Episodes

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

    186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place
    Apr 9 2025
    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 challenges how we see art, talent, and everyday beauty. You'll hear the story of Joshua Bell’s anonymous subway performance, the unexpected art stunt pulled by Banksy in Central Park, and even a surprise appearance by Ed Sheeran in disguise. Through these stories, we’ll explore the importance of context, the influence of perception, and ask—how many amazing things are we missing just because we’re in a rush? Plus, you’ll learn useful vocabulary, expressions, and get some great conversation starters for your next English class or dinner chat. 🎻🎨 ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount Season 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • 186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear

    186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear
    Apr 3 2025
    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’ll practice pronunciation together. This episode is great for English learners who want to sound more natural and confident when speaking. Mentioned in the Episode Season 4 Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • ⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time

    ⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time
    Mar 27 2025
    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 back one of my favorite expressions—and one of my favorite topics: practical jokes. I’ve remastered the audio, expanded the explanations, and retold three of the wildest April Fool’s pranks in history. One involves a fake alien landing, another a fake Loch Ness monster, and the third? Let’s just say it involves a volcano, a helicopter, and a very bold prankster named Porky. You're going to love it! Grab your cup of coffee—or your prank cupcakes (you’ll get that reference soon)—and get ready for a fun and language-packed episode. ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount Season 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • 185 - 5-Minute English: Cats and Dogs

    185 - 5-Minute English: Cats and Dogs
    Mar 21 2025
    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 animals. You’ll learn descriptive adjectives to talk about their appearance, common verbs to describe their behavior, and so much more. I'll also share the responses you guys sent me about your pets last week on Instagram! ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode Season 4 (Episodes 151-200) All Premium Content (Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • 184.2 - Wine Regions in the United States: A Virtual Tour with Key Vocabulary 🍇

    184.2 - Wine Regions in the United States: A Virtual Tour with Key Vocabulary 🍇
    Mar 14 2025
    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. 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 confidently order a glass like a pro, and maybe even find a new place to add to your travel bucket list! So grab a glass—whether it’s wine, juice, or just water—and let’s dive into the world of American wine! 🍷✨ Mentioned in this Episode Season 4 All Premium Content (Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • 184 - Expression: Three Sheets To The Wind

    184 - Expression: Three Sheets To The Wind
    Mar 5 2025
    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! Mentioned in this Episode Season 4 All Premium Content (Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • ⭐ Feature: The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature")

    ⭐ Feature: The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature")
    Feb 27 2025
    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. Some call him the father of children’s literature, and honestly, if you want to understand American culture, you need to know about this man. From whimsical rhymes to unforgettable characters, Dr. Seuss didn't just write books—he created a world where words dance, imagination reigns, and learning feels like play. So, grab your hat (preferably a tall red-and-white striped one), and let’s dive into the story of the one and only Dr. Seuss. Mentioned in this episode: Book Recommendations for Intermediate ESL Learners Premium Content for this episode can be found in Season 3 or in All Premium Content. It was posted originally as episode 140.2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • 183 - Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy? I'll go first.

    183 - Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy? I'll go first.
    Feb 22 2025
    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 throughout my explanations, I’ll clarify challenging expressions and phrases. I hope you walk away from this lesson happier and ready to share what makes you happy. Mentioned in this Episode Book Recommendations for Intermediate English Learners Premium Content: Season 4 (Episodes 150-200) Premium Content: All Premium Content Seasons 1-3 (Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins