American English Podcast

209 - Ghost Towns in the American West with Aubrey Carter

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of ghost towns in the United States—places where thousands of people once lived, worked, and searched for fortune… and then suddenly left behind. We begin in Coloma, California, where gold was discovered in 1848, sparking the famous Gold Rush. You’ll learn how towns like this quickly grew into busy communities filled with miners, shops, and saloons—and how just as quickly, they became completely empty when the gold ran out. ⭐ Speak about the topics we discuss in this podcast! Join the Academy [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/]. Together with guest Aubrey Carter, we dive into what it’s actually like to visit ghost towns today. From Virginia City and Nevada City in Montana to Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona and the famous Whaley House in California, we talk about real places you can explore—some of which are even said to be haunted. You’ll also learn how Americans talk about these places in everyday English. We explain expressions like “this place is a ghost town” and “this place is dead,” and clarify commonly confused words like salon vs. saloon. We also cover idioms like bite the dust and kick the bucket, including when it’s appropriate (and not appropriate!) to use them. Along the way, we explain vocabulary so you can build your English while learning about U.S. history and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

208 - How to Improve the Four Skills in English: Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing

In this episode, we go back to the fundamentals of language learning:listening, reading, speaking, and writing. But here’s the key idea: You’ll learn faster when these skills overlap. Instead of practicing each skill separately, you’ll discover how to combine them so new vocabulary moves from something you recognize… to something you can actually use. Personalized 1-on-1 language lessons with native teachers on italki!  Buy $10 get $5 for free for your first lesson with code AMERICANPOD  👉 Book a lesson: https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603 [https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603]  📱 Get the app: https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603app [https://go.italki.com/americanpod2603app] What the episode covers: - Why comprehensible input (at your level) is essential - How many times you really need to see a word to remember it - Why simply listening or reading is not enough - The science behind retrieval practice (and why it works) - How to improve your speaking—even if you don’t live abroad - Why extensive reading builds vocabulary naturally - How writing helps you notice and fix your mistakes ⭐ ⁠⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/]Want to take your learning further? Inside the Academy [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/], you’ll find the full transcript and bonus learning materials designed to help you understand and use the English from this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

⭐ Feature: 5-Minute English: Cleaning

In this 5-Minute English episode, you'll learn useful vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations related to cleaning your home. Through a short story, we follow someone tackling a messy apartment—from dirty dishes and clutter to sparkling floors. Along the way, you'll hear natural English used to describe common chores and household tasks. Want to take your learning further?  ⭐ Visit the website [https://americanenglishpodcast.com] for more learning materials. You’ll also find the Academy there, where you can access bonus content for this episode. ⚠️ This episode is a more advanced listening exercise, so don't worry if you don't understand every word the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

207.2 - The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

In this episode, we explore the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, one of the strangest and most tragic disasters in U.S. history. On a cold January afternoon in Boston’s North End, a massive steel tank holding 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst, sending a deadly wave of syrup through the streets. You’ll learn what molasses was being used for, why shipments kept arriving after World War I, and how Prohibition played a surprising role in the story. We’ll walk step by step through what caused the tank to fail, and how this disaster helped shape modern building inspections and safety codes. Along the way, I explain key vocabulary like seep, debris, dense, rivets, bootleg, and up to code — so you’ll build your English while learning about U.S. history and culture. ⭐ Get the full transcript, vocabulary list, quiz, and bonus lesson on the third conditional inside the Academy [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

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!), and how Americans actually use it in everyday conversation. You’ll hear relatable examples—from accidentally hitting “Reply All” at work to public mix-ups at the Academy Awards and even the New Coke decision by Coca-Cola. We’ll also compare similar expressions and practice pronunciation so you can say it naturally and confidently. And don’t miss Part Two, where we cover the unforgettable Great Molasses Flood. ⭐ Get the full transcript, vocabulary list, quizzes, and more by signing up for Premium Content— available inside ⁠the Academy⁠ [https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/].  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]