American English Podcast

Shana Thompson
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  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
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American English Podcast

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

  1. 14 HR AGO

    Discover Iowa with Bethany

    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 wondered what life is like in the middle of the U.S.? Tune in to this week’s episode with Bethany Anderson and discover tornado drills, taco pizza, sweet corn, Amish visits, and small towns bursting with culture. You’ll get fun expressions, new vocab, and a fresh view of Iowa you won’t find on any map! 🌟 About Our Guest Bethany Anderson grew up in Iowa and she currently lives in the town of West Liberty. She owns Anderson Language Center where she teaches English to Spanish speakers living in the U.S. You can contact her through her website, andersonlanguage.com or follow her on Facebook or Instagram. Improve your English with the AE Podcast Season 4 Premium Content⁠⁠ ⁠⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    52 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    14 HR AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Do You Feel Like Your Memory Is Getting Worse? (Do THIS Quick Daily Brain Exercise to Reset Your Focus & Strengthen Your Memory Long-Term) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Today, Jay welcomes back world-renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial for a mind-expanding conversation about memory, attention, and the brain’s incredible potential. Dr. Jandial unpacks the different types of memory and explains why we often forget things like where we left our keys or what we had for dinner. He reassures us that not all memory slips are signs of aging or illness, and shows us how understanding memory can help us feel more in control of our minds. Jay and Dr. Jandial also dive deep into working memory, the kind of memory that helps us juggle tasks, make quick decisions, and stay mentally sharp. They explore how things like stress, distraction, and even poor sleep can weaken our focus, while simple changes like better digital habits, brain-training games, and quality rest can help us stay mentally strong.   Using relatable examples, from parenting to surgery to driving, Dr. Jandial shares how we can train our brains the same way we train our bodies: with just the right amount of challenge, practice, and consistency. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Strengthen Your Working Memory How to Train Your Brain Like a Muscle How to Handle Emotional Memories Without Being Overwhelmed How to Protect Your Brain as You Age How to Spot Early Signs of Dementia in Loved Ones How to Create a Brain-Healthy Daily Routine How to Stay Mentally Sharp in a Distracting World If you're looking to improve your memory, support a loved one, or feel more mentally present, this episode offers practical tools and powerful insights to help you live with greater clarity and intention. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:54 Is Your Memory Really Getting Worse? 06:28 What’s Distracting Your Working Memory 10:26 How to Manage Distractions and Stay Focused 13:39 Understanding the 3 Main Types of Memory 19:05 What’s Distracting Your Working Memory 22:43 Why the Right Amount of Stress Helps You Grow 25:22 Yes, Older Adults Can Have Strong Working Memory 29:14 How Memory Is Built Inside the Brain’s Ecosystem 33:16 The Critical Gap Between Thoughts and Actions 35:31 Simple Ways to Train and Improve Your Focus 40:28 Why Negative Memories Stick With Us 48:55 Three Daily Habits That Keep Your Brain Sharp  51:02 Why Therapy Isn’t One Size Fits All 55:18 Redirecting Your Focus Away From Painful Thoughts 58:30 Debunking the 20 Percent Brain Power Myth 01:00:34 What’s Behind the Rise in Cancer Rates? 01:05:15 A Smarter Way to Take Care of Your Mind and Body Episode Resources: Dr. Rahul Jandial | Instagram Dr. Rahul Jandial | Facebook This Is Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

  3. 10 JUL

    ⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: A Day at the Beach

    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 this immersive summer episode, you'll escape to the sun-drenched shores of an American beach and soak up advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations—all beach-themed and delivered in under 10 minutes (ish 😉). You'll need to use your imagination for this one. You'll look back on your childhood memories and teenage beach days, from building sandcastles and kite flying to sunbathing and snorkeling. Along the way, you'll learn natural U.S. beach expressions and many beach rules in the U.S.! At the end, I'll give a hot tip on where to go if you're between the ages of 18-24 and want to meet lots of locals! 👙 Vocabulary highlights: bathing suit vs. swimsuit, board shorts, Speedo, skimpy🔥 Cultural insights: U.S. beach rules, bonfires, beach snacks, and more.🎧 Perfect for: High Intermediate and Advanced English learners. 👉 For full vocabulary support, exercises, quizzes, and pronunciation practice, check out the Premium Content: All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    26 min

  4. 3 JUL

    Sharks, Swamps, and Sweet Tea: Our Wild Trip to South Carolina

    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 this casual Chats with Shana episode, I’m taking you along on our sweaty summer trip to Charleston, South Carolina. 🌴 You’ll hear about: Milo’s first vacation (spoiler: he’s a sand-digging pro) Dining outside in 95° heat… while swatting a swarm of flies Why Folly Beach is a top spot for shark attacks—and why we still went A surprise encounter with a horseshoe crab under the pier The iconic rowboat scene from The Notebook—yep, we went! Tasting frog legs and learning about frog gigging The Southern tradition of painting porch ceilings "haint blue" to keep away spirits Plus, fun facts about pineapples, sweet tea, ghost tours, and more! You'll also learn natural expressions like “sweating bullets,” “the cherry on top,” “food for thought,” and “to keep something at bay,” all explained as we go. So grab an iced tea (sweet, of course) and join me for a fun and language-packed adventure through the Palmetto State. 🐊🦈🍍 Mentioned in this Episode ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠ ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) 10 Must-Know Southern Foods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min

  5. 26 JUN

    American Bison (or Buffalo!)

    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 answer is—well, a lot. Despite being from the same family (Bovidae), bison and buffalo have different hair, different horn shapes, and different temperaments. Bison are known to be a little bit moody! So, which one lives in the United States? Technically, bison, but most native English speakers from the U.S. call the bison that roam here “buffalo.” In today’s episode, you’ll learn about these incredible creatures, the mass slaughter of them on behalf of the U.S. government, and their comeback after being nearly extinct. I learned so much while making this episode. I hope you do too! Mentioned in this Episode Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-buffalo/ ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠ ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) Sponsors for this Episode NordVPN: This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan go to ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠⁠⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee.⁠ Skims: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know I sent you! Select “podcast” in the survey and select my show in the dropdown menu that follows. Betterhelp: Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    36 min

  6. 19 JUN

    Expression: To Stand One's Ground

    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 a joke (this one's a pun!). Then we'll dive into the expression. Shana will explain how to use the phrase in real-life situations, and guides you through a quick pronunciation practice. Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up episode on bison—majestic animals that quite literally stand their ground. Mentioned in this Episode This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee. Season 4 Premium Content⁠⁠ ⁠⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    20 min

  7. 13 JUN

    Irregular Verb Story: The (Funny) Invention of the Microwave

    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 brain damage. What am I talking about? Microwaves, of course! The story of how the microwave was discovered (or invented!) is weird and very funny—and it all went down in Massachusetts. To make this story extra valuable, I've added 20 irregular verbs to it. How many did you catch? If you'd like the full list, the supplementary video, and all of the bonus material to master the irregular verbs you heard in Season 4, sign up for Premium Content! Mentioned in the Episode This episode was sponsored by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to ⁠https://nordvpn.com/americanenglish⁠ - Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan! Plus, there's no risk with their 30-day money-back guarantee. ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠ ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    35 min

  8. 5 JUN

    Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz

    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 watching or in the way. After breaking down the literal and figurative meanings, as well as the origin, you'll hear three vivid examples—one featuring a mama bird, a cheating girlfriend, and shoplifting teens. The cultural spotlight of this episode is on Alcatraz, the infamous island prison off the coast of San Francisco. Once home to criminals like Al Capone, Alcatraz was considered escape-proof—until 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers vanished in a daring and ingenious escape involving handmade dummies, a raft made of raincoats, and months of careful planning. Despite debris being found and decades of investigation, the trio was never seen again, making it the longest-running manhunt in U.S. history. In this episode, you'll learn about the prison, and how these three men got out! Mentioned in this Episode ⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min
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Trailers

Hosts & Guests

About

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Shana Thompson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 American English Podcast
  • Show Website
    American English Podcast

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