American English Podcast

After seven years of being glued to my kids, I finally packed a bag and took a trip on my own. In this Chat with Shana episode, I take you back to my backpacking days in Europe: hostels, grocery store picnics, and one very loud night in Amsterdam. Then I tell you about my recent trip to Ireland and Tenerife, where I stepped way out of my comfort zone.

Along the way, you’ll learn 10 common American English expressions about travel, including:

✈️ to have itchy feet
🐛 to get the travel bug
💸 to be on a tight budget
🏰 a tourist trap
🌍 off the beaten path

Plus a bonus expression you’ll hear Americans use all the time: “not my cup of tea.”

You’ll also hear some news: I’m going to start showing up more on YouTube, on camera! Follow along here: https://www.youtube.com/@americanenglishpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show and leave a rating wherever you listen. It really helps other English learners find the podcast!

🎁 Free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge

📚 Want to go deeper? Inside the AEP Academy, this episode comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary flashcards, a listening quiz, a Speaking & Writing Challenge, and a live speaking session. Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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📖 Need help following along? Read the transcript + vocabulary explanations while you listen!

In this episode, we're diving into the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most famous writers in the U.S.

First, I'll introduce you to Gothic literature, a genre known for its eerie settings, suspense, and supernatural elements. We'll explore what makes Poe's storytelling unique and why his stories are still widely read in American high schools today.

Then, you'll listen to the original, unabridged version of The Tell-Tale Heart, a short story about a narrator who insists he's perfectly sane—even as he describes a horrifying crime.

After the story, I'll break down the plot in simpler English and explore its deeper themes, including guilt, paranoia, and the power of the human mind.

This episode is especially suited for high-intermediate and advanced English learners who want to challenge their listening comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and experience a classic of American literature.

In this episode, you'll:

•

Learn what Gothic literature is and what makes Edgar Allan Poe's writing distinctive.

•

Listen to The Tell-Tale Heart in its original English.

•

Discover useful vocabulary, including acute, in vain, foul play, and dismember.

•

Explore the story's psychological themes and possible interpretations.

🎧 Read the transcript

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We live in a day and age that is driven by science and technology, yet people are still superstitious. According to a study I read by YouGov, 9% of Americans claim to be superstitious, while another 35% admit to not being very superstitious, but somewhat. That makes over 40% of individuals in the United States somewhat superstitious.

So what does it mean to be superstitious?

According to Cambridge Dictionary, it is to have beliefs that are not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but are connected with old ideas about magic. Many times, superstitious people believe in irrational, unproven signs of good and bad luck.

In today’s episode, we’re going to go through 13 common superstitions in the United States and their origins. By the end of this audio lesson, you’ll walk away with more knowledge about American culture and some new vocabulary and phrases. I’ll teach those as we go along.

Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck!

Want to take your learning further?

⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode (formerly “The Classroom”).

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Have you ever noticed how many of your best stories begin with, “The first time I…”?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Elise to talk all about firsts—first jobs, first driving experiences, first adventures, and those moments when you try something completely new and have no idea what to expect.

Elise has had a particularly interesting path. She went to culinary school in France, worked in restaurants, moved to Hawaii to work on a coffee farm, and picked up plenty of funny and memorable stories along the way. We’ll talk about everything from her first paycheck and failing her first driving test to swimming in the Pacific Ocean and the moment she first realized, “Oh… this is what it feels like to be an adult.”

This episode is also a great opportunity to practice talking about your own first experiences in English, and to naturally use the past perfect to describe what you had or hadn’t done before those moments.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Elise and thinking back on some of your own memorable firsts!

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➡️ Start improving your English today! Learn more about the Academy.

What’s on your bucket list? ✨

In this episode, I sit down with my mom, Mara, to talk about some of the things she’d still love to do, see, and experience in her lifetime.

We talk about her dream of spending a month somewhere in Europe, living in a fisherman’s shack in Cornwall, building tiny houses near a lake, visiting the places her ancestors came from, taking another big family vacation, and even writing a children’s book someday.

Along the way, we also talk about something I think is really important: our dreams can change.

This conversation is full of useful everyday English, including expressions like:

go with the flow
to wing something
from scratch
have something under your belt
be on board

It’s also a great episode for practicing conditionals and talking about dreams and hypothetical situations.

For example:

Where would you go if you could live anywhere for a month?

What would you do if money were no object?

What would you put on your bucket list?

As you listen, think about your own answers. What are three things you genuinely hope to do someday?

And more importantly, what would it take to make them happen?

Want to take your learning further?

⭐ Join us inside the American English Academy, where we’ll be talking about our own dreams, goals, and bucket lists this month.

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Small talk in the U.S. isn't always about exchanging real information. Sometimes, it's simply a small exchange that can make your day a little better—and over time, those interactions can help build real rapport.

In this episode, you'll learn how Americans use small talk, how to start and keep a conversation going, and how to tell whether someone actually wants to keep talking. You'll also learn simple strategies to speak naturally, build confidence, and communicate in real life.

#englishlearning #italki

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➡️ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Every month, I like to bring back one of my favorite episodes from the past, and this one is an oldie but a goodie. ❤️

Some longtime listeners might remember my dad, Joe. He first appeared on the podcast in Episode 43, when he talked about his experience living and working in Alaska, and again in Episode 44 to talk about driving in the U.S.

After those episodes came out, so many of you told me how much you enjoyed listening to him, so naturally, I had to bring him back!

In this conversation, my dad and I talk about some of the best, worst, biggest, smallest, and most memorable things in his life. It’s lighthearted, funny, and without us even trying, full of English idioms. That’s simply the way my dad talks!

Since he speaks clearly and uses lots of everyday expressions, this is also a great episode for practicing how to understand idiomatic English from context.

The main grammar focus is superlatives.

What is a superlative?

We use the superlative form to talk about the highest or lowest degree of something within a group.

For example:

Our tree in the front yard is the tallest in the neighborhood.

There is no tree in the neighborhood taller than ours. Ours is the tallest.

As you listen, pay attention to superlatives like the best, the worst, the biggest, the most beautiful, and the most difficult, and enjoy getting to know my dad a little better along the way.

Want to take your learning further?

⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠

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The other day, I was staring at my list of common Irregular Verbs, trying to think of a lesson I could create with 10 of them. Immediately, I saw some potential! Swing -> Swung, Fling -> Flung , Slide -> Slid.

Somehow the clump of words I selected led me to one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard about U.S. culture and history: Dance Marathons of the 1930s. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and I hope you enjoy it!

In part one, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to keep someone on their toes,” you’ll hear a joke, and you’ll work on your American English pronunciation! Check it out.

⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The other day, I was staring at my list of common Irregular Verbs, trying to think of a lesson I could create with 10 of them. Immediately, I saw some potential! Swing -> Swung, Broadcast -> Broadcast, Sleep -> Slept.

Somehow the clump of words I selected led me to one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard about U.S. culture and history: Dance Marathons of the 1930s and 1940s. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and from the discovery of this event, this two-part episode was born.

Don’t miss part 2! It’s coming next week.

In part one, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to keep someone on their toes,” you’ll hear a joke, and you’ll work on your American English pronunciation! Enjoy. :)

⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Well, well, well. I never thought I’d make an entire episode about bugs and annoying things until Lucas was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets this week! It got me thinking, why do we say something "bugs" us?

In this episode, Lucas joins me to talk about the everyday things that annoy us. You’ll learn natural ways to say that something bothers you, including to bug someone, get on someone’s nerves, and drive someone crazy.

We’ll also cover the names of common insects in English, explore the difference between bite and sting, and hear the epic tale of how Lucas ended up with 14 stings.

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Every year when I go to the beach, I have the same thought: Are there sharks out there in that dark water?

It's not an irrational fear. Years ago, a student at my university, Lucas Ransom, was surfing off the California coast when a great white shark attacked him. I didn't know him personally, but we went to the same school, and some of my closest friends were in his classes. I still remember walking into class the next morning and hearing the story from one of my professors.

You just don't forget something like that. And maybe that's why sharks have always felt so real to me, and not just like mysterious creatures from a documentary.

Is it safe to swim off the Pacific and Atlantic coast?

Let's talk about it. After all, the timing is right! It's summer, and Shark Week kicks off on July 26 in the U.S. — Discovery Channel's 38th annual deep-dive into all things sharks. For one week, it feels like the whole country is talking about these creatures: their behavior, their migration patterns, and the (very small) odds of ever encountering one. :)

Ready to keep building your English?

⭐ Try our Free 14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.
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While watching soccer matches in Brazil, I quickly realized I had no idea how to comment on a game in Portuguese. There were so many moments when I wanted to yell at the TV along with everyone else, but I needed an entire Portuguese lesson just to keep up!

I figured the same thing might be happening to you guys in English.

In Episode 216, you’ll learn how to comment on soccer matches in English using natural vocabulary, expressions, and phrases. You’ll also hear about one of the biggest and best upsets in U.S. World Cup history. :)

⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠

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How do you say the names of countries and nationalities in American English? Is it Swiss or Switzerlanders? Spaniard or Spanish? Dutch or Netherlanders?

In this episode, we'll practice the pronunciation of 48 World Cup countries that qualified this year, and along the way, you'll discover fun facts about each one.

After every country, you'll be tested: What are the people who live there called?

If you have an interesting fun fact about your country, tell me about it! :) I'd love to hear from you.

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⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠

Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football? Why isn't it the most popular sport in the country? And do Americans actually care about the World Cup?

In this episode, Shana explores the history of soccer in the United States, from youth leagues and soccer moms to Pelé, the 1994 World Cup, the rise of the U.S. Women's National Team, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and the growing popularity of the sport today. Along the way, she shares personal stories from growing up playing soccer in California and compares American soccer culture with what she's experiencing in Brazil during the 2026 World Cup.

• Why Americans say soccer instead of football
• How soccer grew in popularity in the United States
• The role of Pelé, Beckham, Messi, and the U.S. Women's National Team
• What a soccer mom is
• Why soccer became one of the most popular youth sports in America
• How soccer culture in the U.S. differs from countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany
• Whether Americans really care about the World Cup
• Interesting soccer superstitions from Brazil
• Useful English expressions related to sports and competition

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⭐ Want to start sounding more natural in English? Sign up to ⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠ to learn more with each lesson.

About this episode

Why do doughnuts have holes? Who invented them? And how did they become one of America's most beloved treats?

In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of the American doughnut, from its roots in ancient fried pastries and Dutch "olykoeks" to the rise of iconic brands like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin'.

You'll also expand your vocabulary with descriptive words for sweet treats, baking terms, and useful expressions like make a beeline for something and sweet tooth. By the end of the episode, you'll be able to describe the perfect doughnut in English—and you'll probably be craving one too.

This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context.

⭐ Sign up to ⁠⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠⁠ to learn more with each lesson.

⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my ⁠14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge⁠. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker.

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What comes to mind when you think of South Carolina?

Maybe it's Charleston's cobblestone streets, beautiful beaches, or Spanish moss hanging from ancient oak trees. But South Carolina has much more to offer than its coastline.

In this episode, I sit down with Lora from The Mom's Guide to Hiking, an outdoor enthusiast and mom who loves exploring South Carolina's mountains, waterfalls, forests, and state parks with her family.

Together, we talk about hiking with kids, staying safe on the trails, the benefits of spending time outdoors, and some of South Carolina's unique cultural traditions. Along the way, you'll learn about the Lowcountry, oyster roasts, college football rivalries, and why South Carolina offers such a surprising variety of landscapes.

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In this episode, I’m taking you back to the 1990s and sharing what family movie nights were like growing up in suburban California. From browsing the aisles at Blockbuster with my family to ordering DVDs through Netflix for the very first time, we’ll explore how entertainment changed almost overnight and how Netflix completely transformed the movie industry.

Along the way, you’ll learn lots of natural American English related to:
- Movie nights and entertainment

- Film and television vocabulary

- Business and technology

- Internet culture and innovation

- Common expressions and idioms

You’ll also hear expressions and vocabulary like:
- My jam

- On the same page

- Come to an agreement

- Think outside the box

- Jump on the bandwagon

- Binge-watch

- Late fees

- Browse

- Streaming

- Subscription

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the story behind Netflix and Blockbuster, but you’ll also have new vocabulary and expressions to talk naturally about movies, technology, and change in everyday English conversations.

This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context. Sign up to the Academy to learn more with each lesson.

⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker.

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What does it really mean to think outside the box?

In this episode, you’ll learn one of the most common expressions in American English, used to describe creativity, innovation, and doing things differently. We’ll break down the meaning, explore where the phrase comes from, and connect it to real-life situations.

Then, we’ll dive into three fascinating stories of people who thought differently and changed the world:

• A coach who used a waffle iron to design a revolutionary running shoe
• A struggling cleaning product that became the toy Play-Doh
• A baker who invented the chocolate chip cookie

Along the way, you’ll hear related expressions like break the mold, push the envelope, and go off the beaten path—all useful for talking about creativity and problem-solving.

We’ll finish with a pronunciation exercise to help you sound more natural when speaking.

⭐ Get the full transcript, and all bonus material by signing up to Premium Content. Now available as part of ⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠.

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Lucas and I are back for another Preposition Party! Today our conversation is going to based on common English collocations like famous for, similar to, suffer from, believe in, proud of, and recover from.

Along the way, you'll hear many personal stories, and many cultural fun facts about the U.S., like how Roswell became a hub for alien enthusiasts, and why so many people suffer from seasonal allergies in the U.S.

⭐ Get the full transcript, and all bonus material by signing up to Premium Content. Now available as part of ⁠the Academy⁠.

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Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. It's free!

In this 5-Minute English episode, we’re diving into springtime in the United States. From blooming flowers and unpredictable April weather to outdoor activities, seasonal foods, and cultural traditions, this episode is packed with useful language.

You’ll hear a high concentration of vocabulary, expressions, and collocations related to:

• Weather and seasonal changes
• Plants, animals, and nature
• Outdoor activities and social life
• Spring foods like berries and stone fruits

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the language you need to confidently talk about spring in real conversations with native speakers.

This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally, one topic at a time.

💡 Tip: Listen actively. Grab a pen and write down new words, or follow along with the transcript inside the Academy for guided practice.

⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker.

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