Charm English Pod
Charm English Pod is hosted by Maggie and helps listeners practice English listening with natural but slightly clearer spoken English. The show includes full-length live classes where Maggie teaches on a topic and shares tips for improving English. Listeners can also follow her on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for more practice.
Episodes
Phrasal verbs with UP - Uses of UP
To join a small group speaking class with me, visit my website to sign up! charmenglish.clPhrasal verbs with UP ⬆️ Movement: stand up, pick up, come up📈 Increase: speed up, heat up, build up, ramp up✨ Improve: dress up, glow up, cheer up, jazz up✅ Complete: fill up, eat up, use up, clean up, wrap up👀 Appear: show up, turn up, pop up💡 Create: come up with, think up, dream up, cook up🏃 Close a gap:
Learn Phrasal Verbs Through Images | Go Through, Get Over, Clear Up...
Week 2 of our phrasal verb series! Last Saturday we covered phrasal verbs for physical movement. This week we're taking those same ideas and connecting them to metaphors, because pairing an image with a phrasal verb makes it so much easier to remember (there's actual research behind this too).We go through: go through, get over, clear up, burn out, hold back, wrap up, branch out, and sink
Phrasal Verbs for Movement | Understanding Up, Down, In, Out, Around, Into & More
In this live English class, we’re looking at phrasal verbs for movement and the literal meaning behind the particles.We’ll look at expressions like:• go up / go down• come up to someone• walk down the street• walk along the river• walk around the city• wander around / wander off• sneak in / sneak out• storm out• barge in• step out• walk across / walk past• go through / go under• come back / get ba
Relative clauses! (Grammar deep dive: Defining and non-defining)
This class was all about relative clauses!"My sister who lives in Canada is a doctor" vs. "my sister, who lives in Canada, is a doctor." Same words, different meaning!In this live class we go through defining and non-defining relative clauses: when to use commas, when you can drop "who/which/that" completely, and why "that" never shows up with commas. Lots o
Second conditional (If I were/ If I had / If I didn't)
Interested in taking a class with me? Group classes available at www.charmenglish.clToday's class was all about conditionals — specifically the part everyone gets stuck on, the if + past tense bit. I had students answer questions like "what would make you quit your job on the spot" and "in what situation would you eat a spider," and got some genuinely great answers!We also got into was vs. were an
Personality vocabulary and Zodiac signs in English!
In this live class, we go through several zodiac signs and read their personality descriptions: strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Along the way we stop on vocabulary that comes up: bucolic, insatiable, aloof, condescending, martyr, altruistic, and more, plus a few idioms like "to a T," "my way or the highway," and the phrasal verb "come across as."Adjectives
Talking about LIFE MILESTONES 📚🏡🎓💍👶🏻🤰
In this episode, I talk about life milestones and the language we use to describe the big steps and changes in our lives, from getting into university and landing your first job to falling in love, getting married, moving out, and becoming independent.We’ll look at useful expressions like get your foot in the door, learn the ropes, find your feet, work your way up, hit it off, ask someone out, tur
6 Phrasal Verbs About Trends (Catch On, Sell Out, Water Down & More) + Live Q&A
This one started with a leak in my apartment and a new vocab word (caulking gun, if you're curious) before we got into the actual lesson — phrasal verbs about trends: catch on, sell out, opt out, fit in, stand out, water down. Real examples, live chat questions, the usual tangents.Also covered: podcast recs by level, fluency vs. precision, why grammar clicks once you've had enough exposure to it,
Sports Idioms in English: Move the Goalposts, Drop the Ball, and More ⚽🥊
Even if you don't follow sports, you've probably used a sports idiom without realizing it. In this episode, I break down common English idioms that come from soccer, boxing, baseball, American football, and horse racing — and show how they're used way beyond the field, court, or ring.We cover:Move the goalposts – changing the rules or expectations after something's already startedDrop the ball – m
Describing FOOD in English 🍕 | Food Vocabulary, Textures & Flavors
Learn English vocabulary for describing food! In this lesson, we cover an extensive vocabulary list for talking about taste and texture of food (both pleasant and upleasant.)📚 VOCABULARY COVERED:Basic Taste Descriptors:Sweet, Sour, Spicy, Salty, BitterDelicious, Yummy, Tasty, Bland, TastelessRich & Heavy Foods:Rich (NOT the same as "rico" in Spanish)Cloying / Sickly SweetHeavy, Calor
When You MESS UP: English Phrases for Problems & Solutions
In this class, we break down all the ways English speakers talk about mistakes, failures, and obstacles with real examples you can actually use.Learn these phrases:✓ Drop the ball✓ Snowball✓ Out of hand✓ In a pickle✓ Hit a snag✓ At fault vs. guilty✓ And morePlus: My microphone has its own problems (and it accidentally becomes a techno remix 😅)Perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound mor
Time phrases in English!
In this live English class, we explore a variety of time-related expressions to help you sound more natural and precise in conversation. We start with different ways to say “I’m late,” including phrases like running late, behind schedule, cutting it close, and racing against the clock, along with related expressions such as setbacks and holdups. Then we look at the opposite—how to talk about being
Interview with Vitoria Tamarindo! (part 2)
In this episode, I’m joined again by Vitória Tamarindo, an English teacher from Brazil! If you missed Part 1, make sure to check it out first. You can follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/teachervitoriatamarindo/In Part 2, we get into practical strategies for learning English, from how to make the most of just 15 minutes a day to finding the right balance between comfort and challenge. We al
Stargirl Chapters 1-5 (English Audiobook)
Listen to Chapters 1-5 before this one! Practice your listening with this audiobook reading of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a coming-of-age story about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who starts high school in Mica, Arizona and immediately stands out from everyone else. Her quirky behavior surprises her classmates at first, but little by little, they begin to warm up to her.
Stargirl Chapters 1-5 (English Audiobook)
Practice your listening with this audiobook reading of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a coming-of-age story about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who starts high school in Mica, Arizona and immediately stands out from everyone else. Her quirky behavior surprises her classmates at first, but little by little, they begin to warm up to her.Leave a comment if you would like the next chapters!
Past subjunctive: I wish... if only... it's time... I'd rather
Today’s live class is all about the subjunctive in English: how we use past verb forms to talk about wishes, regrets, preferences, and unreal or hypothetical situations. I break down key phrases like it’s time, I wish, if only, I’d rather, and as if/as though, and look at how they actually work in real conversations. You’ll see the difference between present vs past wishes, common mistakes (like w
Interview with Vitoria Tamarindo! (part 1)
In this episode, I’m joined by Vitória Tamarindo, an English teacher from Brazil! You can follow her here: @teachervitoriatamarindo https://www.instagram.com/teachervitoriatamarindo/We talk about all sorts of things from where we live and life changes, to hobbies, her backgrounds in English, the role of music and pop culture in language acquisition, and the specific methodologies we use in our onl
Using Every English Tense in Real Life
"Why am I learning this?" If you’ve ever asked that while staring at a grammar chart, this video is for you.Most intermediate and advanced English learners know how to conjugate verbs, but they struggle to use them in real conversations. In this episode, we’re moving away from the textbook and into the real world. I’m walking you through all the major English tenses with practical, funny, and slig
Q&A: Confidence, Noticing Tips, and the Perfect Tenses
Are you stuck on the intermediate plateau, or struggling to keep up with fast-talking native speakers? In this episode, I break down the mindset shifts and practical tools needed to move toward advanced English fluency. In this episode, we cover:Grammar as a Functional Tool: Why we use the Present Perfect for "catching up" and how the Past Perfect acts as the "past of the past."
What's a Phrasal Verb? - Part 1
Check out my website at charmenglish.app :)In this episode, I break down one of the most confusing parts of English: phrasal verbs. Why does bring up mean “mention”? What does hang out have to do with hanging?I explain why phrasal verbs feel so random (and why they actually do have a bit of logic to them), why avoiding them can hold you back, and how they add nuance and naturalness to your English
ENGLISH LISTENING: Phrasal Verbs: (shy away from, cool off, dry up, etc.)
Sign up for B1 and B2 speaking-focused English classes at charmenglish.app :)In this English lesson, I explain several common phrasal verbs in English and how the small particles in phrasal verbs (off, out, up, over) change the meaning. Phrasal verbs are extremely common in everyday English, but they can be confusing for English learners because small words can completely change the meaning of the
Yes, We’re Talking About Farts: Awkward English Vocabulary Explained
Want to join me in a small group class to practice your English? Sign up here! https://CharmEnglish.appIn this live English class, we talk about awkward but very important vocabulary that many English learners never study: bodily functions. These are words people often feel embarrassed to ask about, but they come up in everyday life more often than you think.In this lesson, you’ll learn natural, c
She CLAIMED to have the best English! (reporting verbs! deny, refuse, accuse, etc. + gerund/infinitive practice)
In this live class, I taught reporting verbs, not just reported speech, but the verbs we use to explain what someone said. These verbs are especially useful in storytelling, conversations, and news contexts.We started with verbs followed by the to-infinitive when the subject does not change, such as agree, demand, offer, promise, refuse, threaten, and claim. For example, “He agreed to come” or “Sh
Man-Eating or Man Eating? Compound Adjectives Explained
In this episode, I talk about how small details in English—like hyphens—can completely change the meaning of a sentence. We look at examples like man-eating vs man eating, and I explain how compound adjectives work in everyday English.I also go over:• When to use hyphens before a noun• Why we say a seven-day trip but the trip is seven days long• Common compounds like see-through, well-made, stress
Talking about emotional reactions, learning English, and more! (Shadow me!)
I left the pauses in this audio so it's easier to use if you want to imitate me or shadow!For english classes sign up here! https://charmenglish.app/We covered a variety of topics, including vocabulary related to reactions in English, the challenges of learning Spanish for English speakers, and the importance of cultural immersion in language learning. I also share personal updates, such as upcomi
English Listening! Reddit posts, Relationships, Phrasal verbs, and chatting
We read reddit posts from Am I the A-hole, talked about icks and relationships, phrasal verbs, and more!
My favorite phrases for conversation: I'm on the fence, it slipped my mind, it's a game-changer
We go over some of my favorite conversaitonal phrases that you can use in your personal life or at work!
English practice: Describing photos + Q&A
In this English class we practice using phrases for analyzing pictures taken in 2026, from this BBC article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250905-the-most-striking-images-of-2025The phrases wee practiced were:It captures…The photographer manages to highlight…What stands out is…You can clearly see…It looks as though…It might have been taken…Judging by the lighting…I get the impression that…
🎄Vocabulary 🎄Holiday sensory adjectives (taste, smell, atmosphere)
Practice these specific sensory adjectives to get better at describing your holiday celebrations in English! Words in this episode:Savoryhaving a salty or rich taste, not sweetcheesepizzasoupFestivefun and happy, like a celebration or holidayChristmas lightsballoonsparty decorationsRusticsimple and natural, often from the countrysidea wooden tablea small country houseclay platesVelvetyvery soft an
8 minute meditation: Why not now by Alan Watts
This is a meditation from Alan Watts' 1969 album, "Why Not Now: Dhyana, The Art of Meditation"
How to order a coffee, learning tips, and mixed conditionals. (Answering your questions)
I answer your questions about how to order a coffee, how to get better at speaking and listening to fast speech, and how to form mixed conditionals.
Unexpected opportunities (despite, even though, idioms and proverbs)
In this class we talk about when things going wrong can turn into opportunities!The class includes plenty of phrases like "look on the bright side", "rejection can be redirection" and "hindsight is 20/20".We also have a lot of practice with the connectors of concession, despite/ although/ even though.You can check out my website at charmenglish.cl
Thanksgiving: US culture, phrases & listening practice
In this episode I tell you everything you need to know to have a proper uncerstanding of the context of this US holiday. We unpack Thanksgiving: history, traditions, and perspectives often left out. I discuss the common Thanksgiving origin story that you might have been told or seen on TV. I trace the real historical origins to modern celebrations, including Friendsgiving, the turkey pardon, Black
WATER phrases in English
Group classes at www.charmenglish.clIn this episode, we talk about how water shapes our daily lives, from water consumption habits to global challenges like droughts and floods.. We talk about potable water and contaminated water.Most of the class focuses on common English idioms related to water, like to be a fish out of water or "sink or swim". Key TakeawaysA reminder that “water” is a
In love? On love?: Phrases with AT, IN & ON
Sign up for classes here: charmenglish.clIn this episode, we dive into how to use the prepositions at, in, and on inside common English idioms. I walk you through practical examples, song references, and clear explanations so you can understand these expressions and use them confidently in real conversations. Perfect for learners who want to sound more natural and fluent.You'll learn:How at /
Spooky Short Stories! (Reading stories written by students)
In this episode, I announce the winners of our Spooky Story Contest and read the top three horror stories written by English learners! Each story brings something special — suspense, emotion, and creativity — and we explore what makes them so engaging.In this episode I read: the runner-up “The Mystery Story" by Akko, the chilling second-place entry, "My first night by myself at home" by Joao, and
Check-in, takeaway, breakup: Compound nouns made from phrasal verbs
charmenglish.clIn this episode we unpack how phrasal verbs turn into compound nouns. You will hear clear examples like takeover, breakdown, check-in, follow-up, and meetup, plus easy spelling tips and simple pronunciation rules to help your English sound more natural. Whether you use English at work, in social situations, or when making decisions, these words are everywhere. Listen for practice id
Playing or to play?: Verbs That Take Gerunds or Infinitives
Sign up for a class at charmenglish.clIn this episode I break down one of the trickiest parts of English grammar: verbs that take gerunds vs infinitives. We cover common patterns, mental-process verbs (think, imagine, recall), verbs of intention (intend, plan), and verbs that accept both forms with little change in meaning. Expect real-life examples, practical chunks you can use in conversation,
Talking about animals with Stacey: animal control & surprising facts
To watch on YouTube go to: https://youtu.be/TnxcbEHsdosI chat with my sister Stacey about what it is really like to work in animal control. Stacey shares field stories, the kinds of calls she gets, and the choices officers make when balancing animal welfare and community needs. Along the way we focus on language that learners can use in real life. You will hear natural vocabulary and phrases, pron
Q&A Session: Tips for learning, causative verbs, past participles, vowel pronunciation, and more!
In this live Q&A I answer student questions about casual speaking, speaking and learning tips, verb tenses (past perfect and the past participle,) causative verbs, pronunciation difficulties, and small language nuances like the difference between “shade” and “shadow.” I give many examples, correction tips, and practice suggestions you can use right away. Suitable for B1–B2 learners who want pr
Life mottos & idioms: Done is better than perfect
In this episode, I explore sayings and life mottos that we live by. We dig into procrastination, motivation, and how social media shapes our views of other people’s lives. Along the way I share language tips for learners, cultural expressions you can use today, and simple mindset shifts that make action easier.What you’ll get from this episodeLife mottos that can guide you and your lifestyleIdioms
How to Talk About Possibility and Probability in English
In this episode, I break down how to use modals of possibility like may, might, and could in real-life English conversations. We also talk about phrasal verbs and idioms that help you sound more fluent and express uncertainty naturally — phrases like turn out, end up, and up in the air.If you’re trying to speak English with more confidence, this lesson will help you understand how to talk about od
Health vocabulary you need to know
We talk about so much everyday health vocabulary, from sneezing and tissues and Kleenex, to symptoms, to phrasal verbs like pass out versus pass away. This is a great episode for anyone wanting to work on their listening skills and useful vocabulary!
Interview with Emily: English dialects & life in Scotland
In this episode I sit down with Emily, my sister!We talk about different varieties and dialects of English like AAVE, Scottish vs US English, and Polari. She also shares her experiences moving to Scotland and studying a Master's in teaching English. We talk about her experiences learning several languages and what's worked for her. This is a fast-paced episode with so much great info!If yo
Phrases with AS
In this episode, we take a closer look at the word “as” and all the different ways it’s used in everyday English. You’ll hear common phrases like as soon as possible, as opposed to, as for, as far as, and more. We’ll also go over how “as” works in equative comparisons (I’m as tall as him), to show reason (As it was raining, we stayed inside), and as a time marker (I was looking outside as the bird
Pronunciation PART 1 (voiced and unvoiced sounds, flap T, R)
In this class we have so many tongue twisters and other tips and tricks for you to practice your pronunciation!I show different vibrating sounds like S versus Z, TH, and B versus V. We also talk about the flap T, which is when a T between two vowels sounds more like a D, and the US English R sound. Listen and say the tongue twisters along with me!
Cooking vocabulary (boil, roast, sauté...)
This episode is all about spicing up your English with some kitchen and cooking vocab. We’re talking all the action words you need—slice, chop, mince, blend—so you can be more specific when telling people about foods from your country. Plus, we’ll hit the cooking methods: grill it, boil it, roast it, you name it.Then we’ll put it all into practice, walking through how to make dishes step-by-step s
Conversation with Will Chirinos (learning English, drawing, teaching journey)
In this very special interview episode, I sit down with Will, a fellow ESL teacher and online content creator from Venezuela, living in Colombia. We talk about his own journey learning English and eventually becoming a teacher, and he shares what worked for him. Along the way, we also dive into the challenges of mastering English, hear about his hobbies, and even sing a little bit, as to be expect
Talking about cats
In this episode we talk about cats, your thoughts on cats, why we love or don't love them, etc. Then we practiced using cat-related idioms, in particular ones used in the REAL WORLD (I'm an advocate of teaching students idioms that they might actually see and find useful, since there are so many of them out there, it's good to prioritize.) And finally we had some hypothetical questions like what w
Job interview tips & questions
Hello! Here are my top tips for job interviews and how to answer several common questions. We go over how to answer "tell me about yourself" using the past, present, and future. We practice the STAR method for sharing situations when asked behavioral questions (situation, task, action, result.)We also talk about tough questions like what is your biggest weakness? and why should we hire you?I hope
Derivational forms, prefixes, suffixes
In this episode, we talk about derivational forms —words that are created by adding prefixes or suffixes to a base word (also called a root). These added parts can change the meaning of the word or its grammatical category (like turning a verb into a noun or an adjective into an adverb).For example:From the verb teach, we get the noun teacher.From the adjective happy, we get the noun happiness.Fro
Connected speech!
In this episode we explore the topic of connected speech. Learning about this will help you so much with your listening, when people speak quickly!We tend to connect words when a word ends in a consonant and the next word starts in a vowel (Put it - putit). Also, when one word ends in a vowel and the next word starts in a vowel. In some cases we add a W or Y sound (I agree - iyagree, go out - gowo
Present Perfect
In this class we talk about the present perfect tense and when to use it, practically in conversations! We also compare the simple past to the present perfect and discuss when to use each one. The present perfect is used for unspecified events in the past as well as events that started in the past and continue now.
Phrasal verbs with double meanings
Here's a strategy that will help you learn phrasal verbs more effectively: learn phrasal verbs that have double meanings, both literal and figurative. It's usually easier for us to remember literal and concrete actions, so by connecting figuritive uses to literal ones, it can serve as a memory trick.
Adjective Order
🎙️ Adjective Order in English: Why We Say "Big Beautiful Desk" (Not the Other Way Around!)Okay, so here’s something kinda weird about English—when we use a bunch of adjectives before a noun, there’s actually a pretty specific order that sounds right… even if we don’t realize it! 😅Linguists have noticed a pattern, and it goes like this:Opinion – Size – Age – Shape – Color – Origin – Material – Purp
2nd conditional: What would you do?
🎙️ Episode: Talking about Hypotheticals with the Second ConditionalIn this lesson, I break down a powerful structure for expressing your opinions and desires: the second conditional. By the end of the episode, you’ll know exactly how and when to use “if + past tense… would + base verb” to talk about unreal, imagined, or unlikely situations.Use it to…📌Express wishes & dreams: “If I knew how to
Reported speech + Q&A: "But you said you were a billionaire!"
Live class about reported speech plus a Q&A for the last 30 minutes where you asked me about conditionals, anxiety, pronunciation, and more!Tips for reported speech:📌you don’t have to include “that”, I do when I feel it’s needed for more clarity, maybe in writing when I have a long sentence, but in speaking it’s often omitted “she said ((that)) she enjoyed learning languages”📌when reporting so
GERUNDS - ING verbs
In this episode, we explore the power of gerunds in English—those versatile “-ing” forms that function like nouns. You’ll learn which trigger words demand a gerund, and you’ll practice high-utility chunks like I can’t stand and I’m responsible for in real-world contexts: starting and stopping actions, expressing feelings and emotions, making decisions, and tackling challenges. 📚 Further Reading &a
Casual speech: discourse markers, conversation, agree & disagree
In this class we talked about so many different phrases that you can use in a conversation! Here are some: 👉🏻Discourse markers:So basically…Long story short…At the end of the day…I mean…Not gonna lie (NGL)...To be fair…That being said…For what it’s worth Just putting it out there…Lowkey / Highkey👉🏻phrases for agreeingfor suredefinitelyno doubtone hundred percentI’m with youthat’s fairthat’s validm
Preposition stranding - "What are you talking ABOUT?"
Adding prepositions to the end of sentences!Collocations with AT or INSubject questions with prepositionsDefining relative clausesAll of these topics come up in the live class today! Give it a listen :)
Easily Confused Words
We talk about easily confused words like EFFECT and AFFECT, sensible and sensitive, amongst others!
Phrases with DO
To continue from the previous week, we had a live class with phrases that contain the word DO. As usual, this is a live class that is taught through instagram on Saturdays at 10am Chile time, and students participate by writing in the chat of the live while I am talking.
Phrases with MAKE
Video version coming soon!Practice your listening and learn phrases at the same time!Here is a live class we did, with phrases that include the word MAKE. Stay tuned because after this one we had a live class with the phrase DO which I will also upload.
Would you rather
In this class we practiced talking about preferences by answering "would you rather" questions. There is a lot of good everyday vocab in this one!
Phrases with TAKE
In this live class, I TAKE you on a journey with different phrases we can use with the word TAKE! During the class, students write commends with examples, which I read out loud during the class.
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