American English Podcast

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, we’l...

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 bac...

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 anim...

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 confidentl...

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 your learning further?  ⭐ ⁠⁠⁠Visit...

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. Som...

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, and...

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.com/w...

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...

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 Idita...

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’...

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 phrase c...

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: "I'm s...

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 uncover...

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 Est...

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 journe...

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 listen...

⭐ My annual BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS HAPPENING NOW! Sign up for Premium Content for a HUGE savings: ➡️ https://bit.ly/44822TQ 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...

Hello and welcome to today’s episode! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a popular expression in English: What goes around comes around. It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard in movies, TV shows, or even in real life, but what does it really mean? And how can you use it in your everyday conversations? We’ve got a fun-packed lesson for you! First, we’ll break down the meaning of this expression, and to get...

Some of you have been listening to this podcast since episode number one, and so you might remember my dad, Joe. He was a guest on episode 44 to talk about driving in the US, and in episode 43 when he talked about his experience living and working in Alaska. After I posted those episodes, some of you sent me messages on how much you enjoyed listening to my dad. so I dragged him back today! The con...

Today, we’re diving into the topic of swimming. Whether you’re someone who loves the water or maybe you're a bit nervous around it, swimming is a great activity to talk about because it evokes very specific memories. The more memories we can recall, the easier it is to chat! Just thinking about this topic reminds me of so many wonderful times at the pool. Today, I’ll share these stories; they’ll b...

The Trail of Tears is one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history, and it's a story that can only be understood by evaluating how the relationship between Native Americans and white settlers evolved over time. What happened? What caused so much tension between the groups? What led to the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans from their homeland? Listen to today's episode and find out. By...

In today's episode, we'll start by answering the question: Who are Native Americans? Then we're going to dive into the fascinating culture of the Cherokee people, who are one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S.. We'll discuss their traditions, their language, and deep connection to the land. We'll also cover how their society was structured historically. Personally, I find the clans...

If you've ever been so emotional that you cried uncontrollably, Episode 173 is for you! In Part 1 (this episode), you will hear a joke, learn the English expression "to cry one's eyes out," and you'll practice your pronunciation (specifically cases where d+y = j). Stay tuned for next week when we’ll talk about the Cherokees and The Trail of Tears. If you would like to support this podcast, you can...

Southern cuisine is more than just food—it's a reflection of history, traditions, and the diverse cultural influences. From Native Americans bringing corn to the table, to the fisherman of the Carolinas and Georgia introducing shrimp to grits, there's a story behind all of the classic must-try Southern dishes. Learn vocabulary, hear stories, and learn what you should order for breakfast, lunch and...