American English Podcast

Jaksot

• 
  219 - The Art of Small Talk in the U.S. 10.09.2026 32min

  🎯 Learn languages 1-on-1 with native teachers on italki.  Use code SHANA9 to get $5 off your first lesson 💻 Web:  ⁠⁠⁠https://go.italki.com/shana2609⁠⁠⁠   📱App: ⁠⁠⁠https://go.italki.com/shana2609app⁠ Small talk in the U.S. isn't always about exchanging real information. Sometimes, it's simply a small exchange that can make your day a little better—and over time, those interactions can help build real rapport. In this episode, you'll learn how Americans use small talk, how to start and keep a conversation going, and how to tell whether someone actually wants to keep talking. You'll also learn simple strategies to speak naturally, build confidence, and communicate in real life. #englishlearning #italki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  ⭐ Feature: Funny Chat with My Dad (+Superlatives!) 27.08.2026 31min

  ➡️ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Every month, I like to bring back one of my favorite episodes from the past, and this one is an oldie but a goodie. ❤️ Some longtime listeners might remember my dad, Joe. He first appeared on the podcast in Episode 43, when he talked about his experience living and working in Alaska, and again in Episode 44 to talk about driving in the U.S. After those episodes came out, so many of you told me how much you enjoyed listening to him, so naturally, I had to bring him back! In this conversation, my dad and I talk about some of the best, worst, biggest, smallest, and most memorable things in his life. It’s lighthearted, funny, and without us even trying, full of English idioms. That’s simply the way my dad talks! Since he speaks clearly and uses lots of everyday expressions, this is also a great episode for practicing how to understand idiomatic English from context. The main grammar focus is superlatives. What is a superlative? We use the superlative form to talk about the highest or lowest degree of something within a group. For example: Our tree in the front yard is the tallest in the neighborhood. There is no tree in the neighborhood taller than ours. Ours is the tallest. As you listen, pay attention to superlatives like the best, the worst, the biggest, the most beautiful, and the most difficult, and enjoy getting to know my dad a little better along the way. Want to take your learning further? ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  218.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with Dance Marathons 21.08.2026 29min

  The other day, I was staring at my list of common Irregular Verbs, trying to think of a lesson I could create with 10 of them. Immediately, I saw some potential! Swing -> Swung, Fling -> Flung , Slide -> Slid.  Somehow the clump of words I selected led me to one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard about U.S. culture and history: Dance Marathons of the 1930s. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and I hope you enjoy it! In part one, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to keep someone on their toes,” you’ll hear a joke, and you’ll work on your American English pronunciation! Check it out. ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  218 - Expression: To Keep Someone On Their Toes 13.08.2026 21min

  The other day, I was staring at my list of common Irregular Verbs, trying to think of a lesson I could create with 10 of them. Immediately, I saw some potential! Swing -> Swung, Broadcast -> Broadcast, Sleep -> Slept.  Somehow the clump of words I selected led me to one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard about U.S. culture and history: Dance Marathons of the 1930s and 1940s. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and from the discovery of this event, this two-part episode was born.  Don’t miss part 2! It’s coming next week. In part one, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to keep someone on their toes,” you’ll hear a joke, and you’ll work on your American English pronunciation! Enjoy. :) ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  217 - What Bugs You? Insects and Annoyances with Lucas 30.07.2026 35min

  Well, well, well. I never thought I’d make an entire episode about bugs and annoying things until Lucas was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets this week! It got me thinking, why do we say something "bugs" us? In this episode, Lucas joins me to talk about the everyday things that annoy us. You’ll learn natural ways to say that something bothers you, including to bug someone, get on someone’s nerves, and drive someone crazy. We’ll also cover the names of common insects in English, explore the difference between bite and sting, and hear the epic tale of how Lucas ended up with 14 stings. ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  ⭐ Feature: The Truth About Shark Attacks in U.S. Waters 16.07.2026 22min

  Every year when I go to the beach, I have the same thought: Are there sharks out there in that dark water? It's not an irrational fear. Years ago, a student at my university, Lucas Ransom, was surfing off the California coast when a great white shark attacked him. I didn't know him personally, but we went to the same school, and some of my closest friends were in his classes. I still remember walking into class the next morning and hearing the story from one of my professors. You just don't forget something like that. And maybe that's why sharks have always felt so real to me, and not just like mysterious creatures from a documentary. Is it safe to swim off the Pacific and Atlantic coast? Let's talk about it. After all, the timing is right! It's summer, and Shark Week kicks off on July 26 in the U.S. — Discovery Channel's 38th annual deep-dive into all things sharks. For one week, it feels like the whole country is talking about these creatures: their behavior, their migration patterns, and the (very small) odds of ever encountering one. :) Ready to keep building your English? ⭐ Try our Free 14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⭐ Or dive deeper — learn more about the Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  216 - Soccer Vocabulary and the Miracle Match 06.07.2026 27min

  While watching soccer matches in Brazil, I quickly realized I had no idea how to comment on a game in Portuguese. There were so many moments when I wanted to yell at the TV along with everyone else, but I needed an entire Portuguese lesson just to keep up! I figured the same thing might be happening to you guys in English. In Episode 216, you’ll learn how to comment on soccer matches in English using natural vocabulary, expressions, and phrases. You’ll also hear about one of the biggest and best upsets in U.S. World Cup history. :) ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  215 - Countries and Nationalities (Pronunciation and Quiz!) 30.06.2026 27min

  How do you say the names of countries and nationalities in American English? Is it Swiss or Switzerlanders? Spaniard or Spanish? Dutch or Netherlanders? In this episode, we'll practice the pronunciation of 48 World Cup countries that qualified this year, and along the way, you'll discover fun facts about each one. After every country, you'll be tested: What are the people who live there called? If you have an interesting fun fact about your country, tell me about it! :) I'd love to hear from you. ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  214 - Soccer in the United States (History, Stories, and More!) 18.06.2026 30min

  ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠ Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football? Why isn't it the most popular sport in the country? And do Americans actually care about the World Cup? In this episode, Shana explores the history of soccer in the United States, from youth leagues and soccer moms to Pelé, the 1994 World Cup, the rise of the U.S. Women's National Team, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and the growing popularity of the sport today. Along the way, she shares personal stories from growing up playing soccer in California and compares American soccer culture with what she's experiencing in Brazil during the 2026 World Cup.  Why Americans say soccer instead of football How soccer grew in popularity in the United States The role of Pelé, Beckham, Messi, and the U.S. Women's National Team What a soccer mom is Why soccer became one of the most popular youth sports in America How soccer culture in the U.S. differs from countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany Whether Americans really care about the World Cup Interesting soccer superstitions from Brazil Useful English expressions related to sports and competition ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  ⭐ Feature: The Sweet History of the American Doughnut (or Donut) 04.06.2026 29min

  ⭐ 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 for sweet treats, baking terms, and useful expressions like make a beeline for something and sweet tooth. By the end of the episode, you'll be able to describe the perfect doughnut in English—and you'll probably be craving one too. This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context. ⭐ Sign up to ⁠⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠⁠ to learn more with each lesson. ⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my ⁠14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge⁠. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  213 - Discover South Carolina with Lora 29.05.2026 46min

  What comes to mind when you think of South Carolina? Maybe it's Charleston's cobblestone streets, beautiful beaches, or Spanish moss hanging from ancient oak trees. But South Carolina has much more to offer than its coastline. In this episode, I sit down with Lora from The Mom's Guide to Hiking, an outdoor enthusiast and mom who loves exploring South Carolina's mountains, waterfalls, forests, and state parks with her family. Together, we talk about hiking with kids, staying safe on the trails, the benefits of spending time outdoors, and some of South Carolina's unique cultural traditions. Along the way, you'll learn about the Lowcountry, oyster roasts, college football rivalries, and why South Carolina offers such a surprising variety of landscapes. ⭐ Start improving your English today! Learn more about the Academy. ⭐ Take part in our Free 14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  212.2 - The Birth of Netflix and the Fall of Blockbuster 14.05.2026 27min

  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 - Business and technology - Internet culture and innovation - Common expressions and idioms You’ll also hear expressions and vocabulary like: - My jam - On the same page - Come to an agreement - Think outside the box - Jump on the bandwagon - Binge-watch - Late fees - Browse - Streaming - Subscription By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the story behind Netflix and Blockbuster, but you’ll also have new vocabulary and expressions to talk naturally about movies, technology, and change in everyday English conversations. This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context. Sign up to the Academy to learn more with each lesson. ⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  212 - Expression: To Think Outside the Box 07.05.2026 27min

  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 struggling cleaning product that became the toy Play-Doh A baker who invented the chocolate chip cookie Along the way, you’ll hear related expressions like break the mold, push the envelope, and go off the beaten path—all useful for talking about creativity and problem-solving. We’ll finish with a pronunciation exercise to help you sound more natural when speaking. ⭐ Get the full transcript, and all bonus material by signing up to Premium Content. Now available as part of  ⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠.  ⭐ ⁠Join the Free Slang and Expression Challenge⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  211 - Preposition Party 🎉 : 7 Everyday Word Pairs with Lucas 23.04.2026 30min

  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 Content. Now available as part of  ⁠the Academy⁠.  ⭐ Join the Free Slang and Expression Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  ⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: Springtime in the U.S. 10.04.2026 14min

  Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. It's free! In this 5-Minute English episode, we’re diving into springtime in the United States. From blooming flowers and unpredictable April weather to outdoor activities, seasonal foods, and cultural traditions, this episode is packed with useful language. You’ll hear a high concentration of vocabulary, expressions, and collocations related to: Weather and seasonal changes Plants, animals, and nature Outdoor activities and social life Spring foods like berries and stone fruits By the end of this episode, you’ll have the language you need to confidently talk about spring in real conversations with native speakers. This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally, one topic at a time. 💡 Tip: Listen actively. Grab a pen and write down new words, or follow along with the transcript inside the Academy for guided practice. ⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  210 - Quick Fix: Further vs. Farther 03.04.2026 14min

  Do you like this episode format? I've been thinking about doing a series of these "quick fixes" for word confusion, pronunciation, and grammar. That is, if you like the format. So please be honest! In the meantime, check out the Academy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  209 - Ghost Towns in the American West with Aubrey Carter 26.03.2026 36min

  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 topics we discuss in this podcast! Join the Academy. Together with guest Aubrey Carter, we dive into what it’s actually like to visit ghost towns today. From Virginia City and Nevada City in Montana to Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona and the famous Whaley House in California, we talk about real places you can explore—some of which are even said to be haunted. You’ll also learn how Americans talk about these places in everyday English. We explain expressions like “this place is a ghost town” and “this place is dead,” and clarify commonly confused words like salon vs. saloon. We also cover idioms like bite the dust and kick the bucket, including when it’s appropriate (and not appropriate!) to use them. Along the way, we explain vocabulary so you can build your English while learning about U.S. history and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  208 - How to Improve the Four Skills in English: Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing 19.03.2026 30min

  In this episode, we go back to the fundamentals of language learning:listening, reading, speaking, and writing. But here’s the key idea: You’ll learn faster when these skills overlap. Instead of practicing each skill separately, you’ll discover how to combine them so new vocabulary moves from something you recognize… to something you can actually use. Personalized 1-on-1 language lessons with native teachers on italki!  Buy $10 get $5 for free for your first lesson with code AMERICANPOD  👉 Book a lesson: https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603  📱 Get the app: https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603app What the episode covers: - Why comprehensible input (at your level) is essential - How many times you really need to see a word to remember it - Why simply listening or reading is not enough - The science behind retrieval practice (and why it works) - How to improve your speaking—even if you don’t live abroad - Why extensive reading builds vocabulary naturally - How writing helps you notice and fix your mistakes ⭐ ⁠⁠Want to take your learning further? Inside the Academy, you’ll find the full transcript and bonus learning materials designed to help you understand and use the English from this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  ⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: Cleaning 11.03.2026 21min

  In this 5-Minute English episode, you'll learn useful vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations related to cleaning your home. Through a short story, we follow someone tackling a messy apartment—from dirty dishes and clutter to sparkling floors. Along the way, you'll hear natural English used to describe common chores and household tasks. 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. ⚠️ This episode is a more advanced listening exercise, so don't worry if you don't understand every word the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• 
  207.2 - The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 04.03.2026 26min

  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 tank to fail, and how this disaster helped shape modern building inspections and safety codes. Along the way, I explain key vocabulary like seep, debris, dense, rivets, bootleg, and up to code — so you’ll build your English while learning about U.S. history and culture. ⭐ Get the full transcript, vocabulary list, quiz, and bonus lesson on the third conditional inside the Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices