🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we continue the story of one of America’s greatest leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you listened to last year’s episode, you’ll remember we explored his childhood and early involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Now, we pick up where we left off, exploring his non-violent strategies, including marches, boycotts, and sit-ins in the year 1963.

📜We'll discuss the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," the historic March on Washington and the unforgettable "I Have a Dream" speech, a moment that forever changed the course of American history. Through stories of courage and determination, this episode paints a vivid picture of the fight for equality in the United States. Through Dr. King's own words, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the time and the dreams he had for a more just, equitable America.

🗣️Whether you’re familiar with his legacy or discovering it for the first time, this episode will inspire and educate. Tune in to expand your vocabulary, improve your English skills, and deepen your understanding of American history. Don’t miss this chance to connect with Dr. King’s incredible story and the values that continue to shape our world.

🔔 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

📜 SOURCES

Letter from a Birmingham Jail Text: https://www.csuchico.edu/iege/_assets/documents/susi-letter-from-birmingham-jail.pdf

Letter from a Birmingham Jail Reading - Martin Luther King Jr.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATPSht6318o

The March On Washington: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYzHIIQ1O4&t=1385s

https://www.nps.gov/places/-letter-from-birmingham-jail.htm

https://www.nps.gov/articles/march-on-washington.htm

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Legacy – Something handed down from the past, such as achievements or traditions.

2) Segregated – Separated based on differences, such as race or religion.

3) Sit-in – A form of protest where participants sit in a place and refuse to leave.

4) Interchangeably – Able to be used in place of one another.

5) Diverse – Showing a wide variety of differences.

6) Crucial – Extremely important or necessary.

7) Impactful – Having a strong effect or influence.

8) Orator – A skilled public speaker.

9) Moral issue – A question of what is right and wrong.

10) Judged by the content of their character – Evaluated based on who they are, not external traits.

11) All walks of life – Referring to people of different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

🤔Are you struggling to make progress with your English learning? Do you feel like you're not getting the most out of your study time? Have you made a resolution to finally learn English this year but don't know where to start?

🗓️Welcome to the first episode of the Learn English Podcast in 2025! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to improve your English, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we're going to share a powerful method that can help you improve your reading and listening comprehension in the shortest amount of time.

📖Learn why comprehensible input is key and how to select materials that are both interesting and challenging. We'll walk you through different methods for studying, tailored to your level and schedule, so you can find the one that works best for you. Plus, you'll get insights into how to build daily habits that keep you on track to reach your goals. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear plan for improving your English in a way that’s both effective and enjoyable.

🔔 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

📜 SOURCES

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

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

Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/

Faded Page: https://www.fadedpage.com/

Freeditorial: https://freeditorial.com/en

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Stick to a plan - To continue following a plan without giving up.

2) Get the most out of - To gain maximum benefit from something.

3) Extensive reading - Reading longer texts for enjoyment and overall understanding, rather than focusing on every detail.

4) Copyright-free - Material that is free to use without restrictions on reproduction or distribution.

5) Trade-off - A compromise between two conflicting aspects, such as simplicity and difficulty.

6) Gap - A lack of knowledge or understanding in a particular area.

7) Push yourself - To challenge oneself to do more or better.

8) Reinforcement - Strengthening or supporting something to make it more effective.

9) Figure out - To understand or solve something.

10) Retain - To keep or remember information over time.

11) Skyrocketed - Increased very rapidly.

12) Gibberish - Nonsense words or language.

🛩️ In this episode of The Learn English Podcast, we talk about the amazing story of Wilbur and Orville Wright. These two brothers played a key role in the history of aviation, and this week marks the anniversary of their groundbreaking achievement. On December 17, 1903, they made history by completing the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight.

✈️Learn about the Wright brothers' early influences, their love of flying, and their determination to succeed. Despite many obstacles, they created the foundation for modern aviation. You’ll learn how these brothers, without finishing high school, were able to design, build, and fly the world’s first successful powered airplane.

🎧This episode isn’t just a history lesson—it’s also a great opportunity to improve your English! We focus on vocabulary like "aviation," "self-taught," and "pivotal," helping you understand the Wright brothers' achievements while expanding your language skills. You'll also learn about the cultural impact of the Wright brothers and how their story continues to inspire people around the world. Their journey reflects creativity, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible with enough effort—a message that can help motivate you in your own English-learning journey!

🔔 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) Aviation - The science or practice of flying aircraft.

2) Mechanically gifted - Skilled in understanding and working with machines.

3) Sparked their curiosity - Aroused interest or enthusiasm.

4) Scientific approach - A method of investigation involving observation and experimentation.

5) A crucial first step - An essential initial action leading to success.

6) Self-taught - Learned through personal effort without formal education.

7) Urban legend - A widely circulated story of doubtful truth.

8) Put their mind to it - Dedicated effort and determination to accomplish something.

9) Can-do spirit - An attitude of optimism and determination to succeed.

10) Credited as - Acknowledged as being responsible for something.

📜 SOURCES

https://www.wright-brothers.org/

https://www.daytoncvb.com/attractions/dayton-aviation-park/

https://libraries.wright.edu/special-collections-and-archives/wright-brothers-collection#guide

https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/paul-laurence-dunbar-house/

https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/wright-brothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zYNF_auncg

🌎In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we’re reflecting on the year 2024 and diving into a story about one of the most unforgettable adventures of the year! Join me as I tell you about my trip to a total solar eclipse in Texas.

🌒You’ll hear all about why I traveled from Southern California to a small Texas town called Alvarado, how we faced weather challenges, and the unforgettable moment when the clouds cleared just in time. Besides discussing the eclipse, I share helpful tips on how to prepare for events like this and how early planning made the trip more affordable.

🎧As always, this podcast is designed to help you improve your English through context and storytelling. Listen for useful vocabulary, practice your listening comprehension, and learn new expressions while enjoying an engaging narrative. And if you’ve ever seen a solar eclipse or plan to see one in the future, let me know—I’d love to hear your story!

🔔 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) Reflect – To think back and consider past actions or events.

2) Solar Eclipse – An event where the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking its light.

3) Corona – The outermost part of the sun's atmosphere.

4) Path of Totality – The track across Earth where a total eclipse is visible.

5) Weather forecast - a prediction of the weather

6) Book in advance – To arrange something (like tickets) ahead of time.

7) Direct flight - a flight that goes straight to the destination without stopping

8) Carry-on – A small bag you take with you onto an airplane.

9) Chirp – A short, high sound made by birds.

10) Cloud Cover – A layer of clouds in the sky.

📜 SOURCES

https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/plan-now-for-the-2026-total-solar-eclipse-in-europe/

🌀Do you ever find yourself stumbling over certain plural words in English? You know the standard rule of adding an 's' or 'es', but then there are those peculiar plural forms that just don't seem to follow any pattern. These words can be very confusing and difficult to learn. Do you know the difference between "crisis" and "crises"? Ever wondered why "one sheep" becomes "many sheep," but "one goose" turns into "many geese"? And just what is the plural of hippopotamus anyways?

🎧Welcome to another episode of Learn English, where we discuss key aspects of the English language! English is full of "weird plural words" - those unique nouns that transform in unexpected ways when shifting from singular to plural. On today's episode, we'll explore the plural patterns that make English such a confusing language for those who are trying to learn it. From Latin and Greek-derived words that morph their endings, to Old English terms that tack on unexpected suffixes, we'll explain why some plurals feel natural while others leave you scratching your head.

🗣️This episode is packed with practical examples, pronunciation tips, and memorable explanations to help you master these tricky words. By the end, you'll gain the tools to confidently navigate these odd singular and plural forms. So if you're ready to take your English to the next level by mastering these peculiar plural patterns, be sure to listen in.

🔔 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. Cactus: A desert plant with spines.
2. Alumnus: A male graduate of a school.
3. Focus: The center of interest or activity.
4. Crisis: A time of intense difficulty or danger.
5. Thesis: A long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one submitted for a university degree.
6. Octopus: A sea creature with eight legs.
7. Hippopotamus: A large African mammal.
8. Goose: A large waterbird.
9. Ox: A castrated male bovine.
10. Wolf: A wild canine.
11. Knife: A cutting instrument.
12. Trout: A type of fish that lives in cold water.
13. Salmon: A type of fish that swims upstream to spawn.
14. Deer: A hoofed mammal.
15. Moose: A large North American deer.
16. Bison: A large North American mammal.
17. Swine: A pig.
18. Species: A group of living organisms that can breed with each other.
19. Die: A small cube marked with numbers, used in games of chance.
20. Mutate: To change form or character.

📜 SOURCES

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP-TPCs9Fj8

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58937415

🦃In this week’s Learn English Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most beloved holidays in the United States: Thanksgiving! Taking place on the last Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude. If you've ever wondered what it's like to experience an authentic American Thanksgiving, join us as we dive deep into the heart of this cherished holiday, exploring the customs, foods, and festivities that make Thanksgiving so special.

🍽️We’ll discuss Thanksgiving dinners, explore classic TV traditions like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the National Dog Show, and talk about the exciting—and sometimes chaotic—Black Friday shopping phenomenon that kicks off the holiday season. There are also activities that people enjoy doing on Thanksgiving, such as taking part in a turkey trot and a volunteering to help those in need.

🎧Along the way, you’ll hear tips on how to expand your English vocabulary, with practical examples to help you join the conversation at any Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you're curious about American culture, looking to improve your English listening skills, or simply want to learn more about this festive holiday, tune in to this episode of the Learn English Podcast. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the customs and traditions that make this holiday so beloved.

🔔 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) Abundance - A large quantity of something; plentiful supply.

2) Centerpiece - The main or most important item that is the focus of attention.

3) Sponsor - A person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity in return for advertising.

4) Float - A decorated platform, often on wheels, that is used in a parade.

5) Backyard - The area of ground immediately adjoining a house or other building.

6) Turkey trot - A short run or jog, often held on Thanksgiving Day.

7) Mission/shelter - An organization that provides food, clothing, and other assistance to people in need.

8) Pass out - To distribute or give out.

9) Backlash - A strong negative reaction to a new situation or development.

10) Giving Tuesday - A global day of charitable giving, held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

📜 SOURCES

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nN-dV3tUIU

https://www.macys.com/s/parade/

https://nds.nationaldogshow.com/

https://turkeytrot.la/

https://www.givingtuesday.org/

🎯Are you looking to take your English to the next level? Tired of the same old words in conversations? Do you wish you could sound more sophisticated and articulate when you speak? Then you won't want to miss this episode of the Learn English Podcast!

🎧This week's episode is a delightful journey into six advanced English words that are not only fun to say, but can also add richness and depth to your conversations. We’ll explore six exciting words, giving you their meanings, pronunciations, and real-life examples to help you enrich your vocabulary with ease and confidence. But it's not just about the vocabulary - we'll also explore the nuances between similar terms so you can use them like a native speaker.

🗣️Discover the playful side of language with bamboozled and hoodwinked, curmudgeon and cantankerous, and plethora and abundance. By the end of this episode, you'll have a whole new arsenal of sophisticated vocabulary to draw from. With engaging examples, clear pronunciation tips, and practical usage advice, this episode is perfect for anyone eager to elevate their English. No more feeling tongue-tied or struggling to find the right words - these terms will have you speaking English like a true pro.

🔔 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) bamboozled: tricked or deceived

2) hoodwinked: tricked or deceived, often in a clever or cunning way

3) con artist: a person who tricks others into giving them money

4) richness: the quality of being rich, especially in quantity or quality

5) syllable: a unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound

6) curmudgeon: a bad-tempered person, especially an old one

7) cantankerous: bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative

8) hangry: hungry and angry

9) plethora: a large or excessive amount of something

10) abundance: a great quantity of something

📜 SOURCES

https://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/1176597061/elizabeth-holmes-loses-her-latest-bid-to-avoid-prison

https://movies.disney.com/up

🎖️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.