You may be wondering: What’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison? That was the first question I had when researching this topic. And the answer is—well, a lot. Despite being from the same family (Bovidae), bison and buffalo have different hair, different horn shapes, and different temperaments. Bison are known to be a little bit moody! So, which one lives in the United States? Technically, bison, but most native English speakers from the U.S. call the bison that roam here “buffalo.” In ...
Jun 26, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 192
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. Mentioned in this Episode This episode was sponsored by NordV...
Jun 19, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 192
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 bon...
Jun 13, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 191
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 C...
Jun 05, 2025•33 min
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 folkl...
May 29, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 190
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 G...
May 21, 2025•26 min
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! Mentioned in this Episode Season 4 Premium Content All Premium Content Seasons 1-3 (+ discount on Season 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 189
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 p...
May 09, 2025•41 min
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 tal...
Apr 30, 2025•37 min
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 sur...
Apr 23, 2025•31 min
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 ...
Apr 17, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 187
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 importanc...
Apr 09, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 186
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...
Apr 03, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 186
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...
Mar 27, 2025•32 min
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 th...
Mar 21, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 185
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. 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 ...
Mar 14, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 184
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! Mentioned in this Episode Season 4 All Premium Content (Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 05, 2025•25 min
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 cul...
Feb 27, 2025•41 min
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 f...
Feb 22, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 183
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 Mentioned in the episode English Coach 3Ts on YouTube Tanya's Website: English Co...
Feb 12, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 182
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 she...
Feb 05, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 181
In this episode, we introduce the phrase "to pull some strings", explaining its meaning, origins, and real-life usage. The phrase refers to using one's influence or connections to achieve something, much like a puppeteer manipulating a marionette. We provide several relatable examples to help you understand how to use the expression. In the second part of this episode, you'll learn about the Iditarod, Alaska's famous dog sled race. We dive into its history, inspired by the 1925 Serum Run to Nome...
Jan 30, 2025•26 min
Have you ever heard of someone swimming 110 miles without a shark cage? That’s exactly what endurance swimmer Diana Nyad accomplished when she crossed the treacherous waters from Cuba to Florida at 64 years old. This week, we dive into her incredible story—a journey of resilience, determination, and grit. From battling jellyfish stings and strong currents to enduring 53 hours in open water, Diana’s achievement proves that "the impossible is possible." In this episode, you'll not only hear Diana’...
Jan 22, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 180
Today, we’ll be diving into the expression "to keep one’s head above water." If you've ever felt like you're just barely managing to survive a tough situation, this idiom will resonate with you. As always, my goal is to teach you the English spoken in the U.S. through engaging stories, pronunciation tips, and cultural insights. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to use this phrase confidently in everyday conversations. Stay tuned, because in Part 2 next week, we’ll explore the inc...
Jan 15, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 180
In this episode, we explore hyperboles, dramatic and exaggerated figures of speech commonly used in American English. Shana and her mom, Mara, share everyday examples and discuss their meanings in a fun, relatable conversation. What's a hyperbole? Hyperboles are not meant to be taken literally. They emphasize a point or evoke strong feelings such as humor, drama, or enthusiasm. For example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." Everyday Hyperboles “I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot. T...
Jan 08, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 179
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our goals and aspirations—and for many, that means making (and hopefully keeping!) New Year’s resolutions. Today, we’re revisiting one of my favorite episodes: 157.2 - New Year’s Resolutions Statistics. While originally created with 2024 in mind, the insights and lessons are just as relevant as ever for 2025! In this episode, you’ll uncover fascinating statistics about popular resolutions in the United States, gain cultural insights, and—...
Jan 01, 2025•33 min
In this episode, we explore the fascinating legacy of the Vanderbilt family and their iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Discover how Cornelius Vanderbilt, "The Commodore," built a fortune through steamboats and railroads during the Industrial Revolution, leaving a lasting impact on American infrastructure, culture, and philanthropy. Together we'll take a tour of the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the U.S., featuring 250 rooms, stunning gardens designed by...
Dec 25, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 178
In this episode, we dive into the iconic idiom "Go Big or Go Home!" With a mix of humor, real-life examples, and a pronunciation exercise, you'll learn how to use this bold expression in everyday conversation. Whether you're making a big decision or simply going all-in, this idiom is perfect for describing those "go for it" moments. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll take you on a journey through the grand legacy of the Vanderbilts and explore the majestic Biltmore House—coming soon! /...
Dec 18, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 178
Today, we’re diving into an exciting and educational pronunciation practice where you’ll learn the names of all 50 U.S. state capitals! But we’re not stopping there—this lesson will also include one fun fact about each state, so you’ll walk away with the correct pronunciation and with a few fun tidbits to impress your friends. For this episode, we recommend shadowing. Shadowing is when you listen carefully to a word or phrase and immediately repeat it out loud, mimicking the speaker as closely a...
Dec 09, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 177
⭐ My annual BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS HAPPENING NOW! Sign up for Premium Content for a HUGE savings: ➡️ https://bit.ly/44822TQ In this episode, we’re taking a ride through the fascinating history of the Ferris wheel while learning some tricky irregular verbs along the way! Together, we’ll explore how this iconic amusement ride came to life as a bold attempt to rival the Eiffel Tower at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Practice the terms, hear them in a variety of contexts and then take a qui...
Nov 28, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 176
