional COO Explained: The Role That Transforms Scaling Companies
39:21
39:21
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39:21This episode is part of our CEO Expert mini-series where we talk with experts who coach, mentor, train, and work with scaling CEOs to expand their insights and help identify and achieve their breakout moments. In this episode of the Breakout CEO Podcast, Jeff Holman speaks with Angela Lapovsky, a fractional COO, about the challenges and strategies …
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12 - From Bankruptcy to Industry Leader: The Mindset That Changed It All
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34:00In this episode of the Breakout CEO Podcast, host Jeff Holman speaks with Earl Foote, founder of Nexus IT, about the company's growth, team culture, and the importance of personal development in leadership. Earl shares insights on how to motivate teams, the evolution of his organization, and the significance of coaching and development programs. He…
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We’re Back! How to Catch Up and Start Fresh in English
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3:24
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3:24In this warm and cheerful comeback episode, they share how to catch up and start fresh in English after taking a short break — whether it’s from school, work, or everyday conversations. You’ll also hear tips on how to sound positive, natural, and confident when reconnecting with friends, classmates, or colleagues after a break. 🎧 Listen, repeat, an…
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11 - From the Navy to Medical Innovation: A Journey of Persistence and Purpose with Healionics Corporation's Mike Connolly
33:48
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33:48In this episode of The Breakout CEO: Inside the Strategic Moves of Scaling CEOs, Jeff Holman speaks to the CEO and Chairman at Healionics Corporation, Mike Connolly. Mike shares his journey from teaching physics to co-founding startups that have revolutionized women’s health and dialysis care. He discusses the challenges of medical device innovatio…
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We’ll Be Back on November 10 – New Weekly Episodes Every Monday!
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0:575-Minute English Talk will be back on November 10 with brand-new energy, fresh English themes, and exciting weekly lessons! 💬 Starting next month, you can tune in every Monday for a quick, practical English conversation designed to boost your confidence and fluency — in just five minutes. 🎧 Follow the show now so you don’t miss our return — and get…
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10 - Building with Heart: How Culture and Collaboration Drive Unlikely Success with Aspen Mountain Partners' Greg Schow
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42:12
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42:12In this episode of The Breakout CEO: Inside the Strategic Moves of Scaling CEOs, Jeff Holman speaks to the Partner at Aspen Mountain Partners, Greg Schow. Greg shares lessons from his early ventures, the value of teamwork, and the realities of acquiring and growing “non-sexy” businesses like vending machines and steel fabrication. He emphasizes the…
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We’ll Be Back Soon – Exciting New Lessons Ahead!
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2:10After an amazing run of episodes — from confidence-building conversations to natural English dialogues — the team is taking a short break to recharge and prepare for what’s next. Expect fresh topics, new challenges, and exciting English lessons when they return in just a couple of weeks. In the meantime, replay your favorite episodes, keep practici…
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Episode 100 – Celebrating 100 Episodes of Learning English Together! 🎉
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2:36It’s a big day at 5-Minute English Talk! 🥳 Bruce and Stacy celebrate their 100th episode with heartfelt stories, gratitude, and practical English phrases you can use to congratulate and celebrate like a native speaker. Learn cheerful expressions such as “Congratulations on your success,” “Here’s to new beginnings,” and “You did it!” — plus a few pe…
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9 - How Curiosity Drives Innovation: Leadership Strategies for Growth with INSEAD's Spencer Harrison
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44:38
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44:38In this episode of The Breakout CEO: Inside the Strategic Moves of Scaling CEOs, Jeff Holman speaks to the Full Professor at INSEAD, Spencer Harrison. Spencer discusses his journey from aspiring English professor to business scholar, focusing on creativity and curiosity in organizations. Drawing on research and personal stories—including lessons fr…
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How to End Conversations Naturally in English
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4:04Hey listeners! Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel — we post short, daily videos to help you learn English in fun and simple ways. Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more! https://www.youtube.com/@5minenglishtalk/shorts In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy teach you how to end conversations smoothly and politel…
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How to Sound More Confident in English – Speak Naturally and Clearly
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2:52In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy share simple and powerful tips to help you speak English with confidence — even if you’re still learning. You’ll learn how to avoid hesitation words, choose strong expressions, and use tone and pauses like native speakers do. Practice real-life examples such as “I believe this approach works…
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How to Stay Polite When You Disagree – Speak English Confidently
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4:21In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy show you how to disagree politely in English — without sounding rude or awkward. Learn natural expressions like “I’m not sure I agree with that” and “That’s an interesting point”, hear real-life examples, and practice soft, confident ways to express your opinion. By the end of this episode, …
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Asking for Directions – Find Your Way with Confidence in English
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3:31You’re in a new city, completely lost, and wondering — how do I ask for directions in English? 🧭 Don’t worry — this 5-Minute English Talk episode will teach you exactly what to say and how to sound confident. You’ll learn useful and polite expressions like: 👉 “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to…?” 👉 “Where’s the nearest café?” 👉 “Go straigh…
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Talking About Your Hobbies - Speak Naturally in English
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3:17In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, you’ll learn how to talk about your hobbies naturally — the same way native speakers do. You’ll discover how to use real English expressions like: 👉 “I like reading.” 👉 “I enjoy cooking.” 👉 “I’m into photography.” 👉 “I spend a lot of time listening to music.” 👉 “I’ve just started learning guitar.” We’ll practi…
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8 - The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Why Resilience Matters in Product Development with Product 1's Steven Selikoff
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43:38In this episode of The Breakout CEO: Inside the Strategic Moves of Scaling CEOs, Jeff Holman speaks to the Founder of Product 1, Steven Selikoff. Steven shares insights on navigating recent changes in import regulations, the importance of building resilient businesses, and why profitability—not just revenue—should guide product decisions. He emphas…
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Ordering Food at a Restaurant – Speak with Confidence in English
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3:57
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3:57You sit down at a restaurant… and suddenly forget all your English. 😅 Don’t worry — we’ve all been there. In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, you’ll learn how to order food confidently and naturally — just like a native speaker. You’ll master useful phrases such as: 👉 “I’d like the grilled chicken, please.” 👉 “Can I get this without onions?” 👉 “…
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Complimenting Someone – How to Say It Naturally in English | 5-Minute English Talk
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4:53Compliments can make someone’s day — and help you sound natural, confident, and friendly in English! 🌸 In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, we’ll explore how to give natural compliments that sound real — not robotic. You’ll learn everyday expressions like: 👉 “You look great today.” 👉 “I really like your style.” 👉 “That’s a good idea.” 👉 “You’re r…
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Small Talk – How to Start a Friendly Conversation in English (Natural & Easy)
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4:03Do you ever feel awkward starting a conversation in English? 😅 In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, you’ll learn how to begin friendly, natural small talk — just like native speakers do. We’ll explore real English phrases you can use every day, such as: 👉 “How’s it going?” 👉 “What have you been up to?” 👉 “Can’t complain.” 👉 “How about you?” You’l…
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Recap - Monday Blues — Turn It Into Motivation | 5-Minute English Talk
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0:37https://mind-your-charts.simplecast.com/episodes/monday-turning-a-tough-day-into-a-fresh-start-in-english Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By 5MM
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Friday – The Weekend Vibes! | Fun English Expressions to End Your Week
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3:45It’s finally Friday! 🎉 In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, we celebrate the happiest day of the week — and learn how to talk about it like a native speaker! You’ll discover natural English expressions such as “Thank God It’s Friday,” “Finally Friday,” “Feel-good Friday,” and “Weekend vibes.” We’ll practice them together with real examples, repea…
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Thursday - Almost There - Conversations in English!
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3:45Thursday — the day that feels so close to the weekend! In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, we explore fun and natural ways to talk about Thursday in everyday English. You’ll learn useful expressions like “It’s almost Friday,” “Thirsty Thursday,” “Throwback Thursday,” and “One more day to go” — with easy examples, repeat-after-me practice, and a …
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Monday – Turning a Tough Day into a Fresh Start in English
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4:32Do you ever feel the Monday blues? In this 5-Minute English Talk episode, we’ll turn that feeling into motivation! Learn how to use everyday English expressions like “Monday blues,” “back to the grind,” “new week, new goals,” and “a case of the Mondays.” You’ll practice pronunciation, repeat-after-me phrases, and listen to a short, natural conversa…
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Everyday Idiomatic Pairs in English - Sooner or Later, Here and There, Back and Forth
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3:54In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy dive into three common idiomatic pairs that make your English sound natural and fluent: sooner or later, here and there, and back and forth. You’ll learn how to use these expressions in everyday conversations, hear repeat-after-me practice, and listen to a natural mini-dialogue to understand…
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How to Start a Story in English — So, Guess What… You Won’t Believe This… Let Me Tell You…
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3:21In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy teach you how to start a story naturally in English using three simple but powerful phrases: “So, guess what…” “You won’t believe this…” and “Let me tell you…” These short expressions act like hooks — they grab attention, build curiosity, and make your conversations sound lively and engaging…
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7 - Resilience at the Crossroads: CEO Insights from Design and Logistics with Shyft's Alex Burdge
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39:52In this episode of The Breakout CEO: Inside the Strategic Moves of Scaling CEOs, Jeff Holman speaks to the CEO and Co-Founder at Shyft, Alex Burdge. Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of Shyft, and how the company navigated major disruptions like the US-China trade wars and COVID-19. He discusses building a resilient internation…
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React Naturally in English — Really? No Way! Are You Serious? That’s Amazing!
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2:58In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Bruce and Stacy teach you how to react naturally in English using simple but powerful phrases: Really? No way! Are you serious? That’s amazing! These short expressions show surprise, excitement, or disbelief, and they make your conversations sound more lively and natural. You’ll hear real-life examples, rep…
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Softening Your Opinion in English — Maybe, I Think, It Seems, Kind of
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3:24In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce explore four simple but powerful phrases that make your English sound more polite, natural, and friendly: maybe, I think, it seems, and kind of. Learn how to use these expressions to share your thoughts without sounding too direct, practice them in real-life examples, and hear a fun mini-dial…
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