1. Disrupting my comfort zone (4.55 - North American accent)
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying” - Brian Grazer | Film and TV producer
One person who intentionally leaves their comfort zone in pursuit of professional development is Brian Grazer, a film producer known for his work on films such as Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, and Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind.
In this short interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Brian talks about how, at the start of his career in the entertainment business, he tried to meet as many people as possible who could challenge him or teach him something new. But this wasn’t as easy as it sounds. To develop himself in this way Brian had to face criticism and rejection – situations most of us actively avoid. Listen to Brian share how this experience pushed him to success.
STRATEGY: Many NPR articles are presented in both recorded and written formats, making them ideal for listening practice. Listen as many times as is necessary to understand Brian’s story. Sometimes it takes time to get comfortable with a speaker’s accent so don’t be afraid to repeat sections. Finish by listening with the written transcript to help identify words or phrases that were difficult to understand.
2. Tony the Traveller - BBC Interview (06.30 - various British accents)
“I see a place through my senses. I see a place by the sounds, the smells, the textures… I feel the atmosphere, the energy, the buzz.” - Tony Giles | Blind independent traveller
Introducing Tony the Traveller, a blind traveller who has independently visited over 110 countries and has a lot to teach us a lot about leaving your comfort zone. In this BBC interview, Tony explains how he developed the confidence to travel independently, first by visiting English-speaking countries and then to places where speaking English couldn’t always help him.
Tony describes his experiences beautifully – through small details that many of us probably miss – and at the same time offers excellent advice for people wanting to travel to new places independently.
STRATEGY: Listen to interviewers Charlie Stayt (right) and Naga Munchetty (left) talk to Tony about his travel experiences. As you listen, try to identify what Tony says about these aspects of travelling:
- Tony’s inspiration for travelling
- Tony’s experience in Jerusalem
- How Tony uses his senses to see a place
- Adrenalin activities in Costa Rica
- Trusting people
- Places Tony has visited
- Places Tony wants to visit
- Advice for independent traveller
Next, explore Tony’s travels through his video blogs and radio interviews. Please note, although English subtitles are available on the videos they are not always accurate.
