Slow English

Podcasts about Australia for intermediate learners of English

Podcast 1 – Introduction

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Learn English while learning about daily life in Australia, with Rob McCormack

Podcast Number 1 – Introduction

Hi.

My name is Rob McCormack. I have just turned 60 years old and I have been retired for about 18 months.  I live in Melbourne Australia with Silvia, my wife of 35 years, and our youngest son Andrew, who still lives at home. I’m very happy in my retirement, as I have many personal interests and I now have time to spend on them.  But why am I making these podcasts?  Let me explain that by telling you about my most important personal interest.

You see, I am learning to speak German.  I started to learn German because my wife, Silvia, was born in Austria and came to Australia when she was 8 years old.  She still speaks German fluently.  She learned to speak English very well and throughout our 35 years of marriage, we have always spoken English together.  But when we go back to Austria to visit her relatives, I find that I can’t understand what is being said unless everybody speaks English.  Now, many of Silvia’s relatives can speak English, but they prefer to speak German with Silvia.   So I feel a little ‘left out’ of the conversation.  That makes me think, wouldn’t it be great if I could speak some German?  I could perhaps understand a little of what they are talking about.  Perhaps I could even do some of the talking.

So I decided about 3 years ago that I would learn German.  I have gone to German classes every week and I do other things to help me learn German.  For example, I use websites for language learning (like www.Babbel.com, www.memrise.com, www.duolingo.com) and I also use apps on my iPhone (like Pimsleur German).  Now while I have learnt a lot of grammar and vocabulary, I find it difficult to understand spoken German.  When I try to listen to the German news, or to watch German movies, the spoken German is always much too fast for me.  I can’t understand it because the people speak too fast. What I needed was some spoken German which was not too fast and about topics which are interesting.  Imagine how happy I was when I found there were many podcasts for learners of German, where the speaker always spoke slowly.

So I thought, I wonder if people learning English have the same problem?  I decided to make a podcast in slow spoken English, about everyday topics, which learners of English could use to improve their listening skills.  I would make sure that I spoke slowly enough so that learners of English could understand me.

So this is my first podcast for ‘slowenglish’.  I hope you will download my podcasts and give me feedback about them.  My podcasts will be about Australian topics, about life, people and events in Australia.   If you’re interested in Australia, I hope you will find my podcasts interesting. I have also created a website where you can read the transcripts of my podcasts.  It is at www.slowenglish.info. If you have a question or a comment to make, please leave it by clicking the comments link at the top of this story. Or you can send me an email at rob@slowenglish.info.  I would love to hear from you.  Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you think of my slowenglish podcasts.  Goodbye until next time.

Rob

Podcast 1 Quiz - Did you understand the podcast?

You can do the quiz as many times as you like. Your indvidual scores are not recorded.

 

Vocabulary

apps = you can buy these at the iTunes store – short for ‘applications’

comment = something you would like to say.

conversation = when you talk with other people

created = to decided = when you have chosen something

feedback = when you tell someone what you think about something they have done.

fluently = can speak very easily

imagine = when you think of something in your mind

involved = to be a part of something

opportunities = when you get a chance to do something

prefer = when somebody likes to do something

provide = when you give something to somebody

purpose = what something is made for

relatives = people in your larger family, for example  cousins, uncles, aunties, etc.

retired = when you are older and you do not work anymore

skills = the things you are good at, the things you can do well.

throughout = for all of the time

topics = things to write or talk about

 

 

207 Comments

  1. It is useful for me to improve my English listening skill. Thanks Rob.

  2. Hi Rob thank you so much for your helpful podcast. We are going to Australia in 2 months and listening to Australian accent is very necessary to me. I have a 5 year old daughter and I know she could learn speak English very soon but for us it takes too long and without such this helpful tools it would be hard to learn foreign language.

    • Hi Narges. Many thanks for your comment. I am pleased that my podcast is helpful for you. I am sure you will enjoy Australia.
      Best regards,
      Rob.

  3. Hi Rob
    my name is Kamel. I’m Iranian and Geologist. I’m 41 years old. my wife is mathematician. we have a son, his name is Nikan. we waiting for Australia’s visa. we want to Adelaide. your podcast is very interesting and really helpful for me. I want to tank you for it.
    thanks a lot.

    • Hi Kamel,
      Many thanks for your comment. I hope you get your visa soon. Adelaide is a wonderful city. South Australia has so much to offer. Good luck for the future.
      Best regards,
      Rob

  4. Hello and thanks a lot.
    I just started to listen to your podcasts. I listened to the first one. It was really helpful.
    God bless you

    Respectfully

    • Hi Saba,
      Many thanks for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the first podcast. Hopefully you will find the later podcasts helpful as well.
      Have a great day.
      Rob.

  5. Hi Rob
    Thank you Art for the interesting podcasts you prepared. I just arrived in Perth and my English is weak. Thank you for guiding me, how can I improve my Aussie language and accent through your podcasts and your website?

    • Hi Mehdi. Many thanks for your comment. I hope you are enjoying Perth. Check out my podcast number 27 for my tips on language learning. Hopefully you will find some useful ideas there.
      Good luck with your Aussie Emglish learning.
      Best regards,
      Rob

  6. Hello Rob.
    I want to tell you something. People like you are not few, but not many either.
    Peace be upon you

    • Many thanks for your comment Arash. Much appreciated. Have a great day. Cheers, Rob.

  7. Hi Rob!
    I’m Angela from Italy and I’m 64 years old.
    I’m a doctor but now I’m retired like you.
    I have more time to study English language for my travels to visit my children in different country all over the world and for conversation with my son in law in English.
    I’m so glad to find your podcast because my ability in listening with connected speech is very little especially without subtitles.
    Your idea is a brilliant idea and your work is very useful!
    Congratulations and thank you!

    • Hi Angela,
      Many thanks for your comment. I’m glad that you find the podcasts useful. How wonderful that you have family in other countries who you can visit. Travel is a great pastime which we can once again enjoy after the worst of the pandemic. I guess English is known in so many countries so it’s a good choice to learn. Having your son-in-law also gives you a great incentive to practise.
      Good luck with you English. You are already doing very well.
      Best regards,
      Rob

  8. Hi Rob. my name is Zohre. I am from Iran. I am so excited to find your podcast. I have the same problem understanding spoken English. I’ve learned many grammar and vocabulary. I hope to improve my listening skills. Thanks for being…

    • Hi Zohre,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad you find my podcast useful. The speed of native speakers’ language is certainly a challenge for language learners. Of course, you still need to learn all the grammar and vocabulary. Learning a language certainly is a challenging activity (but very rewarding).
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  9. Hi Rob my name is zahra I’m from Iran and I’m so happy that I found your website it’s realy great now I can listen and learn about Australia and improve my English Thank you so much

  10. Thanks for creating this podcast which is amazing and helpful. We’ve introduced your website from our English teacher at TFAE. Thank you so much and can’t wait to listen more topic from now on.

    • Hi Rachel,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am very pleased to hear that you are using my podcast. I hope you can find useful and interesting topics there to help improve your English listening skills.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  11. hey
    I am really happy because there is a person who understands me about language. Thank you for making this. I am sure that I will learn about Australia. Also, that will improve my English.

    • Hi Ceren,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad you find my podcast useful. Have fun learning English.
      Best regards,
      Rob

  12. Hi Rob) I learn English. I’m from Russia and I live near the White Sea in Arkhangelsk. I like to listen to your podcast, because it is very interesting and helps me learning English. Thank you.

    • Hi Sergey,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you find my podcast useful.
      I looked up Google Maps to find the White Sea and I also looked at some photos of Arkhanglesk. It looks like an interesting place with a long history. I hope the weather is not too cold for you as winter is now with you in the northern hemisphere. Here in Australia it is starting to get quite warm as summer has started.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  13. hi?
    Rob , I’m a international student in Melbourne, I found your broadcast is interesting and helpful for me to know about Australia, thanks!

    • Hi Stella. Many thanks for your comment. I hope you are safe and well here in Melbourne. Good luck with your studies.
      Cheers,
      Rob.

  14. Hello,

    Yesterday, November 4th of 2021, a friend of mine recommended me your blog. I thik is a good idea for english learners like me. I will try listening your podcast everyday, I believe I will enjoy and learn lots of topics about Australia. I guess my grammar maybe wrong.

    I have to thank your idea.

    Greetings,
    Joan

    • Hi Joan. Many thanks for your comment. I hope you will enjoy my podcast. Listening to English every day will definitely help improve your skills faster.
      Have a great day.
      Rob.

  15. Hi Rob McCormack!
    My name is Rafael, I’m from Brazil, I’m a Brazilian jazz drummer and as soon as the borders are reopened I’ll go to Melbourne. First of all, I want to thank you so much for your time helping people. This is true charity. My english is basic I was looking for exactly this podcast content. It was an immeasurable pleasure to discover your site. See you podcast #2. See ya!

    • Hi Rafael,
      Many thanks for your comment. Being a jazz drummer sounds wonderful. I love to play guitar and drummers are the life-blood of any song.
      Thanks for your kind words about my podcast.
      Have fun learning English. I hope you get your chance to come to Melbourne.
      Best regards,
      Rob

      • Hi Rob,
        Thanks for replying to my comment!
        I assume you recorded the opening song. It was fantastic!
        In Brazil we have a saying that the instruments Drums, Bass and Guitar are the “cuisine” of music because they add spice.
        In addition to instrumental jazz, I play rhythms characteristic of Brazil: samba, baião, maracatu, ijexá…
        I have a YouTube channel called: “Baterista Na Australia” (Drummer in Australia) where I am developing an online work. I will go and I want to have the pleasure of playing and recording with you!
        I’m studying the first text of the podcast. I’ve heard it hundreds of times! I loved.
        Take care of yourself!
        Rafa

        • Hi Rafa,
          Many thanks for your comment and for your kind words about my podcast. Yes, I recorded the opening and closing music for my podcast. The drummer was produced by software through my recording program but I played bass and guitar. I checked out your YouTube channel. It is excellent! Good luck with your channel!
          Have a great day.
          Regards,
          Rob

  16. this is what i was looking for..
    you are a treasure for me and thank you so much
    u are very very good

    • Hi Akram,
      Many thanks for your message. It is much appreciated.
      Have fun learning English.
      Rob

  17. Hi Rob, I found your podcast a few days ago, after watching a youtube-video about `learning languages`. I looked for something in Italian – unfortunately in vain until now. But I found your podcast and I like it very much. First i`m interesting in Australia. And second I try to become a better english. One of our grandchilds has problems with learning english and I try to help her. In the meantime I love to learn it for my own. Of course we learned english in school – for ages. Our school-english was not so bad.
    I`m just 69 years old (like you ?). I`m German and we live in Recklinghausen, North Rhine-Westphalia. I have been retired before two years.
    Best wishes
    Dietmar

    • Hi Dietmar,
      Many thanks for your comment. Yes, we are the same age and we both have an interest in learning a language. It’s a fun hobby and a useful activity to do in retirement, in my opinion.
      It’s a great idea to help your grandchild to learn English. Children are less afraid to make mistakes, which is a lesson we can all learn.
      Good luck with your English.
      Einen schönen Tag noch.
      Viele Grüße
      Rob

  18. Hello my English is not good and this podcast is very good for me thank you very much I’m very happy that l find this podcast ???

    • Hi Goly,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you like my podcast. I hope it will be useful for you.
      Good luck with your English studies.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  19. Hi Rob,

    My name is Amanda, I’m Brazilian.
    You help me very much. Thanks for you spend your time think in us.
    I learning English.

    • Hi Amanda,
      Many thanks for your comment. I appreciate your feedback.
      I hope you are well during the pandemic.
      Have fun learning English.
      Regards,
      Rob

  20. Hi Bob. I recently discovered your amazing and helpful podcasts that I’m listening with great interest. I find them quite easy to understand and so I have the sense that I’m taking good advantage of them.

    It’s given de case that I think there’s a coincidence between you and me, since we both started to learn a new language in our mature age, and we both can tell how hard it is to achieve this goal. More than I really thought it was going to be.

    I was born on November 15th, 1952, and I’m happy because after so much struggle I finally begin to notice a significant improvement with my English, even thought it’s not the end of the process. I’m from Girona (Catalonia), my mother language is Catalan although I speak also a perfect Spanish and a bit of french.

    Thank you for your valuable help and God bless you.

    • Hi Carles,
      Many thanks for your comment. It’s great to hear that my podcasts are helping you with your English. You are doing really well to write such a well structured comment in English. Well done. Yes, it does seem like a major challenge to learn a language when you are older, but I think we are perhaps a little more persistent than someone who is younger.
      I envy you being able to speak so many languages.You are already an accomplished language learner. For me, to add just one more language is proving a challenge, but is also fun.
      I hope you are well during the pandemic.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

      • Hi Bob
        Listening to your podcast as well as reading these warm messages do add a better feeling in this pandemic world
        Hope everyone stay safe.

        Regards
        Merasa

        • Hi Merasa,
          Many thanks for your comment. It is certainly a difficult time for us all during the pandemic. I hope you are safe and well.
          Have a great day.
          Rob

  21. Hi Rob,

    I’ve just came over your podcast and I love it. Its great that I can read the transcript, too.
    Viel Erfolg mit der deutschen Sprache auch!

    Thank you and God bless!

    Eva from Hungary

    • Hi Eva,
      Many thanks for your comment and for your kind words about my podcast.
      Viel Spaß beim Englischlernen!
      Viele Grüße
      Rob

  22. Hi Bob
    I hope you and tour family are well. Thank you for your podcasts. My name is Anh. I am from Vietnam. I have been Australia 2years. I really like it. I can learn English from your podcasts.

    I know your podcasts from my tutor. She sent your podcasts for me. I start to learn English so your podcasts can help me. Thank you so much.

    • Hi Anh,
      Many thanks for your comment. Yes, we are doing fine. I am really glad that you find my podcasts useful. Your tutor is helping you really well by making suggestions like podcasts. It’s great that you are enjoying your life in Australia, although life during a pandemic can be a little difficult, but we will get through this.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  23. Hi Bob I hope you are well
    My name is Parham, I come from Iran and I living in Melbourne about one and a half year.
    I recently listening your podcast. That’s very interesting and really helpful for me.
    I wanted to thank you for that
    Kind regards
    PARHAM

    • Hi Parham.
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you find my podcast useful. I hope you are enjoying your time in Melbourne, although this lockdown for the second wave of coronavirus is not something anybody can really enjoy. But we will soon be through it and out the other side, I am sure. Then you will be able to get back to enjoying all the good things that Melbourne has to offer.
      In the meantime, stay safe.
      Regards,
      Rob

  24. Hi Rob

    Thank you very much for your work. I hope you are always happy and healthy. I am a Vietnamese engineer. I have been learning Englsih for 20 years and living 10 years in Melbourne but I still can’t hear and understand Australian people talking. When I found these podcast I really happy and hopefully these help me in my English improvement proccessment. If all people speak English slowly like you, my life must be better.

    Best wishes

    Dao

    • Hi Dao,
      My apologies, but I only just now saw your comment. Somehow it slipped through without me noticing. Many thanks for your comment. I am pleased to know that you have found my podcasts useful. I hope you have been safe and well here in Melbourne during the pandemic. It has been quite a journey for us, and although we are once more in a short lockdown, overall we can’t complain about our time here in Melbourne during the pandemic.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  25. hi Rob,
    My name is Elena. I come from Taiwan and lived in victoria.
    thank you for doing this for us, these podcases are very useful for me.
    The way you talk can makes me learn much more about pronunciation.
    Thank You!!!

    • Hi Elena,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you like my podcast and that, as you live in Victoria, you can immediately make use of some of the information.
      Have a great day and stay safe in the pandemic.
      Regards,
      Rob

  26. Hey Rob, i am Marcelo, from Brazil. Thank you so much for the podcasts. They are help me a lot.

    • Hi Marcelo,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you find my podcast useful. I hope you are safe during the pandemic. If you are in lockdown, then I guess improving your English skills is a good way to spend some of the time.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  27. Thank you for your podcast. I recomend you slowgerman. This is a very god

  28. Hi, Rob.
    Thank you for your podcasts. I am trying to say the sentences at the same time while listening to you. Because my understanding is good but my speaking is bad.
    I can follow you because you speak slowly. Your podcasts are very helpful for me.

    • Hi Deniz,
      Many thanks for your comment. Speaking is important in learning a language so I’m sure that will help with your verbal skills.
      Have fun learning English.
      Stay safe.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  29. Thank you Rob is very good because My Englis is very poor. You help so much my life

    • Hi Marli,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you find my podcast useful. Have fun learning English.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  30. Thanks a lot Rob for your service. I consider it very useful and I’m looking forward to know any Australian topic you would like to approach.

    Marco from Italy

    • Hi Marco,
      Many thanks for your comment and your kind feedback. I am glad you find my podcast useful.
      Good luck with your English.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  31. I’ve just discovered your website with slow podcast and I only can say thank very much for your idea! It’s marvellous. Many many thanks.

    • Hi Ana,
      Many thanks for your comment and you kind feedback. I am glad you find the podcasts useful.
      Have a great day.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  32. Hossein
    Hi,Rob l,m Irainian I,m 58 ,At the moment me and my wife are visiting my son in Sidney Australia,you know,your country is very nice ,we have been here for approximately five mounts,as you know cronavirus expands in all of the world and we have to wait to open the airlines .However I really appreciate your about this podcast,it can help me that improve my english ,please give me some good ideas if you know.
    Thanks a lot,have a great time.

    • Hi Hossein,
      Many thanks for your comment. I hope you are enjoying Australia, although it must be hard to do that at the moment, with everybody in lockdown. I lived in Sydney for about 5 years in the early nineties and normally it is a great city to visit. I hope you are at least safe. Being with your son and his family is at least a blessing.
      Stay safe and good luck with your English.
      Best regards from Melbourne,
      Rob

  33. You are awesome, thanks for your time spent. I would like to learn and understand all interested postcads.
    I like to listen you.

    • Hi Mirella,
      Many thanks for your comment. I appreciate the feedback.
      Have fun learning English.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  34. G’day Rob,
    I’m Cathy, a fellow Australian and teacher of English in France, where I have been living for the past twenty-odd years. I teach adults, and one of my students put me onto your podcasts. Fantastic! This is such a valuable resource! I’ve given the link to all my students and we are using your work in the classroom – well, not at the moment as we’re all on lockdown due to the coronavirus, but I set them a podcast to listen to and then we discuss it by email afterwards.
    Thank you so much for this!

    • Hi Cathy,
      Many thanks for your comment. That’s great that you can use my podcasts in your English classes. That pleases me! I hope you are coping well in the coronavirus crisis and are keeping safe.
      These are strange times indeed and I think all online resources, including my podcast, are very important for people who are required to stay at home.
      Say G’day to all your students from me. We are thinking of all our friends in Europe who are really under the hammer at the moment.
      Stay safe.
      Best regards,
      Rob

  35. dear: rob
    with great respect
    I am an Iranian man and read your podcasts one time and learned many new words and going to read it again because it can help me to understand English well.
    also, I am a motorcycle rider too and I love it to ride the countrysides.
    thanks a lot, I will write to you again.

    • Hi Seyedmahdi Nik akhsh,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that my podcast can help you with your English. It’s great to hear from a fellow motorcyclist! What sort of motorcycle do you ride?
      Cheers,
      Rob

      • dear rob
        hi
        i ride a kind of motorcycle that is Iranian brand named
        Talash which dated back to 2002 and is suitable for me to travel around my home city which is located north of Iran named Amol.

        • Hi Seyedmahdi Nik akhsh,
          Thanks for your reply. I have not heard of Talash motorcycles until now. I searched for them on the internet and found lots of information. They look great, with bright colours. They must be perfect for getting around a city quickly and at cheap cost.
          Cheers,
          Rob

  36. Hi Rob! I am Elena. I live in Ukraine. I love to travel, but my english is very bad. This is a big problem. Your Podcasts are a very important find for me. Thanks for your great help!

    • Hi Elena,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you find my podcasts useful. Good luck with your English studies.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

      • Hi Rob!
        I have a question!
        When you speak at a regular pace, perhaps you swallow articles, endings in words, speak separate words together?…
        I would be interested to hear the same text at your usual pace.)
        Could I understand You?
        would that be good practice?

        • Hi Olena,
          I do speak a little bit faster normally, although if I was speaking formally (such as in a podcast), I don’t think I would miss endings or join my words. If I was speaking informally (such as in a conversation with another person), then it is possible I might not be as clear in my pronunciations. Australians do tend to use contractions more when they are speaking informally. For example, ‘where’s’ for ‘where is’, ‘that’d’ for ‘that would’, ‘how’d’ for ‘how did’, etc. Example sentences might be -‘How’d you go in the test? You’d have done fine, I bet.’ To get more of this style of English, I suggest that you might try watching films or television dramas. There you will find more informal English and it is certainly harder to understand for the language learner.
          Thanks for the interesting question.
          Cheers,
          Rob

          • Thanks for the answer, Rob! Sometimes I try to watch English films. But after 10 minutes my brains are on fire and I stop understanding at all …. and I listen to slow English.)

          • Hi Olena,
            I know the feeling. I get the same problem when listening to German language films. Still, it is important to keep trying. Our skills improve gradually (very gradually in my case, Ha!)
            Cheers,
            Rob

  37. H? Mr Rob firstly
    many thank you for your this idea. I discovered to your podcasts two days ago and I am listening these after I am trying to write for myself
    I hope I will speak english so your podcasts useful
    Again thank you

    • Hi Murat,
      Many thanks for your comment. It’s a good idea to write a comment, as it helps you to practise your English. Well done! I am glad that you can use my podcasts to help you with your English.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  38. Hi, Rob<3

    My name is Rebeca, I'm 18 years old.
    I'm brazilian, I must need to learn english quickly (I think), because I decided to became a cabin crew.
    Thank you for helping me with listening<3

    • Hi Rebeca,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that my podcasts are helping you learn English. I hope you are successful in your career as a cabin crew.
      Cheers from Melbourne.
      Rob

  39. Hi Rob,
    my name is Simone and I come from Germany. Many thanks for your great idea. I‘m a language therapist. I work with people who need to learn German again after an accident or illness. For example: stroke or hearing loss. We use slowgerman. And now, my husband and I go to New York for holyday and I need to brush up on my english, while i was looking for a similar website. I can understand you well and do not seem to forget so much.
    I will hear and read your potcast all. Maybe also use for my younger patients. Now I feel like learning English again. Many thanks. Please continue.
    Best regards from germany

    • Hi Simone,
      Many thanks for your email. That is a very interesting and valuable use of a slow spoken podcast. That must be very rewarding work to do. I am very pleased that you have found my podcast to be useful in brushing up your own English. I hope you enjoy your holiday to New York. I suspect their accent is somewhat different to mine, but obviously still English.
      Have a great day.
      Regards,
      Rob

  40. Hi Rob.
    I am 28 years old and I am from Iran.
    I’ve just found your website and since I am migrating to Australia, your Podcast will be very helpful for me.
    Thank you so much dear Rob.
    Wish you the best of luck.

    • Hi Armin,
      Many thanks for your comment. You must be very excited about your move to Australia. I am pleased that my podcasts have been useful to you. I am sure that your new life in Australia will be exciting and rewarding.
      Good luck with your English and your new adventure in Australia.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  41. This is perfekt channel, thank you for doing this, I was looking for something like this, becouse I need to study for my exam of english, especially for a dictate, and here I can at first listen to podcast, immediately write it down to my notebook, and then check it there is some mistakes.

    • Hi Jakub,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad that you find my podcast useful.
      Good luck with your English studies.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  42. Hi, Rob! My name is Tatyana, I am 44 years old. I am from Moscow. Recently I found your website and was happy. Thank you for your podcasts! You are very caring and good man! I love to travel and when I listen to your topics, I have two use: slow listening and little journey to Australia. Now I thought, can I to fly through the ocean to get in Australia. This is a very long flights, but I will it to plan.

    • Hi Tatyana,
      Many thanks for your comment and for your kind words. I’m glad you like my podcast. Yes, the flight to Australia from Europe is a long one. I have done it many times. The great thing about a visit to a foreign land is that you see so many new and different things, as well as meet new and interesting people. Of course, you also get to practise your English. I am sure you would enjoy Australia.
      Have a great day and thanks again for your comment.
      Rob

  43. Hi Rob
    My name is Majid. I am from IRAN. I found your podcast last day. that is very interesting and helpful for me. thank you.I decided to making same podcast for persian language.

    • Hi Majid,
      Thanks for your comment. Good luck with your new podcast for the Persian language. A great idea.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  44. Hi Rob! Hi from Natasha.
    Marvelous! Absolutely adorable!
    I am so joyful to find your podcasts. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can’t stop to say thanks.
    Australia is a astounding country. Your shot stories encourage and inspire a lot of people around the world.
    I wish you be healthy and happy to make much more podcasts for all of us.

    I am from Kazakhstan, 33 years old, married, have a son(6 years old). My husband and I are engineers.

    Best wishes and hugs.

    • Hi Natasha,
      Many thanks for your comment and for your kind words about my podcast. I really appreciate your feedback and it makes me very happy. Good luck with your English studies. You seem to be doing very well!
      My best wishes to you, your young son and your husband.
      Greetings from Melbourne.
      Rob

      • I am from Kazachstan. It is near Russia.
        I was happy to hear you. Slow Enlglish it is a great idea. I am male of 25 years old. God bless you.. Thank you.

        • Hi Ruslan,

          Many thanks for your comment. Thanks for listening to my podcast. I am glad that you find it useful.
          Have a great day.
          Rob

  45. Hi .Rob. I am Meiying .I have turned sixty eight, two months ago.I am Chinese and living in Shanghai. I have learned English by myself for over a decade .but my English is still not good . A few months ago I found your podcasts .According to your offer,I learned English at http://www.duolingo.com. I learn a lot from the website. Now I have begun to learn your podcasts .I have learned the first lesson including all the comments. I like your podcasts very much. I am really moved by your spirit .never too older to learn, you raise me up. Thank you.

    • Hi Meiying,
      Many thanks for comment and your very kind words. I was very pleased to read them. Your English is very good when you can write such an interesting message. Well done. It is always hard to learn another language and I respect your determination and your success. It is true that we are never too old to learn.
      Good luck with your English studies.
      Best wishes from Melbourne.
      Rob

  46. Hi Rob. My name is Neslihan.I am 45 years old and I decided to learn English 3 months ago. In fact I can read english a little. But I can not understand and speak. Native speakers are talking very fast. Your podcasts are very useful for me. I found your podcasts yesterday and I listened five epizodes. Your topics are very good. I will study your podcasts. I sure my listening skill will improve. My husband and my daughter support that my effort. But my son don’t believe me. I will do. I believe. I want to speak fluently and travel other countries. See you later

    • Hi Neslihan,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am very impressed that you have written me a comment in English after such a short time learning English. I admire your determination to learn English. It takes a lot of effort and determination to learn another language. Well done and I encourage you to keep going. I am sure you will improve quickly. It is a wonderful goal to have, especially if you plan to travel and experience the language in other countries.
      Have a great day.
      All the best from Melbourne.
      Rob

      • Hi Bob
        Awesome job! as I read through all your podcasts from 111 down to the first episode. I am not only learn a lot of English and Australian culture, but also feel like know you well as an old friend. It was an amazing experience listening and reading through every single episode, i can’t describe it very well. It is informative and enjoyable, sometimes feel like watching a movie as I was totally in. I decided to take my family for a walk around Yarra trail this weekend, want to see all the beautiful wild animals and experience the beautiful scenery as you did every day.

        Thanks so much for making this podcast, as you helped so many people around the world I believe you are living your life to the full. Wish you keep healthy and enjoy?all your hobbies for years to come.

        • Hi Merasa,
          I really appreciate your kind comments. It feels wonderful to be able to help people. That’s why I started the podcast. I must admit that I never thought it would be so well received by people as much as it has. For that I am very grateful. It makes it all worthwhile. Yes, I am enjoying my retirement, for sure. I think Australia is a great place and Melbourne is such an interesting place to live. I wish you and your family all the best for the future.
          Have a great day.
          Rob

    • Hi Rob. I had been learn a little English grammar in my school years. I was at beginner level. I never understand and could not speak.Now I am listening and reading everyday.You are right. Effort and determination are very important to learn another language. All the best from Turkey

      • Hi Neshlihan Uslu Karata,
        My apologies, but I think I may have missed your comment and have not replied to you. Many thanks for your comment. Keep practising your English. You are doing well!
        All the best,
        Rob

  47. My name is Vlad. I am from Moscow. I recently found your website. For me is really problem understand fast English. So I hope to improve listening with your help and know more about Australia. Thank a lot.

    • Hi Vlad,
      Many thanks for your comment and for your kind words about my podcast. I hope the weather is not too cold in Moscow at this time of the year.
      Good luck with your English learning.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  48. Hi, Rob!
    Thank you, You make a great job!
    Regards.

    • Hi Samir,

      Many thanks for your comment. I appreciate your feedback. Good luck with your English learning.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  49. Hello, Mr. McCormack.
    My name is Zhambul. I’m from the Republic of Kazakhstan. I’m 44 years old. As I see it is never late to learn other languages. I’m still studying ))
    My dream is to get into one of English speaking countries where I’ll be able to face up with native speakers and be in that environment.
    I hope it happens someday ) If not to me, it will be to my children )
    Thank your for your podcasts and welcome to Kazakhstan )

    • Hi Zhambul,
      Many thanks for your comment. I totally agree with you that it’s never too late to learn a language. I can understand your dream. It is the same for me. It gives me such a thrill when I can hear someone speak (in my case) German, and I can understand them. Being able to speak it is even better. Learning another language is such a challenge, but it is worth the effort. Through a foreign language, we can better understand other cultures and other ways of doing things. I have great respect for your efforts and, from your message, it would seem you are doing very well with your study of English. Well done!! I hope you get the chance some day to travel to an English speaking country such as Australia, so you can realise your dream of being able to speak successfully with native speakers. I wish you luck and congratulate you on your progress so far.
      Best regards from Melbourne.
      Rob

  50. Hi Rob! My name is Olga. I’m from Rossia. I like your podcast slowenglish. I need it very bekause i study English the first year. Thank you so much!

    • Hi Olga,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am glad my podcast is useful to you.
      Greetings from Melbourne.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  51. Hi Rob. I’m from Ukraine.
    I want to listen your podcast in my telephone,and me need to downloads audio podcast.
    How can i do it?

  52. I wished I know about this site sooner.

    Btw, tt first I thought your wife was 35 years old when you wrote this 🙂

  53. It’s very good and I hope I can improve quickly.
    Thank you so much .

  54. Hi Rob,
    I’m Hugh, a Chinese assistant from Beijing working and living in Melbourne now. Thanks for your podcasts. They let me know more about Australian culture. I’d like to go through all your podcasts by the end of this year when I go back to China. It’s so kind of you to offer help to English learners. Hope your podcasts become more successful in the future.
    Regards,
    Hugh

    • Hi Hugh,

      Many thanks for your comment. I am pleased that you find my podcasts useful. Reading and listening to all my podcasts will give you a lot of information about Australia. I hope you are enjoying life in Melbourne.

      Have a great day,
      Rob

  55. Hi Rob,
    My name is Inês, I’m from Brasil.
    Thank you very much for your lessons. They are very good!

    • Hi Inês,
      Many thanks for your message. Good luck with your English, and also to Brazil in the World Cup.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  56. Hi Rob!
    My name is Almas. I’m from Kazakhstan. Thank you very much for your lessons. They are very good!

    • Hi Almas,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am very happy that you like my podcast. Good luck with your English learning.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  57. Hi Mr ,
    I’m Ngoc Tram , come from VietNam .
    Thank for your podcasts which are very very useful for me .
    Wish you always healthy
    Thanks & Best regards,
    Ngoc Tram

    • Hi Ngoc Tram,
      Many thanks for your comment. I’m glad you like my podcasts. I appreciate your feedback.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

      • Hi Mr Mc ,
        I am very happy with your reply , every night i always listen to your podcasts . for each podcasts , listen again and again .
        You should take care of your health , i am waiting your new podcasts
        Cheers, <3
        Ms Tram

  58. Hi Rob.
    My name’s Francesco. I have 27 years old. I’m from South Italy, at Puglia.
    The my english is very poors. Thank you for your podcasts, they are useful for me because you slowly speak.
    I want learn english because I want travel to abroad with my girlfriends, maybe to Australia.
    Goodbye.

    • Hi Francesco,
      Many thanks for your comment. I am really pleased that you find my podcast useful. You are doing very well with your English. Your comment is great. Well done! I think it is wonderful when you have a goal of learning English so that you can travel with your friends. I am certain you will enjoy a visit to Australia so much more if you can understand and speak some English. Have fun learning English.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  59. Hi, my name is Vitaly. I want to say thank you very much, Rob! Your slow english conversation really helps me to improve my listening skills which is my main problem.

    • Hi Vitaly,
      Many thanks for your comment and your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. Listening skills are certainly difficult so I am glad that my podcasts can help you.
      Good luck with your English studies.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  60. Hello, my name is Angelina. I’m from Vietnam. I’m a student and I’m learning English now. In my study, sometimes there are some difficult grammars, words which I don’t know. I try to find the correct answers on the Internet. However, they are often wrong and I can’t find the most correct one. Can you sometimes help me a little bit about it? Thank you so much.
    P/s: I’m very not good at listening skill. But thank to your podcasts, I can have chance to improve it.

  61. My name is Deborah, I’m 59 and I’m Brazilian. In 2015 my older son and his wife moved to Australia. For this reason I decided to study English to improve my skills. I got interested in knowing more about Australia as well. Some time ago, my English teacher recommended your website. I was enchanted because I could have both: learn English and learn about Australian culture at the same time. Because you speak clearly and slowly, I can understand what I’m listening and this motivates me to move on. Additionally, I’m getting used to Australian accent. I went to Sidney to visit my son and my daughter-in-law in 2015 and 2017. Australia is a great country and we love it.
    I appreciate your dedication and thank you for doing such a helpful work. I hope you keep on doing it.

    • Hi Deborah,
      Many thanks for your kind comment. You made a great decision when you decided to learn a language. I agree that continuing to improve your skills and knowledge is very important, especially as we get older. I am learning German for the same reason. You seem to have done very well with your English. I think your English is at a high standard, if your comment is anything to go by. Well done. You must have had fun on your visits to Australia, especially when you were able to use your English. I hope you liked Sydney. We lived there for 5 years and it is a wonderful city, as is Melbourne.
      Thanks again for your feedback.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  62. Hi Rob just want to thank you for your efforts with your podcasts. I thought you’d be interested to know that I direct all my Vietnamese speaking friends who are trying to improve their English to your podcasts.
    We then use it as the basis for me to improve my Vietnamese as well, so win win. Thanks very much mate / C?m ?n r?t nhi?u mate. LOL

    • Hi Duges,

      Many thanks for your comment. It’s great to know that you find my podcasts valuable with your friends who are learning English. A win win in language learning is always a great outcome.
      Have a great day!
      Rob

  63. Rob,

    I appreciate your work, it is amazing task, it is really useful tool for Us who wants to speak fluent English. You are doing a great contribution here, go ahead.
    Im from Mexico
    😀

  64. Hello Rob
    it’s marvelous to find your work, I’ve been insane looking for something in aussie and found your podcasts on Vk. Your work is just what I need thx man, hey would you please give us some suggestion for aussie podcast focusing on pronunciation or sth?? coz I’m about travelling there and yea I adorrrre the accent haha
    Best wishes from Portugal))
    Iosif

  65. Hi Rob. I’m from Brazil and I am very happy by understand you. These Podcast are very useful for me. Many thanks for your job.

    • Hi Everton,
      Many thanks for your kind message. I am very happy that you find my podcast useful. Good luck with your English. You are doing well.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  66. hello dear rob.thank you soo much to make this podcasts.you born in australia? you can make a podcast talking about how to understand the australian accent because the people say its so dificult understand the australian accent

    • Hi Sofia,

      Many thanks for your kind comment. Yes, I was born in Australia, in Western Australia actually. I agree that the Australian accent can be hard to understand. I think that is because we shorten many of our words. It’s a good idea to do a podcast on that topic. Many thanks for your suggestion.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  67. Hi Rob
    I’m from China .now I live in Germany and study there. English which I have learned more than 6 years .but I can’t still speak fluent English .So I decided to learn german instead . I hope by your podcast i can find the interest of the English that I have lost .

    • Hi Günter,
      Many thanks for your message. You are obviously very talented in language learning if you have learnt German well enough to live in Germany. I hope you will continue with your English studies. I have been studying German for around 6 years and I find it very hard to speak fluently. Speaking is always the hardest part. I hope you can re-kindle your interest in English.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  68. Hello, dear ROB! I also retired, I lived in Russia, but now in Israel. In his declining years my wife and I began to travel to Europe and the United States and decided to improve our English. We really liked your podcasts. Thank you very much! As they say in Israel, up to 120 years to you!
                                                               Vladislav.

    • Hi Vladislav,

      Many thanks for your comment. I am really glad you and your wife like my podcasts. 120 years would be good – more time to learn German (I need it!) and to ride my motorcycle.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  69. Hello Rob,

    I am from Germany and I am a english beginner.
    Your podcast is a great help for me.

    Großartig dass ich diesen Podcast gefunden habe. Außerdem ist er sehr interessant für mich.
    Herzliche Grüße Silke

    • Hello Silke,
      Many thanks for your kind comment. I am pleased that you find my podcast useful. You are also helping me with my German. Vielen Dank!
      Einen schönen Tag noch.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  70. Hi Rob, thank you so much. Your podcasts will help me a lot. One day I’ll help people, just like you are doing. 🙂

    • Hi Eduardo,
      Many thanks for your comment. I know how hard it is to learn another language, so we need all the help we can get. I am happy that my podcasts are useful to you.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  71. Hello Rob.
    I will try to improve my English with Your podcast. It seems very useful for people as me. Common English is too speed for me and I lost majority words when I listen to it. Your idea probably lets me understand what I hear.
    Gest regards from Poland.

    • Hi Jarek,
      Many thanks for your kind message. Good luck with your English. You are doing really well.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  72. Hai,
    Can I download your wonderful podcasts..it’s been really interesting to hear….please suggest me the option to download it..
    Regards

    • Hi Achu,
      Many thanks for your message. You can download the podcasts by subscribing in either iTunes or on other podcast sites like stitcher.com. On a mobile device you will need to download a podcast player as well. Look on the iTunes app store or the Google Play store. Once you have installed the player, it will automatically download any subscribed podcasts for you.

      Have a great day.
      Rob

  73. Thanks Rob, I’ve simply enjoy your podcast because they are very useful for me, by them I can understand the fast English spoken, they are a good train for me

  74. Dear Rob,

    thank you for your great contribution to the ESL community. I was reading the text of your introduction, in which you explain that you are in the process of learning German. I can recommend a podcast similar to yours which is recorded and produced by Annik Rubens. It’s called Slow German. Rubens became a star on the German podcasting scene with her show “Schlaflos in München” (Sleepless in Munich) and, like you, she has immaculate pronunciation. This is her new project.

    http://slowgerman.com

    Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Spaß beim Deutschlernen!!

    Kind regards to you in Australia,

    Mark Wilkinson (from Canada, but living in Leipzig)

    • Hi Mark. Many thanks for your comment and your kind words. I am familiar with Annik Ruben’s excellent podacast. I have listened to all her Slow German podcasts and I think they are really useful. Hopefully people learning English will find mine also helpful.
      I haven’t been to Leipzig as yet, but hope to get there one day.
      Einen schönen Tag noch.
      Rob

  75. Hi Rob

    I come from China but i currently living in Denmark to study , your podcast is very helpful to me . Thank you very much .

    • Hi Laura,
      Many thanks for your comment. Denmark sounds like a wonderful place to study. Good luck with your English.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  76. thank u very much sir,

    I’m very happy with this website.
    i was looking for a website where I could find slow Australian english .nd i have found.
    i hope u ll create your podcast apps in future ..

    god bless u 🙂

  77. Your work is fantastic, congratulations on your initiative, I know that will be very useful for me, I have a great difficult to speak, listen and write in English, so I know how you feel because he could not be part of the conversation with the family of his wife. But even as I know that my English will greatly improve your German will be perfect !! 🙂

    • Hi Sergio,
      Many thanks for your message. Yes, it is very hard to learn another language, but if we keep trying and keep practising, then we will improve. Your English is very good so you must have been practising English a lot. Well done. My German is improving too so I am happy about that.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  78. Thanks a lot. these are really helpful. You are doing a great job.
    REALLY GREAT.

  79. Hi man, you are amazing. Your words it’s that I am searching, an english slowly more helps learners english absolutely. I am brazilian and like a lot of the english, of the language english. I am still learning, I started in January and even can to read this text, I dont read just 20 words. I am first focusing in the reading, next time will focus in the writing and speaking. Sorry but my english is bad still. Thanks, Go on

    • Hi Luciano,
      Many thanks for your comment. It’s great that you have learnt so much in just 6 months. You are doing very well with your English. I hope you enjoy listening to the podcasts as well.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  80. Hi Rob,
    We love the Podcasts, my wife is learning english and at school, the cd’s she listens to are a little fast. She can understand most of your podcasts. Thank you very much

    • Hi Peter,

      Many thanks for your comment. I am always pleased to hear that people find my podcasts useful. Please tell your wife that I wish her good luck in her English studies.

      Have a great day.
      Rob

  81. Hi Rob 😉

    It is a great Idea with your Podcasts. Great that you want help other people, who want learn English. I will say: THANK YOU VERY MUCH 😉 I will study one Podcast everyday. I read this Podcast and I understood many “my questions” 😉 Thanks Rob!!!

    Best regards
    Remy

    • Hi Remy,
      Thanks for your kind words. I look forward to your questions and comments in the future.
      Have a great day.
      Einen schönen Tag noch.
      Rob

  82. Thank you Rob!!
    Your podcasts are perfect to learn English

    Amazing 🙂
    Thank you very much!!!

  83. Hi Rob!
    Thank you very much!
    I am from Russia. I learn English and German. Slow podcasts are great thing :). And their transcripts are also very important. Thank you again for the transcripts :).
    By the way what slow German podcasts do you know and find useful?
    I like slowgerman.com.
    Best regards,
    Dmitriy.

    • Hi Dmitriy,
      Many thanks for your message. Learning two languages must be hard. I find it difficult with just one. Yes, slow podcasts are great. Slowgerman is my favourite German podcast. I find http://www.dw.de also very useful. I like their Facebook posts.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  84. Hi Rob!

    My name is Alessandra, and I’m from Brazil. My dream is go to Australia to improve my English skills. I’ve been doing many researches about Australia, and I already love the country!
    Thank you for doing the podcasts, they will be very helpful for me. I always heard people saying that the australian accent is very strong, so even if you studied English during many years, when you arrive in Australia you’ll feel like you don’t have any English skills. This type of comments scares me a little, but now listening to your podcast I feel more confident and more encouraged to keep going with my studies in Brazil until come the day when I will be able to go to Australia.

    Again, thank you very much for your time and good lucky with your German lessons!

    Big hug for all your family!

    • Hi Alessandra,
      Thanks for your comment. I’m very happy that my podcasts are helpful to you. Your English seems very good already, but coming to Australia will certainly improve it even more. You will like Australia and you will be able to understand Australian English. Keep up your studies. We would love to see you in Australia.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  85. A great website!

    I’m not really interested in Australia, but I like your spoken English. Thank you very much for your efforts!!
    Olita from Switzerland

    • Hi Olita,
      Many thanks for your message. I am pleased that you find my podcast enjoyable. Switzerland is one of my favourite countries. I was there just a few weeks ago, in Zurich. One of my favourite places there is Uetliberg. The walking paths are great and the view from the mountain is excellent.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  86. Hello, Rob 🙂
    All your podcasts are really helpful for me to learn English!
    Actually, I’ll move to Melbourne next month. When I heard you live in Melbourne, I got more interested in your podcasts! It’s really lucky to know your podcasts. Thank you!

    Sophia from South Korea

    • Hi Sophia,

      Thanks for your message. You will love living in Melbourne I’m sure. I hope my podcasts have helped you to understand our life here in Victoria a little better.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  87. Hi Rob,
    your are right. The most people speaks to fast. A good reason to hear your podcasts.
    Thank you. Greetings from Germany – Ronald

    • Hi Ron,
      Yes, the speed of natural language is always difficult. You need to practise a lot at a slower pace and then you can better understand at normal speed. That’s what I find anyway, with my German learning.
      Einen schönen Tag noch.
      Rob

  88. Thank you, my friend, for this website. You are a GOD !!!!

    • Hi,

      Thanks for your kind comment. I think I have a way to go before I reach that status. It’s great that you find my website and podcasts useful.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  89. Hi Rob.I want to thank you for these postcasts.They are so good for my listening skill.If you want to make a postcast about Turkey I will always help you(because I’m Turkish).Thank you again and again.

    • Hi Damla,

      Many thanks for your message. I am very pleased that you find my podcasts useful. Thanks for your suggestion for a topic. I was thinking that I might do a podcast about the many immigrants who have come to live in Australia, including from Turkey. Australia has people from many countries who have come to live here and made a new life. It has been great for them and for our country.
      Have a great day.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  90. Hi, Thank you very much for you help … I am from Colombia and I lived in Australia for almost 1 year….So these podcasts remember me many good memories! I would like a podcast about ” The twelve apostles” one of the most wonderful places on the land!

    • Hi Cesar,
      Many thanks for your message. You must have learned a lot about Australia in a year. Your English is very good. I am pleased that my podcasts remind you of Australia. Thanks for your suggestion. I am planning to ride my motorcycle down to the Twelve Apostles sometime in the next year, and then I will definitely make a podcast about them. I agree they are a wonderful thing to see in Australia.
      Have a great day.
      Rob

  91. Hi Rob I am a new migerant in Australia .These podcasts are very usefull for me becase I need to improve my english .I am looking forward to hear and read more storys about my secend country that I live in.
    Thankyou so much

    • Hi Nedned,
      Thanks for your message. I really appreciate your feedback. I seem to have a lot of Australian listeners and that’s great.
      Have a great day.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  92. Hi, my name is Jorge, George in english, and i am loved to have found this podcast. I have a wife and a son called Jorge too. I live in Seville, Spain, and i work in Arteaula, a centre of art and music. I only want, at the moment, give you thanks sincerely for what you are doing for people like me. I love hear and read your wonderful podcast.
    Congratulations

    A hug and good luck in your life

    If one day you’re going to Seville, these guest in my home, I’ll treat you like you’re family

    Jorge Duarte

    http://www.arteaula.com

    • Hi Jorge,

      Many thanks for your message. I am very pleased that you like my podcast. I have never been to Spain but I plan to come one day. My wife has been to Spain when she was young and she loved it. She says Toledo was beautiful. Thanks again for your message. Seville is a famous city and perhaps one day I will be able to visit there.
      Have a great day.
      Cheers,
      Rob

  93. These podcasts are very useful for me, and I looking forward more story about Austrilia, such as muticulture, education, foods, architecture, arts… Thank you so much for this great sharing, Rob! Vivi from China

    • Hi Vivi,
      I am pleased that my podcasts are useful to you. Thanks for your comment. You have given me some good ideas for future podcasts.
      Have a great day.
      Cheers,
      Rob

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