In today’s episode, you’ll learn the common English expression “to play it by ear,” which means to improvise or make decisions without having a fixed plan. We’ll look at where the expression comes from, how to use it naturally in conversation, and go over three everyday examples to help you understand it clearly.
You’ll also hear a lighthearted joke involvi ... Show More
Jul 3
193 - Sharks, Swamps, and Sweet Tea: Our Wild Trip to South Carolina
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. In this casual Chats with Shana episode, I’m taking you along on our sweaty summer trip to Charleston, South Carolina. 🌴 You’ll hear ... Show More
33m 11s
Jun 26
192.2 - American Bison (or Buffalo!)
You may be wondering: What’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison? That was the first question I had when researching this topic. And the answer is—well, a lot. Despite being from the same family (Bovidae), bison and buffalo have different hair, different horn shapes, and ... Show More
36m 24s
Mar 2025
Bonus episode #141 – Living like a local
In this episode, Andrew shares a couple more stories from his recent trip to Hawaii and reflects on some unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences he and his wife had during their travels. Listening to authentic, natural English from a native speaker is one of the best ways to impr ... Show More
23m 30s
Feb 2025
Bonus episode #136 – Onwards and upwards
In this episode, Andrew talks about going to his nephew’s elementary school graduation and realizing the power of celebrating small wins. He shares how a simple ceremony can bring families closer, boost confidence, and lead to bigger successes. He also explains why supporting eac ... Show More
12m 12s
Apr 17
Catch Word #284 – A dead ringer
Have you ever seen someone who looks exactly like someone else? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach two fun English expressions: “A dead ringer” and “A spitting image.” You’ll hear clear examples, learn the difference between the two, and understand when and how to ... Show More
24m 47s
Apr 16
816 - Conversational Idioms With Give
Man, I’d give anything to have a day off. Have you ever felt this way? I know learning another language is not easy, and requires daily practice. I’m pretty sure that since you listen to this podcast, you must give it your best shot when it comes to learning English.
I give you ... Show More
9m 12s