In today’s episode, we break down the common English expression “a shot in the dark,” which describes taking a guess or making an attempt with little to no information. You’ll hear where the idiom comes from, how people from the U.S. use it, and three real-life examples—from kids guessing ages, to ordering pintxos in Spain, to recreating Banana Kahlúa French toast (with no instructions!).
We’ll also go over the joke of the day (“Why did the man take a ladder to the bar?”), cover some advanced terms and phrases, and finish with a pronunciation exercise focused on flap Ts. I highly recommend practicing them to sound more natural when speaking.
At the end, I’ll challenge you to think of a moment when you took a shot in the dark.
For the full transcript, glossary, and quiz, check out the Academy. Enjoy!
Mentioned in the Episode
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/">The Academy</a></li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

<description>In today’s episode, we break down the common English expression “a shot in the dark,” which describes taking a guess or making an attempt with little to no information. You’ll hear where the idiom comes from, how people from the U.S. use it, and three real-life examples—from kids guessing ages, to ordering pintxos in Spain, to recreating Banana Kahlúa French toast (with no instructions!).

We’ll also go over the joke of the day (“Why did the man take a ladder to the bar?”), cover some advanced terms and phrases, and finish with a pronunciation exercise focused on flap Ts. I highly recommend practicing them to sound more natural when speaking.

At the end, I’ll challenge you to think of a moment when you took a shot in the dark.

For the full transcript, glossary, and quiz, check out the Academy. Enjoy!

Mentioned in the Episode


 The Academy


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices</description>

Learn how to use the common Expression in English

In today’s episode, we break down the common English expression “a shot in the dark,” which describes taking a guess or making an attempt with little to no information. You’ll hear where the idiom comes from, how people from the U.S. use it, and three real-life examples—from kids guessing ages, to ordering pintxos in Spain, to recreating Banana Kahlúa French toast (with no instructions!).

We’ll also go over the joke of the day (“Why did the man take a ladder to the bar?”), cover some advanced terms and phrases,  and finish with a pronunciation exercise focused on flap Ts. I highly recommend practicing them to  sound more natural when speaking.

At the end, I’ll challenge you to think of a moment when you took a shot in the dark.

For the full transcript, glossary, and quiz, check out the Academy. Enjoy!

Mentioned in the Episode


  The Academy


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

202 - Expression: A Shot in the Dark

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 🍋 In other words, turn a bad situation into a good one!
That’s my new motto, and in this episode you’ll hear how we turned a full hour of tears at the Orlando Airport into one of the most magical experiences of our lives.
This is a casual catch-up about what’s been going on since the last episode — and more importantly, a ridiculous story packed with 10 common English expressions used naturally in context.
Listen, learn, and please don’t judge me. I love you. 😂
Mentioned in the Episode
<ul>
 <li>
<a href="https://americanenglishpodcast.com/the-academy/">The Academy</a>
</li>
 <li>
<a href="https://youtu.be/ZYd2yeeEad4?si=zkyxnpULPEoUG9B5">Lucas on guitar </a>(wait for his entrance — totally worth it!)
</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

<description>When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 🍋In other words, turn a bad situation into a good one!

That’s my new motto, and in this episode you’ll hear how we turned a full hour of tears at the Orlando Airport into one of the most magical experiences of our lives.

This is a casual catch-up about what’s been going on since the last episode — and more importantly, a ridiculous story packed with 10 common English expressions used naturally in context.

Listen, learn, and please don’t judge me. I love you. 😂

Mentioned in the Episode


 
The Academy



 
Lucas on guitar (wait for his entrance — totally worth it!)




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices</description>

Learn Common English Expressions through a story! 

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 🍋In other words, turn a bad situation into a good one!

That’s my new motto, and in this episode you’ll hear how we turned a full hour of tears at the Orlando Airport into one of the most magical experiences of our lives.

This is a casual catch-up about what’s been going on since the last episode — and more importantly, a ridiculous story packed with 10 common English expressions used naturally in context.

Listen, learn, and please don’t judge me. I love you. 😂

Mentioned in the Episode


  
The Academy



  
Lucas on guitar (wait for his entrance — totally worth it!)




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

201 - When Life Gives You Lemons...🍋 (+10 Expressions)

Can you believe it? We’ve made it to Episode 200! 🥳
In this milestone episode, I look back on everything we’ve done together in Season 4 (Episodes 151–200). From expressions that made you laugh to cultural stories that made you think, this season has been packed with lessons designed to improve your English and your connection to American culture.
Tune in to hear the your favorite episodes this season, stats and what's coming next! :) 
Thank you so much to everyone who's tuned in this season; it's been a fun ride! 
<ul>
 <li>
<a href="https://americanenglishpodcast.com/premium-content/">Check out Season 4 and All Premium Content</a> to learn more with every episode this Season! </li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

<description>Can you believe it? We’ve made it to Episode 200! 🥳

In this milestone episode, I look back on everything we’ve done together in Season 4 (Episodes 151–200). From expressions that made you laugh to cultural stories that made you think, this season has been packed with lessons designed to improve your English and your connection to American culture.

Tune in to hear the your favorite episodes this season, stats and what's coming next! :) 

Thank you so much to everyone who's tuned in this season; it's been a fun ride! 


 
Check out Season 4 and All Premium Content to learn more with every episode this Season! 


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices</description>

Your favorite episodes, stats and more.

Can you believe it? We’ve made it to Episode 200! 🥳

In this milestone episode, I look back on everything we’ve done together in Season 4 (Episodes 151–200). From expressions that made you laugh to cultural stories that made you think, this season has been packed with lessons designed to improve your English and your connection to American culture.

Tune in to hear the your favorite episodes this season, stats and what's coming next! :) 

Thank you so much to everyone who's tuned in this season; it's been a fun ride! 


  
Check out Season 4  and All Premium Content to learn more with every episode this Season! 


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

200 - Review of Season 4

In this Five Minute English feature, we dive into one of America’s most beloved seasons: fall (also known as autumn). From pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters to apple orchards and football games, fall in the U.S. isn’t just a season—it’s a whole feeling.
You’ll learn:
 <li>
Which is more common: fall or autumn?
</li>
 <li>
The sounds, sights, tastes, and smells that define the season.
</li>
 <li>
Cultural traditions like pumpkin patches, apple picking, football games, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
</li>
 <li>
The meaning of fall foliage and why U.S. autumn leaves are so special.
</li>
 <li>
Personal stories and memories that capture the cozy, nostalgic spirit of the season.
</li>
Along the way, you’ll hear rich vocabulary, expressions, and phrasal verbs to boost your English while connecting with American culture.
 <li>
Fall in the U.S. is marked by vivid colors, comfort foods, and family traditions.
</li>
 <li>
The season is more than dates on a calendar—it’s tied to the senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.
</li>
 <li>
Shared experiences (like stepping on a crunchy leaf 🍂) remind us of the simple pleasures that unite people.
</li>
This episode is part of the Five Minute English series, which means it’s packed with advanced vocabulary and collocations. Listen several times, pause, and replay to strengthen your comprehension.
If you’d like definitions, transcripts, and a vocabulary guide for this episode, check out the ⭐  <a href="courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/5-minute-english-courses">5-Minute English Courses.</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

<description>In this Five Minute English feature, we dive into one of America’s most beloved seasons: fall (also known as autumn). From pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters to apple orchards and football games, fall in the U.S. isn’t just a season—it’s a whole feeling.

You’ll learn:

 
Which is more common: fall or autumn?



 
The sounds, sights, tastes, and smells that define the season.



 
Cultural traditions like pumpkin patches, apple picking, football games, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.



 
The meaning of fall foliage and why U.S. autumn leaves are so special.



 
Personal stories and memories that capture the cozy, nostalgic spirit of the season.



Along the way, you’ll hear rich vocabulary, expressions, and phrasal verbs to boost your English while connecting with American culture.

 
Fall in the U.S. is marked by vivid colors, comfort foods, and family traditions.



 
The season is more than dates on a calendar—it’s tied to the senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.



 
Shared experiences (like stepping on a crunchy leaf 🍂) remind us of the simple pleasures that unite people.



This episode is part of the Five Minute English series, which means it’s packed with advanced vocabulary and collocations. Listen several times, pause, and replay to strengthen your comprehension.

If you’d like definitions, transcripts, and a vocabulary guide for this episode, check out the ⭐  5-Minute English Courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices</description>

Learn all about the holidays, events and traditions that make fall special in the United States

In this Five Minute English feature, we dive into one of America’s most beloved seasons: fall (also known as autumn). From pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters to apple orchards and football games, fall in the U.S. isn’t just a season—it’s a whole feeling.

You’ll learn:

  
Which is more common: fall or autumn?



  
The sounds, sights, tastes, and smells that define the season.



  
Cultural traditions like pumpkin patches, apple picking, football games, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.



  
The meaning of fall foliage and why U.S. autumn leaves are so special.



  
Personal stories and memories that capture the cozy, nostalgic spirit of the season.



Along the way, you’ll hear rich vocabulary, expressions, and phrasal verbs to boost your English while connecting with American culture.

  
Fall in the U.S. is marked by vivid colors, comfort foods, and family traditions.



  
The season is more than dates on a calendar—it’s tied to the senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.



  
Shared experiences (like stepping on a crunchy leaf 🍂) remind us of the simple pleasures that unite people.



This episode is part of the Five Minute English series, which means it’s packed with advanced vocabulary and collocations. Listen several times, pause, and replay to strengthen your comprehension.

If you’d like definitions, transcripts, and a vocabulary guide for this episode, check out the ⭐  5-Minute English Courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

⭐ 5-Minute English: Fall in the United States

Ever get confused between “apply to” and “apply for”? Or wonder whether to say “argue about” or “argue over”? In today’s episode, we break down these common English combinations with quick, simple explanations and memorable examples. You’ll also learn the difference between “belong to” and “belong in.” By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right phrase in everyday conversations.
👉 Perfect for English learners who want short, practical grammar tips they can use right away.
to apply to vs. apply for
to argue about vs. argue over
to belong to vs. belong in
to decide ______
to insist ______
Plus a few bonus ones mentioned in conversation (to have a reputation ____, to stick _____, etc.).
 
Mentioned in this Episode
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-4">⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠</a></li>
 <li>
<a href="https://courses.americanenglishpodcast.com/p/season-1-2-and-3-bundle">⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠</a> (+ discount on Season 4) 
</li>
</ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

<description>Ever get confused between “apply to” and “apply for”? Or wonder whether to say “argue about” or “argue over”? In today’s episode, we break down these common English combinations with quick, simple explanations and memorable examples. You’ll also learn the difference between “belong to” and “belong in.” By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right phrase in everyday conversations.

👉 Perfect for English learners who want short, practical grammar tips they can use right away.

to apply to vs. apply for

to argue about vs. argue over

to belong to vs. belong in

to decide ______

to insist ______

Plus a few bonus ones mentioned in conversation (to have a reputation ____, to stick _____, etc.).



Mentioned in this Episode


 ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠

 
⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4)



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices</description>

Master prepositions through conversations

Ever get confused between “apply to” and “apply for”? Or wonder whether to say “argue about” or “argue over”? In today’s episode, we break down these common English combinations with quick, simple explanations and memorable examples. You’ll also learn the difference between “belong to” and “belong in.” By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right phrase in everyday conversations.

👉 Perfect for English learners who want short, practical grammar tips they can use right away.

to apply to vs. apply for

to argue about vs. argue over

to belong to vs. belong in

to decide ______

to insist ______

Plus a few bonus ones mentioned in conversation (to have a reputation ____,  to stick _____, etc.).



Mentioned in this Episode


  ⁠Season 4 Premium Content⁠

  
⁠All Premium Content Seasons 1-3⁠ (+ discount on Season 4)



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

199 - 5 MORE Prepositions Advanced Speakers Get Wrong (with Lucas!)

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

American English Podcast

Details

Recent Episodes