Free Bird English: Teacher Talk

180. Thank you for the compliment!

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Tuesday! We talk about Abe's trip to Osaka, and we help Ben's friend in Australia who recently became single. Teacher Talk YouTube Chann...

179. Never pick up a platypus.

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Tuesday! We talk about spending time in the countryside, finding porn magazines outside, and Ben has a story about a woman in Australia that dec...

178. Party Time & Aliens

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Tuesday! We talk about Abe's daughter's birthday party, and we answer a question about "supernatural" or paranormal" expe...

177. The World's Greatest Friend

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Tuesday! We talk about Abe's hectic weekend, Australian slang, and Ben tries to make up for forgetting Abe's birthday by singing him som...

176. What toys did you play with?

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about Ben being sick, Abe's trip to Aomori, answer a question about the toys that we played with when we were children, and we have a spec...

175. Building Suspense (by using the present tense♪)

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about a stereo type that Ben's dog does not fit, answer a question from Canada about which Japanese accents sound cool to us, and we expla...

174. Broken Promises

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we find out that we both broke our promises, and we answer a listener question about times when we were in a dangerous situation while traveling...

173. Are You Lucky? (Bad Karma Ben)

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we open some gifts, and Abe is very disappointed. We also do an update for a listener question, and then we answer a new question about "lu...

172. It's Important to Remember the Context.

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about "Indian summers", moving heavy things at Ben's house, and then we answer a follow up question about farting in space. Vide...

171. Show Them Who is The Boss

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about enjoying the summer, then Abe tells Ben about peeing in his cat's toilet when he was half asleep. After that we receive some gifts f...

170. Space Farts

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben talks about his trip to Tokyo, and Abe talks about meeting a homeless man in a park. Then we answer a listener question about space farts! Teacher...

169. You Can't Please Everyone...

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Abe talks about his daughter's first river BBQ, Ben talks about his plans to "get snipped" (pipe cut), we have another update from a lis...

168. Flavor Island (Would you like to live on a small island?)

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Abe and Ben talk about the "jinx" game, and then Ben tells us about his trip to "Flavor Island". Afterwards they talk about the in...

167. Unbelievable!

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben talks about an uncomfortable experience while buying a bottle of wine, and then he blows Abe's mind when he answers a listener question about ...

166. Late Night Hot Springs (Naked and Afraid)

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben tells us about his long weekend, and we talk about going to hot springs in Japan. Afterwards we answer a question about political campaigns in Jap...

165. Squeezing the Truth Juice out of the Ben Fruit

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Abe confronts Ben about lying on the podcast! ("to blow up one's spot" means to expose someone's secret or private information, caus...

164. How did you propose?❤️ (it's a total "let-down")

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends! In this episode Ben tells us about having dinner in the park with his family and a drunk homeless man, and we answer a listener questio...

163. Hug Culture

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends! In this episode Ben gets a gift from a listener, and then we talk about saving photos, hug culture, and Ben tells us another kayaking s...

162. The Wasp Nest & Staying in Touch (and falling out of touch) with International Friends

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today Ben talks about getting rid of a wasp nest, and we answer a question about staying in touch with international friends. Teacher Talk YouTube Cha...

161. Don't Drain the Damn Dam Man!・Feeling "Burned Out"・Dirty Johnny Update

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about feeling burned out, Ben tells us about his first time kayaking at a dam, Abe shares a story about a dam being drained for a very selfish...

160. Kangaroo Attack! & Funny names in Australia

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben talks about losing money, and then tells a story about a kangaroo attack in Australia. After that, we answer a listener question about funny names...

159. Dirty Johnny

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about a hot topic in the news in Japan, and around the world. There are a few things no one should ever "turn a blind eye to" ...

158. A Lucky Day for a Bad Boy

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about getting suspended from school when we were teenagers, and growing up to become a responsible adult. Or at least pretending to be a...

157. The Power of English!

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today Abe "has a bone to pick" with Ben. After that we are asked about if we have experienced racism in Japan... The answer is, not really. ...

156. What sports did you play?

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends! Today we explain "dumbfounded" / "dumbstruck", then we talk about the sports we played when we were younger, a few ...

155. Abe is a Monster... But Ben's Beard is very "Unkempt"!

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends! Today Ben is looking quite rugged because of his unkempt beard. Abe tells a horrible story, and we answer a question about wildlife in...

154. Feeling Embarrassed (Accepting Gifts and Compliments)

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends! Ben "dropped the ball" so we had to record this episode twice. Annyyyway we talked a little bit about accents, and then about...

153. Dead Dog Beans (A Taiwanese Fairytale) & "Who is more likely to..."

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Abe tells Ben a Taiwanese fairy tale about a mean brother, a dead dog, beans... and farts? Yes! FARTS! We also answer some "Who is more likely to...

152. Sometimes Life is Shocking! & What Languages do English Speakers Study?

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about how sometimes life can be shocking! We also answer a listener question about what languages people study in English speaking countries. ...

151. Easter is Confusing!

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Halloween is on October 31st. Christmas is on Dec. 25th. When is Easter?? It's so confusing!!! We talk about that and our kids' entrance cer...

150. More Money, More Problems?

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it true that if you become rich, you have to deal with more and more problems? We discuss this, and talk about a TV show that Abe is obsessed with ...

149. The Worst Fairytale Ever.

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to visit a country that has a rich history and interesting fairytales, DON'T come to Canada or Australia. Our fairytales are terrible!...

148. Burning with Jealousy! / Green with Envy!

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  Ben is burning with jealousy and green with envy because Abe got an awesome new gadget!  Video for this episode: https://you...

147. Sneaky Night Rats - It takes one to know one!

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  This week we talk about "eating yourself sick", Ben tells us how to have a great time when you renew your driver's license, and w...

146. Double Meanings... (Australian Slang)

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A "double entendre" is when you say something that means one thing, but could also mean something dirty.  In this episode we realized that  ...

145. The Big Hairy Monkey Man is going to make Abe "eat his words"...

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd6WmMG4ixKi54TQ8--fd1g?sub_confirmation=1 SPACE DRAGON on Spotify: https://open.spotif...

144. A Total "P.O.S." (piece of $h%t)

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben just got back from Australia, but he needs another holiday!  Abe investigates a strange noise that Ben made when they spoke over the phone. &...

143. Happy Birthday Ben!

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We play some special birthday music for Ben, then we talk about how everyone wants their own toilet! Video for this episode: https://youtu.be/Ic2f4r9S...

142. "Up Your Game!" (Abe needs to up his DIY game) & Home Remedies

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To "up your game" means to get better at something.  Hello Friends!  This is second episode we recorded on Ben's first day back.  He ta...

141. Ben is back! "The worst 9 hours of my life" (flying with a baby)

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  Ben is back from Australia!  He tells us about his trip, and what it's like to fly long distance with a baby ("the worst 9 h...

140. I'm "in a jam"! Who can help me out??

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends, in today's episode I'm in a jam!  I tried calling Ben, but he didn't answer, but luckily I have some other friends that helped me ...

139. Hello from Australia!

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends, in today's episode we catch up with Ben in Australia! Check out ELSA Speak!  Use these links to start improving your pronunciatio...

138. Making an "English Zone" at Home (Daddy Diaries #6 Featuring Christian)

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christian created an "English Zone" for his kids in his home when he lived in Japan.  This is something that sounds like a great idea, but is rea...

137. Christian's movie work & New song by Space Dragon!

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christian joins us again to talk about teaching pronunciation, and he shares some of his experiences working on movies.  This episode also featur...

136. The Guy Abe ALMOST Peed On...

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today Abe is joined by an old friend...  The guy he ALMOST peed on many years ago. Check out ELSA Speak!  Use these links to start improvin...

135. Truth be told... To tell the truth... To be honest with you... 🤷🏻‍♂️

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  Today Ben tells us about how he is getting "cock-blocked" by his "vampire" son, and we get an exciting update about a potentially...

134. Pronunciation Problems (...and a solution!)

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  Today we talk all about studying and teaching pronunciation!  Use these links to start improving your pronunciation with ELS...

133. That's a "Hard Sell"

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  In today's episode Ben signs an important contract, and we answer a question from an international listener that wants to have a ...

132. Shoot for the Stars, Land on the Moon.

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  In today's episode we celebrate Ben achieving a goal with a new song, Abe gives Ben a satisfying gift, and we answer some very st...

131. Team Dumbass & "A Heavy Heart"

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Friends!  In today's episode we talk about Ben's backyard project, and how he is getting rid of unwanted dirt, and Abe has some sad news. &...

130. How We Laugh ("Hahaha" vs. "Huhuhu")

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  In this episode we talk about sleeping on newspapers, an inspirational fat man on a bicycle, garbage collection, and we answer a ...

129. Demon Bubbles (Ben can't burp)

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  In this episode we talk about Ben's "demon bubbles", Abe's new gym, Ben pinching a nerve in his back, and we answer an interestin...

128. Stripper Lullaby

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  In this episode we talk about losing your mind when a baby won't stop crying, and Abe tells Ben about a strange lullaby that he's...

127. How to say "goodbye" on the phone

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  Today we have trouble opening a bottle of sparkling wine (again).  Then we answer questions from listeners about how to say ...

126. A Celebration! (Together Again)

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are finally recording together again!  In today's episode we celebrate being together again with a bottle of wine from a listener.  We ta...

125. Questions from Vancouver

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode we talk about "phone sex", getting ready for a baby and getting used to changing diapers, and we answer some questions from a liste...

124. Give Each Other a Break (Daddy Diaries #5)

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's "Daddy Diary" we talk about beer...  We also talk about parenting and how important it is for each parent to get a break sometimes... ...

123. "On The Same Page" (Daddy Diaries #4)

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's "daddy diary" we talk about parenting styles, and how important it is to be "on the same page" as your partner.  We also talk about pl...

122. Fart Juice! (...it's not what you think)

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are back together again!  Ben opens a letter from a listener who says that his Australian accent has "grown on" her.  Then we do a role p...

121. "The Blind Leading The Blind"

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends!  In today's episode I introduce the expression "the blind leading the blind".  Ben made a big careless mistake and we lost th...

120. Go "Above and Beyond"

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode we walk about going "above and beyond" (doing more and better than what is expected), and Abe shares some big news which leads to t...

119. "The Apple Never Falls Far from the Tree" (Rui Returns!)

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rui is back!  ...And he is VERY serious about "bad words"... FREE BIRD 500 Limited Edition Tote Bags! https://www.55freebird.com/shop Teacher T...

118. Good Intentions ("Will" vs "Intend to") & New Intro Song (Reggae)

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have a new intro song!  At first we thought it might be inappropriate, but after discussing it we decided that it is a great song!  We ho...

117. Ben vs. Corona ROUND 2

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Ben tells us about his family all getting Corona for the second time, and how they "hunted" a wild animal in his neighborhood.  V...

116. "Throw a Tantrum" (Daddy Diaries #3)

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we really start to have fun and evolve from a miniseries about parenting into "Teacher Talk".  We talk about Ben moving to a new ...

115. Papa Lawson's Advice for Ben

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abe's dad joins the podcast again, but this time we are keeping it CLEAN!  ...Almost.  We talk about how Ben is in the same situation Papa L...

114. We All Make Mistakes... (with Papa Lawson)

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Abe's dad joins the podcast and gives his opinion about Ben accidentally peeing on a dog (a story told in episode #113).  After t...

113. “When Nature Calls” (Don't Pee On My Dog)

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Ben tells Abe about his dad's time in Japan, and he has a crazy story about peeing on a dog in the park...  Yes, that's right.  Ben ...

112. It's a Little Inappropriate...

03 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Abe has a little present for Ben (new intro music by a listener).  After listening to the new music we try to think of an artist ...

111. Daddy Diaries Part 2: "Don't Tell Your Mother"

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Abe takes you for a ride in his time machine...  "Daddy Diaries" was a miniseries that eventually became Teacher Talk, but the or...

110. Contradictions & Contrarians

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"to contradict" means to say or do the opposite, so if someone contradicts themselves (do or say something, and then later do or say the opposite), it...

109. Happy Wife, Happy Life!

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry for the delay!  We are back!  Here are some expressions that came up in today's episode: Get/wake up on the wrong side of bed - wake u...

108. Daddy Diaries: 5 Rules for Babies

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Abe takes you for a ride in his time machine...  "Daddy Diaries" was a miniseries that eventually became Teacher Talk, but the or...

107. Cool! Awesome! Sick! INSANE! & Doing Accents

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben brought his guitar!  We talk about words like "sick" that usually have a negative meaning, but can also be used to express delight.  The...

106. Stop "Fidgeting"! & Spelling in Japanese

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about our "fidgeting" habits, and answer a question about spelling Japanese words using the alphabet. T-Shirts available now!...

105. Wedding Work & Dirty Word Game

08 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Ben tells us about his wedding ceremony job, and Abe has a game prepared where Ben has to guess what a story is about after only heari...

104. Can you give me a hand? ...You can count on me!

01 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about some "bad boy stuff" that we did when we were young and stupid, and Ben asks Abe for some advice about a cat problem at ...

103. Holy Sh*t! Teaching Kids vs Adults & Expressions for being Surprised

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about teaching kids vs teaching adults, and we introduce various expressions to use when you are surprised. New T-Shirts! (期間限定) https...

102.0 What's that sound??

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abe has a game prepared for Ben...  See if you can guess the sounds better than Ben! New T-Shirts! (期間限定) https://www.55freebird.com/shop...

101. Episode 100! Part Two

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot to celebrate!  First of all, Ben's music will finally be available on Spotify and Apple Music later this week!  Keep an eye o...

100. Episode 100!

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot to celebrate in this episode!  First of all, Ben's music will finally be available on Spotify and Apple Music later this week! &nb...

99. Earthquake! (Animals Don't Know Sh*t)

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"Don't know sh*t" means "don't know anything".  We talk about our experiences during the big earthquake that happened in our area of Japan recent...

98. Okinawa Highlights & "Culling" Kangaroos

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abe is back from Okinawa, and has become "a new man"!  ...Kind of ...Not really.  We talk about the highlights of the trip, and answer a que...

97. Classrooms Abroad

13 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the different seating arrangements for students in classrooms in Japan, Canada, and Australia.  Ben has an uncomfortable experience...

96. Ben's Man Cave & "Mother Qu**kas!"

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about Ben's new house, his mortgage, and the renovations they plan to do.  Ben is excited because he will have a "man cave", but with thr...

95. Milestones & "Goosebumps"

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about milestones in life, and a big milestone that is coming up for FBE Teacher Talk.  Also, someone sends us a message to support Ben's ...

94. "Girl Talk" Presented by Bennifer & Abragina

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bennifer and Abragina host "Girl Talk" (WARNING: EXTREMELY STUPID).  We also talk about difficulties women face and how much we respect them. &nb...

93. Old Man Abe

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode Abe shows Ben some "sound bytes" that he collected from the previous episode, Ben shares  some big news, and we talk about tra...

92. Never Ending Birthday Nightmare

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abe sings Ben a birthday song live, and gives him a "present", there are some listener messages for Ben, and we finish with a great "would you rather....

91. Ben's Birthday Present

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the help of some listeners, Abe has prepared a special present for Ben's birthday.  We also talk about "sting rays" which is the animal that...

90. “The Birds and the Bees”

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abe puts on a wig and becomes a pretty girl name "Abragina".  In this episode we talk about transitioning genders, day drinking, and talking to y...

89. "Don't You Hate it When...?"

16 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about how all men have a soft side, Ben hunting for a house, and "pet peeves".  A pet peeve is a small thing that really ...

88. What language do you speak at home? & Ben's New Hairstyle

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Ben shows up with an interesting new hairstyle...  We then talk about his son becoming a star, and go over some comments and ques...

87. We Ruined Christmas! (& Special Guest)

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At the beginning of today's episode we are joined by a special guest who tells us all about how Ben ruined Christmas.  After that Abe talks about...

86. Big News! & 2021 Highlights

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Time flies!  2021 is already almost over...  We talk about highlights from this year, and Abe shares some big news.  We will be back fo...

85. "Rolling the dice" (Taking a chance / risk)

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We make up a silly song to start the episode, and then Ben tells us about a dangerous Australian animal...  He did research and prepared a story ...

84. Farm Mysteries ...Solved!

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are back together again!  We record "in-person" for the first time in more than one month, so in this episode we spent most of the time catchi...

83. Getting a Driver's License in Japan & "Big Floppy Flappers"

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode we talk about what Abe missed about Japan while he was away, Ben's experience getting a Japanese driver's license, and we answ...

82. "Over the Top" & Fart Slaves

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode we talk about Abe being quarantined after re-entering Japan, and an interesting job that existed in the Edo period in Japan. Teache...

80. Ben the Vegetarian

07 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cheers to beers!  We talk a little bit about Abe's plans for Canada, Ben tells the story about how he became a vegetarian, and we talk about crue...