American English Podcast

187 - 5 Essential Speaking Tips for English Learners

American English Podcast

Ever freeze mid-sentence? Forget a word you just learned? Or feel like your voice disappears the moment someone asks you a question in English? You’re not alone—and you’re not doomed! 😅 In this episode, I share 5 game-changing speaking tips that have helped my students (and myself!) speak with more confidence, clarity, and joy. We’ll dig into real strategies to get English out of your head and into your mouth—whether you're shy, stuck on vocabulary, or just plain overwhelmed. ✨ This episode is for you if: You struggle to remember the words you’ve learned You don’t have anyone to practice with You feel nervous, shy, or judged when speaking ✨ Click here to start your language-learning journey today on italki. Buy $10 get $5 for free for your first lesson using my exclusive Promo Code: shana2504 The discounts are only available for the first 50 users. Mentioned in the Episode Season 4 Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

186.2 - The Violinist in the Metro: Art, Context, and the Power of Place

American English Podcast

What happens when one of the world’s greatest violinists plays a million-dollar instrument… in a subway station? Will anyone stop to listen? In this episode, we dive into a powerful real-life experiment that challenges how we see art, talent, and everyday beauty. You'll hear the story of Joshua Bell’s anonymous subway performance, the unexpected art stunt pulled by Banksy in Central Park, and even a surprise appearance by Ed Sheeran in disguise. Through these stories, we’ll explore the importance of context, the influence of perception, and ask—how many amazing things are we missing just because we’re in a rush? Plus, you’ll learn useful vocabulary, expressions, and get some great conversation starters for your next English class or dinner chat. 🎻🎨 ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount Season 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

186 - Expression: To Play It By Ear

American English Podcast

In today’s episode, you’ll learn the common English expression “to play it by ear,” which means to improvise or make decisions without having a fixed plan. We’ll look at where the expression comes from, how to use it naturally in conversation, and go over three everyday examples to help you understand it clearly. You’ll also hear a lighthearted joke involving music and miners, and at the end, we’ll practice pronunciation together. This episode is great for English learners who want to sound more natural and confident when speaking. Mentioned in the Episode Season 4 Premium Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

⭐ Feature: To Pull Someone's Leg / The Greatest April Fool's Day Jokes of All Time

American English Podcast

Have you ever believed something so ridiculous, so outrageous, that later you just had to laugh because—yep—you got fooled? Maybe someone told you that swallowing gum would glue your organs together... or that Bigfoot was spotted at your local supermarket. That moment you realized it wasn’t true? That was someone pulling your leg! They were tricking you. In this feature episode, we’re bringing back one of my favorite expressions—and one of my favorite topics: practical jokes. I’ve remastered the audio, expanded the explanations, and retold three of the wildest April Fool’s pranks in history. One involves a fake alien landing, another a fake Loch Ness monster, and the third? Let’s just say it involves a volcano, a helicopter, and a very bold prankster named Porky. You're going to love it! Grab your cup of coffee—or your prank cupcakes (you’ll get that reference soon)—and get ready for a fun and language-packed episode. ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount Season 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices