
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/
Latest episodes

Jul 10, 2025 • 26min
⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: A Day at the Beach
Escape to the sun-drenched shores with immersive beach-themed vocabulary and expressions. Relive childhood memories of building sandcastles and kite flying while learning U.S. beach etiquette. Discover swimwear terminology and the joys of various beach activities. Dive into nostalgic college days, contrasting carefree summers with adult responsibilities. Conclude with tips for engaging your local beach community. This beach adventure is perfect for advanced English learners looking to enhance their language skills!

Jul 3, 2025 • 33min
193 - Sharks, Swamps, and Sweet Tea: Our Wild Trip to South Carolina
Join a delightful journey through Charleston, South Carolina, where a family's summer adventure unfolds. Experience the joy of a puppy's first beach trip and the humor of outdoor dining in sweltering heat. Discover why Folly Beach is notorious for shark attacks, yet still a must-visit. Encounter a horseshoe crab and savor the unique taste of frog legs. Unravel the Southern tradition of painting porch ceilings 'haint blue' to ward off spirits, all while soaking in fascinating facts about sweet tea and the local culture.

Jun 26, 2025 • 36min
192.2 - American Bison (or Buffalo!)
Discover the fascinating differences between bison and buffalo, from their temperaments to their physical traits. Uncover the heartbreaking history of American bison, nearly driven to extinction by government actions, and their crucial role in Native American culture. Learn about the conservation efforts restoring these majestic animals and their significance in modern ecosystems. The podcast highlights stories of resilience, including the cultural revival linked to bison meat and its health benefits. Dive into a world where history and nature converge!

Jun 19, 2025 • 20min
192 - Expression: To Stand One's Ground
Discover the expression 'to stand one's ground' through a pun-filled introduction and engaging historical context. Learn how this phrase has evolved from military roots to a personal assertion of beliefs. The discussion weaves personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of holding firm amidst societal pressures. Additionally, the symbolism of the bison emerges, highlighting their remarkable comeback in American culture and sparking a conversation about the power of written expression in a digital age.

11 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 35min
191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave
Discover the hilarious backstory of the microwave's invention, sparked by a melting chocolate bar. Explore amusing anecdotes about kitchen mishaps and the quirky evolution of this kitchen staple. Learn about irregular verbs while enjoying funny tales from the 80s and 90s, when skepticism about microwaves ran high. This entertaining narrative combines humor with educational insights, perfect for language learners and food enthusiasts alike!

Jun 5, 2025 • 33min
⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz
Dive into the intriguing phrase 'the coast is clear' and its roots in safety and secrecy. Learn through vivid scenarios, from a mama bird's watchful eye to the antics of shoplifting teens. Explore the legendary escape from Alcatraz in 1962 by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, who crafted a daring plan involving dummies and raincoat rafts. Unravel mysteries surrounding their fate, with theories suggesting they may have survived beyond the notorious prison walls. This captivating tale of ingenuity and evasion keeps history and language alive!

19 snips
May 29, 2025 • 40min
190.2 - The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian Culture
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the most popular national park in the U.S. Learn about its rich Appalachian culture, from local folklore to the legendary origins of bluegrass music. Uncover the fascinating link between moonshine production and NASCAR, and dive into the impact of early settlers and native heritage on the region. Plus, get insider tips for an unforgettable visit, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this stunning natural wonder.

9 snips
May 21, 2025 • 26min
190 - Expression: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire
Dive into the intriguing expression, 'where there's smoke, there's fire,' and uncover its meaning and origins! The discussion includes relatable examples that bring the saying to life in everyday conversations. Explore the whimsical world of homonyms and the deeper truths behind gossip. Listen to a heartwarming story of family bonding over a fire pit and grilling. Plus, look out for a sneak peek into the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains and some exciting premium content!

17 snips
May 14, 2025 • 39min
189.2 - To Tip or Not to Tip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
Dive into the curious world of tipping as the hosts unpack its complicated cultural significance in the U.S. They share personal anecdotes highlighting the pitfalls of tipping and discuss controversial aspects like classification as wages. The conversation shifts to dating etiquette, exploring who should pay on a first date and the nuances of personal space. With humor and insights on dining practices, listeners will reflect on their own social norms and the impact on service workers. It's a lively exploration of modern monetary manners!

25 snips
May 9, 2025 • 41min
189 - Do You Double Dip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
Join a lively discussion about quirky cultural practices, from losing baby teeth to navigating dining etiquette. The conversation dives into the infamous double dipping debate and explores how different cultures approach food sharing. Personal anecdotes add humor and insight into social norms at events like birthday parties and dinner gatherings. Listeners will uncover delightful traditions around tooth loss worldwide and reflect on the complexities of gift-giving and punctuality in various cultural contexts.