English, please
English, please is a podcast for intermediate English learners who are tired of content that's either too slow or too fast. Every episode is under 10 minutes, covers a topic that's actually interesting, and uses clear, natural English at the B1-B2 level. No textbook language. No unnatural pace. Just real English you can follow and learn from. Hosted by Christopher, a TEFL-certified teacher based in New York City. New episodes every week on culture, language, travel, and everyday life. Subscribe to the free newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter (https://comullen.com/newsletter) for practice tips and free resources with every...
Episode 72: How to Understand Podcasts and Audiobooks Without a Transcript
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 72: How to Understand Podcasts and Audiobooks Without a Transcript
This episode tackles something almost every learner runs into: understanding podcasts and audiobooks without any help from a transcript. You'll learn why conversation-style podcasts (with multiple speakers) are genuinely harder than single-speaker shows, and pick up practical ways to handle both: catching repeated ideas, reading small words like "so" and "anyway" as signals...
Episode 71: Guess Before You Know: The Trickiest Word Pairs in English
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 71: Guess Before You Know: The Trickiest Word Pairs in English
This episode is a little different. You'll work through word pairs that trip up English learners constantly: since/for, say/tell, borrow/lend, take/bring, lay/lie, and make/do. You'll hear a sentence, get a chance to guess the right word, and then hear the answer explained. Some of these have...
Episode 70: The Strange Contradictions of Los Angeles
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 70: The Strange Contradictions of Los Angeles
Palm trees and sunshine are only part of the story. In this episode, we look at three things that exist in Los Angeles at the same time: a beautiful coastline built on a fault line, an entire industry built on illusion, and the ordinary reality of traffic underneath it all.
Want to keep...
Episode 69: Why It’s Harder to Speak Than to Understand
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 69: Why It's Harder to Speak Than to Understand
You understand more English than you can say out loud, and that gap is confusing. In this episode, you'll learn why listening and speaking are two different skills that build at different speeds, and four practical ways to close the gap between them.
Want to keep practicing after you listen?...
Episode 68: How to Disagree in English Without Sounding Rude
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 68: How to Disagree in English Without Sounding Rude
In this episode, you'll learn five phrases that native English speakers use to disagree politely and naturally. Knowing the phrases is only the first step. You'll also discover when to use them: which ones work in a professional setting, which ones fit better with friends, and how the same phrase can land differently depending...
Episode 67: How to Use Idioms Like a Native English Speaker
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 67: How to Use Idioms Like a Native English Speaker
In this episode, you'll learn five idioms that native English speakers use every day, and more importantly, when and how to use them. Knowing what an idiom means is only the first step. You'll also discover the context: when these phrases feel natural, when they might sound strange, and how the same idiom...
Episode 66: Chicago
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 66: Chicago
In this episode, you'll learn about one of the most fascinating cities in the United States: Chicago. We'll explore the city's remarkable architecture, from the skyscrapers that changed how we build cities, to two of the most iconic buildings in the world. We'll also look at Chicago's incredible music history, from the blues of the 1940s and 1950s to the house...
Episode 65: Connected Speech and Why English Sounds So Fast
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 65: Connected Speech and Why English Sounds So Fast
In this episode, we explore one of the biggest reasons English sounds so fast and difficult to understand: connected speech. We'll look at three patterns that native speakers use naturally and automatically, and we'll show you how to start hearing them in real conversations, movies, and podcasts.
Want to keep...
Episode 64: Movies for Intermediate English Learners
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 64: Movies for Intermediate English Learners
In this episode, I share six movies that are genuinely good for intermediate English learners. They're not all easy, and they're not all from the same era. Some have a lot of dialogue, some have very little. But every one of them has something that makes it useful for listening practice, and every one of them is...
Episode 63: Why Idioms in English Are So Hard to Understand
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 63: Why Idioms in English Are So Hard to Understand
In this episode, I explain why idioms are one of the most frustrating parts of learning English. The words are familiar, but the meaning is something completely different. We'll look at five idioms that native speakers use every day and talk about exactly why they're so hard to understand the first time you...
Episode 62: Why Native English Speakers Don't Sound Like Your Textbook
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 62: Why Native English Speakers Don't Sound Like Your Textbook
In this episode, I explain why fluent English isn't about knowing more grammar. It's about knowing the right phrases, understanding how words connect at natural speed, and reacting the way native speakers actually react.
Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please...
Episode 61: Listener Questions
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 61: Listener Questions
In this episode, I answer three questions from listeners around the world. Why do Americans smile at strangers on the street? Why is it so hard to understand native speakers even after years of study? What is the most surprising thing about living in New York City? As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing...
Episode 60: Why Americans Talk to Strangers
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 60: Why Americans Talk to Strangers
Have you ever been in line at a coffee shop when a stranger suddenly started talking to you? In many countries, this would feel unusual. In the United States, it happens every day. In this episode, you'll learn why Americans talk to strangers, what they are really saying when they do, and how to understand and respond...
Episode 59: Why Americans Avoid Saying No
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 59: Why Americans Avoid Saying No
Have you ever made plans with an American and then waited for a response that never came? Or heard "let's catch up soon" and never heard anything again? In this episode, you'll learn why Americans often avoid saying no directly, what phrases they use instead, and how to understand the real message underneath the words. As with...
Episode 58: What to Do When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 58: What to Do When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker
It happens to almost every language learner: you're having a conversation in English, and suddenly you miss something. You freeze. You smile and nod. In this episode, you'll learn four simple strategies for exactly this situation, plus why native English is sometimes so hard to understand in the first place. As wi...
Episode 57: Why Is Tipping in the USA So Complicated?
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 57: Why Is Tipping in the USA So Complicated?
Have you ever stood in front of a payment screen and felt confused (or even pressured) by the tipping options? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn why tipping culture exists in the United States, how it got so out of control, and exactly what to do if you visit or live here...
Episode 56: Valentine's Day in the United States
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 56: Valentine's Day in the United States
Valentine's Day was yesterday, and it's one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the United States. In this episode, you'll hear about the history of the holiday, how Americans celebrate it, and what it tells us about American culture. You might be surprised by some of the traditions! As with all episodes, this one is...
Episode 55: 10 Adverbs English Speakers Use Every Day
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 55: 10 Adverbs English Speakers Use Every Day
Want to sound less like a textbook and more like a real English speaker? In this episode you'll hear about 10 adverbs English speakers use all the time: actually, definitely, probably, honestly, basically, totally, pretty, really, seriously, and anyway. Learn exactly how and when to use them with real examples and tips. As with all episodes, this...
Episode 54: How to Sound More Natural in English Conversations
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 54: How to Sound More Natural in English Conversations
Do you sometimes feel like you sound too formal or robotic when you speak English? In this episode, we explore five practical tips for sounding more natural in conversations, from using contractions to relaxing and letting go of perfection. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening...
Episode 53: Inside a U.S. Pharmacy
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 53: Inside a U.S. Pharmacy
Have you ever wondered what's inside a US pharmacy? In this episode, we explore places like CVS and Walgreens - why they sell so much more than medicine, how they're organized, and what this tells us about shopping culture. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening...
Episode 52: Why Americans Are Always "Busy"
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 52: Why Americans Are Always "Busy"
Have you noticed that Americans always seem to be busy? In this episode, I explore why "being busy" is such a big part of American culture, what it really means when someone says they're busy, and how to navigate this cultural difference. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for...
Episode 51: The Problem with Textbook English (and what to do instead)
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 51: The Problem with Textbook English (and what to do instead)
Why does textbook English sound so different from real conversations? In this episode, I explore the gap between what you learn in books and how English actually sounds in daily life—and share practical ways to bridge that gap. Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from th...
Episode 50: Two Years, 50 Episodes
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 50: Two Years, 50 Episodes
Reflecting on two years of English, please and the amazing community that made it possible. Plus, I'm introducing a new resource designed to take your listening skills further! As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing...
Episode 49: How to Build a Reading Habit in English
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 49: How to Build a Reading Habit in English
If reading in English feels slow or difficult, this episode will show you how to make it easier (and maybe even fun)!. Learn about how to build reading habits that help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and confidence over time. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length...
Episode 48: Stop Being Afraid to Speak English
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 48: Stop Being Afraid to Speak English
When learning a language, almost everyone at some point feels nervous when it's time to speak. I’m going to share some ways to feel more relaxed and confident when you speak English, and, as with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. Th...
Episode 47: The Origins of "American" English
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 47: The Origins of "American" English
Discover how American English began and how it grew apart from British English over time. Learn about some of the people, places, and events that helped shape the language spoken in the United States today. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting...
Episode 46: How to Watch Movies in English Without Subtitles
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 46: How to Watch Movies in English Without Subtitles
Watching movies in English can be enjoyable, but also frustrating. What's the best way to enjoy the experience while also improving your understanding? In this episode, you’ll learn practical tips to watch English-language movies with confidence, gradually moving from subtitles in your language to English subtitles and finally no subtitles at...
Episode 45: Why Americans Argue About Columbus Day
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 45: Why Americans Argue About Columbus Day
Columbus Day is a holiday that has changed a lot over the years in the United States. In this episode, you’ll learn how it began, why it became important, and why many Americans now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your...
Episode 44: Niagara Falls—Nature, Power, and Love
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 44: Niagara Falls—Nature, Power, and Love
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, it features three powerful waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. You’ll learn about the history and beauty of Niagara Falls, as well as the importance of t...
Episode 43: Florida: Sunshine, Surprises, and Strange Stories
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 43: Florida: Sunshine, Surprises, and Strange Stories
Florida is one of the most famous states in the U.S., and not just because of its warm weather and beautiful beaches. In this episode, we’ll explore why Florida is so unique, from its diverse culture and famous attractions to its reputation for strange and surprising news stories. You’ll lear...
Episode 42: Understanding Fast Spoken English
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 42: Understanding Fast Spoken English
It can be frustrating when we hear a native speaker talking much more quickly than we expect! Fast spoken English can be tricky, even at the intermediate level! In this episode, I'll share some specific ways to help you understand normal, fast English speech. I’ll give you examples you can try right away, an...
Episode 41: Stop Translating in Your Head
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 41: Stop Translating in Your Head
 Only a few hours east of New York City, there is a very different world where lots of New Yorkers go during the summer months. It's the Hamptons, and it has become one of the most well-known vacation spots in the USA, especially for the rich and famous. I'll discuss the Hamptons in cl...
Episode 40: The Hamptons—New York’s Luxury Escape
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 40: The Hamptons—New York’s Luxury Escape
All language learners translate in their heads when starting a new language, and it can become a habit. I'll share some reasons we do this, and I'll share some simple tips to think directly in English and stop translating what you hear or read into you native language, and then back to E...
Episode 39: Bryant Park in New York City
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 39: Bryant Park in New York City
Bryant Park is in Midtown Manhattan, and it’s very close to famous places like Times Square and the Empire State Building It’s a small park, but it’s full of life, and it has a long, interesting history. I'll discuss the park, in clear, intermediate English. As with all episodes, this o...
Episode 38: Listener Questions
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 38: Listener Questions
Listeners have sent many questions since the launch of English, please. In this episode, you'll hear about travel, customs, improving your English, the USA, and more, as I answer some of the most popular questions that have been sent to me. You'll hear all of this in clear, intermediate English. As with all episodes, this one...
Episode 37: Why do people in the U.S. move so often?
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 37: Why do people in the U.S. move so often?
People in the United States move to new places more than twice as often as people in the rest of the world. I'll discuss some of the the reasons for this in clear, intermediate English. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing...
Episode 36: Mardi Gras in New Orleans
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 36: Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras is a huge part of New Orleans culture around this time each year. I'll discuss the origins of Mardi Gras, share some facts about it, and discuss what makes the celebration in New Orleans unlike any other in the world, all in clear, intermediate English. As with all episodes, this one...
Episode 35: Do people in the USA work too much?
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 35: Do people in the USA work too much?
Work life in the United States is a mix of opportunity, responsibility, and also sacrifice. In this episode, we'll explore American work culture—the long hours, limited benefits, and cultural emphasis on hard work—and how these factors impact work-life balance, all in clear, intermediate English. As with all episodes, this...
Episode 34: One World Trade Center in New York
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 34: One World Trade Center in New York
One World Trade Center, located in lower Manhattan in New York City, is the tallest building in the United States. In this episode, we'll explore the history of the original Twin Towers, the events that led to the construction of One World Trade Center, some facts about the building, and why...
Episode 33: Wall Street
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.
Episode 33: Wall Street
Wall Street, located in lower Manhattan in New York City, is the financial center of the United States. It's only a short street, but it represents the heart of American finance, and it has a big impact on the global economy. In this episode, you'll hear about  the place, the history, and the importance to New Yo...
