English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 63: Why Idioms in English Are So Hard to Understand
In this episode, I explain why idioms are one of the most frustrating parts of learning English. The words are familiar, but the meaning is something completely different. We'll look at five idioms that native speakers use every day and talk about exactly why they're so hard to understand the first time you hear them.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus three FREE resources delivered straight to your inbox: a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator, 60 Phrases Native English Speakers Use Every Day, and the new idioms guide, 25 Idioms Native English Speakers Use Every Day.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 62: Why Native English Speakers Don't Sound Like Your Textbook
In this episode, I explain why fluent English isn't about knowing more grammar. It's about knowing the right phrases, understanding how words connect at natural speed, and reacting the way native speakers actually react.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus two free resources delivered straight to your inbox: a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator and the free phrase guide, 60 Phrases Native English Speakers Use Every Day.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 61: Listener Questions
In this episode, I answer three questions from listeners around the world. Why do Americans smile at strangers on the street? Why is it so hard to understand native speakers even after years of study? What is the most surprising thing about living in New York City? As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator delivered straight to your inbox.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 60: Why Americans Talk to Strangers
Have you ever been in line at a coffee shop when a stranger suddenly started talking to you? In many countries, this would feel unusual. In the United States, it happens every day. In this episode, you'll learn why Americans talk to strangers, what they are really saying when they do, and how to understand and respond naturally. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator delivered straight to your inbox.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 59: Why Americans Avoid Saying No
Have you ever made plans with an American and then waited for a response that never came? Or heard "let's catch up soon" and never heard anything again? In this episode, you'll learn why Americans often avoid saying no directly, what phrases they use instead, and how to understand the real message underneath the words. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator delivered straight to your inbox.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 58: What to Do When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker
It happens to almost every language learner: you're having a conversation in English, and suddenly you miss something. You freeze. You smile and nod. In this episode, you'll learn four simple strategies for exactly this situation, plus why native English is sometimes so hard to understand in the first place. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator delivered straight to your inbox.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 57: Why Is Tipping in the USA So Complicated?
Have you ever stood in front of a payment screen and felt confused (or even pressured) by the tipping options? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn why tipping culture exists in the United States, how it got so out of control, and exactly what to do if you visit or live here. The history is a little surprising. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting.

Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator delivered straight to your inbox.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English lessons on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

Get the English Listening Accelerator!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 56: Valentine's Day in the United States
Valentine's Day was yesterday, and it's one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the United States. In this episode, you'll hear about the history of the holiday, how Americans celebrate it, and what it tells us about American culture. You might be surprised by some of the traditions! As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing a lot of time.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English lessons on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

English Listening Accelerator

Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and bonus English learning tips and practice!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 55: 10 Adverbs English Speakers Use Every Day
Want to sound less like a textbook and more like a real English speaker? In this episode you'll hear about 10 adverbs English speakers use all the time: actually, definitely, probably, honestly, basically, totally, pretty, really, seriously, and anyway. Learn exactly how and when to use them with real examples and tips. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing a lot of time.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English lessons on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

English Listening Accelerator

Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and bonus English learning tips and practice!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 54: How to Sound More Natural in English Conversations
Do you sometimes feel like you sound too formal or robotic when you speak English? In this episode, we explore five practical tips for sounding more natural in conversations, from using contractions to relaxing and letting go of perfection. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing a lot of time.

Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.

I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English lessons on my channel!

Episode transcript

Podcast website 

English Listening Accelerator

Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and bonus English learning tips and practice!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.