American English Podcast

In today’s episode, we break down the common English expression “a shot in the dark,” which describes taking a guess or making an attempt with little to no information. You’ll hear where the idiom comes from, how people from the U.S. use it, and three real-life examples—from kids guessing ages, to ordering pintxos in Spain, to recreating Banana Kahlúa French toast (with no instructions!). We’ll also go over the joke of the day (“Why did the man take a ladder to the bar?”), cover some advanced terms and phrases, and finish with a pronunciation exercise focused on flap Ts. I highly recommend practicing them to sound more natural when speaking. At the end, I’ll challenge you to think of a moment when you took a shot in the dark. For the full transcript, glossary, and quiz, check out the Academy. Enjoy! Mentioned in the Episode The Academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Life can throw unexpected challenges, like crying at the airport over a missed trip. Instead of wallowing, turn those lemons into lemonade! The host shares a heartwarming shift from disappointment to a magical day at Disney World with her daughters. Expect a mix of personal anecdotes, ten common English expressions, and a sprinkle of Walt Disney history. Plus, prepare for some fun travel mishaps and the importance of optimism when plans go awry!

Celebrate a milestone with a vibrant recap of the highlights from the latest season. Discover the most popular formats, including the intriguing Irregular Verb Stories, featuring captivating tales like those of the Titanic and the Statue of Liberty. Delve into casual chats about life changes and cultural shocks from Brazil, plus explore thought-provoking historical topics like the Trail of Tears. With exciting plans for future content, listeners can look forward to more engaging stories and lessons.

Dive into the delightful world of fall in the U.S., where pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters reign. Discover the sights, sounds, and tastes that make this season special, from apple picking to Halloween. Learn about the vibrant fall foliage and what sets American autumn leaves apart. Personal stories capture the nostalgic essence of the season, reminding us of simple pleasures shared with loved ones. Rich vocabulary and cultural traditions enhance your English while connecting you to the heart of autumn.

Navigating the tricky world of English prepositions, the hosts dissect the nuances between phrases like 'apply to' vs. 'apply for' and 'argue about' vs. 'argue over.' They inject humor with personal anecdotes about job applications and DMV visits, showcasing common usage mistakes. The conversation also touches on decision-making styles, contrasting spontaneous choices with more contemplative approaches. If you're looking to boost your English fluency, expect practical tips wrapped in entertaining storytelling!

Discover the thrilling tale of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman who faced a grizzly bear and fought for survival over 200 miles. Learn how his incredible journey, embellished through time, has inspired books and films. Explore the importance of inner strength and determination beyond mere physical prowess. Plus, pick up over ten irregular past tense verbs while immersing yourself in this epic story of resilience and human spirit!

Ever faced skepticism and still succeeded? This podcast dives into the inspiring expression 'against all odds.' Shana shares a wild bear encounter and leads into powerful survival stories like the Donner Party and Eminem’s rise to fame. You'll hear about legendary victories, including the 'Miracle on Ice' hockey match, and remarkable figures like Walt Disney and Diana Nyad. Get motivated by tales of triumph against adversity, and don’t forget to practice sounding like a native with this phrase!

Even advanced English speakers trip over prepositions! Join a fun conversation exploring tricky phrases like 'invest in' and 'depend on.' Learn about the nuances of saying you 'participate in' versus 'take part in.' The hosts share hilarious personal stories, from school performances to surprising proposals, all while tackling common misconceptions. Gain insight into clear communication and everyday expressions that will refine your fluency. Perfect for anyone looking to sound more natural in American English!

Discover the wild tale of Larry Walters, famously known as "Lawn Chair Larry," who turned a simple lawn chair into a flying machine with over 40 weather balloons. His incredible journey to 16,000 feet is filled with humor and inspiration. The discussion dives into the fascinating realm of cluster ballooning and the dreams of flight that spark adventurous spirits. With plenty of quirky details and challenges, it's a hilarious trip through an extraordinary experience!

Explore the gripping tale of Burmese pythons invading the Florida Everglades, triggered by relaxed pet ownership laws and Hurricane Andrew. Uncover how these non-native snakes quickly became apex predators, thriving in their new paradise. Discussion includes alarming estimates of their population, the danger they pose to humans, and the innovative measures being employed to combat the crisis. From creative hunting programs to high-tech solutions like eDNA, dive into the complex battle against this ecological threat in sunny Florida.