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The language of children’s storytelling, with Doug Fraser
Episode 1094
1094. Have you ever wondered about the linguistic techniques behind popular children's podcasts? This week, we talk with Doug Fraser, also known as Dougie Pickles from the "Cozy Critters" podcast, wh…
Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi
Episode 1093
1093. Why do we say “prob’ly” instead of “probably”? This week, we look at elision in everyday speech. Then, we look at a wild study showing that the way people talk is being influenced by AI.
The eli…
Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago
What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond
Episode 1092
1092. Your accent may be saying more than your words. Sociolinguist Rob Drummond explains how accents shape our identities, how they differ across social classes, and why changing your accent can aff…
Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver'
Episode 1091
1091. Is the em dash a sign of AI writing? I looked at where the idea comes from, and we have the final answer! Then, we look at the difference between "caregiver" and "caretaker."
The "'caregiver" a…
Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago
What your hands are saying (even when you’re not thinking about it), with Lauren Gawne
Episode 1090
1090. Your hands may be saying more than your words. Lauren Gawne explains how gestures shape communication, how they differ across cultures, and why removing gestures can make your speech less fluen…
Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago
‘Further’ vs. ‘farther.’ Why designers use fake Latin. Blondie hot
Episode 1089
1089. Do you wonder when you should use "further" or "farther"? We have the answer (where there is one). Then, you’ve seen lorem ipsum everywhere, but what does it mean? And where did it come from?
Th…
Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago
What AI means for writers and editors, with Daniel Heuman
Episode 1088
1088. He says he hates AI writing, but he's also the CEO of the company behind Draftsmith, an AI editing tool. Today, I talk with Daniel Heuman about editing, AI, energy use, and how tools like Draft…
Published on 3 months ago
'The' rules you never learned. Why did Latin die?
Episode 1087
1087. You use the word "the" hundreds of times a day, but are you pronouncing it wrong? Today I have the rules I never learned about whether to say “thuh” or “thee.” Then, we look at why Latin died (…
Published on 3 months ago
The publishing world is changing. Jane Friedman tells us how.
Episode 1086
1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to newsletters and hybrid publishing—and offers grou…
Published on 3 months, 1 week ago
Why 'plz' might be pushing people away. How to write better thank-you notes. Studaloo
Episode 1085
1085. Do abbreviations like “plz” and “ty” actually make your texts feel less sincere? New research suggests they might. We explore how shortened words affect how your messages are received — even in…
Published on 3 months, 1 week ago