

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
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Dec 2, 2024 • 21min
E58 The Most Difficult Plural Words in English
🌀Do you ever find yourself stumbling over certain plural words in English? You know the standard rule of adding an 's' or 'es', but then there are those peculiar plural forms that just don't seem to follow any pattern. These words can be very confusing and difficult to learn. Do you know the difference between "crisis" and "crises"? Ever wondered why "one sheep" becomes "many sheep," but "one goose" turns into "many geese"? And just what is the plural of hippopotamus anyways? 🎧Welcome to another episode of Learn English, where we discuss key aspects of the English language! English is full of "weird plural words" - those unique nouns that transform in unexpected ways when shifting from singular to plural. On today's episode, we'll explore the plural patterns that make English such a confusing language for those who are trying to learn it. From Latin and Greek-derived words that morph their endings, to Old English terms that tack on unexpected suffixes, we'll explain why some plurals feel natural while others leave you scratching your head.🗣️This episode is packed with practical examples, pronunciation tips, and memorable explanations to help you master these tricky words. By the end, you'll gain the tools to confidently navigate these odd singular and plural forms. So if you're ready to take your English to the next level by mastering these peculiar plural patterns, be sure to listen in. 🔔 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: Cactus: A desert plant with spines.Alumnus: A male graduate of a school.Focus: The center of interest or activity.Crisis: A time of intense difficulty or danger.Thesis: A long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one submitted for a university degree.Octopus: A sea creature with eight legs.Hippopotamus: A large African mammal.Goose: A large waterbird.Ox: A castrated male bovine.Wolf: A wild canine.Knife: A cutting instrument.Trout: A type of fish that lives in cold water.Salmon: A type of fish that swims upstream to spawn.Deer: A hoofed mammal.Moose: A large North American deer.Bison: A large North American mammal.Swine: A pig.Species: A group of living organisms that can breed with each other.Die: A small cube marked with numbers, used in games of chance.Mutate: To change form or character.📜 SOURCEShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP-TPCs9Fj8https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58937415

Nov 25, 2024 • 20min
E57 Your Guide to an Authentic American Thanksgiving: Turkeys, Parades, and More
🦃In this week’s Learn English Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most beloved holidays in the United States: Thanksgiving! Taking place on the last Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude. If you've ever wondered what it's like to experience an authentic American Thanksgiving, join us as we dive deep into the heart of this cherished holiday, exploring the customs, foods, and festivities that make Thanksgiving so special.🍽️We’ll discuss Thanksgiving dinners, explore classic TV traditions like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the National Dog Show, and talk about the exciting—and sometimes chaotic—Black Friday shopping phenomenon that kicks off the holiday season. There are also activities that people enjoy doing on Thanksgiving, such as taking part in a turkey trot and a volunteering to help those in need. 🎧Along the way, you’ll hear tips on how to expand your English vocabulary, with practical examples to help you join the conversation at any Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you're curious about American culture, looking to improve your English listening skills, or simply want to learn more about this festive holiday, tune in to this episode of the Learn English Podcast. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the customs and traditions that make this holiday so beloved.🔔 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) Abundance - A large quantity of something; plentiful supply.2) Centerpiece - The main or most important item that is the focus of attention.3) Sponsor - A person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity in return for advertising.4) Float - A decorated platform, often on wheels, that is used in a parade.5) Backyard - The area of ground immediately adjoining a house or other building.6) Turkey trot - A short run or jog, often held on Thanksgiving Day.7) Mission/shelter - An organization that provides food, clothing, and other assistance to people in need.8) Pass out - To distribute or give out.9) Backlash - A strong negative reaction to a new situation or development.10) Giving Tuesday - A global day of charitable giving, held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.📜 SOURCEShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nN-dV3tUIUhttps://www.macys.com/s/parade/https://nds.nationaldogshow.com/https://turkeytrot.la/https://www.givingtuesday.org/

Nov 18, 2024 • 17min
E56 C2 English: 6 Advanced Words to Elevate Your English Vocabulary
🎯Are you looking to take your English to the next level? Tired of the same old words in conversations? Do you wish you could sound more sophisticated and articulate when you speak? Then you won't want to miss this episode of the Learn English Podcast!🎧This week's episode is a delightful journey into six advanced English words that are not only fun to say, but can also add richness and depth to your conversations. We’ll explore six exciting words, giving you their meanings, pronunciations, and real-life examples to help you enrich your vocabulary with ease and confidence. But it's not just about the vocabulary - we'll also explore the nuances between similar terms so you can use them like a native speaker.🗣️Discover the playful side of language with bamboozled and hoodwinked, curmudgeon and cantankerous, and plethora and abundance. By the end of this episode, you'll have a whole new arsenal of sophisticated vocabulary to draw from. With engaging examples, clear pronunciation tips, and practical usage advice, this episode is perfect for anyone eager to elevate their English. No more feeling tongue-tied or struggling to find the right words - these terms will have you speaking English like a true pro.🔔 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) bamboozled: tricked or deceived2) hoodwinked: tricked or deceived, often in a clever or cunning way3) con artist: a person who tricks others into giving them money4) richness: the quality of being rich, especially in quantity or quality5) syllable: a unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound6) curmudgeon: a bad-tempered person, especially an old one7) cantankerous: bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative8) hangry: hungry and angry9) plethora: a large or excessive amount of something10) abundance: a great quantity of something📜 SOURCEShttps://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/1176597061/elizabeth-holmes-loses-her-latest-bid-to-avoid-prisonhttps://movies.disney.com/up

Nov 11, 2024 • 18min
E55 American English Vocabulary: The History of ‘Go For Broke’ and How to Use the Idiom
🎖️Today is Veterans Day here in the United States, and it is a holiday to celebrate those who have served in the military. To help celebrate the day, we have a special episode of the Learn English podcast. On this episode, we're diving into the fascinating history of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the cultural impact they had with their slogan "go for broke". 🇺🇸 The 442nd was a segregated unit made up of Japanese-American soldiers who fought bravely for their country. These soldiers faced discrimination at home, yet they risked everything to prove their loyalty and bravery on the battlefield. You'll hear how these soldiers went on to become one of the most decorated units in US military history. From breaking through the Gothic Line in Italy to rescuing the "Lost Battalion" in France, their courageous actions and willingness to "go for broke" in battle helped win WWII. ✨Their courage and sacrifice made “go for broke” a phrase that means risking it all in battle. In this episode, you’ll also discover how the phrase “go for broke” is still used in American English today. We’ll share clear examples of when and how to use this phrase in conversation, whether you’re talking about chasing a dream, taking a big risk, or giving it your best effort. By understanding the background of this expression, you’ll be able to use it naturally in your English. Join us as we explore this important chapter of American history and unpack the lasting impact of the 442nd's motto, which has become a widely-used English idiom. 🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📜 SOURCEShttps://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/442nd-regimental-combat-teamhttps://www.nvlchawaii.org/442nd-regimental-combat-team/https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/04/05/this-japanese-american-army-unit-is-the-reason-we-celebrate-national-go-for-broke-day/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_for_Broke!_(1951_film)📝 Vocabulary List:1) Veterans Day – A holiday in the United States to honor people who have served in the military.2) Isolationist: Someone who believes their country should avoid foreign wars and conflicts.3) Internment camp: A camp where people are detained during wartime, often based on ethnicity.4) Segregation: The practice of keeping people in separate groups, usually based on race or religion.5) Decorated: Awarded with medals or honors, often in the military.6) Patriotic: Having or showing love for one's country.7) Casualties: People who are killed or injured in a war or accident.8) Fortifications: Strong buildings or walls that protect an area during war.9) Liberate: To free or release someone or something.10) Go for broke: to risk everything in pursuit of a high reward

Nov 4, 2024 • 22min
E54 How Do Presidential Elections Work in the United States?
🗓️ It's the first week of November, and here in the United States that means it is almost Election Day. The US presidential election is one of the most closely watched events in the world with a lot of people waiting to see who will win. However, presidential elections in the United States can be confusing because a key part of the process is the Electoral College system. But how does this system work, and why was it created in the first place? And why doesn't the United States just elect the person who gets the most votes? 🗳️ In this episode, we explain the history and controversy surrounding the Electoral College, and why the popular vote doesn't always determine the winner. You'll learn about the original intentions behind this unique voting system, the role of electors, and the ongoing debates around its fairness and relevance in modern times. We’ll explore how the system still impacts elections today, giving extra influence to rural states and, at times, allowing candidates to win without the majority of vote. You'll also learn about the concept of "swing states" and which states will determine the next president of the United States. 🇺🇸 Whether you're a US citizen or just fascinated by American politics, understanding the Electoral College is crucial to making sense of presidential elections. By the end of the episode, you'll have a much clearer picture of this complex and sometimes confusing aspect of the US democratic process. Tune in and take a step closer to mastering English while staying informed 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📜 SOURCEShttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nebraskas-blue-dot-prove-pivotal-electoral-college/story?id=115274378https://www.npr.org/2023/09/22/1201183160/taylor-swift-instagram-voter-registrationhttps://x.com/tbonier/status/1828457890228629534https://www.vox.com/politics/23848897/florida-red-trump-desantis-republican-2024-election📝 Vocabulary List:1) Electoral College - the system in the US where electors from each state vote to elect the president, rather than a direct popular vote2) Discretion - the freedom to make decisions or choices3) Literacy - the ability to read and write4) Fraction - a small part of something5) Diverse - including people of many different races, cultures, etc.6) Rural - relating to the countryside rather than the town7) Swing state - a state where voters are fairly evenly divided between the two main political parties, so it could go either way in an election8) Voter registration - the process of signing up to be eligible to vote in an election9) Upset - a surprising defeat of the expected winner10) It pains me - an expression used to convey emotional distress or sadness about a particular situation

Oct 28, 2024 • 23min
E53 Learn English Through American History: The Salem Witch Trials Explained
🎃Halloween is nearly here and we are getting ready for it with this special episode of the Learn English Podcast. Halloween usually involves scary things such as witchcraft, ghosts, and magic. There's one cultural event in American history that has all of these elements that frequently gets mentioned at Halloween, and that is the Salem Witch Trials. But what were the trials and why did they occur?🧙♀️Join us as we discuss this dark chapter of American history. From the trials themselves to the cultural impact, we'll uncover the truth behind this haunting period. In the late 1600's, people believed in witches, and in one small town, fear took control. In this episode, you’ll discover the details of the Salem Witch Trials, including what life was like in Puritan Massachusetts. The Puritan's strict religious beliefs and culture helped create the atmosphere that led panic that occurred in Salem.🕯️We’ll also explore different theories about why these accusations of witchcraft began. We'll analyze the evidence, question the motivations behind the accusations, and discuss the lasting legacy of the Salem Witch Trials. And finally, we'll recommend resources you can use to learn more about the trials while also improving your English.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodStreaming guide: https://www.justwatch.com/ and https://watchany.stream/📜 SOURCEShttps://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/09/07/the-witches-of-salemhttps://www.travelandleisure.com/salem-massachusetts-halloween-season-7871591📝 Vocabulary List:1) Accused - Blamed or charged with a crime or wrongdoing.2) Colonized - Settled and established control over an area.3) Puritan - a member of a Protestant group in the 16th and 17th centuries that sought to purify the Church of England4) Bewitched - to influence or affect as if by witchcraft5) Submissive - Willing to obey or follow others.6) Pious - Deeply religious and following religious rules7) Shunned - Deliberately ignored or avoided.8) Contorting - Twisting or bending out of shape.9) Mass Panic - A widespread and intense fear among many people.10) Convulsions - Sudden, involuntary movements of the body.11) Hallucinations - Experiences of seeing or hearing things that aren’t real.12) Remorse - Regret or sorrow for a wrongdoing.13) Convicted - Found guilty of a crime in a court of law.14) Haunted - Believed to be inhabited by ghosts.15) Psychic - A person who claims to have abilities to perceive beyond the physical senses.

Oct 21, 2024 • 20min
E52 Six Podcast Recommendations to Improve Your English Listening Comprehension This Halloween
Struggling with understanding native English speakers? Discover spooky podcasts that make learning English fun this Halloween! Delve into the cultural significance of the holiday while enhancing your language skills through immersive listening. Explore six horror-themed recommendations that feature ghost stories and paranormal mysteries. These engaging tales not only thrill but help absorb vocabulary and pronunciation. Get ready to combine language learning with Halloween excitement!

Oct 14, 2024 • 17min
E51 Use These Six Idioms About the Mind to Elevate Your English!
🧠Are you ready to improve your English vocabulary with some fun and useful idioms? Ever heard someone say they're "losing their mind"? Or perhaps you've been told to "put your mind to something"? Do you want to understand the hidden meanings behind these common idioms? Then get ready for this mind-blowing episode!🎧In the latest episode of the Learn English podcast, we’re focusing on common English expressions that use the word "mind." You may already know that your mind is where you keep your thoughts and ideas, but when we use it in idioms, it can take on all kinds of meanings. These idioms can be tricky for English learners, so we’ll break them down in a way that makes sense and show you how to use them naturally.🗣️These phrases are used all the time in English, so learning them will help you sound more like a native speaker. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand these idioms, but you’ll be ready to start using them in your own conversations. That way you can practice using these idioms in everyday situations! Make sure to follow along and see how many of these idioms you can start using today!🔔 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) Idiom - a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.2) Lose your mind - to act irrationally or go crazy.3) Mind over matter - the power of the mind to overcome physical limitations or difficulties.4) Put your mind to something - to be determined to achieve a goal.5) Bear in mind - to remember or keep a thought in the forefront of your mind.6) Read someone's mind - to understand what someone is thinking without them saying it out loud.7) Blow someone's mind - to experience something amazing, unexpected, or astonishing.8) Willpower – the ability to control oneself and make decisions, especially when facing challenges.9) Psychic – a person who claims to have supernatural powers to read minds or predict the future.10) Telepathy – the ability to communicate through thoughts, without speaking.11) Paranormal - relating to things that are beyond the normal range of human experience12) Illegal substances – drugs that are against the law.

Oct 7, 2024 • 24min
E50 Seven Banned Book Recommendations to Celebrate the Week and Help Improve Your English!
📚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

Sep 30, 2024 • 25min
E49 Learn California Slang to Sound Like a Native English Speaker!
🗣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.