The Words You Should Know podcast is back! (mini-episode)
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Approximate transcript:
So much has had our attention this year that we didn’t see coming, but you know what? Our words are in the spotlight too. They always have been, but… wow…
I know, it’s hard to record a podcast about language and communications when I’m a bit speechless, but here we go. Sometimes, things are harder than figuring out the difference between your dog’s “snoot” and his “snout,” between the “instants” that shape our lives and an “instance” of transformative understanding. (That’s “instants” with a “T-S” vs. “instance” with a “C-E,” but that’s another conversation.)
We dropped off in the middle of season 3. Life happened, as it does. Yes, I had a new book come out; yes, I passed the 400th writing tip blog on my website; yes, the coronavirus has shifted everyone’s plans. Our worlds, big and small, have changed in so many ways. I think “pivot” might be the word of the year. 2020 so far has forced me to think about my work, my goals, and my work-life balance, among so many things. We’ve all had those moments, though, haven’t we?
But, without further ado, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the new iteration of The Words You Should Know podcast. Yes, we’re picking up where we left off. We’ll talk English language trivia, and I’ll challenge your understanding of the words you use every day. But we’re also going to talk about language in the news, how it affects us, how people respond to its evolution, and where questions of usage come into play in real people’s lives.
We’re cutting the idea of “seasons” of this podcast, and I’ll just be coming to you the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. There will be a few exceptions to that plan, but I’ll keep you in the loop. You know I love connecting with you. And if you’re missing the conversation about words and language in our off weeks, my usual writing tips articles will still be going live on my website on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.
Words matter. And it’s time to pick back up this conversation—for all moments momentous and minuscule. Stay tuned for our first official episode back, episode #29 in September.
The details about snoots, snouts, instants, and instance are in the show notes on my website, of course, and have you seen the list of new words the OED just added to their dictionary? “Athleisure.” “Garbageology.” “Shero.” And that’s just the start. Find it all at GetAGripOnYourGrammar.com, and if you’re as into these conversations as I am, subscribe to the “Words You Should Know” podcast wherever you listen. We can continue this journey together.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast (via Apple Podcasts, Android, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or RSS) so you’ll never miss out on another word you should know. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to rate my show wherever you listen.
And if you’re looking for an Elements of Style for the Twitter Generation, check out my book, Get a Grip On Your Grammar: 250 Writing and Editing Reminders for the Curious or Confused. Newbery-winning and New York Times bestselling author Meg Medina says, “You should keep a copy on your desk.” Sounds like good advice to me. Why not learn more about my other books while you’re at it, too?
Words. Language. Communications. You’ve got this.