American English Podcast
Shana Thompson 266 episodes Nov 5, 2026
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/
Episodes
224 - Expression: To Hit the Road
"Well, it's getting late. We should probably hit the road." You'll hear Americans say this at the end of almost every dinner party, but it doesn't always mean they're leaving right now.
In this Expression Episode, you'll learn what "to hit the road" means, where it comes from, and the one way to use it that's actually a little rude (thanks to a very famous Ray Charles song). Then you'll hear i
223 - Itchy Feet: 10 Travel Expressions & My First Trip in Years
After seven years of being glued to my kids, I finally packed a bag and took a trip on my own. In this Chat with Shana episode, I take you back to my backpacking days in Europe: hostels, grocery store picnics, and one very loud night in Amsterdam. Then I tell you about my recent trip to Ireland and Tenerife, where I stepped way out of my comfort zone.
Along the way, you’ll learn 10 common America
222 - "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe (Halloween Special)
📖 Need help following along? Read the transcript + vocabulary explanations while you listen!
In this episode, we're diving into the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most famous writers in the U.S.
First, I'll introduce you to Gothic literature, a genre known for its eerie settings, suspense, and supernatural elements. We'll explore what makes Poe's storytel
⭐ Feature: 13 Common Superstitions and Their Origins
We live in a day and age that is driven by science and technology, yet people are still superstitious. According to a study I read by YouGov, 9% of Americans claim to be superstitious, while another 35% admit to not being very superstitious, but somewhat. That makes over 40% of individuals in the United States somewhat superstitious.
So what does it mean to be superstitious?
According to Cambri
221 - Firsts with Elise
Have you ever noticed how many of your best stories begin with, “The first time I…”?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Elise to talk all about firsts—first jobs, first driving experiences, first adventures, and those moments when you try something completely new and have no idea what to expect.
Elise has had a particularly interesting path. She went to culinary school in France, w
220 - What’s on Your Bucket List? With My Mom
➡️ Start improving your English today! Learn more about the Academy.
What’s on your bucket list? ✨
In this episode, I sit down with my mom, Mara, to talk about some of the things she’d still love to do, see, and experience in her lifetime.
We talk about her dream of spending a month somewhere in Europe, living in a fisherman’s shack in Cornwall, building tiny houses near a lake, visiting t
219 - The Art of Small Talk in the U.S.
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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, tho
⭐ Feature: Funny Chat with My Dad (+Superlatives!)
➡️ 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
218.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with Dance Marathons
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
218 - Expression: To Keep Someone On Their Toes
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. Imagi
217 - What Bugs You? Insects and Annoyances with Lucas
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 s
⭐ Feature: The Truth About Shark Attacks in U.S. Waters
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 w
216 - Soccer Vocabulary and the Miracle Match
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
215 - Countries and Nationalities (Pronunciation and Quiz!)
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:&nb
214 - Soccer in the United States (History, Stories, and More!)
⭐ 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
⭐ Feature: The Sweet History of the American Doughnut (or Donut)
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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
213 - Discover South Carolina with Lora
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, an
212.2 - The Birth of Netflix and the Fall of Blockbuster
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 na
212 - Expression: To Think Outside the Box
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 a
211 - Preposition Party 🎉 : 7 Everyday Word Pairs with Lucas
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 a
⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: Springtime in the U.S.
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:
210 - Quick Fix: Further vs. Farther
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!
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209 - Ghost Towns in the American West with Aubrey Carter
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 saloon
208 - How to Improve the Four Skills in English: Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing
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 n
⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: Cleaning
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 websi
207.2 - The Great Molasses Flood of 1919
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
207 - Expression: In a Sticky Situation
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 “Rep
⭐ Feature: Hangry, Bromance & Spam: Everyday Portmanteaus with Liz!
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 t
206 - Let's Talk about Hair! (with Julia)
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,
205 - Preposition Party with Lucas 🎉 Love, Caring, Passions & Worries
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 relaxe
204.2 - Irregular Verbs with Helen Keller
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
204: Expression: To See Eye to Eye
In this episode of the American English Podcast, we explore the meaning and usage of the common English expression to see eye to eye. Along the way, you’ll learn vocabulary related to sight, wordplay, disagreement, and perspective—plus hear a classic (and slightly corny) dad joke.
A quick heads up about the next episode on Helen Keller
A dad joke featuring eyeballs, puns, and eye-rolli
⭐ Feature: The Story of Starbucks
You know Starbucks, right? The coffee company? Born in Seattle, Washington and brewed around the world? I bet you do; they have over 40 thousand stores in over 80 countries.
In today's episode, we're going to talk about how it came to be.
Why is it called Starbucks?
Who's that woman on their cups?
What's the story?
There are a lot of Starbucks haters and a lot of lovers out there, b
203 - Preposition Party with Lucas 🎉 Everyday Verb + Preposition Pairs
In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Lucas, for another Preposition Party—a casual, conversation-based way to learn common verb + preposition combinations in American English.
You’ll hear natural examples of everyday phrases like look forward to, be good at, prefer … over, listen to, and get rid of, along with gentle corrections and explanations that help these patterns stick.
This episode
202.2. Irregular Verbs with Bonnie and Clyde
Who doesn’t love a good crime story from the 1930s?
Add romance, fast cars, and a nation in chaos… and you’ve got Bonnie and Clyde.
In this episode, I share a simplified, learner-friendly version of their true story—set during the Great Depression—and pack it with irregular verbs.
You’ll hear how newspapers turned two criminals into legends, why the public sympathized with them, and how their
202 - Expression: A Shot in the Dark
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 a
201 - When Life Gives You Lemons...🍋 (+10 Expressions)
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
200 - Review of Season 4
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
⭐ 5-Minute English: Fall in the United States
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 traditi
199 - 5 MORE Prepositions Advanced Speakers Get Wrong (with Lucas!)
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.
👉 P
198.2 - Irregular Verbs: The Survival Story of Hugh Glass
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 1
198 - Expression: Against All Odds
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
197 - 5 Prepositions Advanced Speakers Still Get Wrong (with Lucas!)
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?
⭐ Feature: The Incredible Flight of "Lawn Chair" Larry
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 Cont
196.2 - Invasion of Burmese Pythons in South Florida
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
196 - Expression: To Have a Hissy Fit
Ever heard someone say, “Don’t have a hissy fit”? In this episode, we break down this funny, very Southern expression that describes a dramatic overreaction (think tantrum, or an overreaction). You’ll hear real-life examples—from picky eaters at restaurants to Wi‑Fi meltdowns—and find out how “hissy fit” made its way into American English.
Want to take your learning further?
⭐ Visit the we
195 - The Goose & The Golden Egg (+10 Advanced Adjectives)
Yesterday at the library with my girls, a lightbulb went off in my head 💡—fables aren’t just great for kids... they’re perfect for English learners too!
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into one of Aesop’s most famous tales: The Goose & The Golden Egg (or The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs). 🪿✨ It’s short, memorable, and it teaches a timeless lesson about greed—a perfect jumping-off point
194 - Discover Iowa with Bethany
Ever wondered what life is like in the middle of the U.S.? Tune in to this week’s episode with Bethany Anderson and discover tornado drills, taco pizza, sweet corn, Amish visits, and small towns bursting with culture. You’ll get fun expressions, new vocab, and a fresh view of Iowa you won’t find on any map! 🌟
About Our Guest
Bethany Anderson grew up in Iowa and she currently lives in the town
⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: A Day at the Beach
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.
In this immersive summer episode, you'll escape to the sun-drenched shores of an American beach and soak up advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations—all beach-themed and delivered in under 10 minutes (ish 😉).
You'll need to use your imagina
193 - Sharks, Swamps, and Sweet Tea: Our Wild Trip to South Carolina
In this casual Chats with Shana episode, I’m taking you along on our sweaty summer trip to Charleston, South Carolina. 🌴
You’ll hear about:
Milo’s first vacation (spoiler: he’s a sand-digging pro)
Dining outside in 95° heat… while swatting a swarm of flies
Why Folly Beach is a top spot for shark attacks—and why we still went
A surprise encounter with a horseshoe crab under
192.2 - American Bison (or Buffalo!)
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? Technicall
192 - Expression: To Stand One's Ground
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 animal
191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave
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 t
⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz
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 o
190.2 - The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian Culture
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 ep
190 - Expression: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire
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
189.2 - To Tip or Not to Tip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
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!
Want to take your learning further?
⭐ Visit the website for more learning materials. You’ll also find the A
189 - Do You Double Dip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
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 question
188 - 5-Minute English: Going to the Dentist (+ Orthodontist)
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 vocabul
⭐ Feature: The Kentucky Derby
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 ev
187 - 5 Essential Speaking Tips for English Learners
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
186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place
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 e
186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear
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, w
⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time
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 ba
185 - 5-Minute English: Cats and Dogs
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 ani
184.2 - Wine Regions in the United States: A Virtual Tour with Key Vocabulary 🍇
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 confide
184 - Expression: Three Sheets To The Wind
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 you
⭐ Feature: The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature")
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. So
183 - Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy? I'll go first.
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, a
182 - Discover Nebraska with Tanya Jordening
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.co
181 - 5-Minute English: Yard Work (+ Gardening Tools)
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 ar
⭐ Feature: To Pull Some Strings / The Great Iditarod
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 Idit
180.2 - Swimming from Cuba to Florida: Irregular Verb Story with Diana Nyad
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’
180 - Expression: To Keep One's Head Above Water
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 phras
179 - What's a Hyperbole? Examples and a Fun Conversation with Mara
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: "
⭐ Feature: New Year's Resolution Statistics (Episode 157.2)
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 unco
178.2 - The Vanderbilts and the Biltmore Estate
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
178 - Expression: Go Big or Go Home
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 jo
177 - Pronunciation: The 50 U.S. State Capitals
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 list
176.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Ferris Wheel
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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 Columb
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