American English Podcast

In this episode, I’m taking you back to the 1990s and sharing what family movie nights were like growing up in suburban California. From browsing the aisles at Blockbuster with my family to ordering DVDs through Netflix for the very first time, we’ll explore how entertainment changed almost overnight and how Netflix completely transformed the movie industry.

Along the way, you’ll learn lots of natural American English related to:
- Movie nights and entertainment

- Film and television vocabulary

- Business and technology

- Internet culture and innovation

- Common expressions and idioms

You’ll also hear expressions and vocabulary like:
- My jam

- On the same page

- Come to an agreement

- Think outside the box

- Jump on the bandwagon

- Binge-watch

- Late fees

- Browse

- Streaming

- Subscription

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the story behind Netflix and Blockbuster, but you’ll also have new vocabulary and expressions to talk naturally about movies, technology, and change in everyday English conversations.

This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context. Sign up to the Academy to learn more with each lesson.

⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker.

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What does it really mean to think outside the box?

In this episode, you’ll learn one of the most common expressions in American English, used to describe creativity, innovation, and doing things differently. We’ll break down the meaning, explore where the phrase comes from, and connect it to real-life situations.

Then, we’ll dive into three fascinating stories of people who thought differently and changed the world:

• A coach who used a waffle iron to design a revolutionary running shoe
• A struggling cleaning product that became the toy Play-Doh
• A baker who invented the chocolate chip cookie

Along the way, you’ll hear related expressions like break the mold, push the envelope, and go off the beaten path—all useful for talking about creativity and problem-solving.

We’ll finish with a pronunciation exercise to help you sound more natural when speaking.

⭐ Get the full transcript, and all bonus material by signing up to Premium Content. Now available as part of  ⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠. 

⭐ ⁠Join the Free Slang and Expression Challenge⁠

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Lucas and I are back for another Preposition Party! Today our conversation is going to based on common English collocations like famous for, similar to, suffer from, believe in, proud of, and recover from.

Along the way, you'll hear many personal stories, and many cultural fun facts about the U.S., like how Roswell became a hub for alien enthusiasts, and why so many people suffer from seasonal allergies in the U.S.

⭐ Get the full transcript, and all bonus material by signing up to Premium Content. Now available as part of  ⁠the Academy⁠. 

⭐ Join the Free Slang and Expression Challenge

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Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. It's free!

In this 5-Minute English episode, we’re diving into springtime in the United States. From blooming flowers and unpredictable April weather to outdoor activities, seasonal foods, and cultural traditions, this episode is packed with useful language.

You’ll hear a high concentration of vocabulary, expressions, and collocations related to:

• Weather and seasonal changes
• Plants, animals, and nature
• Outdoor activities and social life
• Spring foods like berries and stone fruits

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the language you need to confidently talk about spring in real conversations with native speakers.

This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally, one topic at a time.

💡 Tip: Listen actively. Grab a pen and write down new words, or follow along with the transcript inside the Academy for guided practice.

⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker.

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Do you like this episode format?

I've been thinking about doing a series of these "quick fixes" for word confusion, pronunciation, and grammar.

That is, if you like the format. So please be honest!

In the meantime, check out the Academy!

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In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of ghost towns in the United States—places where thousands of people once lived, worked, and searched for fortune… and then suddenly left behind.

We begin in Coloma, California, where gold was discovered in 1848, sparking the famous Gold Rush. You’ll learn how towns like this quickly grew into busy communities filled with miners, shops, and saloons—and how just as quickly, they became completely empty when the gold ran out.

⭐ Speak about the topics we discuss in this podcast! Join the Academy.

Together with guest Aubrey Carter, we dive into what it’s actually like to visit ghost towns today. From Virginia City and Nevada City in Montana to Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona and the famous Whaley House in California, we talk about real places you can explore—some of which are even said to be haunted.

You’ll also learn how Americans talk about these places in everyday English. We explain expressions like “this place is a ghost town” and “this place is dead,” and clarify commonly confused words like salon vs. saloon. We also cover idioms like bite the dust and kick the bucket, including when it’s appropriate (and not appropriate!) to use them.

Along the way, we explain vocabulary so you can build your English while learning about U.S. history and culture.

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In this episode, we go back to the fundamentals of language learning:listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

But here’s the key idea: You’ll learn faster when these skills overlap.

Instead of practicing each skill separately, you’ll discover how to combine them so new vocabulary moves from something you recognize… to something you can actually use.

Personalized 1-on-1 language lessons with native teachers on italki!  Buy $10 get $5 for free for your first lesson with code AMERICANPOD 

👉 Book a lesson: https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603 

📱 Get the app: https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603app

What the episode covers:

- Why comprehensible input (at your level) is essential

- How many times you really need to see a word to remember it

- Why simply listening or reading is not enough

- The science behind retrieval practice (and why it works)

- How to improve your speaking—even if you don’t live abroad

- Why extensive reading builds vocabulary naturally

- How writing helps you notice and fix your mistakes

⭐ ⁠⁠Want to take your learning further?

Inside the Academy, you’ll find the full transcript and bonus learning materials designed to help you understand and use the English from this episode.

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In this 5-Minute English episode, you'll learn useful vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations related to cleaning your home.

Through a short story, we follow someone tackling a messy apartment—from dirty dishes and clutter to sparkling floors. Along the way, you'll hear natural English used to describe common chores and household tasks.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ Visit the website for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

⚠️ This episode is a more advanced listening exercise, so don't worry if you don't understand every word the first time.

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In this episode, we explore the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, one of the strangest and most tragic disasters in U.S. history. On a cold January afternoon in Boston’s North End, a massive steel tank holding 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst, sending a deadly wave of syrup through the streets.

You’ll learn what molasses was being used for, why shipments kept arriving after World War I, and how Prohibition played a surprising role in the story. We’ll walk step by step through what caused the tank to fail, and how this disaster helped shape modern building inspections and safety codes.

Along the way, I explain key vocabulary like seep, debris, dense, rivets, bootleg, and up to code — so you’ll build your English while learning about U.S. history and culture.

⭐ Get the full transcript, vocabulary list, quiz, and bonus lesson on the third conditional inside the Academy.

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In this engaging (and slightly sticky) episode, we explore the common American English idiom “to be in a sticky situation.” After a real-life kitchen disaster involving spilled honey, we break down what the expression means, where it comes from (it dates back over 200 years!), and how Americans actually use it in everyday conversation.

You’ll hear relatable examples—from accidentally hitting “Reply All” at work to public mix-ups at the Academy Awards and even the New Coke decision by Coca-Cola. We’ll also compare similar expressions and practice pronunciation so you can say it naturally and confidently.

And don’t miss Part Two, where we cover the unforgettable Great Molasses Flood.

⭐ Get the full transcript, vocabulary list, quizzes, and more by signing up for Premium Content— available inside ⁠the Academy⁠. 

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In this playful and spontaneous episode, Liz and I play a fast-paced guessing game using common English portmanteaus—words created by blending two others together. From hangry and bromance to Spam and chillax, we break down their meanings, origins, and how Americans actually use them in conversation. Along the way, you’ll hear natural dialogue, cultural references, and plenty of examples to help these words stick. If you want to sound more natural in everyday American English, this one’s for you.

⭐ Get the full list, as well as the full episode by signing up to Premium Content. Now available as part of the Academy.

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In this cozy winter episode, Shana is snowed in with her daughters on the East Coast after a big snowstorm. While it looks like a magical winter wonderland outside, things feel a little chaotic inside the house. Then Julia, who's seven, decides she wants to be a guest on the podcast.

Julia chooses a fun and unexpected topic: hair and hairstyles. Together, they talk about different types of hair, popular hairstyles, and even facial hair vocabulary — all in a relaxed, natural conversation.

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Useful Vocabulary

To be snowed in – when so much snow falls that you can’t leave your home
Straight hair – hair with no curl or wave
Curly hair – hair that forms curls
Wavy hair – hair that forms loose waves
Silky smooth – very soft and smooth
Bangs – short hair cut to fall over the forehead
Fringe – the British English word for bangs
Ponytail – hair tied back in one section
Pigtails – two ponytails, one on each side
Braid – three sections of hair crossed over each other
French braid – a braid that begins at the top of the head and continues downward
Bun – hair twisted and tied into a round shape
Mohawk – short on the sides, long in the middle
Mullet – short in the front, long in the back
Afro – a full, rounded hairstyle worn with natural curly or coily hair
Hair down – wearing your hair loose
Lice – tiny insects that live in hair and cause itching
Hair tie / elastic band – used to hold hair back
Salon – a place where people get their hair cut or styled
Highlights – lighter streaks added to hair
Lowlights – darker streaks added to hair
Dye – to change the color of your hair
Peach fuzz – very soft, light facial hair
Mustache – hair above the upper lip
Beard – hair on the chin and jaw
Goatee – hair on the chin only
Cowlick – a section of hair that grows in a different direction

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In this episode, Shana is joined by her husband Lucas for another fun Preposition Party. Together, they play a guessing game with common English prepositions while sharing personal stories about food, fears, parenting, moving, and unexpected passions.

You’ll hear natural, real-life examples of expressions like look forward to, get used to, care about, to fall in love with and more. It’s a relaxed, conversational episode designed to help you build confidence and sound more natural in American English.

Sign up to the Academy to learn more!

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What if you woke up one day and couldn’t see or hear the world around you?

In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll discover the incredible true story of Helen Keller — one of the most inspiring figures of the 20th century — and the teacher who changed her life, Anne Sullivan.

As you follow Helen’s journey from silence to self-expression, you’ll learn 10 essential irregular verbs in the simple past tense, hear them used naturally in a powerful story, and reinforce them with clear examples. Along the way, we’ll explore how Helen learned to communicate, speak, read, and eventually address audiences around the world.

🎧 Listen closely — and see how many irregular verbs you can catch!

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Cheat sheet:

hear - heard - heard

sit - sat - sat

bend - bent - bent

send - sent - sent

have - had - had

read - read - read

write - wrote - written

go - went - gone

speak - spoke - spoken

say - said - said

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, we explore the meaning and usage of the common English expression to see eye to eye. Along the way, you’ll learn vocabulary related to sight, wordplay, disagreement, and perspective—plus hear a classic (and slightly corny) dad joke.

• A quick heads up about the next episode on Helen Keller

• A dad joke featuring eyeballs, puns, and eye-rolling

• Common actions eyes can do: blink, wink, stare, roll

• A clear breakdown of the expression to see eye to eye

• How to use this expression correctly in positive and negative sentences

• Cultural examples from U.S. history, pop culture, politics, and music

• Pronunciation practice and sentence stress tips

Want to learn more with the AE Podcast? Join the Academy.

• https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/

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You know Starbucks, right? The coffee company? Born in Seattle, Washington and brewed around the world? I bet you do; they have over 40 thousand stores in over 80 countries. 

In today's episode, we're going to talk about how it came to be.

• Why is it called Starbucks?
• Who's that woman on their cups?
• What's the story?

There are a lot of Starbucks haters and a lot of lovers out there, but all of you will find this episode fascinating because 1. it’s an absurdly successful business—how did they do it?! 2. it’s about coffee (who doesn’t love coffee!?) and 3. you’ll learn a bucketload of new vocabulary as we go. 

Thanks again to my amazing supporters who have contributed to this podcast either by purchasing Premium Content or ⁠buying me coffee⁠!

• Check out the Academy

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In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Lucas, for another Preposition Party—a casual, conversation-based way to learn common verb + preposition combinations in American English.

You’ll hear natural examples of everyday phrases like look forward to, be good at, prefer … over, listen to, and get rid of, along with gentle corrections and explanations that help these patterns stick.

This episode focuses on how Americans actually use prepositions in real life, so you can stop guessing and start sounding more natural when you speak.

Perfect for intermediate learners who want to build confidence with small words that make a big difference.

Learn more with The American English Podcast

• The Academy

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Who doesn’t love a good crime story from the 1930s?

Add romance, fast cars, and a nation in chaos… and you’ve got Bonnie and Clyde.

In this episode, I share a simplified, learner-friendly version of their true story—set during the Great Depression—and pack it with irregular verbs.

You’ll hear how newspapers turned two criminals into legends, why the public sympathized with them, and how their story became one of the most famous love-and-crime tales in U.S. history.

You’ll Learn:

• The meaning of infamous
• Why crime increased during the 1930s
• How newspapers turned Bonnie and Clyde into legends
• 10 essential irregular verbs in context (+ TONS of others we already learned in other irregular verb episodes)

Focus Verbs:

steal (stole) · meet (met) · have (had) · drive (drove) · shoot (shot) ·
hurt (hurt) · catch (caught) · give (gave) · hide (hid) · forget (forgot)

Mentioned in the Episode

• Get the full transcript, quizzes, worksheets, and videos inside ⁠The Academy

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In today’s episode, we break down the common English expression “a shot in the dark,” which describes taking a guess or making an attempt with little to no information. You’ll hear where the idiom comes from, how people from the U.S. use it, and three real-life examples—from kids guessing ages, to ordering pintxos in Spain, to recreating Banana Kahlúa French toast (with no instructions!).

We’ll also go over the joke of the day (“Why did the man take a ladder to the bar?”), cover some advanced terms and phrases, and finish with a pronunciation exercise focused on flap Ts. I highly recommend practicing them to sound more natural when speaking.

At the end, I’ll challenge you to think of a moment when you took a shot in the dark.

For the full transcript, glossary, and quiz, check out the Academy. Enjoy!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 🍋
In other words, turn a bad situation into a good one!

That’s my new motto, and in this episode you’ll hear how we turned a full hour of tears at the Orlando Airport into one of the most magical experiences of our lives.

This is a casual catch-up about what’s been going on since the last episode — and more importantly, a ridiculous story packed with 10 common English expressions used naturally in context.

Listen, learn, and please don’t judge me. I love you. 😂

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

Mentioned in the Episode

• The Academy

• Lucas on guitar (wait for his entrance — totally worth it!)

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Can you believe it? We’ve made it to Episode 200! 🥳

In this milestone episode, I look back on everything we’ve done together in Season 4 (Episodes 151–200). From expressions that made you laugh to cultural stories that made you think, this season has been packed with lessons designed to improve your English and your connection to American culture.

Tune in to hear the your favorite episodes this season, stats and what's coming next! :)

Thank you so much to everyone who's tuned in this season; it's been a fun ride!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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In this Five Minute English feature, we dive into one of America’s most beloved seasons: fall (also known as autumn). From pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters to apple orchards and football games, fall in the U.S. isn’t just a season—it’s a whole feeling.

You’ll learn:

Along the way, you’ll hear rich vocabulary, expressions, and phrasal verbs to boost your English while connecting with American culture.

This episode is part of the Five Minute English series, which means it’s packed with advanced vocabulary and collocations. Listen several times, pause, and replay to strengthen your comprehension.

If you’d like definitions, transcripts, and a vocabulary guide for this episode, check out the ⭐  5-Minute English Courses.

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Ever get confused between “apply to” and “apply for”? Or wonder whether to say “argue about” or “argue over”? In today’s episode, we break down these common English combinations with quick, simple explanations and memorable examples. You’ll also learn the difference between “belong to” and “belong in.” By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right phrase in everyday conversations.

👉 Perfect for English learners who want short, practical grammar tips they can use right away.

to apply to vs. apply for

to argue about vs. argue over

to belong to vs. belong in

to decide ______

to insist ______

Plus a few bonus ones mentioned in conversation (to have a reputation ____, to stick _____, etc.).

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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What happens when you’re attacked by a grizzly bear, left for dead, and forced to crawl nearly 200 miles to survive? That’s the true story, or perhaps just the legend, of Hugh Glass, a 19th-century frontiersman whose incredible survival story inspired books and Hollywood films like The Revenant.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Hear the dramatic survival story of Hugh Glass.

• Learn and review 10+ irregular past tense verbs in context (ran, tore, bit, beat, lay, wore, told, dealt, stole, and more).

• Discover how legends grow through “embellishment” — when details get added to make a story more dramatic.

• Reflect on the moral of the story: true strength isn’t just physical, it’s determination and endurance.

👉 This is the second part of Episode #198 (Against All Odds), so if you haven’t yet, go back and listen to that one first!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Have you ever succeeded when no one thought you could? That’s what it means to do something against all odds. In today’s episode, Shana begins with a bear story from her front yard in Asheville (yes, one even climbed into her car!), then moves into a lighthearted pun about “bare feet.”

From there, you’ll dive deep into the expression against all odds. You’ll learn its meaning, history, and how to use it naturally in daily conversation. Shana shares incredible real-life examples: the Donner Party pioneers who survived a brutal winter, Eminem rising to the top of rap, the “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey victory, and more inspiring stories including Walt Disney, Elvis Presley, Diana Nyad, and Aron Ralston.

By the end, you’ll not only understand the phrase against all odds, but you’ll also feel motivated by stories of triumph in the face of impossible challenges. Stick around for the pronunciation practice to make sure the phrase rolls off your tongue like a native speaker’s—and get ready for next week’s tale of Hugh Glass, the legendary frontiersman who inspired The Revenant.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Think you’ve mastered English prepositions? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my husband Lucas (an advanced English speaker) to tackle 5 prepositions even fluent speakers still get wrong.

We’ll cover:
✅ Invest ____
✅ Be interested ____
✅ Participate ____ / Take part ____
✅ Spend money ____
✅ Depend ____ / Rely ____

And a few more that came UP naturally in conversation. Can you find them?

You’ll hear real-life examples, fun U.S. culture facts, and some entertaining stories. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but the goal is to have you stop second-guessing yourself and start sounding more natural when you speak. What do you think?

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more lessons on American English, culture, and expressions!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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In today's episode, you’ll hear the incredible story of a man named Larry Walters, or "Lawn Chair" Larry, who bought over 40 weather balloons, attached them to a lawn chair in his backyard and flew 16,000 feet up in the air.

The story is weird and funny, and it gives way to a larger discussion about “Cluster Ballooning.” I’ll explain challenging words and phrases as I go along!
*****
Premium Content: This episode is part of  By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  

• All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4)
• Season 3
  

This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

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In this wild episode, we dive deep into the Burmese python invasion in Florida’s Everglades, which is one of the most unexpected and dramatic ecological crises in U.S. history. It all started with exotic pet owners, relaxed laws in the '80s and '90s, and one catastrophic storm: Hurricane Andrew. From there, things spiraled. Thousands of snakes were released, some intentionally, others by accident, and they found paradise in the Everglades. Warm weather, endless food, no predators? That’s a snake's dream vacation... permanently. We’ll talk about:

00:58 - Introduction: Bears, Neighbors & the Python Cowboy

03:23 - The Everglades: An important ecosystem for Florida

05:53 - How Burmese Pythons got to South Florida

06:00 - The rise of python ownership as a trendy, edgy status symbol; Exotic Pets & Loose Laws

09:09 - From Pet to Predator: The Rise of the Python Population

11:17 - Hurricane Andrew & the Reptile Escape

18:25 - How Many Are Out There? Estimating the Python Population

19:59 - Are Pythons Dangerous to Humans?

22:01 - The Python Elimination Program (Paid Hunting)

24:17 - The Florida Python Challenge Explained

25:46 - What Happens to the Snakes After They’re Caught

28:11 - Can We Ever Win? An Uphill Battle

29:44 - Shana’s Creative Snake Solutions

30:22 - High-Tech Tools: Judas Snakes & eDNA

30:58 - Robo-Bunnies and Future Innovations By the end, you’ll see just how complex, challenging, and Florida this whole saga is.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

Learn more about the topic:

• Local Legends Video by Brad Leone (as heard in intro)
• Cowboy Python Interview with Joe Rogan (most popular segment)
• All Creatures: A Giant, The Burmese Python (learn more about the snake)

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Ever heard someone say, “Don’t have a hissy fit”? In this episode, we break down this funny, very Southern expression that describes a dramatic overreaction (think tantrum, or an overreaction). You’ll hear real-life examples—from picky eaters at restaurants to Wi‑Fi meltdowns—and find out how “hissy fit” made its way into American English.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Yesterday at the library with my girls, a lightbulb went off in my head 💡—fables aren’t just great for kids... they’re perfect for English learners too!

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into one of Aesop’s most famous tales: The Goose & The Golden Egg (or The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs). 🪿✨ It’s short, memorable, and it teaches a timeless lesson about greed—a perfect jumping-off point to learn advanced adjectives like:

- Greedy

- Selfish

- Inconsiderate

- Ungrateful

- Spoiled

- Entitled

- Gluttonous

- Materialistic

- Impatient

- Insatiable

Whether you want to describe people more accurately, express opinions more clearly, or just sound more natural when speaking English, this episode is packed with real-life vocabulary and pop culture examples (yes, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop make an appearance).

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Ever wondered what life is like in the middle of the U.S.? Tune in to this week’s episode with Bethany Anderson and discover tornado drills, taco pizza, sweet corn, Amish visits, and small towns bursting with culture. You’ll get fun expressions, new vocab, and a fresh view of Iowa you won’t find on any map! 🌟

About Our Guest

Bethany Anderson grew up in Iowa and she currently lives in the town of West Liberty. She owns Anderson Language Center where she teaches English to Spanish speakers living in the U.S. You can contact her through her website, andersonlanguage.com or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

Improve your English with the AE Podcast

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self.

In this immersive summer episode, you'll escape to the sun-drenched shores of an American beach and soak up advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations—all beach-themed and delivered in under 10 minutes (ish 😉).

You'll need to use your imagination for this one. You'll look back on your childhood memories and teenage beach days, from building sandcastles and kite flying to sunbathing and snorkeling. Along the way, you'll learn natural U.S. beach expressions and many beach rules in the U.S.! At the end, I'll give a hot tip on where to go if you're between the ages of 18-24 and want to meet lots of locals!

👙 Vocabulary highlights: bathing suit vs. swimsuit, board shorts, Speedo, skimpy
🔥 Cultural insights: U.S. beach rules, bonfires, beach snacks, and more.
🎧 Perfect for: High Intermediate and Advanced English learners.

👉 For full vocabulary support, exercises, quizzes, and pronunciation practice, check out the Premium Content: All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4).

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In this casual Chats with Shana episode, I’m taking you along on our sweaty summer trip to Charleston, South Carolina. 🌴

You’ll hear about:

• Milo’s first vacation (spoiler: he’s a sand-digging pro)

• Dining outside in 95° heat… while swatting a swarm of flies

• Why Folly Beach is a top spot for shark attacks—and why we still went

• A surprise encounter with a horseshoe crab under the pier

• The iconic rowboat scene from The Notebook—yep, we went!

• Tasting frog legs and learning about frog gigging

• The Southern tradition of painting porch ceilings "haint blue" to keep away spirits

• Plus, fun facts about pineapples, sweet tea, ghost tours, and more!

You'll also learn natural expressions like “sweating bullets,” “the cherry on top,” “food for thought,” and “to keep something at bay,” all explained as we go.

So grab an iced tea (sweet, of course) and join me for a fun and language-packed adventure through the Palmetto State. 🐊🦈🍍

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

10 Must-Know Southern Foods

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You may be wondering: What’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison? That was the first question I had when researching this topic. And the answer is—well, a lot. Despite being from the same family (Bovidae), bison and buffalo have different hair, different horn shapes, and different temperaments. Bison are known to be a little bit moody!

So, which one lives in the United States? Technically, bison, but most native English speakers from the U.S. call the bison that roam here “buffalo.”

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about these incredible creatures, the mass slaughter of them on behalf of the U.S. government, and their comeback after being nearly extinct.

I learned so much while making this episode. I hope you do too!

Mentioned in this Episode

• Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-buffalo/
• ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠
• ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4)

Sponsors for this Episode

• NordVPN: This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan go to ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠⁠⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee.⁠
• Skims: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know I sent you! Select “podcast” in the survey and select my show in the dropdown menu that follows.
• Betterhelp: Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH to get 10% off your first month.

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In this episode, learn the meaning, origin, and everyday use of the expression “to stand one’s ground.”

As usual, the lesson will begin with a joke (this one's a pun!). Then we'll dive into the expression. Shana will explain how to use the phrase in real-life situations, and guides you through a quick pronunciation practice.

Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up episode on bison—majestic animals that quite literally stand their ground.

This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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It helps you make your oatmeal in 90 seconds and reheat your pizza in 30. Some of you love it; others are skeptical, with concerns it might cause brain damage. What am I talking about? Microwaves, of course!

The story of how the microwave was discovered (or invented!) is weird and very funny—and it all went down in Massachusetts.

To make this story extra valuable, I've added 20 irregular verbs to it. How many did you catch?

If you'd like the full list, the supplementary video, and all of the bonus material to master the irregular verbs you heard in Season 4, sign up for Premium Content!

Mentioned in the Episode

• This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to ⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common English expression “the coast is clear,” which means it’s safe to proceed because no one is watching or in the way. After breaking down the literal and figurative meanings, as well as the origin, you'll hear three vivid examples—one featuring a mama bird, a cheating girlfriend, and shoplifting teens.

The cultural spotlight of this episode is on Alcatraz, the infamous island prison off the coast of San Francisco. Once home to criminals like Al Capone, Alcatraz was considered escape-proof—until 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers vanished in a daring and ingenious escape involving handmade dummies, a raft made of raincoats, and months of careful planning. Despite debris being found and decades of investigation, the trio was never seen again, making it the longest-running manhunt in U.S. history. In this episode, you'll learn about the prison, and how these three men got out!

Mentioned in this Episode

• ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4)

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the entire United States. Every year close to 14 million people go to check out the nature, the wildlife, and to see what life was like back in the 1800s (90 structures have been preserved!).

What's really exciting about the Smokies, at least to me, is that they're the birthplace of Appalachian culture.

In today's episode, we'll begin with some geography, a little bit of history, and then we'll do a deep dive into folklore, bluegrass, and moonshine (homemade corn whisky), which is very much the reason why NASCAR exists today. It's truly mind-blowing.

At the very end of the episode I'll share tips on visiting! Hope you enjoy it! :)

Mentioned in this Episode

• ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠
• ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4)

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Hi everyone! Welcome back. I'm excited for another expression episode. Today we're going to be talking about a common one: "Where there's smoke, there's fire." We'll of course, dive into the meaning, I'll teach you about the origin, and we have multiple examples today so that you can hear how it's used naturally in conversation. At the very end, there will be a little pronunciation exercise just for reinforcement.

In part two of today's lesson, which will be posted next week, we'll explore the Great Smoky Mountains. Yes, the Great Smokies, the most visited national park in the United States. Stay tuned!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Welcome back to the second part of our chat about cultural curiosities! This episode is jam-packed with our thoughts on tipping, splitting the bill on first dates (a.k.a. “going Dutch”), personal space, how to handle food in someone’s teeth, and so much more!

Hope you enjoy it!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know Liz. She's one of my college buddies who's been on about 6 or 7 episodes. Every time she comes on, I get messages about how much you guys like her. I, of course, do too. She's smart, she's kind, and very well-spoken, which, of course, makes her a great guest to have.

In today's episode, we'll be discussing awkward cultural questions. We'll cover everything from double dipping to appropriate behavior at a U.S. dinner party, birthday party, and more.

Now, I need to know—do you double dip?

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Have you ever gone to the dentist and thought, “Can I really explain what’s happening here in English?” Well, if you’ve struggled in the past with describing anything related to going to the dentist or dental care, then you're in the right place! In today’s episode, we’re going to talk all about going to the dentist—and also the orthodontist.

You'll hear a short story that includes useful vocabulary, phrases, and collocations, and by the end of this 5-minute English lesson, you'll be able to talk about office visits with confidence.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Big hats, and the most exciting two minutes in sports—yep, we're headed to Kentucky! 🏇

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Kentucky Derby, an iconic horse racing event that’s been captivating crowds since 1875. From fancy fashion and mint juleps to cigar traditions and million-dollar thoroughbreds, you’ll get the full Derby experience.

We’ll explore the history and highlights of the event, learn key vocabulary related to horse racing, and talk honestly about the controversies that surround the sport. You'll hear how much it costs to attend, what people wear, what they eat, and what it’s really like to spend a day at Churchill Downs. Have you been? Let me know on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast.

🎧 Mentioned in the Episode

• This episode is part of Season 3.
• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English; includes all transcripts + mp3s)

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Ever freeze mid-sentence? Forget a word you just learned? Or feel like your voice disappears the moment someone asks you a question in English?

You’re not alone—and you’re not doomed! 😅 In this episode, I share 5 game-changing speaking tips that have helped my students (and myself!) speak with more confidence, clarity, and joy. We’ll dig into real strategies to get English out of your head and into your mouth—whether you're shy, stuck on vocabulary, or just plain overwhelmed.

✨ This episode is for you if:

• You struggle to remember the words you’ve learned
• You don’t have anyone to practice with
• You feel nervous, shy, or judged when speaking

✨ Click here to start your language-learning journey today on italki. Buy $10 get $5 for free for your first lesson using my exclusive Promo Code: shana2504

The discounts are only available for the first 50 users.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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What happens when one of the world’s greatest violinists plays a million-dollar instrument… in a subway station? Will anyone stop to listen?

In this episode, we dive into a powerful real-life experiment that challenges how we see art, talent, and everyday beauty. You'll hear the story of Joshua Bell’s anonymous subway performance, the unexpected art stunt pulled by Banksy in Central Park, and even a surprise appearance by Ed Sheeran in disguise.

Through these stories, we’ll explore the importance of context, the influence of perception, and ask—how many amazing things are we missing just because we’re in a rush?

Plus, you’ll learn useful vocabulary, expressions, and get some great conversation starters for your next English class or dinner chat. 🎻🎨

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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In today’s episode, you’ll learn the common English expression “to play it by ear,” which means to improvise or make decisions without having a fixed plan. We’ll look at where the expression comes from, how to use it naturally in conversation, and go over three everyday examples to help you understand it clearly.

You’ll also hear a lighthearted joke involving music and miners, and at the end, we’ll practice pronunciation together. This episode is great for English learners who want to sound more natural and confident when speaking.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Have you ever believed something so ridiculous, so outrageous, that later you just had to laugh because—yep—you got fooled? Maybe someone told you that swallowing gum would glue your organs together... or that Bigfoot was spotted at your local supermarket. That moment you realized it wasn’t true? That was someone pulling your leg! They were tricking you.

In this feature episode, we’re bringing back one of my favorite expressions—and one of my favorite topics: practical jokes. I’ve remastered the audio, expanded the explanations, and retold three of the wildest April Fool’s pranks in history. One involves a fake alien landing, another a fake Loch Ness monster, and the third? Let’s just say it involves a volcano, a helicopter, and a very bold prankster named Porky. You're going to love it!

Grab your cup of coffee—or your prank cupcakes (you’ll get that reference soon)—and get ready for a fun and language-packed episode.

⭐ Mentioned in this Episode

• All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount
• Season 2

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Welcome to today’s 5-Minute English Lesson! Today, we’re talking about the most common pets in the United States—cats and dogs!

Did you know that more than 65 million households in the U.S. have a dog? 🐕 And nearly 46 million have a cat? 🐈 Pets are a huge part of American life! Today we’ll talk about a lot of different vocabulary that will be useful when talking about these two very special animals. You’ll learn descriptive adjectives to talk about their appearance, common verbs to describe their behavior, and so much more.

I'll also share the responses you guys sent me about your pets last week on Instagram (@americanenglishpodcast)! ⭐

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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Ever wondered what makes Napa Valley the "Hollywood of Wine" or why Texas is suddenly a wine hotspot? In this episode, we’re taking a virtual road trip through the top wine regions in the U.S., from the rolling vineyards of California to the hidden gems of New York and Virginia.

You'll learn a little history (like how Thomas Jefferson failed miserably at making wine), get tips on how to confidently order a glass like a pro, and maybe even find a new place to add to your travel bucket list!

So grab a glass—whether it’s wine, juice, or just water—and let’s dive into the world of American wine! 🍷✨

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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The idiom "to be three sheets to the wind" means to be very drunk. If you don't like hearing content related to alcohol, or you're underage, skip this episode! :)

Terms you will hear:

1. to slur
2. to stumble
3. to giggle
4. to black out
5. to have a hangover
6. to be as drunk as a skunk

Next week, we'll be talking about Wine Regions in the United States. Stay tuned!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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On March 2, we celebrate Read Across America Day, a time when schools across the U.S. encourage kids to dive into the magical world of books. But why March 2? Well, it’s no coincidence—that’s the birthday of a man whose impact on children’s literature is nothing short of legendary: Dr. Seuss.

Who’s that, you ask? Oh, just the wacky, wildly creative genius who shaped childhoods for generations. Some call him the father of children’s literature, and honestly, if you want to understand American culture, you need to know about this man. From whimsical rhymes to unforgettable characters, Dr. Seuss didn't just write books—he created a world where words dance, imagination reigns, and learning feels like play.

So, grab your hat (preferably a tall red-and-white striped one), and let’s dive into the story of the one and only Dr. Seuss.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Book Recommendations for Intermediate ESL Learners
• Premium Content for this episode can be found in Season 3 or in All Premium Content. It was posted originally as episode 140.2.

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Hello! As you may know, Chats with Shana episodes are casual and are intended for you to hear natural language. Today, we’ll be chatting about what makes us happy. I'll go first.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear 50 universal sources of happiness—from the smell of freshly baked bread and cookies to cuddling with a kitten or puppy. To break the ice, I will share 10 things that make me happy, and throughout my explanations, I’ll clarify challenging expressions and phrases.

I hope you walk away from this lesson happier and ready to share what makes you happy.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

Book Recommendations for Intermediate English Learners

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Hello! Today, we have ESL teacher and language coach Tanja Jordening as our guest. She runs English Coach 3Ts and is from Nebraska. In this episode, she’ll share what it was like growing up in the state. You’ll hear about farming, the work ethic, Kool-Aid, and more. I hope you enjoy her story as much as I did! :)

We recently had a conversation on her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqV0yI_A0EI

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

Learn more about the guest:

• English Coach 3Ts on YouTube
• Tanya's Website: English Coach 3Ts

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In this lesson, we explore essential English vocabulary related to gardening and yard work, covering tools, tasks, and outdoor spaces. The lesson starts with an explanation of what a yard is—both as a unit of measurement and as a space around a home, such as the front yard and backyard. The teacher shares personal experiences with yard maintenance, offering practical examples of how these words are used in daily life.

You’ll learn about common tools like shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, pruning shears, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers, as well as the parts of a yard such as lawns, flower beds, shrubs, mulch, and greenhouses. Through stories about seasonal yard work in North Carolina, listeners gain insight into the changing responsibilities that come with spring, summer, fall, and winter. Tasks like digging, planting, weeding, mowing, pruning, and shoveling are introduced in context, making it easier to understand and remember their meaning.

We also share gardening challenges like bears visiting local orchards. Key words and expressions like "to have a green thumb" (being good at gardening) and "to prune" (cut unwanted branches) are explained in detail.

Sign up for premium content to access definitions, a PDF transcript, pronunciation videos, and more.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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In this episode, we introduce the phrase "to pull some strings", explaining its meaning, origins, and real-life usage. The phrase refers to using one's influence or connections to achieve something, much like a puppeteer manipulating a marionette. We provide several relatable examples to help you understand how to use the expression.

In the second part of this episode, you'll learn about the Iditarod, Alaska's famous dog sled race. We dive into its history, inspired by the 1925 Serum Run to Nome, and its modern-day significance as a grueling, nearly 1,000-mile challenge through harsh Arctic conditions. She describes the race’s logistics, the role of mushers and sled dogs, and the controversies surrounding it, including animal welfare debates.

⭐ Featured episodes are ones I’ve chosen from my back catalogue because they're a good fit for the time of year. The Great Iditarod takes place the first Saturday in March each year, which in 2025 will be on March 1! I hope you enjoy this episode. 

All Premium Content - Get Bonus Learning Material for 150+ podcast episodes.

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Have you ever heard of someone swimming 110 miles without a shark cage? That’s exactly what endurance swimmer Diana Nyad accomplished when she crossed the treacherous waters from Cuba to Florida at 64 years old. This week, we dive into her incredible story—a journey of resilience, determination, and grit. From battling jellyfish stings and strong currents to enduring 53 hours in open water, Diana’s achievement proves that "the impossible is possible."

In this episode, you'll not only hear Diana’s inspiring tale but also get a fun and engaging lesson on irregular verbs. We’ve woven 10 key irregular verbs into the story, and you’ll practice identifying and using them in context. Plus, you’ll learn some fascinating facts about open-water swimming, including the iconic Triple Crown of marathon swimming.

Stick around until the end for insights into Diana’s grueling preparation, her record-breaking swim, and why critics couldn’t believe her achievement. Whether you’re here to improve your English or draw inspiration from a story of human triumph, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss out! 🌊

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

Learn more: 

• Young Woman and the Sea (Learn more about Gertrude Ederle)
• Swim from New York to New Jersey: Ederle-Burke Swim
• NYAD: The Netflix Film About Diana
• “Never, Ever Give Up” - Diana Nyad.  Highly Recommended Ted Talk
• Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman's Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream (memoir)

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Today, we’ll be diving into the expression "to keep one’s head above water." If you've ever felt like you're just barely managing to survive a tough situation, this idiom will resonate with you.

As always, my goal is to teach you the English spoken in the U.S. through engaging stories, pronunciation tips, and cultural insights. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to use this phrase confidently in everyday conversations.

Stay tuned, because in Part 2 next week, we’ll explore the incredible story of Diana Nyad, who swam from Cuba to Florida—a true example of resilience and determination!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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In this episode, we explore hyperboles, dramatic and exaggerated figures of speech commonly used in American English. Shana and her mom, Mara, share everyday examples and discuss their meanings in a fun, relatable conversation.

What's a hyperbole?

• Hyperboles are not meant to be taken literally. They emphasize a point or evoke strong feelings such as humor, drama, or enthusiasm. For example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Everyday Hyperboles

• “I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot.
• This bag "weighs a ton”: Describes something very heavy.
• “As old as dirt”: Refers to someone or something extremely old.
• “My mouth was on fire”: Indicates eating very spicy food.

Losing Body Parts (Metaphorically!)

• “Cry your eyes out”: Feeling extreme sadness.
• “Laugh your head off”: Laughing uncontrollably.
• “Dance your feet off”: Dancing with great energy.
• “Sing your heart out”: Singing with passion and volume.

More Common Hyperboles

• “Bored to death”: Extremely bored, as Mara describes watching football.
• “Floating on air”: Feeling extremely happy, such as discovering you’re going to be a grandparent.
• “So angry you could explode”: Expressing intense frustration.
• “Tastes like heaven on earth”: Describing an exceptionally delicious dessert.
• “In your wildest dreams”: Imagining something extraordinary, like meeting Jane Austen.
• “Speechless”: Amazed or overwhelmed, often by a breathtaking experience.
• To be on top of the world: To be thrilled, or feel ecstatic / excited about life.
• “Everyone and their mom”: EVERYONE and more.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our goals and aspirations—and for many, that means making (and hopefully keeping!) New Year’s resolutions. Today, we’re revisiting one of my favorite episodes: 157.2 - New Year’s Resolutions Statistics. While originally created with 2024 in mind, the insights and lessons are just as relevant as ever for 2025!

In this episode, you’ll uncover fascinating statistics about popular resolutions in the United States, gain cultural insights, and—most importantly—learn how to set actionable goals for your language learning journey. 🎯 You'll also learn 10+ words related to Statistics, such as ratio, fraction, correlation, etc.

🌟 Let’s dive in and make 2025 your best year for learning English yet! 🚀

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

Mentioned in the episode

How to Track Your Progress

Stutz the Documentary (available on Netflix)

CDC Study

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In this episode, we explore the fascinating legacy of the Vanderbilt family and their iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Discover how Cornelius Vanderbilt, "The Commodore," built a fortune through steamboats and railroads during the Industrial Revolution, leaving a lasting impact on American infrastructure, culture, and philanthropy.

Together we'll take a tour of the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the U.S., featuring 250 rooms, stunning gardens designed by Central Park's Frederick Law Olmsted, and modern innovations like indoor plumbing and electricity. You'll learn polite and casual ways to describe wealth in English, such as "affluent" or "filthy-stinkin' rich," while gaining insights into the Gilded Age—a term coined by Mark Twain to describe the era's wealth and inequality.

What next? Plan a visit to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains, farm-to-table dining, and the country’s most-visited winery, especially during the magical holiday season. Access the full transcript, vocabulary list, and more by signing up to Season 4 Premium Content.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

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In this episode, we dive into the iconic idiom "Go Big or Go Home!" With a mix of humor, real-life examples, and a pronunciation exercise, you'll learn how to use this bold expression in everyday conversation.

Whether you're making a big decision or simply going all-in, this idiom is perfect for describing those "go for it" moments. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll take you on a journey through the grand legacy of the Vanderbilts and explore the majestic Biltmore House—coming soon!

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Today, we’re diving into an exciting and educational pronunciation practice where you’ll learn the names of all 50 U.S. state capitals! But we’re not stopping there—this lesson will also include one fun fact about each state, so you’ll walk away with the correct pronunciation and with a few fun tidbits to impress your friends.

For this episode, we recommend shadowing. Shadowing is when you listen carefully to a word or phrase and immediately repeat it out loud, mimicking the speaker as closely as possible. It’s an excellent way to improve pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation!

As you follow along, listen to the pronunciation of each capital, repeat it after me, and pay attention to the flow of the word. Let’s practice together, state by state, and have some fun along the way. Ready? Let’s get started!

Want to take your learning further? 

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Read the Transcript: https://americanenglishpodcast.com/177-pronunciation-50-us-state-capitals/

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In this episode, we’re taking a ride through the fascinating history of the Ferris wheel while learning some tricky irregular verbs along the way! Together, we’ll explore how this iconic amusement ride came to life as a bold attempt to rival the Eiffel Tower at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Practice the terms, hear them in a variety of contexts and then take a quiz to test what you've learned! At the very end, we'll go through fun facts about the Ferris Wheel. Did you know the original Ferris wheel was dynamited? Or that Ain Dubai is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, standing at a jaw-dropping 820 feet?

So, let’s ride through history, learn some grammar, and have a little fun together. Let’s do it! 🎡

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Hello and welcome to today’s episode! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a popular expression in English: What goes around comes around.

It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard in movies, TV shows, or even in real life, but what does it really mean? And how can you use it in your everyday conversations?

We’ve got a fun-packed lesson for you! First, we’ll break down the meaning of this expression, and to get us laughing, I’ll share a little joke. Then, we’ll explore some real-life examples so you can see how it fits into different situations, from friendships to the workplace.

At the end, we’ll do a pronunciation exercise and a tongue twister about Ferris Wheels! Stay tuned for next week’s episode when we learn all about the origin of the Ferris Wheel. 

Want to take your learning further? 

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Some of you have been listening to this podcast since episode number one, and so you might remember my dad, Joe. He was a guest on episode 44 to talk about driving in the US, and in episode 43 when he talked about his experience living and working in Alaska.

After I posted those episodes, some of you sent me messages on how much you enjoyed listening to my dad. so I dragged him back today! The conversation you'll hear in this episode is lighthearted, funny, and it's full of English idioms. That wasn't the goal for this episode, it just happens to have a lot of idiomatic language because that's the way my dad speaks. Since he speaks clearly, I bet you'll understand a lot of the idioms he used from context.

The goal of this episode is for you to hear superlatives in context. What's a superlative form?

The superlative form is used to express the highest or lowest degree of an adjective or adverb within a group. For example: Our tree in our front yard is the tallest in the neighborhood. There is no tree taller than ours; ours is the tallest. "The tallest" is the superlative form.

Want to take your learning further? 

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Today, we’re diving into the topic of swimming. Whether you’re someone who loves the water or maybe you're a bit nervous around it, swimming is a great activity to talk about because it evokes very specific memories. The more memories we can recall, the easier it is to chat!

Just thinking about this topic reminds me of so many wonderful times at the pool. Today, I’ll share these stories; they’ll be used as a canvas to introduce words, expressions and collocations related to the topic of swimming. My goal is for you to walk away from this lesson feeling ready to talk to a native speaker about your experiences in the pool!

Want to take your learning further? 

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The Trail of Tears is one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history, and it's a story that can only be understood by evaluating how the relationship between Native Americans and white settlers evolved over time. What happened? What caused so much tension between the groups? What led to the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans from their homeland? Listen to today's episode and find out.

By understanding historical context, you'll better understand modern political discussions between native tribes and the United States.

Disclaimer: I'm not Native American, so creating this episode made me anxious. It's very important to me that everything I say is culturally sensitive and accurate. If you are a native, please know that I would love to talk to you! Write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, and don't hesitate to tell me your thoughts.

Want to take your learning further? 

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⁠PBS Documentary: Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools⁠

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In today's episode, we'll start by answering the question: Who are Native Americans? Then we're going to dive into the fascinating culture of the Cherokee people, who are one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S.. We'll discuss their traditions, their language, and deep connection to the land. We'll also cover how their society was structured historically. Personally, I find the clans very interesting, so we have to cover that. Be sure to stay tuned until next week, we're going to be talking about the Trail of Tears.

Disclaimer: I'm not Native American, so creating this episode worried me. It's very important to me that everything I say is culturally sensitive and accurate. If you are a native, please know that I would love to talk to you! Write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, and don't hesitate to tell me your thoughts.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode and all of Season 4.

Wealthiest Tribe of Appalachia - Cherokee ⁠

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If you've ever been so emotional that you cried uncontrollably, Episode 173 is for you! In Part 1 (this episode), you will hear a joke, learn the English expression "to cry one's eyes out," and you'll practice your pronunciation (specifically cases where d+y = j). Stay tuned for next week when we’ll talk about the Cherokees and The Trail of Tears.

If you would like to support this podcast, you can leave me a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast player, buy me a coffee, or sign up to Premium Content to learn more with each episode. Thank you once again to all supporters! 

Want to take your learning further? 

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Southern cuisine is more than just food—it's a reflection of history, traditions, and the diverse cultural influences. From Native Americans bringing corn to the table, to the fisherman of the Carolinas and Georgia introducing shrimp to grits, there's a story behind all of the classic must-try Southern dishes. Learn vocabulary, hear stories, and learn what you should order for breakfast, lunch and dinner when you're here! :)

Want to take your learning further? 

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self.

Welcome to today’s episode of the American English Podcast, where we dive into the life of one of aviation's most iconic figures—Amelia Earhart. You may know her for her groundbreaking flights, but beyond her celebrated achievements, her mysterious disappearance remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century. Join us as we explore her incredible journey. In it, you will learn 10 Irregular Verbs in English. 

Had you ever heard of Amelia Earhart before this episode? Who is an inspiring female from your country? Let me know on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast.

Verbs Heard in Lesson

1. To dream - dreamt / dreamed
2. To do - did
3. To throw - threw
4. To teach - taught
5. To fly - flew
6. To mistake - mistook
7. To quit - quit
8. To fight - fought
9. To feel - felt
10. To fall - fell

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Today, we’re diving into a phrase that’s all about the impossible, the absurd, and the downright ridiculous. Ever seen a pig soar through the sky? Of course not! And that’s why we say, "When pigs fly!" 🐷✈️

In today’s lesson, you’ll hear a joke, practice your pronunciation and we’ll explore where this quirky expression comes from. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use it in multiple everyday contexts. 

Pigs might not have wings, but Amelia Earhart sure did. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, and the first female to attempt a flight around the globe. Amelia was a pioneer in aviation and her story is fiercely inspiring! Be sure to stay tuned until part 2 to hear it! It’ll be posted shortly.  ❤️

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• My Favorite English Resources

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By now, you probably know how much I love connecting language and culture. To me, they go hand in hand! And that's why in today's episode, I've invited Charlie Baxter from The British English Podcast on the show to talk about Harry Potter.

Together, we'll dive into the magical world of Harry Potter, but not simply the fictional side of it. Harry Potter, in many ways, was inspired by real places in the United Kingdom and aspects of British culture, from the school system to social structure and class. If I'm honest with you, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, this episode might be eye opening. We not only compare British English with American English, we compare life!

Want to take your learning further? 

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The theater is packed. Anticipation electrifying the air. It's the early 1900s, and you're about to witness the legendary Harry Houdini, whose name has become synonymous with death-defying escape acts. Can he truly break free from the police? Is it really possible for him to escape from water-filled tanks while upside down and locked up? Let's find out!

In today's lesson, we'll be talking about Harry Houdini, who is one of the most iconic magicians and escape artists of all time. Houdini's story is one of perseverance, showmanship, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Today, we can relive his life, especially those moments he spent on stage doing the work he loved best.

This is an English lesson, so as I go along, I'll explain words and phrases that may be challenging. My goal is to help you understand the story without knowing all of the vocabulary! If you want the script, the quiz and other bonus material for this podcast, be sure to sign up to the Academy.

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Hi everyone. Welcome back! I am curious, have you ever heard a story about a magician making a rabbit disappear? Have you ever seen it? Maybe you've read a novel, perhaps a mystery, where a character disappears and nobody knows what happened to them. These scenarios perfectly illustrate our expression of the day, which is to vanish into thin air.

To vanish into thin air conjures images of something or someone disappearing suddenly and completely, almost like magic. But where did this phrase come from, and why do we use it to describe such mysterious disappearances? Join me today as we explore the origins, usage, and intriguing examples of how to use this idiom in real life contexts.

Anyway, be sure to stay tuned for next week's episode, which is about the world-famous magician Harry Houdini. I've been wanting to tell his story and talk about his magic for a long time now. I promise you, it'll be an exciting episode full of descriptions and explanations of challenging words. And of course, it'll have you on the edge of your seat. Be sure to stay tuned for part two, it'll be posted shortly.

Want to take your learning further? 

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Imagine you are on a ferry slowly approaching Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The sky is a brilliant blue with just a few clouds drifting overhead. There's a cool breeze; it's hitting your face, and the smell of salt from the ocean water is around you. To your right is the New York City skyline. Lower Manhattan is magical with all of its high rises, but nothing compares to the Statue of Liberty ahead of you. She's massive! In fact, if she were a building, she'd be about 20 stories high.

Being in front of her, Lady Liberty is surreal because she's so well-known and such a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and democracy. She's also a symbol of the United States, but what's her story?

In today's lesson, you're going to hear a short story about the Statue of Liberty. In it, you'll hear ten irregular past tense verbs. Here they are:

1. to be

2. to take

3. to break

4. to bring

5. to build

6. to stand

7. to make

8. to flee

9. to see

10. to lead

Want to take your learning further? 

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Welcome back to this week's episode! It'll begin with a joke. Then, we move into the expression of the day, "to spread one's wings," breaking down its meaning and providing vivid examples to help you understand how to use it in everyday life. Finally, we'll practice pronouncing this phrase and its various conjugations, ensuring you're ready to use it confidently.

Stay tuned for the upcoming cultural episode (part 2) about the Statue of Liberty—it's also packed with American English insights and language tips!

Want to take your learning further? 

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The whole world has bad drivers. No country or city in the world is immune. What’s funny is that most of us don’t consider ourselves bad drivers! We tend to judge others.

In this 5-Minute English lesson, I’m going to tell a fictional story about the worst driver in the world. You’ll hear:

• Vocabulary related to bad driving 
• Actions that people take against bad driving
• How bad drivers are punished

This lesson will be intense in terms of vocabulary, it’s a more advanced listening exercise.  If you regularly learn with this podcast, I highly recommend signing up to the Academy (Premium Content).

Want to take your learning further? 

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Welcome back to the second part of episode 166. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about Irregular Verbs and McDonald’s. You guys know McDonald’s, right.? Big Macs, Filet-o-Fish, Happy Meals?

In this lesson, you'll hear a short story about the founding and expansion of the world-famous fast food restaurant. In it, you'll hear 10 Irregular Verbs in the Simple Past Tense. Here they are:

1. To begin (began)

2. To make (made)

3. To speed (sped)

4. To eat (ate)

5. To leave (left)

6. To see (saw)

7. To buy (bought)

8. To take (took)

9. To rise (rose)

10. To grow (grew)

The story is shorter than my typical cultural lesson and that’s because the real focus here is mastering verbs. For those of you who have a high intermediate level or higher, you may already know most of these; this lesson will help reinforce the correct past tense forms (they'll be presented in many new contexts!).

Watch the corresponding video here.

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In today's episode, we'll begin by going through the commentary you guys made on Culture Shock in the United States. Afterwards, I'll tell you a joke, we'll go over the expression "to take it with a grain of salt," and we'll do a pronunciation exercise.

Want to take your learning further? 

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In this Chats with Shana episode, I'm going to reflect on various aspects of US culture. Although I talk about culture all the time on here, it's not often we talk about some basic things, like everyday life things that can cause culture shock. The truth is, I don't often think about the topics I'm going to discuss today; they're pretty random! We'll cover eggs, air conditioning, driving, beauty, flags, portion sizes and the one thing nobody can stand: U.S. bathroom stalls.

We all form our own opinions based off of our own experiences in life. This episode is full of opinions and thoughts, but I'd love if it weren't a one-sided conversation. Did you experience culture shock in the U.S.? Please share your thoughts on what you find strange or different in the United States! I'd love to hear from you. :)

Disclaimer: My third point in the audio WILL make some of you angry, I can feel it already. Please don't hate me, though! I like you soo much. Just think of the points I made here as conversation starters for your next English class; sometimes more controversial ideas lead to more in-depth language practice! :)

Want to take your learning further? 

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One of the most popular films of 1997 was by far “ Titanic.” It won 11 Academy Awards! If you saw the film, or even just previews of it, you know the plot. There’s a love story between Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) that develops while aboard a huge ship called Titanic. The Titanic was a real ship that set off on its first transatlantic trip from England to the United States in 1912. I know you know what happens; the ship hits an iceberg and sinks.

I thought about retelling this story and I know English speakers would tell me: Oh no, Shana, really? That ship has sailed, literally.

That ship has sailed is an expression that means that the opportunity has passed; this topic is no longer new or very exciting. It’s been talked about way too many times! That ship has sailed. So instead of doing my long, cultural lesson, I’ve decided to change it up! I’ll tell you a brief summary of the Titanic and in the story, you’ll hear 10 irregular verbs in the simple past tense.

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⭐ ⁠Transcript and Video⁠

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Life can't possibly get worse! You've lost your job, you have no money, and then to top it off, your dog dies. You've hit rock bottom; you've reached the lowest possible point in your life.

To hit rock bottom is a common expression in American English, and in today's lesson you'll learn exactly how to use it. In addition to learning how to use this idiom, you'll hear a joke, we'll hear comments from the audience, and we'll go through a pronunciation exercise!

Want to take your learning further? 

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My grandma permanently moved to the United States from Spain in the 1950s and the only way she could afford to keep in contact with friends and family was through writing letters; flying and international calls back then were not in her family’s budget. Email didn’t exist yet. She sent postcards and letters,  pictures of her kids and eventually her grandkids. In her lifetime, the United States Postal Service (USPS) was her lifeline to the people she’d left overseas.

Today, I'll tell you a bittersweet and very informative story about my grandma and her relationship with the post office and mail. Through it, you'll learn over 20+ words in context!

Can you relate to this story? Let me know what you think. You can write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, or on Spotify in the comments.

If you would like to help me decorate my office, please send me a real postcard! 

Shana Thompson

P.O. Box 9074

Asheville, NC 28815

I create this podcast because of YOU. You have no idea how excited I would be to see you're not just a figment of my imagination (haha). Plus, your card will end up on my wall! :)

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Illinois is situated in the heart of the American Midwest, and it's known as the "Prairie State" because over 60% of it is covered in farmland. Despite the number of natural wonders found in Illinois, what attracts most visitors is the vibrant city of Chicago ("The Windy City").
Situated on the scenic shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a hot spot for music lovers and art enthusiasts. It's not only home to world-class museums and iconic architecture, it's where today's guest, Jackie Katsis, is from! Jackie is an ESL teacher and a well-known YouTuber from the channel "Ask Jackie."
We'll begin today's episode by getting to know this wonderful Chicagoan, and then we'll discover her state with her. You'll hear about Jackie's experience with tornadoes, learn the nuances of the Chicago accent and we'll take a deep dive into the culture she grew up in (we cover mouth-watering food, music, lifestyle and more). 
Let's get a local's perspective on how to make the most out of our next trip to the beautiful state of Illinois! :)

Want to take your learning further? 

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Jackie's Chicago Recommendations

1. Portillo's - Italian Beefs + Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
2. Kingston Mines - Listen to Jazz / Blues
3. Do an architecture tour on the Chicago River
4. Take a walk in Millenium Park and see "The Bean" (Cloud Gate)
5. Go shopping on  Michigan Avenue
6. Walk a lot and enjoy the art and architecture!

Learn with Jackie
Jackie Katsis is a well-known ESL teacher from Chicago. You can find her content here! 

• Website - https://www.askjackie.com.br/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AskJackie 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjackiebr/

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I know, I know, 99% of you are saying what in the world is that? What in the world is a reduplication? 
Well I just told you one: Handy-dandy. Handy by itself means useful or practical, in American English you can add dandy for emphasis, intensification and to give it a playful and poetic effect. Handy-dandy is a reduplication. 
In English, you’ll hear reduplications in songs and casual conversation! Many times it just involves repeating the first word and changing one consonant or one vowel, like handy dandy, flip flop or chit chat. Sometimes you’ll actually hear the exact same word repeated, like boo-boo or yo-yo. Sometimes reduplications rhyme, but not always. Yet, there is always a certain rhythmic nature to them.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like rhythm!? If you want to add some spice and flavor to the way you talk in English, keep listening! Today, we’ll go through 10 Common Reduplications and how to use them in everyday contexts.

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You've seen it, right? The long cereal aisles in a U.S. supermarket? Crammed from top to bottom with colorful boxes? I bet you have.
Cereal arouses a sense of nostalgia in a lot of the Americans that I know; it brings about memories of childhood, simpler times, family breakfasts. It's a wonderful topic of conversation that you can have with native speakers. Ask them: What was your favorite cereal when you were a child? You'll see their eyes light up. Then maybe you can share something that you learned in today's lesson!
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

Raisin Bran Muffins:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
• 2 cups buttermilk (I use low-fat)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 4 cups Raisin Bran cereal
• 1 cup sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins 
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon all spice

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (small)

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix all of the muffin ingredients in order.  Let mixture sit for 10 minutes, so that the cereal softens.
3. Bake in a muffin tin at 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes (depending on the color and size of your muffin tin.) I like the pecans to develop a very toasty flavor, so I generally cook them closer to 18 minutes.
4. Let cool at least 10 minutes. Top with butter and/or honey.

Each batch makes about 18 muffins. My family doubles it and it makes 36 at a time! We freeze them. Then, in the morning, we microwave each muffin for 40 seconds, slice in half and spread a bit of butter on each side. :) 
Enjoy!

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You're sitting on the couch and your significant other is too far from you. Want them to cuddle up next to you? Say: "Gimme some sugar!"
"Gimme some sugar" is a common American English expression used to express desire for physical affection, whether that be some cuddles, a hug, a kiss or even a fist pump! It's a playful idiom, and today, you'll learn its origin and hear a number of examples so that you can hear how native speakers would use it in various contexts.
The second part of this lesson will answer the questions: "How cereal became a popular breakfast food in the U.S." Stay tuned, the story is short, sweet, and relevant!
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Last month, my family and I moved into a new home. In English, it's what we'd call a fixer upper; it's a home that needs updates, it needs renovation, it needs to be remodeled in various ways. We are in the process of fixing our house up, and today you'll hear a true story about the process. 
In this 5-minute English episode, you'll learn how to talk about home renovations and repairs in English. This is a topic-specific lesson, so it's jam-packed with vocabulary you will need if this topic arises in conversation.
If you sign up to premium content, or just the 5-minute English courses, you will receive an image sheet with pictures of all of the key vocabulary discussed, you'll see a video with those images and shadowing exercises to work on your pronunciation, as well as many exercises and quizzes to help you retain the words you hear. You also have an annotated transcript! Believe me, as a language learner myself, this is incredibly helpful for understanding a text.

For the full list, quiz and other bonus content, be sure to sign up to ⁠the Academy⁠ to access Season 4. 
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

Mentioned in Episode 

• Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines (this book is fantastic if you want to give someone a gift!)

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Moving across the United States is a significant event that brings with it a mix of excitement and challenges. Just last month, Lucas made the cross-country road trip from California to North Carolina, and today he's here to talk about the experience.
This is a casual and fun conversation with lots to take away, even if you're not relocating!  We talk about the change of scenery from the West to East Coast, the vast and diverse landscape of the U.S., and how the culture differs as you travel. Learn how to make the most of a cross-country roadtrip from the careful planning to the unique cuisine. Hopefully at some point you also get the chance to take a roadtrip! :)
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Every January, as the clock strikes midnight and the New Year unfolds, millions of people around the globe start a familiar ritual: they start their New Year’s Resolution. A resolution is a firm decision or commitment to oneself to achieve some sort of goal. Usually one is made with hope for self-improvement. 

In today’s lesson, we’ll talk about a few different studies and surveys about the top New Year’s resolutions in the United States! My hope is to uncover cultural insights - not only about our aspirations and priorities for 2024, but how we can be more successful at achieving our goals.

Because this is an English lesson, we’ll cover more than just culture. I’ll explain new vocabulary and phrases as we progress through this lesson, specifically words related to statistics in English.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

Mentioned in the Audio 

• "Stutz" (the documentary)
• CDC Study + Analysis by Lancet
• How to Track Your Progress: Downloadable Log to Monitor Your Language Progress

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This lesson has two parts. In part one, you'll learn the common English expression "to get the ball rolling" you'll hear a joke and you'll do some pronunciation exercises.

In part two (which will be posted shortly), you'll learn about New Year's Resolution Statistics for the United States! What are our priorities in 2024? How convinced are we that we'll succeed at keeping our resolutions?

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Today you’ll learn 10-Must Know Oxymorons to avoid confusion in conversation and the canvas for introducing these words will be a story about my Christmas Memories.

An oxymoron is a literary device that has two contradicting terms, such as "pretty ugly," or "awfully good."

This lesson will have two parts: First you will hear the story which contains all of the oxymorons in context. As a challenge, I want you to listen closely and find 10 of the 15 oxymorons mentioned.

At the end, I'll tell you all of the oxymorons and provide further explanation on how to use them!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Earlier this year, I asked some friends and family members if they could write a short story about their favorite decade. A decade is a ten-year time frame. For example, 1970-1979 is a decade. 1980 -1989 is another decade. I asked some friends and family members if they could write a short story about their favorite decade.
My thought was that it would be interesting to step out of the 2020s and relive a decade in the life of someone else.
What would their world look like? Culturally? Politically? What were they doing? What is it that made that decade so memorable?
Today, my uncle Alex will paint his 1980s world for you in his own words. Get ready for college, fun on the beach, Silicon Valley in its infancy and a big earthquake. Oh! And of course a lot of decade-specific vocab! Do you know what a walkman is? By the end of this episode you will.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Boston is situated in present-day Massachusetts, right on the northern Atlantic coastline.  It’s picturesque, it’s lively and it’s steeped in stories of how the United States gained its independence from Britain. Today you’ll hear those tales of organization, patriotism and madness: This is the  Boston Tea Party. 

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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This lesson has two parts. In part one, you'll learn the common English expression "my cup of tea" you'll hear a joke and you'll do some pronunciation exercises.

In part two (which will be posted shortly), you'll learn about one of the most iconic events in U.S. history, the Boston Tea Party. It's one of the major events that fueled our fight for independence from Britain, and the story is just nuts. It's not your average tea party!

If you're interested in learning about the beginning of the U.S., or you're taking the U.S. Citizenship test soon, listen to this episode!
I've also put together a page to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test. 

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Every year, more and more people buy clothes online, but today, you are heading to the mall with your stylish friend, Katrina. Your mission is to buy a new wardrobe (a whole new set of clothes). 
Listen and learn the vocabulary, phrases and collocations we use when talking about clothing in English! You'll learn adjectives to describe the good, the bad and the ugly, expressions to comment on style and so much more. If you ever intend to buy clothes in the United States, you can't miss this episode. 

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Sleepy Hollow is a quaint village nestled in the Hudson Valley, in New York. There, many many years ago a peculiar schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane gets wrapped up in the spooky legend of the Headless Horseman.
Today you’ll hear “the Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and  learn about the heart-pounding events that took place on one fateful Halloween night. It’s a story of love, rivalry, and the supernatural and I’ve simplified it for intermediate and advanced English learners. Get ready for some excitement and some suspense, you're about to hear a story that has been passed down from generation to generation for over 200 years.
Cheat Sheet
eerie = unsettling; haunting
vengeful = eager to take revenge
peculiar = strange
stout = plump; robust
jovial = happy
lanky = skinny
smitten = infatuated
brawny = muscular
spine-chilling = frightening
For the full list, quiz and other bonus content, be sure to sign up to the Academy to access Season 4.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode.

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Moose are majestic creatures and an iconic symbol of wilderness in North America. They inhabit many northern states in the U.S.; the state with the biggest population is Alaska. 

In this episode, you'll learn many English words related to nature and animals, but it's much more than a National Geographic style lesson. You're about to step into the funny, wild and sometimes tragic tales that emerge as humans and moose try to live harmoniously.

In this lesson, we'll answer questions like: 

1. What is it like to live near moose?
2. Will I be attacked by a moose in the Northeast?
3. Do Americans hunt moose? Do they eat moose?

Take time to appreciate moose! :) (yes, moose is the plural form)
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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This lesson has two parts. In part one, you'll learn the common English expression "to steer clear," you'll hear a joke and you'll do some pronunciation exercises.

In part two (which will be posted shortly), we'll be talking about moose in the US. You know what a moose is, right? It's a large mammal in the deer family. It has big antlers — these sort of long, pokey branch-like things that stick out of their heads — and they live in many northern states in the United States. Often these massive creatures and humans interact with each other, which can be funny, scary and very real. So I want to share some of those stories with you, as well as a lot of information about these incredible creatures! Be sure to stay tuned for part two in order to hear that.

This lesson has a FREE PDF with the transcript and a listening comprehension quiz. 
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Two years ago, I started Season 3 (Episodes 101 - 150) and it's been a journey. In this episode, you'll hear about the many cultural topics we covered in the past 50 episodes. You'll hear which episodes were the most popular among listeners, which stories left me speechless and which ones I found incredibly useful.
Get your notebook! Be ready to write down the episode number for the stories that interest you most.
THANK YOU to all of the supporters who bought me coffee, those who left reviews on your podcast app (very few people take the time to do this, but I really appreciate it!), purchased Premium Content and sent me nice messages over Instagram. You make me want to keep going. Please know that I appreciate you!! :)

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Today you'll hear a short story our recent trip to Brazil, during which I ended up going to the hospital and getting stitches. Throughout this story you'll hear 20+ words related to injuries and getting hurt. Although I hope you don't get hurt anytime soon, I hope this lesson prepares you to talk about the times when you did in English.

We all have a getting hurt story, whether it's our own or someone else's. Give this a listen and see if you can use what you learned to tell your story!

You will hear the audio twice.

*****

THIS IS AN ADVANCED ENGLISH EPISODE! Don't stress out of you don't understand everything. If you want to understand everything be sure to sign up to Premium Content!

How to Get Premium Content for this episode:

•  Season 3: By purchasing Season 3, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  You'll also get the full 5-Minute English Course - Part 2, which contains 12 in-depth lessons to boost your vocabulary! This lesson is part of that course.
• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s, quizzes + more)
• Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words 

*****

Support the show

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Today we have a special guest named Ben Whatley. Maybe you know him! He's the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Memrise, one of the most celebrated language apps there is. 
Ben received his master's in experimental psychology from Oxford University and has since been working with language acquisition. In fact, he's a pioneer in the field; Ben helped create the first AI language partner using GPT3 technology.

I had the pleasure of tapping into his knowledge with the goal of finding out how we can learn better. In our chat, Ben and I talk about common misconceptions in language, learning, the genius of mnemonic devices and how to acquire new vocabulary effectively.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).


Steven Krashen: Explorations in Language Acquisition and Use

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This is part two of a very special story about my dear friend, Nina, who is from Germany. In the story of our friendship, which I'll wrap up in the this episode, you'll learn 10+ German loanwords in English. A loanword is a words borrowed from a foreign language.

American English has many German words; how do we pronounce them?  Well, I know a lot of you are saying we butcher them, that's okay (I don't disagree with you!) In general, the pronunciation of a words depends on how popular / common a word is. If a German word is common in American English, naturally, there's an expected way to pronounce it, even if it's not how it is pronounced normally in German. 

The goal of this episode is to teach you how we pronounce the common ones and what to do when you come across uncommon loanwords. Here is a sample of some of the words in today's episode. 

1. kitschy
2. beer garden
3. schnitzel
4. bratwurst 
5. sauerkraut
6. strudel
7. rucksack
8. schmear 
9. lox 
10. delicatessen
11. schlep 

Other words mentioned: Bauhaus architecture, hefeweizen, liverwurst, wiener and some Yiddish terms such as schmuck and schmooze.

Note: German loanwords in English follow English rules! While nouns are capitalized in German, in English, they are lowercase UNLESS they are proper nouns like Volkswagen OR if they derive from a proper noun, such as Rottweiler. Diacritical marks, such as the umlaut, are optional! 

*****
Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  

• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s)
• Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words 

Support the show

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It's story time! Welcome to a true story about my friend, Nina, who is from Berlin, Germany. In the story of our friendship you'll learn 10+ German loanwords in English. A loanword is a words borrowed from a foreign language.

American English has many German words; how do we pronounce them?  Well, I know a lot of you are saying we butcher them, that's okay (I don't disagree with you!) In general, the pronunciation of a words depends on how popular / common a word is. If a German word is common in American English, naturally, there's an expected way to pronounce it, even if it's not how it is pronounced normally in German. 

The goal of this episode is to teach you how we pronounce the common ones and what to do when you come across uncommon loanwords. Here is a sample of some of the words in today's episode. 

1. doppelgänger
2. wanderlust
3. schadenfreude
4. Volkswagen
5. kindergarten
6. Rottweiler
7. gesundheit!
8. fest 
9. angst or angsty
10. waltz
11. über
12. kaput

Note: German loanwords in English follow English rules! While nouns are capitalized in German, in English, they are lowercase UNLESS they are proper nouns like Volkswagen OR if they derive from a proper noun, such as Rottweiler. Diacritical marks, such as the umlaut, are optional! 

*****
Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  

• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s)
• Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words 

*****

Support the show

Support the show

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In today's episode, you’ll hear the incredible story of a man named Larry Walters, or "Lawn Chair" Larry, who bought over 40 weather balloons, attached them to a lawn chair in his backyard and flew 16,000 feet up in the air.

The story is weird and funny, and it gives way to a larger discussion about “Cluster Ballooning.” I’ll explain challenging words and phrases as I go along!
Want to take your learning further? 

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In today's episode, you'll learn all about the common English expression "up in the air." You'll learn the expression's origin, how to use it in a multitude of situations and you'll do pronunciation exercises with it.
The second part of this episode, is all about Larry "Lawnchair," a man who gave birth to cluster ballooning as an activity. Stay tuned!
*****

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Maine is the easternmost and northernmost state in the contiguous United States, and it’s known for its expansive forests, breathtaking coastlines, and its unique New England culture.

Today, we're going to talk to Brent (Speak English with This Guy), who is a middle school English teacher from Maine. You'll hear from a local all about the food culture, lifestyle and accent of Mainers (or Maniacs!), as well as a crazy story about moose. Hear why our only one-syllable state is such a wonderful place all while getting to know a local. 

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

***OUR GUEST***
If you want to hear Brent more often, why not check out his podcast? It's called: Speak English with This Guy! 

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At the beginning of May every year, horse racing season begins. In the U.S., it starts off with The Kentucky Derby, a horse race that is often referred to as “the most exciting two minutes of sports.” 🐎 

Since 1875, eager spectators have been pouring into Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky to watch the ca. 20 racers make their way to the finish line.  Just given how long the event has been around, you can probably imagine how many traditions there are at the event. In today’s episode, you’ll learn about those traditions and the culture and history that makes the event what it is today.

Would you want to visit? 

Disclaimer: This episode discusses drugs, alcohol and gambling, and therefore it’s listed as explicit! 

Be sure to sign up to Season 3 or All Premium Content if you want the English learning material that goes along with this episode. 

*****

Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  

• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s)
• Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words 
• American English Accent Course

*****

Support the show

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In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common English expression "To Jump the Gun." Be sure to stay tuned until part 2 to learn all about the Kentucky Derby, "the most exciting two minutes of sports."
*****
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Today you’ll hear about a trip to the grocery store. Imagine yourself as the main character of this story; visualize the interior of the store and that you are walking down the aisles. Picture everything from the moment you grab your cart or basket at the entrance, to the moment you check out at the register and head home.

⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, this episode type is extra challenging, but short. Listen to it multiple times and consider transcribing the audio as a listening exercise. You can also dive deeper into this lesson by joining the Academy.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In today's episode, we're talking to Natalie Sawicki, a songwriter from Los Angeles, who spent most of her life in Connecticut! She shares so much about this charming small state; you’ll hear about the fall foliage, New England fashion, local delicacies and much more.

Let's Discover “The Nutmeg State" with a local!

*****

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Follow Natalie's work on Instagram @natsawicki.
*****

Connecticut is a small state. In fact, it's the third smallest state in the United States after Rhode Island and Delaware. For comparison, it's 5,543mi², making it just a tad bit bigger than Montenegro and about 14% bigger than Jamaica.

Yet, where it lacks in size, it makes up for in population. 3.6 million people call Connecticut home, making it a state with one of the highest population densities in the country.

Geographically, you'll find Connecticut surrounded by three other states: New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. From the Connecticut panhandle in the southwest corner, you can reach New York City by train in a matter of minutes.

So what does it look like? Well, grab your camera! As a tourist in Connecticut, you're surrounded by lush greenery in the spring, warm oranges, reds and yellows in the fall and snow in the winter. Connecticut has four very distinct seasons. 

While the north is mountainous, part of the Appalachian Mountains are in the northwest corner, the entire state is covered in rolling hills and trees, making it picture-worthy year-round. Not to mention all of the rivers! The Connecticut River is one of the most famous. It's actually the reason Connecticut is called Connecticut, it comes from a local indigenous language, Mohegan-Pequot, and Connecticut means long tidal river.

So whether you want to visit one of the many New England coastal communities, the impressive architecture of Yale University in New Haven, or the hustle and bustle of the capital, Hartford, you're in for a treat!

Pick some local berries and apples while you're there, meet some locals and make the most of  "The Nutmeg State."

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In this 3-part episode, you'll hear a casual discussion about one of life's most mundane topics: peeing and pooping. It's taboo to talk about, which is strange given how it's one of the most common things in the world. 

• In part 1, you’ll hear about potty training,  you’ll hear a joke and learn some fun things. If you're interested, here's the Potty Training book I was talking about! (The E-book is FREE.)
• In part 2, you’ll learn peeing and pooping vocabulary, which is very taboo to talk about, yet it’s useful for a multitude of reasons, which I’ll mention. 
• In part 3 you’ll hear two crazy stories about people —no names— who literally pooped on the party. 

I hope you’ll find them funny and they’ll help you recall some crazy stories you’ve heard. Just wanted to let you know what to expect! Hope you enjoy this. I think I’m going to go hide now.

This lesson, like other Chats with Shana episodes, are LESS structured. If you prefer more formal lessons, check out any of the other ones. 

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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If you don’t know who Dr. Seuss is, you should!

He was a cartoonist and author who brought us The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, Green Eggs and Ham, and more than 40 other incredible books for children—and adults—around the world. He’s often called “the father of contemporary children’s literature.”

About one in four children in the United States receives a Dr. Seuss book as their very first book, and there’s a good reason for that. His stories are playful and clever, full of quirky illustrations, rhymes, and lots of repetition, which makes them ideal for beginner readers.

In total, more than 650 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide. So I’d say he’s definitely worth learning about!
*****

Beginner Books Recommendations
*****

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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It's a ridiculous visual, is it not?! If the cat's got your tongue, you can't talk, you're speechless! And that's pretty much how we use it in English conversation. We often ask someone "Cat got your tongue?" in situations when they can't respond, or they don't respond.
Listen to this episode to hear a joke, learn this expression and practice your pronunciation.
This is Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll talk about Dr. Seuss, one of the most beloved cartoonists and authors in American history.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Every year in New Orleans, Louisiana, a million visitors come to experience the biggest Mardi Gras party in the United States. Learn about the history of this event and the traditions and culture surrounding it.
If you plan on visiting, be sure to stay tuned until the very end; you'll learn how to make the most of it as a tourist!
This is Part 2. In Part 1 of this episode, Episode 139, you'll learn how to use the very common expression up one's alley, you'll heard a joke and practice your pronunciation! 
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Isn't it nice when you learn an English expression that you can use a million times a day, every single day that you speak English? Well, listen to this episode. In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the very common expression up one's alley, you'll hear a joke and you'll practice your pronunciation!
This is Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll talk about the massive Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, and how you can take part in it!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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You walk into a restaurant and head towards the bar. Behind it, a lighted mosaic of colorful liquors spread from the ceiling to the floor. It's fancy on another level. Some people may describe it as resplendent; it feels like you're looking into a Queen's jewelry box.

A long counter separates you from the skilled bartender behind it, who shakes, stirs and strains with ease. As you approach, you consider how you'll place your order in English and suddenly you feel out of your element. In other words, you don't feel comfortable. You feel out of your element.

How do you order a drink at a cocktail bar like a native? Well, in today's lesson, you'll learn just that.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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It's story time! Welcome to a French coffee shop and fancy restaurant where you'll be introduced to a number of common French loanwords in English. A loanword is a words borrowed from a foreign language.
American English is packed with French words; how do we pronounce them? Well, I know a lot of you are saying we butcher them, that's okay (I don't disagree with you!) In general, the pronunciation of a words depends on how popular / common a word is. If a French word is common in American English, naturally, there's an expected way to pronounce it, even if it's not how it is pronounced normally in French. 
The goal of this episode is to teach you how we pronounce the common ones and what to do when you come across uncommon loanwords. Here is a sample of some of the words in today's episode. 

• Patisserie
• Croissants
• Baguettes
• Eclairs
• Creme brulée
• Soufflé
• Crepes
• Facade (less commonly spelled façade in English)
• Chic
• Faux pas
• Maitre d’ (or also spelled maître d')
• Sommelier
• Connoisseur
• Hors d'oeuvres (we say this word often and I guarantee most people can't spell it!)
• Champagne 
• Vinaigrette
• Omelet (or also spelled omelette)
• Faux
• Cliché (less commonly spelled cliche in English)
• Risqué
• Chauffeur
• Entrepreneur
• Rendezvous
•  À la mode (also spelled a la mode)
• À la carte (also spelled a la carte)
• C'est la vie
• Déjà vu (also spelled deja vu)

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In today's episode, we're talking to Camille Hanson, an ESL teacher and social media influencer who grew up in the U.P. - the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Buckle up! You're about to be immersed in an adventure; one that includes snow, lake life, deer flies, girls hunting with bows and arrows and so much more. Learn from a local how you can take advantage of "The Mitten State."

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Michigan is the 10th largest state in the US by population, and there’s quite a bit you should know about it. 
Michigan is located up in the Midwest, near Canada, and it has two main parts: The Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Most people recognize the shape of the Lower Peninsula; it looks like a mitten. That’s why Michigan is sometimes referred to as "The Mitten State." 
College life in Michigan is a big thing. And like most states in the Midwest and South, they’re crazy about American football. 
The state is also home to the automobile industry with General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler headquartered there. 
Some famous names from Michigan include: Madonna (the singer), Francis Ford Coppola (the director and screenwriter of "The Godfather"), and William Boeing, a pioneer in aviation and creator of the Boeing Company. Yep, they’re all Michiganders.
If you like fishing, hiking and greenery, Michigan is where it’s at. 50% of the state is covered in forest, so it’s lush and green. It’s also home to over 10,000 lakes and 40,000 miles of rivers. Did I mention it touches all five of the Great Lakes? That’s a lot of water, a lot of shore and a lot of trees. 

As a tourist, you might want to try the world-famous cherries from there, try a pasty – not a pastie – and a beer from one of the many local breweries. Your senses will be overwhelmed!

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Find Camille! You can check out Camille's work by visiting her website at Learn English With Camille.
- Yooper English (mentioned in audio)

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In today’s lesson, you’re going to hear the story of the creator of Jingle Bells, his hear about questionable character. We’ll also go through the lyrics of the song so if you want to sing it in English, you can.

Want to take your learning further? 

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In December of 1965, a spacecraft called Gemini 6 was flying in outer space, looking back down at earth. The crew members on board were on call with Mission Control when they announced the following alarming message: “We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, up in a polar orbit. He’s in a very low trajectory traveling from north to south and has a very high climbing ratio. It looks like it might even be a … Very low….” 

After a few more details, sleigh bells started to jingle and the familiar tune Jingle Bells  passed from Gemini 6 to Mission Control. With a harmonica and sleigh bells, Wally Shirra (Walter M. Shirra Jr.) and Tom Stafford, played the first live song from space: Jingle Bells. 

You heard me. The popular Christmas song, Jingle Bells was the first song ever played live from space.

And yes, the astronauts were playing a joke on Mission Control;  they were in fact pretending to see Santa. 

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The holiday season is here and I bet some of you are skimming the internet for new gadgets. Do you like gadgets with a bunch of bells and whistles (fancy features), or do you prefer simplicity?

In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common expression bells and whistles, you'll hear a joke and you'll practice your pronunciation!
This is Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll talk about the popular Christmas song Jingle Bells.

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You know Starbucks, right? The coffee company? Born in Seattle, Washington and brewed around the world? I bet you do; they have over 33 thousand stores in over 80 countries. 
In today's episode, we're going to talk about those guys, the beans and more! Why is it called Starbucks? Who's that woman on their cups?
There are a lot of Starbucks haters and a lot of lovers out there, but all of you will find this episode fascinating because 1. it’s an absurdly successful business, how did they do it?! 2. it’s about coffee (who doesn’t love coffee!?) and 3. you’ll learn a bucketload of new vocabulary as we go. 

Want to take your learning further? 

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The expression To Blow Off Steam is a common one in the United States. In today's episode, you'll learn how to use it in everyday contexts, you'll hear a joke and also practice your pronunciation! :)
Thanks again to my amazing supporters who have contributed to this podcast either by purchasing Premium Content (available in "the Academy") or buying me coffee!Thank you to Paulo, Picante, Stefan, Ortiz and the other anonymous contributors from this month. SO exciting!

Want to take your learning further? 

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A simile, according to Oxford Languages is “a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.” 

A similes comparison that the words like or as to compare things. 
In today’s lesson, Liz and I will be going through 15 common similes that you’ll hear in everyday conversation. Some are literal, so they’ll sound normal, others are quite random so you may want to write these down in your notebook. If you would the full list of words, with examples and a quiz to make sure you’ve understood them, sign up to the Academy!

This is PART 2 of episode 133.

Want to take your learning further? 

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A simile, according to Oxford Languages is “a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.” 

In today’s lesson, Liz and I will be going through 15 common similes that you’ll hear in everyday conversation. Some are literal, so they’ll sound normal, others are quite random so you may want to write these down in your notebook.

If you would the full list of words, with examples and a quiz to make sure you’ve understood them, be sure to sign up to The Academy.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In today's episode, Lindsay, host of the All Ears English Podcast, will take us on a journey to Colorado, one of the most stunning mountainous states in the western United States.
On our 3-day trip to Colorado, via audio, we'll not only get a taste of what it's like to be a tourist there, but hear from a local's standpoint what culture, beauty and adventures awaits us.
Be sure to check out the episode webpage for links to the places we talked about in this episode! :)
*****
Buy Me a Coffee
*****

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We live in a day and age that is driven by science and technology, yet people are still superstitious. According to a study I read by YouGov, 9% of Americans claim to be superstitious, while another 35% admit to not being very superstitious, but somewhat. That makes over 40% of individuals in the United States somewhat superstitious.

So what does it mean to be superstitious? According to Cambridge Dictionary, it is to have beliefs that are not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but are connected with old ideas about magic. Many times, superstitious people believe in irrational, unproven signs of good and bad luck.

In today’s episode, we’re going to go through 13 common superstitions in the United States and their origins. By the end of this audio lesson, you’ll walk away with more knowledge about American culture and some new vocabulary and phrases. I’ll teach those as we go along.

Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck!

Want to take your learning further? 

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⭐ ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠

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"Sunday Toasted" is a song that was recently released by a new artist named Zinn, and it's jam-packed with American slang and vocabulary which we'll go through in this episode. This song is also full of cultural references about working and partying :).

 All in all, I can't think of a more fitting song to be the first "music" episode on this podcast. By the end, you'll have a beautiful picture in your mind of a typical summer's day in the South and understand why lake culture is so big there! "You just don't know what you're missing!"

This song was written by Zinn, my husband (Lucas) and Stefan.

"Sunday Toasted" - by Zinn

Clocked out, now I’m en route
It’s about summertime
Been waitin' all damn week
There’s one thing on my mind

Yeah I'm thinking about tan lines
And moonshine, it goes down easily
Night rides, in the moonlight
A cozy on my knee

Cold beer in the YetiBeckies on deck
In the dirty water
We'll be speeding
Falling off jets
No sir, no blue collar

Out of touch, ain't no service
Soak it up
Sunday ToastedLake house, party down South
You just don't know what you're missing

Chorus*

Pull out from the dock, three deep,
three boats heading out your way
Light it up, let the speakers bleed
Got the girls choosing what to play

Yeah we bumpin' Nelly, Aldean, Country, R & B
Waiting all week, to kick back and release

Chorus*

Meet me on the table, cuz I’m heating up
We can run it back, wanna test your luck
Shoot behind the back it’s a double cup
One more shot I’m on fire

Rerack that I’m a gentleman
Who’s going next you can send them in
Better get ready cuz I’m running it
Let’s get f***

Listen to the song on Spotify

For those of you who have been following our story in Los Angeles, you may know that my husband Lucas is a Brazilian songwriter and music producer trying to get a song on the radio in English in the U.S..  A few of you have asked to listen to his songs in the past and I'm happy to announce that this is his first release in English - many more are coming out this year (from artists in Japan, Spain and Britain).

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The Monster Study (aka Tudor Study) is an unethical psychology experiment that was conducted in 1939 on 22 orphans in Davenport, Iowa.  The goal was to a test the theory that by deeply worrying about starting to stutter, one may develop the speech disorder. Mary Tudor, a graduate student, attempted to induce stuttering - to create the behavior - in fluent speakers with the assistance of her advisor Wendell Johnson.
The study was dubbed "The Monster Study" for the cruelty and misconduct of it. Learn more about the creators, the experiment, and what can be deduced from its results.
This study was kept OFF THE RECORD for many years; now the official documentation can be found online for anyone to view.
Want to take your learning further? 

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Last note: ⁠I'm not a speech pathologist, but I do know one thing! Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you are not worth being heard. What you say has value, and it doesn't matter how fast you speak or how perfectly you speak, what you say matters.

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In this episode, there are two parts. In Part 1, you'll hear a joke, practice your pronunciation and learn the expression "Off the Record". 

In Part 2 of today's lesson, we’re going to talk about The Monster Study, a wildly unethical study (by today's standards) that is about orphans and language development, specifically stuttering.

To amp up the learning experience in episode 129, I explain challenging words and phrases as I go along.
Want to take your learning further? 

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In today’s episode, you’ll learn vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and expressions related to birthday parties. From planning the celebration to describing the cake, decorations, and fun moments with friends and family, this lesson will give you the language you need to talk about birthdays in natural English.

This episode was created with a goal in mind: to help you think about the birthday parties in your own life. By the end of the lesson, you should feel more confident describing your special days—and the celebrations you’ve shared with others—in greater detail. 🎉🎂
⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, this episode type is extra challenging, but short. Listen to it multiple times and consider transcribing the audio as a listening exercise. You can also dive deeper into this lesson by joining the Academy.

Want to take your learning further? 

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Philip Clem s a talented singer and songwriter from Seattle, Washington who has lived in San Francisco, Spain and now Los Angeles, California. Today, Philip is going to tell us about what it's like to be a local from Seattle. 
In this episode, you'll learn about the state, its stereotypes (and whether or not they're true!), you’ll learn about the culture, food, weather and, of course, about our special guest.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

I hope that after you’re done listening to this episode, you feel like you know a local!
Interested in Philip, or his music? Find Philip on Instagram here (@philipjohnclem)

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In today’s 5-Minute English episode, you’ll learn the vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations you need to talk about a day at the beach. From describing the weather and the waves to explaining what people do by the ocean, this lesson will give you the language you need to discuss a classic beach day in natural English. 🌊🏖️

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).
Beach Recommendations

• U.S. Beaches where you can drink
• Nude Beaches in the U.S.
• My favorite beaches in California: 
  • Pacific Beach - San Diego
  • Pismo Beach - near San Luis Obispo
  • La Jolla - near San Diego (go kayaking + look at the lion sharks below!)
  • Zuma Beach - Malibu (this is our go-to beach)
  • Santa Cruz (go to the Boardwalk boardwalk, SO fun!)
  • East Beach (downtown Santa Barbara - I love this because of the beach / city combo:))
  • Most people from California would probably also recommend Santa Monica ( go on rides at the pier and shopping on 3rd Street) / Venice Beach for its canals and Abbott Kinney Blvd for shopping, then of course Laguna Beach (go to Urth cafe!). All of the beaches south of Malibu are pretty awesome (Manhattan, Redondo, etc.)

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Today we're going to be talking about doughnuts (or donuts; both spellings are acceptable in American English). You'll learn the history, the stories behind the most famous doughnut brands and all about the most popular doughnuts in the display case. After all, if you're going to be the one who brings doughnuts to the office, you got to do it right.
Want to take your learning further? 

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In this episode, there are two parts. In Part 1, you’ll hear a joke, practice your pronunciation, and learn the expression “to sugarcoat something.”

In Part 2 of today’s lesson, we’re going to talk about donuts. You’ll learn the history, the stories behind the most famous brands, and all about the most popular donuts in the display case. After all, if you’re going to be the one who brings donuts, you’ve got to do it right!

To amp up the learning experience, I’ve packed a ton of fun vocabulary and phrases into this episode. By the end, you’ll be able to describe a perfect donut—and a bad one—in English. And the descriptive adjectives you learn can be reused for other baked goods too—anything made with dough or batter. 🍩

Want to take your learning further? 

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The decision to move overseas is a big one and it requires preparation. The first step for non-native English speakers who want to live, study or work in the U.S. is taking an English exam as proof of English ability. The IELTS exam is one of the most popular.
Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Aubrey Carter, who shared three expressions that you can use on the IELTS exam and in daily life. These expressions can be squeezed into almost any conversation!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).
If you'd like to learn all about the IELTS exam and hear some tricks for getting a higher score and dealing with the  anxiety of speaking in English in an interview setting be sure to check out episode 104 with Jessica Beck! Jessica is a former IELTS examiner of 14 years and creator of the 3 KEYS IELTS course.
Get a $50 DISCOUNT on the 3 KEYS IELTS course now.
I am an affiliate of this course for a few reasons: 

• Jessica has 14 YEARS of experience as an IELTS examiner! She created the study plan. 
• The 30 and 60-day study plans are structured in an achievable format with fun activities. 
• Student success stories serve as proof of course effectiveness! So many students have increased their score with the tips, trips and knowledge within the course. Their stories can be found on the IELTS Energy podcast as well as on the official YouTube Channel. 

Even if you decide you want to take the IELTS 6 months from now, plan ahead! Start working on your general English knowledge and learn more about the test format.

Get a $50 DISCOUNT on the 3 KEYS IELTS course now.

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Goldilocks and the Three Bears is one of the most popular children’s stories ever written in English, and it’s my daughter’s favorite. Today, you’ll hear a modern-ish American English version of the classic tale. I’ve carefully selected a number of phrasal verbs, expressions, and collocations and woven them into the story to amp up (improve, increase) the listening experience.

If you’re trying to improve your use of more challenging tenses in English, listening to stories is a natural way to start mastering them. Goldilocks and the Three Bears includes examples of the past perfect and the present perfect continuous. This lesson isn’t focused on those tenses—grammar lessons are coming, I promise—but you’ll be exposed to them in a very natural way.

This story has been altered many times over the years—especially now that it’s in the public domain! One of the original versions is actually quite strange and a little morbid, and I just had to share it with you. Be sure to stay tuned until the very end to hear how that version ends.

Hope you’re having a nice day! 🙂

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In honor of Juneteenth, we’ll be talking about “the Mother of the Freedom Movement,” Rosa Parks. Rosa made history when she politely refused to give her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Alabama at a time when racial segregation was enforced in the South under the Jim Crow laws.

Her story is one of courage, and it may inspire you to stand up for what’s right.

Note: Juneteenth is on June 19, and it has been a federal holiday in the United States since 2021. However, it has been a day of celebration for African Americans since 1865, when Texas—the last state with institutionalized slavery—announced its end. It’s a day to celebrate freedom and liberty, and to remember those who fought for it, like Rosa Parks.
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In this episode, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “once in a blue moon.” In Part 2, which will be posted shortly, you’ll hear the story of Rosa Parks and learn about the Civil Rights Movement.

Want to take your learning further? 

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We've lived in Los Angeles for about 5 months and spend a lot of time exploring. I'm happy to say that the city is growing on us - we LOVE the restaurant scene here and checking out the stunning mansions, beautiful beaches and fun neighborhoods.
There are a few stereotypes about Los Angeles that you may have been exposed to if you watch films made in Hollywood. Up until this point, I've been pleasantly surprised to disagree with most of them. What do you think about these stereotypes? Had you heard them before?
Do you have thoughts about the content in this episode? Ever been here? Practice your English by posting a comment via Instagram!
Want to take your learning further? 

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Today you’re going to learn lots of fun facts about the U.S., all related to geography. You’ll hear about the topography—the physical features of the land that make it visually unique. You’ll also learn about the population, meaning where residents are distributed throughout the country.

By the end of this episode, you should have a solid geographical overview of the United States and be able to talk about geography in English.

Note: The goal of 5-Minute English episodes is to pack all the must-know terms about a topic into five minutes. Geography required a little more time, but in my opinion that extra bit was really enjoyable! I hope you feel the same. 🙂

Want to take your learning further? 

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published in 1902 by the British author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. Over a century later, it remains one of the most beloved children’s stories in the English-speaking world.

In today’s episode, I’m going to read this classic story to you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the mischievous adventure of a little rabbit who learns an important lesson after sneaking into Mr. McGregor’s garden. 🐇🥕
What's the moral of this story? Let us know via Instagram!

Want to take your learning further? 

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Martin eventually fell in love with a redheaded American woman named Elizabeth Smith, and the couple decided to start a family. But something very unusual happened—something they never could have imagined. Four of their seven children were born with blue skin.

In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll hear the fascinating story of the Blue People of Kentucky. In the first part of the episode, you’ll also learn how to use the common English expression “out of the blue.”
Want to take your learning further? 

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll learn how to use the common English expression “out of the blue.” First, we’ll start with a joke, then we’ll break down what the expression means and go through a few real-life examples so you can hear how it’s used naturally in everyday English. At the end, we’ll do a short pronunciation exercise to help you say the phrase smoothly and confidently.

In Part 2 (Episode 118.2), you’ll hear the fascinating story of the Blue People of Kentucky, a real family whose unusual skin color made them famous in the Appalachian region. It’s a strange and memorable story you won’t want to miss! 💙
Want to take your learning further? 

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We all love survival stories, don’t we? Watching men and women find food and water, seeing them build shelters out of sticks, stones, and leaves—it’s a common theme on reality television. But every now and then, real life gives us an even more unbelievable story. Stories of people who come face to face with death… and somehow survive.

Today, you’ll hear the incredible story of Aron Ralston. You might already know it if you’ve seen the movie 127 Hours. If you haven’t, you’re in for quite a ride.

Take a deep breath, though, Aron survives. And if you’re eating right now, you might want to pause the episode and come back after you’ve finished your meal. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Let’s get started.

Want to take your learning further? 

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In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to use the common English expression “between a rock and a hard place.” First, you’ll hear a joke to get things started. Then we’ll break down what this expression means and how to use it naturally in everyday English with a few real-life examples. At the end, we’ll slow things down with a short pronunciation exercise so you can practice saying the phrase confidently.

By the end of the episode, you’ll know exactly how to use this expression when you’re stuck in a difficult situation and have to choose between two options—neither of them very good!

Want to take your learning further? 

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In this 5-Minute English episode, you'll hear a lot of vocabulary and phrases related to Cold, Flus, and Sickness.
⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, this episode type is extra challenging, but short. Listen to it multiple times and consider transcribing the audio as a listening exercise. You can also dive deeper into this lesson by joining the Academy.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this 5-Minute English episode, you'll hear a lot of vocabulary and phrases related to winter and the cold. You'll also learn about the typical experience at a Colorado ski resort.

⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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After my last conversation with Pete about his dream house in Australia (Ep. 109), I decided to ask friends and family members about their own dream homes. My mom was the first to respond, and this episode features her answer.

Her dream home would be in Napa Valley, California—the heart of wine country. As you’ll hear, she absolutely loves this topic. She uses lots of specific vocabulary related to homes and design, and some of it might be challenging to understand—and that’s okay. She has a degree in Interior Design and spends her time decorating, redecorating, painting, and constantly transforming every corner of her house. Her knowledge of design is definitely on another level. She also regularly watches design, housing, and real estate shows on HGTV (Home & Garden Television).

Would you like to live in a castle in France, a spacious apartment in New York, or a cozy cottage in the English countryside? All three? Me too! Talking about dreams and wishes in English naturally leads us to use conditionals.

Listen carefully and notice how my mom uses the second conditional to describe her dream house. As you listen, try to imagine the space she’s describing. Then head over to Instagram to see the photos that inspired her vision. 🏡✨

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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We’re moving to Los Angeles—L.A., the City of Angels. In this Chats with Shana episode, you’ll hear my thoughts as they come—completely off the cuff.Tune in to hear about the big adventure we’re about to embark on. I’m taking you along for the journey with us… wish us luck! 🎬✨
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, Charlie and I discuss all things embarrassing. This is your chance to hear some funny embarrassing stories, practice listening to British and American English and learn some amazing vocabulary (hear how we compare terms like " your fly is down," "to let one slide" and "to eat shit"!)

Charlie also teaches us how to act appropriately if the Queen rips one (farts) at a fancy feast.

Has there been a more amusing episode? I'm not sure. If you don't laugh out loud at least once, I'll be floored (shocked). It sounds like a big promise, right? Listen in, I hope that we don't let you down. 

Be sure to share your story via Instagram on this week's post! :)
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Charlie's Info

• The British English Podcast Website
• The British English Podcast 
• Charlie's Youtube channel

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The preposition in and on can be a nightmare, but in this short recording I hope to clarify some of the confusion when it comes to speaking about islands.
Yes, there will be a few exceptions to the rules here, but honestly this topic can get so convoluted, simplifying it the way I have will enable you to speak correctly about islands 99% of the time.
The one exception probably worth mentioning is Rhode Island - Rhode Island is a state and when I visit, I'm IN Rhode Island.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Want to take a vacation to Hawaii? In this episode, I talk about our recent trip to Oahu—the most visited and most populous island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States, and in this episode I give you a general overview of the islands and what you can do there as a tourist.Why do people from other states visit so often? Tune in to find out. 🌺🌴✈️

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this 5-Minute English episode, you'll hear a lot of vocabulary and phrases related to skincare and makeup. This episode type is extra challenging, but short. Listen to it multiple times and consider transcribing the audio as a listening exercise. You can also dive deeper into this lesson by joining the Academy.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Mentioned in episode: These are over-the-counter products I love.

• TrueSkin - Vitamin C Serum
• Cetaphil Daily Cleanser
• Retinol Cream

*These are affiliate links; I will earn a small commission off of any purchase which helps me keep this podcast going.

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I've always loved talking about Dream Houses. It's sort of a magical topic that everyone can relate to, and yet for every person, the response is going to be different. How we answer / describe our space largely depends on our life experience to date and perception of places we've been to.

In this conversation I talk to Pete  (my Australian friend and host of the Aussie English Podcast)  about his dream home and we compare our previous living environments to where we'd like to be.
Would you like to live in a castle in France, a spacious apartment in New York or a cottage in the English countryside? All three? Me too!
Speaking about dreams and wishes in English it forces you to use conditionals. Check out how Pete and I switch from the first and second conditional in this conversation.
*****

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In today's episode, you'll learn about Sharks and Shark Attacks in U.S. waters and how to avoid a shark if you're visiting the U.S. coast!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to rock the boat.” You’ll also get a chance to practice pronunciation and hear a joke along the way.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the common expression: The Coast Is Clear. You'll get to practice pronunciation and hear a joke as well. The fun fact in this episode is all about Alcatraz, an island or prison, I should say - former prison - off the coast of San Francisco, which housed some of the United States's most infamous criminals from 1934 until 1963.

One former resident you may know of is Al Capone, the American gangster / mobster, you can say, also known by the nicknames Public Enemy #1 and, of course, Scarface.

Alcatraz is a fascinating place for its complex history and twisted stories. And today you're going to hear one of them; the story of how three men managed to escape what was considered the most secure prison at the time. This story baffles historians even today, and the U.S. government still has no idea what happened to the three men. In fact, it is the longest manhunt in U.S. history.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Charlie, our good friend from The British English Podcast, came up with an incredibly entertaining podcast format called “Off the Beaten Track.” In short, it’s all about asking someone detailed questions about their ideal itinerary for a dream vacation. And I emphasize dream because this episode is packed with hypotheticals—you’ve hit the hypothetical jackpot!

In today’s episode, Charlie shares his wild dream trip: a journey to space followed by a visit to the Maldives. Along the way, he’d go skydiving, scuba diving with sharks, and take part in several other seriously cool adventures.

Tune in to learn more about Charlie—and to hear plenty of conditionals used naturally in conversation.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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This episode is part of Season 3.  In this episode of the podcast, you'll hear about our recent month-long stay in Brazil. Other than spending time with family and friends, the highlights of the trip were with animals and nature. Tune in and learn a lot of animal vocabulary! 

In this story, you'll also be exposed to the 10 most common collective nouns for animals. A collective noun is a word used to describe a group. For example, a group of fish is called a school of fish. A group of birds that hang out / fly together is called a flock. 

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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The decision to move overseas is a big one and it requires preparation. The first step for non-native English speakers who want to live, study or work in the U.S. is taking an English exam as proof of English ability. The IELTS exam is one of the most popular.
Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica Beck all about IELTS.  She shared many reasons why you should consider taking this exam over the TOEFL or TOEIC, she gave some tricks on how to get a higher score, how to deal with anxiety of speaking in English in an interview setting and much much more.
Jessica is an expert in IELTS. She worked for 14 years as an IELTS examiner, so she knows what students go through and what examiners are looking for! To share her knowledge she created a test prep course called the 3 KEYS IELTS  (IELTS KEYS for short).

Get 20% off on the 3 KEYS IELTS course now. Use the code: FLUENT.
I am an affiliate of this course for a few reasons: 

• Jessica has 14 YEARS of experience as an IELTS examiner! She created the study plan. 
• The 30 and 60-day study plans are structured in an achievable format with fun activities. 
• Student success stories serve as proof of course effectiveness! So many students have increased their score with the tips, trips and knowledge within the course. Their stories can be found on the IELTS Energy podcast as well as on the official YouTube Channel. 

Even if you decide you want to take the IELTS 6 months from now, plan ahead! Start working on your general English knowledge and learn more about the test format.

Get a $50 DISCOUNT on the 3 KEYS IELTS course now.

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This episode is part of Season 3.  In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn how to use the common expression TO PUSH SOMEONE'S BUTTONS. For the fun fact about American History and Culture, you'll learn about THE MILGRAM EXPERIMENT.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Mentioned in Episode:

• Recommendation: The Psychology of Evil - by Stanley Milgram's friend Philip Zimbardo
• Recommendation: Full Footage of the Milgram Experiment (as heard in intro)

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The term "toddler" is typically used to describe a child that is between the ages of one and three, although some people consider a three-year-old up until four, also a toddler. It's the stage in a human's life when they're no longer a newborn, they're no longer an infant, so a baby, but they're also not really a kid.

The term toddler comes from the verb toddle, which means to walk with short and unsteady steps, according to Oxford Languages. For most of us, when we learn to walk well, we no longer toddle. We actually don't use the term toddle very often in English, although it does exist. 

There is much to be said about toddlers, and that's why today's 5-minute English lesson will be about this stage of development in a human's life.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Mentioned in this episode:  

• The Whole-Brain Child (12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind)
• How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen (A Survival Guide To Life With Children Ages 2-7)

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Welcome to Season 3! In this episode, I share some news from here in California and talk about what you can expect in the upcoming season. 🎙️
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Mentioned in Episode:

⭐ Morena⁠ by Luan Santana (co-written and produced by Lucas!) - WARNING: The video is explicit :0

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After five years of teaching intermediate- to advanced-level English online, I started to notice patterns in the words my students often mispronounced. In today’s episode, I’ve gathered those commonly mispronounced words into one lesson, with example sentences to help you practice and improve your pronunciation.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you'll gain maximum exposure to 10 common verbs. You'll hear a story, get the definitions and new example sentences to better your pronunciation and amp up your vocabulary!The 10 words are:

• To pick one's nose
• To growl
• To zip up
• To slam on the brakes
• To splash
• To wet oneself 
• To flip someone off
• To swear
• To take a sip
• To wave

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you'll gain maximum exposure to 10 common verbs that produce sound. You'll hear a story, get the definitions and new example sentences to better your pronunciation and amp up your vocabulary! 

The 10 words are:

• to spit
• to snore
• to gargle
• to yawn
• to sniffle
• to cough 
• to sneeze
• to snap your fingers
• to slurp
• to burp

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you'll learn how to use the expression BOTTOMS UP! and all about CINCO DE MAYO.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you'll learn how to use the expression BENT OUT OF SHAPE and all about TORNADOES IN THE U.S..
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this Chats with Shana episode, you'll hear about some of the language mistakes I've made in foreign languages. You'll learn how to get yourself out of awkward situations in English by using common expressions!
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll learn how to use the expression “to ring a bell” and hear about the Liberty Bell, one of the most famous symbols of freedom in the United States.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In Episode #93, you’ll hear about my adventure starting a business in New York City and traveling overseas as a digital nomad. You’ll also hear the lessons I learned from that experience while practicing the third conditional.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll learn how to use the expression “to pull some strings” and hear about The Great Iditarod, the largest annual sporting event in Alaska.

Spoiler alert: it’s all about dogsledding (and has a fascinating back story)! 🐕‍🛷
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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How many vocabulary words, phrases, and collocations can you think of related to the topic of babies? I bet quite a few. But do you know how to say them in English?

This episode introduces the vocabulary you’ll need to navigate a conversation about babies with a native speaker—aside from two obvious terms I’ve left out: crying and baby bottle. You probably already know those.

This episode is long overdue, and I hope you enjoy it.

⚠️ Like most 5-Minute English episodes, the listening portion is short but more challenging. You may need to listen at least three times to fully understand it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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This is the first of what will hopefully become many yearly reviews. There’s nothing better than reflecting on the highlights of the year.

I created this partly for myself and partly for you, the listeners. I revisit some of the events I talked about on the podcast to “jog your memory” (Episode #1), and I also use several expressions from past expression episodes to describe my 2020.

This episode is very personal.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi everyone! Christmas is just a few days away, and what better way to prepare than by learning how to describe desserts in English? Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the holiday season tends to be a time of indulgence. If you're not diving into calorie-filled desserts with family members (even if it’s just on Zoom this year), what are you doing?!

In English, the four basic tastes are sweet, salty, sour, and bitter (some people also mention umami). Today, we’ll talk about other adjectives you can use to describe your favorite desserts so you can get more creative when talking about them.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Charlie's Info

• ⁠The British English Podcast Website⁠
• ⁠The British English Podcast⁠⁠ ⁠
• ⁠Charlie's Youtube channel

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Today we’re going to talk about a poem—a very famous poem. In fact, it may be one of the most widely read and referenced poems in English. Don’t quote me on that, but it’s a poem you’ll hear on the radio in the U.S. as December 25th approaches. You’ll see lines from it on Christmas cards, in advertisements, and in many, many movies.

It’s called A Visit from St. Nicholas, though you may know it as The Night Before Christmas. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, or if you don’t believe in Santa Claus but are interested in American culture, this episode is still for you.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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For today we're back with another 5-Minute English episode and it's all about Strengths and Weaknesses, one of the most challenging questions you'll run into at a job interview. In the 5-Minute discussion we'll dive into an individual's head on the day of a job interview and see how they decide on their strength.
⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In today's episode you'll learn how to use the expression IN THE RED and we'll talk about how BLACK FRIDAY got started, how it grew in popularity and what it's like in case you want to take advantage of sales on your next trip to the US.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, we have a special guest. His name is Charlie Baxter and he's the host of the British English Podcast. We talk about the British Bake Off and he helps me understand the terminology used in it.

To gain access to the full episode, transcript, podcast player, quizzes and more, be sure to sign up to Season 2 (see below)

Charlie's Info

• The British English Podcast Website
• The British English Podcast 
• Charlie's Youtube channel

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Listen to Jessica (my college roomie) and I talk about our college experiences at UC Santa Barbara!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, you'll hear about what my family has been doing in the month of October. You'll hear the Present Perfect Continuous tense used over and over again.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, you'll hear a lower intermediate story for Halloween called the Red Spot. It's disgusting. Don't say I didn't warn you, so either skip it or listen all the way to the end because you'll be less disturbed if you make it to the last few minutes!

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, you'll hear a 5-Minute English episode about FALL (AKA AUTUMN) in the United States. By the end, you'll learn vocabulary, phrasal verbs and collocations needed to talk about this topic with a native speaker.
⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi Everyone! In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the expression HIT THE SPOT like a native speaker. You'll also learn about Ben and Jerry's, one of the most socially and environmentally conscious companies in the U.S..
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi everyone! In today's episode we'll be talking about THE FACES ON OUR MONEY. By money, I'm referring to the United States Dollar, which is commonly written as USD. The faces I'm referring to are the portraits of influential Americans you'll see if you look at the front of our bills and coins. According to the U.S. treasury, these portraits are "of deceased persons whose places in history the American people know well."
Deceased is a fancy way of saying dead. So an individual needs to have died in order to appear on our currency.
It goes without saying, it is an utmost honor to be chosen as one of these prominent figures, and today you'll learn what makes individual deserving of such an honor.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, you'll hear a 5-Minute English episode about ELECTIONS AND VOTING in the United States. By the end, you'll learn vocabulary, phrasal verbs and collocations needed to talk about this topic with a native speaker.

⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode, you'll hear a 5-Minute English episode about LABOR AND DELIVERY, as well as facts and statistics about GIVING BIRTH in the United States. By the end, you'll learn vocabulary, phrasal verbs and collocations needed to talk about this topic with a native speaker.

⚠️ Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, Liz is back on the show! We have a very fun / funny episode for you which is about Portmanteaus. Don't be afraid of the word, I don't think most Americans know what a portmanteau is.
What's important is we USE them ALL THE TIME! For example, instead of saying "I'm going out to grab some frozen yogurt," we might say "I'm going out to get some froyo." Froyo is a portmanteau; it's a blend of two words to make one word that has one meaning. Get ready to laugh and immerse yourself in American Culture! Enjoy :)

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I talk about WILDFIRES, which is a devastating issue many Americans face every summer (including myself!).
Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! In this week's episode, I retell the very famous Brothers' Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. I've made a few changes to the original text.
First of all, I've intentionally added phrasal verbs and prepositional phrases throughout the text so that you can learn them in a context.
Secondly, I've modernized some of the language a bit, since the original texts were written in German in the 1800s. I want you to be able to use the language that you hear in conversation.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the expression ON THE EDGE OF ONE'S SEAT like a native speaker. You'll also learn about the life of STAN LEE, the brain behind some of the world's most beloved and despised superheroes and villains. You'll also get some insight into comic book history! :)
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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I talk about CLEANING, which is an activity that most of us dread. The thing is, the topic often pops up in conversation so the vocabulary, phrasal verbs, collocations and expressions in this episode are very useful!

Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Mentioned in this episode:  

• The 5-Minute English Course

This episode is part of Season 2.  By purchasing Season 2, you'll be able to access the full transcript for this episode as well as the entire 5-Minute English course at a discount.

Season 2  contains bonus material for episodes 051 - 100. Learn more.

Other Content

• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1-3  (including transcripts + mp3s and the 5-Minute English Course)
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the expression THROUGH THICK AND THIN like a native speaker. You'll also learn about MATERNITY LEAVE / PARENTAL LEAVE IN THE US.
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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the expression MUSIC TO ONE'S EARS like a native speaker. You'll also learn about the fascinating life of ELVIS PRESLEY.

Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I talk about Summer in the US. For many Americans, summertime brings back a sense of nostalgia. Today, we'll talk about the common activities kids do outdoors during the summer months, how families spend summer break (road trips!) and about temperature.
Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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In this episode of the American English Podcast, we will talk about initialisms which are a type of abbreviation. The initialisms discussed are used in PRE-PARTY and PARTY situations. In the first part of the discussion I explain the difference between initialism and acronym. I also explain a list of party initialisms (such as RSVP, BYOB, etc.). In the second part, you will hear a conversation with my mom using them all in a discussion about PARTY CULTURE IN THE U.S..
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In this American English Podcast Episode you'll learn how to use the expression A LOT ON ONE'S PLATE and hear about COMPETITIVE EATING in the U.S.. The topic arouses mixed feelings probably in you and in many Americans because of world hunger, domestic hunger issues and obesity. We'll touch on such criticisms during the discussion.
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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I start by talking about our recent trip to an RV park, a chat with some boys I had about hunting and eating bear and then dive into a 5-minute discussion about AMERICAN BARBECUE. (For you people who hate "American" as an adjective, I'm sorry, but that's the adjective that exists for the United States). If you're interested in hearing casual chat and a lot of useful and different vocabulary words, listen in!
Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.

Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, we talk casually about NESTING which is a phenomenon that occurs with pregnant women (some men!) and animals before childbirth. It's characterized by preparing the environment, cleaning, organizing and more. If you're interested in hearing casual chat and a lot of useful and different vocabulary words, listen in!
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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I teach how to pronounce the 50 U.S. States. In this lesson, you'll also learn about unstressed syllables and the importance of listening.
The American English Accent Course

Nobody needs to change their accent; it's a personal decision! If your accent bugs you - if it screws with your confidence, makes it difficult to be understood, or is the reason why natives speak slower to you - I've made a course to help you out.
The American English Accent course teaches the foundations and structure of a good accent. From word and syllable stress, to linking, glottal stops, reductions and minimal pairs, you'll be taught exactly how to mimic the sounds of native speakers.
Access the course here.
Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I teach how to use the expression TAKE A HIKE like a native speaker. For the fun fact, we go over YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK and places to visit in the surrounding area.
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Episode #62 is part 2 of a long conversation with my good friend Liz Johnson about BASEBALL and BASEBALL EXPRESSIONS we use in everyday life. The examples shared in the audio are real and personal and we hope that you will learn how you can insert them into your everyday life.
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In Episode #61, my good friend Liz Johnson and I talk about BASEBALL CULTURE IN THE U.S. and we teach COMMON BASEBALL EXPRESSIONS we use in everyday life. This is PART 1 of a longer recording. PART 2 will be posted soon. The examples shared in the audio are real and personal and we hope that you will learn how you can insert them into your everyday life.
Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I teach how to use the expression OUT OF THIS WORLD like a native speaker. For the fun fact, we go over THE LIFE STORY OF WALT DISNEY. At the beginning of the episode, you will learn many alternative adjectives for the word " amazing." During the fun fact section, you'll hear a number of expressions in context.
Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! Today you'll hear another 5-Minute English episode and it's all about Springtime.5-Minute English episodes are designed to teach "fluency one topic at a time."In them, you'll learn phrasal verbs, collocations and vocabulary in specific topics. Learning all of the terms well will help prepare you for conversations with native speakers.
Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! In today's episode, I teach how to use the expression A METHOD TO MADNESS like a native speaker. For the fun fact, we go over EXOTIC ANIMALS AS PETS in the U.S. In discussing exotic animals as pets, you'll learn about laws that exist in the United States as a whole and how different states differ in terms of what exotic animals you can have. Can you keep a lion or tiger in your backyard? Listen to find out!
Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! I'm very excited about this week's episode which is about a topic that is not often discussed: Gender Prediction. In the episode, I'll share 10 very common Old Wives' Tales for predicting gender (or sex, as some prefer to say). You'll learn vocabulary related to the characteristics of pregnancy such as mood swings, break outs, cravings and I'll also share our results to these tests within the episode.
Is it a Boy or Girl?
Since our 20-week anatomy test was this morning (after I recorded), you'll be able to see the result on Instagram. I don't want to spoil it here for those of you who wish to listen to the episode first. We're very excited! :)
Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! In this week's episode I'll teach you the expression ON A ROLL and all about the famous PHILLY CHEESESTEAK. You'll also learn many adjectives to describe good vs. bad sandwiches (bread, meat, cheese and onions).
Want to take your learning further? 

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Hi Everyone! Today you'll hear another 5-Minute English episode and it's all about 3 Trending Diets to Lose Winter Weight.5-Minute English episodes are designed to teach "fluency one topic at a time."In them, you'll learn phrasal verbs, collocations and vocabulary in specific topics. Learning all of the terms well will help prepare you for conversations with native speakers.
Like most 5-Minute Episodes, the listening is short and more challenging. You might need to listen to an episode at least three times in order to fully comprehend it. There are 40+ vocabulary words and phrases in this lesson.
Want to take your learning further? 

⭐ ⁠Visit the website⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Hi Everyone! This week's episode is about the expression TO PULL SOMEONE'S LEG and popular APRIL FOOL'S JOKES that went down in history.
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This week’s episode is all about my family’s TRIP TO BRAZIL and how “the shit has hit the fan” during the past two weeks because of the CORONAVIRUS. This episode uses a lot of perfect tenses. If you need to practice the present perfect, past perfect or even the passive forms for either of these I highly recommend listening!

Premium Content (formerly called the Classroom)

This episode is part of Season 2.  By purchasing Season 2, you'll be able to access the full transcript, a comprehension quiz and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.

Season 2  contains bonus material for episodes 051 - 100. Learn more.

Other Content

• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1-3  (including transcripts + mp3s)
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words
• NPR Link about Coronavirus

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Hi Everyone! This week’s episode is all about pregnancy! The expression is A BUN IN THE OVEN and the fun fact is about THE WOMAN WHO GAVE BIRTH TO OCTUPLETS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OCTOMOM.

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Hi Everyone! This week’s episode is all about cookies! The joke is about cookies, the expression is THAT’S THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES and the fun fact is about GIRL SCOUT COOKIES.

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This week’s episode is all about my family’s trip to the snow last week. In it, I share tips on skiing and snowboarding in the US as well as plenty of essential vocabulary words you’ll need to talk about the snow, skiing and snowboarding!

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Hi Everyone! In this week's episode, I teach the common English expression: When Hell Freezes Over. We also talk all about the very famous ICE CASTLES, which were created by the entrepreneur, Brent Christensen, in 2011.

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Hi Everyone! This week's episode is all about SORORITIES AND FRATERNITIES. I introduce the history of Greek Life and talk about the famous people were part of sororities and fraternities.
As a special guest, we talk to my cousin Lauren about what it was like to be in a sorority. Hopefully you'll learn a little bit more than the stereotypes! There are many takeaways from this very unique college experience. Here are some images of the mansions for reference: ⁠Images of Sorority Houses (aka Mansions!) ⁠

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Hi Everyone! This week's episode is all about THE NATIONAL ANTHEM of the United States which is called THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. We will go through the expression HIT OR MISS in the beginning.
Want to take your learning further?

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In this week's episode, I talk to you from Miami, Florida where we have spent the past 2.5 weeks enjoying the warm weather, tropical fruit and latin culture. Within the episode, I talk to you about our time in Orlando and Miami and share many facts and figures about the state and its people.

Premium Content (formerly called "The Classroom") 

•  Season 1 - Bonus Material for Episodes 001 - 050 
• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1-3  (including transcripts + mp3s)
• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words

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Hi Everyone! This week's episode is all about Driving in the U.S. and it's a little bit longer this week because there's simply so much information to share. I highly recommend listening to this episode twice. The vocabulary words will be incredibly useful if you ever talk to somebody in English about driving or cars.
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Hi Everyone! This week's episode is all about Driving in the U.S. and it's a little bit longer this week because there's simply so much information to share.I highly recommend listening to this episode twice. The vocabulary words will be incredibly useful if you ever talk to somebody in English about driving or cars.
Want to take your learning further?

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly the Classroom).

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In Episode 43, we talk to my dad about what it's like to live and work in Alaska. During the conversation we talk about wildlife, outdoor sports and his long days finding oil. You will learn a lot about Alaska by listening to this one! Enjoy :)

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In this episode of the podcast, I'll teach you how to use the expression TO DROP THE BALL like a native speaker from the United States. The fun fact of the day answers the question WHY DO WE DROP A BALL AT TIMES SQUARE ON NEW YEARS?

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In Episode #41, my good friend Liz Johnson and I planned on talking about 10 AMERICAN ENGLISH SLANG WORDS that we use on a daily basis. After all is said and done, we ended up sharing about 20 very common words and phrases! That's a lot of slang. 

Notice how I didn't write slang with an "s". Slang with an "s" doesn't exist. It is uncountable. Learn slang. Learn slang words.

The examples shared in the audio are real and personal and we hope that you will learn how you can insert them into your everyday life. My mom (58 years old) gave her seal of approval on these words as well; they can be used by all age groups.

• Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words

Want to take your learning further?

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In this episode of the podcast, I speak casually to you about our first week in December. Within the multiple mini stories, you'll hear irregular past tense verbs, learn Christmas vocabulary and get a feel for some of the pre-Christmas activities that are celebrated in California.
Want to take your learning further?

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In this episode of the podcast, I'll teach you how to use the expression A BLESSING IN DISGUISE like a native speaker from the United States. The fun fact of the day is about SANTACON, which takes place during the first few weekends of December in over 100 cities in the US.

Want to take your learning further?

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In this Episode of the American English Podcast, Lucas and I talk about our experience getting his GREEN CARD. Yes, it was approved, finally! We go through some of the following points:

•  What is a Green Card?
• What's the difference between Permanent Residency and Citizenship?
• What are the benefits of Citizenship?
• Tips for the Official Interview
• Questions they ask at the Interview 
• How to Prepare Our Mistakes and friends' mistakesLawyer (cost & their role)+ so much more.

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This includes:

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The premium content for this episode can be found in Season 1, which also contains bonus material for episodes 001 - 050. Bonus material varies for each episode.

• Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1-3  (including transcripts + mp3s)
• Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 100. 
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In this episode, you will learn about THANKSGIVING IN THE US and how to use the English Expression TO QUIT COLD TURKEY like a native speaker.

Thanksgiving Episodes on Friends - Season 3, Episode 9 (The Football Game) - Season 5, Episode 8 (Flashbacks to Previous Thanksgivings) - Season 6, Episode 9 (Rachel's Trifle).
Want to take your learning further?

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On Wednesday, November 13th, Lucas (my husband) and I will have his green card interview. A green card, is a physical card you receive from the U.S. government that permits you to reside in the U.S. and work.Since we will need to tell our story to the judge / immigration official, including specifics about dating, engagement and marriage, I figured why not tell our story to you. I've added tons of vocabulary, collocations, slang and more to this to make it a well-rounded learning experience.

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In this episode, you will learn about THE STORY OF COCA-COLA and how to use the English Expression THE LAST STRAW like a native speaker.
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In this episode, you will learn about THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE and how to use the English Expression TO HAVE A FEW SCREWS LOOSE like a native speaker.
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In Episode 33, I tell two more interesting facts I've learned about Halloween since Episode 31 (which was the Halloween Special) AND I tell you a scary story that's jam-packed with the Past Perfect tense!

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In this episode you will learn about BALD EAGLES and how to use the English Expression TO WING IT like a native speaker.
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In this episode you will learn a brief history of Halloween and about HALLOWEEN CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES leading up to the 31st of October and on Halloween day.In this episode, we talk about pumpkin patches, carving pumpkins, horror movies, haunted houses and our experiences as kids, teenagers and adults.
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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about THE HYPERLOOP (new type of transportation) and teach you to use the expression IN THE LOOP and OUT OF THE LOOP like a native speaker.
Want to take your learning further?

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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about MOUNT RUSHMORE and THE CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL and teach you to use the expression TO CARVE IN STONE like a native speaker.
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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about TIPPING CULTURE IN THE U.S. and WHERE IT CAME FROM and teach you to use the expression TO GIVE YOUR TWO CENTS like a native speaker.
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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about THE DONNER PARTY and teach you to use the expression TO BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW like a native speaker. To see photos of where the Donner Party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains check out my Instagram @americanenglishpodcast.
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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk with Dana from the Can Learn English Podcast about CANADA. We discuss 25 FACTS ABOUT CANADA and hear her take (opinion) on them!
Want to take your learning further?

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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about COUNTY FAIRS and teach you about THE DEMOLITION DERBY at my county fair. Check out the images on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast

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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about OIL SPILLS OFF THE COAST OF THE U.S. and teach you to use the expression SPILL THE BEANS like a native speaker. 

• Pete's "Spill the Beans" Episode for Australian English can be found here: https://aussieenglish.com.au/589

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In this episode, you'll learn all about hair, haircuts and hairstyles with my aunt, Sonia Murray. She is a hairstylist. See the YouTube video that corresponds with this episode here: https://youtu.be/pXJOFWZRk6U
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Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I talk about PROJECT GUTENBERG and teach you to use the expression BY THE BOOK like a native speaker.

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⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly the Classroom).

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This episode is about my trip to the AVENUE OF THE GIANTS, the area of the massive COASTAL REDWOOD TREES in California.
Want to take your learning further?

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly the Classroom).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I teach you to use the expression TO PLAY WITH FIRE like a native speaker. In the second part, you'll learn all about the Burning Man Festival in Nevada.

Want to take your learning further?

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly the Classroom).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn American English in this episode of the American English Podcast where I teach you to use the expression TO HAVE FOOT-IN-MOUTH DISEASE like a native speaker. For the fun fact, you'll learn about The DISCOVERY OF BIGFOOT.
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