American English With Brent

Brent
  • 4.9 (72)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

If you’re looking to improve your English, this podcast is for you. An American who speaks English slowly, so you can understand. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisguy4/subscribe

  1. 1D AGO

    Cuba is a Country in Crisis. Economy Could Collapse in Two Weeks. Trump Will Do Nothing to Help

    In this lesson, you will learn the essential English vocabulary needed to understand the breaking news about Cuba's economic collapse and oil shortage. I explain difficult political terms with simple definitions and examples so you can follow this developing story with confidence.📝 Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/czppbgUtxDM?si=75tWNnvEOWvrp-091. HaltingDefinition: (Adjective) Stopping Example: The baby halted when they saw the dog down the street. 2. Run OutDefinition: (Phrasal Verb) To use all of something so that there is none left.Example: We need to go to the store because we have run out of milk.3. Cut OffDefinition: (Phrasal Verb) To stop the supply of something, or to stop someone from speaking.Example: The electric company will cut off our power if we don't pay the bill.4. Humanitarian AidDefinition: (Noun) Help (like food, water, or medicine) given to people in trouble or danger.Example: The country sent humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake.5. EssentialDefinition: (Adjective) Completely necessary; very important.Example: Water is essential for life; we cannot live without it.6. ExporterDefinition: (Noun) A person, company, or country that sells goods to another country.Example: Brazil is a major exporter of coffee to the rest of the world.7. EscalatingDefinition: (Adjective/Verb) Becoming worse, higher, or more serious very quickly.Example: The argument is escalating, so we should leave before a fight starts.8. CrisisDefinition: (Noun) A time of great danger, difficulty, or confusion.Example: The economic crisis meant that many people lost their jobs.9. ContributorDefinition: (Noun) A person who gives something (like money or ideas) to help achieve a result.Example: She is a regular contributor to the school magazine and writes articles every month.10. AnalystDefinition: (Noun) Someone whose job is to study or examine something in detail.Example: The financial analyst said that the company is doing very well this year.11. More PerspectiveDefinition: (Phrase) A better or clearer way of looking at a situation to understand it.Example: Traveling gives you more perspective on how other people live.12. LoomingDefinition: (Adjective) Something bad or difficult that is about to happen soon.Example: The students were worried about the looming deadline for their big project.13. Keep the Lights OnDefinition: (Idiom) To have just enough money to continue operating or living (often used for businesses).Example: The shop isn't making a big profit, but they are making enough to keep the lights on.14. On the Rocks (danger)Definition: (Idiom) Likely to fail or having serious problems.Example: Their marriage has been on the rocks for a long time, and they might get divorced.15. On the Rocks (alcohol)Definition: (Idiom) Served in a glass with ice cubes.Example: He ordered a whiskey on the rocks at the bar.16. On the RopesDefinition: (Idiom) Being close to defeat or giving up; in a very bad situation.Example: The team was on the ropes near the end of the game, but they managed to win.17. SocietyDefinition: (Noun) A large group of people living together in an organized way.Example: Education is very important for a healthy and successful society.18. Tap IntoDefinition: (Phrasal Verb) To use or get something valuable from a source (like energy, money, or knowledge).Example: The company wants to tap into the new market of young buyers.

    14 min

  2. FEB 10

    "Utterly Despicable" Trump Posts Racist Video About Former President Obama

    Learn English with the news as we break down the vocabulary surrounding the recent controversy involving Donald Trump and former President Obama. In this lesson, we will analyze key words like 'criticism' to help you understand complex headlines and improve your fluency.📝 Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary List1. Criticism * Definition: The act of saying that something or someone is bad or wrong. * Example: The chef listened to the customer's criticism about the cold soup.2. Racist * Definition: Believing that some groups of people are better than others based on their skin color or background. * Example: It is racist and hurtful to judge someone just because of their skin color.3. Meme * Definition: A funny image, video, or text that spreads very quickly on the internet. * Example: My friend sent me a funny meme about cats that made me laugh.4. Depicting * Definition: Showing or representing something in a picture, story, or movie. * Example: The painting is depicting a beautiful sunset over the ocean.5. Ape * Definition: A large animal like a monkey that has no tail (for example, a gorilla or chimpanzee). * Example: We saw a large ape eating fruit at the zoo.6. Calling out * Definition: To criticize someone publicly or ask them to explain their bad behavior. * Example: The teacher is calling out the student for talking during the test.7. Deleted * Definition: Removed or erased information. * Example: I accidentally deleted the photo, so I cannot show it to you.8. Chorus * Definition: The part of a song that is repeated several times. * Example: Everyone sang along loudly when the band played the chorus.9. Tim Scott * Definition: A specific person; a well-known politician (Senator) in the United States. * Example: We watched Tim Scott give a speech on the news last night.10. Debunk * Definition: To show that an idea or belief is false. * Example: The scientist did an experiment to debunk the idea that the earth is flat.11. Conspiracy Theories * Definition: Beliefs that a secret group is responsible for an event, usually without any proof. * Example: Some people believe conspiracy theories about aliens, but there is no evidence.12. Animated (drawing) * Definition: Made of drawings that seem to move, like a cartoon. * Example: My favorite Disney movie is animated and has talking animals.13. Animated (energy) * Definition: Full of excitement, life, and energy. * Example: She became very animated when talking about her holiday plans.14. NAACP * Definition: An organization in the US that works for the rights of African American people. (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). * Example: The NAACP works hard to ensure everyone is treated fairly at work.15. Blatantly * Definition: Doing something bad in an obvious way, without trying to hide it. * Example: He blatantly ignored the "No Smoking" sign and lit a cigarette.16. Utterly * Definition: Completely or totally. * Example: I was utterly exhausted after running for 10 kilometers.17. Despicable * Definition: Very unpleasant or bad; deserving no respect. * Example: Stealing money from an old person is a despicable act.18. Dehumanize * Definition: To treat people as if they are not human, taking away their dignity. * Example: It is wrong to dehumanize prisoners by refusing to give them names.19. Slave Traders * Definition: People who buy and sell other human beings as property. * Example: In history class, we learned about slave traders who took people from Africa.20. Segregationists * Definition: People who believe that different races should be kept apart (separated). * Example: Sixty years ago, segregationists did not want black and white children in the same schools.

    20 min

  3. FEB 7

    It's Raining Frozen Iguanas?! (This is NOT a Joke) 🥶

    Did you know that in Florida, it can get so cold that frozen iguanas actually fall out of the trees? In today's lesson, we'll break down a real news report about this crazy phenomenon so you can learn 23 new English vocabulary words and phrases!📝 Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/X-U-4EitYfg?si=MYRohQrLi2G40pTg1. Deep FreezeDefinition: A period of very cold weather where temperatures stay below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit Example: The garden vegetables did not survive the deep freeze last week.2. GrippingDefinition: Holding onto something very tightly; or having a powerful effect on an area.Example: A terrible winter storm is currently gripping the entire state.3. Historic Definition: Important in history; something very famous or significant that people will remember.Example: This is a historic day because it is the coldest temperature ever recorded here.4. Cold SnapDefinition: A sudden, short period of very cold weather.Example: We usually have warm winters, but this week we are having a cold snap.5. IguanasDefinition: Large lizards with a long tail that come from tropical areas like Central America.Example: In Florida, you can sometimes see green iguanas sitting in the trees.6. ApparentlyDefinition: Used to say that something seems to be true based on what you have heard or seen, but you are not 100% certain.Example: Apparently, it is going to rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.7. UnusuallyDefinition: In a way that is not common or normal; surprisingly.Example: It is unusually quiet in the classroom today.8. Cold-BloodedDefinition: An animal that cannot control its own body temperature; it becomes the same temperature as the air around it.Example: Snakes are cold-blooded, so they need the sun to get warm.9. HonestlyDefinition: Used to emphasize that you are telling the truth or your real opinion.Example: Honestly, I don't like cold weather at all.10. StunnedDefinition: Unable to move or react because of a shock (like a physical hit or extreme cold).Example: The lizard was stunned by the cold air and couldn't move its legs.11. Tropical ClimatesDefinition: Weather conditions that are generally hot and humid, usually found near the equator.Example: People who live in tropical climates are not used to wearing heavy winter coats.12. Freeze UpDefinition: To become stiff, solid, or unable to move because of the cold.Example: If you don't wear gloves, your fingers might freeze up.13. Thaw OutDefinition: To become warm again and stop being frozen.Example: We need to wait for the ice on the car window to thaw out.14. Spring BackDefinition: To quickly return to a normal active state after being pushed down or stopped.Example: The flowers looked dead in the winter, but they will spring back to life in May.15. Deal With ThisDefinition: To take action to solve a problem or handle a difficult situation.Example: My car is broken, and I don't have the money to deal with this right now.

    21 min

  4. FEB 5

    The Danger is Real: Why is the US Navy is Going to Iran? It Is Not for "Training"

    Why are US warships suddenly moving to the Middle East, and could this be the start of a secret war? Watch this English lesson to learn the truth while mastering 24 important words like 'armada,' 'covert,' and 'unseat.'📝 Read the news more easily with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. WarshipDefinition: A big boat built just for fighting wars.Example: The warship left the port to protect the coast.2. Middle EastDefinition: A hot, sandy part of the world with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt.Example: The Middle East has a lot of history and deserts.3. Delbert BlackDefinition: Just the name of a specific US Navy ship.Example: The Delbert Black is out sailing in the ocean right now.4. Navy DestroyerDefinition: A fast ship that acts like a bodyguard for other ships, keeping them safe from submarines.Example: The Navy destroyer raced over to stop the enemy sub.5. Combat ShipsDefinition: Boats that are armed with weapons and ready to rumble.Example: They sent three combat ships to the danger zone.6. Aircraft CarrierDefinition: A floating airport; a giant ship with a flat top for planes to take off and land.Example: The jet landed right on the deck of the aircraft carrier.7. Abraham LincolnDefinition: A famous US President, but in this news story, it’s the name of a huge ship.Example: The USS Abraham Lincoln is one of the biggest ships out there.8. ArmadaDefinition: A whole bunch of warships sailing together like a gang.Example: An armada of ships showed up on the horizon.9. AlliesDefinition: Friends who stick together and help each other, especially in a fight.Example: France and the USA were allies in the big war.10. BrokerDefinition: To help two sides shake hands and make a deal.Example: The diplomat tried to broker a peace deal between the countries.11. DiplomaticDefinition: Being smooth and polite so you don't start an argument.Example: He tried to be diplomatic instead of starting a fight.12. RegionalDefinition: Just dealing with a local area, not the whole big country.Example: The rain was just a regional problem, not everywhere.13. Cabinet MeetingsDefinition: When the President sits down with his top helpers to talk shop.Example: The President talked about the new law during the Cabinet meetings.14. Pete HegsethDefinition: The name of a specific guy in the government who deals with the military.Example: Pete Hegseth was on TV talking about the army.15. Secretary of WarDefinition: The old-school name for the boss of the army.Example: The Secretary of War told the President the troops were ready.16. OptionsDefinition: The different choices you've got on the table.Example: We have two options: stay here or go home.17. PursueDefinition: To chase after something you really want.Example: She wants to pursue a job in science.18. InterpretedDefinition: How you understood what someone meant.Example: I interpreted his silence as a "no."19. ContingenciesDefinition: Backup plans for when things go wrong.Example: We have contingencies ready in case the power goes out.20. CurtailDefinition: To cut something short or put a lid on it.Example: We had to curtail the meeting because of the fire alarm.21. The ObjectiveDefinition: The main thing you are trying to get done.Example: The objective of soccer is to put the ball in the net.22. CurbDefinition: To keep something under control, sort of like putting a leash on it.Example: You should curb your spending if you want to save cash.23. UnseatDefinition: To kick someone out of their job or their "seat" of power.Example: The voters tried to unseat the mayor in the election.24. CovertDefinition: Hush-hush; done in secret so nobody catches you.Example: The spies went on a covert mission at night.

    18 min

  5. FEB 1

    Melania Trump’s English is Just Not Good Enough

    Is Melania Trump's English really "not good enough," as some people claim? Join me in this lesson as we analyze her speech patterns to learn important vocabulary and grammar from the news.📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribeOriginal News: https://youtu.be/9OdWJe5lKk0?si=Xn-ExNDz0mNUQi161. PluggingDefinition: (Informal) To talk about a product, book, or movie publicly to encourage people to buy or watch it (promoting/advertising).Example: The actor was on the talk show plugging his new action movie.2. RiotsDefinition: A violent situation where a large crowd of people behaves badly in a public place.Example: The police stopped the riots in the city center after the angry protest.3. Monster (Big)Definition: Used as an adjective to describe something that is huge or very successful.Example: The hurricane was a monster storm that covered the whole state.4. PreciousDefinition: Very valuable, loved, or important.Example: Her grandmother gave her a precious gold ring for her birthday.5. Camp Mystic (Texas)Definition: The specific name of a summer camp (a place children go for activities during summer holiday).Example: She spent her summers swimming and hiking at Camp Mystic.6. Palisades Fire (California)Definition: The specific name of a large wildfire (forest fire) that happened in California.Example: The smoke from the Palisades Fire could be seen from miles away.7. CompassionDefinition: A strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them.Example: The nurse showed great compassion for her sick patients.8. AssistanceDefinition: Help or support.Example: If you need assistance with your homework, please ask the teacher.9. Pull Back the CurtainDefinition: (Idiom) To reveal the truth or show what happens behind the scenes (secretly).Example: This documentary will pull back the curtain on how the government really works.10. Trailer (Movie)Definition: A short video advertisement for a new film.Example: The trailer was so exciting that I want to see the movie immediately.11. A Private PersonDefinition: Someone who likes to keep their personal life secret and does not talk much about their feelings.Example: Even though she is famous, she is a very private person and stays home often.12. First LadyDefinition: The wife of the President of the United States.Example: The First Lady gave a speech about education at the school.13. East WingDefinition: The part of the White House where the First Lady has her offices and staff.Example: The First Lady held a meeting with her team in the East Wing.14. InaugurationDefinition: A special ceremony to officially mark the beginning of a new leader's term of office.Example: Millions of people watched the President's inauguration on television in January.15. In One TakeDefinition: Filming a scene for a movie or video perfectly the first time, without stopping or repeating it.Example: The actor was so prepared that he filmed the difficult scene in one take.16. That Was A PlusDefinition: That was an advantage or a good thing.Example: The hotel was cheap, and it was near the beach, so that was a plus.17. The RotundaDefinition: A round building or room, often with a dome (rounded roof), usually found in government buildings like the U.S. Capitol.Example: The statue was placed in the center of the Rotunda for everyone to see.18. Air Force OneDefinition: The official airplane used by the President of the United States.Example: The President waved to the crowd before getting on Air Force One.19. CordialDefinition: Friendly, but polite and formal (not overly close).Example: The two leaders had a cordial meeting, even though they disagree on politics.

    17 min

  6. JAN 28

    Walk and Talk English Lesson: In a Snowstorm

    📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2

    10 min

  7. JAN 25

    ICE Officers Shot Another Person in Minnesota: Speak English With the News

    Mainstream media uses specific language to manipulate how you feel about the controversial ICE shooting in Minnesota. In this lesson, we strip away the spin to teach you the advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and hidden meanings they don't want you to miss📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinOriginal News: https://youtu.be/7CD3nSQbX0E?si=7933cFU4D9uD1y-f1. Are You Kidding Me? * Definition: An informal phrase you say when you are shocked or frustrated. It means you cannot believe it. * Sentence: The ticket cost $500! I said, "Are you kidding me?"2. Pummeling * Definition: Hitting something many times with force. * Sentence: The heavy rain is pummeling the roof of the house.3. Constituents * Definition: The people in a specific area who vote for a politician. * Sentence: The Senator wants to help his constituents get better jobs.4. The Administration * Definition: The government team led by the President. * Sentence: The Administration made a new law today to help schools.5. Partisan Narrative * Definition: A story that supports only one political party (like Democrats or Republicans) and ignores the other side. * Sentence: That news channel has a partisan narrative; they only say good things about their favorite party.6. Plead * Definition: To ask for help very seriously. To beg. * Sentence: The man had to plead with the bank to give him more time to pay.7. Department of Homeland Security * Definition: The government group that keeps the country safe from attacks. * Sentence: The Department of Homeland Security checks passports at the airport.8. Said Point Blank * Definition: To say something directly and honestly. No secrets. * Sentence: I asked if he liked the food, and he said point blank, "No, it is cold."9. Fluid Situation * Definition: A situation that changes often. Nothing is decided yet. * Sentence: We don't have a schedule yet because it is a fluid situation.10. Evolving Situation * Definition: A situation that is growing or changing as we learn more. * Sentence: The news is an evolving situation, so we will know more details tomorrow.11. Volatile * Definition: Unstable. It can change quickly to become dangerous or angry. * Sentence: Be careful going there; the crowd is angry and volatile.12. Briefed (Information) * Definition: To be told the important facts or news. * Sentence: The boss briefed the team on the new project this morning.13. Monitoring * Definition: Watching something closely to check for changes. * Sentence: The doctor is monitoring the patient's heart rate.14. Notable * Definition: Important or interesting enough to notice. * Sentence: It is notable that she finished the difficult test in only 20 minutes.15. Take Action * Definition: To do something to get a result or solve a problem. * Sentence: The police must take action to stop the crime in the city.16. Shift in Tone * Definition: A change in the mood or feeling of a conversation. * Sentence: There was a shift in tone when the boss walked in; everyone stopped laughing and got serious.

    15 min

  8. JAN 24

    Massive Snowstorm to Hit Most of the U.S. Record Breaking Cold and Snow

    Learn essential English weather vocabulary as we analyze the breaking news about the historic winter storm impacting 130 million Americans. In this lesson, I break down the report to help you understand and use the phrases native speakers use to describe extreme cold and snow.📝 Read the news more easily with this Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/o8d7Y9Ut8AA?si=6f0QUI7x_lnnq-DNThe Vocabulary List1. Alerts * Definition: Warnings or short messages that tell you about danger or important news. * Example: My phone sent loud weather alerts to warn us about the coming snowstorm.2. To Span * Definition: To cover a specific distance, area, or amount of time. * Example: The heavy rain is expected to span the entire weekend, from Friday to Sunday.3. Metro * Definition: Short for "metropolitan." It relates to a large city and the towns around it. * Example: The storm will affect the entire metro area, so city buses might stop running.4. Prepping * Definition: (Informal) Preparing; getting ready for something. * Example: We are prepping for the cold weather by buying extra food and blankets.5. Crippling * Definition: Causing severe damage or stopping something from working properly. * Example: The ice storm caused a crippling traffic jam that stopped cars for hours.6. Salmon * Definition: A large fish with pink meat that swims from the sea into rivers. * Example: Bears in the north often catch salmon in the river to eat.7. Tumbled * Definition: To fall down quickly or suddenly. (In weather, it often means temperature dropping). * Example: Last night, the temperature tumbled rapidly to -10 degrees.8. Northern Plains * Definition: A large, flat region in the northern central part of the United States. * Example: The Northern Plains are famous for having very cold and windy winters.9. Wind Chill * Definition: A measurement of how cold the air feels on your skin because of the wind. * Example: The thermometer says it is zero degrees, but the wind chill makes it feel like minus twenty.10. Incomprehensible * Definition: Impossible to understand. * Example: The cold was so extreme it was almost incomprehensible to people who live in warm places.11. Phenomenon * Definition: An unusual or interesting fact or event that can be observed. * Example: The Northern Lights are a beautiful natural phenomenon.12. Sap (trees) * Definition: The liquid inside a plant or tree that carries food and water. * Example: In the spring, people collect sap from maple trees to make syrup.13. Expands * Definition: To become larger in size. * Example: Water expands when it freezes into ice.14. Tree Trunks * Definition: The main, thick, wooden stem of a tree. * Example: The strong wind blew so hard that it snapped the tree trunks in half.15. Frigid * Definition: Extremely cold. * Example: The water in the lake was too frigid for swimming.16. Scrambling * Definition: Moving or acting quickly, often in a rushed or panicked way. * Example: Everyone was scrambling to finish their work before the power went out.17. Potential * Definition: The possibility that something might happen or develop in the future. * Example: There is a potential for heavy snow later this evening.18. Anxiety * Definition: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. * Example: The news about the bad weather caused a lot of anxiety for travelers.19. Looms * Definition: To appear as a large, threatening shape; or when a scary event is about to happen. * Example: A dangerous storm looms on the horizon.20. Power Grid * Definition: The system of wires and stations that delivers electricity to a large area. * Example: If the ice breaks the electrical lines, the entire power grid could fail.21. Anticipate * Definition: To expect or predict that something will happen. * Example: We anticipate that schools will be closed tomorrow due to the snow.

    18 min
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If you’re looking to improve your English, this podcast is for you. An American who speaks English slowly, so you can understand. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisguy4/subscribe

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