Color Me Surprised - 9 March 2026

How long can a newly married woman be called a bride? Does bride apply only as long as her wedding day, or does it extend right on through the couple’s silver anniversary and beyond? Plus, insightful advice about writing from a Pulitzer winner: Observe carefully, find what you’re ...  Show more

Whether it’s a Rubik’s cube or a round of Wordle, why do so many of us find puzzles irresistible? A new book celebrates the allure and psychological benefits of brain teasers. Plus, powerful language for talking about the chronic illnesses and invisible disabilities that sap a pe ...  Show more

Download ELSA for free + get 7 days membership for free:  https://bit.ly/ELSAxTHINKINGINENGLISH Get exclusive ELSA discounts:  https://elsaspeak.com/inf/promo-code-thinking-in-english/?promocode=THINK85 Today I want to discuss Noah Webster, the man who played a major role in cre ...  Show more

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English idioms: to go off the rails and to get out of hand. These are common expressions that English speakers use to describe situations that become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control. You’ll hear And ...  Show more

Ever wondered why "of" seems to disappear and sound so "soft" when native speakers are talking quickly? In this episode so you'll learn why and how to soften the word "of" so you can sound more natural when you speak in English as well as und ...

Today's story: Dollar stores started as a novelty, a place where consumers could hunt for amusing bargains. But now, they're a big business. Customers can buy cleaning supplies, hardware, clothes, and some food there, all for rock-bottom prices. But not everyone loves dollar stor ...  Show more