Can anyone become a brain surgeon?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0278cgv

Listen to a short radio program and answer the questions below.

  1. Speaker 1 suggests that people can excel with the right opportunities, messages about their potential, and good teaching. What are some examples of these opportunities, messages, and teaching methods that can help individuals succeed in their chosen fields?
  2. Speaker 2 raises the question of whether some people may never become brain surgeons or doctors. What are the factors that may limit an individual’s ability to pursue certain careers or fields, and how can these limitations be addressed or overcome?
  3. What do you think determines an individual’s success or failure, and to what extent is it influenced by early experiences and attitudes?
  4. Do you agree with Speaker 1 that any student can grow their brains and achieve high-level subjects with the right opportunities and teaching?
  5. What are some potential challenges or advantages that come with having a high IQ, and how do these factors affect an individual’s path to success?
  6. What can educators and mentors do to ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, have the best chance to excel and reach their full potential?

Dumpster Diving Mama

Watch the video and answer the questions below.

  1. What initially inspired Tiffany to try dumpster diving, and what is her motivation for continuing this activity full-time?
  2. What are the challenges and benefits of Tiffany’s decision to quit her job and rely on dumpster diving as her primary source of income?
  3. The video mentions the large dumpster diving community in Texas. What do you think drives the growth of such communities, and what are the benefits of being part of one?
  4. Why do companies throw away brand new items, such as pet products or food, instead of selling or donating them? What environmental and economic implications does this have?
  5. How do you feel about stores prosecuting dumpster divers, and what are their motivations for doing so?
  6. What is the most satisfying aspect of dumpster diving for Tiffany?
  7. Tiffany sees herself diving until she can’t “jump in the dumpster anymore” or becomes a millionaire. What are the long-term prospects of pursuing dumpster diving as a lifestyle or career?
  8. What are the potential risks and safety concerns associated with dumpster diving?
  9. How do you think Tiffany’s story and her passion for dumpster diving might inspire others to explore unconventional paths and pursue their interests, even if they deviate from traditional career choices?
  10. In your opinion, is dumpster diving a sustainable and viable way of life, or is it more of a temporary or niche activity?

The People Walker

Watch the video and answer the questions below.

  1. What is the concept of the “people walker”, and how does Chuck McCarthy describe his role and business?
  2. Why do you think some people consider the idea of a people walker as “silly”? Do you agree or disagree with this perception?
  3. One person in the video mentions that walking with Chuck “broadens their horizons.” In what ways do you think walking with someone can broaden your horizons?
  4. Chuck mentions the therapeutic aspect of walking and talking with his clients. How do you think walking and talking can be therapeutic?
  5. How has Chuck benefited from his role as a people walker when he says, “I’ve gotten as much out of this as any of the people”?
  6. The video touches on the physical benefits of walking, such as weight loss and exercise. How do you think walking compares to other forms of exercise, and what unique advantages does it offer?
  7. What are some potential social and psychological benefits of engaging in conversation while walking? How might walking facilitate better communication and connection between people?
  8. In your opinion, does the idea of “walking and talking” with a companion seem like a “no-brainer” in terms of its potential benefits, as Chuck suggests?

Thanking a Thousand People for a Single Cup of Coffee

Watch the video and answer the questions below.

  1. What’s your default state?
  2. Do you give thanks? How?
  3. What do you take for granted every day?
  4. What are some of the things you are most grateful for in your life?
  5. What “gratitude trail” would you like to try?
  6. Do you think that expressing gratitude regularly can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being? Why or why not?
  7. How can we cultivate a habit of gratitude in our lives, especially during difficult times or when things don’t go as planned?

Must Love Bugs

Watch the video and answer the questions below.

  1. How did Lois and Charlie meet, and what role did their shared interest in entomology play in their relationship?
  2. What is special about their collection?
  3. How long have they been married?
  4. How many countries have they been to?
  5. What institution are they donating the collection to and why?
  6. How long did they use to work, and how long do they work now?
  7. Lois touches on the fact that many entomologists end up divorced. Why do you think this is, and what factors may have contributed to Lois and Charlie’s successful partnership as both entomologists and a married couple?
  8. What advice do Lois and Charlie have for individuals who want to pursue a career in entomology and insect collection?
  9. Do you have any collections? If not, what would you like to collect?

After Being Partially Paralyzed, Hannah Gavios Is Completing Marathons

Watch the video and answer the questions below.

  1. How does Hannah describe the state she is in when running?
  2. How long has she been a runner?
  3. What injury was she diagnosed with?
  4. When and where did the accident happen?
  5. Describe the accident.
  6. How did she feel watching runners in Central Park?
  7. What did she learn from practicing yoga?
  8. What lessons did she sing up for and why?
  9. How does she compare ‘crutching’ to running?
  10. What motivated her to start running marathons?
  11. What is the length of the marathon in miles?
  12. How much time does it take Hannah to complete a marathon?
  13. What does she want people to know? What is her message?

Harpist brings warmth to hospital patients

Watch the video and answer the questions below.

  1. What type of music does Karen Stowe not do? 😉
  2. What effect does the harp have on people?
  3. What did Karen use to be?
  4. What do you think Karen means when she says, “When you start playing the harp, everything just kind of melts a little bit”?
  5. Karen Stowe says, “I’m the only person that can be stressed at home and come to work to relax.” Can you think of other occupations that share a similar feeling?
  6. What do you think are the upsides and downsides of a job like Karen’s?
  7. What effect does music have on you?
* a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) is a specially-trained musician who provides live acoustic music at bedside, one-on-one, for therapeutic purposes

Living on the Most Crowded Island on Earth

Watch the video and answer the questions.

  1. Where is the island located?
  2. Why is it so special?
  3. How many people live on the island?
  4. What is the size of the island?
  5. Is it more or less dense than Manhattan?
  6. How many grades does the local school run up to?
  7. How many shops are there?
  8. How many restaurants are there?
  9. Are there police? Why?
  10. How was the island used 150 years ago when it was uninhabited?

Crawling The Canopy For Survival With The Red Panda

Watch the video and answer the questions.

  1. How old is Wicket?
  2. What is his height?
  3. What is the red panda’s population?
  4. What is the red panda related to?
  5. What does it feed on?
  6. What areas is it native to?
  7. What is red panda’s natural habitat?
  8. What are its predators?
  9. What poses another major threat to red pandas?
  10. How has their population decreased in the last two decades?