American English Podcast

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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 the places her ancestors came from, taking another big family vacation, and even writing a children’s book someday.

Along the way...

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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, those interactions can help build real rapport.

In this episode, you'll learn how Americans use small talk, how to start and keep a conversation going, and how to tell whether someone actually wants to keep talking. You'll also lea...

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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 about driving in the U.S.

After those episodes came out, so many of you told me how much you enjoyed listening to him, so naturally, I had to bring him back!

...

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 for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and I hop...

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. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story...

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 someone’s nerves, and drive someone crazy.

We’ll also cover the names of common insects in English, explore the difference between bite and sting, an...

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.

...

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. W...

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.

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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...

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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 beel...

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 c...

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 innova...

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:

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.

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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:

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the language you need to confidently talk ab...

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!

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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 Aubr...

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.

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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? 

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⚠️ This episode is a more advanced listening exercise, so don't worry if yo...

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...

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 mi...

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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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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Learn more about your...

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 lear...

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.

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.

There are a lot of Starbucks haters and a lot of lovers out there, but all of you will find this episode fascinating because 1. it’s an absurdly successful business—how did they do it?! 2. it’s about coffee (who doesn’t...

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 focuses on how Americans actually use prepositions in real life, so you can stop guessing and start sounding more natural when you speak.

Perfect for intermediate learners who want to build confidence...

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 story became one of the most famous love-and-crime tales in U.S. history.

You’ll Learn:

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 also go over the joke of the day (“Why did the man take a ladder to the bar?”), cover some advanced terms and phrases, and finish with a pronunciatio...

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 common English expressions used naturally in context.

Listen, learn, and please don’t judge me. I love you. 😂

<...

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 season, stats and what's coming next! :)

Thank you so much to everyone who's tuned in this season; it's been a fun ride!

Want to take y...

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 traditions like pumpkin patches, apple picking, football games, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

The meaning of fall foliage and why U.S. autumn leaves are so...

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.

👉 Perfect for English learners who want short, practical grammar tips they can use right away.

to apply to vs. apply for

to argue about vs. argue over

to belong to vs. belong in

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 10+ irregular past tense verbs in context (ran, tore, bit, beat, lay, wore, told, dealt, stole, and more).

Discover how legends grow through “embellishment” — when details get added to make a...

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 use it naturally in daily conversation. Shana shares incredible real-life examples: the Donner Party pioneers who survived a brutal winter, Eminem rising to the top of rap...

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?

You’ll hear real-life examples, fun U.S. culture facts, and some entertaining stories. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but the goal is to have you stop second-guessing yourself a...

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 Content: This episode is part of  By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 1...

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, and they found paradise in the Everglades. Warm weather, endless food, no predators? That’s a snake's dream vacation... permanently. We’ll talk about:

00:58 - Introduction: Bears, Neighb...