Learn English Podcast

Learn English Podcast
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Apr 8, 2024 • 16min

Better English Vocabulary for Talking About Being Ignored

🗣 Feeling ignored is frustrating, but knowing the right English phrases helps you express it clearly. In this episode, we explore 10 different ways to talk about being ignored in English, including synonyms like disregard, dismiss, brush off, and tune out. You’ll learn how to use each phrase naturally and understand the subtle differences between them.We discuss real-life examples, context, tone, and situations where native speakers use these expressions. This episode will strengthen your vocabulary and give you multiple new ways to describe being ignored in everyday conversation. Listen now and level up 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/learnenglishpod📝 Vocabulary list:1) ignore: general term for not listening or paying attention2) nuance: subtle difference3) precise: exact4) disregard: formal, not considering something important5) dismissive/dismissing: formal, treating something as unimportant6) brush off : casual, ignoring someone or something unimportant7) not paying attention: neutral, simply not focused on something8) tune out: gradually stop paying attention, can be intentional or unintentional9) pretend: act as if something is true although it is not
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Apr 1, 2024 • 21min

How Reading Boosts Your English + The Best Strategies for Fluency

📖 In this episode, we explore how reading helps you learn English naturally through input, vocabulary exposure, and real sentence patterns. You’ll learn the difference between intensive reading and extensive reading, when to use each method, and how to build reading habits that help your English improve over time.We also talk about how to choose reading materials based on your level — from beginner-friendly graded readers to native-level books and articles. With the right approach, reading becomes one of the most effective ways to grow your vocabulary, increase comprehension, and move closer to fluency. Tune in and learn how to make reading work 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/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜 SOURCESSteve Kaufmann: https://youtube.com/@ThelinguistStephen Krashen: https://www.sdkrashen.com/📝 Vocabulary list:1) Intensive reading: reading a text closely and carefully, often with the goal of understanding every word (learning)2) Extensive reading: reading a large amount of text, often without stopping to look up every unknown word (exposure)3) Mimic: to copy someone's behavior or style (action)4) Graded readers: books that are written at a specific level of difficulty for language learners (resource)5) Aggregate sites: websites that collect information from other websites (source)6) Intonation: the way that your voice rises and falls when you speak (pronunciation)7) Rhythm: a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed sounds (pronunciation)8) Fiction: stories that are not based on real events (genre)9) Youth literature: books written for teenagers or young adults (genre)10) Summer reading list: a list of books recommended for reading during the summer vacation (resource)11) Opinion pieces: articles that express the writer's personal opinion on a particular topic (genre)12) Persuasive language: language that is used to try to convince someone to do something (communication)
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Mar 25, 2024 • 20min

Why English Is Actually Easier Than You Think

💡 English has challenges, but it also has many features that make it easier than people think. In this episode, we explore why English is simpler than Germanic and Romance languages in areas like nouns, articles, adjectives, verb forms, and the huge number of learning resources available.If you are losing motivation, this episode is your reminder that English can be learned step by step. The more input you get, the faster you grow. Stay consistent, stay curious, and trust your progress.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📜 SOURCES Steve Kaufmann: https://youtube.com/@ThelinguistStephen Krashen: https://www.sdkrashen.com/📝 Vocabulary list:1) conjugate (verb): to change the form of a verb depending on tense (past, present, future) or person (I, you, he/she/it, we, they)2) declension (noun): the system of changing the form of a noun to show its grammatical role in a sentence (subject, object, etc.)3) gender (noun): the grammatical classification of nouns as masculine, feminine, or neuter (not applicable in English for nouns)4) subjunctive tense (noun): a verb mood used to express a wish, possibility, or hypothetical situation5) cognate (noun): a word in one language that is related to a word in another language due to a common origin6) boost (verb): to increase or improve something7) discouraged (adjective): feeling a lack of hope or confidence8) advantage (noun): a benefit or something helpful9) straightforward (adjective): simple and easy to understand10) informality (noun): the lack of formality or strictness11) rigid (adjective): following strict rules, unwilling to change.12) barrier (noun): something that hinders progress or communication.13) grateful (adjective): appreciative or thankful
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Mar 18, 2024 • 28min

Phrasal Verbs with “Blow”: Blow Up, Blow Out, Blow Through, Blow On

🗣️ English is full of phrasal verbs, and “blow” is one of the trickiest. In this lesson, we break down how to use blow up, blow out, blow through, blow on, blow down, and the noun “blowout” with clear explanations and real examples. You’ll learn how the same word can describe wind, anger, money, sports, and even getting your hair done.If you’re an intermediate English learner who wants to understand native speakers more easily, this episode will give you the context and repetition you need. Listen, repeat, and notice how these phrasal verbs show up in your favorite shows, podcasts, and conversations so you can start using them yourself.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📝 Vocabulary list1) Phrasal Verbs:blow down (fall over due to wind)blow on (push air onto something)blow up (explode)blow up (get angry) (informal)blow up (increase rapidly)blow through (air moving through something)blow through (be reckless and not stop)blow through (move through something quickly)blow out (push air out)blow out (rupture due to pressure)blow out (win/lose by a large margin)2) Nouns:blow (hit with force)blowout (tire bursting)blowout (argument) (informal)blowout (decisive victory) (sports)3) Idioms:don't blow this (don't mess this up) (informal)
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Mar 11, 2024 • 17min

Why the U.S. Changes the Clocks: Daylight Saving Time Explained

⏳ Twice a year, millions of Americans change their clocks — but not every state does. This episode traces the history of Daylight Saving Time from Benjamin Franklin to modern legislation, exploring why the system was created, why many people dislike it today, and how it affects sleep, safety, and daily life.Designed for intermediate English learners, this episode builds comprehension through real cultural context. Listeners learn how the U.S. time system works, why Hawaii and Arizona do not participate, and what the government has attempted to change. A useful guide for anyone wanting to know more about American timekeeping traditions.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📝 Vocabulary list1) Unique (adj): special or unusual2) Time change (n): the act of changing the clocks forward or backward by one hour3) Daylight saving time (DST) (n): the period from spring to fall when clocks are set forward one hour to make use of longer daylight hours4) Impacted (v): affected5) Circadian rhythm (n): the natural cycle that regulates sleep and wakefulness in humans6) Minimal (adj): very small7) Spike (n): a sudden sharp increase in something8) Logistics (n): the details of planning and organizing a complex activity9) Poll (n): a survey that asks a question of a large number of people to find out their opinions10) Abbreviation (n): a shortened form of a word or phrase11) Through the roof: idiom meaning to rise quickly.
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Mar 4, 2024 • 19min

Oscar-Winning Movies That English Learners Should Watch

🍿 Movies can be an excellent source of English input, especially when performances are powerful and memorable. This episode explores five films with Academy Award-winning Best Actress performances — perfect for learners who want to improve listening while enjoying great storytelling.From older classics to modern multiverse cinema, listeners learn how film can boost fluency, strengthen comprehension, and help vocabulary grow naturally. The episode also explains how to find these films online, and why movies make language input more engaging.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msuscStreaming guide: https://www.justwatch.com/ and https://watchany.stream/📝 Vocabulary list1) Proponent: A person who advocates for a cause or idea.2) Backdrop: The setting or environment of an event or situation.3) Gut punch: A metaphorical blow or impact that leaves one feeling emotionally overwhelmed.4) Ambiguous: Unclear or having more than one interpretation.5) Dark humor/Black comedy: humor that is about serious or unpleasant subjects6) Remorse: a feeling of guilt about something you have done7) Multiverse: A hypothetical set of multiple possible universes, including the one in which we live.8) Stylistic: Relating to the distinctive manner or style of something.9) Absurd: Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.10) Internal debate: A personal struggle or conflict within oneself over a decision or action.11) Quirky: Characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits.12) Flair: a special style or quality13) Crowning achievement: The most significant or noteworthy accomplishment in one's career or life.
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Feb 26, 2024 • 12min

Leap Year: Why This February Has 29 Days + English Learning Context

🗓️ What makes 2024 a leap year? Why does February sometimes have 29 days instead of 28? This episode breaks down the history and mathematics behind leap years, from ancient Egyptian astronomy to the development of the Gregorian calendar. It's an engaging mix of science, storytelling, and cultural tradition — ideal for English learners who want real input and meaningful topics.Listeners will learn vocabulary, hear examples in context, and discover fun beliefs surrounding Leap Day, leap-year weddings, Irish proposal customs, and “leap babies.” A great way to expand English listening skills while learning something new about the world.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msuscStreaming guide: https://www.justwatch.com/ and https://watchany.stream/📝 Vocabulary list1) Out of sync: Not aligned or coordinated with something else.2) Haphazardly: Done without a plan or in a disorganized way.3) Regulate: To control or adjust something to maintain a steady level4) Divisible: Able to be divided by another number without a remainder.5) Renewal: The act of making something new or fresh again.6) Superstitions: Beliefs that are not based on reason or scientific evidence.7) Folklore: Traditional customs and stories passed down from generation to generation.8) Compensation: Something given to someone as a reward or repayment.9) Leap babies: People born on February 29th.
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Feb 19, 2024 • 22min

5 Inspiring Movies to Improve English + Celebrate Black History Month

🎥 Movies can transform language learning — especially when they tell important stories. This episode features five films that help learners improve English while exploring Black history, culture, and lived experience in the United States.Listeners will learn about each film, the social context behind it, the themes of resilience and community, and how cinema provides powerful language input. A great episode for those who want to improve English naturally through meaningful storytelling, dialogue, and culture.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msuscStreaming guide: https://www.justwatch.com/ and https://watchany.stream/📝 Vocabulary list1) Positive and uplifting - optimistic and inspiring2) Aspirational - having hopes or ambitions for the future3) Overcoming adversity - successfully dealing with challenges or difficulties4) Blue-collar worker - a person who performs manual labor, typically in a skilled or unskilled position5) Arid condition - very dry or lacking moisture6) Personality clash - a situation where individuals have conflicting personalities or attitudes7) Underdog - a person or team least likely to win in a competition, often facing disadvantages8) Integration - the process of bringing different groups together, often referring to racial integration9) Satirical - using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock something10) Memoir - a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources11) Infiltrate - to secretly join an organization or group12) Chemistry - a natural rapport or connection between people13) Backdrop - the setting or environment against which something is viewed or presented14) Intimate portrayal - a close and personal representation of something
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Feb 12, 2024 • 17min

The Story Behind Valentine’s Day: Romance, Roses & English Vocabulary

💕 Valentine’s Day is known around the world, but how did it begin? In this episode, listeners explore the ancient origins of the holiday, its evolution through the Roman Empire, and how it eventually became a celebration of romance and gift-giving in the United States.The episode explains cultural traditions such as handwritten valentines, chocolates, roses, restaurant dinners, and the massive commercialization behind February 14. It also introduces useful vocabulary related to love, gifts, celebration, and American culture, helping English learners build fluency naturally through context.Perfect for intermediate English learners who want to improve listening skills while discovering real U.S. culture. By the end, listeners will understand why Valentine’s Day is so important in America — and how the holiday became what it is today.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📜Sources:https://postalmuseum.si.edu/america%E2%80%99s-valentinehttps://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-how-much-americans-spend-on-valentines-day📝 Vocabulary list:1) Matchmaking: Bringing people together romantically.2) Tame: to make something less wild or uncontrollable, often by imposing restrictions or regulations.3) Martyr: someone who dies for their beliefs4) Mass-produced: Made in large quantities cheaply.5) Stamps: Adhesive pieces of paper used to pay for postage.6) Commercialized: Focused on making money by selling products.7) Significant other: A romantic partner.8) Overwhelmed: too busy to cope effectively9) Pushback: resistance or opposition10) Consumer culture: a society focused on buying and consuming goods
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Feb 5, 2024 • 13min

Black History Month — History, Meaning & American Culture Explained

🗓️ Black History Month is a time to honor the stories, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans. In this episode, listeners explore how the celebration began, why February became its official month, and how it grew from a small observance into a nationwide cultural milestone.The episode highlights important historical figures, the goals of Black History Month, and how it encourages learning, representation, and cultural understanding. A useful guide for intermediate English learners who want to learn vocabulary through meaningful history and context.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpodTake lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbbAffiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc📝 Vocabulary list1) Designate: To officially choose someone or something for a particular purpose.2) Cultural significance: importance in terms of culture and identity.3) Glaring omission: obvious absence, something missing.4) Dominant narrative: main story or perspective being told.5) Civil rights movement: historical struggle for equal rights for Black Americans6) Overlooked: not given enough attention7) Preconceptions: assumptions, biases formed beforehand8) Counteract: oppose, work against9) Mistreated: treated unfairly or cruelly10) Relegate: confine, limit to a specific place or time

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