American English Podcast

Shana Thompson
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American English Podcast

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/

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

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

    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

    41 min

  2. 22 FEB

    Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy?

    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

    43 min

  3. 12 FEB

    Discover Nebraska with Tanya Jordening

    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/watch?v=iqV0yI_A0EI Mentioned in the episode  English Coach 3Ts on YouTube Tanya's Website: English Coach 3Ts Season 4 All Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    50 min

  4. 5 FEB

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

    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 are used in daily life. You’ll learn about common tools like shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, pruning shears, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers, as well as the parts of a yard such as lawns, flower beds, shrubs, mulch, and greenhouses. Through stories about seasonal yard work in North Carolina, listeners gain insight into the changing responsibilities that come with spring, summer, fall, and winter. Tasks like digging, planting, weeding, mowing, pruning, and shoveling are introduced in context, making it easier to understand and remember their meaning. We also share gardening challenges like bears visiting local orchards. Key words and expressions like "to have a green thumb" (being good at gardening) and "to prune" (cut unwanted branches) are explained in detail. Sign up for premium content to access definitions, a PDF transcript, pronunciation videos, and more. Mentioned in the episode  Season 4 All Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min

  5. 30 JAN

    Feature: To Pull Some Strings / The Great Iditarod

    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 Iditarod, Alaska's famous dog sled race. We dive into its history, inspired by the 1925 Serum Run to Nome, and its modern-day significance as a grueling, nearly 1,000-mile challenge through harsh Arctic conditions. She describes the race’s logistics, the role of mushers and sled dogs, and the controversies surrounding it, including animal welfare debates. ⭐ Featured episodes are ones I’ve chosen from my back catalogue because they're a good fit for the time of year. The Great Iditarod takes place the first Saturday in March each year, which in 2025 will be on March 1! I hope you enjoy this episode.  All Premium Content - Get Bonus Learning Material for 150+ podcast episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    26 min

  6. 22 JAN

    Swimming from Cuba to Florida: Irregular Verb Story with Diana Nyad

    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’s achievement proves that "the impossible is possible." In this episode, you'll not only hear Diana’s inspiring tale but also get a fun and engaging lesson on irregular verbs. We’ve woven 10 key irregular verbs into the story, and you’ll practice identifying and using them in context. Plus, you’ll learn some fascinating facts about open-water swimming, including the iconic Triple Crown of marathon swimming. Stick around until the end for insights into Diana’s grueling preparation, her record-breaking swim, and why critics couldn’t believe her achievement. Whether you’re here to improve your English or draw inspiration from a story of human triumph, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss out! 🌊 Mentioned in the episode  Season 4 All Premium Content Learn more:  Young Woman and the Sea (Learn more about Gertrude Ederle) Swim from New York to New Jersey: Ederle-Burke Swim NYAD: The Netflix Film About Diana “Never, Ever Give Up” - Diana Nyad.  Highly Recommended Ted Talk Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman's Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream (memoir) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    40 min

  7. 15 JAN

    Expression: To Keep One's Head Above Water

    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 confidently in everyday conversations. Stay tuned, because in Part 2 next week, we’ll explore the incredible story of Diana Nyad, who swam from Cuba to Florida—a true example of resilience and determination! Mentioned in the episode Season 4 All Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min

  8. 8 JAN

    What's a Hyperbole? Examples and a Fun Conversation with Mara

    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 so hungry I could eat a horse." Everyday Hyperboles “I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot. This bag "weighs a ton”: Describes something very heavy. “As old as dirt”: Refers to someone or something extremely old. “My mouth was on fire”: Indicates eating very spicy food. Losing Body Parts (Metaphorically!) “Cry your eyes out”: Feeling extreme sadness. “Laugh your head off”: Laughing uncontrollably. “Dance your feet off”: Dancing with great energy. “Sing your heart out”: Singing with passion and volume. More Common Hyperboles “Bored to death”: Extremely bored, as Mara describes watching football. “Floating on air”: Feeling extremely happy, such as discovering you’re going to be a grandparent. “So angry you could explode”: Expressing intense frustration. “Tastes like heaven on earth”: Describing an exceptionally delicious dessert. “In your wildest dreams”: Imagining something extraordinary, like meeting Jane Austen. “Speechless”: Amazed or overwhelmed, often by a breathtaking experience. To be on top of the world: To be thrilled, or feel ecstatic / excited about life. “Everyone and their mom”: EVERYONE and more. Mentioned in the episode Season 4 All Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    34 min
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About

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/

Information

  • Creator
    Shana Thompson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 American English Podcast
  • Show Website
    American English Podcast

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