Tom Teaches: Americanisms

Tom Teaches: Americanisms

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Americanisms is designed for intermediate English Language learners. It's to help you practice your listening, your pronunciation and to learn more about the culture of the United States. If you plan on coming to live or visit the United States, this podcast gives you some cultural background that you probably didn't hear about in the classroom. Enjoy!

Thomas Bachman


    • Aug 7, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 23 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Tom Teaches: Americanisms

    Florida Man: Tuba Player gets BANNED from Beach (Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2021 27:05


    In this episode of Florida Man Friday, we hear about a young man who can't do what he loves: Playing the Tuba (on the beach at least). First, I read through the article in its entirety. Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. Then, I read the article once more. Hopefully you will have an easier time understanding the new vocabulary the second time through. FINALLY, I play the actual News Segment that this article comes from and you get to test yourself against a variety of voices and at a slightly faster speed than what I speak at. Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.comTimestamps : Intro : (0:00 - 1:53)Full article : (1:54 - 5:10)Vocabulary explanation: (5:11 - 20:27)Full article 2nd time: (20:28 - 23:46)New Segment: (23:47- 26:22Outro: (26:23 - End) 

    Beauty and the American Frog Prince Folk Tale (Upper Beginner / Lower Intermediate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 16:32


    In this episode we have a combination of classic fairytales with a little American flavor. The two classic fairytales are 'The Frog Prince' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. This folktale is rather short and simple, but it's entertaining nonetheless. I read the story through one time. Then I go back and breakdown each sentence and any new vocabulary. Finally, I read the story one more time and hopefully you understand more the second time through. If you like the episode, please share it with a friend! Time Stamps: Intro: (0:00 - 1:24 )Full Story (1:25 - 3:49)Breakdown (3:50 -13:26)Full Story 2nd Time (13:27 - 15:52)Outro (15:53 - End)If you'd like to reach me, you can contact me via e-mail at AmericanismPodcast@gmail.com Enjoy!

    Holograms Steal Man's Wife (FMF) (Intermediate Level)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2021 16:53


    In this episode of Florida Man Friday, we learn about a man that claims his wife is abducted by men wielding holograms, or maybe by holograms themselves... It's unclear. This article is from The Huffington PostFirst, I read through the article without stopping.Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. Finally I read the article once more and hopefully you understand more the second time hearing it! Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.comTimestamps : Intro (0:00 - 1:24Full article : ( 1:25 - 3:41)Vocabulary explanation: ( 3:42 - 13:56)Full article 2nd time (13:57 - 16:15)Outro (16:16 - End) 

    The Dog Who Could WALK On Water! (Beginner / Intermediate Level)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 20:57


    In this Episode we meet a couple of old men who are always trying to one-up each other. They want to have the best hunting dogs. One man goes to extreme measures to get the upper hand. Even going so far as to buy a dog that defies gravity! As usual, I start with an introduction. Then I read the full story, without stopping. Next, I go back and explain any interesting vocabulary. And finally, I read the story again, without stopping. Hopefully by the second time hearing it, you understand more easily than you did the first time hearing it. Time Stamps: Intro: (0:00 - 1:22 )Full Story (1:23 - 5:08)Breakdown (5:10 -16:15)Full Story 2nd Time (16:16 - 20:03)Outro (20:05 - End)If you'd like to reach me, you can contact me via e-mail at AmericanismPodcast@gmail.com Enjoy!

    Florida Man Feeds Hank the Alligator and Gets Arrested (FMF)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 12:38


    In this episode of Florida Man Friday, we learn about a man that loves his little green friend! Unfortunately for him, he's not supposed to be feeding this friend of his. First, I read through the article without stopping.Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. I'll read the article once more. Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.comTimestamps : Intro (0:00 - 2:03)Full article : ( 2:05 - 3:56)Vocabulary explanation: (3:58 - 10:10)Full article 2nd time (10:11 -12:03)Outro (12:04- End) 

    The Two Wagoners (Intermediate Level) Folk Tale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 28:43


    In this Episode we meet a couple of men who confront adversity with very different attitudes. We also see what God and St. Peter think about these two different approaches.As usual, I start with an introduction. Then I read the full story, without stopping. Next, I go back and explain any interesting vocabulary. And finally, I read the story again, without stopping. Hopefully by the second time hearing it, you understand more easily than you did the first time hearing it. Time Stamps: Intro: (0:00 - 4:06)Full Story (4:07 - 7:17)Breakdown (7:19 - 24:10)Full Story 2nd Time (24:13 - 27:30)Outro (27:31 - End)If you'd like to reach me, you can contact me via e-mail at AmericanismPodcast@gmail.com Enjoy!

    FMF "Man Pretends to be Firework by Screaming Firework Noises"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2021 30:48


    In this episode of Florida Man Friday, we learn about a man that's tired of hearing fireworks late at night, so he takes matters into his own hands.This comes from PopCulture.com First, I read through the article without stopping.Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. I'll read the article once more. And finally, I'm going to play a real News Clip that this story is based on, hopefully you can understand that as well!Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.comTimestamps : intro (0:00 - 4:14)Full article : (4:15 - 7:29)Vocabulary explanation: (7:30 - 24:15)Full article 2nd time (24:16 - 27:38)TV News Segment (27:40 - 30:10)Outro (30:11 - End) 

    Californian 250-Year-Old Man! (Intermediate - Advanced)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 32:23


    In this Episode we meet a folk hero from California who lived to 250 years old. He lived so long that the only thing left he wanted to do was die! Unfortunately for him, that wasn't possible.As usual, I start with an introduction. Then I read the full story, without stopping. Next, I go back and explain any interesting vocabulary. And finally, I read the story again, without stopping. Hopefully by the second time hearing it, you understand more easily than you did the first time hearing it. Time Stamps: Intro: (0:00 - 2:50)Full Story (2:51 - 7:13)Breakdown (7:15 - 26:54)Full Story 2nd Time (26:56 - 31:21)Outro (31:24 - End)If you'd like to reach me, you can contact me via e-mail at AmericanismPodcast@gmail.com Enjoy!

    FMF: Florida Cashier BUSTED for Lottery Scam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 19:10


    In this episode of Florida Man Friday, we learn about a scam that sometimes happens to lottery winners. This comes from the Miami Herald, and the title of the article is:"Florida Cashier Busted for Stealing Winning Lottery Ticket"First, I read through the article in its entirety. Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. Finally, I read the article once more. Hopefully you will have an easier time understanding the new vocabulary the second time through.Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.comTimestamps : intro (0:00 - 2:57)Full article : (2:58 - 6:19)Vocabulary explanation: (6:20 - 15:00_Full article 2nd time (15:01 - 18:24)Outro (18:25 - End) 

    Getting Common Sense from Anansi Spider (West African Folk Heritage!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 14:29


    In this Episode we meet a folk hero of West African Origin: Anansi Spider. He's a typical trickster character, but his plans backfire. As a result, all of mankind benefits!As usual, I have an introduction to the podcast and the story. Then I read the full story without stopping. Next, I go back and break down any interesting vocabulary. And finally, I read the story again, without stopping. Hopefully by the second time hearing it, you understand more easily than you did the first time hearing it. TimeStamps: Intro (0:00 - 4:40)Full Story (4:42- 6:43)Break Down (6:45 - 11:31)Full Story Second time ( 11:33 - 13:39)Outro (13:39 - 14:29)If you'd like to reach me, you can contact me via e-mail at AmericanismPodcast@gmail.com Enjoy!

    Florida Man Drunkenly STABS Friend for Hogging TV Remote (FMF)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2021 19:56


    In today's "Florida Man Friday" episode we discuss an article from Knewz.com  called:Florida man 'drunkenly stabs his friend with a medieval sword for "hogging the TV remote"'First, I read through the article in its entirety. Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. Finally, I read the article once more. Hopefully you will have an easier time understanding the new vocabulary the second time through.Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com

    tv friend florida man stabs drunkenly tv remote florida man friday
    Man, the Burro and the Dog (A Story About Getting Older)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 15:34


    This episode is an old story from the South Western United States. It has origins in hispanic culture as many stories from that part of the country do. First I read the whole story, with no breaks.Afterwards, I reread the story and explain any difficult or interesting vocabulary. Finally, I read the story once more with no breaks. Hopefully by the second time through, you understand the story more easily than you did when you heard it for the first time.If you enjoyed the story, please share it with a friend! You can reach me at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.comUntil next time! 

    Florida Man Gets Naked and Chases People!!! FMF

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 13:37


    In today's "Florida Man Friday" episode we discuss an article from:The Daytona Beach News Journal "Deputies: Naked man chases 2 around Palm Coast Chick-fil-A parking lot"First, I read through the article in its entirety. Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary. Finally, I read the article once more. Hopefully you will have an easier time understanding the new vocabulary the second time through.Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com

    naked florida man chases daytona beach news journal florida man friday
    Paul Bunyan Takes Care of Mosquitoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 14:10


    This episode is about Paul Bunyan, The Giant Lumberjack. I read the folk story "Paul Bunyan Takes Care of Mosquitoes" from the book "A Treasury of American Folktales" Compiled and annotated by Catherine PeckFirst I read the whole story, with no breaks.Afterwards, I read the story, sentence by sentence and explain any difficult or interesting vocabulary. Finally, I encourage you to go back and listen again to the full story to see if you understand more than you did the first time.Enjoy and Subscribe for more!You can reach me at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com

    Florida Man THROWS Baby at Police!!! FMF

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2021 18:24


    This is a new segment called "Florida Man Friday" In today's episode we discuss an article from the New York Post entitled :  "Florida Man Throws Baby at Deputies After High-speed Chase"First, I read through the article in its entirety. Then, I go back and break down each sentence, explaining any interesting grammar and vocabulary.Enjoy and subscribe for more!If you'd like to reach me you  can email at  AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com 

    George Washington and the Legend of the Cherry Tree

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 23:37


    This episode is about George Washington and the Legend of the Cherry TreeI read the folk story "The Cherry Tree Legend" from the book "A Treasury of American Folktales" Compiled and annotated by Catherine PeckFirst I read the whole story, with no breaks.Afterwards, I read the story, sentence by sentence and explain any difficult or interesting vocabulary. Finally, I encourage you to go back and listen again to the full story to see if you understand more than you did the first time.Enjoy and Subscribe for more!You can reach me at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com 

    Tall Tales from a Liar's Club

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 20:32


    This episode is from A Treasury of North American Folktales (compiled and annotated by Cathrine Peck) I read through the tale one time, then afterwards I break down any relevant vocabulary that might be confusing.  I encourage you to rewind and listen back to the story to solidify any new words or phrases, within the context of the story.Feel free to email me at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! 

    Annie Oakley Gets Her Gun

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 22:14


    In this episode, I read the story through one time and then break down the vocabulary.In interest of keeping the episode a manageable length, I decided to not read the story back again, as I did in previous episodes.The story starts at the 50 second mark, if you'd like to rewind and listen again. Please feel free to write to me with questions at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com and I will write back to you. 

    The Jersey Devil Folk MONSTER!

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 11:05


    This episode is about The Jersey Devil (A.K.A. The Monster of Leeds). I read the folk story "The Birth of the Jersey Devil" by S.E. Schlosser from Americanfolklore.net.First time through I read very slowly.Then I do a breakdown of the vocabulary and interesting content, sentence by sentence.Finally I read it one last time, at full speed. Enjoy and Subscribe for more!You can reach me at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com 

    Buffalo Bill: American Folk Hero

    Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 14, 2020 15:12


    This episode is about Buffalo Bill. I read an article, first slowly.Then I break it down sentence by sentence.Finally I read it one last time, at full speed. Enjoy and Subscribe for more.

    Paul Bunyan's Kitchen

    Play Episode Play 32 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 15:27


    In this episode, I read a folk story about Paul Bunyan, the Giant Lumberjack. I got the story from Americanfolklore.net and it is retold by S.E. Schlosser.  I read the story slowly first. Then, I breakdown the different vocabulary and things I find interesting. Finally I read it again at normal speed.If you'd like the transcripts to this episode and more, please email me at Americanismspodcast@gmail.com 

    Johnny Appleseed: American Folk Hero

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 17:55


    In this episode I talk about John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed.He's one of the most well known folk hero in American history and he's based on a real person! Feel free to email me at AmericanismsPodcast@gmail.com  

    John Henry, American Folk Hero

    Play Episode Play 36 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 19:50


    In this episode I talk about the story of John Henry. I read through the story two times. The first time I read slowly and the second time I read at normal speed.Between I will break down what different words and phrases mean.Hope you enjoy!

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