Small talk in the U.S. isn't always about exchanging real information. Sometimes, it's simply a small exchange that can make your day a little better—and over time, those interactions can help build real rapport.

In this episode, you'll learn how Americans use small talk, how to start and keep a conversation going, and how to tell whether someone actually wants to keep talking. You'll also learn simple strategies to speak naturally, build confidence, and communicate in real life.

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Every month, I like to bring back one of my favorite episodes from the past, and this one is an oldie but a goodie. ❤️

Some longtime listeners might remember my dad, Joe. He first appeared on the podcast in Episode 43, when he talked about his experience living and working in Alaska, and again in Episode 44 to talk about driving in the U.S.

After those episodes came out, so many of you told me how much you enjoyed listening to him, so naturally, I had to bring him back!

In this conversation, my dad and I talk about some of the best, worst, biggest, smallest, and most memorable things in his life. It’s lighthearted, funny, and without us even trying, full of English idioms. That’s simply the way my dad talks!

Since he speaks clearly and uses lots of everyday expressions, this is also a great episode for practicing how to understand idiomatic English from context.

The main grammar focus is superlatives.

What is a superlative?

We use the superlative form to talk about the highest or lowest degree of something within a group.

For example:

Our tree in the front yard is the tallest in the neighborhood.

There is no tree in the neighborhood taller than ours. Ours is the tallest.

As you listen, pay attention to superlatives like the best, the worst, the biggest, the most beautiful, and the most difficult, and enjoy getting to know my dad a little better along the way.

Want to take your learning further?

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

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The other day, I was staring at my list of common Irregular Verbs, trying to think of a lesson I could create with 10 of them. Immediately, I saw some potential! Swing -> Swung, Fling -> Flung , Slide -> Slid. 

Somehow the clump of words I selected led me to one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard about U.S. culture and history: Dance Marathons of the 1930s. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and I hope you enjoy it!

In part one, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to keep someone on their toes,” you’ll hear a joke, and you’ll work on your American English pronunciation! Check it out.

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The other day, I was staring at my list of common Irregular Verbs, trying to think of a lesson I could create with 10 of them. Immediately, I saw some potential! Swing -> Swung, Broadcast -> Broadcast, Sleep -> Slept. 

Somehow the clump of words I selected led me to one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard about U.S. culture and history: Dance Marathons of the 1930s and 1940s. Imagine people dancing for days on end, even sleeping while dancing, for the chance to win some cash. It’s a crazy story, and from the discovery of this event, this two-part episode was born. 

Don’t miss part 2! It’s coming next week.

In part one, you’ll learn how to use the common expression “to keep someone on their toes,” you’ll hear a joke, and you’ll work on your American English pronunciation! Enjoy. :)

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Well, well, well. I never thought I’d make an entire episode about bugs and annoying things until Lucas was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets this week! It got me thinking, why do we say something "bugs" us?

In this episode, Lucas joins me to talk about the everyday things that annoy us. You’ll learn natural ways to say that something bothers you, including to bug someone, get on someone’s nerves, and drive someone crazy.

We’ll also cover the names of common insects in English, explore the difference between bite and sting, and hear the epic tale of how Lucas ended up with 14 stings.

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Every year when I go to the beach, I have the same thought: Are there sharks out there in that dark water?

It's not an irrational fear. Years ago, a student at my university, Lucas Ransom, was surfing off the California coast when a great white shark attacked him. I didn't know him personally, but we went to the same school, and some of my closest friends were in his classes. I still remember walking into class the next morning and hearing the story from one of my professors.

You just don't forget something like that. And maybe that's why sharks have always felt so real to me, and not just like mysterious creatures from a documentary.

Is it safe to swim off the Pacific and Atlantic coast?

Let's talk about it. After all, the timing is right! It's summer, and Shark Week kicks off on July 26 in the U.S. — Discovery Channel's 38th annual deep-dive into all things sharks. For one week, it feels like the whole country is talking about these creatures: their behavior, their migration patterns, and the (very small) odds of ever encountering one. :)

Ready to keep building your English?

⭐ Try our Free 14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.
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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. :)

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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.

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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. 

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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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