Podcasts · Education · Society & Culture

American English Podcast

Shana Thompson

281 episodes

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. 192 - Expression: To Stand One's Ground

    · 20 min · S4 E192

    In this episode, learn the meaning, origin, and everyday use of the expression “to stand one’s ground.” As usual, the lesson will begin with a joke (this one's a pun!). Then we'll dive into the expression. Shana will…

  2. 191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave

    · 35 min · S4 E191

    It helps you make your oatmeal in 90 seconds and reheat your pizza in 30. Some of you love it; others are skeptical, with concerns it might cause brain damage. What am I talking about? Microwaves, of course! The story…

  3. ⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz

    · 33 min

    In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common English expression “the coast is clear,” which means it’s safe to proceed because no one is watching or in the way. After breaking down the literal and figurative…

  4. 190.2 - The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian Culture

    · 40 min · S4 E190

    The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the entire United States. Every year close to 14 million people go to check out the nature, the wildlife, and to see what life was like back…

  5. 190 - Expression: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

    · 26 min

    Hi everyone! Welcome back. I'm excited for another expression episode. Today we're going to be talking about a common one: "Where there's smoke, there's fire." We'll of course, dive into the meaning, I'll teach you…

  6. 189.2 - To Tip or Not to Tip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz

    · 39 min · S4 E189

    Welcome back to the second part of our chat about cultural curiosities! This episode is jam-packed with our thoughts on tipping, splitting the bill on first dates (a.k.a. “going Dutch”), personal space, how to handle…

  7. 189 - Do You Double Dip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz

    · 41 min

    If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know Liz. She's one of my college buddies who's been on about 6 or 7 episodes. Every time she comes on, I get messages about how much you guys like her. I, of…

  8. 188 - 5-Minute English: Going to the Dentist (+ Orthodontist)

    · 37 min · Trailer

    Have you ever gone to the dentist and thought, “Can I really explain what’s happening here in English?” Well, if you’ve struggled in the past with describing anything related to going to the dentist or dental care,…

  9. ⭐ Feature: The Kentucky Derby

    · 31 min

    Big hats, and the most exciting two minutes in sports—yep, we're headed to Kentucky! 🏇 In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Kentucky Derby, an iconic horse racing event that’s been captivating crowds since…

  10. 187 - 5 Essential Speaking Tips for English Learners

    · 36 min · S4 E187

    Ever freeze mid-sentence? Forget a word you just learned? Or feel like your voice disappears the moment someone asks you a question in English? You’re not alone—and you’re not doomed! 😅 In this episode, I share 5…

  11. 186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place

    · 24 min · S4 E186

    What happens when one of the world’s greatest violinists plays a million-dollar instrument… in a subway station? Will anyone stop to listen? In this episode, we dive into a powerful real-life experiment that…

  12. 186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear

    · 19 min · S4 E186

    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…

  13. ⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time

    · 32 min

    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…

  14. 185 - 5-Minute English: Cats and Dogs

    · 38 min · S4 E185

    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…

  15. 184.2 - Wine Regions in the United States: A Virtual Tour with Key Vocabulary 🍇

    · 43 min · S4 E184

    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…

  16. 184 - Expression: Three Sheets To The Wind

    · 25 min

    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…

  17. ⭐ Feature: The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature")

    · 41 min

    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…

  18. 183 - Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy? I'll go first.

    · 43 min · S4 E183

    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…

  19. 182 - Discover Nebraska with Tanya Jordening

    · 50 min · S4 E182

    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…

  20. 181 - 5-Minute English: Yard Work (+ Gardening Tools)

    · 33 min · S4 E181

    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…

  21. ⭐ Feature: To Pull Some Strings / The Great Iditarod

    · 26 min

    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…

  22. 180.2 - Swimming from Cuba to Florida: Irregular Verb Story with Diana Nyad

    · 40 min · S4 E180

    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…

  23. 180 - Expression: To Keep One's Head Above Water

    · 23 min · S4 E180

    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…

  24. 179 - What's a Hyperbole? Examples and a Fun Conversation with Mara

    · 34 min · S4 E179

    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…

  25. ⭐ Feature: New Year's Resolution Statistics (Episode 157.2)

    · 33 min

    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:…

  26. 178.2 - The Vanderbilts and the Biltmore Estate

    · 37 min · S4 E178

    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…

  27. 178 - Expression: Go Big or Go Home

    · 19 min · S4 E178

    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…

  28. 177 - Pronunciation: The 50 U.S. State Capitals

    · 37 min · S4 E177

    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…

  29. 176.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Ferris Wheel

    · 35 min · S4 E176

    ⭐ 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…

  30. 176 - Expression: What Goes Around Comes Around

    · 18 min · S4 E176

    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…

  31. 175 - Funny Chat with My Dad (+Superlatives!)

    · 33 min · S4 E175

    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…

  32. 174 - 5-Minute English: Swimming

    · 30 min · S4 E174

    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.…

  33. 173.3 - The Trail of Tears: The Tragic Story of Native American Removal

    · 26 min · S4 E173

    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…

  34. 173.2 - Native Americans and Cherokee Culture

    · 30 min · S4 E173

    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…

  35. 173 - Expression: To Cry One's Eyes Out

    · 20 min · S4 E173

    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…

  36. 172 - Chats with Shana: 10 Must-Know Southern Foods

    · 35 min · S4 E172

    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…

  37. 171.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with Amelia Earhart

    · 30 min · S4 E171

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. Welcome to today’s episode of the American English Podcast, where we…

  38. 171 - Expression: When Pigs Fly!

    · 20 min · S4 E171

    Today, we’re diving into a phrase that’s all about the impossible, the absurd, and the downright ridiculous. Ever seen a pig soar through the sky? Of course not! And that’s why we say, "When pigs fly!" 🐷✈️ In today’s…

  39. 170 - Chat with Charlie: British Culture in Harry Potter

    · 59 min · S4 E170

    By now, you probably know how much I love connecting language and culture. To me, they go hand in hand! And that's why in today's episode, I've invited Charlie Baxter from The British English Podcast on the show to…

  40. 169.2 - The Magical World of Harry Houdini

    · 42 min · S4 E169

    The theater is packed. Anticipation electrifying the air. It's the early 1900s, and you're about to witness the legendary Harry Houdini, whose name has become synonymous with death-defying escape acts. Can he truly…

  41. 169 - Expression: To Vanish Into Thin Air

    · 19 min · S4 E169

    Hi everyone. Welcome back! I am curious, have you ever heard a story about a magician making a rabbit disappear? Have you ever seen it? Maybe you've read a novel, perhaps a mystery, where a character disappears and…

  42. 168.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Statue of Liberty

    · 26 min · S4 E168

    Imagine you are on a ferry slowly approaching Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The sky is a brilliant blue with just a few clouds drifting overhead. There's a cool breeze; it's hitting your face, and the smell of…

  43. 168 - Expression: To Spread One's Wings

    · 15 min · S4 E168

    Welcome back to this week's episode! It'll begin with a joke. Then, we move into the expression of the day, "to spread one's wings," breaking down its meaning and providing vivid examples to help you understand how to…

  44. 167 - 5-Minute English: Bad Driving

    · 27 min · S4 E167

    The whole world has bad drivers. No country or city in the world is immune. What’s funny is that most of us don’t consider ourselves bad drivers! We tend to judge others. In this 5-Minute English lesson, I’m going to…

  45. 166.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with McDonald's

    · 28 min · S4 E166

    Welcome back to the second part of episode 166. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about Irregular Verbs and McDonald’s. You guys know McDonald’s, right.? Big Macs, Filet-o-Fish, Happy Meals? In this lesson,…

  46. 166 - Expression: To Take It With A Grain Of Salt

    · 25 min · S4 E166

    In today's episode, we'll begin by going through the commentary you guys made on Culture Shock in the United States. Afterwards, I'll tell you a joke, we'll go over the expression "to take it with a grain of salt," and…

  47. 165 - Chats with Shana: Culture Shock in the U.S. (Everyday Life)

    · 31 min · S4 E165

    In this Chats with Shana episode, I'm going to reflect on various aspects of US culture. Although I talk about culture all the time on here, it's not often we talk about some basic things, like everyday life things…

  48. 164.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with the Titanic

    · 28 min · S4 E164 · Bonus

    One of the most popular films of 1997 was by far “ Titanic.” It won 11 Academy Awards! If you saw the film, or even just previews of it, you know the plot. There’s a love story between Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack…

  49. 164 - Expression: To Hit Rock Bottom

    · 21 min · S4 E164

    Life can't possibly get worse! You've lost your job, you have no money, and then to top it off, your dog dies. You've hit rock bottom; you've reached the lowest possible point in your life. To hit rock bottom is a…

  50. 163 - 5-Minute English: The Post Office and Mail

    · 29 min · S4 E163

    My grandma permanently moved to the United States from Spain in the 1950s and the only way she could afford to keep in contact with friends and family was through writing letters; flying and international calls back…

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