POPULARITY
Why You Don't Understand Spoken English (Biggest Listening Mistakes + What to Do Instead) Do you understand English when you read it but struggle when people speak? You're not bad at English. You're making common listening mistakes that most English learners never fix. In this lesson, I break down the biggest English listening and comprehension mistakes that block fluency, confidence, and professional communication, and I show you exactly what to do instead. If you: • Pretend you understand English when you don't • Miss small words like "the," "to," or "are" • Get confused by fast, natural speech • Struggle with English vowel sounds • Avoid real English videos because they feel "too hard" This video is for you. You'll learn: • Why pretending to understand English hurts you long-term • How to ask for clarification in English naturally and professionally • How reduced speech affects English listening • Why function words matter for listening and speaking • How vowel sounds change meaning in English • How to train your ear using real English audio and video • The listening habits fluent English speakers actually use This is real-world English listening, not textbook English. By the end of this video, you'll understand: • Why native speakers sound "too fast" • What you're actually missing when you listen • How to stop nodding and guessing • How to build listening confidence for work, meetings, and conversations This lesson is ideal for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to: • Understand native speakers more easily • Speak more clearly and naturally • Sound more confident in English • Improve professional communication Best for: English listening practice English comprehension skills Understanding fast English Reduced speech in English Real English listening for learners Business English listening Advanced English listening If you want to stop guessing, stop translating, and finally understand real spoken English, start here. Hashtags: #EnglishListening #EnglishComprehension #LearnEnglish #SpokenEnglish #EnglishFluency #AdvancedEnglish #BusinessEnglish #RealEnglish 00:00 Introduction 00:34 How to learn faster 00:50 I'm Gabby from GoNaturalEnglish.com 01:02 Let's start with the biggest listening mistake 03:35 How to fix the first listening mistake 04:13 Phrases for clarification 06:25 Another big listening mistake 07:22 How to fix the second listening mistake 08:40 Third big listening mistake 09:18 How to fix the third listening mistake 10:27 A fourth big listening mistake 11:25 Examples to fix this big listening mistake 12:35 A fifth big listening mistake 13:35 Examples and how to fix this big listening mistake 15:05 Listening trains your pronunciation and speaking skills 16:03 Stop listening passively (and what to do instead) 17:55 Your new fluent listening identity 21:15 Fluent Communication Class update 21:45 Listening practice and phrases 26:23 Listening quiz
今年拿下NSW HSC Advanced English最高分的Valery Lin来自North Sydney Girls High,分享自己学习英语的方法。欢迎点击收听。
In this episode of The English Zone Podcast, we explore Animal Farm by George Orwell — a short book written in simple English with one of the deepest messages ever written about power, control, propaganda, and freedom.This is not just a book summary.It's a lesson about how power changes people, how language can be used to control the masses, and how easily we can be manipulated when we stop questioning information.Through the story of the animals on Manor Farm, you'll learn:How revolutions begin with hope — and how they can failHow leaders control information, history, and fearWhy propaganda works when people stop thinking criticallyAnd why “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” is one of the most powerful lines ever writtenThe language is clear and simpleThe ideas are deep and thought-provokingYou'll build vocabulary, listening skills, and critical thinkingYou'll learn how English is not just a language — it's a tool for understanding the worldIf you want to improve your English and strengthen your thinking, this episode is for you.
Do these English idioms confuse you — even though you hear them all the time?In this lesson, I'll teach you 11 advanced English expressions from real conversations that native speakers actually use. These aren't textbook phrases — they're the kind of idioms you'll hear at work, with friends, and in everyday life.If you want to sound natural, confident, and fluent, these expressions will help you speak like the top 1% of English speakers.
Today, we're analyzing the explosive reports of the U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro to help you master 20 advanced English terms used by top journalists and political analysts. From understanding what it means to 'give the green light' to the legal weight of an 'illegitimate regime,' this lesson will give you the vocabulary you need to discuss global breaking news with confidence.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off.
At the start of the year, I had a fairly clear idea of what the next twelve months would look like...that didn't happen.In this episode, I talk about how the year actually ended up - the practical changes, the shifts in routine, and how you can end a year in a completely different place without any single dramatic moment causing it.It's not a recap, and it's not a lesson. Just a look at how plans drift, circumstances change, and how that only becomes obvious when the year is already over.
In this powerful English lesson for advanced learners, you'll listen to the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountain climber whose solo hike turned into a 127-hour fight for survival in the Utah desert.Through this dramatic story, you will:• Build advanced listening comprehension• Learn high-impact vocabulary related to survival and risk• Practice storytelling in past tenses• Master “should have” to talk about regrets, mistakes, and better choices• Improve speaking confidence with guided discussion questionsThis lesson goes beyond English. It challenges you to think about responsibility, preparation, and how small decisions can lead to life-changing consequences.Get the full lesson here.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?In this episode, we explore Ikigai — the Japanese concept of living with purpose and balance — inspired by the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García (and Francesc Miralles).You'll learn how Ikigai lives at the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for — and why true fulfillment comes from balancing all four.Through simple explanations and real-life reflections, this episode will help you think more clearly about your direction, strengths, and purpose — and how to build a life that feels meaningful, not just busy.
Join Teacher Tiffani in this dynamic English Masterclass packed with real fluency-building techniques that actually work. You'll learn how to analyze conversations, compare natural expressions, and create confidence through consistent daily practice. Discover the power of chunking, consistency, and confrontation to overcome hesitation. Plus, explore cultural insights, active listening, and complex sentence patterns used by native speakers in everyday English. Whether you're in America or abroad, these step-by-step strategies will help you sound fluent and natural in every conversation.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Feel stuck at intermediate English? You're not alone — progress isn't linear. In this classic episode, Andrea breaks down why you can understand shows with subtitles but freeze without them, and how to finally push past the plateau. You'll learn simple daily practices that separate intermediate learners from truly advanced speakers! Read the show notes here. .......... Follow us on: RealLife English (YouTube) Learn English with TV Series (YouTube)
In this lesson, you'll learn 79 advanced English phrases that native speakers use every day — not textbook English, but real, conversational language you can use immediately.
Bonus Episodes & Transcript PDFs Every Week on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiverMy Phrasal Verb Book and more: https://stan.store/easyenglishpodcastEasy English Merchandise & Donations: Mugs, Hoodies, & Donate to the Show - Click here.Want to sound like a native speaker? This lesson goes beyond "It's cold" to give you the descriptive vocabulary for any climate! We teach you why weather talk is the perfect small talk topic for conversation initiation, and how to use words like blustery, chilly, and muggy to describe the feeling of the day. Master this functional English to achieve true fluency.In this English lesson, you will learn:Key Vocabulary: Muggy, Blustery, Chilly, Dreadful, Forecast.Phrases for talking about rain (pouring, downpour) and heat.Real Phrases that native English speakers actually use
Shameful! But maybe relatable?
Why do so many celebrities follow the same tragic script - early success, impossible pressure, public decline, and a carefully managed collapse? And has anything really changed in the age of influencers, TikTok fame and constant online visibility?In today's Advanced level episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the darker side of fame: the industry built on illusion, the toxic incentives behind talent management, and the strange role we, the audience, play in keeping the system alive. From Judy Garland to Britney Spears, from classic paparazzi culture to the self-inflicted exposure of social media, we unpack why the machine keeps producing the same stories - and why we keep consuming them.You'll hear a 4-minute monologue followed by a natural, unscripted conversation in British English - ideal for advanced learners wanting rich vocabulary and nuanced reflections.
Almost half of UK marriages end in divorce - yet we often still treat it as a shameful or tragic failure. In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I explore why so many relationships end, talk a bit about our own (experiences with) marriage, whether staying married always means happiness, and why divorce might sometimes be an act of honesty rather than defeat.
After a period where every small problem felt catastrophic, and he was encouraged to be more "mindful", Oliver asks how and why this radical idea about awareness became yet another lifestyle brand. In this conversation, he and César unpack how a practice meant to help us face discomfort ended up being sold as the cure for it.
Children act based on how they feel in the moment; so if your life is influenced by your emotions and you act upon your feelings, that is a sign you haven't fully grown into a mature adult and that's okay. In this episode, you will learn three powerful, yet simple techniques that you can use to transform, from a child, to a mentally and emotionally strong adult.
Most of us remember a teacher - and not always for positives reasons.Maybe they inspired us. Maybe they embarrassed us. Maybe they simply showed up every day and did their job without ever realising how much it mattered to us.In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César reflect on the people who taught them and left a big impression. They share stories of teachers who left a mark, both good and bad, and explore how those small, unspoken moments in education can shape who we become.
Here is another gigantic English lesson at over two hours long. We have a little bit of everything here. English lessons with the news. English lesson quizzes, and even English lessons in other countries like India. ✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/
Welcome to episode #68 of The Real Life English with Gabby. In this episode, we dive into the language of natural disasters and explore 16 essential phrasal verbs, slang words and idioms, such as ride out the storm, make landfall, wipe out, and blow over. You'll hear real-life examples, clear explanations, and tips on how to use these expressions in everyday conversations—not just when talking about the weather. This episode is perfect for English learners who want to expand their vocabulary, boost their confidence, and sound more natural when discussing challenges, emergencies, or even everyday difficulties.This episode also includes a free Study Guide that will help you practice what you learn in this episode! It includes:Definitions and example sentencesThe full transcriptPractice exercises that will challenge youand more!Click >> HERE > CLICK HERE
✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/1. Allegedly: People say something happened, but it is not proven.: He allegedly took the last cookie, but no one saw him.2. Sergey Lavrov: A Russian politician and diplomat.: Sergey Lavrov spoke at the meeting on TV.3. Assembly: A group of people gathered together.: We had a school assembly in the gym this morning to watch the juggler.4. Moment: A very short time.: Please wait a moment while I finish my dinner and then I'll take a walk with you.5. Wrapped Up: Finished something.: She wrapped up her studying before dinner out to dinner with friends.6. Dive In: Start doing something quickly and with energy.: After school, he dove in and started playing his video game.7. Took Aim: Pointed at a target (can be real or spoken).: She took aim at the basket and scored two points.8. Root Causes: The main reasons for something.: The doctor tried to find the root causes of her patient's illness.9. Vital: Very important.: She told her son that it is vital to eat breakfast before school.10. Violating: Breaking a rule or law.: He was violating the rule by using his phone in class.11. Debunked: Shown to be false.: The story about aliens at school was debunked.12. Provocations: Actions that make someone angry.: His little brother's provocations made him shout.13. Decisive: Able to make choices quickly and with confidence.: She was decisive and chose the red shirt right away.14. A Shift: A small change.: There was a shift in the weather, and it started to rain.15. Occupied: Busy with something.: He was too occupied with the video game to answer the call from his parents.16. Prolonging: Making something last longer.: She kept prolonging bedtime by asking for more stories.: I would say the war with Ukraine and Russia has been prolonged. 17. Whatsoever: Not at all (for emphasis).: He had no interest in soccer whatsoever.18. Back and Forth: Moving between two places or sides many times.: The kids ran back and forth across the playground.19. Neutralized: Stopped something from being harmful.: The strong cleaner neutralized the bad smell in the kitchen.20. Disclosed: Shared information that was private or secret.: She disclosed her favorite snack to her best friend.: Her doctor disclosed to her that she would need surgery.
Are we becoming obsessed with optimisation?From Greek philosophy to Apple Watches, the idea of “the good life” has shifted from balance and virtue to data, tracking, and biohacking.In this episode of English and Beyond (Advanced), Oliver and César explore the culture of self-optimisation - from sleep divorces to clean eating, from supplements to billionaire blood transfusions.You'll hear natural British English conversation on:Where “healthy living” becomes obsessive control;Why sleep tracking, diets, and fitness apps can be both useful and harmful; andWhether we're chasing perfection or just trying to survive adulthood.
We begin a new Series on The English Zone podcast.This is a beautiful beginning of a 28 part podcast series highlighting the life of the most influential men in history.In this series, you will learn incredible lessons about the meaning of life, our purpose and how to handle difficult circumstances in our life, and the key to ultimate success.
Improving your listening skills is vital if you want to be competent in the English language. In this lesson, you're going to learn how to improve this area in the most efficient and rapid way possible so that you can understand native speakers and fast English.HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LISTENING SKILLS:Native speakers don't understand everything they hear. It's true. I sometimes find it difficult to understand:when on the phonewhen talking to people with accents I'm not used towhen watching moviesand when listening to musicThis is going to happen to you. You'll never reach a stage where you understand everything. But it's important to improve so that you can understand more.Here is how:Improve your vocabulary and grammar: the more you know, the more you'll understand. Search for "input To Fluency" to learn how to do this.Listen as much as possible: get used to the way people speak. You can listen while doing other things.What you listen to is important: find audio that is enjoyable, specific to you, and comprehensible. I recommend audiobooks that have been adapted for English learners (graded readers)Work on your pronunciation: if you can make the sounds in English, you'll better understand them when you hear them.Have natural conversations: this is the best type of listening practice but it's more expensive and harder to find.I encourage you to try these methods. Start today. Commit to doing more in English. Enjoy the journey. Hope you enjoyed this! Please subscribe if you're new!
They say you never forget your first love. And maybe that's true - not because it was perfect, but because it carried an intensity that later relationships rarely match. Years later, a song, a name, or a face in a crowd can bring the memory back, fresh and overwhelming.In this episode, we talk about first crushes, awkward kisses, and secret teenage romances. Some stories are sweet, others bittersweet, but all of them remind us how powerful those early feelings can be - and how they stay with us, even when everything else has moved on.Listen in for reflections on:Why first love often feels more vivid than later relationshipsHow memory reshapes our earliest experiences of desire and disappointmentThe sweet, sometimes innocent intensity of loving for the very first time
When AI can podcast, teach and even translate in real time, what's left for us humans?In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and César discuss the promises and threats of Artificial Intelligence. From Apple's new live-translation AirPods to AI-generated podcasts on YouTube, they ask hard and sometimes depressing questions about the future of education, creativity, and work!Will teachers and podcasters (and lawyers) become redundant? Could AI replace not only routine jobs but also creative voices? Or will this technology simply shift what we value as “uniquely human”?Along the way, they reflect on history, from the Industrial Revolution to today, and explore how people adapt when technology changes everything.Listen in for a frank conversation about fear and opportunity — and decide for yourself whether AI is a threat, a tool, or perhaps both.
Get Daily Vocabulary Words - http://dailyenglishvocabulary.com/"
Why are humans so devoted to pets?We spend billions on them, treat them like family, and grieve their loss as deeply as we would a relative. But they're not human. They don't share our language or our culture, and their lives are heartbreakingly short. So why do we choose to invite animals into our homes - knowing from the beginning that the story will end in loss?In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the paradox of pet ownership. We look at the history of pets, cultural differences in attitudes to animals, and the challenges - financial, practical, and emotional - of living with them. Along the way, we share personal stories of beloved cats and dogs, and reflect on why the bond between humans and animals is so powerful.Perfect for advanced English learners, this episode combines natural conversation with cultural insight, giving you the language to talk about pets, companionship, and loss in English.
Being "Advanced" isn't always a good thing...
Why do compliments so often make us cringe? In this advanced English podcast episode, we explore the psychology of praise and the language of compliments: why a simple “you look nice today” can trigger self-doubt, suspicion, or even discomfort.You'll discover how cultural differences shape the way compliments are given and received in English, why flattery can sometimes feel manipulative, and how a “backhanded compliment” works. We'll also look at natural phrases and advanced vocabulary you can use when giving or responding to compliments in English.This episode is designed for advanced English learners who want to improve their listening comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and understand the subtleties of English communication.
Learn 10 advanced English verbs that real natives use in conversations every day! These verbs will help you sound fluent, confident, and natural in your speaking.In this lesson, I'll teach you how to: ✅ Use advanced verbs in daily conversations ✅ Understand subtle meanings and contexts ✅ Speak more like a native English speaker
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Vikram Gandhi, the man behind the documentary Kumaré. Pretending to be a wise spiritual master from the East, he gained devoted followers, without them knowing it was all an experiment. Along the way, he uncovered deep truths about belief, trust, and human connection. Perfect for advanced English learners, this conversation is packed with fascinating storytelling, real-life drama, and rich vocabulary you can use in everyday life. Read the show notes here. .......... Follow us on: RealLife English (YouTube) Learn English with TV Series (YouTube)
You think you are in control, but you are not.Listen along and find out why you are so lazy and how to say goodbye to being lazy and finding seeing results in your actions.Want to sign up for a course?Click HERE.
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. In this immersive summer episode, you'll escape to the sun-drenched shores of an American beach and soak up advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and collocations—all beach-themed and delivered in under 10 minutes (ish
In this special 50th episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César reflect on one year of podcasting, what anniversaries really mean, and why they could often forget their own.From the challenges of staying consistent to the little victories along the way, we talk about how far we've come - and whether anniversaries are worth celebrating at all. Expect language tips, personal stories, some light teasing, and a spilled coffee or two.Whether you've been here since episode one or just joined us, this is a great moment to catch up, laugh with us, and maybe question what really deserves a celebration.
In this sweaty, slightly chaotic episode, César and Oliver question whether moving to Valencia was such a great idea... in the middle of an early summer heatwave. Join us as we talk about the oppressive Spanish humidity, sweaty public transport, unexpected cockroach encounters, and whether torrid weather leads to torrid affairs.You'll learn expressions like sweating like a pig, dog days of summer, break a sweat, and pungent, all in the context of a fun, natural conversation. It's English for real life - with humour, honesty, and a lot of sweat.
Is Tuscany really as perfect as Instagram makes it look?In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and César sit down to share the unfiltered truth about their recent holiday in Italy - and it's not all rolling hills and Chianti. From postcard-perfect views and delicious dinners to mosquito bites, awkward group dynamics, and way too much sun, this is a real conversation about travel expectations vs. reality.Whether you've had a disappointing holiday yourself or just want to hear two English teachers get a little too honest about their summer getaway, this episode is packed with humour, reflection, and the kind of natural English that textbooks never teach.Watch on YouTube for the video version!
5 steps to help you figure out what you want.If you want to read the newsletter that I used to make this podcast, click HERE and subscribe. It's FREE and it's straight from me! Want 1:1 English or coaching classes? Fill out this form: 1:1 with The English ZoneHave a question? Message me on Instagram.All my other links are here: https://linktr.ee/TheEnglishZone
In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced Edition, Oliver and César explore a question we all secretly ask ourselves: “Do I actually like this… or do I just think I'm supposed to?” From five-star restaurants and summer holidays to podcasts and museums, they take a light-hearted but honest look at things that might be a little overrated, a bit overhyped, or just not all they're cracked up to be.Along the way, they revisit The Emperor's New Clothes as a perfect metaphor for modern trends, and unpack the advanced English you need to talk about personal taste, pressure, and public opinion — including words and phrases like pretentious, mainstream, underwhelming, and jump on the bandwagon.This is a funny, reflective, vocabulary-rich episode about honesty, hype, and the freedom of saying “meh.”
I have made several podcast episodes about this amazing book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, and lots of videos about it on my YouTube channel, but in this episode, I talk about almost everything you need to learn in this book. It will motivate you to start taking small steps to achieve desired results.Watch my videos on YouTube on this book here:The English Zone on YouTubeHave a question or you want 1:1 English or coaching classes?message me on Instagram: @TheEnglishZone_
Master the art of delivering a compelling vision in this episode of The Business English Podcast. Through Charlie's journey - a non-native pro in London - you'll learn persuasive phrases, storytelling tricks, and how to avoid common pitfalls to inspire teams and unite departments. Level up your leadership communication - listen now!==============
Learn 28 essential English words and phrases you can use at the beach! Perfect for English learners who want to sound natural while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
⭐️ Book a 1 to 1 English Session with Rob: https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching
The new pope is chosen by cardinals in a secret election held in the Sistine Chapel. The Holy See organizes the process to make sure it follows Church rules. Here is a slow English lesson about it.
I visited the city that never sleeps and I realized it is also the most reviewed place on Google and it has the highest rating of 4.9/5.0. In this episode, I talk about my experience and why I visited this place.Here's the Google Page: https://g.co/kgs/Gu3tK2h Have a question? Message me on Instagram @TheEnglishZone_