Afleveringen
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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. :)
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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.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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
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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
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⭐ Take part in our Free 14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. We’ll also compare similar expressions and practice pronunciation so you can say it naturally and confidently.
And don’t miss Part Two, where we cover the unforgettable Great Molasses Flood.
⭐ Get the full transcript, vocabulary list, quizzes, and more by signing up for Premium Content— available inside the Academy.
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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 you.
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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.
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Useful Vocabulary
To be snowed in – when so much snow falls that you can’t leave your homeStraight hair – hair with no curl or waveCurly hair – hair that forms curlsWavy hair – hair that forms loose wavesSilky smooth – very soft and smoothBangs – short hair cut to fall over the foreheadFringe – the British English word for bangsPonytail – hair tied back in one sectionPigtails – two ponytails, one on each sideBraid – three sections of hair crossed over each otherFrench braid – a braid that begins at the top of the head and continues downwardBun – hair twisted and tied into a round shapeMohawk – short on the sides, long in the middleMullet – short in the front, long in the backAfro – a full, rounded hairstyle worn with natural curly or coily hairHair down – wearing your hair looseLice – tiny insects that live in hair and cause itchingHair tie / elastic band – used to hold hair backSalon – a place where people get their hair cut or styledHighlights – lighter streaks added to hairLowlights – darker streaks added to hairDye – to change the color of your hairPeach fuzz – very soft, light facial hairMustache – hair above the upper lipBeard – hair on the chin and jawGoatee – hair on the chin onlyCowlick – a section of hair that grows in a different direction
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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 English.
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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 examples. Along the way, we’ll explore how Helen learned to communicate, speak, read, and eventually address audiences around the world.
🎧 Listen closely — and see how many irregular verbs you can catch!
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Cheat sheet:
hear - heard - heard
sit - sat - sat
bend - bent - bent
send - sent - sent
have - had - had
read - read - read
write - wrote - written
go - went - gone
speak - spoke - spoken
say - said - said
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