American English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

192 - Expression: To Stand One's Ground Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

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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191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

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!

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190.2 - The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian Culture May 29, 2025

Show notes

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
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190 - Expression: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire May 21, 2025

Show notes

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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189.2 - To Tip or Not to Tip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz May 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

189 - Do You Double Dip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz May 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

188 - 5-Minute English: Going to the Dentist (+ Orthodontist) Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

⭐ Feature: The Kentucky Derby Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

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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187 - 5 Essential Speaking Tips for English Learners Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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