

American English Podcast
Shana Thompson
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/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2024 • 19min
178 - Expression: Go Big or Go Home
Discover the iconic expression 'Go Big or Go Home' and its cultural significance! Dive into humorous anecdotes that highlight commitment and the spirit of taking bold actions. Learn how this phrase can perfectly capture those moments when you need to go all-in. Plus, enjoy a pronunciation exercise to enhance your conversational skills. Get ready to be inspired to embrace risk-taking and bravery in your daily life!

Dec 9, 2024 • 37min
177 - Pronunciation: The 50 U.S. State Capitals
Get ready to master the pronunciation of all 50 U.S. state capitals! Each capital comes with a fascinating fact that will wow your friends. You'll practice using shadowing techniques to enhance your speech skills. Highlights include rich histories like Richmond's role in the Civil War and cultural gems from cities like Santa Fe and Nashville. Personal travel stories about cities like Austin and Denver offer unique insights and invite listeners to engage with their own experiences.

Nov 28, 2024 • 35min
176.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Ferris Wheel
Dive into the captivating history of the Ferris wheel, invented to outshine the Eiffel Tower at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Discover the challenges faced by George Ferris Jr. and learn how his iconic creation changed amusement parks forever. Along the way, tackle tricky irregular verbs with engaging quizzes. Did you know the original Ferris wheel was dynamited? Or that Ain Dubai is a staggering 820 feet tall? It’s a thrilling ride through language and amusement.

Nov 19, 2024 • 18min
176 - Expression: What Goes Around Comes Around
Dive into the intriguing expression 'what goes around comes around' and uncover its cultural roots and meaning. Enjoy humorous anecdotes that illustrate the ups and downs of karma. Engage in fun pronunciation exercises, featuring a delightful tongue twister related to Ferris Wheels. Discover how small acts of positivity can lead to greater happiness. This light-hearted and educational discussion enriches your vocabulary and understanding of everyday expressions!

14 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
175 - Funny Chat with My Dad (+Superlatives!)
Dive into a lighthearted banter between a host and their dad, filled with engaging stories and idioms. They reminisce about childhood pranks and share humorous culinary adventures, including wild dishes from Brazil. The dad's wit shines through as they explore the superlative form in everyday talk. Listen in for nostalgic tales of holiday mishaps and heartwarming moments during a hurricane. It's a delightful mix of laughter, life lessons, and family warmth that celebrates the joy of spending time with loved ones.

9 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 30min
174 - 5-Minute English: Swimming
Dive into a nostalgic exploration of swimming! Hear personal stories from childhood swim lessons and competitive meets, packed with joy and camaraderie. Learn essential vocabulary while recalling those fun memories at the pool. The speaker shares a humorous belly flop tale, illustrating the courage it takes to learn. Plus, insights on swim safety and growing up through shared experiences make for an engaging listen. Get ready to converse confidently about your own swimming adventures!

9 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 26min
173.3 - The Trail of Tears: The Tragic Story of Native American Removal
Explore the dark history of the Trail of Tears and its grim role in U.S. history. Discover how initial cooperation between Native Americans and settlers spiraled into conflict and forced removals. Hear about the harrowing journey of the Cherokee and other tribes under broken government promises. Delve into contemporary Oklahoma, learning about the vibrant Native communities and the long-lasting impacts of these tragic events. This discussion encourages understanding and engagement with the legacy of Native American experiences.

Oct 4, 2024 • 30min
173.2 - Native Americans and Cherokee Culture
Discover the rich tapestry of Native American culture as the podcast explores the Cherokee people, one of the largest tribes in the U.S. Learn about their traditions, language, and unique societal structure. Delve into the significance of the seven clans and their roles in community cohesion. The discussion includes the matriarchal society of the Cherokee and highlights their deep connection to the land. This insightful conversation encourages a reflection on heritage and diverse tribal identities.

Sep 22, 2024 • 20min
173 - Expression: To Cry One's Eyes Out
Ever had a good cry? Discover the phrase 'to cry one's eyes out' and enjoy a light-hearted joke. Dive deep into the emotional landscape of life's significant moments, from joyous weddings to poignant losses. Explore Cherokee culture, including its cuisine and the historical Trail of Tears, while reflecting on how our tears express profound feelings. Plus, engage in pronunciation practice to master the art of emotional expression in American English.

7 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 35min
172 - Chats with Shana: 10 Must-Know Southern Foods
Dive into the soulful world of Southern cuisine, where food tells the story of rich history and tradition. Discover essential dishes like fried chicken and banana pudding, each holding cultural significance. Sweet tea takes center stage as a symbol of Southern hospitality, contrasting with other regions. Enjoy a journey through unforgettable desserts like key lime pie, while gaining insight into must-know culinary practices. Whether you're a foodie or just curious, this exploration of Southern flavors offers a delicious peek into the heart of the South!


