We live in a day and age that is driven by science and technology, yet people are still superstitious. According to a study I read by YouGov, 9% of Americans claim to be superstitious, while another 35% admit to not being very superstitious, but somewhat. That makes over 40% of individuals in the United States somewhat superstitious.
So what does it mean to be superstitious? According to Cambridge Dictionary, it is to have beliefs that are not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but are connected with old ideas about magic. Many times, superstitious people believe in irrational, unproven signs of good and bad luck.
In today’s episode, we’re going to go through 13 common superstitions in the United States and their origins. By the end of this audio lesson, you’ll walk away with more knowledge about American culture and some new vocabulary and phrases. I’ll teach those as we go along.
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131 - 13 Common Superstitions in the U.S. and their Origins

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/

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In this Chats with Shana episode, I'm going to reflect on various aspects of US culture. Although I talk about culture all the time on here, it's not often we talk about some basic things, like everyday life things that can cause culture shock. The truth is, I don't often think about the topics I'm going to discuss today; they're pretty random! We'll cover eggs, air conditioning, driving, beauty, flags, portion sizes and the one thing nobody can stand: U.S. bathroom stalls.
We all form our own opinions based off of our own experiences in life. This episode is full of opinions and thoughts, but I'd love if it weren't a one-sided conversation. Did you experience culture shock in the U.S.? Please share your thoughts on what you find strange or different in the United States! I'd love to hear from you. :)
Disclaimer: My third point in the audio WILL make some of you angry, I can feel it already. Please don't hate me, though! I like you soo much.  Just think of the points I made here as conversation starters for your next English class; sometimes more controversial ideas lead to more in-depth language practice! :)
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165 - Chats with Shana: Culture Shock in the U.S. (Everyday Life)

One of the most popular films of 1997 was by far “ Titanic.” It won 11 Academy Awards! If you saw the film, or even just previews of it, you know the plot. There’s a love story between Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) that develops while aboard a huge ship called Titanic. The Titanic was a real ship that set off on its first transatlantic trip from England to the United States in 1912. I know you know what happens; the ship hits an iceberg and sinks. 
I thought about retelling this story and I know English speakers would tell me: Oh no, Shana, really? That ship has sailed, literally. 
That ship has sailed is an expression that means that the opportunity has passed; this topic is no longer new or very exciting.  It’s been talked about way too many times! That ship has sailed. So instead of doing my long, cultural lesson, I’ve decided to change it up! I’ll tell you a brief summary of the Titanic and in the story, you’ll hear 10 irregular verbs in the simple past tense. 
This lesson also includes an explanation of the terms and a quiz. 
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164.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with the Titanic

Life can't possibly get worse! You've lost your job, you have no money, and then to top it off, your dog dies. You've hit rock bottom; you've reached the lowest possible point in your life. 
To hit rock bottom is a common expression in American English, and in today's lesson you'll learn exactly how to use it. In addition to learning how to use this idiom, you'll hear a joke, we'll hear comments from the audience, and we'll go through a pronunciation exercise!
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164 - Expression: To Hit Rock Bottom

My grandma permanently moved to the United States from Spain in the 1950s and the only way she could afford to keep in contact with friends and family was through writing letters; flying and international calls back then were not in her family’s budget. Email didn’t exist yet. She sent postcards and letters,  pictures of her kids and eventually her grandkids. In her lifetime, the United States Postal Service (USPS) was her lifeline to the people she’d left overseas. 

Today, I'll tell you a bittersweet and very informative story about my grandma and her relationship with the post office and mail. Through it, you'll learn over 20+ words in context! 

Can you relate to this story? Let me know what you think. You can write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, or on Spotify in the comments. 

If you would like to help me decorate my office, please send me a real postcard!  

Shana Thompson
P.O. Box 9074
Asheville, NC 28815

I create this podcast because of YOU. You have no idea how excited I would be to see you're not just a figment of my imagination (haha). Plus, your card will end up on my wall! :) 

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163 - 5-Minute English: The Post Office and Mail

Illinois is situated in the heart of the American Midwest, and it's known as the "Prairie State" because over 60% of it is covered in farmland. Despite the number of natural wonders found in Illinois, what attracts most visitors is the vibrant city of Chicago ("The Windy City").Situated on the scenic shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a hot spot for music lovers and art enthusiasts. It's not only home to world-class museums and iconic architecture, it's where today's guest, Jackie Katsis, is from! Jackie is an ESL teacher and a well-known YouTuber from the channel "Ask Jackie."We'll begin today's episode by getting to know this wonderful Chicagoan, and then we'll discover her state with her. You'll hear about Jackie's experience with tornadoes, learn the nuances of the Chicago accent and we'll take a deep dive into the culture she grew up in (we cover mouth-watering food, music, lifestyle and more). Let's get a local's perspective on how to make the most out of our next trip to the beautiful state of Illinois! :)
Jackie's Chicago Recommendations


Portillo's - Italian Beefs + Chicago-Style Hot Dogs


Kingston Mines - Listen to Jazz / Blues

Do an architecture tour on the Chicago River

Take a walk in Millenium Park and see "The Bean" (Cloud Gate)

Go shopping on  Michigan Avenue

Walk a lot and enjoy the art and architecture!

Learn with JackieJackie Katsis is a well-known ESL teacher from Chicago. You can find her content here! 

Website - https://www.askjackie.com.br/


YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AskJackie 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjackiebr/


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131 - 13 Common Superstitions in the U.S. and their Origins

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