Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English without grammar.

Hi, everybody! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. Recently, one of my students from Singapore asked me a very good question: "How does listening help me speak English?" Maybe you've wondered the same thing. You probably know that listening is important, but how does it actually help you speak? When you listen to English that you understand, your brain hears many examples of how English works. You hear common words, useful expressions, pronunciation, rhythm, and the way words naturally go together. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/389-how-listening-helps-you-speak-english/

Read the full transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/388-alice-in-wonderland/ Today, I want to talk about a story you probably know, at least a little: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I thought this would be a fun way to discover—or maybe rediscover—a famous English story while practicing your English. Maybe you read Alice in Wonderland when you were younger. Maybe you watched one of the movie versions. Or maybe you only know that there's a girl called Alice, a white rabbit, and a very strange place called Wonderland.

Get the full transcript for free on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/387-awkward-travel-moments/ Today, we are going to talk about awkward travel moments and, more specifically, what to say in English when they happen. Traveling can be exciting, but it can also be a little uncomfortable. Sometimes you are tired, in a hurry, or surrounded by noise, and suddenly even a simple sentence seems difficult.

Visit my website to get the transcript for free: speakenglishpodcast.com/386-the-tourist-trap-test Hi! I'm back with a new episode. Today, we're going to talk about tourist traps—and how to avoid paying much more than you expected while travelling. Today, you'll hear some useful and challenging words. Ok, let's start!

Read the full transcript for free on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/385-when-travel-plans-go-completely-wrong/ Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. Today, we are going to talk about what happens when a carefully planned trip begins to fall apart. Maybe your flight is delayed or cancelled. Perhaps you miss your connection, your suitcase disappears, or the hotel cannot find your reservation. Lately, these problems seem to be increasingly common, especially during the peak summer season. Airports are overcrowded, flights are full, and staff are under pressure. One small delay can quickly disrupt your entire journey. Travelling is already tiring. You may have woken up at four in the morning, waited in several lines, removed your shoes at security, and paid far too much for a disappointing sandwich.

Visit my website and get the transcript. SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast > Hi! I'm back with a new episode. It's really hot outside, so today we're going to talk about something refreshing: ice and air conditioning. Yes, ice and air conditioning.

Go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast and get the transcript for free! Hi! I'm back with a new episode. Today, we're going to talk about a very American celebration: the Fourth of July. Today, you'll hear some new and challenging words. Visit my website and get the transcript.

Get the text for free here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/ Today, we're going to talk about something very common: comparing yourself to others. Maybe you know this feeling. You open social media, and suddenly everyone seems to have a better life than you. One person is traveling. Another person has a perfect body. Another person has a beautiful house. Another person has a wonderful job. And another person is drinking coffee on a beach while you are answering emails in your kitchen. Then you start thinking: "Why is my life not like that?" "Why am I behind?"

Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/381-are-pancakes-healthy-english-food-vocabulary/ Today, I want to talk about something very important. Pancakes. Yes. Pancakes. I'm trying to eat more protein and fewer carbs these days. In English, we often say low-carb. That means we try to eat fewer carbohydrates, like sugar, bread, pasta, rice, or white flour. But there is one little problem. I love pancakes. Maybe you understand me. You want to eat healthier, but then you think, "Oh, pancakes would be nice." And suddenly, your healthy plan is in danger. So today, let's learn some useful English vocabulary about making a healthier pancake. Not a perfect pancake. Not a magic pancake. But a simple pancake with more protein and fewer carbs than a normal pancake.

Read the full transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/380-are-you-too-busy Today, we're going to talk about something very common: being too busy. Maybe you know this feeling. You wake up in the morning, and before you even get out of bed, your mind starts working. "I have to answer emails. I have to work. I have to clean the house. I have to call someone. I have to study English. I have to exercise. And, yes, I also have to relax."

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/379-kind-or-nice-whats-the-difference/ Today, we're going to talk about two very common words in English: kind and nice. Many students think they mean the same thing. And yes, sometimes they are similar. But there is a small difference. A nice person is pleasant, polite, and friendly.

Get the full text here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/378-how-to-sound-warmer-in-english/ In today's episode, we're going to talk about how to sound warmer in English. Get the transcript on my website for free: Because sometimes your English is correct, but it sounds a little cold. Too direct. Too short. Too flat. And that can change the whole feeling of a conversation. The good news is simple: You do not need advanced English to sound warmer. You do not need difficult vocabulary.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/377-how-to-keep-talking-in-english/ In this episode, I'm going to show you how to keep talking in English. After that, we'll practice with a mini-story. Many English learners have the same problem. At the beginning, the conversation is fine. They answer one question. Maybe two.

Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/376-happy-easter-2026-learn-english-with-easter-traditions/ Happy Easter, everyone! 🐰🌸 A new episode of the Speak English Now Podcast is here: Happy Easter 2026! Learn English with Easter Traditions, Food, and a Fun Mini-Story In this episode, we talk about: 🥚 Easter traditions 🍖 popular Easter food in the US 🐇 the Easter Bunny 🎧 and a fun mini-story to help you practice speaking English

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast Today, we're going to talk about two systems of measurement that are used around the world: the Imperial system and the Metric system. These are important to know, especially if you plan to travel or communicate with people from different countries.

Read the Transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/374-the-90-rule-how-to-choose-english-listening-level/ How to choose English listening level? Listening is powerful… but it must be comprehensible You already know that I insist on one thing again and again: you need to listen a lot. You need to listen every day, and you need to repeat the same lessons many times, because repetition helps you consolidate: vocabulary grammar patterns pronunciation …in a natural way. But today I want to make something very clear, because some students misunderstand this idea: ✅ Listening is powerful only when the content is comprehensible.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/373-why-you-freeze-when-speaking-english Have You Ever Had This Moment? You start speaking English. At the beginning, it's okay. And then suddenly… your brain stops. You know the idea. You know the meaning. But the word doesn't come. So what do you do? You speak faster. You try to push the words out. And then you feel frustrated. Sometimes you even feel ashamed, like: "Why can't I say something so simple?"

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/372-is-valentines-day-really-about-love Today we're going to talk about Valentine's Day. But don't worry — this is not going to be a boring episode about chocolates, roses, and red hearts everywhere. Let me ask you something. Is Valentine's Day really about love? Or is it about pressure? Pressure to buy a gift.
Pressure to be romantic.
Pressure to post something on Instagram.
Pressure to prove that your relationship is perfect.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/371-dogs-and-their-superpower In the previous episode, we talked about how dogs understand our emotions and how they communicate without words. Today, I want to continue that conversation, but from a different angle. Instead of focusing on emotions, we're going to look at how dogs experience the world, how they gather information, and why they naturally look to humans for guidance. Because dogs don't just feel with us.
They observe, analyze, and cooperate with us in ways that are easy to overlook.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/370-how-dogs-communicate-emotions/Today, I want to talk about dogs again. If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you already know this isn't the first time I've brought up dogs. Dogs are one of those topics we can come back to again and again, because each time we look at them from a different angle, we discover something new.

Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/ Welcome back! This is the final episode in our 4-part series about going to the doctor. So far, we learned how to make an appointment, how to check in at the clinic, and how to answer the nurse's questions. In this lesson, we will focus on the conversation with the doctor. This part can feel intimidating, but with a few simple expressions and some practice, you'll feel much more confident.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/368-going-to-the-doctor-3 Welcome back! This is the third episode in our 4-part series about going to the doctor. So far, we practiced how to make an appointment and how to check in at the clinic. Today, we'll continue with the next step: talking with the nurse. Usually, before you see the doctor, a nurse will ask you a few questions about your health. The nurse may also take your temperature, check your blood pressure, and write notes for the doctor.

Get the full text for free: speakenglishpodcast.com/367-new-years-eve-in-the-usa-2026/ Today, we will talk about how people in America celebrate New Year's Eve. And with a short story you will learn grammar in context without any boring rules. On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/366-christmas-traditions-in-the-usa-2025/ Merry Christmas, everyone! Hey there! Welcome back to the podcast. I'm really happy you're here today. Christmas is a special time in the United States. But here's something interesting: people don't celebrate Christmas the same way everywhere. In today's episode, let's look at some fun and unusual Christmas traditions from different parts of the USA.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/365-going-to-the-doctor-2-checking-in-at-the-clinic/ Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode of the Speak English Now podcast—the podcast that helps you speak English fluently, with no grammar and no textbooks. This is the second episode in our 4-part series on going to the doctor. In the last episode, we practiced how to make an appointment on the phone. Today, we will look at what happens when you actually arrive at the clinic.

Get the transcript for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/364-going-to-the-doctor-making-an-appointment/ Today we're beginning a new series—four episodes designed to prepare you for going to the doctor. Why this topic? Well, the truth is simple. At some point, whether you live abroad, travel, or study in another country, you will need medical care. And the very first step is usually the same: booking an appointment. Making that call can feel stressful, especially if you're not confident speaking English on the phone. Don't worry. I'll show you the most useful expressions, share some realistic dialogues, and at the end, we'll practice with a Point of View story so you can really start speaking more automatically.

Tom (Being serious): Hey, do we have to send thank you notes to everyone we've ever met for Thanksgiving? James (Laughing): Oh no, it's not like that! Thanksgiving is more about enjoying turkey and pie with family and friends, not writing thank you notes to everyone! Hi! Welcome to a special podcast about Thanksgiving! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and I want to tell you about Thanksgiving. Before we start, get the transcript of this episode for free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Get the text for free: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/362-english-pronunciation-practice-sh-and-ch-sounds/ This is the fourth and final episode in our pronunciation series. In the first episode, we practiced R and L. In the second, we worked on the TH sound. In the third, we practiced V and B. And today, we will practice the difference between SH and CH. These sounds look similar, but they are not the same. For example: ship and chip. So let's practice with some minimal pairs, some fun tongue twisters, and finally a mini-story.

This is the third episode in our pronunciation series. In the first episode, we practiced R and L. In the second one, we worked on the TH sound. And today, we'll practice the difference between V and B. These sounds can be very tricky, because in some languages there isn't much difference between them. But in English, they are very different. So today, we'll warm up with some minimal pairs, then practice with simple sentences, and finally we'll do a mini-story. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/361-english-pronunciation-practice-the-v-and-b-sounds/

Today, we'll practice one of the trickiest sounds in English: the TH sound. Actually, English has two TH sounds: The voiceless /θ/, like in think, thank, thirty. The voiced /ð/, like in this, that, brother. Many students replace them with t, d, s, or z. For example: They say tank you instead of thank you. Or zis instead of this. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/360-english-pronunciation-practice-the-th-sound/

This is the first episode in a special pronunciation series. We'll do four episodes in a row, each one focused on different sounds. In this first episode, we'll work on R and L. Next time, we'll practice the TH sound. Then, we'll look at V and B. And finally, we'll practice SH and CH. So, step by step, you'll train your pronunciation with word pairs, tongue twisters, and fun mini-stories. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Welcome back, travelers! One last time, pack your bags — we're heading west. Today, we'll visit the Southwest and the West. In the Southwest, we have: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. And in the West, we have: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. That's fifteen states in total! Today, we'll take a closer look at Texas, Arizona, Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington. Get the text here:

This is the third episode of our state names series. This time, we're traveling to the Midwest. Let's quickly list all the states in the Midwest: They are: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. That's twelve states in total! I'll just focus on a few of the most representative ones: Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Get the text here: Speakenglishpodcast.com/357-us-state-name-stories-midwest/

Hi! This is part two of our series about US state names. Today, we'll explore the Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. That's eleven states in total! And today I'll focus on: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. You'll hear stories of English kings, Dutch settlers, and Native American words that still live on today. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/356-us-state-name-stories-northeast/

Are you ready for a trip through the United States? Pack your bags — because today we're starting a special journey! In this first episode, we'll travel to the Southeast: Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Next time, we'll continue our trip to the Northeast, then to the Midwest, and finally we'll finish in the West and Southwest. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/the-weird-wonderful-origins-of-us-state-names-southeast

Let me ask you something: what's the easiest way to start a conversation in English? If you said the weather, you're absolutely right! It doesn't matter where you are—London, New York, or Paris—at some point, people will always talk about the weather. And it makes sense, right? The weather touches everyone's life. If it's sunny, people feel cheerful. If it rains, people complain. If it snows, kids celebrate while adults worry about traffic. It's a safe, easy way to connect with others. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/354-talking-about-the-weather-in-english/

It's the end of August, and in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere — like the U.S., Canada,France, Spain, or Japan — that means one thing: summer is ending. The days are still hot, but soon the air will cool down, the leaves will change color, and fall will begin. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/353-summer-or-winter-it-depends-where-you-live/

I'll be honest with you—I don't really enjoy going to the dentist. I think most people feel the same way. It can be a little scary, right? Now imagine you're not speaking your native language. If you already feel nervous about the dentist, trying to explain everything in English can make the experience even more stressful. So today, let's go step by step and learn some useful phrases you can use before, during, and after your visit to the dentist. Get the transcript: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/352-dentist-visit

Last time, we talked about false friends—words that look similar in English and your native language, but mean something very different. Get the text on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/351-false-friends Example 1: Actual This one's a classic false friend. In Spanish, "actual" or in Portuguese "atual" means "current" or "present." But in English, "actual" means real or true — not "current." So if you say: 👉 "My actual job is very interesting," you probably mean: "My current job."

Hi! I want to talk about something that can really help you understand English vocabulary better — especially if you speak a Romance language like Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, or Romanian. These languages all come from Latin — you know, the language spoken by the Romans a long time ago. That's why we call them Romance languages. Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/350-false-friends

Some students like to read while they listen. Others prefer to read afterward. It's totally up to you. You might find it helps connect the sounds and the spelling—or just gives you more confidence. And one last thing before we jump in: Even if it feels like you're learning slowly… you're not. Small steps really do add up. Read the full text on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/349-learn-english-with-small-daily-habits/

Today, I want to tell you about a book that I really love—Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. To be honest, it's one of my all-time favorite stories. It's warm, emotional, and full of life. I've listened to the audiobook version, and what makes it extra special is that it's a full-cast recording. That means each character has a different voice. It's not just one person reading the book—it sounds more like a movie. And it really brings the story to life. Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Today, I want to talk to you about something really simple—but very important. Be patient with yourself. This episode has three short parts: Why learning takes time How to stop being too hard on yourself A small mindset shift that can help you feel better Before we get started, don't forget to get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast.

In today's episode, we're going to talk about something very real—but often hidden: 👉 Why speaking English feels stressful… 👉 And how you can feel calmer, more focused, and more confident when you speak. Before we start, you can get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Today's episode is about something many English learners do too often: Saying "sorry" all the time—even when they don't need to. Let me give you some examples: "Sorry, can I ask a question?" "Sorry, my English is bad." "Sorry for bothering you." "Sorry for my pronunciation." Maybe you've said these before. Maybe you say them often. Read the text on my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com/345-stop-apologizing-so-much-in-english/