Generally American (A Journey in American English)

Christopher M. Chandler, Kris Schauer
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  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
Generally American (A Journey in American English)

Hello, Hola, Guten Tag, Bonjour, こんにちは ! Welcome everyone, this is a podcast for those wanting to learn about U.S. culture through Standard American English, also known as General American. We talk about various different topics related to the U.S. and the U.S.'s relations with other countries. My co-host and I would like to think of this as more of a journey because you never know where it’ll take us. Plus, since the journey’s more important than the end or the start, we hope that you’ll be willing to join us! Let’s see where it takes us!

  1. OCT 16

    S6E2: Jury Duty and Legal Proceedings

    summary In this episode of the Generally American podcast, hosts Christopher Chandler and Chris Schauer discuss a variety of topics, including their experiences with seasonal changes, personal reflections on health and fitness, and a detailed account of Chandler's recent jury duty experience. They delve into the workings of the US jury system, the responsibilities that come with it, and the cultural perceptions surrounding jury duty. The conversation also touches on legal insights regarding traffic violations and the differences in work and bureaucracy between the US and Germany. takeaways The podcast has been running for four years, showcasing consistency.Seasonal changes can impact personal health and lifestyle choices.Jury duty is a civic responsibility that can be stressful but also enlightening.The jury system in the US is designed to ensure a fair trial by peers.Contempt of court can lead to serious consequences for jurors and defendants alike.Traffic violations can lead to mandatory court appearances and fines.Cultural differences exist in how work and independent contracting are viewed in the US versus Germany.The legal system can be complex and varies significantly between countries.Gig economy jobs have low barriers to entry in the US, unlike in Germany.Personal experiences with the legal system can provide valuable insights into civic duties.Transcript:https://share.transistor.fm/s/618f33f7/transcript.srt Contact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    48 min

  2. SEP 28

    S6E1: Back From Trips/Back from Break (Boston - Saint Louis)

    summaryIn this episode of the Generally American podcast, we discuss their recent experiences, including a trip to Boston, personal life changes, and cultural observations. We explore the beauty and history of Boston, share insights on accents and local interactions, and reflect on family visits and the emotional connections that come with them. The conversation also touches on navigating bureaucracy, the importance of social security, and the challenges of traveling with a baby. We conclude with thoughts on future travels and recommendations for listeners. takeaways The weather in Boston can be quite hot during late summer.Boston's public transportation is highly efficient and accessible.Fenway Park is a historic site worth visiting, even without a game.Accents in Boston are more prevalent in older neighborhoods.Family visits can evoke strong emotional connections and nostalgia.Navigating social security and IDs can be complicated, especially for children born abroad.Identity theft is a significant concern in the U.S.Traveling with a baby presents unique challenges, especially on flights.Boston is rich in history and offers many cultural experiences.Harvard University offers interesting student-led tours.Transcript:https://share.transistor.fm/s/8545cf69/transcript.srt Contact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    47 min

  3. JUL 17

    S5E11: Season Finale - Recap

    SummaryIn this episode, we recap and revisit all the topics of this season!  Takeaways We talk about the extreme heatwave and the challenges of living without air conditioning.We discuss the process of renovating their homes and dealing with noisy neighbors.We share updates on their children's growth and the challenges of parenting.We have differing opinions on copyright law and video game piracy.We enjoy playing board games and recommend trying out different games.We discuss changes in German citizenship laws and the possibility of English becoming an official language.We mention their experiences with Kickstarter and backing projects. Backing projects on Kickstarter can be a time-consuming process, and delays in production and shipping are common.Fast food has become more expensive and is often considered a luxury. Many people are looking for healthier alternatives.The music industry has changed with the rise of streaming platforms, making it easier to find and consume music. However, there are concerns about the quality and authenticity of AI-generated music.Staying informed and engaged in civic duty, such as voting and jury duty, is important for a functioning democracy.Soft power, the ability to influence others through culture and values, is a significant aspect of American influence in the world.Transcript:https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ae8345f/transcript.srt Contact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    56 min

  4. JUN 26

    S5E10: Cultural Influence as a Form of Soft Power

    In this episode, Kris and I discuss the concept of soft power and its influence on global relations. We explore how the United States, as a global power, exerts its soft power through cultural, economic, and military influence. We also touch on the impact of American pop culture, such as music, TV shows, and movies, on other countries. We highlight the importance of soft power in shaping perceptions and relationships between nations. Takeaways Soft power is the ability to influence others without the use of force, and the United States exerts its soft power through cultural, economic, and military influence.American pop culture, including music, TV shows, and movies, has a significant impact on other countries and shapes perceptions of American society.Economic influence, such as trade and currency, is another form of soft power that can be used to shape relationships between nations.Soft power is a two-way street, with other countries also influencing American culture and society.Soft power plays a crucial role in shaping global relations and can have long-lasting effects on international dynamics.Transcript:https://share.transistor.fm/s/0da64c0d/transcript.srt Contact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    48 min

  5. JUN 11

    S5E9: Staying Informed: A Civic Duty

    SummaryIn this episode, Kris and I discuss the concept of civic duty and its various aspects. We touch on topics such as jury duty, paying taxes, staying informed, and the role of the military. We also explore the differences between the US and Germany in terms of civic duties and the cultural attitudes towards them.     Takeaways Civic duty encompasses various responsibilities such as jury duty, paying taxes, and staying informed.The US and Germany have different approaches to civic duties, with the US emphasizing individual participation and Germany focusing on collective decision-making.Support for the military is often seen as a civic duty in the US, while attitudes towards the military vary in different parts of the country.Respecting the commitment and sacrifice of military personnel does not necessarily mean agreeing with all military actions.Active participation in civic duties is essential for maintaining a functioning society and contributing to the well-being of the community.  Contact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    49 min

  6. MAY 23

    S5E8: The Ethics of True Crime Podcast

    SummaryIn this episode, Kris and I discuss their thoughts on true crime podcasts and the ethical implications of consuming and creating true crime content. We  explore the fascination with killers and the morbid curiosity that drives the popularity of true crime. We also touch on the desensitization that can occur from consuming too much true crime media and the potential educational value of understanding criminal behavior. The conversation raises questions about the ethics of portraying killers authentically and the line between journalism and exploitation. Takeaways True crime podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, but there are ethical implications to consider when consuming and creating this type of content.The fascination with true crime stems from a morbid curiosity and a desire to understand the minds of killers and the transformation from regular people to criminals.Consuming too much true crime media can lead to desensitization and a lack of empathy for the victims and their families.There is a fine line between authentic portrayal and exploitation when it comes to true crime content, and it is important to consider the impact on the victims and their loved ones.While there can be educational value in understanding criminal behavior, it is crucial to approach true crime with sensitivity and respect for the victims.Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (03:51) - The Fascination with True Crime (13:37) - The Ethics of Consuming and Creating True Crime Content (16:28) - Desensitization and the Lack of Empathy (35:22) - The Educational Value of Understanding Criminal Behavior (47:11) - Conclusion Transcript: download the transcript at https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c55cadd/transcript.srtContact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    49 min

  7. MAY 8

    S5E7: Exploring the Evolution of the Gig Economy

    SummaryIn this episode, Kris and I  discuss the gig economy from the perspective of food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. We explore the definition of a gig and how it has evolved over the years. We also touch on the challenges and risks faced by gig workers, such as low pay, reliance on tips, and lack of benefits. We discuss the gamification of gig apps and the impact of the gig economy on traditional industries like taxis. They also mention other gig platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Overall, We highlight the convenience and drawbacks of the gig economy. Takeaways The gig economy has evolved over the years, with gig work now often involving sporadic and flexible work schedules.Gig workers in food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash face challenges such as low pay and reliance on tips.The gig economy is often gamified, with apps providing incentives and bonuses to encourage workers to accept more gigs.The gig economy has disrupted traditional industries like taxis, leading to conflicts and regulatory challenges.Other gig platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer opportunities for freelancers to find work in various fields.While the gig economy offers convenience, it also has drawbacks such as lack of benefits and job security for gig workers.Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (06:20) - The Definition and Evolution of the Gig Economy (26:00) - The Gamification of the Gig Economy (38:06) - Disruption of Traditional Industries by the Gig Economy (45:11) - The Impact of Rising Prices on Food Delivery Apps (47:19) - Different Approaches to Tipping in DoorDash and Uber Eats (48:20) - Conclusion and Closing Remarks Transcript: download the transcript at https://generallyamerican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s5e3-270224-1652.srtContact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    49 min

  8. APR 18

    S5E6: Media - Questioning Your Own Biases and Opinions

    Summary In this episode, Kris and I discuss the media and the challenges of consuming information in today's world. We  talk about biases in the media, the importance of fact-checking, and the need to be skeptical of information. We  also touch on the influence of social media and the pressure to be the first to report news.  We emphasize the importance of seeking out diverse sources of information and being aware of one's own biases. Takeaways The media has biases, and it's important to be aware of them when consuming information.Fact-checking is crucial in today's world where misinformation spreads quickly.Social media has a significant influence on how news is reported and consumed.Seeking out diverse sources of information helps to get a more balanced perspective.Being aware of one's own biases and questioning one's own opinions is essential for critical thinking.Chapters: (00:00) - The Experience of Consuming Media (16:11) - Recognizing and Dealing with Bias (30:44) - The Importance of Waiting for Complete Information (36:53) - No Place or Media Outlet is Perfect Transcript: Check out the website - https://generallyamerican.com/index.php/2024/02/27/s5e3-citizenship-and-board-games/Or download the transcript at https://generallyamerican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s5e3-270224-1652.srtContact:Podcast Team: Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumvE-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com

    47 min
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Hello, Hola, Guten Tag, Bonjour, こんにちは ! Welcome everyone, this is a podcast for those wanting to learn about U.S. culture through Standard American English, also known as General American. We talk about various different topics related to the U.S. and the U.S.'s relations with other countries. My co-host and I would like to think of this as more of a journey because you never know where it’ll take us. Plus, since the journey’s more important than the end or the start, we hope that you’ll be willing to join us! Let’s see where it takes us!

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