Best Josh Talks English Podcasts (2024)

1
FPL Is Back: First Thoughts, Player Prices, and New Game Mechanics for the 2024/25 Season 1:25:50

13m ago1:25:50

1:25:50

The FPL site is officially live for the 2024/25 Premier League season, meaning it's again time to log in, secure a low team ID, and get down to business. In this episode, we run through initial thoughts on player pricing and changes to the overall game mechanics. Which players are priced too high, too low, or just right? Can we possibly afford Erli…

1
Goodbye to the 2023-24 FPL Season 1:15:21

2M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

As the 2023–24 fantasy season comes to a end, the Cheaters take one final look at the stories, moments, and lessons learned in a year that many FPL managers found challenging. But what’s changing, if anything? Whether it’s emerging Premier League players and clubs or simply new ways to view and strategize around the fantasy game, join us in closing…

1
GW38 Is Here! Our Fixture-by-Fixture FPL Preview 1:06:52

2M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Join us as we look ahead to the final double-gameweek of the 2023/24 FPL season! Josh and Brandon have each activated their Bench Boost chip, so there's plenty of talk about what to expect from both the high and low fantasy assets filling out our squads. Who are the best cheap defenders? Can Chelsea keep their form going? Is Richarlison an overlook…

1
Double GW37 FPL Preview: Bench Boosts, Chip Talk, and Haaland Goes Off 1:17:48

2M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

Join us as we look ahead to the final double-gameweek of the 2023/24 FPL season! Josh and Brandon have each activated their Bench Boost chip, so there's plenty of talk about what to expect from both the high and low fantasy assets filling out our squads. Who are the best cheap defenders? Can Chelsea keep their form going? Is Richarlison an overlook…

1
Attacking the Forgotten FPL Gameweek 36 1:02:51

3M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

We're close to GW35's end and it's still a shootout between Son Heung-min and Cole Palmer. Brandon is joined on this week's episode by friend and veteran FPL manager Dave Weigner-Lodahl to unpack the stories of the weekend and then look ahead to a forgotten GW36 that's sandwiched between two doubles. It's a game-week that will likely come down to t…

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Activating Our FPL Wildcards Ahead of GW35! 1:30:45

3M ago1:30:45

1:30:45

There's no rest for the FPL weary as GW34 rolls on while we're already forced to turn our attention to the next batch of doubles just around the corner. What that means for both Josh and Brandon is activating their wildcards ahead of GW35 when Chelsea and Spurs will play twice. But who (apart from Cole Palmer, of course) on these mercurial teams ca…

1
24. Social Media, Modals, First Conditionals 22:32

3M ago22:32

22:32

This week I cover some Social Media questions, and go through the grammar of modals and first conditionals. 1. Swan Song Meaning: The last piece of work of an artist before his/her death. To die with some grand achievement. Example: Misty Mountain Hop was Led Zepplin’s swan song. 2. Wild Goose Chase/hunt Meaning: Futile (meaningless) Chase Example:…

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The Big One. Our Position-by-Position Preview of FPL GW34. 1:29:16

3M ago1:29:16

1:29:16

Whether you’re debating one free transfer, considering a hit, playing a Free Hit chip, or ready to wildcard, this episode has all you need for GW34 strategy. This isn’t the last double of the season, but it very well could be the most pivotal, so Josh and Brandon methodically run position by position through every viable (or nearly viable) transfer…

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6 Weeks to Go! FPL Strategies for GW33 & Beyond 1:21:49

3M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

The fantasy gameweeks are now coming thick and fast and midweek European fixtures are about to further complicate matters. In this episode, the Cheaters debate what impact the Champions League and Europa League will have on our upcoming FPL plans. Most immediately, we discuss captaincy options for GW33, but our transfer plans for this weekend are s…

1
23. Movies and Passives 33:59

4M ago33:59

33:59

This week I talk my experiences in Dubai, movie vocabulary, and passive tense. 1. Beating Around the Bush Meaning: To talk about unnecessary things. Obscurate/to hint at something Example: When I asked my secretary about the missing file and documents, she was beating around the bush. 2. Be in a Tight Corner/spot. Meaning: Being in a difficult situ…

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Quickfire GW31 FPL Preview 1:08:59

4M ago1:08:59

1:08:59

Join the Cheaters, Josh and Brandon, as we unravel the news and results from GW30 and quickly look ahead to this big decisions for GW31, which kicks off on Tuesday—right around the corner. Of course, we give our thoughts on Sunday's big clash between Manchester City and Arsenal and consider Salah's performance against Brighton and what it portends …

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Chip Thoughts, Double Gameweek Strategy & GW30 Preview 1:21:38

4M ago1:21:38

1:21:38

The big fantasy news from this international break has been the official announcement of the doubles in GW34. With the double fixtures in GW37 also coming into focus, it's time to get serious about our strategies for maximizing points in the run-in. In this episode, the Cheaters take a closer look at the key clubs and players who will impact GW34 a…

1
22. Relationships 27:39

4M ago27:39

27:39

I talk about Relationship vocab and used to + infinitive which are past habits that you no longer do. Vocab: classmate, close friend, colleague, couple, ex, fiancé, roommate, partner. Idioms: 1. Bite the bullet Meaning: To get something over with because it is inevitable. Example: Vik was diagnosed with second stage cancer but he didn’t want to get…

1
GW29 Recap (Yikes!), FPL Look-Ahead, and Kings of the Gameweek Special 1:30:18

4M ago1:30:18

1:30:18

On this week's episode, the Cheaters recap the wild non-results of blank GW29 and discuss what went wrong—and what could've gone worse—on the Free Hit chip. With the season's final international break ahead of us, we also take a beat to consider our strategies for the fantasy season's run-in, including the potential of remaining double gameweeks an…

1
GW29 Preview: Free Hits, Transfer Ideas, and Under-the-Radar Picks 1:29:15

4M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

Opinion among FPL managers is divided on how to best approach the blank GW29, but the Cheaters are both using their Free Hit chip to navigate what will be a weird and perhaps wild gameweek. In this episode, we look at a potential Free Hit draft and run through the best—and perhaps under the radar—picks from each of the eight featuring clubs. Even i…

1
Bournemouth & Luton Town Hot Take Zone Plus GW28 Questions 1:24:25

4M ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Despite our best plans, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden continue to dictate the Fantasy Premier League terms with the two star players combining for 116 points in their last six gameweeks. But they're not the stars of this episode as the Cheaters look ahead to the double in GW28 featuring Bournemouth and Luton Town—two clubs who rarely clog up the FPL…

1
Making Moves for the FPL Stretch Run Plus Our GW27 Preview 1:24:23

5M ago1:24:23

1:24:23

Hindsight is in full view for FPL managers after this weekend's lopsided fantasy duel between Douglas Luis and Hwang Hee-chan. That was a key midfield transfer as the overall points tally for GW26. In this episode, Josh and Brandon recap where their squads are ahead of the West Ham-Brentford match and then look ahead to their strategies and captain…

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Triple Captain Haaland? Plus More Advice & Strategies for Double GW25 1:22:57

5M ago1:22:57

1:22:57

This weekend’s GW24 fixtures saw returns for many key fantasy assets who set the table for a double gameweek showdown with Liverpool and Manchester City both getting their say in GW25. But with European competitions coming back into the picture, and a blank for some clubs in GW26, some fantasy decisions this deadline aren’t as easy as they look. On…

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Double Gameweek Incoming! FPL Advice for GW24 & Beyond 1:18:40

6M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

While some managers might want to revel in Ollie Watkins points haul for a bit longer, the Cheaters are already on to strategies for GW24 and beyond. Of course this planning involves the enhanced double in GW25 that now includes Liverpool and Luton Town alongside Manchester City and Brentford. In this episode, we rate the top assets to bring in to …

1
FPL Returns with GW22 Questions & Our Guide to Upcoming Blanks & Doubles 58:30

6M ago58:30

58:30

At last, a new FPL deadline is upon us with GW22 kicking off Tuesday. The Cheaters return with a quick-fire episode revealing their team strategies and answering listener questions about what's next for the fantasy season. There's also plenty of chat on GW22 captaincy options ranging from Richarlison to Foden and what risks might be inherent with t…

1
An FPL Roadmap for GW22 and Beyond 1:05:21

6M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

We’re very close to the end, but GW21 drags on for one more match at the time of this recording. And we must wait until next Tuesday for the GW22 deadline. Nonetheless, what have we learned thus far during this staggered fixture schedule and array of international and domestic tournaments? On this episode, the Cheaters look ahead to everything we n…

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21. Sports and Superstitions 33:48

6M ago33:48

33:48

This week I teach about sports nouns, verbs, and past tenses; plus talk about some superstitions! 1. The best thing since sliced bread Meaning: A really good invention. Example: Bluetooth is officially the best thing since sliced bread. 2. Bite off more than you can chew Meaning: Take on a difficult work that is beyond your capabilities. Example: A…

1
20. Abilities 28:41

6M ago28:41

28:41

This week I talk about abilities and tips + tricks to learning a new language! Idioms: 1. Like a cakewalk Meaning: So easy task. Example: Everyone took hours to write the code but Adam did it like a cakewalk. 2. Throw caution to the wind Meaning: Take a risk. Example: The caretaker threw caution to the wind by taking a sick baby outside. 3. The who…

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FPL Kings of the Gameweek Special: GW9–20 Reviewed 1:23:57

6M ago1:23:57

1:23:57

With GW21 in media res, the Cheaters check in on the biggest highs and lows of the gameweek’s first half—most notably Kevin De Bruyne’s explosive return. Then, with a moment to catch our collective breath, we review gameweeks 9–20 through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right: it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek! What less…

1
FPL GW21 Preview: What to do with Haaland, Son/Salah replacements, and (C) picks 1:18:05

7M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Special guest and listener favorite Dave Weigner-Lodahl joins the pod to discuss a tricky two-week Gameweek 21. What is the best approach to the captaincy in a GW where there is no consensus? Are we still planning a Haaland transfer? How are we replacing the players who have left for AFCON and the Asian Cup? We discuss these topics, take listener Q…

1
Preview of the Second Half of the FPL Season 1:19:53

7M ago1:19:53

1:19:53

With the Premier League's nonstop festive fixtures now behind us, it's time to digest what we've learned and establish a plan for the fantasy season's second half. The first big issue is, of course, the departure of key midfielders Mo Salah and Son Heung-min (among many others) to international tournaments. How can we best replace them—and how soon…

1
19. Marta, Head Officer for the Deputy Speaker of the Latvian Parliament 28:48

7M ago28:48

28:48

This week I interview a wonderful student who jumped from Intermediate level to excel at Upper Intermediate 2. She has had a wonderful career as a civil servant in Latvia and speaks three languages. Idioms: 1. Rain on someone’s parade Meaning: To spoil a moment. Example: He told his wife that he doesn’t want to rain on her parade, but they had to s…

1
Answering Your FPL Festive Fixture Questions 1:12:42

7M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

The trauma of real life and Tom Lockyer bleeds through into this episode's recap of GW17, after which we attempt to refocus on the fantasy game and the remaining fixtures in the Premier League's festive period. With this weekend having offered renewed faith in clean sheets, we debate if manager's should reinvest in their goalkeeper and defenders—an…

1
FPL Buy, Sell, Hold for the Festive Fixtures & Our GW17 Preview 1:10:48

7M ago1:10:48

1:10:48

Erling Haaland's absence from Manchester City's GW16 team sheet set off a chain reaction that impacted both our fantasy scores and our core strategy for the upcoming run of festive fixtures. The Norwegian forward is one of many long-held players we now might consider selling. To help fantasy managers reset, Josh and Brandon use this week's episode …

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18. Manners, Obligations, Phone Language 31:05

8M ago31:05

31:05

This episode I go through some common Western manners as well as the grammar of Obligations and the vocab of Phone Language. Idioms: 1. Look before you leap Meaning: Calculate the risks before advancing towards a possibility. Example: You can’t just sell all of your shares when the market is low, look before you leap, Trump is coming tomorrow, it i…

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17. Men vs. Women Stereotypes, Articles, Prepositions 33:17

8M ago33:17

33:17

This episode I talk about the grammar of Articles, Prepositions, and Men vs. Women. Idioms: 1. Crying Wolf Meaning: To ask for help when you don’t need it. Example: You have cried Wolf so many times that no one believes you now. 2. Palm off Meaning: Pass off something as genuine when it is spurious. Example: This shopkeeper always palms off old sto…

1
Rapid-Fire Midweek GW15 Preview & More 1:14:07

8M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

The weekend’s Premier League results saw key victories for Arsenal and Newcastle—and Liverpool by the skin of their necks—while other top-four and title contenders settled for draws. But what did we learn about the fantasy assets from these teams who are now embarking on a crowded holiday fixture run? On this week’s podcast, we brace ourselves for …

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16. Transport, Comparatives, Superlatives 33:48

8M ago33:48

33:48

This episode I go through Transportation Vocab as well as the grammar of comparatives and superlatives. Idioms: 1. To not see the wood for the trees Meaning: To be so involved in trivial matters that you don’t get the important facts. Example: He always argues on the silliest topics, it’s like he can’t see wood for the trees. 2. Lose your marbles M…

1
One FPL Hot Take for All Twenty Premier League Clubs 1:33:53

8M ago1:33:53

1:33:53

Sure, podcasting is a lot about voicing an opinion—controversial or not. This week, Josh and Brandon try to take that to the next level by limiting themselves to just one 'hot take' per Premier League side. Some of these takes might be hotter than others, but the Cheaters pin their feelings to the mast from top-of-the-table Arsenal all the way down…

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News from the International Break & Getting Our FPL Squads Ready for GW13 1:15:23

8M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

On this episode we review the up-to-date International Break news, including injury scares, minutes played, distance traveled, and of course goal-scoring form. What do the international football results tell us about GW13? And what's the best way to set up our fantasy squads for what looks like a tricky slate of fixtures? A key decision will be the…

1
15. Josh talks Charity 32:23

8M ago32:23

32:23

This episode I talk about Charity, Strong Adjectives, and Present Perfect for vs. since. 1. Go the extra mile, almsgiving/tradition/prayer Meaning: To make an extra effort. Example: He was willing to go the extra mile for the love of his life, Mia. 2. Snug as a bug in a rug Meaning: Warm and cozy. Example: The baby looks as snug as a bug in a rug n…

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The Match of the Season (So Far) & Our UK Travel Diary 40:24

8M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode we recap our adventures in England during the last few days, including attending the 4-4 thriller at Stamford Bridge that saw Manchester City drop points while Chelsea continues their comeback charge up the league table. We also give our impressions of the London Stadium and Selhurst Park after our visits to those grounds, which als…

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UK Here We Come & Making Fantasy Fun Again In GW12 1:18:22

9M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

This weekend produced a brutal run of results for fantasy managers, resulting in a low-scoring GW11 and a continuation of one of the toughest seasons in memory. Josh and Brandon look to bounce back with their upcoming trip to the U.K. and a GW12 filled with fixtures that will hopefully be easier to predict. Maybe? On this episode we discuss Arsenal…

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What Do We Know About This FPL Season After 10 Weeks? 1:19:15

9M ago1:19:15

1:19:15

Fantasy managers have now survived, thrived, or endured through the first ten match weeks of the Premier League season. So, what have we learned that we can take with us into the next ten? Josh and Brandon first unpack their GW10 strategies and scores and then discuss the key themes and trends we've seen emerge since the game kicked off in August. …

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Planning for the Big GW10 Fantasy Fixture Shift 1:18:53

9M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

FPL managers looking for a lifeline this season could see their fortunes change with a notable GW10 fixture swing. Teams like West Ham, Brighton, and Arsenal will finally see some green in the FDR, while Spurs, Chelsea, and even the mighty Manchester City are in for a rough patch. In this week’s episode, we discuss how the upcoming Premier League s…

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14. Josh talks Money 35:40

9M ago35:40

35:40

This episode I cover various things money related as well as money vocab and present perfect! Vocab: worth, borrow, afford, charge, cost, earn, inherit, invest, lend, owe, raise, save, waste, bill, budget, insurance, loan, check, mortgage, salary, tax Idioms: 1. Give it a whirl Meaning: To give something a try. Example: I am absolutely terrified of…

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13. Josh talks Family Lesson 33:04

9M ago33:04

33:04

In this episode I go over some valuable personality vocab and talk a bit about my family! Idioms: 1. Easier said than done Meaning: Not as easy as it appears to be. Example: Listen, losing weight is easier said than done, many people lack commitment. 2. Break a leg Meaning: Saying good luck to someone. Example: Hey Barry, it’s time for you to get o…

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FPL Blank Slate: Starting Fresh This Fantasy Season (Plus Our GW9 Preview) 1:20:02

9M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

As we return from the international break and prepare for GW9, Fantasy Premier League managers now have the perfect moment to hit the reset button. Whether it’s a change in attitude or a shift in strategy, we need to leave the first eight week’s of this season behind and start with a blank slate and positive outlook. Josh and Brandon start this wee…

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12. Josh talks Food 41:21

9M ago41:21

41:21

This episode I talk all things food related as well as Present Simple and Action vs. Non action verbs. Sayings: "There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it's perfect to eat." - Ralph Waldo Emerson "Life is a combination of magic and pasta." - Federico Fellini "One day I'm going to make the onion cry." - Uknown "Knowledge is knowing a …

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FPL Kings of the Gameweek Special: GW1–8 Reviewed 1:28:30

10M ago1:28:30

1:28:30

As we enter the Premier League's second international break of the season, the Cheaters review gameweeks 1–8 through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right—it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek. What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the FPL site's ofte…

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FPL’s Overrated, Underrated, and Properly Rated Players 1:28:15

10M ago1:28:15

1:28:15

This weekend, Ollie Watkins defied the expectations of most FPL managers with his extraordinary 23-point haul against Brighton. That season-defining performance has inspired the Cheaters on this week's episode to look at some of the biggest fantasy picks in the game—from Salah and Son to even Erling Haaland—and reassess whether each of them is curr…

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The First Double Gameweek of the FPL Season & Our GW7 Preview 1:07:01

10M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

The recent GW6 had some major highs and lows for fantasy managers and Josh and Brandon represent both sides of that coin. And after we break down our learnings from the weekend, it's on to GW7 and this season's first double gameweek featuring Burnley and Luton Town. Those aren't the most enticing clubs to tie your FPL fortunes to, but this episode …

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Players We're Giving Up On & Our GW6 Preview 1:11:57

10M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

It's been a frustratingly low-scoring GW5, but the weekend's standout storyline has been the woeful form of clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea. While those teams continue to look for a way into this Premier League season, fantasy mangers have lost all patience—notably with Nicolas Jackson, Ben Chilwell, Bruno Fernandes, and a few others. Of t…

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11. Josh's Travels 28:19

10M ago28:19

28:19

This episode I discuss in more detail my travels around the world. Idioms: Hook, line, and sinker = to accept something wholeheartedly Resting on your laurels = to use previous accomplishments to justify yourself Bear a grudge = to think badly about someone for something bad they did to you Travel words with go: Abroad, away for the weekend, campin…

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Post-International Break FPL Catch-Up: Wildcard Time & GW5 Preview 1:26:35

10M ago1:26:35

1:26:35

The season's first international break concludes on Tuesday and thus far it's been fairly uneventful. But will things stay that way? And how will GW5 be impacted? With a rocky start in FPL, Josh is already planning his first wildcard and in this episode the Cheaters debate which Premier League players have stood out, have great fixtures on the hori…

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