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Actually English

Actually English

Jenna Gordon, certified in teaching English as a second language 16 episodes Latest May 27, 2026

Actually English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to sound like native speakers. Each episode analyzes real English from sources like Reddit, videos, blogs, and everyday conversations, breaking down slang, idioms, tone, and other aspects not covered in textbooks.

Episodes

EP18 English Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Explained Through a Story | Carlos Goes to Pride Jun 10, 2026 00:11:21 In this episode of Actually English, we continue following Carlos and Maya on their journey to learn real-world English through stories. This time, Carlos heads to a local Pride festival to work on his first big journalism assignment—and along the way, he encounters even more idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs used by native speakers.Instead of memorizing long vocabulary lists, you'll lear
EP17 Business English Idioms Explained Through a Realistic Office Story Jun 3, 2026 00:11:04 In this episode of Actually English, you'll follow Carlos, a journalist attending his first big meeting with his new boss. Carlos speaks excellent English, but there's one problem: his boss loves using workplace idioms.Luckily, his coworker Maya is there to help him understand expressions like:• Get the ball rolling• Dive in• Behind the eight ball• Cut through the noise• On it• Left and right• Mor
EP16 Either vs Neither Explained Clearly | English Grammar for Real Conversation May 27, 2026 00:14:35 In this English lesson, we break down one of the most confusing grammar topics for ESL learners in a simple and natural way. You’ll learn how native speakers actually use these expressions in real conversation.In this lesson, you’ll learn:✅ The basic difference between either and neither✅ How to agree with negative sentences naturally✅ “Me neither” vs “Neither do I” vs “I don’t either”✅ How to use
EP15 Wild Dogs, Broken Cars & Highway Chaos | Learn Real English Naturally May 20, 2026 00:19:41 Three women, two children, two dogs, broken-down cars, wild street dogs, tow ropes snapping on the highway, and hours stranded in the middle of nowhere… this story has everything.If you’re an advanced English learner, this episode will help you:• Improve your listening comprehension with real natural English• Learn advanced vocabulary through storytelling• Understand native expressions and casual
EP14 Native English Slang & Idioms Explained Through Reddit Stories May 13, 2026 00:14:10 Want to understand the REAL English native speakers use every day? In this episode of Actually English, we break down a viral Reddit “Am I the Asshole?” story to teach you natural English slang, idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions that English learners rarely hear in textbooks.You’ll learn expressions like:• stand your ground• cause a scene• come to terms with• hard pill to swallow• good egg• b
EP13 Learn REAL English Slang from Reddit | Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Native Speech May 6, 2026 00:19:16 Want to understand how native speakers actually talk? In this episode of Actually English, we break down real English slang, idioms, and phrasal verbs using a viral Reddit story.This lesson is perfect for advanced English learners (B2–C1+) who want to: Understand natural, fast English  Learn slang used in real conversations  Sound more like a native speaker  Improve listening and vocabulary throug
EP12 How to Actually Learn English in 2026 | Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking Apr 29, 2026 00:20:48 Want to improve your English fast in 2026? In this episode of Actually English, we break down the 4 essential skills you need to become fluent in English: reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and how to practice all of them from home.Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, this video gives you a simple daily study plan (just 40–60 minutes a day) to build real fluency. You&apos
EP11 | The Last Message Pt. 3 | 8 Emotional English Expressions You Need to Know Apr 22, 2026 00:19:59 Want to learn real English through stories instead of boring textbooks?In this episode of Actually English, you’ll improve your listening and vocabulary with a mystery story (Part 3: The Last Message) while learning 8 powerful emotional words and expressions used in real life.This podcast is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners (B1, B2, C1) who want to understand how English is ac
EP10 | The Last Message Pt. 2 |10 Emotional English Expressions You Need to Know Apr 15, 2026 00:17:32 Can you keep it together under pressure? In this episode of Actually English, we follow Elena as she races to find her missing friend Daniel — and you'll learn 10 powerful English expressions for intense emotions along the way. This is Part 2 of "The Last Message." Haven't heard Part 1? Go back to Episode 7! ✅ Expressions covered in this episode: 1. To send a chill down your sp
EP9 | The Woman Who Changed Running Forever Apr 8, 2026 00:17:49 Join me in this episode where we unpack the interesting life of Katherine Switer, the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon. We go over phrases and keywords that deal with emotion and perseverance. 
EP8 | How the Languages We Speak Shape the Way We Think Apr 1, 2026 00:17:06 In this episode, we break down a TED Talk from Lera Boroditsky. From how an Aboriginal community from Australia doesn't have the words "left" and "right", to how some languages avoid fault by only using passive voice, we touch on many aspects of how language shapes the way we see the world. 
EP7 The Last Message | Intermediate/advanced English listening | Suspense Story Mar 25, 2026 00:19:57 Part 1 of the suspense story, The Last Message. Follow us in this story while we listen to Helena after she finds a mysterious message from a coworker that leads to his disappearance. For intermediate to advanced learners. 

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