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Ever wondered what life is like in the middle of the U.S.? Tune in to this week’s episode with Bethany Anderson and discover tornado drills, taco pizza, sweet corn, Amish visits, and small towns bursting with culture. You’ ... Show More
Feb 25
207 - Expression: In a Sticky Situation
In this engaging (and slightly sticky) episode, we explore the common American English idiom “to be in a sticky situation.” After a real-life kitchen disaster involving spilled honey, we break down what the expression means, where it comes from (it dates back over 200 years!), an ... Show More
19m 42s
Feb 18
⭐ Feature: Hangry, Bromance & Spam: Everyday Portmanteaus with Liz!
In this playful and spontaneous episode, Liz and I play a fast-paced guessing game using common English portmanteaus—words created by blending two others together. From hangry and bromance to Spam and chillax, we break down their meanings, origins, and how Americans actually use ... Show More
26m 44s
Feb 11
206 - Let's Talk about Hair! (with Julia)
In this cozy winter episode, Shana is snowed in with her daughters on the East Coast after a big snowstorm. While it looks like a magical winter wonderland outside, things feel a little chaotic inside the house. Then Julia, who's seven, decides she wants to be a guest on the podc ... Show More
22m 24s
Aug 2024
Ep. 497: Forecast Your Foibles, a Big Life Change & the Correct Way to Load a Dishwasher
Inspired by college move-in day, we talk about why it’s helpful to forecast our own foibles. We also weigh in on the hot debate around the correct way to load a dishwasher, and we introduce a new podcast segment—along with a big life change. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.co ... Show More
28m 21s
Feb 2024
OUTLAWS Ep. 1 | Sam Bass: “Indiana Cowboy”
Sam Bass began life as a typical farm boy in the midwestern United States. But as he grew older, and experienced more than his fair share of family tragedy, he dreamed of becoming a Texas cowboy. After a detour through Mississippi, he made it to Texas and started living his dream ... Show More
31m 56s
Mar 2025
[THE BITTERSWEET PAST] A Day in the Life under Lockdown, Part 1
<p>Who remembers what life felt like during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, when cities and entire countries were shutting down right and left? Believe it or not, it all started five years ago this month! So we are digging back into our archives to bring you episodes fro ... Show More
34 m
Aug 2025
AI's impact on translators, untranslatable Dutch words, and more, with Heddwen Newton
<p>1108. This week, we talk to Heddwen Newton about some of the unique and untranslatable words she's discovered while translating. She shares her thoughts on why the translation profession is being hit hard by AI and the kind of work that is likely to be lost. We also hear her b ... Show More
19m 38s
Oct 2025
358. History of Rome (English Vocabulary Lesson)
When you imagine the city Rome, what comes to mind? Maybe the Colosseum, the Vatican, one of the largest empires in history, or delicious pasta? Rome isn’t just Italy’s capital; it’s also one of the most influential cities in human history. In today’s Thinking in English episode, ... Show More
21m 16s
Sep 2025
Episode 595: Would You Move Abroad for Political Reasons? (with Jennie Spohr)
There are many reasons a family might choose to move abroad. In the case of Americans, that reason is generally motivated by a desire for adventure, change, new scenery, unfamiliar culture, a slower pace of living, or just plain fun. But not always. Today we sit down with friend ... Show More
33m 2s