A: I’ve been so forgetful these days. I write memos on my phone not to forget things, but then I forget the fact that I wrote them. I feel so dumb! B: That happens. I sometimes blank out when I think about what I ate yesterday. A: So do you? Man, we’re aging. B: But you can improve your memory by stimulating your brain. I heard a good way is to do something you’ve never done before. A: I wanna take a pottery class, but I’m not sure if I can make time for that. B: Then, let me tell you a simple thing you can do right now: draw a rectangle with your right hand while drawing a triangle with your left hand. A: Oh, it’s tougher than it sounds. Anything else I can try to boost my brain? B: Yea. This article listed some basic exercises: “Get your Zs, make time for friends, keep stress in check, have a laugh, and eat healthy fats like omega-3s.” A: It's not surprising why I have a bad memory. The funny thing is, the reason that I sleep less and rarely hang out with my friends is to save time and work better. B: But then you feel tired, stressed out, and become less productive. It's time to stop this vicious cycle for yourself! Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Did you hear Miyong is getting married next month? B: Yea, I got her invitation. I guess her best friend Jini will catch the bouquet. Or, did Jini already get married? A: No. Jini wants to remain single, but she’s having a hard time because her parents keep pressuring her to tie the knot. B: Why? What’s wrong with being unmarried? A: The conventional stereotypes are to blame: People think you need to marry someone at an appropriate age, and a married couple should have babies to carry on a family blood line. B: But those clichés about marriage don’t guarantee one’s happiness. A: Right. Some people think we’re living in a society where marriage isn’t necessary anymore. That’s why we see fewer marriages year after year. B: Even after getting married, having a baby is one’s option, not a must. You can’t measure one’s happiness based on whether one has a child. A: True. I think you have the right to choose your own answer about marriage as long as you take proper responsibility for your choice. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: That’s a cute little cactus! Isn’t that good for reducing monitor radiation? B: With this single tiny cactus? That’s overambitious. As far as I know, the cactus should be at least 4 times as big as your monitor to have an effect. A: Really? That’s disappointing. But still, it’s a good decoration. B: It’s more than a decoration. Just looking at it helps me relieve stress, and it’s really exciting to see the plant growing. A: Isn’t it a lot of work, though? B: I guess it depends on the type of plants. For example, I water and wipe leaves of my Areca palm tree once a week. A: That’s not too bad if you can make the most out of the tree. Do you think it’s beneficial? B: I heard the Areca makes fresh air by removing carbon dioxide, and it keeps humidity. But again, one tree is not enough to have dramatic effects. A: Okay. I’ll grow several trees. B: Good luck! I’m sure your time and money will be worth it. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Hey, do you think you can ask for a burger refill at a restaurant? B: What? Is that possible? A: No, that's why I'm asking. I just watched this guy named Jia Jiang on YouTube, and he asked for a burger refill. B: So? did he get it? A: Of course not, which actually was the point: getting rejected. He made many other requests to strangers and mostly got turned down. B: Why is he trying to get rejected? A: Jiang said his goal was to desensitize himself to the pain and shame of rejection and overcome his fear. B: Oh, I can understand him to some extent. I used to be afraid of saying “no” to others, but got over it after realizing nothing terrible happens when I reject a request. A: I think both rejecting and being rejected are just parts of everyday life. You might need to train yourself, though, like Jiang. B: I wanna train myself by doing this: sleeping at a mattress store. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Did you watch Sonny’s game last night? B: Of course, that’s why I’m half asleep now. A: Me too. I couldn’t take my eyes off Sonny. He’s such a gifted player. B: Yea, I think he can definitely be a role model for youth players. A: He seems very sociable, too. It was interesting to see him shaking hands with all of his teammates in a different way. B: That’s another skill he has. I don’t think I could mingle well with foreign teammates if I were the only Korean on my team. A: That reminds me of my team. Our teamwork sucks. B: Hey, be positive and try to bond with your teammates. I think Sonny’s handshake skills can help. A: I wish my company had an open-minded atmosphere like Sonny’s team. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Hey, is my breathing too loud? B: Huh? Who cares about your breathing? A: Somebody in the library put a sticky note on my desk. “Please breathe softer.” B: Oh, you were in the library. People can be very sensitive in such a quiet place. A: I didn’t think I was being a nuisance, though. I was trying my best not to get on others’ nerves, but complainers DO exist. B: Well, you might get a romantic note sometime soon. A: In that heartless place? No. B: Maybe you’ll get a note on a canned coffee, saying “I see you’re not feeling very well. Why don’t you get a long, long rest AT HOME? XOXO” A: Oh, don’t be sarcastic. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: You’re totally trapped in Instagram. Stop using the phone and eat! B: Hold on. I just need a few more hashtags. I’m sure my followers are gonna like this place. A: Isn’t it kinda shabby, though? People usually “like” fancy places. B: That’s an old story. Many people are getting sick of seeing meaningless pictures just for showing off. A: Well, I’m one of them. Some attention seekers’ phony pictures make me cringe. B: Yea, I guess that’s why postings that represent one’s true tastes, stories, or philosophy get attention these days, just like mine on unknown brands or local stores with their own styles. A: I respect your taste and philosophy, but can you finish your pizza first to show the chef respect? It’s getting cold. B: Done. I’ve already got two likes! Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Hey, I heard today is your last day. Are you moving to another company? B: Yea, I'm quitting, but I’m not going to another company. A: Oh, really? Can I ask what your plan is? B: I don't have a specific plan yet, but I'm going on a round-the-world-trip for sure. A: Wow! That's awesome, but why now? Aren't you getting promoted soon? B: True, but traveling around the world has been on my bucket list for a long time. And I feel like I won’t be able to do it if I don't quit now. You know, I've worked hard for the past 11 years. A: I hear you. But still, it's a big decision. B: I know, but from now on, I wanna live my life to the fullest. YOLO, man. A: Well, it’s your life after all. I’ll be rooting for you. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: So, this is your new place! I like the big window! And..It's very clean.. way too clean...! You've only got this foldable table in the living room? B: Yeah, I got rid of most of my stuff before moving. A: Seriously? Including your sofa and bed?  B: Yea, I realized I can live without them. I'm trying to live like a minimalist. A: Wow, you've changed a lot! I envied the ornaments and furniture at your old place! B: Most of them were actually unnecessary. Once I started owning less though, the things I own brought me more joy. Isn't it a cool paradox? A: Really? What about all these things jammed in the utility room? B: uhh… I’m keeping them in case I go back to my original lifestyle.  A: I knew it! Ask [email protected] for anything!

Review Session vol.1 첫번째 복습시간입니다. 청취자 질문 시간은 새로운 내용이 준비되어 있습니다. Ask [email protected] for anything!

A: Oh~ are you learning English with Steve Jobs’ quotes? I love his speeches. B: Yea, I find many of them impressive. A: Which one’s your favorite? B: “What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.” Obviously, family and friends are more important than money. A: Wait, You saw that phrase on Facebook, didn’t you? It was controversial whether or not he said that phrase, but it turned out he didn’t. B: That was false information again? What can I trust online? A: You can share information easily through social media, but you should also be aware that information can be inaccurate. B: You’re right. Social media does not always carry verified information. I should think twice before sharing something online. Ask [email protected] for anything!