Learn English Podcast

🎖️Today is Veterans Day here in the United States, and it is a holiday to celebrate those who have served in the military. To help celebrate the day, we have a special episode of the Learn English podcast. On this episode, we're diving into the fascinating history of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the cultural impact they had with their slogan "go for broke".

🇺🇸 The 442nd was a segregated unit made up of Japanese-American soldiers who fought bravely for their country. These soldiers faced discrimination at home, yet they risked everything to prove their loyalty and bravery on the battlefield. You'll hear how these soldiers went on to become one of the most decorated units in US military history. From breaking through the Gothic Line in Italy to rescuing the "Lost Battalion" in France, their courageous actions and willingness to "go for broke" in battle helped win WWII.

✨Their courage and sacrifice made “go for broke” a phrase that means risking it all in battle. In this episode, you’ll also discover how the phrase “go for broke” is still used in American English today. We’ll share clear examples of when and how to use this phrase in conversation, whether you’re talking about chasing a dream, taking a big risk, or giving it your best effort. By understanding the background of this expression, you’ll be able to use it naturally in your English. Join us as we explore this important chapter of American history and unpack the lasting impact of the 442nd's motto, which has become a widely-used English idiom.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📜 SOURCES

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/442nd-regimental-combat-team

https://www.nvlchawaii.org/442nd-regimental-combat-team/

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/04/05/this-japanese-american-army-unit-is-the-reason-we-celebrate-national-go-for-broke-day/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_for_Broke!_(1951_film)

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Veterans Day – A holiday in the United States to honor people who have served in the military.

2) Isolationist: Someone who believes their country should avoid foreign wars and conflicts.

3) Internment camp: A camp where people are detained during wartime, often based on ethnicity.

4) Segregation: The practice of keeping people in separate groups, usually based on race or religion.

5) Decorated: Awarded with medals or honors, often in the military.

6) Patriotic: Having or showing love for one's country.

7) Casualties: People who are killed or injured in a war or accident.

8) Fortifications: Strong buildings or walls that protect an area during war.

9) Liberate: To free or release someone or something.

10) Go for broke: to risk everything in pursuit of a high reward

🗓️ It's the first week of November, and here in the United States that means it is almost Election Day. The US presidential election is one of the most closely watched events in the world with a lot of people waiting to see who will win. However, presidential elections in the United States can be confusing because a key part of the process is the Electoral College system. But how does this system work, and why was it created in the first place? And why doesn't the United States just elect the person who gets the most votes?

🗳️ In this episode, we explain the history and controversy surrounding the Electoral College, and why the popular vote doesn't always determine the winner. You'll learn about the original intentions behind this unique voting system, the role of electors, and the ongoing debates around its fairness and relevance in modern times. We’ll explore how the system still impacts elections today, giving extra influence to rural states and, at times, allowing candidates to win without the majority of vote. You'll also learn about the concept of "swing states" and which states will determine the next president of the United States.

🇺🇸 Whether you're a US citizen or just fascinated by American politics, understanding the Electoral College is crucial to making sense of presidential elections. By the end of the episode, you'll have a much clearer picture of this complex and sometimes confusing aspect of the US democratic process. Tune in and take a step closer to mastering English while staying informed about U.S. culture!

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📜 SOURCES

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nebraskas-blue-dot-prove-pivotal-electoral-college/story?id=115274378

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/22/1201183160/taylor-swift-instagram-voter-registration

https://x.com/tbonier/status/1828457890228629534

https://www.vox.com/politics/23848897/florida-red-trump-desantis-republican-2024-election

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Electoral College - the system in the US where electors from each state vote to elect the president, rather than a direct popular vote

2) Discretion - the freedom to make decisions or choices

3) Literacy - the ability to read and write

4) Fraction - a small part of something

5) Diverse - including people of many different races, cultures, etc.

6) Rural - relating to the countryside rather than the town

7) Swing state - a state where voters are fairly evenly divided between the two main political parties, so it could go either way in an election

8) Voter registration - the process of signing up to be eligible to vote in an election

9) Upset - a surprising defeat of the expected winner

10) It pains me - an expression used to convey emotional distress or sadness about a particular situation

🎃Halloween is nearly here and we are getting ready for it with this special episode of the Learn English Podcast. Halloween usually involves scary things such as witchcraft, ghosts, and magic. There's one cultural event in American history that has all of these elements that frequently gets mentioned at Halloween, and that is the Salem Witch Trials. But what were the trials and why did they occur?

🧙‍♀️Join us as we discuss this dark chapter of American history. From the trials themselves to the cultural impact, we'll uncover the truth behind this haunting period. In the late 1600's, people believed in witches, and in one small town, fear took control. In this episode, you’ll discover the details of the Salem Witch Trials, including what life was like in Puritan Massachusetts. The Puritan's strict religious beliefs and culture helped create the atmosphere that led panic that occurred in Salem.

🕯️We’ll also explore different theories about why these accusations of witchcraft began. We'll analyze the evidence, question the motivations behind the accusations, and discuss the lasting legacy of the Salem Witch Trials. And finally, we'll recommend resources you can use to learn more about the trials while also improving your English.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

Streaming guide: https://www.justwatch.com/ and https://watchany.stream/

📜 SOURCES

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/09/07/the-witches-of-salem

https://www.travelandleisure.com/salem-massachusetts-halloween-season-7871591

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Accused - Blamed or charged with a crime or wrongdoing.

2) Colonized - Settled and established control over an area.

3) Puritan - a member of a Protestant group in the 16th and 17th centuries that sought to purify the Church of England

4) Bewitched - to influence or affect as if by witchcraft

5) Submissive - Willing to obey or follow others.

6) Pious - Deeply religious and following religious rules

7) Shunned - Deliberately ignored or avoided.

8) Contorting - Twisting or bending out of shape.

9) Mass Panic - A widespread and intense fear among many people.

10) Convulsions - Sudden, involuntary movements of the body.

11) Hallucinations - Experiences of seeing or hearing things that aren’t real.

12) Remorse - Regret or sorrow for a wrongdoing.

13) Convicted - Found guilty of a crime in a court of law.

14) Haunted - Believed to be inhabited by ghosts.

15) Psychic - A person who claims to have abilities to perceive beyond the physical senses.

👻Do you struggle with understanding native English speakers when they talk? Are you looking for a way to increase your English input? Want a way to get into the Halloween spirit while also improving your English skills? Join us in this special episode as we recommend some of the best spooky podcasts to help you learn English in a fun and engaging way.

🎃 In this episode of Learn English, we're helping you get in the Halloween spirit with some spooky podcast recommendations! If you enjoy scary stories, paranormal mysteries, and Halloween-themed content, this episode is perfect for you. We’ll talk about how listening to podcasts can help you improve your English while getting you excited for one of the biggest holidays in the United States.

🎧The focus of these recommendations is to help you gain language input, which is essential for improving your English. Podcasts are a fantastic way to gain input, which is crucial for language learning. By listening to native speakers, you can absorb vocabulary, grammar structures, pronunciation, and the natural flow of the language. With these podcasts, you can combine language learning with Halloween fun by listening to native speakers tell stories about ghosts, monsters, and the unknown. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to join us for more language-learning!

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📚Affiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc

🎙️Recommended Podcasts:

https://www.thenosleeppodcast.com/new-to-the-nosleep-podcast

https://rustyquill.com/show/the-magnus-archives/

https://www.reallifeghoststoriespodcast.com/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m0010x7c

https://youcanseemeinthedark.com/

https://spookedpodcast.org/

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Mood - a temporary state of mind or feeling.

2) Paranormal - relating to phenomena that are beyond the normal scientific understanding of the world.

3) Horror - a genre of fiction that is intended to scare, unsettle, or horrify the reader.

4) Anthology series - a collection of independent stories or episodes that are connected by a common theme or setting.

5) Dramatized - to present (a story, for example) in a vivid and exciting way, as if it were a dramatic performance.

6) Production value - the overall quality and technical aspects of a media production.

7) Fiction - literature that describes imaginary events and people; not based on real events.

8) Psychic - A person who is believed to have powers to predict the future or receive information from unseen sources.

9) Bigfoot - A legendary hairy, ape-like creature said to live in forests.

10) Shapeshifter - A mythical creature that can change its form.

🧠Are you ready to improve your English vocabulary with some fun and useful idioms? Ever heard someone say they're "losing their mind"? Or perhaps you've been told to "put your mind to something"? Do you want to understand the hidden meanings behind these common idioms? Then get ready for this mind-blowing episode!

🎧In the latest episode of the Learn English podcast, we’re focusing on common English expressions that use the word "mind." You may already know that your mind is where you keep your thoughts and ideas, but when we use it in idioms, it can take on all kinds of meanings. These idioms can be tricky for English learners, so we’ll break them down in a way that makes sense and show you how to use them naturally.

🗣️These phrases are used all the time in English, so learning them will help you sound more like a native speaker. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand these idioms, but you’ll be ready to start using them in your own conversations. That way you can practice using these idioms in everyday situations! Make sure to follow along and see how many of these idioms you can start using today!

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Idiom - a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.

2) Lose your mind - to act irrationally or go crazy.

3) Mind over matter - the power of the mind to overcome physical limitations or difficulties.

4) Put your mind to something - to be determined to achieve a goal.

5) Bear in mind - to remember or keep a thought in the forefront of your mind.

6) Read someone's mind - to understand what someone is thinking without them saying it out loud.

7) Blow someone's mind - to experience something amazing, unexpected, or astonishing.

8) Willpower – the ability to control oneself and make decisions, especially when facing challenges.

9) Psychic – a person who claims to have supernatural powers to read minds or predict the future.

10) Telepathy – the ability to communicate through thoughts, without speaking.

11) Paranormal - relating to things that are beyond the normal range of human experience

12) Illegal substances – drugs that are against the law.

📚Are you looking to improve your English skills through reading? Wondering what Banned Book Week and looking to celebrate it? Then this episode of the Learn English Podcast is perfect for you! Whether you’re an intermediate learner or an advanced speaker, this episode will provide you with a diverse reading list to boost your language skills.

📖This week, we're celebrating Banned Book Week by talking about into some of the most controversial literature that can help take your English learning to the next level. We all know how important input is for language learning. It’s essential to immerse yourself in English through stories to help build your vocabulary and improve your understanding of the language. Reading is a fantastic way to get input and enhance your fluency naturally.

📕🚫In honor of Banned Book Week, we’ll discuss why some of the most iconic books were banned and how reading them can improve your language skills. From children’s classics like Charlotte’s Web to modern series like Harry Potter, we’ll cover books at various difficulty levels to suit your current English proficiency. We’ll talk about why these books were controversial and how their stories can be powerful tools for learning new vocabulary and grammar structures. Plus, you’ll discover how some of these banned books can help you expand your knowledge of English culture and history.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Banned Book Week - A week-long event in the United States that celebrates books that have been banned or prevented from being in libraries.

2) Controversial - Causing disagreement or debate.

3) Rebellious - showing a desire to resist authority or control

4) Bittersweet - a mixture of sadness and happiness.

5) Utopia - an imagined place or state where everything is perfect.

6) Satire - a literary work that uses humor or irony to criticize something.

7) Explicit - often refers to content that is not suitable for younger audiences.

8) Colloquial - (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal

9) Disillusioned - disappointed because something is not as good as one believed it to be.

10) Censorship -the practice of controlling what people can read or see

🗣Are you ready to speak like a true Californian? Have you ever wondered what words like "legit" or "stoked" really mean? Maybe you've heard them in movies or on social media but aren’t sure how to use them? It's ok because we'll help you practice your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary with an epic slang episode!

🏄On this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re helping you uncover the slang phrases that will make you sound like a true Californian. Many people think Californians talk like surfers—especially because of how we’re shown in movies. While that may be true for a small group, most of us don’t speak like that. Still, surfing and skateboarding culture has had a big influence on the slang we use here. It's all pretty gnarly.

🎧Today we'll discuss popular slang words and explain how they change depending on context. You’ll learn the difference between terms like “Cali,” “SoCal,” and “NorCal” and how to use words like “legit,” “sick,” and “gnarly” in different situations. By the end of this episode, you'll feel confident using these California expressions and understanding them in casual conversations or on your favorite TV shows. So tune in and get ready to expand your vocabulary in a fun, natural way!

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Cali: Shortened version of California

2) Cadence: The rhythm or flow of sounds, particularly in speech.

3) Legit: Authentic, real, credible (can also mean very good or very bad)

4) Sick: Can mean ill, but also used to describe something very good or impressive, or something gross.

5) Epic: Grand or monumental, often describing an experience or event.

6) Broke: Slang for having no money.

7) Gnarly: Extremely good or bad, challenging, dangerous

8) Stoked/Amped: Very excited, enthusiastic

9) Conman: A person who deceives others for money.

10) Crossover: When something from one area (like culture or language) is adopted into another.

⏳Are you stuck in your English learning journey? Have you been studying for years, but still struggle when speaking? Do you feel like you've stopped making progress and don't know what else to do?

📚You're not alone! Many language learners encounter this frustrating phase where progress seems to have stalled. On today's episode of the Learn English Podcast, we'll delve into the reasons behind this plateau and discuss effective strategies to overcome it. By using these strategies and selecting appropriate materials, you'll continue to grow and expand your English skills.

🎧Discover the importance of consistent practice, finding engaging content, and setting realistic goals. We'll also explore the benefits of seeking feedback from native speakers and utilizing technology to enhance your learning experience. Whether you're struggling with grammar, vocabulary, or speaking fluency, we'll equip you with the tools and strategies to break through this hurdle and achieve your language learning objectives. If you’ve been studying for a while and feel like your progress has stalled, this episode is for you. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about navigating the intermediate plateau and pushing yourself closer to fluency.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📚Affiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc

Affiliate link for italki: https://tinyurl.com/LearnEnglishPod

📜 SOURCES

Steve Kaufmann: https://www.youtube.com/@Thelinguist

Stephen Krashen: https://www.sdkrashen.com/

Olly Richards: https://www.youtube.com/@storylearning

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) plateau: a period of little or no progress or improvement

2) intensive study: studying something with great effort and concentration

3) input hypothesis: the theory that language acquisition occurs through exposure to comprehensible input

4) polyglot: a person who knows and is able to speak several languages

5) opinion pieces: articles that express a person's thoughts and feelings on a particular topic

6) colloquial phrases: informal expressions used in everyday speech

7) metaphors: a figure of speech in which one thing is said to be another thing

8) analogies: a comparison between two things that are not obviously similar

9) young adult literature: books written for young adults

10) AI: artificial intelligence

🎬Today, we're taking a closer look at one of the most iconic aspects of American life: schools. You've probably seen American high schools shown on TV shows and movies. But is that what American schools are really like? Are those portrayals accurate or just fiction? Are there really school cliques and awkward daily announcements?

🏫In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re diving deep into the culture of U.S. schools and uncovering how accurate those Hollywood depictions are. From yellow school buses to high school football, we'll discuss all the things that you'll see (and won't see) on school campuses across the country.

🎧Whether you’ve always been curious about American school culture or just want to improve your English by learning in context, this episode is packed with useful vocabulary and cultural insights. Tune in to hear about what makes American schools unique and get a better understanding of how they compare to what you’ve seen on TV. With real-life stories and examples, this episode is a perfect way to boost your English skills while learning something new about U.S. culture.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Depicted: shown or represented in a picture or description

2) Adolescence: the period of time when a young person is developing from a child into an adult

3) Pickup and drop-off zone: a place where people can pick up or drop off passengers

4) School district: a geographical area that is responsible for providing public education

5) K-9 /canine unit: a group of police dogs and their handlers

6) Cliques: small groups of people who spend time together

7) Marching band: a group of musicians who play instruments while marching

8) Cheerleaders: people who lead cheers and dances at sporting events

9) Pep rally: a meeting of students and teachers to encourage a sports team

10) Intercom / PA system: a system for communicating between different parts of a building

11) Bulletin: a notice or announcement

🌅Are you curious to learn more about the state of California? Do you know why it's called the Golden State? Wonder what to do when you visit it? On today's episode, we help you practice your listening comprehension by celebrating the 174th anniversary of California becoming state.

🎬In this special episode, we journey through the history, geography, and culture of the state. From the famous Gold Rush of 1849 that led to California's statehood, to the stunning natural landscapes ranging from sunny coastlines to towering redwood forests, you'll discover what makes this state truly unique.

🎧You'll learn about how California became the most populated state in the U.S. and how its economy became one of the biggest in the world. Hear how California's booming economy, centered around powerhouses like Hollywood and Silicon Valley, as well as its rich agricultural heritage as the "world's salad bowl." Join us for fascinating insights and vocabulary to help you improve your English skills in an engaging, natural way.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Nickname - A familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name.

2) Slogan - A short and memorable phrase used in advertising or associated with a particular group or product.

3) Gold rush - A period when many people moved to a place where gold had been discovered in hopes of becoming rich.

4) Influx - An arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things.

5) Statehood - The status of being a recognized independent state.

6) 49ers: people who migrated to California in 1849 during the gold rush

7) Cost of living - The amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living, including basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare.

8) Super bloom - An event where an unusually high number of wildflowers bloom at the same time, often after a lot of rain.

9) California Poppy - the state flower of California

10) Wildflower - A flower that grows in natural places without being deliberately cultivated.

11) Giant Sequoias/Redwoods - large, ancient trees found in California

12) Extinction - The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.