American English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

125.2 - Doughnuts (or Donuts!) Jul 23, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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125 - Expression: To Sugarcoat Something Jul 22, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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124 - 3 Must-Know Expressions for IELTS Speaking and Daily Life with Aubrey Carter Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

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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123 - Goldilocks and The Three Bears (Phrasal Verb Fairy Tale) Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

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! 🙂

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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122.1 Rosa Parks and The Freedom Movement (from Slavery to Civil Rights) Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

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.
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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122 - Expression: Once in a Blue Moon Jun 11, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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121 - Chats with Shana: 5 Surprising Things About Los Angeles May 28, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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120 - 5-Minute English: U.S. Geography May 12, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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119 - The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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

118.2 - The Blue People of Kentucky Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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

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