

Learn English Podcast
Learn English Podcast
Welcome to the Learn English podcast, the podcast teaching English in context so you can learn naturally. Each episodes presents comprehensible and engaging content in English so you can improve your listening comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge about American culture. Ideal resource for intermediate or lower-advanced learners on their English journey. Let's learn English!https://learnenglishpod.com/https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 24, 2025 • 21min
E68 Learn English Through March Madness: Sports, Culture, and Vocabulary
🤔Have you ever heard the phrase "March Madness" and wondered what all the excitement is about? This famous basketball tournament happens every spring in the United States, and it captures the attention of millions of Americans. In this week's episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about why March Madness is so popular and how it works. 🏀We'll break down the key aspects of the tournament, from how teams get selected and "seeded" to the single-elimination format that makes the tournament so exciting. You'll discover terms like "Sweet Sixteen," "Elite Eight," and "Final Four," and understand the significance of the national championship. Beyond the games themselves, we'll also explore some of the more complex issues surrounding college sports in America, such as the recent changes allowing college athletes to earn money and the historical differences in how the men's and women's tournaments have been treated.🎧If you're looking to improve your English listening skills while learning something new about the USA, then this episode is perfect for you. You will learn new words and interesting facts while practicing your English listening skills.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜 SOURCES https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-01-17/how-fill-out-march-madness-bracket-if-youve-never-done-it-and-thats-okhttps://time.com/7269620/how-sports-betting-took-over-march-madness/📝 Vocabulary list: 1) Madness – Extreme excitement or chaos2) Tournament – A series of games or competitions to determine a winner.3) Oversee – To manage or supervise something.4) Bracket – A diagram showing teams in a tournament and their matchup5) Seed – To rank teams in a competition based on skill or performance.6) Giveaway – A free prize or reward.7) Wager – A bet or gamble.8) Turn pro – To become a professional athlete.9) Blue Bloods – A term used for traditionally strong college basketball teams.10) Cinderella team – An underdog team that performs much better than expected.11) Underdog – A person or team that is expected to lose.12) Upset – When a weaker team unexpectedly beats a stronger one.13) Sweet 16 – The round in a tournament where 16 teams remain.14) Elite Eight – The round in a tournament where 8 teams remain.15) Final Four – The round in a tournament where 4 teams remain.

Mar 3, 2025 • 18min
E67 How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your English Skills
📝Are you trying to improve your English skills? Do you ever feel nervous about speaking English? In this episode of The Learn English Podcast, we talk about an exciting tool that can help—ChatGPT! This AI-powered software can help you practice speaking, writing, and understanding English in a way that’s interactive, personalized, and stress-free.🎙️If you use ChatGPT correctly, it can help you learn faster! We’ll share useful tips on how to practice with ChatGPT to improve your English. This tool gives you a safe space to practice without feeling judged. You’ll learn how to use ChatGPT for writing tasks, to get feedback on your grammar, and to build your vocabulary. We’ll also talk about common problems, like how to avoid too many corrections and how to make ChatGPT use the English style you want.🗣️This episode is full of helpful tips to make the most out of ChatGPT. This episode will give you all the guidance you need to get started making ChatGPT your language-learning partner.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msuscLanguage Learning Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdt-dHCmwViy89oXBJPKoeMF1Jt-5L6x📝 Vocabulary list:1) Relatively – Comparatively; in relation to something else.2) Customize – To change something to fit personal needs.3) Judging – Forming an opinion about someone or something.4) Articulating – Speaking clearly and effectively.5) Formal – Serious and official in style.6) Professional tone - a formal and serious style of speaking or writing7) Worksheet – A paper with exercises for learning8) Repetitive - occurring again and again in the same way9) Glitches - small problems or difficulties10) Offended - feeling upset, annoyed, or insulted

Feb 24, 2025 • 13min
E66 Learn These Nerve-Racking Idioms to Sound Like a Native Speaker
🗣️Ever wondered what it truly means when someone says you're "getting on their nerves" or that you "hit a nerve?" These expressions may sound similar, but they have very different meanings. But don't worry if you don't know the differences because in this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re covering idioms that use the word "nerve". 🎙️Throughout this episode, we break down popular idioms like "hit a nerve," "have the nerve to do something," and "keep your nerve." This episode isn't just about learning definitions; it's about understanding how these phrases are used in everyday conversation so you can speak more naturally and confidently. By understanding these expressions, you'll be able to communicate more effectively and connect with native English speakers on a deeper level. With real-life examples and clear explanations, you’ll be able to recognize these phrases when native speakers use them—and even start using them yourself with confidence!🎧Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your English proficiency and sound more like a native speaker. Check the episode description for a comprehensive vocabulary list and all the idioms discussed, so you can start practicing right away. If you want to expand your vocabulary and sound more like a native speaker, this episode is for you!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📝 Vocabulary list:1) Get on someone’s nerves – To annoy or irritate someone.2) Work someone’s nerves – To be irritating or annoying 3) Get on someone’s last nerve – To be extremely annoying to the point where the person is about to take action 4) Touch a nerve / Hit a nerve / Strike a nerve – To say or do something that causes a strong emotional reaction 5) Have the nerve to (do something) – To be bold or disrespectful in an unreasonable way 6) The nerve (of someone) – A shortened version of "have the nerve to," expressing disbelief at someone's boldness. 7) Find your nerve / Gather your nerve – To build up courage to do something. 8) Keep your nerve – To remain calm and brave in a difficult situation.9) Disrespectful – Showing a lack of respect.10) Courage – The ability to do something that frightens you11) Heroic – Showing great bravery.12) Disaster – A sudden event causing great damage.

Feb 17, 2025 • 22min
E65 Learn English with the US Presidents Featured on American Currency
💵Have you ever wondered why certain U.S. presidents are featured on coins and dollar bills? In this episode of The Learn English Podcast, we’re celebrating President’s Day by discussing the presidents on U.S. currency. You'll learn about their accomplishments, controversies, and the reasons they were chosen to adorn our nation's currency. 💰You’ll learn facts about figures like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. You'll also hear how Americans refer to them with shortened names like FDR and JFK. Plus, we’ll discuss the names for pieces of currency, like penny or dimes, and why some pieces of currency aren’t commonly used today.🎧Not only will you gain insight into U.S. history and culture, but you’ll also expand your English vocabulary with key words and phrases used throughout the episode. Tune in now and follow along as we uncover the stories behind the money in your pocket. Don’t forget to check the episode description for a full list of vocabulary words to help you learn even more!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜 SOURCEShttps://www.nps.gov/trte/learn/historyculture/index.htmhttps://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/📝 Vocabulary list:1) Currency – The system of money used in a country.2) Denomination – The face value of a coin or banknote.3) Equivalent – Having the same value or amount.4) Collector’s item – An object that people collect because it is valuable or unique.5) Souvenir – A small item kept as a memory of a place or event.6) Nostalgia – A sentimental longing for the past.7) Bill – A piece of paper money (e.g., a $5 bill).8) Banknote – Another word for a bill (paper money).9) Coin – A small, round piece of metal used as money.10) Treasury Department – The government department responsible for printing and making money.11) Declaration of Independence – The document that declared the US independent from Britain.

Feb 10, 2025 • 15min
E64 How to Talk About Love In English: A Valentine's Day Special
💖Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare than by learning about how to discuss the feelings of love in English? In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we explore the various types of love, from romantic and platonic love to the synonyms for "love".💕Ever wondered about the difference between "I love you" and "I'm in love with you"? We'll clear up any confusion and help you express your feelings with confidence. You'll learn how to use words like "adore," "devoted," and "in love with" to convey your emotions accurately. Understanding these differences is key to improving your fluency and making sure you're using the right words in the right situations.🗣️ Whether you're learning English for everyday conversations or just want to express your feelings more naturally, this episode is packed with useful vocabulary and examples. By the end, you’ll feel more confident talking about love in all its forms. So tune in, follow along, and let’s build your English fluency together!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜 SOURCEShttps://www.youtube.com/@peacockhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheOfficeLast year's Valentine's Day video: https://youtu.be/qU3T6OmN81M📝 Vocabulary list:1) synonyms: Words or phrases that mean exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.2) Romantic love: A deep, passionate affection for someone you are in a relationship with.3) Platonic love: A non-romantic, affectionate relationship between friends or family members.4) Friendly love: The love and affection you have for your friends.5) Companion: A close friend or family member.6) In love with: Feeling a deep romantic attachment and attraction to someone.7) Like: To find enjoyment or pleasure in something, without the intensity of love.8) Adore: To love someone or something deeply and passionately.9) Devoted: Deeply committed and loyal to someone or something.10) Dedicated: Committed wholeheartedly to a task or purpose.

Feb 3, 2025 • 25min
E63 The Best Free Language Apps to Actually Learn English
📱Are you looking for the best free apps to help you learn English? In this episode of The Learn English Podcast, we discuss top free language learning resources you can use today! We'll explore their pros, cons, and how to best utilize them on your language learning journey.🆓We’ll start by discussing Duolingo, one of the most popular language learning apps in the world. Then, we'll introduce a personal favorite, Language Transfer, which is great for Spanish speakers. We'll also explore the power of language exchange apps like HelloTalk and Tandem, and share some hidden free features on Italki that are very similar to the language exchange apps. Finally, we'll focus on the ChatGPT and how you can use this powerful tool to refine your writing, get instant definitions, create personalized practice problems, and engage in conversations. 🎧We'll give you the knowledge to choose the right tools for your learning style and maximize your progress. Tune in now to discover which app can take your English skills to the next level!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜 SOURCEShttps://www.duolingo.com/https://www.languagetransfer.org/https://www.hellotalk.com/https://tandem.net/https://www.italki.com/📝 Vocabulary list:1) Sequential – Following a specific order, one step after another.2) Flash card – A card with words or pictures used for learning.3) Notorious – Famous for something bad.4) Bizarre – Very strange or unusual.5) Low stress – Relaxed and without pressure.6) Feature – A function or tool available in an app.7) User-friendly – Easy to use.8) Bright spot - A positive aspect in a generally negative situation.9) Sophisticated - Complex or intricate.10) Time to kill - A period of time when one has nothing to do.

Jan 20, 2025 • 16min
E62 Learning English Through History: Martin Luther King and the March on Washington
🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we continue the story of one of America’s greatest leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you listened to last year’s episode, you’ll remember we explored his childhood and early involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Now, we pick up where we left off, exploring his non-violent strategies, including marches, boycotts, and sit-ins in the year 1963.📜We'll discuss the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," the historic March on Washington and the unforgettable "I Have a Dream" speech, a moment that forever changed the course of American history. Through stories of courage and determination, this episode paints a vivid picture of the fight for equality in the United States. Through Dr. King's own words, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the time and the dreams he had for a more just, equitable America.🗣️Whether you’re familiar with his legacy or discovering it for the first time, this episode will inspire and educate. Tune in to expand your vocabulary, improve your English skills, and deepen your understanding of American history. Don’t miss this chance to connect with Dr. King’s incredible story and the values that continue to shape our world.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📚Affiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜 SOURCESLetter from a Birmingham Jail Text: https://www.csuchico.edu/iege/_assets/documents/susi-letter-from-birmingham-jail.pdfLetter from a Birmingham Jail Reading - Martin Luther King Jr.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATPSht6318oThe March On Washington: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYzHIIQ1O4&t=1385shttps://www.nps.gov/places/-letter-from-birmingham-jail.htmhttps://www.nps.gov/articles/march-on-washington.htm📝 Vocabulary list:1) Legacy – Something handed down from the past, such as achievements or traditions.2) Segregated – Separated based on differences, such as race or religion.3) Sit-in – A form of protest where participants sit in a place and refuse to leave.4) Interchangeably – Able to be used in place of one another.5) Diverse – Showing a wide variety of differences.6) Crucial – Extremely important or necessary.7) Impactful – Having a strong effect or influence.8) Orator – A skilled public speaker.9) Moral issue – A question of what is right and wrong.10) Judged by the content of their character – Evaluated based on who they are, not external traits.11) All walks of life – Referring to people of different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Jan 6, 2025 • 23min
E61 Learn English Faster: The 4-Step Method to Fluent English in 2025
Struggling with English? Discover a powerful four-step method for mastering the language. Learn how to select materials that are both interesting and challenging, ensuring your learning is effective. Embrace the discomfort that comes with language learning, as it can be a stepping stone to fluency. Personal insights highlight the importance of daily practice and developing good habits. By the end, you'll have a clear, enjoyable plan to improve your English skills this year.

Dec 16, 2024 • 14min
E60 Learn English Through American History: The Inspiring Story of the Wright Brothers
🛩️ In this episode of The Learn English Podcast, we talk about the amazing story of Wilbur and Orville Wright. These two brothers played a key role in the history of aviation, and this week marks the anniversary of their groundbreaking achievement. On December 17, 1903, they made history by completing the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight.✈️Learn about the Wright brothers' early influences, their love of flying, and their determination to succeed. Despite many obstacles, they created the foundation for modern aviation. You’ll learn how these brothers, without finishing high school, were able to design, build, and fly the world’s first successful powered airplane.🎧This episode isn’t just a history lesson—it’s also a great opportunity to improve your English! We focus on vocabulary like "aviation," "self-taught," and "pivotal," helping you understand the Wright brothers' achievements while expanding your language skills. You'll also learn about the cultural impact of the Wright brothers and how their story continues to inspire people around the world. Their journey reflects creativity, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible with enough effort—a message that can help motivate you in your own English-learning journey!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📝 Vocabulary List:1) Aviation - The science or practice of flying aircraft.2) Mechanically gifted - Skilled in understanding and working with machines.3) Sparked their curiosity - Aroused interest or enthusiasm.4) Scientific approach - A method of investigation involving observation and experimentation.5) A crucial first step - An essential initial action leading to success.6) Self-taught - Learned through personal effort without formal education.7) Urban legend - A widely circulated story of doubtful truth.8) Put their mind to it - Dedicated effort and determination to accomplish something.9) Can-do spirit - An attitude of optimism and determination to succeed.10) Credited as - Acknowledged as being responsible for something.📜 SOURCEShttps://www.wright-brothers.org/https://www.daytoncvb.com/attractions/dayton-aviation-park/https://libraries.wright.edu/special-collections-and-archives/wright-brothers-collection#guidehttps://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/paul-laurence-dunbar-house/https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/wright-brothershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zYNF_auncg

Dec 9, 2024 • 19min
E59 Learn English Through Stories: My Favorite Moment of the Year
🌎In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re reflecting on the year 2024 and diving into a story about one of the most unforgettable adventures of the year! Join me as I tell you about my trip to a total solar eclipse in Texas.🌒You’ll hear all about why I traveled from Southern California to a small Texas town called Alvarado, how we faced weather challenges, and the unforgettable moment when the clouds cleared just in time. Besides discussing the eclipse, I share helpful tips on how to prepare for events like this and how early planning made the trip more affordable. 🎧As always, this podcast is designed to help you improve your English through context and storytelling. Listen for useful vocabulary, practice your listening comprehension, and learn new expressions while enjoying an engaging narrative. And if you’ve ever seen a solar eclipse or plan to see one in the future, let me know—I’d love to hear your story!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📝 Vocabulary List:1) Reflect – To think back and consider past actions or events.2) Solar Eclipse – An event where the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking its light.3) Corona – The outermost part of the sun's atmosphere.4) Path of Totality – The track across Earth where a total eclipse is visible.5) Weather forecast - a prediction of the weather6) Book in advance – To arrange something (like tickets) ahead of time.7) Direct flight - a flight that goes straight to the destination without stopping8) Carry-on – A small bag you take with you onto an airplane.9) Chirp – A short, high sound made by birds.10) Cloud Cover – A layer of clouds in the sky.📜 SOURCEShttps://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/plan-now-for-the-2026-total-solar-eclipse-in-europe/