🎙️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 famous 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!

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!

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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.

🔥Recently we did an episode on the wildfires in California. On today's episode, we continue our discussion on this topic by focusing on the firefighters who fight those fires. There is unique program in California that you might not have heard of before.

🧑‍🚒 In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about a very unusual program in California, where some of the people fighting fires are actually inmates. This might sound strange or even shocking, but it is a real and important part of how California deals with its yearly wildfires. We talk about how this program began during World War Two, when many young men were sent overseas to fight in the war and the state needed firefighters. You will also learn about California, its wildfires, and how this program has changed over time.

🚒The story is interesting and a little controversial, so it’s a great topic to practice understanding English in real-life situations. We'll break down the ethical debates surrounding the program, discussing the low wages, potential career opportunities, and the moral questions that come with using prisoners to fight life-threatening fires. Some people think this program is helpful, but others think it is unfair. You'll hear the arguments for and against this program so you can make your own opinion.

🎧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) Wildfire – A large fire that spreads quickly in natural areas like forests or grasslands.

2) Brush – Dry grass and small plants that can catch fire easily.

3) Fire risk – The possibility or danger of a fire starting.

4) Inmate – A person who is in prison (synonym: prisoner).

5) Incarcerated – Officially in prison

6) Criminal record – A list of crimes someone has been officially punished for.

7) Committed a crime – Did something illegal.

8) Reform – To improve or change someone's behavior, especially after being in prison

9) Reoffend – To commit another crime after being released from prison.

10) Minimum wage – The lowest amount of money someone can be paid for a job.

11) Leave prison / get released – Finish your prison sentence and be set free.

🎉 It’s Prom Season! In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re talking about a fun and exciting part of American school life — school dances! Have you ever seen those iconic prom scenes in movies and TV shows and wondered what they're really like? We'll explore this important part of American teenage culture, focusing on the biggest dance of them all: prom, which happens every spring – just like right now!

💃 We'll be looking closely at the specific words and phrases people use when talking about these dances. From the different types of dances throughout the school year, like Homecoming and Winter Formal, to the traditions like asking someone to prom, you'll learn essential vocabulary in a real-life context. The episode is packed with authentic vocabulary and examples that will help you understand American teenage culture.

📸 Plus, we'll have some fun discussing what Hollywood gets right – and wrong – about these memorable occasions. Do students really vote for a prom king and queen? Are the dances always in a school gym? Do teachers really come and watch the students? We'll also recommendations for movies and TV shows that depict school dances, giving you a visual reference to complement the podcast.

🎧 This episode is full of useful vocabulary, cultural insights, and real-life examples to help you build your English naturally. Don’t forget to check the episode description for the full vocabulary list. If you want to understand American culture and speak more confidently, this episode is for you!

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Episode on American Schools: https://youtu.be/zRGOPQXTXms

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Prom season: The time of year when high school prom dances typically occur.

2) Middle School: The school years between elementary and high school.

3) Homecoming: A dance held in the fall, often for alumni to visit.

4) Winter formal: A formal dance held in the winter.

5) Boutonniere: A small floral decoration worn by men on their jacket.

6) Corsage: A floral piece worn by women, often on the wrist.

7) Going stag: Attending without a date.

8) King or queen of the dance: Students elected as the most popular.

9) Pep rally: A school gathering to build enthusiasm, often before a sports event.

10) Promposal: a creative or elaborate way of asking someone to prom

11) Sadie Hawkins: A dance where girls traditionally ask boys.

12) Entire point: The main purpose

🚫In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about the biggest mistakes that English students make and how you can avoid them. These aren't just small errors; they can actually slow down your progress and even annoy your teacher! If you're serious about improving your English and want to make the most of your time, money, and effort, this episode is for you.

📝You will learn about common problems like canceling lessons too often, making goals that are too difficult, or speaking too little in class. These habits don’t help you improve and can even make you lose motivation. Understanding these common traps will help you make the most of your study time and your lessons with a teacher. We want to help you learn more effectively and not waste your valuable time and money.

🗣️But it's not all negative! We also discuss the importance of having the right mindset. Many learners are too critical of themselves, especially when it comes to their accent. We'll explain why this self-doubt can be damaging and encourage you to embrace making mistakes as part of the learning process. Developing a positive attitude can truly unlock your potential and make your English journey more enjoyable.

🎧Learn practical strategies to overcome these common pitfalls and boost your English skills. More importantly, this episode gives you helpful advice that you can use right away. You’ll hear why making small goals, staying consistent, and having a growth mindset will help you become a better English speaker. These tips come from real experience teaching students all over the world.

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Commitment – a promise or decision to do something.

2) Show up – to arrive at a place where you are expected.

3) Hinder – to make it harder to do something.

4) Deal with – to handle or manage a situation.

5) Stick with (something) – to continue doing something consistently.

6) Flaky – not reliable, often missing plans or commitments.

7) Demoralizing – making someone lose confidence or motivation.

8) Get the most out of – to take full advantage of something.

9) Push yourself – to challenge yourself to do more.

10) Growth-oriented mindset – an attitude focused on learning and progress

🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we delve into the phrase "If I were" and its usage in English. We'll explore how this phrase helps express hypothetical situations and offer advice. Through real-life examples and engaging stories, you'll learn how to incorporate "If I were" into your conversations naturally.

🗣️Discover the structure of sentences using "If I were" and understand the importance of pairing it with "would" to convey imagined scenarios or suggestions. We'll discuss how this phrase relates to the subjunctive mood, common in many languages, and how it functions in English grammar. We also explore how we use it to give advice to others, sharing what we would do in their situation.

🎧To help you really understand, we share a real-life conversation between two friends. You'll hear natural examples of "if I were" being used in both of these ways. By listening to this chat, you'll get a better feel for when and how to use this phrase correctly. We break it all down in a simple way, so you can easily improve your understanding of English sentence structure.

▶️Don't miss out on this helpful episode! If you're looking to improve your understanding of conditional sentences and how to give advice in English, this episode is for you. Click play now and learn English naturally with us. And if you enjoy this lesson, remember to share it with your friends who are also learning English. Happy listening!

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) If I were — used to introduce a hypothetical or imaginary situation.

2) Hypothetical situation — an imagined situation, not real.

3) Overcast — cloudy; no sun visible

4) Dreary — dull, dark, and depressing weather.

5) Drizzle — light rain.

6) Stay-at-home mom — a mother who stays home to take care of her children instead of working outside.

7) Meltdown — an emotional outburst, often by a child (crying, screaming).

8) Lottery — a game where you can win money by chance

9) Socialize — to spend time with other people to develop friendships or social skills.

🕰️It's 2025, but in this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about the 1920s. This exciting time in history is often called The Roaring Twenties because of the changes happening in culture, music, and fashion. People were going to secret parties, wearing bold clothes, and enjoying the new sound of jazz. We help you imagine what life was like back then and explain why this time is still so interesting 100 years later.

🎬You’ll learn about important words like “prohibition,” “bootlegging,” and the “Harlem Renaissance.” We explain what these words mean and how they changed life in the United States. We also talk about how cars like the Model T changed travel, and how movies went from being silent to being "talkies" — a big moment in entertainment history.

🗣️This episode is made for intermediate and upper-intermediate English learners. You’ll hear useful words Americans use to talk about this time in history, like what it means to be “dapper,” what a “speakeasy” was, and why jazz music was so important during this time.

🎧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) Visual image – A picture in your mind.

2) Roaring – Very loud or full of activity and excitement.

3) Prohibition – A time when alcohol was illegal in the United States (1920–1933).

4) Amendment – A change or addition to a legal or official document.

5) Speakeasy – A secret club where people drank alcohol during Prohibition

6) Romanticized – Made to seem better or more exciting than it really was.

7) Jazz – A style of music with strong rhythms, popular in the 1920s.

8) Renaissance – A time of new interest and activity in something, especially art and culture.

9) Flapper – A fashionable young woman in the 1920s with a modern style and behavior.

10) Bobbed hair – A short haircut that is usually above the chin.

11) Cocktail – A mixed alcoholic drink.

12) Bootlegging – Making or selling something (like alcohol) illegally.

13) Assembly line – A method of making products in a factory where each worker does one part.

14) Mass produced – Made in large numbers, usually by machines.

15) Talkie – A movie with spoken words and sound.

🔥Recently, there were fires in Los Angeles that did a lot of damage. It's something you often see in the news, especially if you live here in California. Every year, there are fires that occur in the state. In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about the main reasons behind these dangerous fires. You’ll learn how California’s dry weather, hot temperatures, and strong winds create the perfect conditions for wildfires to start and spread.

🚒Learn how native plants, wind conditions, and urban expansion create a perfect storm for devastating fires. We also explain why wildfires are so hard to control and what makes them so destructive. While we talk about why California has these fire problems, we'll also point out some useful words and phrases. This will help you understand what we're saying better and also learn new English words in a natural way.

🎧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) Wildfires – Large, uncontrolled fires that spread quickly in natural areas.

2) Hazard – Something that is dangerous or could cause harm.

3) Shoreline – The edge of a body of water, like an ocean or lake.

4) Vegetation – Plants in a particular area.

5) Drought – A long period with little or no rain.

6) Flammable – Easily able to catch fire.

7) Suburban – Relating to areas just outside of a city.

8) Fire retardant – A substance that slows down or stops fire.

9) Santa Ana winds – Hot, dry winds in California that spread fires.

10) Onshore wind – Wind that moves from the ocean onto the land.

11) Offshore wind – Wind that moves from the land towards the ocean.

12) Gust (of wind) – A strong, short burst of wind.

13) Hinder – To make something more difficult.

14) Mild (weather) – Not too hot or too cold.

🤔Have you ever heard the phrase "March Madness" and wondered what all the excitement is about? This famous basketball tournament happens every spring in the United States, and it captures the attention of millions of Americans. In this week's episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about why March Madness is so popular and how it works.

🏀We'll break down the key aspects of the tournament, from how teams get selected and "seeded" to the single-elimination format that makes the tournament so exciting. You'll discover terms like "Sweet Sixteen," "Elite Eight," and "Final Four," and understand the significance of the national championship. Beyond the games themselves, we'll also explore some of the more complex issues surrounding college sports in America, such as the recent changes allowing college athletes to earn money and the historical differences in how the men's and women's tournaments have been treated.

🎧If you're looking to improve your English listening skills while learning something new about the USA, then this episode is perfect for you. You will learn new words and interesting facts while practicing your English listening skills.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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📜 SOURCES

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-01-17/how-fill-out-march-madness-bracket-if-youve-never-done-it-and-thats-ok

https://time.com/7269620/how-sports-betting-took-over-march-madness/

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Madness – Extreme excitement or chaos

2) Tournament – A series of games or competitions to determine a winner.

3) Oversee – To manage or supervise something.

4) Bracket – A diagram showing teams in a tournament and their matchup

5) Seed – To rank teams in a competition based on skill or performance.

6) Giveaway – A free prize or reward.

7) Wager – A bet or gamble.

8) Turn pro – To become a professional athlete.

9) Blue Bloods – A term used for traditionally strong college basketball teams.

10) Cinderella team – An underdog team that performs much better than expected.

11) Underdog – A person or team that is expected to lose.

12) Upset – When a weaker team unexpectedly beats a stronger one.

13) Sweet 16 – The round in a tournament where 16 teams remain.

14) Elite Eight – The round in a tournament where 8 teams remain.

15) Final Four – The round in a tournament where 4 teams remain.

📝Are you trying to improve your English skills? Do you ever feel nervous about speaking English? In this episode of The Learn English Podcast, we talk about an exciting tool that can help—ChatGPT! This AI-powered software can help you practice speaking, writing, and understanding English in a way that’s interactive, personalized, and stress-free.

🎙️If you use ChatGPT correctly, it can help you learn faster! We’ll share useful tips on how to practice with ChatGPT to improve your English. This tool gives you a safe space to practice without feeling judged. You’ll learn how to use ChatGPT for writing tasks, to get feedback on your grammar, and to build your vocabulary. We’ll also talk about common problems, like how to avoid too many corrections and how to make ChatGPT use the English style you want.

🗣️This episode is full of helpful tips to make the most out of ChatGPT. This episode will give you all the guidance you need to get started making ChatGPT your language-learning partner.

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Language Learning Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdt-dHCmwViy89oXBJPKoeMF1Jt-5L6x

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Relatively – Comparatively; in relation to something else.

2) Customize – To change something to fit personal needs.

3) Judging – Forming an opinion about someone or something.

4) Articulating – Speaking clearly and effectively.

5) Formal – Serious and official in style.

6) Professional tone - a formal and serious style of speaking or writing

7) Worksheet – A paper with exercises for learning

8) Repetitive - occurring again and again in the same way

9) Glitches - small problems or difficulties

10) Offended - feeling upset, annoyed, or insulted