Set of dialects of the English language spoken in the United States
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Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I'm here every Friday, with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. Today's phrasal verb is jazz up.When you jazz something up, it means you make it more interesting, exciting, or attractive. It's like giving something a little extra style or energy. Like, my friend Lisa was hosting a party last weekend. She jazzed up her living room with some cool lights and a new playlist. At work, Tony jazzed up his presentation by adding some funny memes. And me? Well, I jazzed up my dinner the other night by adding some hot chili sauce.So how about you? Do you like to jazz up your cooking, your house, or maybe even your social media posts? Leave a comment below, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE
During the 1600s, English speakers established the first permanent British settlements in North America. Regional accents and dialects from different parts of the British Iles were brought to the New World. Colonial settlement patterns shaped the foundation and roots of American English. Spoken English loanwords from America influenced the development of the language. The epic story of the English language in North America is fascinating. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at Video link https://youtu.be/daiIYYTpLoY which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams. History of English podcast at https://amzn.to/3IPLF8O Books by Kevin Stroud available at https://amzn.to/4mPav6x ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credit: History of English podcast with Kevin Stroud Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ochelli Effect 10-2-2025 SNAFU NEWSThor's Day, Eight O'clock and all is not well on the Homefront it seems.Hulk Hogan and Kirk Land Conspiracies are running wild on GooTube and yet a sober look at what debate and the debased linguistics are too simplistic as we are surrounded by those that mangle the language way worse than my oddly attached Grade and High School teachers droned on about and most seemed to think Ebonics was the destruction of American English in general.---Trump says US is in ‘armed conflict' with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbeanhttps://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d?President Trump Plans To Investigate and “Disrupt” Opposition Speechhttps://www.cato.org/blog/white-house-maps-plans-investigate-disrupt-dissenting-speech'None of us have ever asked for special treatment' - US female veterans respond to Hegseth speechhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8525w2v5wo Hegseth Is Right — We Need To Rethink Women's Role In The Militaryhttps://thefederalist.com/2025/10/01/hegseth-is-right-we-need-to-rethink-womens-role-in-the-military/ICE officers to attend Super Bowl after Bad Bunny announcement, says Lewandowskihttps://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5534003-bad-bunny-to-headline/Most Voters Think America's Divisions Cannot Be Overcome, Poll Sayshttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/us/politics/times-siena-poll-political-polarization.htmlOzzy Osbourne: No Escape from Nowhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt35922832/https://www.ozzy.com/archives/news/paramount-announces-feature-length-documentary-ozzy-osbourne-no-escape-from-now---TODAY's NEWSVANDAL selections from so-called Election?Who is Howard Lutnick and why should this concern you?After graduating from Haverford College in 1983 with a degree in economics, Howard began working for Cantor Fitzgerald. When Howard Lutnick was 29 he was named second in command of Cantor Fitzgerald and a year later Howard became the president and CEO of Cantor in 1991 and Chairman in 1996.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2965714/bio/So a big banker connected to the Real Estate Hustler from Queens Trump is in as the economic genius that thinks Tariffs will fund the government as in on top of the current taxes paid except when New Orange is the old trickle down messiah makes exceptions and rigs business across the board for importers. AKA MAGA-Nomics Defective Comics 2025. T rump's "tariff czar": Lutnick has been described as an architect of Trump's tariff policy. When nominating him, Trump stated Lutnick would "lead our tariff and trade agenda"Howard Lutnick is the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in the second Trump administration and a strong advocate for his tariffsHoward Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein Neighbors in Manhattan: Lutnick and Epstein were neighbors in Manhattan, with Lutnick living at 11 East 71st Street and Epstein at the adjacent 9 East 71st Street. "Greatest blackmailer ever" comments: In an October 2025 interview, Lutnick stated his assumption that Epstein filmed associates being massaged in his home to blackmail them. He called Epstein "the greatest blackmailer ever".Howard Lutnick Says Former Neighbor Epstein Was ‘Greatest Blackmailer Ever'https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/02/howard-lutnick-jeffrey-epstein-blackmail/Trump Cabinet Secretary Howard Lutnick Faces Call to Testify Over His ‘Explosive' Epstein Blackmail Claimshttps://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-cabinet-secretary-howard-lutnick-faces-call-to-testify-over-his-explosive-epstein-blackmail-claims/ Did Jeffrey Epstein “Belong to Intelligence”?https://www.skeptic.com/article/did-jeffrey-epstein-belong-to-intelligence/Which Wall Street Banks Loved Pedo Jeffrey Epstein As Much As His BFF Trump Loved Him? These Did!https://www.wonkette.com/p/which-wall-street-banks-loved-pedo---The Umbrella Man (2018)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmNJuJzdVLUCredit to Jimmy James for sending me this failed propaganda message in a bottle-neck for much more than the a metaphor in the metadata corrupted by but not owned by metaverse.---Can we consider Flawed logic and abusive use of simple tactics instead of actually debating.It doesn't matter if you agree with Kirk's opinions or not think about the flawed approaches and arguments that end up as fake wins for a ready made audience in any direction.Does Chuck sound like he's throwing i some towels while paper ones are too expensive.Things are tough all over and we are not making things better it seems. Where's the bottom of this rock that has no roll left in it except Roll Over?---NOT QUITING AS LONG AS YOU KEEP US GOINGBE THE EFFECTEmergency help for Ochelli and The NetworkMrs.OLUNA ROSA CANDLEShttp://www.paypal.me/Kimberlysonn12 new Social Media experimentsBLUESKYhttps://bsky.app/profile/ochelli.bsky.socialTRUTH SOCIALhttps://truthsocial.com/@Ochelli---Listen/Chat on the Sitehttps://ochelli.com/listen-live/TuneInhttp://tun.in/sfxkxAPPLEhttps://music.apple.com/us/station/ochelli-com/ra.1461174708Without YOUR support we go silent.---NOVEMBER IN DALLAS LANCER CONFERENCEDISCOUNT FOR YOU10 % OFF code = Ochelli10https://assassinationconference.com/Coming SOON Room Discount Details The Fairmont Dallas hotel 1717 N Akard Street, Dallas, Texas 75201BE THE EFFECTListen/Chat on the Sitehttps://ochelli.com/listen-live/TuneInhttp://tun.in/sfxkxAPPLEhttps://music.apple.com/us/station/ochelli-com/ra.1461174708Ochelli Link Treehttps://linktr.ee/chuckochelliAnything is a blessing if you have the meansWithout YOUR support we go silent.---NOVEMBER IN DALLAS LANCER CONFERENCEDISCOUNT FOR YOU10 % OFF code = Ochelli10https://assassinationconference.com/Coming SOON Room Discount Details The Fairmont Dallas hotel 1717 N Akard Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. easy access to Dealey Plaza
Have you ever tried using slang in English and wondered… “Did I sound natural?” Slang can make your English sound more authentic — but if you use it wrong, it can get awkward fast. In this episode, Gabby Wallace shares 10 modern American slang words and phrases you can actually use in 2026. You'll learn what they mean, how native speakers use them, and when not to use them. Inside this episode: The slang expressions Americans are using right now. Example sentences you can copy instantly. Warnings so you don't sound weird or out of place. Quick repeat practice to help you remember. By the end, you'll know how to confidently drop phrases like “I'm down,” “no cap,” and “hits different” into real conversations. Want more practice? Join us inside English Insiders for role-plays, listening exercises, and slang challenges: gonaturalenglish.com/ei No cap — this episode hits different!
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Struggling with the hardest words in American English pronunciation? In this essential accent training episode, we break down three of the most challenging words for non-native speakers: Worcestershire Sauce, Efficiency, and Vulnerable.Stop worrying about being misunderstood! Get a clear, step-by-step guide to mastering the subtle vowels, tricky consonant clusters, and syllable stress patterns for these high-frequency vocabulary words. Whether you're an ESL student, a business professional, or an actor working on accent reduction, this lesson will dramatically boost your speaking confidence and clarity in any American conversation.Links & Resources:Follow my InstagramJoin the Free CommunityAccent Training YouTubeIn this episode of the American Accent Pronunciation Podcast, you will learn:How to pronounce "Worcestershire Sauce": The definitive guide to tackling the silent letters and unique rhythm of this famously difficult word.The secret to saying "Efficiency": Master the precise vowel sound and syllable stress to use this word with a natural American flow.Breaking down "Vulnerable": Learn the subtle techniques needed for the "l" and "r" sounds to make this word sound effortless.The overall rules for American accent development that apply to all challenging vocabulary.Don't let these tricky words hold you back. Tune in now and take the next step toward a clear, confident American accent!BOOK A CONSULTATION HERE
American English shadowing exercises are for people interested in expanding their American English accents, whether you are located in the US, North America, or other areas around the world. For the best use of shadowing exercises in American English, listen to a section of audio, pause, and repeat what you hear. Try to use the same pronunciation, intonation, stress, pitch patterns, and linking that you find native English speakers use; record yourself and compare the differences.Find mp3 versions of our exercises here: www.fluentamerican.com/podcast#fluentamerican #shadowing #americanaccent
Final Sounds: Voiced or Unvoiced? | Word Quiz & Listening Practice In this video, we'll test your ability to hear the difference between voiced and unvoiced final consonant sounds in American English. Changing the voicing of a final sound can completely change the meaning of the word — so it's important to train your ear to catch it! ✔️ Listen for subtle differences between final voiced and unvoiced consonants ✔️ Practice with a word quiz to sharpen your listening and pronunciation skills ✔️ Learn how voicing changes affect meaning and clarity in English Perfect for ESL learners, pronunciation students, and anyone who wants to speak more clearly and understand English more easily.
On April 3, 2025, Julie Washington was appointed interim dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine. No stranger to leadership roles, the professor of education was already associate dean for faculty development and diversity at the school, where she's been a member of the faculty since 2021. Before that, Washington served as professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Georgia State University and professor and chair of the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Washington describes herself as a “language nerd” who, during her high school years, frequently won oratory contests and reveled in the art of diagramming sentences. After working with a speech-language pathologist for voice therapy during that same period of her life, Washington knew she had found the career she wanted to pursue. Most recently, her research has centered around how language impacts reading and writing and how it develops in children who learn variations of American English in their communities. Washington shares her expertise worldwide – this summer, she served as the keynote speaker at the Africa Dyslexia Conference, held in Accra, Ghana, an event co-sponsored by UC Irvine's School of Education. In this episode of The UC Irvine Podcast, we'll learn more about her origin story and the work she's leading with UC Irvine's Language Variation and Academic Success lab and Learning Disabilities Research Innovation Hub, which is funded by the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Washington will also share where she's seeing the positive impacts of AI in education, why research drives practice in the field, and how she plans to lead her school and maintain its nationally recognized reputation during this time of funding uncertainty. “Words” the music for this episode, was provided by Audionautix via the audio library in YouTube Studio. Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Welcome to Episode #67 of The Real Life English with Gabby PodcastIn this episode, you'll learn 16 popular English slang words, idioms, and phrasal verbs for the Fall/Autumn season. It's the beginning of the beautiful Fall season here in the USA and we are ready for the cooler temperatures, apple pies and foliage. Autumn is not just a season, it's an experience here in the USA and it's a huge part of our culture. By the end of this episode, you'll be one step closer to speaking English naturally and with confidence. And the best part is that you get a free Study Guide that I create for every episode. This Study Guide includes: All the new words and definitionsEasy-to-follow example sentencesThe full transcriptPractice exercises so you can actually use what you learnClick >> HERE > CLICK HERE
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 4 | Compound Words & Phrasal Verbs In this video, we'll look at how syllable stress works in compound words and phrasal verbs in American English. These types of words follow specific stress patterns that can completely change the meaning if used incorrectly. ✔️ Learn stress rules for compound nouns like “greenhouse” vs. “green house” ✔️ Practice phrasal verbs like “give up,” “look out,” and “take off” ✔️ Improve your rhythm, clarity, and natural flow in everyday speech This is Part 4 of a series on syllable stress in Standard American English. Great for ESL learners, professionals, and anyone working on clear, confident pronunciation.
Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better. Today, let's look at a commonly used conversational phrase is “by the way.”We use by the way when we want to add something to the conversation, kind of like when we need to change the topic, or bringing up an extra point. It's casual, friendly, and super common in everyday English.Like of you're at a party, catching up with a friend. You can say something like, “It's great seeing you tonight. Oh, and by the way, how's your brother doing?” OR if you're talking to a coworker about something and you want to bring up another point. The conversation can go like this. “Yea, I finally finished that coding project this morning. Oh, by the way, did you get a chance to check your email?”Using by the way is like saying, “Oh, there's one more thing…” but in a natural, conversational way.Oh, and by the way? What do you think of these Saturday short podcasts? Leave a comment belowJoin my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE
Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Friday Phrasal Verb. Every Friday, I'll be here with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Last week we looked at toy with, which means to consider something not so seriously. Today's phrasal verb is the opposite of that: mull over. When you mull something over, it means you think about it carefully before making a decision. You're not rushing. You're taking your time to consider the options. Like, my buddy David got a job offer in another city. He said he needs to mull it over before he gives them his answer. Last week, Emily was thinking about buying a new car, but she told me she wanted to mull it over for a few days first. And me? I've been mulling over the idea of starting a new project for my students — but I want to be sure it's the right time. By the way, notice the pronunciation: mull over...muh-lover. We link the L at the end of mull with over: muh-lover. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE
American English shadowing exercises are for people interested in expanding their American English accents, whether you are located in the US, North America, or other areas around the world. For the best use of shadowing exercises in American English, listen to a section of audio, pause, and repeat what you hear. Try to use the same pronunciation, intonation, stress, pitch patterns, and linking that you find native English speakers use; record yourself and compare the differences.
Welcome to Episode #66 of The Real Life English with Gabby PodcastIn this episode, you'll learn 25 popular English slang words, idioms, and phrasal verbs for fashion and style. Whether or not you're "into fashion," you'll notice how important this topic is in many cultures. It's important to know how to describe fashion and style in English if you're ever going to communicate in English with Americans or other English speakers. By the end of this episode, you'll be one step closer to speaking English with confidence. And the best part is that you get TWO free lesson PDFs with this episode. First, you get the free Study Guide that I create for every episode. This Study Guide includes: All the new words and definitionsEasy-to-follow example sentencesThe full transcriptPractice exercises so you can actually use what you learnClick HERE For the Study GuideYou'll also get a FREE Bonus lesson from my new course English through Media. In this free lesson, you'll get a lesson based on three clips from The Devil Wears Prada that will teach you vocabulary, listening and more!When you sign up for the Study Guide >> HERE > CLICK HERE
Fall is right around the corner. Soon there will be a nip in the air as you look at the harvest moon, while sipping your pumpkin spice latte. When the season changes, so does the way we talk. So today, before Indian Summer comes, let's dive into some seasonal vocabulary and phrases that'll help you talk about fall just like a native speaker.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is englishpodcast, learnenglish, englishconversation, englishvocab, englishidioms, eslpodcast, speakenglish, englishteacher, ingilizce, ingilizcekonuş, ingilizcedersleri, английский, английскийязык, изучитьанглийский, englishlistening, englishgrammar, canadianenglish, americanenglish, adultlearners, languagelearning
Let me say right now, this ain't gonna be your average English lesson. And even considering that I've been teaching English for over 30 years, I ain't got no problem sharing this information with you. What I'm trying to say is, would you mind if I break some grammar rules today?In this lesson, I want to show you how native speakers break grammar rules — and why that's actually a part of sounding more natural when you speak.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE:
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
I came up with this podcast yesterday. I even wrote some of it in the car. And even though I touched on this topic in a podcast like 10 years ago, this lesson is ever better. Have you ever heard someone say something like, “It's even colder today than yesterday,” or “He even brought his cat to the party,” and thought… what's going on with that little word even? It's just four letters, but even does a lot of work in English. Native speakers use it all the time — in comparisons, for contrast, for emphasis — and in a few fixed phrases, too. So today, let's break it down.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 12, 2025 is: flummox FLUM-uks verb To flummox someone is to confuse or perplex them. // The actor was easily flummoxed by last-minute changes to the script. See the entry > Examples: “If Thursday crosswords flummox you, remember that it's much better for your stress level to do your best and sharpen your skills than to become angry because you aren't sure what's going on.” — Deb Amlen, The New York Times, 11 June 2025 Did you know? When it comes to the origins of flummox, etymologists are, well, flummoxed. No one really knows where the word comes from. The first known print use of the verb flummox appeared in Charles Dickens' novel The Pickwick Papers in the mid-1830s, while the adjective flummoxed appeared italicized a few years earlier in a Dublin newspaper article about laborers striking against employers who oppose their rights: “Lord Cloncurry is actually flummoxed. The people refuse to work for him.” To be flummoxed by something is to be utterly confused by it—that is, to be baffled, puzzled, bewildered, completely unable to understand. Fortunately, a word can be used even if everyone is flummoxed by its etymology, and by the end of the 19th century, flummox had become quite common in both British and American English.
Welcome to Episode #65 of The Real Life English with Gabby Podcast. In this episode, you'll learn 20 important English slang words, idioms, and phrasal verbs for small talk and networking. Small talk is typically one of the first things you learn in English because of how important it is in American culture. In this episode, you'll learn how to talk about small talk and networking and will be able to speak about this topic with confidence.And the best part? You can get the free Study Guide to go with this episode! It's packed with:All the new words and definitionsEasy-to-follow example sentencesThe full transcriptPractice exercises so you can actually use what you learnClick HERE For the Study GuideListen now—and start speaking English confidently!Get more English Lessons here: Visit me on InstagramVisit me on TikTok Visit me on YouTube Get the FREE Study Guide: >> CLICK HERE
Are you struggling to pronounce some of the trickiest words in American English? You're not alone! In this episode of [Your Podcast Name], we break down four of the most challenging words for non-native speakers: "Squirrel," "World," "Comfortable," and "Three."Join us as we provide a step-by-step guide to mastering these common pronunciation pitfalls. You'll learn the secrets to a perfect American accent, and gain the confidence you need to speak clearly and naturally in any conversation.In this episode, you'll learn:How to pronounce "Squirrel": We'll tackle the tricky combination of the "skw," "ur," and "l" sounds, a common obstacle in American English pronunciation.The secret to saying "World": Get a clear guide to mastering the "r" and "l" sounds in this one-syllable word.Breaking down "Comfortable": Discover how to handle this four-syllable word that is often shortened in spoken English.A simple trick for "Three": We'll show you how to correctly place your tongue for the "th" sound, a key element of a natural American accent.Whether you're an ESL student, a professional working on accent reduction, or just looking to improve your public speaking skills, this episode is your key to sounding more like a native speaker.Click here to Join the FREE Accent Training Community! BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH ME HERE
Did you know the most common sound in English is not /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, or /u/? It's the schwa /ə/—the weak little “uh” sound that shows up in thousands of English words and sentences.In this episode of English Makes No Sense, we break down:✅ What the schwa sound is and why it matters.✅ How the schwa can be spelled with ANY vowel.✅ Examples in words like banana, support, problem.✅ How the schwa makes English sound fast and natural.✅ Practice sentences to help you use the schwa in everyday speech.If you want to sound more fluent in English and understand native speakers better, mastering the schwa is a must. Don't stress every vowel—learn when to relax into the schwa and speak with natural rhythm.
American English shadowing exercises are for people interested in expanding their American English accents, whether you are located in the US, North America, or other areas around the world. For the best use of shadowing exercises in American English, listen to a section of audio, pause, and repeat what you hear. Try to use the same pronunciation, intonation, stress, pitch patterns, and linking that you find native English speakers use; record yourself and compare the differences.Find mp3 versions of our exercises here: www.fluentamerican.com/podcast#fluentamerican #shadowing #americanaccent
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.Want to know what classes with me are like? Check out our Mission: English program, where we do livestreams that YOU can join Monday through Friday! It'd be great to do pronunciation exercises with you, answer your American English accent questions, and improve together in our supportive community; see what a Mission: English class is like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ0dlSbrSXhxuga9nOujvx6FL9LU22h7#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome to the very first Happy English Sunday Speak.Starting today, every Sunday I'll be here with one quick phrase to make your English sound more natural. Today's phrase is “You bet!” “You bet” is a super casual, American-English phrase. You can use it in a few different ways:
Title: Languaging in Hampton RoadsEpisode 19: The Myth of Standard English: 3 profs talk about how language worksHosts: Jill Winkowski and Prue SalaskyDate: September 6, 2025Length: 46 minutesPublication Frequency: Fourth Friday (approx) of each monthWhat exactly is linguistics? Quite simply, linguistics is the study of language, not the study of one particular language, but language as a whole. So, when we talk about Applied Linguistics, we're talking about how linguistic theory translates to practice, whether teaching TESOL or a foreign language to English speakers, understanding language variations and dialects, recognizing the bias and power inherent in standardized or normative language, or how language changes and what that tells us about history, culture and identity.For this episode, we returned to interviews we conducted over the past 18 months with three linguists at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Hampton Roads to learn just how linguistics applies in so many aspects of life. And particularly about the standard English bias and its effects. Each professor talks about her linguistic path, her specialty and the broad reach of the field.We revisited our Jan. 2025 talk with sociolinguist Dr. Bridget Anderson, director of the Tidewater Voices oral history archive at Old Dominion University, a collection of local dialects gathered over more than 20 years, https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/tidewatervoices/. Anderson is an expert in acoustic phonetics and language variation. We also pulled from our spring 2025 conversation with professor emeritus Dr. Janet Bing, a phonologist, and a driving force behind the establishment of the university's Applied Linguistics masters program (the only one in the region), and teacher of teachers of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). And we returned to our dialogue with Dr. Staci Defibaugh, graduate program director of the Applied Linguistics program at ODU, whose research focuses on discourse analysis of speech in health settings. In this episode we discover the shared features of linguistic discovery and what it can teach us about social standing, bias, and much more.In our earlier episodes (see below), we drew on their specific areas of expertise. Ep. #13 Guinea Talk: Gloucester County's Unique Dialect https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/languaginghr/id1727246364?i=1000688235981, Ep. #16 How do you say Norfolk? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/languaginghr/id1727246364?i=1000706264104, and Ep. #4 How are you doing? Diagnosing Health Talkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/languaginghr/id1727246364?i=1000654121382,Here are links to the Great Vowel Shift and the IPA vowel chart for American English, as discussed by Dr. Andersonhttps://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/021dYoM3E3G2qxJg0p5VlIoRg#IPA_chart_for_American_Englishhttp://eweb.furman.edu/~mmenzer/gvs/what.htmSend your feedback and questions to languagingHR@gmail.com, and be sure to visit our website, www.languaginghr.wordpress.com
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.Want to know what classes with me are like? Check out our Mission: English program, where we do livestreams that YOU can join Monday through Friday! It'd be great to do pronunciation exercises with you, answer your American English accent questions, and improve together in our supportive community; see what a Mission: English class is like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ0dlSbrSXhxuga9nOujvx6FL9LU22h7#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Simple American Accent Training: Be Clear with Americans Every TimeAre you an Arabic, Portuguese, or Russian speaker struggling to be understood in American English? Do you want to sound more natural and communicate with confidence?In this special masterclass episode, the Accent Training Podcast breaks down its proven 3-point strategy for mastering the American accent. This isn't just about reducing your accent—it's about empowering you to speak with clarity and impact.This episode is a recording from a recent live webinar taught to a diverse, global audience. We'll walk you through the core components of our method:Strengthening your voice: Learn powerful diaphragmatic breathing exercises to build vocal power and stamina.Adapting speech patterns: Understand the rhythm and intonation of the American accent to sound more natural.Mastering articulation: Discover how to correctly produce American vowel sounds before moving on to consonants.This method is a simple, proven framework designed to help you go from being problem-focused to solution-focused. Stop worrying about being misunderstood and start communicating clearly and confidently.Click here to Join the FREE Accent Training Community! BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH ME HERE
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.Want to know what classes with me are like? Check out our Mission: English program, where we do livestreams that YOU can join Monday through Friday! It'd be great to do pronunciation exercises with you, answer your American English accent questions, and improve together in our supportive community; see what a Mission: English class is like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ0dlSbrSXhxuga9nOujvx6FL9LU22h7#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglishteacher
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.Want to know what classes with me are like? Check out our Mission: English program, where we do livestreams that YOU can join Monday through Friday! It'd be great to do pronunciation exercises with you, answer your American English accent questions, and improve together in our supportive community; see what a Mission: English class is like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ0dlSbrSXhxuga9nOujvx6FL9LU22h7#wakeupamerican #fluentamerican #americanenglish
Welcome to another Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English naturally. Today, let's clear up something tricky: stop doing vs. stop to do. These two sound similar, but they mean totally different things. Here's how we use them. My AI English Tutor is hereJoin my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com
I saw Halloween decorations at the store yesterday. What a reality check. I guess summer is almost over and we need to get back into the swing of things!Today, I want to talk about two big things that happen at the end of the American summer: Getting ready to go back to school and Labor Day weekend — the last big hurrah before fall kicks in. And along the way, I'll toss in a few idioms that you'll hear Americans using during this season. My AI English Tutor is hereJoin my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/
Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxOR get feedback every single day: www.fluentamerican.com/telegramDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: • How to Improve American English Pronunciat... Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.Want to know what classes with me are like? Check out our Mission: English program, where we do livestreams that YOU can join Monday through Friday! It'd be great to do pronunciation exercises with you, answer your American English accent questions, and improve together in our supportive community; see what a Mission: English class is like here: • FREE Classes From Our Membership Programs #wakeupamerican #fluentamerican #americanenglish
American English shadowing exercises are for people interested in expanding their American English accents, whether you are located in the US, North America, or other areas around the world. For the best use of shadowing exercises in American English, listen to a section of audio, pause, and repeat what you hear. Try to use the same pronunciation, intonation, stress, pitch patterns, and linking that you find native English speakers use; record yourself and compare the differences.Find mp3 versions of our exercises here: www.fluentamerican.com/podcast#fluentamerican #shadowing #americanaccent
Welcome to Day 1 of your American Accent Warm-up! This 7-Day Pronunciation Challenge for ESL is a straightforward and effective way to practice your American English.This episode focuses on the common challenge of distinguishing between the long 'e' sound (like in "green") and the short 'i' sound (like in "ship"). You'll learn to hear and produce the difference between words that are often confused.Daily Practice: Listen and RepeatYour challenge is simple: listen and repeat the provided words and phrases daily for 7 days. By focusing on these minimal pairs, you'll train your ear and mouth to confidently produce the correct sounds.Deed vs. Did (e.g., "A good deed" | "Did you do it?")These vs. This (e.g., "These are great" | "Let's try this")Cheap vs. Chip (e.g., "Cheap tickets" | "Want some chips?")Feel vs. Fill (e.g., "It feels soft" | "Will that fill the tank?")Deep vs. Dip (e.g., "How deep is it?" | "Try dipping it in first")Heat vs. Hit (e.g., "Heat this in water" | "Try to hit the ball")Peak vs. Pick (e.g., "Sneak-peak" | "Which one will you pick?")Sleep vs. Slip (e.g., "Don't sleep in" | "Careful not to slip")By practicing these specific sounds, you'll build the muscle memory and confidence needed to improve your American English pronunciation. Listen to this episode every day and get ready to hear and feel the difference in your speech!
I'm glad you're still studying English. I'm gonna guess that you have already heard my last podcast about linking sounds. What did you say? Not yet? You're not going to do that anymore, are you?Today, I want to talk about four small — but powerful — words that can totally change the feeling of your sentence. I'm talking about Already, Still, Yet, and AnymoreMy AI English Tutor is hereJoin my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcriptVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/
Welcome to the Accent Training Podcast!Level up your American accent with our "Fox in Socks" accent training episode! Join us as we break down this classic children's book, helping non-native English speakers master tricky sounds and rhythms. Listen, repeat, and perfect your pronunciation with fun, engaging exercises. Tune in to boost your confidence and clarity in American English! Click here to Join the FREE Accent Training Community! BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH ME HERE
Wha-cha do-win right now? It's time to tur-nup the volume and lih-seh-up to this lesson about link-in' sounds in English. Today, we're continuing our series on how to speak more naturally in English, and this time we're talking about something that really helps you sound more fluent — and that's linking sounds. My AI English Tutor is HERE: Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/
Are you confused about why certain words sound different in American English? This episode reveals the "hidden" SH sound in surprising places!Many English learners know the basics of the /ʃ/ sound in words like "she" and "shoe," but they get tripped up by less obvious spellings. We'll show you how the American English SH sound is present in a wide range of words, including:Words with "STR": Like in "street" or "stream."Words with "SSU": Like in "issue" or "pressure."French loanwords with "CH": Like in "chef" or "machine."In this episode, you will learn to spot these tricky pronunciations and master them. We'll provide clear explanations, practical examples, and listening exercises to help you sound more natural and confident.What you will learn:How to correctly pronounce words with the STR, SSU, and CH sounds.Common mistakes learners make with these pronunciations.Why these words can be so confusing for non-native speakers.Exercises to help you practice and build muscle memory.Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this episode will provide you with the tools you need to sound more like a native speaker.Click here to Join the FREE Accent Training Community! BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH ME HERE
Think you've mastered English prepositions? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my husband Lucas (an advanced English speaker) to tackle 5 prepositions even fluent speakers still get wrong. We'll cover:✅ Invest ____✅ Be interested ____✅ Participate ____ / Take part ____✅ Spend money ____✅ Depend ____ / Rely ____ And a few more that came UP naturally in conversation. Can you find them? You'll hear real-life examples, fun U.S. culture facts, and some entertaining stories. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but the goal is to have you stop second-guessing yourself and start sounding more natural when you speak. What do you think?
Welcome to The Accent Training Podcast!Struggling with words that have an "sh" sound but no "sh" spelling? This American Accent Training lesson is for you! In this episode, we'll uncover the hidden "sh" sounds in American English found in common words containing ci (as in social), tion (as in pronunciation), and sion (as in mission).Designed specifically for adult non-native English speakers, this episode provides clear, practical tips and exercises to help you master these tricky sounds. Stop guessing and start speaking with confidence!Click here to Join the FREE Accent Training Community! BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH ME HERE
In this wild episode, we dive deep into the Burmese python invasion in Florida's Everglades, which is one of the most unexpected and dramatic ecological crises in U.S. history. It all started with exotic pet owners, relaxed laws in the '80s and '90s, and one catastrophic storm: Hurricane Andrew. From there, things spiraled. Thousands of snakes were released, some intentionally, others by accident, and they found paradise in the Everglades. Warm weather, endless food, no predators? That's a snake's dream vacation... permanently. We'll talk about: 00:58 - Introduction: Bears, Neighbors & the Python Cowboy 03:23 - The Everglades: An important ecosystem for Florida 05:53 - How Burmese Pythons got to South Florida 06:00 - The rise of python ownership as a trendy, edgy status symbol; Exotic Pets & Loose Laws 09:09 - From Pet to Predator: The Rise of the Python Population 11:17 - Hurricane Andrew & the Reptile Escape 18:25 - How Many Are Out There? Estimating the Python Population 19:59 - Are Pythons Dangerous to Humans? 22:01 - The Python Elimination Program (Paid Hunting) 24:17 - The Florida Python Challenge Explained 25:46 - What Happens to the Snakes After They're Caught 28:11 - Can We Ever Win? An Uphill Battle 29:44 - Shana's Creative Snake Solutions 30:22 - High-Tech Tools: Judas Snakes & eDNA 30:58 - Robo-Bunnies and Future Innovations By the end, you'll see just how complex, challenging, and Florida this whole saga is. //SPONSORS ○ Brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at better help.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. Mentioned in this Episode Season 4 Premium Content All Premium Content Seasons 1-3 (+ discount on Season 4) Local Legends Video by Brad Leone (as heard in intro) Cowboy Python Interview with Joe Rogan (most popular segment) All Creatures: A Giant, The Burmese Python (learn more about the snake) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices