⭐ Feature: The Truth About Shark Attacks in U.S. Waters

⭐ Feature: The Truth About Shark Attacks in U.S. Waters

Every year when I go to the beach, I have the same thought: Are there sharks out there in that dark water? It's not an irrational fear. Years ago, a student at my university, Lucas Ransom, was surfing off the California coast when a great white shark attacked him. I didn't know him personally, but we went to the same school, and some of my closest friends were in his classes. I still remember walking into class the next morning and hearing the story from one of my professors. You just don't forget something like that. And maybe that's why sharks have always felt so real to me, and not just like mysterious creatures from a documentary. Is it safe to swim off the Pacific and Atlantic coast? Let's talk about it. After all, the timing is right! It's summer, and Shark Week kicks off on July 26 in the U.S. — Discovery Channel's 38th annual deep-dive into all things sharks. For one week, it feels like the whole country is talking about these creatures: their behavior, their migration patterns, and the (very small) odds of ever encountering one. :) Ready to keep building your English? ⭐ Try our Free 14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge. [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/14-day-slang-challenge/] ⭐ Or dive deeper — learn more about the Academy. [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

216 - Soccer Vocabulary and the Miracle Match

While watching soccer matches in Brazil, I quickly realized I had no idea how to comment on a game in Portuguese. There were so many moments when I wanted to yell at the TV along with everyone else, but I needed an entire Portuguese lesson just to keep up! I figured the same thing might be happening to you guys in English. In Episode 216, you’ll learn how to comment on soccer matches in English using natural vocabulary, expressions, and phrases. You’ll also hear about one of the biggest and best upsets in U.S. World Cup history. :) ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/] ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/14-day-slang-challenge/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

215 - Countries and Nationalities (Pronunciation and Quiz!)

How do you say the names of countries and nationalities in American English? Is it Swiss or Switzerlanders? Spaniard or Spanish? Dutch or Netherlanders? In this episode, we'll practice the pronunciation of 48 World Cup countries that qualified this year, and along the way, you'll discover fun facts about each one. After every country, you'll be tested: What are the people who live there called? If you have an interesting fun fact about your country, tell me about it! :) I'd love to hear from you. ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/] ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/14-day-slang-challenge/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

214 - Soccer in the United States (History, Stories, and More!)

⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/14-day-slang-challenge/] Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football? Why isn't it the most popular sport in the country? And do Americans actually care about the World Cup? In this episode, Shana explores the history of soccer in the United States, from youth leagues and soccer moms to Pelé, the 1994 World Cup, the rise of the U.S. Women's National Team, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and the growing popularity of the sport today. Along the way, she shares personal stories from growing up playing soccer in California and compares American soccer culture with what she's experiencing in Brazil during the 2026 World Cup.  * Why Americans say soccer instead of football * How soccer grew in popularity in the United States * The role of Pelé, Beckham, Messi, and the U.S. Women's National Team * What a soccer mom is * Why soccer became one of the most popular youth sports in America * How soccer culture in the U.S. differs from countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany * Whether Americans really care about the World Cup * Interesting soccer superstitions from Brazil * Useful English expressions related to sports and competition ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/] ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/14-day-slang-challenge/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

⭐ Feature: The Sweet History of the American Doughnut (or Donut)

⭐ Want to start sounding more natural in English? Sign up to ⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/] to learn more with each lesson. About this episode Why do doughnuts have holes? Who invented them? And how did they become one of America's most beloved treats? In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of the American doughnut, from its roots in ancient fried pastries and Dutch "olykoeks" to the rise of iconic brands like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin'. You'll also expand your vocabulary with descriptive words for sweet treats, baking terms, and useful expressions like make a beeline for something and sweet tooth. By the end of the episode, you'll be able to describe the perfect doughnut in English—and you'll probably be craving one too. This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context. ⭐ Sign up to ⁠⁠⁠the Academy⁠⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/] to learn more with each lesson. ⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my ⁠14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/14-day-slang-challenge/]. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]