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.⁠⁠⁠

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

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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.

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

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

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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. 

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

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

⭐ 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.

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

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

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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:

- Film and television vocabulary

- Business and technology

- Internet culture and innovation

- Common expressions and idioms

You’ll also hear expressions and vocabulary like:

- 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:

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. 

⭐ ⁠Join the Free Slang and Expression Challenge⁠

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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. 

⭐ Join the Free Slang and Expression Challenge

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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:

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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Do you like this episode format?

I've been thinking about doing a series of these "quick fixes" for word confusion, pronunciation, and grammar.

That is, if you like the format. So please be honest!

In the meantime, check out the Academy!

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