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 learn how to use this bold expression in everyday conversation. Whether you're making a big decision or simply going all-in, this idiom is perfect for describing those "go for it" moments. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll take you on a journey through the grand legacy of the Vanderbilts and explore the majestic Biltmore House—coming soon! //IMPORTANT LINKS// Get all Premium Content for Season 4: https://bit.ly/3rF36k4 All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3: https://bit.ly/44822TQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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’re not stopping there—this lesson will also include one fun fact about each state, so you’ll walk away with the correct pronunciation and with a few fun tidbits to impress your friends. For this episode, we recommend shadowing. Shadowing is when you listen carefully to a word or phrase and immediately repeat it out loud, mimicking the speaker as closely as possible. It’s an excellent way to improve pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation! As you follow along, listen to the pronunciation of each capital, repeat it after me, and pay attention to the flow of the word. Let’s practice together, state by state, and have some fun along the way. Ready? Let’s get started! //IMPORTANT LINKS// Read the Transcript: https://americanenglishpodcast.com/177-pronunciation-50-us-state-capitals/ Get all Premium Content for Season 4: https://bit.ly/3rF36k4 All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3: https://bit.ly/44822TQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⭐ 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’re taking a ride through the fascinating history of the Ferris wheel while learning some tricky irregular verbs along the way! Together, we’ll explore how this iconic amusement ride came to life as a bold attempt to rival the Eiffel Tower at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Practice the terms, hear them in a variety of contexts and then take a quiz to test what you've learned! At the very end, we'll go through fun facts about the Ferris Wheel. Did you know the original Ferris wheel was dynamited? Or that Ain Dubai is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, standing at a jaw-dropping 820 feet? So, let’s ride through history, learn some grammar, and have a little fun together. Let’s do it! 🎡 // TOP-RATED ENGLISH RESOURCES ○ Season 4 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3rF36k4 (at a discount when you purchase Season 1, 2 and 3 as a bundle) ○ Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) ➡️ https://bit.ly/44822TQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Sign up to Premium Content to learn more with this episode! Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Sign up to Premium Content to learn more with this episode! Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Support Buy Me a Coffee Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: PBS Documentary: Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools Support Buy Me a Coffee Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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. Support Wealthiest Tribe of Appalachia - Cherokee Buy Me a Coffee Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!  Support Buy Me a Coffee Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! :) Learn more with each episode! Sign up for Premium Content! Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 To dream - dreamt / dreamed To do - did To throw - threw To teach - taught To fly - flew To mistake - mistook To quit - quit To fight - fought To feel - felt To fall - fell Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  ❤️ Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) - and get Season 4 at a discount. My Favorite English Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) My Favorite English Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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. Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) My Favorite English Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 read a novel, perhaps a mystery, where a character disappears and nobody knows what happened to them. These scenarios perfectly illustrate our expression of the day, which is to vanish into thin air. To vanish into thin air conjures images of something or someone disappearing suddenly and completely, almost like magic. But where did this phrase come from, and why do we use it to describe such mysterious disappearances? Join me today as we explore the origins, usage, and intriguing examples of how to use this idiom in real life contexts. Anyway, be sure to stay tuned for next week's episode, which is about the world-famous magician Harry Houdini. I've been wanting to tell his story and talk about his magic for a long time now. I promise you, it'll be an exciting episode full of descriptions and explanations of challenging words. And of course, it'll have you on the edge of your seat. Be sure to stay tuned for part two, it'll be posted shortly. Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) My Favorite English Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. There's a cool breeze; it's hitting your face, and the smell of salt from the ocean water is around you. To your right is the New York City skyline. Lower Manhattan is magical with all of its high rises, but nothing compares to the Statue of Liberty ahead of you. She's massive! In fact, if she were a building, she'd be about 20 stories high. Being in front of her, Lady Liberty is surreal because she's so well-known and such a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and democracy. She's also a symbol of the United States, but what's her story? In today's lesson, you're going to hear a short story about the Statue of Liberty. In it, you'll hear ten irregular past tense verbs. Here they are: 1. to be 2. to take 3. to break 4. to bring 5. to build 6. to stand 7. to make 8. to flee 9. to see 10. to lead Make sure to subscribe for more English lessons!: https://podcast.americanenglishpodcast.com // Audio Lessons ABOUT ______ ○ English Idioms: 🎧 • https://bit.ly/3L5J9IS ○ 5-Minute English: 🎧 • https://bit.ly/3KYoAOf ○ Conversations: 🎧 • https://bit.ly/3LiHkcK ○ 10 Words a Day:🎧 • https://bit.ly/3H4h7fs ○ Culture and History: 🎧 • https://bit.ly/3UUCNAv // TOP-RATED ENGLISH RESOURCES ○ Season 4 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3rF36k4 ○ Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) ➡️ https://bit.ly/44822TQ ○ 5-Minute English Course (Master Vocabulary!) ➡️ https://bit.ly/41SLP2Y ○ Phrasal Verbs Course ➡️ https://bit.ly/46nVZve ○ Intermediate Course ➡️ https://bit.ly/40uyInJ ○ Grammar Books ➡️ https://amzn.to/3N8nySu //LEARN ENGLISH WITH US ○ Website & Blog: https://americanenglishpodcast.com ○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanenglishpodcast/ ○ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanenglishpodcast/ ○ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUZxgiuYQItSCoONrJHJ-tw ○ Podcast: https://americanenglishpodcast.com/category/all-episodes/ //101 AMERICAN ENGLISH SLANG WORDS: FREE E-BOOK ○ Download Free E-Book: https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/101-american-english-slang-words **FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are honest and our own. Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links. These links provide us with a small percentage/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items we use. Be sure to subscribe for more english lessons, english material reviews, slang lessons, american culture and history lessons, teaching tips and tricks and adventures! For business inquiries, please email [email protected] #irregularverbs #englishlearningpodcast #americanculture #statueofliberty #aprenderinglés Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 meaning and providing vivid examples to help you understand how to use it in everyday life. Finally, we'll practice pronouncing this phrase and its various conjugations, ensuring you're ready to use it confidently. Stay tuned for the upcoming cultural episode (part 2) about the Statue of Liberty—it's also packed with American English insights and language tips! Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) My Favorite English Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! We tend to judge others. In this 5-Minute English lesson, I’m going to tell a fictional story about the worst driver in the world. You’ll hear: Vocabulary related to bad driving  Actions that people take against bad driving How bad drivers are punished This lesson will be intense in terms of vocabulary, it’s a more advanced listening exercise.  If you regularly learn with this podcast, I highly recommend signing up to Premium Content, so you can get the full lesson that goes along with this audio. You’ll have the chance to master this vocabulary with my help, work on your pronunciation and more. Premium Content All Premium Content 5-Minute English Courses (also included in All Premium Content) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 McDonald’s, right.? Big Macs, Filet-o-Fish, Happy Meals? In this lesson, you'll hear a short story about the founding and expansion of the world-famous fast food restaurant. In it, you'll hear 10 Irregular Verbs in the Simple Past Tense. Here they are: 1. To begin (began) 2. To make (made) 3. To speed (sped) 4. To eat (ate) 5. To leave (left) 6. To see (saw) 7. To buy (bought) 8. To take (took) 9. To rise (rose) 10. To grow (grew) The story is shorter than my typical cultural lesson and that’s because the real focus here is mastering verbs. For those of you who have a high intermediate level or higher, you may already know most of these; this lesson will help reinforce the correct past tense forms (they'll be presented in many new contexts!). Watch the corresponding video here. Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) My Favorite English Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, we'll go over the expression "to take it with a grain of salt," and we'll do a pronunciation exercise. Premium Content for this episode is available with both of these: Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 often we talk about some basic things, like everyday life things that can cause culture shock. The truth is, I don't often think about the topics I'm going to discuss today; they're pretty random! We'll cover eggs, air conditioning, driving, beauty, flags, portion sizes and the one thing nobody can stand: U.S. bathroom stalls. We all form our own opinions based off of our own experiences in life. This episode is full of opinions and thoughts, but I'd love if it weren't a one-sided conversation. Did you experience culture shock in the U.S.? Please share your thoughts on what you find strange or different in the United States! I'd love to hear from you. :) Disclaimer: My third point in the audio WILL make some of you angry, I can feel it already. Please don't hate me, though! I like you soo much. Just think of the points I made here as conversation starters for your next English class; sometimes more controversial ideas lead to more in-depth language practice! :) Premium Content for this episode is available with both of these: Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the plot. There’s a love story between Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) that develops while aboard a huge ship called Titanic. The Titanic was a real ship that set off on its first transatlantic trip from England to the United States in 1912. I know you know what happens; the ship hits an iceberg and sinks. I thought about retelling this story and I know English speakers would tell me: Oh no, Shana, really? That ship has sailed, literally. That ship has sailed is an expression that means that the opportunity has passed; this topic is no longer new or very exciting. It’s been talked about way too many times! That ship has sailed. So instead of doing my long, cultural lesson, I’ve decided to change it up! I’ll tell you a brief summary of the Titanic and in the story, you’ll hear 10 irregular verbs in the simple past tense. This lesson also includes an explanation of the terms and a quiz. ***** Transcript and Video Sign up to Season 4 for the downloadable PDF of this lesson, as well as the PDF transcript, mp3 and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the lowest possible point in your life. To hit rock bottom is a common expression in American English, and in today's lesson you'll learn exactly how to use it. In addition to learning how to use this idiom, you'll hear a joke, we'll hear comments from the audience, and we'll go through a pronunciation exercise! Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 was through writing letters; flying and international calls back then were not in her family’s budget. Email didn’t exist yet. She sent postcards and letters,  pictures of her kids and eventually her grandkids. In her lifetime, the United States Postal Service (USPS) was her lifeline to the people she’d left overseas. Today, I'll tell you a bittersweet and very informative story about my grandma and her relationship with the post office and mail. Through it, you'll learn over 20+ words in context! Can you relate to this story? Let me know what you think. You can write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, or on Spotify in the comments. If you would like to help me decorate my office, please send me a real postcard!  Shana Thompson P.O. Box 9074 Asheville, NC 28815 I create this podcast because of YOU. You have no idea how excited I would be to see you're not just a figment of my imagination (haha). Plus, your card will end up on my wall! :) Premium Content for this episode is available with both of these: Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Despite the number of natural wonders found in Illinois, what attracts most visitors is the vibrant city of Chicago ("The Windy City").Situated on the scenic shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a hot spot for music lovers and art enthusiasts. It's not only home to world-class museums and iconic architecture, it's where today's guest, Jackie Katsis, is from! Jackie is an ESL teacher and a well-known YouTuber from the channel "Ask Jackie."We'll begin today's episode by getting to know this wonderful Chicagoan, and then we'll discover her state with her. You'll hear about Jackie's experience with tornadoes, learn the nuances of the Chicago accent and we'll take a deep dive into the culture she grew up in (we cover mouth-watering food, music, lifestyle and more). Let's get a local's perspective on how to make the most out of our next trip to the beautiful state of Illinois! :) Jackie's Chicago Recommendations Portillo's - Italian Beefs + Chicago-Style Hot Dogs Kingston Mines - Listen to Jazz / Blues Do an architecture tour on the Chicago River Take a walk in Millenium Park and see "The Bean" (Cloud Gate) Go shopping on  Michigan Avenue Walk a lot and enjoy the art and architecture! Learn with JackieJackie Katsis is a well-known ESL teacher from Chicago. You can find her content here!  Website - https://www.askjackie.com.br/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AskJackie  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjackiebr/ Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 by itself means useful or practical, in American English you can add dandy for emphasis, intensification and to give it a playful and poetic effect. Handy-dandy is a reduplication. In English, you’ll hear reduplications in songs and casual conversation! Many times it just involves repeating the first word and changing one consonant or one vowel, like handy dandy, flip flop or chit chat. Sometimes you’ll actually hear the exact same word repeated, like boo-boo or yo-yo. Sometimes reduplications rhyme, but not always. Yet, there is always a certain rhythmic nature to them.And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like rhythm!? If you want to add some spice and flavor to the way you talk in English, keep listening! Today, we’ll go through 10 Common Reduplications and how to use them in everyday contexts. Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) My Favorite English Resources Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 sense of nostalgia in a lot of the Americans that I know; it brings about memories of childhood, simpler times, family breakfasts. It's a wonderful topic of conversation that you can have with native speakers. Ask them: What was your favorite cereal when you were a child? You'll see their eyes light up. Then maybe you can share something that you learned in today's lesson!Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Raisin Bran Muffins: 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola) 2 cups buttermilk (I use low-fat) 2 eggs 2 cups flour 4 cups Raisin Bran cereal 1 cup sugar 1.5 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup raisins  2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon all spice Optional Topping: 1/2 cup chopped pecans (small) Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all of the muffin ingredients in order.  Let mixture sit for 10 minutes, so that the cereal softens. Bake in a muffin tin at 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes (depending on the color and size of your muffin tin.) I like the pecans to develop a very toasty flavor, so I generally cook them closer to 18 minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes. Top with butter and/or honey. Each batch makes about 18 muffins. My family doubles it and it makes 36 at a time! We freeze them. Then, in the morning, we microwave each muffin for 40 seconds, slice in half and spread a bit of butter on each side. :) Enjoy! Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 sugar" is a common American English expression used to express desire for physical affection, whether that be some cuddles, a hug, a kiss or even a fist pump! It's a playful idiom, and today, you'll learn its origin and hear a number of examples so that you can hear how native speakers would use it in various contexts. The second part of this lesson will answer the questions: "How cereal became a popular breakfast food in the U.S." Stay tuned, the story is short, sweet and relevant!Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, it needs to be remodeled in various ways. We are in the process of fixing our house up, and today you'll hear a true story about the process. In this 5-minute English episode, you'll learn how to talk about home renovations and repairs in English. This is a topic-specific lesson, so it's jam-packed with vocabulary you will need if this topic arises in conversation.If you sign up to premium content, or just the 5-minute English courses, you will receive an image sheet with pictures of all of the key vocabulary discussed, you'll see a video with those images and shadowing exercises to work on your pronunciation, as well as many exercises and quizzes to help you retain the words you hear. You also have an annotated transcript! Believe me, as a language learner myself, this is incredibly helpful for understanding a text.Premium Content + Courses Season 4 (Premium Content for Episodes 151-200) 5-Minute English Bundle (5-Minute English Course 1 + 2)   Mentioned in Episode  Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines (this book is fantastic if you want to give someone a gift!) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-country road trip from California to North Carolina, and today he's here to talk about the experience. This is a casual and fun conversation with lots to take away, even if you're not relocating!  We talk about the change of scenery from the West to East Coast, the vast and diverse landscape of the U.S., and how the culture differs as you travel. Learn how to make the most of a cross-country roadtrip from the careful planning to the unique cuisine. Hopefully at some point you also get the chance to take a roadtrip! :)Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 New Year’s Resolution. A resolution is a firm decision or commitment to oneself to achieve some sort of goal. Usually one is made with hope for self-improvement.  In today’s lesson, we’ll talk about a few different studies and surveys about the top New Year’s resolutions in the United States! My hope is to uncover cultural insights - not only about our aspirations and priorities for 2024, but how we can be more successful at achieving our goals. Because this is an English lesson, we’ll cover more than just culture. I’ll explain new vocabulary and phrases as we progress through this lesson, specifically words related to statistics in English. Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Mentioned in the Audio  "Stutz" (the documentary) CDC Study + Analysis by Lancet English Resources How to Track Your Progress: Downloadable Log to Monitor Your Language Progress Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 pronunciation exercises. In part two (which will be posted shortly), you'll learn about New Year's Resolution Statistics for the United States! What are our priorities in 2024? How convinced are we that we'll succeed at keeping our resolutions? Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Christmas Memories. An oxymoron is a literary device that has two contradicting terms, such as "pretty ugly," or "awfully good." This lesson will have two parts: First you will hear the story which contains all of the oxymorons in context. As a challenge, I want you to listen closely and find 10 of the 15 oxymorons mentioned.At the end, I'll tell you all of the oxymorons and provide further explanation on how to use them!Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 frame. For example, 1970-1979 is a decade. 1980 -1989 is another decade. I asked some friends and family members if they could write a short story about their favorite decade.My thought was that it would be interesting to step out of the 2020s and relive a decade in the life of someone else.What would their world look like? Culturally? Politically? What were they doing? What is it that made that decade so memorable? Today, my uncle Alex will paint his 1980s world for you in his own words. Get ready for college, fun on the beach, Silicon Valley in its infancy and a big earthquake. Oh! And of course a lot of decade-specific vocab! Do you know what a Walkman is? By the end of this episode you will.Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boston is situated in present-day Massachusetts, right on the northern Atlantic coastline.  It’s picturesque, it’s lively and it’s steeped in stories of how the United States gained its independence from Britain. Today you’ll hear those tales of organization, patriotism and madness: This is the  Boston Tea Party.  I've also put together a page to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test.  Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 exercises. In part two (which will be posted shortly), you'll learn about one of the most iconic events in U.S. history, the Boston Tea Party. It's one of the major events that fueled our fight for independence from Britain, and the story is just nuts. It's not your average tea party! If you're interested in learning about the beginning of the U.S., or you're taking the U.S. Citizenship test soon, listen to this episode! I've also put together a page to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test.  Premium Content:  Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3. All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 a new wardrobe (a whole new set of clothes). Listen and learn the vocabulary, phrases and collocations we use when talking about clothing in English! You'll learn adjectives to describe the good, the bad and the ugly, expressions to comment on style and so much more. If you ever intend to buy clothes in the United States, you can't miss this episode.  Premium Content Season 4 (Episodes 151-200) 5-Minute English Bundle (5-Minute English Course 1 + 2) ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3 (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 gets wrapped up in the spooky legend of the Headless Horseman. Today you’ll hear “the Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and  learn about the heart-pounding events that took place on one fateful Halloween night. It’s a story of love, rivalry, and the supernatural and I’ve simplified it for intermediate and advanced English learners. Get ready for some excitement and some suspense, you're about to hear a story that has been passed down from generation to generation for over 200 years. Cheat Sheeteerie = unsettling; hauntingvengeful = eager to take revengepeculiar = strangestout = plump; robustjovial = happylanky = skinnysmitten = infatuatedbrawny = muscularspine-chilling = frighteningFor the full list, quiz and other bonus content, be sure to sign up to Season 4 .  Popular Content ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3 (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 biggest population is Alaska. In this episode, you'll learn many English words related to nature and animals, but it's much more than a National Geographic style lesson. You're about to step into the funny, wild and sometimes tragic tales that emerge as humans and moose try to live harmoniously.In this lesson, we'll answer questions like:  What is it like to live near moose? Will I be attacked by a moose in the Northeast? Do Americans hunt moose? Do they eat moose? Take time to appreciate moose! :) (yes, moose is the plural form)Premium Content Season 4 - Episodes 151-200 ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3 (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 pronunciation exercises. In part two (which will be posted shortly), we'll be talking about moose in the US. You know what a moose is, right? It's a large mammal in the deer family. It has big antlers — these sort of long, pokey branch-like things that stick out of their heads — and they live in many northern states in the United States. Often these massive creatures and humans interact with each other, which can be funny, scary and very real. So I want to share some of those stories with you, as well as a lot of information about these incredible creatures! Be sure to stay tuned for part two in order to hear that. This lesson has a FREE PDF with the transcript and a listening comprehension quiz. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Scroll to Premium Content 2. Click on Episode 151: "Preview" If you're interested in purchasing Season 4, it's currently $34 OFF + an additional $5 OFF if you use the code "FIVEOFF" at checkout. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 in the past 50 episodes. You'll hear which episodes were the most popular among listeners, which stories left me speechless and which ones I found incredibly useful. Get your notebook! Be ready to write down the episode number for the stories that interest you most. THANK YOU to all of the supporters who bought me coffee, those who left reviews on your podcast app (very few people take the time to do this, but I really appreciate it!), purchased Premium Content and sent me nice messages over Instagram. You make me want to keep going. Please know that I appreciate you!! :)Links: SEASON 3 - LAST CHANCE at DISCOUNTED PRICE  ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Tell me about your experience learning with this content! Record here and send to [email protected]. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 you'll hear 20+ words related to injuries and getting hurt. Although I hope you don't get hurt anytime soon, I hope this lesson prepares you to talk about the times when you did in English.We all have a getting hurt story, whether it's our own or someone else's. Give this a listen and see if you can use what you learned to tell your story! You will hear the audio twice.*****THIS IS AN ADVANCED ENGLISH EPISODE! Don't stress out of you don't understand everything. If you want to understand everything be sure to sign up to Premium Content! How to Get Premium Content for this episode:  Season 3: By purchasing Season 3, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  You'll also get the full 5-Minute English Course - Part 2, which contains 12 in-depth lessons to boost your vocabulary! This lesson is part of that course. Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s, quizzes + more) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  ***** Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 celebrated language apps there is. Ben received his master's in experimental psychology from Oxford University and has since been working with language acquisition. In fact, he's a pioneer in the field; Ben helped create the first AI language partner using GPT3 technology. It's called the MemBot. If you're interested in trying it out, you can do so here: Try out Memrise + THE FIRST AI Language Partner, the MemBot. In any case, today I had the pleasure of tapping into his knowledge with the goal of finding out how we can learn better. In our chat, Ben and I talk about common misconceptions in language, learning, the genius of mnemonic devices and how to acquire new vocabulary effectively.Other Links: Steven Krashen: Explorations in Language Acquisition and Use ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 this episode, you'll learn 10+ German loanwords in English. A loanword is a words borrowed from a foreign language.American English has many German words; how do we pronounce them?  Well, I know a lot of you are saying we butcher them, that's okay (I don't disagree with you!) In general, the pronunciation of a words depends on how popular / common a word is. If a German word is common in American English, naturally, there's an expected way to pronounce it, even if it's not how it is pronounced normally in German. The goal of this episode is to teach you how we pronounce the common ones and what to do when you come across uncommon loanwords. Here is a sample of some of the words in today's episode.  kitschy beer garden schnitzel bratwurst  sauerkraut strudel rucksack schmear  lox  delicatessen schlep  Other words mentioned: Bauhaus architecture, hefeweizen, liverwurst, wiener and some Yiddish terms such as schmuck and schmooze. Note: German loanwords in English follow English rules! While nouns are capitalized in German, in English, they are lowercase UNLESS they are proper nouns like Volkswagen OR if they derive from a proper noun, such as Rottweiler. Diacritical marks, such as the umlaut, are optional!  *****Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.   Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 loanwords in English. A loanword is a words borrowed from a foreign language.American English has many German words; how do we pronounce them?  Well, I know a lot of you are saying we butcher them, that's okay (I don't disagree with you!) In general, the pronunciation of a words depends on how popular / common a word is. If a German word is common in American English, naturally, there's an expected way to pronounce it, even if it's not how it is pronounced normally in German. The goal of this episode is to teach you how we pronounce the common ones and what to do when you come across uncommon loanwords. Here is a sample of some of the words in today's episode.  doppelgänger wanderlust schadenfreude Volkswagen kindergarten Rottweiler gesundheit! fest  angst or angsty waltz über kaput Note: German loanwords in English follow English rules! While nouns are capitalized in German, in English, they are lowercase UNLESS they are proper nouns like Volkswagen OR if they derive from a proper noun, such as Rottweiler. Diacritical marks, such as the umlaut, are optional!  *****Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.   Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  ***** Support the show Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, attached them to a lawn chair in his backyard and flew 16,000 feet up in the air. The story is weird and funny, and it gives way to a larger discussion about “Cluster Ballooning.” I’ll explain challenging words and phrases as I go along! In Part 1 of this 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 multitude of situations and you'll do pronunciation exercises with it. Big shoutout to Guilherme Krause and Christian for supporting the podcast this month, I really appreciate it!*****Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.   Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  American English Accent Course ***** Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 multitude of situations and you'll do pronunciation exercises with it. The second part of this episode, is all about Larry "Lawnchair," a man who gave birth to cluster ballooning as an activity. Stay tuned, that episode will be posted shortly.Big shoutout to Guilherme Krause for supporting the podcast this month, I really appreciate it!*****Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.   Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  American English Accent Course ***** Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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*** Maine is the easternmost and northernmost state in the contiguous United States, and it’s known for its expansive forests, breathtaking coastlines, and its unique New England culture. Today, we're going to talk to Brent (Speak English with This Guy), who is a middle school English teacher from Maine. You'll hear from a local all about the food culture, lifestyle and accent of Mainers (or Maniacs!), as well as a crazy story about moose. Hear why our only one-syllable state is such a wonderful place all while getting to know a local.  ***OUR GUEST***If you want to hear Brent more often, why not check out his podcast? It's called: Speak English with This Guy! ***PREMIUM CONTENT***  Season 3: By purchasing Season 3, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.  You'll also get the full 5-Minute English Course - Part 2, which contains 12 in-depth lessons to boost your vocabulary! This lesson is part of that course. Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s, quizzes + more) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 referred to as “the most exciting two minutes of sports.” 🐎  Since 1875, eager spectators have been pouring into Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky to watch the ca. 20 racers make their way to the finish line.  Just given how long the event has been around, you can probably imagine how many traditions there are at the event. In today’s episode, you’ll learn about those traditions and the culture and history that makes the event what it is today. Would you want to visit?  Disclaimer: This episode discusses drugs, alcohol and gambling, and therefore it’s listed as explicit!  Be sure to sign up to Season 3 or All Premium Content if you want the English learning material that goes along with this episode.  *****Premium Content: This episode is part of Season 3. By purchasing Season 3 transcripts, you'll be able to access the full episodes, the full PDF transcripts for episodes 101 - 150, an Mp3 download  and the premium podcast player to work on your pronunciation.   Get ALL PREMIUM CONTENT FOR SEASONS 1 - 3  (with 5 in-depth courses to improve your English,  includes all transcripts + mp3s) Get ONLY the Transcripts for Episodes 001 - 150 Get the Free E-Book: 101 American English Slang Words  American English Accent Course ***** Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices