

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

Aug 29, 2024 • 30min
171.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with Amelia Earhart
In this engaging discussion, Amelia Earhart, one of aviation's most iconic figures, shares her groundbreaking experiences and the legacy she left behind. The conversation delves into her historic flights and the societal challenges she overcame as a pioneering woman. Listeners also learn about irregular verbs in English through captivating stories from her life, highlighting the pronunciation and usage differences between American and British English. The mystery of her disappearance continues to intrigue, making her story all the more compelling.

Aug 22, 2024 • 20min
171 - Expression: When Pigs Fly!
Join the legendary Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, as she shares her inspiring story and discusses the lighthearted idiom 'when pigs fly.' Discover the humor behind this quirky phrase expressing disbelief in impossible scenarios. Amelia's pioneering spirit in aviation brings a fascinating twist, illustrating how the absurd often ignites the imagination. Master a tricky pronunciation exercise while learning to use this memorable expression in everyday conversation.

Aug 14, 2024 • 59min
170 - Chat with Charlie: British Culture in Harry Potter
Charlie Baxter, a contributor from The British English Podcast, joins to explore the rich influences of British culture in the Harry Potter series. They discuss how real British education systems and social dynamics inspired the narrative. Nostalgia-filled memories of childhood, the impact of Hogwarts on British life, and humorous contrasts between UK and US vacation styles add depth to their conversation. They also delve into British folklore and class structures through the lens of beloved characters, illuminating cultural differences with charm and wit.

Aug 1, 2024 • 42min
169.2 - The Magical World of Harry Houdini
Step back to the early 1900s and discover the electrifying world of Harry Houdini. Explore his incredible journey from a struggling magician to a national sensation, fueled by daring escapes and groundbreaking publicity stunts. Learn about the powerful partnership with his wife, Bess, as they captivated audiences together. Dive into Houdini's legacy that transcends magic, emphasizing perseverance and cultural impact that continues to inspire. Get ready to unravel the secrets behind one of history's greatest escapologists!

Jul 23, 2024 • 19min
169 - Expression: To Vanish Into Thin Air
Discover the origins and usage of the idiom 'to vanish into thin air' with examples from literature and legends. Stay tuned for an exciting episode on magician Harry Houdini and learn about challenging words in an upcoming quiz.

Jul 8, 2024 • 26min
168.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Statue of Liberty
Explore the history and symbolism of the iconic Statue of Liberty while learning ten irregular past tense verbs. Discover the significance of this beacon of hope, freedom, and democracy as it stands in New York Harbor. Dive into the construction process and explore replicas of the statue worldwide.

Jul 2, 2024 • 15min
168 - Expression: To Spread One's Wings
Explore the meaning of 'To Spread One's Wings' idiom with examples. Learn how it symbolizes embracing change, taking risks, and seeking independence. Stay tuned for a cultural episode on the Statue of Liberty and English language tips.

5 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 27min
167 - 5-Minute English: Bad Driving
Discover the world of bad driving and how people handle it. From vocabulary about bad driving to the consequences faced by reckless drivers. Dive into the story of Doug and learn about common bad driving behaviors and road rage scenarios. Explore the importance of good driving practices and get tips on recognizing and avoiding bad driving habits.

7 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 28min
166.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with McDonald's
Listen to this episode as they tell a story about McDonald's founding and expansion, highlighting 10 irregular verbs in Simple Past Tense. The focus is on mastering verbs for high-intermediate learners, with premium content available for deeper learning. Explore childhood memories of fast food, McDonald's reputation, drive-thrus, Ronald McDonald, and charity work.

May 29, 2024 • 25min
166 - Expression: To Take It With A Grain Of Salt
Exploring cultural differences in American restaurants, significance of flags in American culture, being skeptical in the age of information, and the meaning of 'take it with a grain of salt'. Teasers for future episodes included.


