The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/
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⭐ Want to start sounding more natural in English? Sign up to the Academy to learn more with each lesson. About this episode Why do doughnuts have holes? Who invented them? And how did they become one of America's most beloved treats? In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of the American doughnut, from its roots in ancient fried pastries and Dutch "olykoeks" to the rise of iconic brands like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin'. You'll also expand your vocabulary with descriptive words f...
Join Shana and Lora from The Mom's Guide to Hiking as they explore South Carolina's surprising natural variety, from Blue Ridge Mountains to coastal Lowcountry. They share essential tips for hiking with kids, including safety measures like bear spray and tick prevention, and discuss using apps like AllTrails for navigation. The conversation also delves into unique cultural traditions like oyster roasts and the fervent college football rivalries in the state.
In this episode, I’m taking you back to the 1990s and sharing what family movie nights were like growing up in suburban California. From browsing the aisles at Blockbuster with my family to ordering DVDs through Netflix for the very first time, we’ll explore how entertainment changed almost overnight and how Netflix completely transformed the movie industry. Along the way, you’ll learn lots of natural American English related to: - Movie nights and entertainment - Film and television vocabulary ...
What does it really mean to think outside the box ? In this episode, you’ll learn one of the most common expressions in American English, used to describe creativity, innovation, and doing things differently. We’ll break down the meaning, explore where the phrase comes from, and connect it to real-life situations. Then, we’ll dive into three fascinating stories of people who thought differently and changed the world: A coach who used a waffle iron to design a revolutionary running shoe A struggl...
Lucas and I are back for another Preposition Party! Today our conversation is going to based on common English collocations like famous for, similar to, suffer from, believe in, proud of, and recover from. Along the way, you'll hear many personal stories, and many cultural fun facts about the U.S., like how Roswell became a hub for alien enthusiasts, and why so many people suffer from seasonal allergies in the U.S. ⭐ Get the full transcript, and all bonus material by signing up to Premium Conten...
Dive into springtime in the U.S., from the unpredictable April weather and blooming flowers to exciting outdoor activities and delicious seasonal fruits. This episode provides essential vocabulary and expressions to confidently discuss spring with native speakers, highlighting various cultural perspectives and the unique linguistic approach of the Fluency Loop method.
Shana unravels the frequently misunderstood difference between "further" and "farther" through a personal anecdote about hiking with her daughters. She explains that "further" applies to abstract concepts like "more" or "additional," while "farther" is exclusively used for physical distance. The episode provides numerous examples and a quick quiz to ensure listeners confidently grasp when to use each word, making complex English grammar accessible and practical.
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of ghost towns in the United States—places where thousands of people once lived, worked, and searched for fortune… and then suddenly left behind. We begin in Coloma, California, where gold was discovered in 1848, sparking the famous Gold Rush. You’ll learn how towns like this quickly grew into busy communities filled with miners, shops, and saloons—and how just as quickly, they became completely empty when the gold ran out. ⭐ Speak about the topi...
This episode delves into enhancing English proficiency by integrating the four core skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It highlights the importance of comprehensible input, active retrieval practice, and dedicated output activities. Listeners will learn how combining these skills, rather than practicing them in isolation, can significantly boost vocabulary retention, grammar understanding, and overall fluency, providing practical tips and resources like iTalki for effective learning.
This episode teaches essential English vocabulary for discussing household cleaning through a narrative about tackling a very messy apartment. It covers everything from washing dishes and scrubbing floors to doing laundry and decluttering. Additionally, the host shares practical tips for cleaning with children and explores cultural perspectives on hiring professional housekeepers, including cost considerations.
In this episode, we explore the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, one of the strangest and most tragic disasters in U.S. history. On a cold January afternoon in Boston’s North End, a massive steel tank holding 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst, sending a deadly wave of syrup through the streets. You’ll learn what molasses was being used for, why shipments kept arriving after World War I, and how Prohibition played a surprising role in the story. We’ll walk step by step through what caused the ta...
In this engaging (and slightly sticky) episode, we explore the common American English idiom “to be in a sticky situation.” After a real-life kitchen disaster involving spilled honey, we break down what the expression means, where it comes from (it dates back over 200 years!), and how Americans actually use it in everyday conversation. You’ll hear relatable examples—from accidentally hitting “Reply All” at work to public mix-ups at the Academy Awards and even the New Coke decision by Coca-Cola. ...
In this playful and spontaneous episode, Liz and I play a fast-paced guessing game using common English portmanteaus—words created by blending two others together. From hangry and bromance to Spam and chillax , we break down their meanings, origins, and how Americans actually use them in conversation. Along the way, you’ll hear natural dialogue, cultural references, and plenty of examples to help these words stick. If you want to sound more natural in everyday American English, this one’s for yo...
In this cozy winter episode, Shana is snowed in with her daughters on the East Coast after a big snowstorm. While it looks like a magical winter wonderland outside, things feel a little chaotic inside the house. Then Julia, who's seven, decides she wants to be a guest on the podcast. Julia chooses a fun and unexpected topic: hair and hairstyles . Together, they talk about different types of hair, popular hairstyles, and even facial hair vocabulary — all in a relaxed, natural conversation. ⭐ Sign...
In this episode, Shana is joined by her husband Lucas for another fun Preposition Party. Together, they play a guessing game with common English prepositions while sharing personal stories about food, fears, parenting, moving, and unexpected passions. You’ll hear natural, real-life examples of expressions like look forward to, get used to, care about, to fall in love with and more. It’s a relaxed, conversational episode designed to help you build confidence and sound more natural in American Eng...
What if you woke up one day and couldn’t see or hear the world around you? In this episode of the American English Podcast, you’ll discover the incredible true story of Helen Keller — one of the most inspiring figures of the 20th century — and the teacher who changed her life, Anne Sullivan. As you follow Helen’s journey from silence to self-expression, you’ll learn 10 essential irregular verbs in the simple past tense, hear them used naturally in a powerful story, and reinforce them with clear ...
This episode delves into the American English expression "to see eye to eye," meaning to agree or share the same perspective. The host breaks down the phrase's components, explores its biblical origins, and provides various examples from U.S. history, pop culture, and personal life. Listeners also get pronunciation tips and a reminder that disagreement doesn't always lead to conflict.
This episode delves into the remarkable story of Starbucks, tracing its evolution from a single Seattle store selling coffee beans and spices to the worldwide coffeehouse phenomenon. It highlights the pivotal role of Alfred Peet in shaping early American coffee culture and Howard Schultz's vision for creating a 'third place' experience, inspired by Italian cafes. Discover the challenges of rapid expansion, the brand's recovery strategies, and the continuous evolution of its menu and iconic siren logo, alongside a personal reflection on its cultural impact.
Shauna and Lucas host another "Preposition Party," delving into everyday American English verb + preposition combinations such as "look forward to," "be good at," "prefer over," "listen to," and "get rid of." Through natural conversation, they provide examples, gentle corrections, and explanations to help intermediate learners confidently use these small but impactful words. The discussion aims to stop guessing and improve natural speech patterns.
The American English Podcast explores the true story of Bonnie and Clyde, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. It examines how economic hardship led to a rise in crime and how media transformed these outlaws into legends, often viewed through a "Robin Hood" lens. The episode also serves as an English lesson, packed with irregular verbs, and concludes with fascinating cultural facts about the notorious couple and their lasting legacy in pop culture.
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 te...
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 lo...
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; i...
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...
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...
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). Discov...
Have you ever succeeded when no one thought you could? That’s what it means to do something against all odds . In today’s episode, Shana begins with a bear story from her front yard in Asheville (yes, one even climbed into her car!), then moves into a lighthearted pun about “bare feet.” From there, you’ll dive deep into the expression against all odds . You’ll learn its meaning, history, and how to use it naturally in daily conversation. Shana shares incredible real-life examples: the Donner Par...
Think you’ve mastered English prepositions? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my husband Lucas (an advanced English speaker) to tackle 5 prepositions even fluent speakers still get wrong . We’ll cover: ✅ Invest ____ ✅ Be interested ____ ✅ Participate ____ / Take part ____ ✅ Spend money ____ ✅ Depend ____ / Rely ____ And a few more that came UP naturally in conversation. Can you find them? You’ll hear real-life examples, fun U.S. culture facts, and some entertaining stories. This is j...
In today's episode, you’ll hear the incredible story of a man named Larry Walters, or "Lawn Chair" Larry, who bought over 40 weather balloons, attached them to a lawn chair in his backyard and flew 16,000 feet up in the air. The story is weird and funny, and it gives way to a larger discussion about “Cluster Ballooning.” I’ll explain challenging words and phrases as I go along! ***** Premium Content: This episode is part of By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full ep...
In this wild episode, we dive deep into the Burmese python invasion in Florida’s Everglades, which is one of the most unexpected and dramatic ecological crises in U.S. history. It all started with exotic pet owners, relaxed laws in the '80s and '90s, and one catastrophic storm: Hurricane Andrew. From there, things spiraled. Thousands of snakes were released, some intentionally, others by accident, and they found paradise in the Everglades. Warm weather, endless food, no predators? That’s a snake...
