Episode 83 of Podyallup is for Friday, July 10, 2026. The show opens in the middle of July with warm weather, loose accent practice, and a reminder that nobody is good at anything the first time they try it.

The host introduces himself, talks about wearing many hats, and settles into one of the main themes of the episode: teaching language, learning language, and enjoying the strange, funny, practical work of helping people understand each other.

Teaching ESL

The host talks about teaching English as a second language for the first time at the college level. Although it is called ESL, many students already speak more than one language, so for some of them English may be a third, fourth, or fifth language.

Teaching ESL feels different from teaching Spanish because the classroom does not have one shared first language underneath everything. Some students speak Spanish, some speak Arabic, and others speak different languages. That makes the class challenging, but also interesting and energizing.

The host reflects on how practical and meaningful the class is. Students are spending hours each week getting understandable English input, practicing in context, and working with an instructor who understands what it feels like to learn another language.

Stories, idioms, and cliffhangers

One of the highlights of the week was creating a story with the ESL students. The class started building a soap-opera-style story together by choosing characters, describing them, and letting the story develop through questions and answers.

The activity created natural opportunities to teach language in context. Expressions, idioms, and vocabulary came up as they were needed. The host talks about having to explain phrases like "tickles my fancy" and words like "cliffhanger" in a way that made sense to English learners.

After class, the host spent time writing up the first chapter of the story. He only got through one character, but he enjoyed the process and is excited to share the written version with the students.

Baseball update

Baseball is still moving along. By the time this episode comes out, the Puyallup Cal Ripken teams will be in the middle of a tournament. The host plans to report back next week with the results.

Value for value

Podyallup is a value-for-value show. If listeners get value from the podcast, they are invited to send value back in whatever form makes sense.

Time can mean sending a local story, event, family history, update, or idea for the show. The host especially invites listeners to send something interesting about who they are, how they got here, or what is happening around town.

Treasure can mean making a donation to help keep the show going. Any amount and any frequency are appreciated.

To support the show, visit podyallup.com/donate.

Events at the fairgrounds

This weekend at the Washington State Fairgrounds, there is a Hot Tub and Swim Spa Sale running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event includes hot tubs, swim spas, saltwater spas, and even Wi-Fi and Bluetooth spa options.

The host also previews the Pacific Northwest Reptile and Exotic Animal Show, scheduled for July 11 and 12. The event features reptiles, exotic animals, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

The host is fine with turtles, frogs, chameleons, and other animals, but he is much less enthusiastic about snakes.

Listeners can find more information about the Pacific Northwest Reptile and Exotic Animal Show at pacnwrs.com.

Closing

The episode closes with a wish for a wonderful weekend, good health, time with family and friends, and a bit of singing. New episodes of Podyallup release every Friday.