Language Nerds Do Earth

The Basque culture and language are super unique. After exploring some of the culture, we get a little wild with the language and its grammatical structure.

Traveling with diet restrictions doesn't have to be a bummer. Our resident expert gives advice on how to plan and do it well.

Stay tuned for the bloopers after our outro, guys! Whether you are a Millenial, Boomer, Gen X-er, or even Post-millenial, you are sure to have noticed the tension between Millenials and Baby Boomers. Between these two generations there is a cultural gap, and one that seems larger than many other generational gaps due to rapid … Continue reading Episode 41: Millennials vs. Baby Boomers

(Patrice has a bit of mic trouble around 9 minutes in, but stay tuned — this episode is a doozy!) If you’re anything like us, you had no clue there were over 50 whistling languages! Maybe you don’t even know what is meant by “whistling language,” but don’t fret! In this episode we talk about … Continue reading Episode 40: Whistling Languages

Some people are great packers. We talk about them and try to learn their secrets.

What do people think of exercise? Who exercises? How do they do it? We actually answer all of these when we're not ranting about how expensive bike equipment is.

This week, we dive into something a lot of people wonder about: is it really possible to learn a language as an adult? You’ll be surprised to know that, according to researchers at MIT, the answer is yes! We weigh in on language learning apps and give some recommendations, talk about the research, and dish … Continue reading Episode 37: Learning a language as an adult

Have you ever been midway through the delightful TSA experience and thought, “a screaming cat would really make this moment more memorable”? Well, let us assure you: it is DEFINITELY more memorable than your average, run-of-the-mill international flight. In addition to being more memorable, it also adds many layers of complexity to traveling (or moving) … Continue reading Episode 36: Traveling with Pets

The year of the pig will soon be upon us! This year’s Lunar New Year falls on February 5th, and we are helping you to prepare by bringing you traditions from all over Asia. Lunar New Year, otherwise known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday of many cultures that … Continue reading Episode 35: Lunar New Year

To ring in the (solar) new year, we have a special episode for you on endangered languages.

Have you ever gone to a different country and/or culture for the first time and thought, “man, I really know what I’m doing and totally blend in!”* If so, then you either don’t need to listen to this episode, or you were wrong. There are a lot of things we do and don’t think about … Continue reading Episode 33: Travel Faux Pas to Avoid

This week, we listen to a couple friends who have experienced different cultures as gay individuals — China and the West. We really wanted to know how their experiences differed, and what they thought about it. A million thanks to Garry and Haochen for opening up on some topics that aren’t normal conversation in everyday … Continue reading Episode 32: The Queer Experience Across Cultures

This week we have a little fun looking at idioms from around the world! One of our favorite examples: the Swedish “if there’s room in the heart, there’s room for the butt” meaning, basically, “if we like you, we’ll make room for you.” We explore where idioms come from and how they are related to … Continue reading Episode 31: Idioms

This week we have a little advice about how to make your trip the most interesting, personal one you can — by getting off the beaten path! Although covering the famous sights in a travel destination is awesome too, it can be really fun and adventurous to go see things less-traveled. We have some tips … Continue reading Episode 30: Getting Off the Beaten Path

(Patrice had a little mic trouble for the first third of this episode. Please bear with us until about minute 13, when she mysteriously shifts to much better audio quality) “Saving face” is an idea that is very difficult to grasp for people who don’t grow up around it. It is a collectivist, high-context concept … Continue reading Episode 29: Saving Face

Iceland — is it in North America or Europe? Is it a land, or made of ice? Why doesn’t Björk seem to have a last name? These are all questions. Do we answer them? Maybe. But we definitely talk about the Icelandic language: an anomaly among languages, this baby has been consistent for forever (OK, … Continue reading Episode 28: Icelandic

Have you got the long-term travel bug? Have you been considering acting on it? We put our heads together and talk pros and cons of living and working abroad, and what kind of options you have for making it happen. Whether you’re a digital wizard, in the medical world, or have a passion for farming, … Continue reading Episode 27: Traveling Jobs

This week we take a look at some of the fun festivals around the world that celebrate this beautiful time of year! This is a followup of episode 3, when we talked about spring festivals around the world. Today, we start in Mexico with the Day of the Dead, then travel to Argentina’s wine festival, … Continue reading Episode 26: Fall Festivals

It’s time for some heavy nerding-out, y’all. This week is a continuation of one of our most popular episodes (#16), the Evolution of English, Part 1. In Part 2, we look at Shakespearean English: was it really similar to American English? The answer is a bit less straightforward than the rumor-spreaders would have you believe! … Continue reading Episode 25: The Evolution of English, Part 2

The people you’re with (or not with) when you’re traveling can make or break a trip. This week we talk to Jane, who traveled solo for 4 months around Southeast Asia before linking up with a travel buddy. She tells us about her amazing experience, and shares some advice on going solo! A huge thanks … Continue reading Episode 24: To Travel With or Without Others