American English Podcast

Sonoro | Shana Thompson

  • 16 minutes 59 seconds
    176 - Expression: What Goes Around Comes Around

    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 phrase you’ve probably heard in movies, TV shows, or even in real life, but what does it really mean? And how can you use it in your everyday conversations?


    We’ve got a fun-packed lesson for you! First, we’ll break down the meaning of this expression, and to get us laughing, I’ll share a little joke. Then, we’ll explore some real-life examples so you can see how it fits into different situations, from friendships to the workplace.


    At the end, we’ll do a pronunciation exercise and a tongue twister about Ferris Wheels! Stay tuned for next week’s episode when we learn all about the origin of the Ferris Wheel. 


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    19 November 2024, 2:48 pm
  • 31 minutes 38 seconds
    175 - Funny Chat with My Dad (+Superlatives!)

    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 about driving in the US, and in episode 43 when he talked about his experience living and working in Alaska.


    After I posted those episodes, some of you sent me messages on how much you enjoyed listening to my dad. so I dragged him back today! The conversation you'll hear in this episode is lighthearted, funny, and it's full of English idioms. That wasn't the goal for this episode, it just happens to have a lot of idiomatic language because that's the way my dad speaks. Since he speaks clearly, I bet you'll understand a lot of the idioms he used from context.


    The goal of this episode is for you to hear superlatives in context. What's a superlative form?


    The superlative form is used to express the highest or lowest degree of an adjective or adverb within a group. For example: Our tree in our front yard is the tallest in the neighborhood. There is no tree taller than ours; ours is the tallest. "The tallest" is the superlative form.


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    7 November 2024, 11:11 pm
  • 28 minutes 34 seconds
    174 - 5-Minute English: Swimming

    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 great activity to talk about because it evokes very specific memories. The more memories we can recall, the easier it is to chat!


    Just thinking about this topic reminds me of so many wonderful times at the pool. Today, I’ll share these stories; they’ll be used as a canvas to introduce words, expressions and collocations related to the topic of swimming. My goal is for you to walk away from this lesson feeling ready to talk to a native speaker about your experiences in the pool!


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    24 October 2024, 10:17 am
  • 24 minutes 51 seconds
    173.3 - The Trail of Tears: The Tragic Story of Native American Removal

    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 between Native Americans and white settlers evolved over time. What happened? What caused so much tension between the groups? What led to the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans from their homeland? Listen to today's episode and find out.


    By understanding historical context, you'll better understand modern political discussions between native tribes and the United States.


    Disclaimer: I'm not Native American, so creating this episode made me anxious. It's very important to me that everything I say is culturally sensitive and accurate. If you are a native, please know that I would love to talk to you! Write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, and don't hesitate to tell me your thoughts.


    Learn more about Native American Boarding Schools:


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    8 October 2024, 4:00 am
  • 29 minutes 21 seconds
    173.2 - Native Americans and Cherokee Culture

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at

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    In today's episode, we'll start by answering the question: Who are Native Americans? Then we're going to dive into the fascinating culture of the Cherokee people, who are one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S.. We'll discuss their traditions, their language, and deep connection to the land. We'll also cover how their society was structured historically. Personally, I find the clans very interesting, so we have to cover that. Be sure to stay tuned until next week, we're going to be talking about the Trail of Tears.


    Disclaimer: I'm not Native American, so creating this episode worried me. It's very important to me that everything I say is culturally sensitive and accurate. If you are a native, please know that I would love to talk to you! Write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, and don't hesitate to tell me your thoughts.


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    4 October 2024, 12:53 am
  • 20 minutes 41 seconds
    173 - Expression: To Cry One's Eyes Out

    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 English expression "to cry one's eyes out," and you'll practice your pronunciation (specifically cases where d+y = j). Stay tuned for next week when we’ll talk about the Cherokees and The Trail of Tears.


    If you would like to support this podcast, you can leave me a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast player, buy me a coffee, or sign up to Premium Content to learn more with each episode. Thank you once again to all supporters! 


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    22 September 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 35 minutes 43 seconds
    172 - Chats with Shana: 10 Must-Know Southern Foods

    Southern cuisine is more than just food—it's a reflection of history, traditions, and the diverse cultural influences. From Native Americans bringing corn to the table, to the fisherman of the Carolinas and Georgia introducing shrimp to grits, there's a story behind all of the classic must-try Southern dishes. Learn vocabulary, hear stories, and learn what you should order for breakfast, lunch and dinner when you're here! :)


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    13 September 2024, 5:12 pm
  • 30 minutes 35 seconds
    171.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with Amelia Earhart

    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.


    Welcome to today’s episode of the American English Podcast, where we dive into the life of one of aviation's most iconic figures—Amelia Earhart. You may know her for her groundbreaking flights, but beyond her celebrated achievements, her mysterious disappearance remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century. Join us as we explore her incredible journey. In it, you will learn 10 Irregular Verbs in English. 


    Had you ever heard of Amelia Earhart before this episode? Who is an inspiring female from your country? Let me know on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast.


    Verbs Heard in Lesson

    1. To dream - dreamt / dreamed
    2. To do - did
    3. To throw - threw
    4. To teach - taught
    5. To fly - flew
    6. To mistake - mistook
    7. To quit - quit
    8. To fight - fought
    9. To feel - felt
    10. To fall - fell


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    29 August 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 19 minutes 57 seconds
    171 - Expression: When Pigs Fly!

    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? Of course not! And that’s why we say, "When pigs fly!" 🐷✈️


    In today’s lesson, you’ll hear a joke, practice your pronunciation and we’ll explore where this quirky expression comes from. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use it in multiple everyday contexts. 


    Pigs might not have wings, but Amelia Earhart sure did. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, and the first female to attempt a flight around the globe. Amelia was a pioneer in aviation and her story is fiercely inspiring! Be sure to stay tuned until part 2 to hear it! It’ll be posted shortly.  ❤️


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    22 August 2024, 6:52 pm
  • 58 minutes 57 seconds
    170 - Chat with Charlie: British Culture in Harry Potter

    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 invited Charlie Baxter from The British English Podcast on the show to talk about Harry Potter.


    Together, we'll dive into the magical world of Harry Potter, but not simply the fictional side of it. Harry Potter, in many ways, was inspired by real places in the United Kingdom and aspects of British culture, from the school system to social structure and class. If I'm honest with you, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, this episode might be eye opening. We not only compare British English with American English, we compare life!


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    14 August 2024, 6:37 pm
  • 40 minutes 58 seconds
    169.2 - The Magical World of Harry Houdini

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    The theater is packed. Anticipation electrifying the air. It's the early 1900s, and you're about to witness the legendary Harry Houdini, whose name has become synonymous with death-defying escape acts. Can he truly break free from the police? Is it really possible for him to escape from water-filled tanks while upside down and locked up? Let's find out!


    In today's lesson, we'll be talking about Harry Houdini, who is one of the most iconic magicians and escape artists of all time. Houdini's story is one of perseverance, showmanship, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Today, we can relive his life, especially those moments he spent on stage doing the work he loved best.


    This is an English lesson, so as I go along, I'll explain words and phrases that may be challenging. My goal is to help you understand the story without knowing all of the vocabulary! If you want the script, the quiz and other bonus material for this podcast, be sure to sign up to Premium Content.


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    1 August 2024, 7:31 pm
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