American English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

118 - Expression: Out of the Blue Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

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! 💙
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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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117.2 - The Survival Story of Aron Ralston Mar 24, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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117 - Expression: Between a Rock and a Hard Place Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

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?

⭐ ⁠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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116 - 5-Minute English: Colds, Flus and Sickness Mar 06, 2022

Show notes

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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115 - 5-Minute English: Winter Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

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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114 - Dream House with Mara (Napa Valley Wine Country!) Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

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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113 - Chats with Shana: We're Moving to Los Angeles! Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

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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112 - Embarrassing Stories with Charlie (British and American English) Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

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

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111.2 Is it IN Hawaii or ON Hawaii? (Prepositions with Locations) Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

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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111 - Chats with Shana: A Vacation in Hawaii Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

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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