American English Podcast

Shana Thompson
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Dec 18, 2025 • 31min

202.2. Irregular Verbs with Bonnie and Clyde

Dive into the thrilling story of Bonnie and Clyde, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Discover how their infamous crimes turned them into legendary figures, with a public that romanticized their rebellion. Learn about their dramatic car thefts, shootouts, and narrow escapes from law enforcement. Explore the role of newspapers in shaping their legacy and the public's fascination with their love story. Plus, pick up essential irregular verbs used throughout their daring tale!
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Dec 11, 2025 • 21min

202 - Expression: A Shot in the Dark

Explore the interesting idiom "a shot in the dark," which highlights the thrill of guessing with little information. Discover its origins dating back to 1895 and enjoy amusing examples like kids guessing ages, ordering pintxos in Spain, and attempting a French toast recipe without instructions. You'll also enjoy a clever wordplay joke about drinks 'on the house' and a pronunciation exercise to master flap Ts. Plus, there's a challenge to reflect on your own daring attempts!
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Dec 4, 2025 • 32min

201 - When Life Gives You Lemons...🍋 (+10 Expressions)

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!
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16 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 37min

200 - Review of Season 4

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.
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20 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 30min

⭐ 5-Minute English: Fall in the United States

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.
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5 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 32min

199 - 5 MORE Prepositions Advanced Speakers Get Wrong (with Lucas!)

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!
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Sep 4, 2025 • 36min

198.2 - Irregular Verbs: The Survival Story of Hugh Glass

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!
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Aug 28, 2025 • 29min

198 - Expression: Against All Odds

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!
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Aug 21, 2025 • 25min

197 - 5 Prepositions Advanced Speakers Still Get Wrong (with Lucas!)

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!
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Aug 14, 2025 • 30min

⭐ Feature: The Incredible Flight of "Lawn Chair" Larry

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!

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