American English Podcast

What happens when one of the world’s greatest violinists plays a million-dollar instrument… in a subway station? Will anyone stop to listen? In this episode, we dive into a powerful real-life experiment that challenges how we see art, talent, and everyday beauty. You'll hear the story of Joshua Bell’s anonymous subway performance, the unexpected art stunt pulled by Banksy in Central Park, and even a surprise appearance by Ed Sheeran in disguise. Through these stories, we’ll explore the importance of context, the influence of perception, and ask—how many amazing things are we missing just because we’re in a rush? Plus, you’ll learn useful vocabulary, expressions, and get some great conversation starters for your next English class or dinner chat. 🎻🎨 ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode * All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-1-2-and-3-bundle] * Season 4 [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-4] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

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 involving music and miners, and at the end, we’ll practice pronunciation together. This episode is great for English learners who want to sound more natural and confident when speaking. Mentioned in the Episode * Season 4 [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-4] * Premium Content [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/premium-content/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Have you ever believed something so ridiculous, so outrageous, that later you just had to laugh because—yep—you got fooled? Maybe someone told you that swallowing gum would glue your organs together... or that Bigfoot was spotted at your local supermarket. That moment you realized it wasn’t true? That was someone pulling your leg! They were tricking you. In this feature episode, we’re bringing back one of my favorite expressions—and one of my favorite topics: practical jokes. I’ve remastered the audio, expanded the explanations, and retold three of the wildest April Fool’s pranks in history. One involves a fake alien landing, another a fake Loch Ness monster, and the third? Let’s just say it involves a volcano, a helicopter, and a very bold prankster named Porky. You're going to love it! Grab your cup of coffee—or your prank cupcakes (you’ll get that reference soon)—and get ready for a fun and language-packed episode. ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode * All Premium Content (Seasons 1, 2 and 3) - Discount [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-1-2-and-3-bundle] * Season 2 [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-2-episodes-051-100] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Welcome to today’s 5-Minute English Lesson! Today, we’re talking about the most common pets in the United States—cats and dogs! Did you know that more than 65 million households in the U.S. have a dog? 🐕 And nearly 46 million have a cat? 🐈 Pets are a huge part of American life! Today we’ll talk about a lot of different vocabulary that will be useful when talking about these two very special animals. You’ll learn descriptive adjectives to talk about their appearance, common verbs to describe their behavior, and so much more. I'll also share the responses you guys sent me about your pets last week on Instagram! ⭐ Mentioned in this Episode * Season 4  [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-4](Episodes 151-200) * All Premium Content [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-1-2-and-3-bundle](Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

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. Ever wondered what makes Napa Valley the "Hollywood of Wine" or why Texas is suddenly a wine hotspot? In this episode, we’re taking a virtual road trip through the top wine regions in the U.S., from the rolling vineyards of California to the hidden gems of New York and Virginia. You'll learn a little history (like how Thomas Jefferson failed miserably at making wine), get tips on how to confidently order a glass like a pro, and maybe even find a new place to add to your travel bucket list! So grab a glass—whether it’s wine, juice, or just water—and let’s dive into the world of American wine! 🍷✨ Mentioned in this Episode * Season 4  [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-4] * All Premium Content [https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-1-2-and-3-bundle](Episodes 001-150) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]