Improve your listening comprehension with news stories, real-life conversations and learn about daily life in America from Kristina, a professional English teacher on iTalki. 

REAL English with Kristina

** This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children. For mature audiences only. ** 18+
The Parrot and the Potbellied Pig from Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris Illustrations by Ian Falconer
Read by me Teacher Alyse. Listen and follow along.
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The way the pig is labeled based on his Vietnamese heritage, despite being born in the U.S., mirrors the real-world experiences of many immigrants and their descendants. Even when someone identifies as fully American, they can still be seen as "other" because of their background. The parrot's insistence on framing the pig's identity through an ethnic lens—rather than his actual achievements—reflects how media narratives and public discourse can shape (and sometimes distort) the way individuals are perceived.
This is especially important now, given the ongoing discussions about immigration in the U.S. Many immigrants and first-generation Americans face similar struggles with identity, belonging, and how they're portrayed in society. The story also highlights how insecurities—whether about identity, appearance, or status—can be exacerbated by external judgments.
Themes and Interpretation
•	Identity and Stereotyping: The pig’s frustration highlights how labels—whether about ethnicity or body image—can shape and limit a person’s self-perception.
•	Media Manipulation: The parrot, representing a journalist, distorts facts for a sensationalized story, raising questions about bias and ethics in reporting.
•	Self-Perception and Insecurity: The pig’s struggles with his body image illustrate how external judgments can create deep-seated insecurities.
•	Cultural Commentary: The story subtly critiques societal assumptions about identity and heritage, showing how people (or animals) can be boxed in by others’ perceptions.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk ( Adult 18+) 

The Parrot and the Potbellied Pig

**This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children. For mature audiences only** 18+

In this episode the hen interprets every death on her farm as evidence of God’s judgments on the undeserving, and takes skewed life lessons from the deaths. 

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Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris read by me Teacher Alyse
Illustrations by Ian Falconer

The Judicious Brown Chicken 18+

**This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children, only for mature audiences**

In this episode The vigilant rabbit is appointed security guard by the anxious creatures of the forest. At the end he cuts off the unicorns horn.

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The Vigilant Rabbit

*This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children, only for mature audiences*

Today’s story The Cow and the Turkey addresses issues of greed and revenge. I hope you enjoy it. 

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The cow was notoriously cheap, so it surprised everyone when she voted yes for the secret Santa
scheme. It was the horse’s suggestion, and she backed it immediately, saying, “I choose the turkey.” The pig, who considered himself an authority on all things gifty, cleared his throat. “That’s not actually the way it works,” he said. “It’s secret, see, so we each draw a name and keep it to ourselves until Christmas morning.” “Why do you always have to be like that?” the cow asked, and the duck sighed, “Here we go.” “First you ask me to give someone a Christmas present,” the cow continued, “and then you tell me it has to be done your way. Like, ‘Oh, I have four legs so I’m better than everyone else.’ ” “Don’t you have four legs?” the pig asked. The cow loosed something between a moan and a sigh. “All right, just because you have a curly tail,” she said.


The Cow and the Turkey (Adult 18+)

**This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children only for mature audiences**

In this episode The Sick Rat and the Healthy Rat, a healthy lab rat belittles her dying neighbor by claiming that he brought the illness on himself with his "hatefulness and negative energy.

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The Sick Rat and the Healthy Rat (Adult 18+) 

*Suitable for Adults*
The manipulative crow  preys on a sheep’s smug vanity, to revolting ends—but understandable ones, for a crow. 
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The Crow and the Lamb

*This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children, only for mature audiences*
The Faithful Setter by David Sedaris concerns a couple of dogs who debate whether or not it's cheating for the male dog to be a "stud" used to impregnate other dogs. He husband argues that it's not cheating, it's only work.
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The Faithful Setter  (Adult 18+)

*This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children, only for mature audiences*
The Parenting Storks by David Sedaris. 
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I hope you enjoy it. 
https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914