American English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

204: Expression: To See Eye to Eye Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

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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⭐ Feature: The Story of Starbucks Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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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203 - Preposition Party with Lucas 🎉 Everyday Verb + Preposition Pairs Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

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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202.2. Irregular Verbs with Bonnie and Clyde Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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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202 - Expression: A Shot in the Dark Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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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201 - When Life Gives You Lemons...🍋 (+10 Expressions) Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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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200 - Review of Season 4 Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

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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⭐ 5-Minute English: Fall in the United States Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

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:

Which is more common: fall or autumn?

The sounds, sights, tastes, and smells that define the season.

Cultural traditions like pumpkin patches, apple picking, football games, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

The meaning of fall foliage and why U.S. autumn leaves are so special.

Personal stories and memories that capture the cozy, nostalgic spirit of the season.

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

Fall in the U.S. is marked by vivid colors, comfort foods, and family traditions.

The season is more than dates on a calendar—it’s tied to the senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.

Shared experiences (like stepping on a crunchy leaf 🍂) remind us of the simple pleasures that unite people.

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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199 - 5 MORE Prepositions Advanced Speakers Get Wrong (with Lucas!) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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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198.2 - Irregular Verbs: The Survival Story of Hugh Glass Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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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