Roald Dahl’s stories—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach—have delighted generations. In this episode, we explore his fascinating life, from his childhood in Wales and his World War II adventures, to his career as one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. We’ll also look at the lasting impact of his work, the controversies around his personal views, and why his magical worlds continue to inspire readers around the globe.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:

• The Roald Dahl Story Company

• BBC History: Roald Dahl

• Biography.com
  

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende

Link: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

Labor Day in the U.S. is often seen as the “last hurrah” of summer—barbecues, picnics, and one final long weekend before school and fall routines begin. But behind the holiday is a story of workers’ struggles, labor unions, and the fight for fair conditions.

In this episode, we explore:

• The history of Labor Day and why the U.S. celebrates in September instead of May.

• The Pullman Strike of 1894 and how it led to the creation of the holiday.

• Important labor leaders like Samuel Gompers, Eugene V. Debs, Cesar Chavez, Delores Huerta, and Mother Jones.

• How labor unions shaped workers’ rights in the U.S.

• What Labor Day means today—both as a summer tradition and in light of modern union movements.

Labor Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a reminder of the sacrifices and victories of workers who built the foundation for rights many of us take for granted.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:

• How a Bloody Railroad Strike Paved the Way for the First Labor Day

• Here’s Why We Celebrate Labor Day

• Why Is Labor Day Celebrated in September? | Britannica

• https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/september/labor-day

• Mother Jones | AFL-CIO
  

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

The right to vote is something many of us take for granted today, but it was won through decades of struggle, persistence, and courage. In this episode of The Sharing English Podcast, we explore the history of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States:

• how it grew out of abolition and temperance efforts;

• the voices of leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells;

• and the long fight that led to the 19th Amendment in 1920.

We’ll also look at how the U.S. story fits into a bigger picture, by comparing it to women’s suffrage movements in other English-speaking countries, including the UK, where women won the vote earlier. Along the way, we’ll reflect on how language, speeches, and storytelling helped build a movement that changed democracy forever.

Join me for this inspiring journey into a turning point in history—and the powerful voices that demanded to be heard.

Further Reading:

• "Declaration of Sentiments" https://www.nps.gov/wori/learn/historyculture/declaration-of-sentiments.htm
• "Ain't I a Woman?" https://www.nps.gov/articles/sojourner-truth.htm

Sources:

• https://www.womenshistory.org/
• https://www.loc.gov/collections/national-american-woman-suffrage-association/about-this-collection/

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende

https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license