For today’s English listening practice, we'll explore "third places": what they are, why they’ve disappeared, and why we all need one.

With modern life becoming more isolated and fast-paced, the absence of these social gathering spots, where we speak to each other in real life, is contributing to an epidemic of loneliness. But what exactly is a third place?

Join me as I dive into its history and meaning, inspired by a thoughtful offline discussion with Brazilian English language teacher Bruna Passos.

Boost your listening skills, test your ability to follow a narrative in intermediate English, pick out key vocabulary and expressions, and reflect on third places and consider how they’ve evolved over time—from cozy coffee shops and neighborhood pubs to bowling alleys and community gyms. As you practice your English listening skills, you’ll learn what third places are and their unique qualities.

Hear You Go podcasts aim to give you, the intermediate English learner and advanced English learner, a space to practice your English listening so that you can think, learn, and connect in English.

Join me and let’s explore how third places can help make life a little less lonely.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the links below.

There are more links included in my newsletter.

Links to go further:

• The Happiness Lab: Where Everybody Knows Your Name.
• The Happiness Lab: Make American Happy Again.

• Do Yourself a Favor and Go Find a 'Third Place'

• Bowling Alone, by Robert D. Putnam.

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Thanks for listening!

For more: English with Catherine website

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Thanks to Amos the Transparent for our theme music.