Learn English Podcast

🤕 Do you know how to talk about surgery, medical appointments, and recovery in English?

This episode of the Learn English Podcast teaches essential medical English vocabulary through a real personal story. The host shares her experience with back surgery while explaining the real words and phrases Americans use when talking about health, injuries, and medical care.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode covers medical vocabulary including herniated disc, MRI, pre-op appointment, consent form, general anesthesia, local anesthesia, numbness, shooting pain, restrictions, and cleared — all explained naturally in context through a real-life experience.

Learn American English naturally through real stories, real vocabulary, and real conversation — not grammar drills.

📌 Links

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

Take lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

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

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Deal with – To manage or handle a difficult situation.

2) Recap – A short summary of what has already been said or done.

3) Ruptured – Broken or torn open suddenly.

4) Numbness – The lack of feeling or sensation in part of the body.

5) MRI – A medical scan that uses magnets and radio waves to make pictures of the inside of the body.

6) Restrictions – Rules that say you cannot do certain things.

7) Cleared – Officially approved or told by a doctor that it’s safe to do something again.

8) Invasive – Describing a medical procedure that involves cutting into the body.

9) Put under – A phrasal verb meaning to make someone sleep with anesthesia during surgery.

10) Shooting pain – A sudden, sharp pain that travels quickly through part of the body.

11) According to plan – When something happens the way it was supposed or expected to.

12) Take time off – To stop working for a period of time.

🪖 During World War II, the United States military used a code that was never broken — and it was built on one of the most complex languages in the world.

This episode of the Learn English Podcast tells the real story of the Navajo Code Talkers — the Native American men whose language became one of the most important weapons of World War II. The episode covers who the Navajo people are, why their language was chosen, how the code was developed, and why their contribution was kept secret for more than two decades after the war.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode builds vocabulary around American history, military strategy, and Native American culture through real storytelling. Includes audio from actual Navajo Code Talker Peter McDonald Sr.

Learn American English naturally through real history, culture, and context — not grammar drills.

📝 Vocabulary List:

1) Tribe – A group of people who share the same culture and traditions

2) Native American – Indigenous peoples of North America

3) Indigenous – The original people of a place

4) Secretive – Keeping information hidden

5) Boarding school – A school where students live

6) Revitalize – To bring new life or energy to something

7) Crack a code – To figure out a hidden message

8) Decipher – To translate or understand coded language

9) Layered – Having more than one level of meaning

10) Declassified – No longer kept secret by the government

🔗 Links:

Website: https://learnenglishpod.com

All Social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

Take English lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

📜 Sources:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WSzOQXmlMrCqczp8B_cdt7X9jeMtj015XVkVe2en-MY/edit?usp=sharing

🏥 Going to the doctor in the United States can be confusing — especially if English is not your first language.

This episode of the Learn English Podcast explains the essential American healthcare vocabulary every English learner needs. From primary care physician and specialist to referral, copay, authorization, and prior auth — these are the real words Americans use when talking about doctors, health insurance, and medical appointments.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode explains how the American healthcare system works through natural conversation — including the difference between family medicine and internal medicine, when you need a referral, what a copay is, and what nurse practitioners and physician assistants do.

Learn American English naturally through real vocabulary, real situations, and real context — not grammar drills.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

Take lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

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

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Physician – A formal term for a doctor, especially in a medical context.

2) Primary care physician (PCP) – A doctor you see regularly for general health checkups.

3) Specialist – A doctor who focuses on a specific area of medicine.

4) Checkup – A routine visit to a doctor to make sure you are healthy.

5) Blood draw – When blood is taken for medical tests.

6) Labs – Short for laboratory tests, often involving blood, urine, or other samples.

7) Family medicine doctor – A primary care doctor who treats patients of all ages.

8) Internal medicine doctor – A primary care doctor who treats only adult.

9) Pediatrician – A doctor who treats children and teenagers under 18.

10) Follow up – To return to a doctor for continued care after an appointment or treatment.

11) Copay – The money a patient pays for a medical service in addition to what insurance covers.

12) Chronic condition – A long-term health problem, like diabetes or high blood pressure.

🎧 In this episode, we learn English through one of the most dramatic and frightening true stories in American history: the Donner Party. This Halloween-themed lesson tells the story of a group of settlers who traveled west in 1846, became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and faced extreme hardships during the winter.

Throughout the episode, you will learn useful vocabulary connected to survival, danger, tragedy, weather, and historical events. Words like crucial, desperate, perish, and frail will help you understand documentaries, news stories, and conversations about difficult situations. The story is told clearly and naturally so B1–B2 learners can follow along easily.

This episode is ideal for anyone who enjoys dark stories, American history, or learning English through real events. By listening, you will improve your comprehension, expand your vocabulary, and understand why the Donner Party remains one of the most well-known tragedies in U.S. 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

Phrasal Verb episode: https://youtu.be/vxZnA20kX2U

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

Source🔗:

The Donner Party

California Trail Center

PBS documentary

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Set the stage – To explain background information so the listener understands what happens next.

2) Manifest Destiny – A belief in the 1800s that Americans were chosen by God to expand across the continent.

3) Manifest (something) – To make something real by believing strongly that it will happen.

4) Optimistic – Believing that good things will happen; positive about the future.

5) Settlers – People who move to a new place to live and build a community.

6) Wagon train – A group of wagons traveling together across long distances in the past.

7) Crucial – Extremely important; necessary for success.

8) Desperate – Feeling hopeless or ready to do anything to survive or solve a problem.

9) Perish – To die, especially in a tragic or natural way.

10) Weep – To cry because you are sad or emotional.

11) Frail – Weak or easily broken, often used to describe someone who is very thin or sick.

🎃 Get ready for Halloween AND improve your English at the same time! In this episode, you’ll learn English naturally through fun, spooky, and scary TV show and movie recommendations set in high school. These stories range from light and campy to suspenseful and full horror, giving you different levels of difficulty and excitement.

You’ll hear about classics like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, modern hits like Wednesday and Riverdale, and horror favorites like Carrie, The Faculty, and Freakish. Each recommendation is explained clearly so B1–B2 learners can follow along easily.

This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to improve listening comprehension, expand vocabulary, and learn real English in context—while enjoying Halloween stories from American 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

Take lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

🔗Streaming site: https://www.streamwithvpn.com/

Previous Episode Halloween

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

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

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Spooky – a little bit scary, often in a fun or mysterious way.

2) Input hypothesis – the idea that language improves through listening and reading a lot in that language.

3) Campy – funny or exaggerated in a silly or over-the-top way.

4) Paranormal – related to things that cannot be explained by science, like ghosts or magic.

5) Supernatural – something beyond the natural world, like magic or monsters.

6) Suspenseful – making you feel nervous or excited because you don’t know what will happen next.

7) Creepy – making you feel uncomfortable or afraid in a strange way.

8) Unnerving – making you feel nervous, uncomfortable, or a little scared.

9) Cliffhanger – an ending that leaves you in suspense, wanting to know what happens next.

10) Witchcraft – the practice of magic, often connected with witches

11) Post-apocalyptic – describing a world after a major disaster or the end of civilization.

12) Binge-watch – to watch many episodes of a show one after another without stopping.

🗣️ There is a sound in American English that most English learners have never been taught — and even most native speakers don't know it exists.

This episode of the Learn English Podcast explains the dark L sound — one of the most difficult pronunciation challenges for ESL and EFL learners. The episode covers what the dark L sound is, how it differs from the light L sound, how to position your mouth to make it correctly, and the three rules that tell you when to use it.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode includes pronunciation practice with real example words so you can start improving your American English accent immediately.

Learn American English pronunciation naturally through clear explanations, real examples, and guided practice — not grammar drills.

🔔 Follow us @LearnEnglishPod:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

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

🔗Pronunciation Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdt-dHCmwVht9nDH7vgD9F_Cgmijpp48

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Unique – One of a kind; unlike anything else.

2) Stress – The emphasis placed on a certain part of a word or sentence.

3) Syllable – A unit of sound in a word, often containing a vowel.

4) Hard palate – The hard area on the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth.

5) Clear (or light) L sound – The “L” sound made at the beginning of words, such as light or love.

6) Dark L sound – The “L” sound made at the end of words, such as ball or full, where the tongue curls back.

7) Opposite – Completely different from something else.

8) Unstressed – A syllable or part of a word that is not emphasized when spoken.

9) Accent reduction - The process of changing one's pronunciation to sound closer to a specific, desired accent.

10) To aim for - To intend or try to achieve something.

📖 One of the most powerful voices in American history — and one of the most banned authors in the United States.

This episode of the Learn English Podcast tells the story of Maya Angelou — poet, author, civil rights activist, and one of the most important literary figures in American history. The episode covers her difficult childhood in the segregated South, why she stopped speaking for five years as a child, her rise as a performer and writer, and the publication of her landmark memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode also includes a reading and vocabulary breakdown of Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" — with explanations of difficult English words and literary devices so you can understand and appreciate the poem fully.

Learn American English naturally through real history, literature, and culture — not grammar drills.

🔗Previous MLK Episodes:

https://youtu.be/uWQ81iE1Z0c

https://youtu.be/WJPpPFrwqfY

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

📜 SOURCES

Caged Bird Poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48989/caged-bird

Oprah Winfrey Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CphS2AKUB1M

Inauguration Poem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59xGmHzxtZ4

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Banned book – a book that has been removed from libraries or schools.

2) Struggles – difficult experiences or challenges.

3) Traumatic – very shocking or upsetting, causing lasting emotional pain.

4) Speak out – to say what you think openly, especially about something wrong or unfair.

5) Civil Rights Movement – the social movement in the U.S. fighting for equal rights for African Americans in the 1950s–60s.

6) Memoir – a book that someone writes about their own life and experiences.

7) Honorary degree – a special academic award given to someone for their achievements.

8) Analogy – A comparison between two things to help explain something.

9) Leap – to jump with energy or joy.

10) Seldom – almost never; rarely.

11) Rage – very strong anger.

12) Long for – to strongly want or desire something, especially something hard to get

🎧Do you know what it means when an American says "throw in the towel" or "throw back a few drinks"?

This episode of the Learn English Podcast breaks down five essential phrasal verbs with "throw" — throw up, throw down, throw out, throw in, and throw back. Each one has multiple meanings, and this episode explains all of them with clear real-life examples so you can understand and use them naturally.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode also covers related expressions like "throw in the towel," "throw down the gauntlet," and the noun "throwback" — all explained in context through natural American English.

🎙️ This episode is part of our Phrasal Verbs Series on the Learn English Podcast, where we break down real English used by native speakers and explain it in a clear and useful way for English learners

🔔 Follow us @LearnEnglishPod:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

Take lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

🔗Phrasal Verbs Explained Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdt-dHCmwVj1j6GJNBRUY2TJHXGS0lBj

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

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

📝 Vocabulary list:

1. Throw up

• To vomit (bring food back out of your stomach).
• To raise your hands quickly in the air.

2. Throw down

• To put something on the ground with force.
• To party, dance, or have a lot of fun.
• To fight or challenge someone.
• To share knowledge or strong arguments.

3. Throw out

• To put something in the trash.
• To remove someone from a place.
• To reject an idea or case.
• To suggest ideas quickly.

4. Throw in

• To add something extra for free.
• To return the ball into play in sports.
• Throw in the towel → to give up or surrender.

5. Throw back

• To return something.
• To drink something quickly, often alcohol.
• To remind someone of the past.
• Throwback (noun) → something old that reminds you of the past.

📚 This episode of the Learn English Podcast shares five books that can help improve English through consistent reading. Reading is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary, understand grammar in context, and strengthen listening and comprehension skills. The recommended books include classic literature, modern fiction, and nonfiction, offering a wide variety of English styles and difficulty levels.

Short summaries are provided for each book, along with key information about the setting, characters, writing style, and why each book is helpful for English learners.

✔ Washington Square – short classic, easy to follow

✔ The Three Musketeers – fun, funny adventure story

✔ Where the Crawdads Sing – modern mystery & drama

✔ Pachinko – powerful historical family story

✔ All The President’s Men – true political thriller

This episode is designed for B1–B2 English learners who want to improve vocabulary, increase fluency, and feel more confident using English in real-life situations.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

Take lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

Source🔗:

Washington Square on Youtube

Dua Lipa's Service95 Book Club

Reese’s Book Club

Previous Episodes: https://rss.com/podcasts/learnenglishpodcast/2024102

https://rss.com/podcasts/learnenglishpodcast/2084843

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Mobility – the ability to move your body.

2) Classic – an old and famous book, film, or piece of art

3) Novella – a story that is longer than a short story but shorter than a full novel.

4) Adaptation – a film, TV show, or play that is based on another story.

5) Historical fiction – a story set in the past that mixes real history with invented characters.

6) Campy – silly or exaggerated in a way that is funny.

7) Converge – to come together from different directions.

8) Problematic – causing difficulties or not acceptable.

9) Perspective – a way of thinking about or understanding something.

10) Scandal – an event that shocks people because it shows something wrong or dishonest.

📉"In this economy?" — You've probably heard this phrase, but do you know what it really means?

This episode of the Learn English Podcast breaks down the most important recession vocabulary words and phrases you will hear in American news, at work, and all over social media. From layoffs and severance packages to golden parachutes and vibesessions — each term is explained clearly in context so you can understand and use it naturally.

Designed for intermediate English learners (B1–B2), this episode covers real-world vocabulary around economics, work, and money — and explains how Americans actually talk about financial hardship. With recession fears growing in the United States and around the world, these are words you will be hearing a lot.

Learn American English naturally through real topics that matter — not grammar drills.

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

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

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

Take lessons with me: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8531387

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

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

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Circumstances – the situation or conditions someone is in.

2) Downturn – a decline or drop in economic activity.

3) In this economy – a phrase people use to mean “with today’s difficult financial situation.”

4) Vibe – the feeling, mood, or atmosphere of a place or situation.

5) Vibecession – slang for when people feel like the economy is bad, even if it isn’t officially in recession.

6) Portmanteau – a new word made by joining two other words.

7) Let go – a polite way of saying someone lost their job (either fired or laid off).

8) Severance package – money a company gives to employees when they lose their job, to help them while they look for another.

9) Golden parachute – a large payment or benefits given to top executives when they leave a company, even if they did a bad job.

10) Living paycheck to paycheck – only having enough money to survive until the next paycheck, with no savings.

11) Make ends meet – to have just enough money to pay for basic needs.

12) Underemployment – when people have jobs but not enough hours or not jobs that match their skills.

13) Drying up – when something is decreasing or becoming less available.

14) Disposable income – extra money you can spend on fun or non-essential things after paying bills.