Episodes
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into the concept of Slow Productivity, inspired by Cal Newport's book Slow Productivity. This marks the beginning of a new mini-series on work and productivity. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with real-life Brazilian Portuguese, full of fun expressions and Portuguese phrases you won't find in apps or textbooks. E agora em...
Published 06/27/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster wrap up their conversation about Alexia's recent trip to Cyprus with an interesting question:  If you had to describe an entire trip and country in only two or three words, what words would you choose and why? Alexia chose some unique words that led to a entertaining & engaging conversation. As always, this episode is full of real-life...
Published 06/20/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com Welcome to another episode of Carioca Connection. Today, Alexia and Foster continue the intriguing conversation from the last episode. After Alexia’s rant about Airbnb, it’s Foster’s turn to share his ideas. What if Foster were appointed absolute ruler? What would he change? Get ready for a fun and twist-filled conversation as Foster and Alexia discuss everything from eliminating cars to creating...
Published 06/13/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this week's episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster explore an intriguing question: If you were emperor of the world for one day, what one thing would you change and why? The conversation quickly transforms into a very funny, yet educational rant from Alexia, mostly directed towards Airbnb. As always, this episode is full of real-life Brazilian Portuguese, including useful vocabulary,...
Published 06/06/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into Alexia's recent work trip to Cyprus. From navigating the unique immigration process to exploring local culture, Alexia's journey is full of surprises and insights. They chat about the fun of meeting colleagues in person after working remotely for so long, and the humorous moments when locals thought Alexia was Greek. Discover...
Published 05/30/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia is joined by a very special guest - her dad Marco Antonio - to discuss an important topic for language learners: improving your listening skills! Through their casual father-daughter chat, you'll get practical tips on overcoming hearing difficulties. Pay attention as Marco shares his personal story of getting hearing aids and how they let him tune into...
Published 05/23/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster revisit their experience at the Yayoi Kusama exhibit in Porto's Serralves Museum. They dive into the Japanese artist's trippy "infinity rooms" - these mind-blowing installations of mirrored balls that make you feel like you're trapped in an endless kaleidoscope. Hilarity ensues as Foster admits he got totally lost.  It's the perfect chance to...
Published 05/16/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia discusses an important historical event with her father Marco Antonio - the Carnation Revolution that ended Portugal's dictatorship in 1974. Through their engaging conversation, you'll learn fascinating details about this peaceful transition to democracy. Pay close attention as they use authentic Brazilian Portuguese to describe the military's role, the...
Published 05/09/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster explore the popular American sitcom 'The Office'. Alexia watches it for the first time, while Foster revisits the series, discovering missed episodes along the way. They discuss the show’s portrayal of American office culture and compare it to other shows like 'Sex and the City'. Listen as they share their favorite characters and the...
Published 05/02/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster discuss their upcoming travels, particularly Alexia's trip to Cyprus. They compare Brazilian and European Portuguese, offering insights for learners. The conversation includes humor, travel tips, language barriers, and cultural differences. Ideal for those interested in Brazilian culture, language learning, or travel. And now in Brazilian...
Published 04/25/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster discuss Kamilla Cardoso's journey from Brazil to the University of South Carolina basketball team. They talk about her success in the national championship and her impact on fans. They also mention her coach and other players. As Kamilla gains popularity, the hosts look forward to seeing her represent Brazil in the Olympics. In their usual...
Published 04/18/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Foster and Alexia discuss various topics, from the importance of month-end to the Tim Bernardes show. They discuss the experience of watching the show, the importance of the Coliseu do Porto, and the sensitivity of Tim's music. In addition, they talk about the routine of "young ladies" and an incident with their dog. In the end, they conclude that the episode...
Published 04/11/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this special episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and is joined by her father, Marco Antônio! Alexia and Marco discuss their irrational and rational fears. They talk about fear as an inexplicable feeling, mentioning examples such as fear of flying, ocean waves, and heights. They also play with the idea of fears related to past lives. In the end, they mention the rational fear of cooking. E...
Published 04/04/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster discuss the meaning of eight phrases that only Brazilians understand. The phrases include expressions such as "the door slept open" (forgetting to close the door during the night), "the light sleeping on" (forgetting to turn off the lights during the night) and "I don't know them, but I know who they are" (knowing someone only by reputation)....
Published 03/28/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com What's your guilty pleasure? Join Alexia and Foster in this episode of Carioca Connection, as they reveal their own vices over laughs and honest conversation. In this insightful yet entertaining episode, the pair works through question cards that spark discussions around indulgences we can't resist, even though we know we should. Listeners will pick up natural Brazilian vocabulary and expressions as...
Published 03/21/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster share the mishaps and unique cultural insights from Alexia's first experience in an American hospital.  In their engaging and conversational style, Alexia and Foster explore the nuance of the American healthcare system through the eyes of a Brazilian. As always, this episode is full of real-life Brazilian Portuguese vocabulary, grammar, slang,...
Published 03/14/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com After an extended break, Carioca Connection, is back for 2024 with Season 9! In the first episode of Season 9, Alexia and Foster dive into the story of their unexpected adventures and misadventures during their end-of-year "vacation" in 2023. With Carioca Connection's signature blend of humor, Brazilian culture, and real-life Brazilian Portuguese lessons, this episode invites you on a memorable...
Published 03/07/24
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com One of our favorite classic episodes of Carioca Connection. Originally recorded and published in 2016, this episode shows how much the world has changed since we started the podcast. Brazilians are the kings of social media. If you think that selfies, status updates, and Snapchat is ubiquitous in the states, you have not been to Brazil. In this episode, we talk about the prevalence of social media...
Published 12/21/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In the final episode of season 8 of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about their recent experience getting sick with covid, the guilt of not working, and some future plans.  As always, tune in for some laughs and an episode full of real-life Brazilian Portuguese expressions you won't find anywhere else. Aperta play!  Interested in massively improving your Portuguese? 😯 Join the Carioca...
Published 09/28/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia teaches Foster the history and how to use another popular Brazilian Portuguese expression! This episode is all about the expression “Quinto dos Infernos” and the fascinating origins of this popular Portuguese phrase in Brazil. Aperta play! Interested in massively improving your Portuguese? 😯 Join the Carioca Connection Club today! 🇧🇷
Published 09/21/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about the popular Brazilian expression, “Pão Duro.” They discuss the importance of Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation with this tricky phrase and much more. As always, this episode is full of real-life Brazilian Portuguese, tons of new vocabulary, and lots of laughs. Aperta play! Interested in massively improving your Portuguese? 😯 Join...
Published 09/14/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com Today is Brazilian Independence Day! Feliz dia da Independência do Brasil! 🇧🇷 In today’s episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about the origins and history of Brazilian Independence Day, what it means to Alexia nowadays, and much more!  As always, this episode is full of real-life Brazilian Portuguese that you want find anywhere else.  Click play to improve your Portuguese and have...
Published 09/07/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about the popular Brazilian Portuguese expression - "Fazer vaquinha" 🐄 This is another installment of a series of episodes about popular Brazilian Portuguese expressions that you need to know. Do you know what it means when a Brazilian says, "Fazer vaquinha?" You will after listening to this episode of Carioca Connection. Aperta...
Published 08/31/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about the popular Brazilian Portuguese expression - "Maria vai com as outras." This is the first installment of a series of episodes about popular Brazilian Portuguese expressions that you need to know. Do you know what it means when a Brazilian says, "Maria vai com as outras...?" You will after listening to this episode of Carioca...
Published 08/24/23
Get the worksheets & complete show notes for this episode at https://cariocaconnection.com In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about the curious origin story of one of Brazil's most delicious snacks - "pastel de feira." Whether or not you have tried Brazil's "pastel de feira," you are in for a treat with this episode.  As always, you will learn tons of real-life Brazilian Portuguese and want to eat a pastel immediately after listening. Aperta play!  Interested...
Published 08/17/23