Crosby's 9
Episodes
That's Life in the Big City! EP 181
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Are you a Pacers fan? Are you going to stand under the mistletoe this holiday season? What LP did the Prince song “Kiss” ...
Frustration Fuels Motivation. EP 180
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! They’re selling headphones with cables again. Everything old is new again! Listen to this episode and you’ll learn this u...
Would You Ever Elope? EP 179
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Over the years, many celebrities - including Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart - have tried to escape the media spotlight by ...
Hawking and Hucking in Seattle. EP 178
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Quick question: How long does it take for fish (and guests) to stink? Answer: Three days. Do you agree? Tune in for more.
Don't Overthink It. EP 177
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! As always, Drew takes you on a 9-minute journey that will improve your English. Along with overthinking, Drew discusses Chica...
Let's Face It. EP 176
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Is your English improving this summer? If not, you need to buckle down. Buckle down? Yes, it’s one of the useful phrasal ve...
Good Food, Good Mood. EP 175
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Along with discussing tasty, nutritious, well-made and comfort foods, Drew presents the musician known as the founding father of the New Orleans sound...
What's Worth Owning? EP 174
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you own? Why do you own it? Is it worth owning? Drew takes a look at this concept as he teaches you new words and expressions. Also, don’t m...
Never Mind. EP 173
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paying compliments. When was the last time you paid somebody a compliment? How did it make your feel? When did you last tell a joke that bombed? Disco...
Hello Stranger! EP 172
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is truth stranger than fiction? Is it time to hit the road? Was the LP released to very little fanfare? Did the preacher hit the road? Tune in and fin...
Out With the Old, In With the New. EP 171
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Drew bids farewell to 2024 and rings in 2025. You’ll learn these expressions along with many more. And how well do know question ta...
Fake It until You Make It. EP 170
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Drew looks at whether or not inauthenticity is a good thing. Faking it to make it may boost your self-esteem, but when it comes to kn...
Things Are Falling into Place. EP 169
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Before branching out into telephony, Nokia made paper. Before branching out into consumer electronics, LG made face cream. Before branching out into t...
(Almost) Nothing Fazes Me. EP 168
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you’ll learn the word “rowdy” and the expression “off your game”. Crowds at sporting events can sometimes be disorderly and...
Lucky You! EP 167
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is it fate? Is it destiny? Is it karma? Or is it simply luck? Do you believe in luck? What makes you lucky? Do have a lucky charm? What about jinxes? ...
Butterflies Are Free to Fly. EP 166
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why am I asking you to repeat this? Because by doing so you’ll improve your grammar, listening comprehension and pronunciation. Give it a shot. ...
It's Time for Action. EP 165
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for action, as opposed to lounging around. It’s time for action, as opposed to loafing around. It’s time for action, as opposed to laz...
The Simple 70's. EP 164
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With fewer complications and less distraction, the 70’s were pretty simple, weren’t they? Are they coming back? Tune in to find out more while you...
Time for Spring-Cleaning! EP 163
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spring-cleaning means deep cleaning those areas that you don’t clean on a regular basis. Hard-to-reach areas. Under the carpets. Beneath the couch. ...
A Leap (Year) of Faith. EP 162
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s February, the month of love, and this year it has 29 days, making it a leap year. In this episode, Drew discusses silent letters, steak donenes...
Taking the First Step. EP 161
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to expressions and new vocabulary, this episode is chock-full. You’ll learn “step up to the plate,” “taunting,” “go out on a...
Decorations: Putting Them Up and Taking Them Down. EP 160
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to improve your speaking and pronunciation? All you have to do is imitate Drew. Try it and you’ll see – it really does work! In this...
Telling Time. EP 159
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The economy isn’t creating any new jobs because consumers aren’t spending any money. Consumers aren’t spending any money because the economy isn...
Making off with What? Money? EP 158
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dough, through, rough, tough…Check your pronunciation of these words and include a new one into your vocabulary arsenal: trough. We also review “w...
America's Route 66 (4). EP 157
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of thousands of people affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl left their homes in search of a better life, and Route 66 promised ...
America's Route 66 (3). EP 156
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What are the top 10 must-see movies? Well, that’s very subjective, but Drew gives you Roger Ebert’s version right here. Check it out. Are you a bi...
America's Route 66 (2). EP 155
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to put your listening comprehension into high gear? If so, tune in to hear more about Drew’s Route 66 adventure. Lafayette...
America's Route 66 (1). EP 154
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Stops along Drew’s Route 66 trip included: Chicago, St. Louis, Joplin, Clinton, Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Kingman, Las Vegas and Santa Moni...
Two Hearts Are Better Than One. EP 153
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your English will get much better if you listen to Crosby’s 9. Let that sink in. Wait! What does “let that sink in” mean? Tune in and find out. ...
Food for Thought. EP 152
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Here’s a phrasal verb you need to start using: to cut out. Question: What would happen if you cut out sugar? What would the consequences be? Tune in...
The Tables Have Turned. EP 151
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
By now, you’re surely good at recognizing all the “difficult” letters in English. Listen to this podcast and test yourself. Also, tune in for a ...
Peace of Mind. EP 150
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How well can you master the most important verb in the English language, to be? Drew offers a quick reminder and exercise. He also takes you through a...
Certain Rules Rule. EP 149
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Quick question: what’s a “pet peeve”? Do you have any? Drew mentions a couple of his in this episode. Also, how familiar are you with the struct...
Expecting the Inevitable. EP 148
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is increased crime driving away local investment? Are higher taxes driving away local residents? Learn how to use this key phrasal verb in this episod...
Rise and Shine! EP 147
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you’ll continue to improve your listening comprehension by listening to Drew speak naturally spoken English. And there’s another m...
I Miss You. EP 146
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you share strong ties with every friend you have? Do you have friendships based on weak ties? Do any spring to mind? Do you make small talk with th...
Seeing Is Believing. EP 145
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to take your English to the next level? BTW, how do you pronounce the contraction, “I will”? There are more pronunciation tips here,...
Shop till You Drop. EP 144
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you’ll review your knowledge of question tags while you window shop. And there’s a quick test on the most famous verb of all: to ...
Peanuts! EP 143
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you work for peanuts? Did you shell out on Christmas presents? Michael Jordan was a basketball player par excellence. Do you understand these quest...
Argentina, World Champions. EP 142
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your English will quickly and easily get better by simply listening to Crosby’s 9. In this episode, Drew discusses the words “hat trick”, (Mbapp...
The 12 Days of Christmas. EP 141
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you pronounce “Christmas”? Are you pronouncing it properly? Tune in to find out. And as usual, you’ll improve your English speaking and p...
Gratitude. EP 140
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You’ll learn tons of expressions in the episode, such as “after all,” “wishful thinking,” “how about,” and a lot more. If you tune in an...
Windfall. EP 139
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As always, you’ll repeat, imitate and put into practice what you learn in the podcast. It’s a super easy way to improve your English. Give it a sh...
Nothing to Lose. EP 138
01 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Also, you’ll work on your listening comprehension -particularly using letters- and you’ll learn two super useful expressions: “it’s all in you...
Ticky-Tacky. EP 137
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does shoddy workmanship bother you? Some people really can’t stand it. What about you? (Clue: shoddy = inferior). Drew delves into this topic in thi...
Back to the Grindstone. EP 136
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Question: Do you need to grind ground coffee? Not sure? Tune in! And regarding letters, don’t confuse the “g” with the “j.” Also, Drew remin...
Making Waves. EP 135
03 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Once again, Drew gives you the key to becoming a better English speaker: imitate him. Here, he discusses the business concepts of creative destruction...
Winging It. EP 134
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some people believe that achieving success through hard work is for losers. Intuition, they argue - or winging it - is the key to success. Have we rea...
"Social" Media. EP 133
11 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Downloading, uploading, checking, scanning, swiping…Isn’t social media a big waste of time? Probably not, as long as you don’t go overboard. Are...
Enjoy the Chaos. EP 132
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Drew reminds you of two key tips in order to easily and correctly pronounce words in English. Also, how well can you form question tags? Test yourselv...
In the Zone. EP 131
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you pronounce the “z” in English? Here’s a refresher. In fact, you’re really going to practice your letters in this podcast. You’ll a...
True to Form. EP 130
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Quick! Which one is the synonym for “accustomed to?” “Use to” or “used to?” You’ll get the lowdown here. (Lowdown? You’ll have to look...
The Plot Thickens. EP 129
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Drew will also have you on the edge of your seat -yes; you’ll learn this expression- as he offers you his regular dose of tips for pronunciation and...
Raising the Bar. EP 128
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you pronounce “hire?” Is it a noun? Tune in and you’ll be surprised. Also, we review the phrasal verb “to dress up.” Of course we dre...
Are You Thick-Skinned? EP 127
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Quick! How many syllables does the word “criticism” have? Four. Did you get it right? Remember, the suffix “ism” has two syllables. Listen to ...
Money. EP 126
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you still struggling with recognizing certain letters in English? Tune in for a trick that’ll help you out. Question: Is it C-y-n-d-i or C-i-n-d...
Hats Off to Nadal! EP 125
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
C – a – p – p – e – d…how do you pronounce this word? What does it mean? DO YOU WRITE IN ALL CAPS? Nobody likes drinking flat Coca-Cola, r...
The Underdog. EP 124
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Question: how to you pronounce the word “upset” in the following sentences? (Hint: the verb is pronounced differently from the noun). The 49ers up...
English, Naturally. EP 123
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Quick! What do the words furniture, nature and mature have in common? Do they sound similar? Tune in and find out.
New Year's Resolutions. EP 122
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How familiar are you with the conditionals in English? How about a quick review? Tune in and test your knowledge. Also, repeat what Drew says and watc...
'Tis the Season. EP 121
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hear about snow, sledding, ornaments, luminarias, caroling, reindeer…(flying reindeer) and learn the phrasal verbs “hand down” and “die out.”...
You've Been Had! EP 120
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
My desk doubles as a table. The chairman currently doubles as the CEO. Are you familiar with the verb “to double as”? Which legendary guitarist wa...
Bad Blood. EP 119
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any bad blood between you and someone else? If so, why? What happened? Not sure? Tune in and find out. Also, when is it a good time to take a...
Now That's My Style! EP 118
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Style is used in writing, fashion, decoration, music and design -as in mid-century design- which Drew discusses here.
From Ink to Pink and Rhyme to Thyme. EP 117
25 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you’ll learn the word “thyme” along with the differences between “to endorse” and “to sponsor”. Also, check out the expr...
Growing Up in Chicagoland. EP 116
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What defines a hometown? Are you from the city or the suburbs? C’mon, tell the truth…Tune in and learn more…English! “She was born in Indianap...
The Dog Days of Summer. EP 115
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready to learn a ton of new phrasal verbs in this episode. And remember, if you imitate…simply imitate Drew, your speaking will improve. Magic!
Shake, Rattle and Roll. EP 114
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The song Shake, Rattle and Roll forms part of the roots of rock and roll; when rock and roll was looked down upon. Learn the idiom “look down upon”...
What a Circus! EP 113
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you’ll learn a lot of English when looking at the history of the circus. Expressions include “glory days,” “to have a blast”...
The Zen Master. EP 112
11 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
across the board = at every level. Listen to Crosby’s 9 podcasts and you’ll notice a considerable improvement in your English language skills acro...
Resilience. EP 111
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, not only will you learn about resilience (while you improve your English), you’ll also learn about grit and about being born on eas...
Luke Combs. EP 110
12 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Crosby’s 9 podcasts help you increase your agility in learning English. How well do you know the conditionals? Test your knowledge in this podcast.
Power. EP 109
29 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Power plays in sports and business, flower power, power to the people…Drew provides you with a solid set of expressions and new vocabulary to comple...
Picky. EP 108
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you’ll learn the expressions, “beggars can’t be choosers,” “I beg your pardon” and “pick up where you left off” – an...
Starting Over. EP 107
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Knock, knock…Who’s there? Opportunity. In this episode, you’ll learn the expression “opportunity knocks.” And, as usual, a whole lot more!
Another Roaring 20's? EP 106
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the Roaring 20’s, people flocked to the bars and restaurants (and to the stock market too). And of course everybody was out kicking up their heel...
The Super? League. EP 105
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join our league! What’s the lure? Money. The payout would be huge. The Super League proposal is not unprecedented. In the USA, the merger between th...
By the Book. EP 104
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tape, glue, paste…Sticky subjects and tacky people. This podcast takes a closer took. Drew also discusses the verb “to teethe”. Don’t miss it!
Matches. EP 103
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Remember to imitate what Drew says: it helps to properly shape your lips and mouth for improved pronunciation – and better speaking skills too!
Use It or Lose It. EP 102
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So, what does it take to learn English? Does it take time? Does it take hard work? Does it take money? Drew explains what it takes in this episode. Do...
1973. EP 101
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One day you might look back on this episode and laugh. Why? Listen in and you’ll find out. Also, the secret to pronouncing “we’ll.”
Be Here Now. EP 100
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With this, the 100th Episode of Crosby’s 9, there’s a special announcement. And remember, take action now with your English – “there’s no ti...
Anything Goes!? EP 99
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Drew looks at the expression “anything goes,” which means that there aren’t any rules for the way people act or dress or think…...
Quick Fixes and Silver Bullets. EP 98
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have your ever taken a crash course? Do crash courses work for learning English? (What do you think, really?) In this episode, Drew discusses the secr...
Ready for a Retreat? EP 97
14 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some people may go on a retreat to find themselves, get inspiration, bond with workmates or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Super Bowl Hype. EP 96
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To live up to = to be as good as what was promised or expected. What do you think? Did this year’s Super Bowl live up to the hype? Does it ever live...
Labeling People and Products. EP 95
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stay on top of your conditionals in English! Drew offers you a quick review and reminds you how to use “to tell the difference.” Can you tell the ...
The New Wave. EP 94
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is it a school? A movement? A group? It’s all of that and none of it. It’s simply…the new wave. Can you think of a new wave that’s taking plac...
The Former, Not the Latter. EP 93
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Practice your pronunciation through imitation: former, farmer and firmer. Give it a shot! And remember: carrot and carat are pronounced exactly the sa...
Back in the Saddle. EP 92
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you having trouble speaking in English? Do you feel that your pronunciation could be better? Simply imitate Drew in these podcasts and watch what ...
Frost. EP 91
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We also look at the verb “to face.” Which direction does your residence face? North? East? Which direction are you facing as you read this?
What's Your Background? EP 90
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to quickly improve your speaking and pronunciation skills? Imitate Drew – you’ll see that it really works.
Spreading Holiday Cheer. EP 89
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How important is the “s” in English? Tons! Tune in for a reminder. Also, learn the verb “to bring in” –as in “to bring in the New Year.”...
Sandbagging: Under-promising and Over-delivering. EP 88
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Also in this episode: the difference between “look out” vs. “watch out;” “take out” vs. “take away” and “di...
Are You Feeling Boxed In? EP 87
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! A box office smash is a movie that grosses a lot of money. Not sure what “gross” means? Tune in to find out. Also in this...
Don't Burst My Bubble. EP 86
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! You’ll learn the expressions “to go through the roof,” and “don’t burst my bubble,” – put these into practice a...
Black. EP 85
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! What’s the word for a large group of fish? And birds? And wolves? And elephants? Also, repeat this and speak English better...
A Tight Race. EP 84
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Are you spending more than you’re earning? Then it’s probably time to tighten your belt. Remember, “titan” and “tig...
Flying Flags and Kites. EP 83
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! Has anyone ever strung you along? When you found out, did you tell them to go fly a kite? In this episode, you’ll learn how...
The (&) Ampersand. EP 82
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
English from all angles! M&M’s, H&M, A&W, Dolce & Gabbana, Ben & Jerry’s…all of these brands use the ampersand (&) symbo...