American English Podcast

Shana Thompson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. 13 HR AGO

    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
  2. You Might Also Like: Lipstick on the Rim

    13 HR AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Lipstick on the Rim

    Introducing Amy Schumer & Brianne Howey on the Importance of Female Friendships, Navigating Hollywood's Double Standards, Sharing Their Birth Stories, and MORE from Lipstick on the Rim. Follow the show: Lipstick on the Rim This week, in what might be the funniest episode yet, Molly and Emese are joined by co-stars Amy Schumer and Brianne Howey. They get candid about motherhood, career evolution, and their new film, Kinda Pregnant—which unexpectedly led to Amy’s latest health discovery. Amy opens up about how public criticism led her to uncover her Cushing syndrome diagnosis, what it’s like to navigate comedy and Hollywood as a mom, and the importance of sharing birth stories without shame. Brianne shares how becoming a mother has shifted her perspective on work, how Ginny & Georgia’s Georgia Miller compares to real-life parenting, and the power of female friendships in the industry. We also go behind the scenes of their new Netflix film, Kinda Pregnant—how Molly first got the script, why Amy and Brianne were drawn to the project, and what it means for women today. Plus, they reflect on their early career struggles, the moment they knew they “made it,” and how motherhood has reshaped their ambitions. From career highs to personal challenges, this episode is raw, funny, and packed with insights. Mentioned in the Episode: Kinda Pregnant Ginny & Georgia Meerkat 30 Rock Last Comic Standing Charlie Sheen Roast Inside Amy Schumer Amy Schumer on the Howard Stern Show Trainwreck Life & Beth Expecting Amy 45RPM Clothing Brand  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us at @sonypodcasts  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 1 JAN

    Feature: New Year's Resolution Statistics

    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: 157.2 - New Year’s Resolutions Statistics. While originally created with 2024 in mind, the insights and lessons are just as relevant as ever for 2025! In this episode, you’ll uncover fascinating statistics about popular resolutions in the United States, gain cultural insights, and—most importantly—learn how to set actionable goals for your language learning journey. 🎯 You'll also learn 10+ words related to Statistics, such as ratio, fraction, correlation, etc. 🌟 Let’s dive in and make 2025 your best year for learning English yet! 🚀 Mentioned in the episode Season 4 All Premium Content How to Track Your Progress Stutz the Documentary (available on Netflix) CDC Study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 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
    214
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 American English Podcast
  • Show Website
    American English Podcast

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