🎧In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about an interesting part of American culture called Greek life. You may have seen it in movies or TV shows, but you might not know what it really means. Greek life includes fraternities and sororities—student groups that are very common at U.S. colleges. We explain why it is called “Greek,” look at the history of these organizations, and explore the reasons why students decide to join them.

To help you improve your English, we also teach you important vocabulary connected to Greek life. You will learn words such as fraternity, sorority, bid, and pledge, and understand how they are used. We explain some of the traditions and events that are part of this culture, like rush week, Greek Week, and the Divine Nine. We also talk about both the good and bad sides of Greek life, such as friendship, leadership, and networking, but also controversy and exclusivity.

We also look at how Greek life appears in movies, TV shows, and social media. You will get suggestions for films and documentaries that show this culture and can help you practice English at the same time. Even though these stories are sometimes exaggerated, they give us a picture of the stereotypes and cultural ideas connected to fraternities and sororities.

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Greek life: The social organizations for students at American colleges and universities, often referred to as fraternities for men and sororities for women.

2) Fraternity / Sorority: A social organization for male/female students at a college or university.

3) Networking aspect: The part of something that involves building professional relationships and making connections with people who can help your career.

4) Elitist: A person or group that believes they are superior to others, often based on wealth, education, or social status.

5) Rush week: A period of time when fraternities and sororities hold events to recruit and get to know potential new members.

6) Meet and greet: An informal event where people can meet and talk with others.

7) Bid: An official invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.

8) Pledge: A person who has accepted a bid and is going through the process of becoming a full member.

9) Big Little system: A mentorship program in fraternities and sororities where a new member (the "little") is paired with an older member (the "big") to guide them.

10) Initiation process: The formal ceremony or activities a person goes through to become a member of a group.

11) Dues: The fees or payments that members of an organization have to pay.

12) Deal breaker: A factor or issue that makes it impossible to continue with a negotiation or agreement.

Are you tired of feeling confused by English phrasal verbs? Many English learners struggle with these types of verbs because the meanings can change depending on the situation. These are common in everyday conversation and understanding them is key to sounding more like a native speaker.

In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we focus on four common phrasal verbs that all use the word “get"—get in, get out, get up, and get down. We go through each phrasal verb one by one, giving clear explanations and example sentences. You’ll hear how native speakers use these expressions in everyday life and in common situations—like talking about travel, school, relationships, or even action movies. By listening to real examples, you’ll better understand how to use these phrases naturally when you speak English.

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📜Credits:

Get In: Mean Girls

Get Out: Get Out

Get Up: The Matrix

Get Down: Kool and the Gang

Get Down: Terminator

📝 Vocabulary list:

get in:

1. To enter a particular space, like a car or building.
2. To arrive at a particular destination (e.g., "The flight gets in at noon").
3. To be accepted into a university or program after applying.
4. To find time to do an activity in a busy schedule (e.g., "get some exercise in").

get out:

1. To leave an enclosed space and go outside.
2. To avoid doing a particular task or obligation.
3. For information to become known or spread, often without being planned.
4. To be unable to speak or say what you want to say.

get up:

1. To move from a sitting or lying position to a standing position.
2. To get out of bed in the morning.

get up on / get up to date / get up to speed:

1. To learn about something or do more research about something in order to become knowledgeable.

get down:

1. To move from a standing position to a sitting or lying position.
2. To become sad or depressed.
3. To party and have a lot of fun (informal).
4. To successfully swallow or eat food/drink.

🎸In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about idioms that all use the word “rock.” You probably know that a rock is a piece of stone or a kind of music. But in English, we also use the word "rock" in many different idioms. These idioms have different meanings, and learning them can help you speak more naturally and with more confidence.

🎤We talk about fun phrases like “rock star,” “rock on,” “rock the mic,” and “someone rocks.” These expressions are used a lot in everyday conversation to show feelings like excitement, happiness, or support. We give you example sentences so you can hear how native speakers use these phrases.

🎧We also explain a phrase that has a more negative meaning: “get rocked.” Then, we end with the meaning of “rock someone’s world,” which is a very strong and emotional experience. Each idiom comes with simple examples from real life and pop culture, so they are easy to understand and remember.

🗣️By the end of this episode, you will know what these idioms mean and how to use them. You will also learn the emotions and situations behind each one. This kind of vocabulary is great for improving your English fluency and helping you sound more like a native speaker.

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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📜Credits:

Cypress Hill - (Rock) Superstar

Workday Commercial: Rockstar (2023)

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) rock star: Someone who is extremely popular and successful, especially in a particular field, not just music.

2) rock on: An expression of encouragement or approval, meaning "keep doing what you're doing, it's good."

3) rock the mic: To perform or speak very well, especially when using a microphone.

4) charisma: A compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.

5) swagger: A very confident and arrogant manner.

6) hair scrunchie: A fabric-covered elastic band used to tie hair.

7) aces their exam: Performs exceptionally well on an exam, typically getting a perfect or near-perfect score.

8) sizzling: extremely hot, often with the feeling that everything is being cooked or heated intensely.

9) that rocks: An expression meaning "that's really good" or "that's really exciting."

10) big personality: A person who is confident, noticeable, and expressive.

11) get rocked: To be badly defeated or negatively affected by something.

12) rock someone's world: To have a powerful, exciting, or profoundly positive impact on someone.

☀️Are you ready to talk about summer like a native English speaker? In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, you'll learn how to talk about hot weather in English. You’ll learn how to describe different types of hot weather, how to talk about health and safety in the sun, and how to express your feelings about summer. If you're looking to expand your English vocabulary, improve your listening comprehension, and confidently talk about summertime, this episode is for you!

🔥We'll explore how people discuss everything from intense sunshine to sticky, humid conditions, all in a way that helps you learn English naturally. You'll discover new ways to describe how hot it feels, moving beyond just "hot" to more descriptive words like "sweltering" and "muggy." We'll give you practical advice and the English words you need to understand warnings and conversations about protecting yourself during the hottest months. You'll also learn common idioms like "it's like opening an oven" and "you can fry an egg on the sidewalk."

😎Get ready to elevate your vocabulary and sound more sophisticated when discussing the weather. This episode is perfect for learners who want to grow their vocabulary while also practicing their listening skills. If you enjoy learning English through real-life topics and natural conversation, this episode is for you! Be sure to check the episode description for a complete list of the new words and phrases. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with your friends who are also learning English. Stay cool, and happy learning!

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) heat wave: a period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days.

2) high pressure system: an area where the atmospheric pressure is higher than the surrounding areas, often associated with clear skies and warm, stable weather.

3) sweltering: uncomfortably hot and humid, often causing a lot of sweating.

4) oppressive: causing discomfort because of being too strong or intense, making you feel unable to act freely.

5) muggy: unpleasantly warm and humid, with a lot of moisture in the air.

6) dry heat: hot weather with very low humidity or moisture in the air.

7) scorching: extremely hot, often to the point of feeling like your skin is burning.

8) sizzling: extremely hot, often with the feeling that everything is being cooked or heated intensely.

9) sunburn: red, painful skin caused by too much exposure to the sun.

10) sun tan: a darkening of the skin, typically as a result of exposure to the sun.

11) sun-kissed: a term used to describe skin that has a healthy, slightly tanned, or rosy glow from sun exposure.

12) sun stroke/heat stroke: a serious medical condition caused by the body overheating.

🎙️In this podcast episode, we discuss the phrase, "I would love to." You'll learn how this common expression is used in everyday English conversations, helping you to use it more naturally. You will hear how to express feelings like excitement, nervousness, and even sarcasm using this phrase.

🗣️We'll explore different ways to use this phrase with a personal story so you can hear multiple example sentences. You'll hear how native speakers express their desires, hopes, and plans, picking up things that textbooks often don't teach. The episode continues with a discussion about future plans and hypothetical situations. Whether you're offering help, accepting an invitation, or simply expressing a wish, "I would love to" is a fantastic phrase to add to your vocabulary.

✍️By the end of this episode, you'll feel more confident using "I would love to" in various contexts. Join us and practice saying “I would love to” in different situations. We encourage you to practice using the phrase in your own sentences and share your them in the comments. Don't miss this opportunity to learn English in context, with real emotions, real experiences, and real language!

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Go over: To review or examine something.

2) Physical fitness: The state of being physically healthy and strong.

3) Recovery: The process of regaining health or strength

4) Wildlife sanctuaries: Protected areas where wild animals can live safely.

5) Enthusiastic: Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

6) Distant future: A time far away from the present.

7) Sarcastic: Using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.

8) Ironic: Happening in a way that is contrary to what is expected, and typically causes wry amusement because of this.

9) Tone: The general character or attitude of a piece of writing, situation, etc.

10) Cheery: Happy and optimistic.

🇺🇸 In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about "Americanisms" – those everyday things that are normal in American culture, but may feel surprising or even strange to people from other countries. We'll explore customs and practices that Americans are used to, but which are often unique to the U.S. compared to other countries.

🗣️We'll talk about common dining experiences, including tipping and what to expect when you run your card at a restaurant. You’ll also learn about typical American homes, how people do laundry, and America's strong "car culture". Never heard of a drive-thru convenience store? Don't worry, you'll tell you all about it!

🎧If you're curious about these everyday differences, or if you simply want to build your English skills, be sure to follow along with this episode. This episode is full of real-life vocabulary, natural expressions, and clear explanations to help you improve your listening skills and grow your English vocabulary. You’ll hear common words and phrases used in daily American life, and you’ll learn how to use them in your own conversations. Perfect for intermediate English learners looking to expand their vocabulary, understand cultural context, and improve listening comprehension!

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Used to – Familiar with something through repeated experience.

2) To be expected – Normal or typical in a certain place or culture.

3) Convenience – The state of being easy, quick, or comfortable to use.

4) Stay open (late) – Remain open for business until late hours.

5) Tipping / Tip – Giving extra money to someone (like a waiter) for good service.

6) Car culture – A society where most people use personal cars for daily activities.

7) Drive-through (or drive-thru) – A service that lets you stay in your car to buy food, medicine, or banking services.

8) Free refill – A drink that can be filled again at no extra cost.

9) Fountain drink – A soda that comes from a machine, not a bottle or can.

10) Dryer / Drier – A machine that uses heat to dry clothes after washing.

11) Clothesline – A rope used for hanging wet clothes to dry (less common in the US).

12) Ubiquitous – Very common or found everywhere

🌮Are you curious about the best food to try in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. And in this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we explore the unique food and culture in LA.

🎙️This episode explains how different immigrant groups have shaped the city. You will learn about the many different communities that live there and how their cultures influence the food you can find. You will learn about popular neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Thai Town, and many more. You will also hear about special dishes, street food, and local favorites that you should try when visiting LA.

🎧The episode is spoken at a clear and natural speed to help you follow along easily. It is perfect for English learners who want to improve their vocabulary and listening skills while learning something interesting. You'll expand your English vocabulary with food-related terms and insights into Los Angeles' multicultural identity. Get ready to discover new words, exciting food, and the rich culture that makes LA such a special place!

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Ethnically diverse: having many different ethnic or cultural groups.

2) Minority-majority city: a city where the combined population of all minority groups forms a majority.

3) Descent: the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality.

4) Love letter: a message or expression of deep admiration and affection for something (not necessarily a person).

5) Tamales: Mexican food made with corn dough and filling

6) Menudo: a traditional Mexican soup with tripe - the stomach of a cow

7) Elote: Corn on the cob, usually grilled and topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime.

8) Bibimbap: A rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, egg, and spicy sauce.

9) Fusion food: cuisine that combines elements of different culinary traditions.

10) Adobo: Meat (usually chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.

11) Halo-halo: A cold dessert with shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and ice cream.

12) Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, eggs, peanuts, and bean sprouts.

13) Pad See Ew: a stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, vegetables, and a choice of meat or tofu.

14) Dim sum: small Chinese dishes served in steamer baskets

15) Boba: a sweet drink with chewy tapioca balls

16) Pho: A soup with noodles, meat, herbs, and broth.

17) Banh Mi: A sandwich on a French baguette with meat, vegetables, and sauces.

18) Soul food: traditional African American food from the South

🏥Are you ready to learn real-life English while listening to a personal story? In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, I share the full story of my surgery and recovery. You’ll hear about what happened to my back, how I prepared for surgery, and what the first days after surgery were like.

🎙️If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about medical problems or visiting the doctor in English, this episode will help. This episode also includes some personal details about how I felt, what I did to prepare, and what the recovery was like. You’ll hear me use these words while I tell my story, so you can understand how to use them in your own life. This is a great way to learn useful vocabulary and phrases about health, pain, and medical care in a natural, real context.

🎧Listening to personal stories like this can help you improve your listening skills and build your vocabulary at the same time. Don’t forget to check the description for the full vocabulary list from this episode. You can follow along and learn these words as you listen. If you enjoy learning English through real-life stories and everyday situations, this episode is for you.

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Herniated disc - Spinal disc that bulges or ruptures

2) Anesthesia - Medicine causing temporary loss of sensation

3) Incision - Surgical cut in the body

4) Rehabilitation - Process of restoring health after injury

5) Copay - A payment made by an insured person toward the cost of medical treatment.

6) Debilitating - Causing severe weakness or inability to function

7) Limping - Walking with difficulty or uneven steps

8) Consent - Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.

9) Pain medication - Drugs used to reduce physical pain

10) Check-in time - Scheduled arrival time at medical facility

11) Well wishes - Kind words that share a desire for a person to have good health

12) Texting - Sending electronic text messages

🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we're talking about something that can be very confusing for English learners—pronunciation! English has many words that are not pronounced the way they are spelled, and this can make it difficult to speak clearly and confidently. In today's episode, you'll learn how to pronounce some tricky city and state names in the United States.

❓Have you ever looked at a word like “Arkansas” or “Connecticut” and had no idea how to say it? You’re not alone! These place names are known for their unusual pronunciation. Even native speakers sometimes get them wrong. In this episode, you’ll hear clear explanations and examples to help you remember the correct pronunciation.

🗣️We also explore some cities that have French or Spanish origins, like “Des Moines” or “La Jolla.” These names follow different pronunciation rules, so they may surprise you! By listening to this episode, you’ll discover helpful tips on how to pronounce foreign-sounding names with an American accent, and you’ll also understand why they sound so different from their spelling.

🎧This episode is perfect for learners who want to improve their English while learning about real-world topics. You'll explore new vocabulary and get to practice your listening comprehension. And don't forget to check the description of this episode for a list of the new words to help you study so you can improve your English!

States covered in this episode: Arkansas, Illinois, Connecticut, Oregon, Nevada

Cities covered in this episode: Birmingham, Mobile, Louisville, Des Moines, Boise, Kissimmee, Tucson, La Jolla

Link to pronunciation playlist

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Silent letter – a letter in a word that is not pronounced

2) Schwa – the most common vowel sound in English, an unstressed and soft sound (ə)

3) Tricky – difficult in a way that needs special attentio

4) Cringe – to feel a little embarrassed or uncomfortable because of something awkward

5) Deceptive – something that seems one way but is actually different

6) Unemphasized syllable – the part of a word that is not stressed

7) Home state – the state someone is originally from

8) That makes sense – that is logical or understandable

9) Something to be aware of – something you should know or remember

10) Right next to – very close or directly beside something

🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, I share a very personal story about a serious back injury I experienced last year. For many years, I have struggled with pain in my lower back, but last year, things got much worse. I talk about what happened, how I felt, and what I’ve done to get better.

🗣️I share my journey with you honestly and clearly, so that you can also improve your English skills while listening to a real-life story. But this episode isn't just a personal account; it's also a fantastic opportunity to improve your English. As you listen to the story unfold, you'll encounter everyday vocabulary and natural English expressions used in context. You will learn vocabulary about the body, pain, doctors, and exercise. I explain words like sciatic nerve, seize up, urgent care, numbness, and many more. These words are useful for everyday conversations, especially when talking about health, fitness, or visiting the doctor.

🎧This episode is perfect for learners who want to improve their English while learning about real-world topics. You'll explore new vocabulary and get to practice your listening comprehension. And don't forget to check the description of this episode for a list of the new words to help you study so you can improve your English!

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) messed up (my back): (informal) injured my back. This implies a significant injury.

2) burning pain: a type of pain that feels like something is hot or on fire.

3) intense pain: very strong pain.

4) sustained (an injury): experienced or suffered an injury.

5) sciatic nerve: a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg.

6) limping: walking with difficulty because one leg is injured.

7) in bad shape: in poor condition, often referring to health.

8) seize up: (of a muscle) suddenly become tight and stiff, often causing pain.

9) pain relievers: medication that reduces pain.

10) urgent care: a medical facility for treating illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention.

11) emergency room (ER): a hospital department that provides immediate treatment for serious illnesses or injuries.

12) disc (in spine): a cushion-like structure between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine.

13) herniated: when part of an organ or tissue pushes through an opening or weak spot in a surrounding muscle or membrane. In this case, referring to a spinal disc.

14) hype myself up: encourage myself and build up my enthusiasm or energy.