
American English With Brent
If you’re looking to improve your English, this podcast is for you. An American who speaks English slowly, so you can understand.
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Latest episodes

May 21, 2025 • 17min
Mr. Beast Makes the Mexican Government Mad: IELTS and TOEFL English
In this English lesson, we explore a surprising news story about Mr. Beast making the Mexican government me. Learn 30 or more key vocabulary words and expressions while diving into this puzzling story. Perfect for English learners who want to build their vocabulary using real news stories!👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinMr. Beast is in Trouble 1. Dropped Off: taken and left at a place: MrBeast was dropped off near the temple by helicopter.2. Ancient: very, very old: The Mayan temples are ancient.3. Mega Star: a very famous person: MrBeast is a mega star on YouTube.4. Viral: seen by many people very fast online: His video went viral in one day.5. Temples: special buildings for religion: Many tourists visit the Mayan temples.6. Racked Up: got a lot of something: The video racked up millions of views.7. Massive: very big: The temple was a massive stone building.8. Mayan: related to the Maya people and their culture: The Mayan people lived in Mexico long ago.9. Violated: broke a rule: MrBeast violated the filming rules.10. Bad Boy : something cool or powerful (object): He flew in that bad boy of a helicopter.11. Explorers: people who go to new places: The explorers studied the old ruins.12. Access: the chance to enter or use something: The team had access to the temple.13. Anthropology: the study of people and their history: He studies anthropology to learn about old cultures.14. Suit : a case in court: The government filed a suit against the video team.15. Firm: a business with workers, often lawyers: A law firm is helping the government.16. Monetize: to make money from something: MrBeast monetized the video with ads.17. Compensation: money paid for damage or loss: The government wants compensation.18. Condemns: says something is wrong or bad: The president condemns what MrBeast did.19. Profit: money made after paying costs: He made a big profit from the video.20. Distort: change the truth or look of something: The video may distort what really happened.21. Legacy: something important from the past: The Mayan temples are part of Mexico’s legacy.22. Indigenous: native; first people in an area: The Mayan people are indigenous to Mexico.23. Pride: a good feeling about something: Mexicans have pride in their culture.24. On His Behalf: for someone; in someone’s name: The lawyer spoke on his behalf.25. Look Into: to study or check something: The police will look into the video.26. Sanctions: punishments for breaking rules: The company could face sanctions.27. Imply: to say something without using clear words: The video seems to imply the temple was his idea.28. Parties: people or groups in a legal case: Both parties met in court.29. Permits : says someone can do something: The rules did not permit selling products there.30. Permit : a paper that gives permission: They needed a permit to film at the temple.

May 17, 2025 • 26min
Did Trump Just Save the World? Pakistan and India for IELTS and TOEFL
In this English lesson, we explore a surprising news story about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan brokered by U.S. President, Donald Trump. Learn 40 or more key vocabulary words and expressions while diving into this puzzling story. Perfect for English learners who want to build their vocabulary using real news stories!👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinIndia Pakistan 🇵🇰 🇮🇳Cease-fire : An agreement to stop fighting. : India and Pakistan agreed to a cease-fire, but gunshots were still heard in Kashmir.Broker : To help make a deal or agreement. : The United Nations tried to broker peace between the two countries.Shelling : To fire a bomb or explosive at something. : The army shelled a village near the border in Kashmir.Suspended : Stopped for a short time. : Talks between India and Pakistan were suspended after a new attack.Break down : To stop working or to fail. : Peace talks broke down when both sides started blaming each other.Mughal : A powerful empire that ruled India long ago. : Kashmir was once part of the Mughal Empire.Rang out : A loud sound was heard. : Gunfire rang out across the Kashmir border.Artillery : Large guns used in war. : Heavy artillery was used in the fighting near the Line of Control.Blackout : When there is no electricity or information. : There was a blackout in Kashmir during the attack.Pakistan : A country next to India. : Pakistan says it wants peace, but violence has increased in Kashmir.-stan (Persian) : A Persian word meaning “land of.” : Pakistan means “land of the pure.”Pact : A promise or agreement. : The two nations signed a pact to stop fighting, but it didn’t last.Commitment : A promise to do something. : Pakistan said it had a strong commitment to protect Kashmir.Calm down : To relax or stop being angry. : The Indian government asked people to calm down after the attack.Narendra Modi : The Prime Minister of India. : Narendra Modi said India would protect its people in Kashmir.Address : The place where someone lives or a letter is sent. : The letter was sent to a military address in Kashmir.Addressed : To speak about a problem or talk to people. : Modi addressed the nation about the Kashmir conflict.Blackmail : To scare someone into doing something by threatening them. : India said it would not be blackmailed by threats of violence.Took credit : Said they did something. : A terror group took credit for the deadly attack in Kashmir.A Breakthrough : A big step forward after a problem. : There was hope for a breakthrough in peace talks last week.Permanent : Lasting forever. : People in Kashmir hope for a permanent peace one day.Hot and heavy : Intense or serious. : The fighting between India and Pakistan got hot and heavy last night.Terror attack : A violent act meant to scare people for political reasons. : A terror attack in Kashmir killed several soldiers.Hindu : A person who follows the Hindu religion. : Many people in India are Hindu, including some living in Kashmir.Hindi : A main language spoken in India. : Hindi is widely spoken in Indian areas of Kashmir.Kashmir : A region that both India and Pakistan claim. : Kashmir has seen more violence as both countries fight over it.Infrastructure : Basic systems like roads, water, and power. : The war damaged much of the infrastructure in Kashmir.

May 15, 2025 • 29min
Answering Your English Questions Live
I will take your questions about learning English for an hour or so.👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join

May 13, 2025 • 18min
Canadian Leader Tells Trump, NO! English Conversation With the News
In this English lesson, we explore a surprising news story—Mark Carney visited the White House in Washington DC and told President Trump "Canada is NOT for Sale! Learn 28 or more key vocabulary words and expressions while diving into the history and mystery of this famous prison island. Perfect for English learners who want to build their vocabulary using real news stories!👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinVocabulary + SentencesPushed back – said no; didn’t agreeCarney pushed back when Trump said Canada should be part of the U.S.Muted response – quiet reaction :Many people in Canada gave a muted response. They didn’t say much.Amid – duringAmid the talks, they also spoke about border problems.The firefighter is walking amid the fire.Not shy – confident; says what he thinksTrump was not shy about saying he wants Canada as a U.S. state.Rejected – said noCarney rejected the idea of selling Canada.Liberal – a political group that is the opposite of Conservative Carney is the leader of Canada’s Liberal Party.Mark Carney – Canada’s new Prime MinisterMark Carney met with Trump in May 2025.Real estate – selling land and buildingsCarney said Canada is not real estate. It is not for sale.Buckingham Palace – famous royal building in LondonCarney said, “Canada is not for sale—like Buckingham Palace.”Owners of Canada – the citizens of CanadaCarney said that he talked to the owners of Canada. They said, “Canada is not for sale.” Never say never – maybe it could happen somedayTrump smiled and said, “Never say never.”Pressing – asking a lot of questionsReporters were pressing the two men about what they talked about.“If I may” – polite way to start a questionA reporter asked, “If I may, is Canada really for sale?”Dominated – was the biggest topicThe idea of Canada joining the U.S. dominated the meeting.Rhetoric – strong, emotional speakingCarney used strong rhetoric to say Canada is not for sale.Imposed – forced somethingTrump imposed new taxes on Canadian products.Produce – fruits and vegetablesThey talked about trading produce like apples and potatoes.Produce – to create somethingCanada wants to produce more things for trade.Insisted – said very stronglyCarney insisted that Canada would stay independent.Underway – already happeningTalks about trade were already underway.This English lesson has been underway for about ten minutes now. Negotiated – talked to make a dealThe two leaders negotiated a new plan for trade.The door is open – we can still talk about it laterCarney said “The door is open” to more talks.Libya – a country in North AfricaPresident Trump said he would like to deport aliens to Libya.Migrants – people who move to a new countryThey discussed how to help migrants at the border.Illegal aliens – people in a country without permissionTrump used the term “illegal aliens” during the talk.Turmoil – big problems and confusionThere is a lot of turmoil at the U.S.-Canada border.Major escalation – a big increase in conflictA trade war would be a major escalation.

May 10, 2025 • 9min
WAIT! Duck Means WHAT?! in English 8 Ways Americans Use Duck 🦆
Duck 🦆“Wait… duck means WHAT?!” In this fun and surprising English lesson, you’ll find out why duck is way more than just a cute little bird. Americans use this word in some crazy ways—like duck out, sitting duck, and even duck your head! If you’ve been learning English for a while and want to understand how native speakers really talk, you don’t want to miss this one. Get ready to laugh, learn, and duck like a pro!👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join1. Noun – The Animal • : A water bird with webbed feet and a flat bill. • : We saw ducks swimming in the pond.2. Verb – To Lower Quickly (to avoid something) • : To bend down quickly, usually to avoid being hit or seen. • : He had to duck to avoid the flying ball.Duck down3. Idioms and Phrases“Like water off a duck’s back” • : When criticism or problems don’t bother someone. • : He doesn’t care what people say—it’s like water off a duck’s back.“Sitting duck” • : An easy target; someone who is vulnerable, or easily hurt. • : Without any backup, the officer was a sitting duck.“Duck out” • : To leave quickly or secretly. • : She ducked out of the meeting early.“Get your ducks in a row” • : To get organized or prepared. • : We need to get our ducks in a row before the presentation.“Take to something like a duck to water” • : To do something naturally and easily. • : She took to skiing like a duck to water.4. In Pop Culture or Brands • Duck Dynasty, Donald Duck, Daffy Duck, Oregon Ducks (college sports), Aflac duckThese characters and references may pop up in conversations, jokes, or marketing.Word: Duck callPart of Speech: nounSimple Definition:A duck call is a small tool that hunters blow into to make a sound like a duck. It helps bring ducks closer.Example Sentence:The hunter used a duck call to make the ducks fly toward him.6. Playful or Kid-friendly Uses • “Duck, Duck, Goose”

May 7, 2025 • 18min
Trump Is Opening America's Most Dangerous Prison: English for IELTS and TOEFL
In this English lesson, we explore a surprising news story—former President Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz! Learn 22 or more key vocabulary words and expressions while diving into the history and mystery of this famous prison island. Perfect for English learners who want to build their vocabulary using real news stories!👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinTrump Wants to Reopen America’s Most Dangerous Prison1. Alcatraz: A famous prison on an island near San Francisco.: President Trump said he might reopen Alcatraz to hold the country’s most dangerous criminals.2. Notorious: Famous for something bad.: Alcatraz is notorious for being one of the toughest prisons in history.: Los Angeles is a city that’s notorious for its traffic jams. 3. Escape Proof: Impossible to escape from.: Trump called Alcatraz escape-proof and perfect for dangerous inmates.4. “I’m in”: I agree or want to join.: When Trump announced the Alcatraz plan, his supporters replied, “I’m in!”5. Expand: To make bigger or add more.: Trump said he wants to expand Alcatraz to hold more prisoners.6. Ruthless: Cruel and without kindness.: Trump said only the most ruthless criminals would be sent to Alcatraz.7. Radicalized: Made extreme in beliefs, often political or religious.: He claimed radicalized individuals are too dangerous for regular prisons.8. Due process: Fair treatment under the law.: Critics said reopening Alcatraz could ignore due process for prisoners.9. Brilliant: Very smart or clever.: One supporter called Trump’s idea to reopen Alcatraz brilliant.10. Obviously: Clearly or without a doubt.: “Obviously, putting dangerous criminals on an island keeps others safer,” Trump said.11. Interpretation: The way someone understands or explains something.: Trump’s interpretation of the law allows for reopening closed prisons like Alcatraz.12. Driving up: Increasing (usually numbers or costs).: Some people worry that reopening Alcatraz will drive up prison costs.13. Assessing: Judging or figuring something out.: The government is assessing whether Alcatraz is ready to use again.14. Potential: Possible or likely in the future.: Trump believes Alcatraz has the potential to help fix the prison system.15. Looking ahead: Thinking about the future.: Looking ahead, Trump says America needs stronger prisons like Alcatraz.16. Turn it over: To give control to someone else.: Trump said if he wins and reopens Alcatraz, he’ll turn it over to the Department of Justice.17. Ideally: In the best situation.: Ideally, Alcatraz would be used only for the most dangerous criminals.18. Carry it forward: Continue or move an idea into the future.: Even after Trump leaves office, he wants the next president to carry it forward.19. Successor: The person who comes next in a job.: Trump hopes his successor will support keeping Alcatraz open.20. Comply: To follow rules or laws.: Any new Alcatraz prison must comply with modern safety rules.21. Maintenance: The work needed to keep something in good condition.: Alcatraz will need a lot of maintenance before it can be used again.

May 5, 2025 • 25min
The Best Oceanfront House in Mexico English Lesson 🇲🇽
In this English lesson from Cancun Mexico, you will learn a lot of new terms about household items. And you will hear a conversation with a non-native English speaker, Daniel, who worked really hard to become very proficient in the language.👨🏫 Do you want to be my student? https://brentspeak.as.me/💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join🇲🇽 Want to Stay At Daniel's Property: WhatsApp: 52 998 170 7278How Daniel and I Became Friends: one night Jamie and I were hanging out near the restaurant part of the condos, and we noticed a dog was there alone. He was tied to a chair and I thought he was scared, so I got down on the ground to try to make him feel better. Daniel saw this on the surveillance camera, and he came out to talk to us. He thanked us for being so kind to his dog. The next morning, Jamie and I were having trouble finding the hotel where our tour bus was going to pick us up. There were three hotels in the area with nearly the same name. Daniel offered to drive us into town to catch the bus. I thought that was incredibly nice of him. And we got to talking and I realized we had a lot in common.

May 2, 2025 • 14min
Advanced English at the Beach 🏖️
Learn 28 essential English words and phrases you can use at the beach! Perfect for English learners who want to sound natural while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.👨🏫 Want me to be your private tutor? https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/8e554316💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join1. Beach Objects & GearTowel – a cloth you use to dry your body I lay on my towel in the sand.Swimsuit – clothes you wear for swimming She is wearing a blue swimsuit.Flip-flops – light sandals for the beach I wear flip-flops so my feet don’t get hot.Sunscreen – lotion to protect your skin from the sun Don’t forget your sunscreen!Beach umbrella – a big umbrella for shade We sat under the beach umbrella.Cooler – a box that keeps drinks and food cold We brought a cooler with water and snacks.Bucket and shovel – toys for digging in sand The kids played with a bucket and shovel.2. Nature and SurroundingsWaves – the moving water in the ocean The waves were big today!Tide – when the ocean water moves in or out The tide is coming in.Seashell – a hard object found on the beach I found a pink seashell.Sand – tiny rocks on the beach The sand is hot!Palm tree – a tall tree with big leaves There are many palm trees here.Seagull – a white bird near the ocean A seagull stole my chips!3. ActivitiesSwim – to move in the water Let’s go swim in the ocean.Sunbathe – to lie in the sun to get a tan She likes to sunbathe in the morning.Surf – to ride waves on a board He wants to learn to surf.Snorkel – to swim with a mask and look at fish We went snorkeling near the rocks.Build a sandcastle – make a castle with sand They built a big sandcastle.Relax – to rest and feel calm I just want to relax today.Float – to stay on top of the water The baby can float with help.4. Safety and EnvironmentLifeguard – a person who watches swimmers and helps them The lifeguard blew his whistle.Rip current – a strong current that pulls you out Be careful! There’s a rip current.Jellyfish – a sea animal that can sting Watch out for jellyfish.Sunburn – red, painful skin from too much sun He got a bad sunburn yesterday.Red flag – a warning that the water is dangerous There’s a red flag today. No swimming.5. Useful PhrasesCan I swim here? Ask the lifeguard: Can I swim here?Where is the bathroom? Always a good phrase to know!How much is it? If you’re buying food or renting gear, ask: How much is it?

May 1, 2025 • 13min
Trump Tells Putin STOP 🛑
👨🏫 Want me to be your private tutor? https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/8e554316Vocabulary for the News Story: Trump Tells Putin to Stop the War1. Pop up: To suddenly appear.I can’t attend the meeting today. Something really important popped up.The information popped up on my phone just as I needed it. 2. Criticizing: Saying bad things about someone or something.: Some people are criticizing Trump for the way he spoke to Putin online.3. Bad timing: When something happens at a wrong or awkward time.My computer’s battery crashed during the test–such bad timing. 4. Strikes: Attacks with weapons like missiles or bombs.: As Trump posted his message, Russia continued to launch strikes in Ukraine.5. Stepped off: To leave or move away from something.: After posting, Trump quickly stepped off the plane without answering questions.6. Essentially: Basically; in other words.: Trump was essentially telling Putin to end the war immediately without conditions.7. Head back: To return to a place.: Trump said it was time for soldiers to head back home and stop fighting.8. Aftermath: What happens after a big event, usually something bad.: In the aftermath of Trump’s post, many leaders gave different reactions.9. Confirmed: Officially said something is true.: The White House confirmed that Trump made the post without working with them first.10. Exact: Precise; 100% correct.: It is still unclear what Trump’s exact plan would be for ending the war.11. Unknowns: Things that are not known yet.: There are still many unknowns about how Putin will react to Trump’s message.12. Figure out: To find the answer to something.: World leaders are trying to figure out if Trump’s post will help or hurt the peace process.13. Bullet train: A very fast train.: Some news reporters joked that Trump’s message traveled across the internet like a bullet train.14. Chump town / a chump: A chump is someone who is easily fooled or not respected. “Chump town” means a place full of fools.: Trump warned that if Putin didn’t stop the war, Russia would turn into “chump town” and lose respect around the world.

Apr 28, 2025 • 12min
A New Pope? Advanced English for the IELTS and TOEFL
The new pope is chosen by cardinals in a secret election held in the Sistine Chapel. The Holy See organizes the process to make sure it follows Church rules. Here is a slow English lesson about it. 👨🏫 Want me to be your private tutor? https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/8e5543161. Christianity (noun) – A religion that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. • : Christianity is one of the biggest religions in the world. There are about 2 billion Christians in the world today. 2. Catholic (noun/adjective) – A person who follows the Roman Catholic Church; related to the Catholic Church. • : Many Catholics go to church every Sunday. 3. Denomination (noun) – A group within a larger religion that has its own beliefs and practices. • : Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity. 4. Argentina (noun) – A country in South America; the birthplace of Pope Francis. • : Pope Francis was born in Argentina in 1936.Vocabulary Words with Simple Definitions and Sentences 1. Pope – The leader of the Catholic Church. • : The pope leads millions of Catholics around the world. 2. Cardinal – A high-ranking official in the Catholic Church who helps choose the new pope. • : The cardinals gather in the Vatican to vote for the next pope. 3. Conclave – A private meeting where cardinals vote for a new pope. • : The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel and is kept secret. 4. Vatican – The small country in Rome where the pope lives. • : The Vatican is the center of the Catholic Church. 5. Basilica – A large and important church. • : St. Peter’s Basilica is where people gather to see the new pope. 6. Election – A process of choosing a leader by voting. • : The cardinals hold an election to select the new pope. 7. Mourning – A time of sadness after someone dies. • : After the pope’s death, the Vatican enters a period of mourning. 8. White smoke – A signal that a new pope has been chosen. • : When white smoke appears, people know a new pope has been elected. 9. Black smoke – A signal that no pope has been chosen yet. • : Black smoke means the cardinals need more time to vote. 10. Vote – To choose someone for a position by casting a ballot. • : The cardinals vote several times until they agree on a new pope. 11. Majority – More than half of the votes. • : A candidate must get a two-thirds majority to become pope. 12. Secret Ballot – A way of voting where no one knows who voted for whom. • : The cardinals use a secret ballot to keep the election private. 13. Successor – The person who takes over a position after someone else. • : The new pope is the successor to the previous one. 14. Tradition – A long-established way of doing something. • : The election of a new pope follows an ancient tradition. 15. Papal – Related to the pope or his authority. • : The papal election is an important event for the Catholic Church. 16. Blessing – A religious prayer or good wish. • : The new pope gives his first blessing to the crowd. 17. Sistine Chapel – The building where the pope is elected. • : The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. 18. Holy See – The government of the Catholic Church, led by the pope. • : The Holy See organizes the election of a new pope. 19. Announcement – A public statement about something important. • : The Vatican makes an announcement when the new pope is chosen. 20. Habemus Papam – A Latin phrase meaning “We have a pope!” • : The crowd cheers when they hear “Habemus Papam” from the balcony.21. Papal Name – The special name a new pope chooses. • : The new pope took the papal name John Paul II.