Carioca Connection - Brazilian Portuguese Conversation

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into the world of television and series, discussing how these have been a comfort during challenging times. They explore the impact of watching series like “Succession” on their lives and touch on cultural insights about acting and accents. With humor and warmth, they reflect on the year’s ups and downs and the therapeutic nature of storytelling through TV. This...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about ceramics and how small experiments can lead to big changes. Alexia shares her journey from a casual hobby to creating her own ceramic business, Bossa Barro!

They explore creativity, identity, and taking risks, while practicing real Brazilian Portuguese you can actually use.

If you want to start following Bossa Barro on Instagram you can find it here.
And...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster explore the sea and its phenomena in Brazilian Portuguese. They discuss "ressaca do mar," a term often misunderstood by Portuguese learners, while Alexia shares her love for the ocean growing up in Rio de Janeiro. The episode covers Brazilian beach culture, nature, and plenty of laughs that will help you learn Brazilian Portuguese naturally while having fun. As alway...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster explore analog photography in Brazilian Portuguese. They discuss the experience of developing film and capturing moments with Kodak cameras. Alexia shares her recent adventure using a disposable camera during a trip to England and the excitement of waiting to see how the photos turned out. The episode covers photography culture in Brazil and plenty of nostalgic memor...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into the fascinating world of Brazilian Portuguese grammar, specifically focusing on the use of the gerund. This discussion is sparked by Alexia’s personal experience adapting to life in Portugal, where the gerund is used differently. The episode is filled with practical insights and real-life examples of how and when to use the gerund, clearing up common miscon...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into the fun world of birthday celebrations in Brazil. They unravel the quirks and differences in how “Parabéns pra Você” is sung across regions, highlighting the playful cultural variations. Discover the unique twists in Brazilian birthday songs, from “É Big” to the mischievous “Com Quem Será.” As always, this engaging conversation is filled with real-life Braz...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster delve into the world of stand-up comedy, discussing a recent show they watched featuring comedian Mike Birbiglia. They explore the nuances of narrative comedy and share their personal insights on the courage it takes to perform stand-up. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in humor and the creative process behind comedy. As always, this engaging dis...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster delve into their recent trip to England, focusing on a lively debate about the differences between visiting palaces and museums. Alexia questions Foster’s preference for non-touristy experiences, leading to an engaging discussion on the balance between popular tourist attractions and local experiences. This conversation is perfect for those looking to understand the ...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster discuss the history and attractions of Blenheim Palace. The conversation includes Foster's ongoing battle with pronouncing "borboleta" (butterfly), complete with syllable-by-syllable coaching from Alexia, and their encounter with the adorable ducks and swans around the palace lakes. 

They share their personal experiences and discoveries, offering insights into cultura...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster share their journey through England, from charming towns like Woodstock to the iconic city of Oxford. They explore English villages, local shops, and cultural treasures like the Natural History Museum. They also reflect on revisiting old memories and a surprising discovery in a museum. This episode offers a blend of travel anecdotes and cultural insights, showcasing ...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster take us on a journey through their recent vacation to the English countryside. They share stories of reconnecting with childhood friends, exploring the picturesque landscapes near Oxford, and embracing the charming quirks of British culture. Tune in as they discuss the joys and challenges of traveling, the beauty of nature in England, and the nostalgic feeling of rev...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster take you on a relaxing walk through Porto’s beautiful Parque da Cidade. They discuss the importance of breaks and how simple walks can refresh the mind. Tune in to hear their insights on balancing life in a new country, dealing with homesickness, and making the most of sunny days in Portugal. As always, this episode is packed with real-life Brazilian Portuguese that ...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into the world of pets and explore the fascinating array of expressions and sayings in Brazilian Portuguese that feature animals. They chat about common phrases like “cara de um, focinho do outro” and “vida de cão,” shedding light on their meanings and cultural nuances. This episode is a delightful journey through language and culture, perfect for anyone looking...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster share their experiences with Alexia’s father’s heart surgery. They explore the nuances of dealing with family health crises while living abroad in Portugal, highlighting the strength of community and the support system that emerged around them. This episode not only sheds light on medical vocabulary in Portuguese but also captures the emotional resilience and familia...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster delve into an unexpected journey with Alexia’s father. What started as a simple medical check-up turned into a profound experience involving heart examinations and surgeries. They share this personal story, revealing how it impacted their lives and language learning, while offering insights into Brazilian expressions and culture. This episode is a blend of heartfelt ...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster chronicle their chaotic experience during a blackout in Portugal. They share how they managed a day filled with challenges, from finding food with limited options to ensuring Alexia’s father’s safe discharge from the hospital. The episode highlights the importance of teamwork and staying calm in emergencies. Listen as they discuss the unpredictability of real-life si...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster dive into the unexpected challenges they faced during a massive power outage in the Iberian Peninsula. They share their personal experiences and insights into how they coped with the chaos, providing a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability. 

This episode stands out with its real-life account of navigating daily life without electricity, offering listeners ...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster talk about their weekend at a plant show in Porto, Portugal. They saw orchids, bromeliads, and bonsais. Alexia started gardening during the pandemic and now wants to learn more. Foster talks about how gardening helps him relax and adds value to his life. They discuss plant care in Brazil, including local terms and stories that show you Brazilian Portuguese as people ...

In this episode of Carioca Connection, Alexia and Foster celebrate Buddy’s fifth birthday! 🥳

They reflect on how pets enrich our lives with love, companionship, and life lessons. They share a delightful weekend filled with sunshine, park visits, and reflections on time. The episode emphasizes the importance of routine for pets and the deep bond formed with them. 

As always, this episode is full of real-life, genuine...