Season 1 — Worksheets

This is the first episode of the Carioca Connection podcast, where Foster and Alexia introduce themselves and their mission to help people learn Portuguese through authentic conversations. They share their passion for Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language and explain how their podcast and accompanying worksheets can be valuable learning resources. They also discuss their social media presence and invite listeners to engage with them and provide feedback. Overall, the podcast aims to provide an enjoyable and effective way for intermediate learners to improve their Portuguese skills.

In this podcast episode, Alexia and Foster discuss some of the weird things Brazilians do. They talk about taking multiple showers a day, brushing teeth at work, sitting next to partners at restaurants, eating avocado with sugar, and more. They also touch on topics like vacation time, ending messages with hugs or kisses, and throwing toilet paper in a bin. It's a fun and light-hearted conversation that gives you insights into Brazilian culture.

This podcast episode is about drinking culture in Brazil. The hosts discuss different types of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, caipirinha, and cocktails. They talk about the cultural differences in drinking habits between Brazil and the United States, as well as the growing trend of craft beer in Brazil. You'll also learn about popular Brazilian drinks like chopp, long-neck, and the artesanal beers. So grab a drink and enjoy the conversation!

This episode of Carioca Connection discusses the role of the "porteiro" (doorman) in Brazilian apartment buildings. The hosts explain that the doorman is more than just a person who opens doors - they manage the building, receive mail, take care of security, and even clean. The hosts also mention that the doorman is often seen as a trusted figure in the building and can become an important part of residents' lives. They discuss the cultural significance of having a doorman in Brazil and share some personal experiences with doormen. Overall, the episode provides insights into the unique role and importance of the doorman in Brazilian society.

This episode of the Carioca Connection podcast is about Alexia's love for New York City. She shares her experiences and memories of visiting the city, including the cultural ambiance, the Central Park covered in snow, shopping at Bloomingdale's, and getting lost in the subway. Alexia expresses her admiration for the city's diverse culture and the variety of things to do and see. She also mentions her desire to return to New York for Christmas or New Year's Eve. Overall, it's a fun and nostalgic conversation about Brazilians' love for the Big Apple.

This episode of the Carioca Connection podcast discusses the city of Poços de Caldas in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Foster and Alexia share their experiences and talk about the attractions in the city, such as the thermal waters, the Cristo Redentor statue, paragliding, and the Pedra Balão. They also mention the local accent and the cultural events that take place in the city. Overall, it's a fun and informative episode about a lesser-known destination in Brazil.

This podcast episode is about animals, specifically dogs. The hosts share stories about their own dogs and their love for animals in general. They discuss visiting a pet shop and seeing different animals like parrots, hamsters, and puppies. They also talk about the culture of owning dogs in Rio de Janeiro, including adoption programs and strong laws against animal abuse. The hosts mention a park called ParCÃO where dogs can play, and they encourage listeners to send in photos and stories of their own pets. Overall, it's a fun and lighthearted episode for animal lovers.

This podcast episode discusses the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the mixed feelings surrounding it. The hosts talk about the excitement and anxiety in the city, the concerns about the lack of long-term planning, and the potential impact on infrastructure and safety. They also mention the tragic collapse of a bike path and express their hopes for a successful event. Overall, it provides a candid and critical perspective on the Olympics in Rio.

This podcast episode discusses the hosts' favorite neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. They talk about Jardim Botânico and its beautiful park, Parque Lage, and the history and attractions of these areas. They also mention Gávea as another favorite neighborhood, highlighting its nature, commerce, and the renowned Pontifical Catholic University (PUC). The hosts share personal memories and recommend visiting these less touristy neighborhoods for a more enjoyable experience. They also mention the Baixo Gávea, a popular spot for young people to gather and have fun. Overall, the episode provides insights into the hosts' favorite places in Rio and offers a glimpse into the city's culture and attractions.

The hosts discuss their experience with meditation and how it has helped them reduce stress and improve sleep. They recommend using the Headspace app and mention the book "10% Happier" as a good resource for learning about meditation. They encourage listeners to give meditation a try and share their feedback.

This podcast episode is about Alexia's trip to England when she was 16 years old. She went on a one-month exchange program to improve her English. She stayed in a small town called Swanage and studied at Harrow House. Alexia made friends from different countries and had a great time exploring the city. She still keeps in touch with her friends from the trip. The episode emphasizes the importance of traveling, making lifelong friendships, and getting out of your comfort zone.

The hosts discuss the lack of changing seasons in Rio de Janeiro and how the constant heat can be exhausting. They talk about their preferences for experiencing autumn and spring, and mention the beauty of the changing colors of trees in Canada. They also mention the cleanliness of Brazilians due to the constant need to take multiple showers a day to combat the heat. Overall, it's a lighthearted conversation about the weather and seasons in Rio de Janeiro.

The hosts of Carioca Connection talk about their visit to the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro. They discuss the architecture, the purpose of the museum, and the importance of environmental awareness. They recommend visiting the museum during weekdays to avoid crowds and emphasize the need for simple actions like recycling and saving water to address environmental issues. Overall, they highly recommend visiting the museum.

In this episode, Foster and Alexia discuss the Copa do Mundo (World Cup) that took place in Brazil. They talk about the excitement and expectations leading up to the event, the experience of being in Rio during the World Cup, and the mixed feelings about the legacy it left behind. They also touch on topics like the construction of stadiums, the atmosphere in the city, and their personal perspectives as football fans. Overall, it's a fun and engaging conversation about the World Cup in Brazil.

In this episode, Alexia and Foster talk about their love for feiras (open-street market fairs) in Rio de Janeiro. They discuss the variety of food and products available, such as pastel, tapioca, and fresh fish. They also mention the vibrant atmosphere and live music often found at feiras. Feiras are not only a great place to shop for fresh produce and unique items, but they also offer a fun and affordable outing for families and couples. So, if you're in Brazil, make sure to visit a feira and experience the lively atmosphere and delicious food!

The hosts discuss social media in Brazil, focusing on the Brazilian love for sharing and connecting with others. They talk about their favorite social media platforms, such as Instagram, and how Brazilians use social media to create their own reality and stay connected with friends and family. The hosts also mention the popularity of WhatsApp groups in Brazil and the cultural aspect of sharing in Brazilian society. They touch on the debate of whether social media usage is vaidoso (vain) or positive, and invite listeners to engage with them on social media. Overall, the episode provides insights into the Brazilian perspective on social media and the role it plays in their lives.

This episode of Carioca Connection is about Brazilian music, specifically focusing on the samba genre. The hosts discuss the roots of samba, its connection to Brazilian identity, and its historical significance. They also touch on the concept of "malandro" (street smart) and how it relates to the samba culture. Overall, the episode provides an entertaining and informative exploration of the vibrant music scene in Brazil.

This podcast episode discusses Brazilian samba music. They talk about the history of samba, its instruments, and influential musicians like Cartola and Noel Rosa. They also touch on the evolution of samba schools and the current state of samba music. Overall, they are optimistic about the future of samba and believe that music will always remain strong in Brazil.

This episode of the podcast discusses Brazilian music, focusing on the iconic singer Tim Maia and his unique style. The hosts also mention other influential Brazilian singers like Cássia Eller, Elis Regina, and Rita Lee. They express their thoughts on the current state of Brazilian music and hope for the emergence of new icons in the future. Overall, it's a fun conversation about the rich history and potential of Brazilian music.

In this episode, Alexia and Foster talk about Foster's father's visit to Rio de Janeiro. They discuss the intensity of the city, its safety concerns, and the unique experiences they had together. They mention activities like hang-gliding, visiting the feira hippie in Ipanema, and watching a ballet performance at the Theatro Municipal. They also talk about the delicious food and the warm hospitality of the cariocas. Overall, it was a great experience for Foster's father to explore the wonders of Rio de Janeiro.

The hosts discuss Brazilian fruits in this episode. They talk about popular fruits like açaí, fruta do conde, graviola, jabuticaba, and maracujá. They highlight the benefits and flavors of these fruits and emphasize the importance of natural juices over sodas. The hosts also mention their favorite juices and recommend trying different fruit juices while in Brazil.

The hosts discuss their recent visit to Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro to watch a ballet performance. They talk about the history and architecture of the theater and share their experience of watching modern ballet. The episode highlights the discipline and teamwork involved in ballet and encourages listeners to be open to new experiences. Overall, it's a fun and enjoyable episode that introduces the beauty of ballet and the cultural scene in Rio de Janeiro.

In this episode, Foster and Alexia talk about their recent trip to São Paulo. They discuss the different nicknames for the city, their experience at a Carnaval bloco, and their visit to a Buddhist temple. They also mention the graffiti scene in São Paulo, their visit to the Beco do Batman, and their time at Parque Ibirapuera. They highlight the vibrant art and culture of the city, including their visit to the MASP museum. Overall, they had a great time exploring São Paulo and recommend it as a destination.

In this episode, Alexia and Foster talk about their visit to São Paulo. They discuss their experience at Mercadão, where Foster fulfilled his dream of eating a huge mortadella sandwich. They also talk about the diverse food scene in São Paulo, including the strong Italian and Japanese communities. They compare São Paulo to New York and highlight the city's cultural richness. Alexia admits her love for São Paulo but still prefers Rio and its beaches. They mention that they will be returning to São Paulo for a wedding and promise a second episode about their experiences there. They recommend staying in Pinheiros or Perdizes neighborhoods and trying the delicious Arabic food at Almanara. The episode ends with a playful exchange between Alexia and Foster. Overall, it's a fun conversation about their time in São Paulo and the city's vibrant culture.

In this episode, Alexia interviews Foster about teaching English in Brazil. They discuss the challenges of teaching Brazilians, the importance of conversation classes, and the cultural exchange that takes place. Foster shares his experience and tips for gaining students, emphasizing the power of word-of-mouth referrals. Overall, it's a fun and informative conversation about teaching English in Rio de Janeiro.

This episode of the Carioca Connection podcast discusses the differences between Brazilian and American weddings. They talk about the number of photographers, the informality of Brazilian weddings, the importance of providing food and drinks for guests, and the concept of being married in Brazil. They also mention their upcoming weddings and share their excitement.

The hosts discuss Brazilian cinema, highlighting its growth in recent years and its ability to shock audiences with its portrayal of the country's reality. They mention notable films such as "Tropa de Elite" and "Cidade de Deus" and recommend other Brazilian movies and series. They also talk about the challenges faced by the Brazilian film industry, including the lack of investment and cultural barriers. The hosts share their favorite Brazilian films and encourage listeners to share recommendations from their own countries.

The podcast episode is about the hosts' trip to Ibitipoca, a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil. They talk about their experience hiking in the state park, the beautiful nature, and the challenges of the trail. They also mention the need to arrive early due to the limited number of visitors allowed in the park. Overall, it was a challenging but amazing adventure.

This podcast episode is about the second part of their trip to Ibitipoca, Minas Gerais in Brazil. They talk about their favorite waterfall, the famous Janela do Céu, the beautiful landscapes, the caves, the village, the local culture, and the delicious food and beer. They mention that Ibitipoca is a small town where everyone knows each other, and they recommend visiting it. They also mention that a car is necessary to reach Ibitipoca and that the road can be challenging. Overall, they had a great time and encourage listeners to check it out.

This episode of the Carioca Connection podcast discusses the famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The hosts talk about the culture of the beaches, the natural beauty of the city, and the different characteristics of each beach. They mention Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Arpoador as some of the most famous beaches in Rio. They also mention the tradition of applauding the sunset at Arpoador and the presence of dogs on the beaches. Overall, the episode provides an entertaining and informative discussion about the beaches in Rio de Janeiro.

This episode of the Carioca Connection podcast discusses beaches in Rio de Janeiro, particularly focusing on the Prainha beach. The hosts talk about their experiences and preferences when it comes to choosing a beach spot, as well as the different vendors and food options available. They also mention a funny story about a pineapple vendor who used to scare people on the beach. The episode highlights the beauty of the Prainha beach and its popularity among surfers. It also mentions other less crowded beaches in Rio, such as Grumari and Praia do Secreto. Overall, the episode provides insights into the beach culture in Rio de Janeiro and the different beach options available beyond the well-known Copacabana and Ipanema.

This episode of the Carioca Connection podcast discusses the experience of trying to go to Prainha beach in Rio de Janeiro and ending up at Praia da Reserva instead. The hosts talk about the challenges of getting to Prainha and the crowdedness of Praia da Reserva. They also mention other beaches in Rio and recommend using sunscreen. They provide Instagram accounts to follow for more information on Rio's beaches and discuss the different types of swimwear worn by men and women in Rio.

In this episode, Foster and Alexia talk about Santa Teresa, a beautiful and bohemian neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. They discuss its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and the famous tram. They also mention the Parque das Ruínas, a park with a panoramic view of the city, and recommend staying at The Villa, a boutique hotel with a stunning 360˚ view. Overall, they describe Santa Teresa as a great place to explore and enjoy a more peaceful side of Rio de Janeiro.

In this podcast episode, Alexia and Foster discuss the role of domestic workers in Brazilian culture. They share their personal experiences and talk about the different types of domestic workers, such as housekeepers and cleaners. They also discuss the cultural impact of having domestic workers and how it affects daily life. Overall, it's an interesting and informative conversation about an important aspect of Brazilian society.

In this podcast episode, Alexia and Foster interview Alexia's father, Marco Antonio, about the history and politics of Brazil. They discuss topics such as the military dictatorship, the fight for democracy, and the current political and economic crises in the country. You'll learn about the social and political context of Brazil during the dictatorship, the role of the media, and the transition to democracy. The episode provides insights into the challenges and complexities of Brazilian history and politics.

In this podcast episode, Alexia and her dad discuss the history and politics of Brazil. They talk about the PT party, the recent impeachment process, and the challenges of democracy in Brazil. They also touch on topics like corruption, social programs like Bolsa Família, and the disillusionment of the Brazilian population with politics. It's a candid conversation that sheds light on the complex political landscape of Brazil.

This podcast episode discusses history and politics in Brazil. The hosts ask Alexia's dad about his opinion on living during the dictatorship and the current state of the country. They also talk about polarization, internet influence, and the importance of education for Brazil's future. The episode touches on various topics and provides insights into the Brazilian political landscape.

The hosts discuss the differences between Brazilian and American breakfasts. They talk about the typical foods and drinks consumed in each country, such as bread, jam, butter, cream cheese, cake, and chocolate milk. They also mention the popularity of Toddyinho (chocolate milk brand) and explain the concept of "pão na chapa" (toasted bread with butter). The hosts compare the heaviness of American breakfasts with the lighter Brazilian breakfasts and mention some regional dishes like hash browns and grits. Overall, they highlight the deliciousness of both breakfast cultures.

The podcast episode discusses religion and saints in Brazil. It explores the importance of saints in Brazilian Catholic culture, how people make promises and ask for blessings from saints, and the example of Saint Francis of Assisi. The episode also mentions that many cities in Brazil are named after saints and that each person may have their own patron saint. Overall, it provides an interesting insight into the role of religion and saints in Brazilian society.

This podcast episode discusses religion and saints in Brazil. The hosts talk about the practice of asking saints for intercession and the cultural significance of saints in Brazilian society. They also touch on the topic of religious syncretism and the importance of respect and tolerance among different religions. The hosts emphasize the message of peace and love that is common to all religions. Overall, the episode provides an informal and informative conversation about Brazilian religious culture.