American English Podcast
Episodes
202 - Expression: A Shot in the Dark
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we break down the common English expression “a shot in the dark,” which describes taking a guess or making an attempt with...
201 - When Life Gives You Lemons...🍋 (+10 Expressions)
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 🍋In other words, turn a bad situation into a good one! That’s my new motto, and in this episode you’...
200 - Review of Season 4
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you believe it? We’ve made it to Episode 200! 🥳 In this milestone episode, I look back on everything we’ve done together in Season 4 (E...
⭐ 5-Minute English: Fall in the United States
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Five Minute English feature, we dive into one of America’s most beloved seasons: fall (also known as autumn). From pumpkin spice and coz...
199 - 5 MORE Prepositions Advanced Speakers Get Wrong (with Lucas!)
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever get confused between “apply to” and “apply for”? Or wonder whether to say “argue about” or “argue over”? In today’s episode, we...
198.2 - Irregular Verbs: The Survival Story of Hugh Glass
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you’re attacked by a grizzly bear, left for dead, and forced to crawl nearly 200 miles to survive? That’s the true story, or per...
198 - Expression: Against All Odds
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever succeeded when no one thought you could? That’s what it means to do something against all odds. In today’s episode, Shana begins wi...
197 - 5 Prepositions Advanced Speakers Still Get Wrong (with Lucas!)
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think you’ve mastered English prepositions? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my husband Lucas (an advanced English speaker) to tackle ...
⭐ Feature: The Incredible Flight of "Lawn Chair" Larry
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, you’ll hear the incredible story of a man named Larry Walters, or "Lawn Chair" Larry, who bought over 40 weather balloons, attac...
196.2 - Invasion of Burmese Pythons in South Florida
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this wild episode, we dive deep into the Burmese python invasion in Florida’s Everglades, which is one of the most unexpected and dramatic ecolog...
196 - Expression: To Have a Hissy Fit
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever heard someone say, “Don’t have a hissy fit”? In this episode, we break down this funny, very Southern expression that describes a dramatic ...
195 - The Goose & The Golden Egg (+10 Advanced Adjectives)
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday at the library with my girls, a lightbulb went off in my head 💡—fables aren’t just great for kids... they’re perfect for English le...
194 - Discover Iowa with Bethany
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at better help.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. Ever wonder...
⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: A Day at the Beach
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. In ...
193 - Sharks, Swamps, and Sweet Tea: Our Wild Trip to South Carolina
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. In ...
192.2 - American Bison (or Buffalo!)
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may be wondering: What’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison? That was the first question I had when researching this topic. And the ...
192 - Expression: To Stand One's Ground
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, learn the meaning, origin, and everyday use of the expression “to stand one’s ground.” As usual, the lesson will begin with ...
191 - Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It helps you make your oatmeal in 90 seconds and reheat your pizza in 30. Some of you love it; others are skeptical, with concerns it might cause brai...
⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common English expression “the coast is clear,” which means it’s safe to proceed because no one is ...
190.2 - The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian Culture
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the entire United States. Every year close to 14 million people go to ch...
190 - Expression: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone! Welcome back. I'm excited for another expression episode. Today we're going to be talking about a common one: "Where there's smoke, there...
189.2 - To Tip or Not to Tip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to the second part of our chat about cultural curiosities! This episode is jam-packed with our thoughts on tipping, splitting the bill on...
189 - Do You Double Dip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know Liz. She's one of my college buddies who's been on about 6 or 7 episodes. Every time sh...
188 - 5-Minute English: Going to the Dentist (+ Orthodontist)
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever gone to the dentist and thought, “Can I really explain what’s happening here in English?” Well, if you’ve struggled in the past...
⭐ Feature: The Kentucky Derby
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big hats, and the most exciting two minutes in sports—yep, we're headed to Kentucky! 🏇 In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Kentucky De...
187 - 5 Essential Speaking Tips for English Learners
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever freeze mid-sentence? Forget a word you just learned? Or feel like your voice disappears the moment someone asks you a question in English? Y...
186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when one of the world’s greatest violinists plays a million-dollar instrument… in a subway station? Will anyone stop to listen? In t...
186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, you’ll learn the common English expression “to play it by ear,” which means to improvise or make decisions without having ...
⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever believed something so ridiculous, so outrageous, that later you just had to laugh because—yep—you got fooled? Maybe someone told you...
185 - 5-Minute English: Cats and Dogs
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to today’s 5-Minute English Lesson! Today, we’re talking about the most common pets in the United States—cats and dogs! Did you know th...
184.2 - Wine Regions in the United States: A Virtual Tour with Key Vocabulary 🍇
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. Eve...
184 - Expression: Three Sheets To The Wind
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The idiom "to be three sheets to the wind" means to be very drunk. If you don't like hearing content related to alcohol, or you're underage, skip this...
⭐ Feature: The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature")
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On March 2, we celebrate Read Across America Day, a time when schools across the U.S. encourage kids to dive into the magical world of books. But why...
183 - Chats with Shana: What Makes You Happy? I'll go first.
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello! As you may know, Chats with Shana episodes are casual and are intended for you to hear natural language. Today, we’ll be chatting about wh...
182 - Discover Nebraska with Tanya Jordening
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello! Today, we have ESL teacher and language coach Tanja Jordening as our guest. She runs English Coach 3Ts and is from Nebraska. In this episode, s...
181 - 5-Minute English: Yard Work (+ Gardening Tools)
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this lesson, we explore essential English vocabulary related to gardening and yard work, covering tools, tasks, and outdoor spaces. The lesson star...
⭐ Feature: To Pull Some Strings / The Great Iditarod
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we introduce the phrase "to pull some strings", explaining its meaning, origins, and real-life usage. The phrase refers to using one...
180.2 - Swimming from Cuba to Florida: Irregular Verb Story with Diana Nyad
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever heard of someone swimming 110 miles without a shark cage? That’s exactly what endurance swimmer Diana Nyad accomplished when she cross...
180 - Expression: To Keep One's Head Above Water
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’ll be diving into the expression "to keep one’s head above water." If you've ever felt like you're just barely managing to survive a tou...
179 - What's a Hyperbole? Examples and a Fun Conversation with Mara
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore hyperboles, dramatic and exaggerated figures of speech commonly used in American English. Shana and her mom, Mara, share ...
⭐ Feature: New Year's Resolution Statistics (Episode 157.2)
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our goals and aspirations—and for many, that means making (and hopefully keeping!) New Y...
178.2 - The Vanderbilts and the Biltmore Estate
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the fascinating legacy of the Vanderbilt family and their iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Discover ho...
178 - Expression: Go Big or Go Home
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the iconic idiom "Go Big or Go Home!" With a mix of humor, real-life examples, and a pronunciation exercise, you'll lear...
177 - Pronunciation: The 50 U.S. State Capitals
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re diving into an exciting and educational pronunciation practice where you’ll learn the names of all 50 U.S. state capitals! But we’r...
176.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Ferris Wheel
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
⭐ My annual BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS HAPPENING NOW! Sign up for Premium Content for a HUGE savings: ➡️ https://bit.ly/44822TQ In this episode, we’...
176 - Expression: What Goes Around Comes Around
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hello and welcome to today’s episode! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a popular expression in English: What goes around comes around. It’s a phra...
175 - Funny Chat with My Dad (+Superlatives!)
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some of you have been listening to this podcast since episode number one, and so you might remember my dad, Joe. He was a guest on episode 44 to talk ...
174 - 5-Minute English: Swimming
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re diving into the topic of swimming. Whether you’re someone who loves the water or maybe you're a bit nervous around it, swimming is a ...
173.3 - The Trail of Tears: The Tragic Story of Native American Removal
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Trail of Tears is one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history, and it's a story that can only be understood by evaluating how the relationship bet...
173.2 - Native Americans and Cherokee Culture
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. In ...
173 - Expression: To Cry One's Eyes Out
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever been so emotional that you cried uncontrollably, Episode 173 is for you! In Part 1 (this episode), you will hear a joke, learn the Engl...
172 - Chats with Shana: 10 Must-Know Southern Foods
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Southern cuisine is more than just food—it's a reflection of history, traditions, and the diverse cultural influences. From Native Americans bringin...
171.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with Amelia Earhart
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. Wel...
171 - Expression: When Pigs Fly!
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re diving into a phrase that’s all about the impossible, the absurd, and the downright ridiculous. Ever seen a pig soar through the sky?...
170 - Chat with Charlie: British Culture in Harry Potter
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
By now, you probably know how much I love connecting language and culture. To me, they go hand in hand! And that's why in today's episode, I've invite...
169.2 - The Magical World of Harry Houdini
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. The...
169 - Expression: To Vanish Into Thin Air
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone. Welcome back! I am curious, have you ever heard a story about a magician making a rabbit disappear? Have you ever seen it? Maybe you've r...
168.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with The Statue of Liberty
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine you are on a ferry slowly approaching Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The sky is a brilliant blue with just a few clouds drifting overhead....
168 - Expression: To Spread One's Wings
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to this week's episode! It'll begin with a joke. Then, we move into the expression of the day, "to spread one's wings," breaking down its...
167 - 5-Minute English: Bad Driving
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The whole world has bad drivers. No country or city in the world is immune. What’s funny is that most of us don’t consider ourselves bad drivers! ...
166.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with McDonald's
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to the second part of episode 166. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about Irregular Verbs and McDonald’s. You guys know McDo...
166 - Expression: To Take It With A Grain Of Salt
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we'll begin by going through the commentary you guys made on Culture Shock in the United States. Afterwards, I'll tell you a joke,...
165 - Chats with Shana: Culture Shock in the U.S. (Everyday Life)
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Chats with Shana episode, I'm going to reflect on various aspects of US culture. Although I talk about culture all the time on here, it's not ...
164.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with the Titanic
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most popular films of 1997 was by far “ Titanic.” It won 11 Academy Awards! If you saw the film, or even just previews of it, you know ...
164 - Expression: To Hit Rock Bottom
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Life can't possibly get worse! You've lost your job, you have no money, and then to top it off, your dog dies. You've hit rock bottom; you've reached ...
163 - 5-Minute English: The Post Office and Mail
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My grandma permanently moved to the United States from Spain in the 1950s and the only way she could afford to keep in contact with friends and family...
162 - Discover Illinois with Jackie (from "Ask Jackie")
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Illinois is situated in the heart of the American Midwest, and it's known as the "Prairie State" because over 60% of it is covered in farmland. Despit...
161 - 10 Words a Day: Handy-Dandy Reduplications
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I know, I know, 99% of you are saying what in the world is that? What in the world is a reduplication? Well I just told you one: Handy-dandy. Handy b...
160.2 - How Cereal Became The Number One Breakfast Food in the U.S.
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've seen it, right? The long cereal aisles in a U.S. supermarket? Crammed from top to bottom with colorful boxes? I bet you have. Cereal arouses a ...
160 - Expression: Gimme Some Sugar!
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You're sitting on the couch and your significant other is too far from you. Want them to cuddle up next to you? Say: "Gimme some sugar!" "Gimme some s...
159 - 5-Minute English: Home Renovation
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last month, my family and I moved into a new home. In English, it's what we'd call a fixer upper; it's a home that needs updates, it needs renovation,...
158 - Moving Across the U.S. with Lucas
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Moving across the United States is a significant event that brings with it a mix of excitement and challenges. Just last month, Lucas made the cross-c...
157.2 - New Year's Resolution Statistics for the U.S.
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every January, as the clock strikes midnight and the New Year unfolds, millions of people around the globe start a familiar ritual: they start their N...
157 - Expression: To Get The Ball Rolling
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This lesson has two parts. In part one, you'll learn the common English expression "to get the ball rolling" you'll hear a joke and you'll do some pro...
156 - Chats with Shana: My Christmas Memories (+10 Must-Know Oxymorons)
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today you’ll learn 10-Must Know Oxymorons to avoid confusion in conversation and the canvas for introducing these words will be a story about my Chr...
155 - Decades: The 1980s with Alex
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this year, I asked some friends and family members if they could write a short story about their favorite decade. A decade is a ten-year time ...
154.2 - The Boston Tea Party + U.S. Independence from Britain
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Boston is situated in present-day Massachusetts, right on the northern Atlantic coastline. It’s picturesque, it’s lively and it’s steeped in s...
154 - Expression: My Cup of Tea
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This lesson has two parts. In part one, you'll learn the common English expression "my cup of tea" you'll hear a joke and you'll do some pronunciation...
153 - 5-Minute English: Shopping for Clothes
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, more and more people buy clothes online, but today, you are heading to the mall with your stylish friend, Katrina. Your mission is to buy ...
152 - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Halloween Special)
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sleepy Hollow is a quaint village nestled in the Hudson Valley, in New York. There, many many years ago a peculiar schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane g...
151.2 - Moose in the U.S. (Do we live in harmony with our moose?)
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Moose are majestic creatures and an iconic symbol of wilderness in North America. They inhabit many northern states in the U.S.; the state with the bi...
151 - Expression: To Steer Clear
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This lesson has two parts. In part one, you'll learn the common English expression "to steer clear," you'll hear a joke and you'll do some pronunciati...
150 - Review: Season 3
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two years ago, I started Season 3 (Episodes 101 - 150) and it's been a journey. In this episode, you'll hear about the many cultural topics we covered...
149 - 5-Minute English: Injuries and Getting Hurt
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today you'll hear a short story our recent trip to Brazil, during which I ended up going to the hospital and getting stitches. Throughout this story y...
148 - Language Learning with Ben Whately (Co-founder of Memrise)
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have a special guest named Ben Whatley. Maybe you know him! He's the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Memrise, one of the most celebr...
147.2 - 10 Words a Day: German Words in English (11-20)
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is part two of a very special story about my dear friend, Nina, who is from Germany. In the story of our friendship, which I'll wrap up in the th...
147 - 10 Words a Day: German Words in English (1-10)
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's story time! Welcome to a true story about my friend, Nina, who is from Berlin, Germany. In the story of our friendship you'll learn 10+ German lo...
146.2 - The Incredible Flight of "Lawn Chair" Larry (Larry Walters)
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, you’ll hear the incredible story of a man named Larry Walters, or "Lawn Chair" Larry, who bought over 40 weather balloons, attac...
146 - Expression: Up in the Air
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, you'll learn all about the common English expression "up in the air." You'll learn the expression's origin, how to use it in a mul...
145 - Discover Maine with Brent Watson
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The for this episode was recorded on March 22, so keep that in mind when listening to our discussion about the weather and daylight hours. ***ABOUT***...
144.2 - The Kentucky Derby
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At the beginning of May every year, horse racing season begins. In the U.S., it starts off with The Kentucky Derby, a horse race that is often referre...
144 - Expression: To Jump the Gun
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you'll learn how to use the common English expression "To Jump the Gun." Be sure to stay tuned until part 2 to learn all about the Ke...
143 - 5-Minute English: Grocery Shopping
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today you’ll hear about a trip to the grocery store. Imagine yourself as the main character of this story; visualize the interior of the store and t...
142 - Discover Connecticut with Natalie Sawicki
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're talking to Natalie Sawicki, a songwriter from Los Angeles, who spent most of her life in Connecticut! She shares so much abo...
141 - Chats with Shana: Parties and Poopers
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this 3-part episode, you'll hear a casual discussion about one of life's most mundane topics: peeing and pooping. It's taboo to talk about, which i...
140.2. - The Story of Dr. Seuss ("The Father of Children's Literature")
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you don't know who Dr. Seuss is, you should! He was a cartoonist and author that brought us The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, Green Eggs and Ham and ...
140 - Expression: Cat Got Your Tongue?
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's a ridiculous visual, is it not?! If the cat's got your tongue, you can't talk, you're speechless! And that's pretty much how we use it in English...
139.2 - Mardi Gras in New Orleans
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every year in New Orleans, Louisiana, a million visitors come to experience the biggest Mardi Gras party in the United States. Learn about the history...
139 - Expression: (To Be) Up One's Alley
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Isn't it nice when you learn an English expression that you can use a million times a day, every single day that you speak English? Well, listen to th...
138 - 5-Minute English: How to Order a Cocktail in English
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You walk into a restaurant and head towards the bar. Behind it, a lighted mosaic of colorful liquors spread from the ceiling to the floor. It's fancy ...