American English Podcast

• 193 - 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

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• 192.2 - 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

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• 192 - 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

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• 191 - 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

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• ⭐ 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

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