Learn English Podcast

📚Are you looking to improve your English skills through reading? Wondering what Banned Book Week and looking to celebrate it? Then this episode of the Learn English Podcast is perfect for you! Whether you’re an intermediate learner or an advanced speaker, this episode will provide you with a diverse reading list to boost your language skills.📖This week, we're celebrating Banned Book Week by talking about into some of the most controversial literature that can help take your English learning to the next level. We all know how important input is for language learning. It’s essential to immerse yourself in English through stories to help build your vocabulary and improve your understanding of the language. Reading is a fantastic way to get input and enhance your fluency naturally.📕🚫In honor of Banned Book Week, we’ll discuss why some of the most iconic books were banned and how reading them can improve your language skills. From children’s classics like Charlotte’s Web to modern series like Harry Potter, we’ll cover books at various difficulty levels to suit your current English proficiency. We’ll talk about why these books were controversial and how their stories can be powerful tools for learning new vocabulary and grammar structures. Plus, you’ll discover how some of these banned books can help you expand your knowledge of English culture and history.🔔 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) Banned Book Week - A week-long event in the United States that celebrates books that have been banned or prevented from being in libraries.2) Controversial - Causing disagreement or debate.3) Rebellious - showing a desire to resist authority or control4) Bittersweet - a mixture of sadness and happiness.5) Utopia - an imagined place or state where everything is perfect.6) Satire - a literary work that uses humor or irony to criticize something.7) Explicit - often refers to content that is not suitable for younger audiences.8) Colloquial - (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal9) Disillusioned - disappointed because something is not as good as one believed it to be.10) Censorship -the practice of controlling what people can read or see

🗣Are you ready to speak like a true Californian? Have you ever wondered what words like "legit" or "stoked" really mean? Maybe you've heard them in movies or on social media but aren’t sure how to use them? It's ok because we'll help you practice your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary with an epic slang episode!🏄On this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re helping you uncover the slang phrases that will make you sound like a true Californian. Many people think Californians talk like surfers—especially because of how we’re shown in movies. While that may be true for a small group, most of us don’t speak like that. Still, surfing and skateboarding culture has had a big influence on the slang we use here. It's all pretty gnarly.🎧Today we'll discuss popular slang words and explain how they change depending on context. You’ll learn the difference between terms like “Cali,” “SoCal,” and “NorCal” and how to use words like “legit,” “sick,” and “gnarly” in different situations. By the end of this episode, you'll feel confident using these California expressions and understanding them in casual conversations or on your favorite TV shows. So tune in and get ready to expand your vocabulary in a fun, natural way!🔔 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) Cali: Shortened version of California2) Cadence: The rhythm or flow of sounds, particularly in speech.3) Legit: Authentic, real, credible (can also mean very good or very bad)4) Sick: Can mean ill, but also used to describe something very good or impressive, or something gross.5) Epic: Grand or monumental, often describing an experience or event.6) Broke: Slang for having no money.7) Gnarly: Extremely good or bad, challenging, dangerous8) Stoked/Amped: Very excited, enthusiastic9) Conman: A person who deceives others for money.10) Crossover: When something from one area (like culture or language) is adopted into another.

⏳Are you stuck in your English learning journey? Have you been studying for years, but still struggle when speaking? Do you feel like you've stopped making progress and don't know what else to do?📚You're not alone! Many language learners encounter this frustrating phase where progress seems to have stalled. On today's episode of the Learn English Podcast, we'll delve into the reasons behind this plateau and discuss effective strategies to overcome it. By using these strategies and selecting appropriate materials, you'll continue to grow and expand your English skills.🎧Discover the importance of consistent practice, finding engaging content, and setting realistic goals. We'll also explore the benefits of seeking feedback from native speakers and utilizing technology to enhance your learning experience. Whether you're struggling with grammar, vocabulary, or speaking fluency, we'll equip you with the tools and strategies to break through this hurdle and achieve your language learning objectives. If you’ve been studying for a while and feel like your progress has stalled, this episode is for you. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about navigating the intermediate plateau and pushing yourself closer to fluency.🔔 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=msuscAffiliate link for italki: https://tinyurl.com/LearnEnglishPod📜 SOURCESSteve Kaufmann: https://www.youtube.com/@ThelinguistStephen Krashen: https://www.sdkrashen.com/Olly Richards: https://www.youtube.com/@storylearning📝 Vocabulary List:1) plateau: a period of little or no progress or improvement2) intensive study: studying something with great effort and concentration3) input hypothesis: the theory that language acquisition occurs through exposure to comprehensible input4) polyglot: a person who knows and is able to speak several languages5) opinion pieces: articles that express a person's thoughts and feelings on a particular topic6) colloquial phrases: informal expressions used in everyday speech7) metaphors: a figure of speech in which one thing is said to be another thing8) analogies: a comparison between two things that are not obviously similar9) young adult literature: books written for young adults10) AI: artificial intelligence

🎬Today, we're taking a closer look at one of the most iconic aspects of American life: schools. You've probably seen American high schools shown on TV shows and movies. But is that what American schools are really like? Are those portrayals accurate or just fiction? Are there really school cliques and awkward daily announcements?🏫In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re diving deep into the culture of U.S. schools and uncovering how accurate those Hollywood depictions are. From yellow school buses to high school football, we'll discuss all the things that you'll see (and won't see) on school campuses across the country.🎧Whether you’ve always been curious about American school culture or just want to improve your English by learning in context, this episode is packed with useful vocabulary and cultural insights. Tune in to hear about what makes American schools unique and get a better understanding of how they compare to what you’ve seen on TV. With real-life stories and examples, this episode is a perfect way to boost your English skills while learning something new about U.S. culture.🔔 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) Depicted: shown or represented in a picture or description2) Adolescence: the period of time when a young person is developing from a child into an adult3) Pickup and drop-off zone: a place where people can pick up or drop off passengers4) School district: a geographical area that is responsible for providing public education5) K-9 /canine unit: a group of police dogs and their handlers6) Cliques: small groups of people who spend time together7) Marching band: a group of musicians who play instruments while marching8) Cheerleaders: people who lead cheers and dances at sporting events9) Pep rally: a meeting of students and teachers to encourage a sports team10) Intercom / PA system: a system for communicating between different parts of a building11) Bulletin: a notice or announcement

🌅Are you curious to learn more about the state of California? Do you know why it's called the Golden State? Wonder what to do when you visit it? On today's episode, we help you practice your listening comprehension by celebrating the 174th anniversary of California becoming state.🎬In this special episode, we journey through the history, geography, and culture of the state. From the famous Gold Rush of 1849 that led to California's statehood, to the stunning natural landscapes ranging from sunny coastlines to towering redwood forests, you'll discover what makes this state truly unique.🎧You'll learn about how California became the most populated state in the U.S. and how its economy became one of the biggest in the world. Hear how California's booming economy, centered around powerhouses like Hollywood and Silicon Valley, as well as its rich agricultural heritage as the "world's salad bowl." Join us for fascinating insights and vocabulary to help you improve your English skills in an engaging, natural way. 🔔 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) Nickname - A familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name.2) Slogan - A short and memorable phrase used in advertising or associated with a particular group or product.3) Gold rush - A period when many people moved to a place where gold had been discovered in hopes of becoming rich.4) Influx - An arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things.5) Statehood - The status of being a recognized independent state.6) 49ers: people who migrated to California in 1849 during the gold rush7) Cost of living - The amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living, including basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare.8) Super bloom - An event where an unusually high number of wildflowers bloom at the same time, often after a lot of rain.9) California Poppy - the state flower of California10) Wildflower - A flower that grows in natural places without being deliberately cultivated.11) Giant Sequoias/Redwoods - large, ancient trees found in California12) Extinction - The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.

🎧This week's episode of the Learn English Podcast! We're marking our one-year anniversary, and I couldn't be more excited to share this milestone with all of you! I'll be sharing both my successes and challenges while trying to learn a language. I know how challenging it can be to learn a new language, and I've made my fair share of mistakes along the way. But I've also discovered some great tips and tools that can help you avoid the same pitfalls. I’ll be sharing practical tips and insights that you can apply to your own English learning journey.🗣️We'll talk about some of the most popular language-learning apps, like Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and LingQ, and I’ll be giving you my honest opinion on what worked and what didn’t. From traditional classroom settings to interactive apps, I’ve tried it all over the years. I’ll share the pros and cons of each method and provide some insights on how to use these tools effectively. If you're curious about which app could help you reach your language goals, you won’t want to miss this!🔔 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📜 SOURCESSteve Kaufmann: @ThelinguistStephen Krashen: https://www.sdkrashen.com/Olly Richards: https://storylearning.com/📝 Vocabulary list:1) Obstacles: Things that block one's way or prevent progress.2) Straight A student: A student who achieves the highest possible grades in all their subjects.3) In context: within a specific situation or environment.4) Cavalier: Showing a lack of proper concern; being dismissive.5) Input hypothesis: the theory that language learning occurs through exposure to comprehensible input.6) Visual flashcard: a card with a picture and a word.7) To beat ourselves up: to criticize or blame ourselves.8) To compare ourselves to other people: to judge ourselves based on the achievements of others.9) To be grateful for: to feel thankful for.

Explore the challenges of pronouncing ten tricky English words that often stump learners. Discover why 'Wednesday' isn't pronounced like it looks and uncover the nuances behind words like 'subtle' and 'squirrel.' Gain insights into mastering the American accent, particularly a neutral Southern Californian sound. Practical tips and engaging exercises are shared to boost your pronunciation confidence. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their speaking skills and sound more natural in English!

📚 Summer is over, school is back in session, and the Learn English Podcast is back as well! Because students across America have returned to the classroom, we decided to spend this episode focusing on the world of school-inspired vocabulary. Have you ever heard someone called a "teacher's pet" or talked about "acing" something? These phrases aren't just used in school—they're part of everyday conversations too. Whether you're a student or just curious, this episode will help you add some great vocabulary to your English.🗣️In this episode, we’ll talk about different types of students you might know from school. For example, the "straight A student" who always gets the best grades or the "class clown" who loves to make everyone laugh. These expressions are common in school, but you can also use them in other situations. We’ll explain how, so you can use these phrases confidently in your own conversations.🎧In addition to these sayings, the episode also covers important cultural concepts like grading systems, class rankings, and study habits. Don't miss this chance to improve your English with phrases that are both practical and fun. Plus, we’ve included a vocabulary list in the episode description to help you remember the new words. So, hit play, and let’s learn some English 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 📝 Vocabulary list:1) high school: a school for teenagers between the ages of approximately 14 and 182) teacher's pet: a student who is a teacher's favorite3) class clown: a student who tries to be funny and often disrupts the class4) straight A student: a student who consistently gets the highest grades5) head of the class/top of the class: the best student in a class6) ace it - To do very well on something, like a test or task.7) cut class: to skip a class without permission8) saved by the bell - To be saved from something unpleasant at the last possible moment, often by a bell signaling the end of a school class.9) cracking the books/hitting the books: studying10) procrastinate: to delay or postpone something11) crunch time: a period of intense activity and pressure12) cramming: studying intensively in a short period of time13) pull an all-nighter: to stay awake all night to study or work14) stereotype: a widely held but oversimplified image or idea of a person or group

Get ready for a cinematic journey with five travel-inspired films to improve your English. From the adventurous 'Into the Wild' to the transformative 'Eat, Pray, Love,' these movies will enhance your vocabulary and comprehension. Explore dark comedy in Bruges, embark on a healing journey on the Camino de Santiago, and experience the landscapes of Iceland in 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.'

🎧Welcome back to the Learn English Podcast! As we kick off July, we're celebrating Independence Day, one of the biggest holidays in the United States. This week, we're celebrating by exploring the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." We'll uncover the story of the song's rise to fame, and the controversy surrounding its lyrics.🇺🇸 Did you know the Star-Spangled Banner wasn't even the official anthem for most of US history? Francis Scott Key, the man behind the song, witnessed a battle during the War of 1812 that inspired a poem that eventually become the anthem. Yet, "The Star-Spangled Banner" didn't become the official national anthem until over a century later.📚But why has this anthem stirred controversy? We'll discuss what makes the song so difficult to sing and discuss the complex legacy of its author. Francis Scott Key's life and the lesser-known verses of his poem are controversial. We'll examine why some call for a new national anthem and explore potential alternatives like "America the Beautiful." 🔔 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) Commemorates - Honors the memory of a significant event or person.2) Founding - The establishment or creation of something, such as a country or organization.3) The Star Spangled Banner - The national anthem of the United States.4) Composed - Created music or poetry.5) Poetic verses - Lines of poetry.6) Twilight - The time of day just after sunset.7) Perilous - Dangerous or risky.8) Notorious - Famous for something bad.9) Abolitionists - People who supported the end of slavery.10) Problematic - Causing problems or difficulties.11) Controversial position - A stance that causes disagreement or debate.12) War of 1812 - a war fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815📜 SOURCEShttps://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/francis-scott-key.htmhttps://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/war-of-1812https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6384919https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/index.htmhttps://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/pdf/ssb_lyrics.pdfhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/10/18/star-spangled-banner-racist-national-anthem/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-national-anthem-lift-every-voice-and-sing/