American English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

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 website⁠⁠⁠for 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

186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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

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

185 - 5-Minute English: Cats and Dogs Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

184.2 - Wine Regions in the United States: A Virtual Tour with Key Vocabulary 🍇 Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

184 - Expression: Three Sheets To The Wind Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

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:

to slur
to stumble
to giggle
to black out
to have a hangover
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.

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

⭐ Feature: The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature") Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

183 - Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy? I'll go first. Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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

182 - Discover Nebraska with Tanya Jordening Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

181 - 5-Minute English: Yard Work (+ Gardening Tools) Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected