Jason's Easy English

You're invited to an American get-together at 7:00. Should you arrive at 7:00, 7:15, or 8:00? In this episode, I compare social customs in the U.S. and Brazil. We'll talk about responding to invitations, arriving on time, bringing another guest, taking something for the host, knowing when to leave, and saying goodbye. You'll also learn useful English like fashionably late, plus-one, and overstay your welcome while discovering the unwritten rules behind a simple invitation.

American food is more than hamburgers, fries, and fast food! In this episode, I explore the tradition of home-cooked family meals in the United States. We'll talk about Sunday dinners, special occasions, old family recipes, potlucks, and dishes passed down through generations. You'll also learn useful English for talking about cooking, food, and family traditions. Come sit at the table and discover a warm, personal side of American food culture.

Millions of American kids grow up playing soccer, so why isn’t it one of the biggest sports in the U.S.? With the World Cup as our backdrop, I explore soccer’s unusual place in American culture. We’ll talk about youth soccer, die-hard fans, America’s crowded sports calendar, and competition from football, basketball, and baseball. We’ll also look at whether the World Cup can help soccer break through and become a bigger part of American sports culture.

Do you really need to understand baseball to enjoy a night at the ballpark? In this episode, I take my Brazilian friend Ronaldo to his first minor league baseball game. I try to explain the rules, but we soon decide to enjoy the experience instead. Come along for hot dogs, nachos, team caps, foul balls, baseball traditions, and Friday-night fireworks — and discover why a summer night at the ballpark can be about much more than the game.

Dreaming about visiting Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, or another U.S. national park? A little planning can prevent some big surprises! In this episode, I explain what international visitors should know about park passes, campsite reservations, busy seasons, crowds, and changing weather. You'll also learn useful English for planning an outdoor adventure. From mountains and forests to deserts and volcanoes, discover the incredible variety of America's national parks — and learn how to prepare before you go.

In this episode, I explain breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the United States and compare them with Brazil. Why is lunch so fast in the U.S.? What do people eat? And what is brunch? You’ll learn useful vocabulary and understand real cultural differences in a clear, simple way. Great for English learners who want practical language and everyday examples!

Some English words look very similar to Portuguese—but their meanings are different. These are called false friends, and they can cause funny misunderstandings. In this episode, I share a story about my Brazilian friend Renata during a night out with friends. You'll learn confusing words like pretend, actually, college, lunch, parent, eventually, and fantasy, and understand why these words often confuse Portuguese speakers learning English.

When my Spanish friend Javier visits Boston, he notices something surprising: signs and conversations in many different languages. Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and more. Why does this happen in an English-speaking country? In this episode, I tell the story of our walk through the city and explain an interesting cultural fact: the United States does not actually have an official language at the federal level. Learn useful vocabulary and discover how language diversity works in American cities.

What does an American family look like today? Many people imagine a mom, a dad, and two kids, but real life in the United States is much more diverse. In this episode, I explain common family structures in American culture, including nuclear families, blended families, step-siblings, same-sex parents, foster families, and multigenerational households. You'll also hear examples from popular TV shows like The Brady Bunch, Modern Family, and Gilmore Girls while learning useful English vocabulary.

Is it safe to ride a bicycle in the United States? The answer is: it depends. In this episode, I explain how car culture shapes American cities and why bike lanes are sometimes an afterthought. We’ll talk about dedicated bike lanes, scenic bike paths, and the meaning of “share the road.” You’ll also learn why biking safety can change from one city to another — and why this isn’t Denmark or the Netherlands!