logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
40m 58s

169.2 - The Magical World of Harry Houdi...

Shana Thompson
About this episode

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at

betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self.


The theater is packed. Anticipation electrifying the air. It's the early 1900s, and you're about to witness the legendary Harry Houdini, whose name has become synonymous with death-defying escape acts. Can he truly break free from the police? Is it really possible for him to escape from water-filled tanks while upside down and locked up? Let's find out!


In today's lesson, we'll be talking about Harry Houdini, who is one of the most iconic magicians and escape artists of all time. Houdini's story is one of perseverance, showmanship, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Today, we can relive his life, especially those moments he spent on stage doing the work he loved best.


This is an English lesson, so as I go along, I'll explain words and phrases that may be challenging. My goal is to help you understand the story without knowing all of the vocabulary! If you want the script, the quiz and other bonus material for this podcast, be sure to sign up to Premium Content.


Premium Content: 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Sep 26
200 - Review of Season 4
Can you believe it? We’ve made it to Episode 200! 🥳 In this milestone episode, I look back on everything we’ve done together in Season 4 (Episodes 151–200). From expressions that made you laugh to cultural stories that made you think, this season has been packed with lessons des ... Show More
36m 49s
Sep 18
⭐ 5-Minute English: Fall in the United States
In this Five Minute English feature, we dive into one of America’s most beloved seasons: fall (also known as autumn). From pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters to apple orchards and football games, fall in the U.S. isn’t just a season—it’s a whole feeling. You’ll learn: Which is more ... Show More
30m 21s
Sep 11
199 - 5 MORE Prepositions Advanced Speakers Get Wrong (with Lucas!)
Ever get confused between “apply to” and “apply for”? Or wonder whether to say “argue about” or “argue over”? In today’s episode, we break down these common English combinations with quick, simple explanations and memorable examples. You’ll also learn the difference between “belo ... Show More
31m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 11
Short Story Ep #2 - A Stonehenge Adventure with Hugo, Chris & Mike
📥 ⁠Grab the FREE PDF⁠ with 20+ advanced expressions from this episode, complete with quizzes and example sentences , to learn today’s vocabulary 3x faster. Plus, get the script from today's story included! 🎓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my weekly online group lessons⁠⁠⁠ Welcome to a series of shor ... Show More
23m 28s
Aug 21
Bitesize Ep 104 - Real British Life Problems Ft. Harry
Click here⁠ to grab the free PDF with all the vocab, quizzes, and example sentences here if you want to learn 3x faster! 🎓 Join my weekly online group lessons Harry’s run of bad luck takes centre stage in this episode. From a parking fine that spiralled into debt collectors, to ... Show More
32m 21s
Oct 2
From the Archives: A British Conversation in Charlie's Pub, Scene 1 - Bitesize Ep 2
📥 ⁠⁠⁠Grab this episode's FREE PDF⁠⁠⁠ with 10 advanced expressions from this episode, complete with quizzes and example sentences, to learn today’s vocabulary 3x faster! 🎓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my weekly online group lessons⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ In this episode, step into the Golden Age of England with Ch ... Show More
16m 45s
Jul 2024
BONUS: Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini is undoubtedly the best-known escape artist of all time. Even today, almost 100 years after his death, his celebrity lives on, and his incredible tricks, illusions and escapes have become the stuff of legend. But how did Houdini, a Hungarian immigrant, lift himself ... Show More
49m 38s
Sep 18
S5/E3 - The Rise of England Explained: Elizabethan Era, Part 1
📥 ⁠⁠Grab this episode's FREE PDF⁠⁠ with 15 advanced expressions from this episode, complete with quizzes and example sentences, to learn today’s vocabulary 3x faster! 🎓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my weekly online group lessons⁠⁠⁠⁠ In this episode, step into the Golden Age of England with Charli ... Show More
41m 2s
Feb 2025
Bonus episode #137 – The adventure before the adventure
In this episode, Andrew shares a funny but stressful story about how a hiking trip almost went wrong before it even started. He talks about losing his wallet, missing a subway, and rushing to catch a bus just in time. This real-life story is easy to understand and will help you i ... Show More
22m 4s
Sep 4
Bitesize Ep 105: A Shocking Chapter of British History: The Day London Nearly Drowned in Dung
📥 Grab the FREE PDF with 15 advanced expressions from this episode, complete with quizzes and example sentences, to learn today’s vocabulary 3x faster! 🎓 ⁠⁠⁠Join my weekly online group lessons⁠⁠ In this episode, we dive into a shocking chapter of British history: The Great Hors ... Show More
26m 37s
Jul 3
Short Story Ep #1 - Learn English with a Funny Story
📝 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get FREE Episode Worksheet⁠⁠ Join Charlie for an episode of Learn English with Short Stories, where a small lie turns into a big problem. Emma tells her cousin she lives in a fancy flat near Hyde Park, but she actually lives above a kebab shop. With the help of her friends ... Show More
26m 49s
Oct 2018
Rick James: Superfreak Is an Understatement
Rick James may have been born into a life of crime, but he was determined to make his way in life through music. He intimidated George Clinton, inspired Prince, and more than likely saved Jim Morrison’s life. Rick James was rock ‘n roll’s Zelig. He was also sex-crazed, dangerous, ... Show More
39 m
Nov 2024
True Story - The Destructive Tree
🎙️ E437 of The English Like A Native Podcast. This series focuses on increasing your active vocabulary while also improving your listening skills. 🌳 In today's episode, we explore a story about a dangerous tree in my very own back garden! 📧 I also invite you, my lovely listene ... Show More
11m 7s