Actually English

EP21 | Spanish Speakers NEED to Hear This | 5 "False Friends" in English

Many Spanish speakers assume that because a word looks like a word in their native language, it must have the same meaning. These are called "false friends" (or false cognates), and they are one of the biggest hurdles for advanced students! In this episode of Actually English, I’m breaking down the most common traps you’ll encounter in business and education settings. We’re going to clear up the confusion once and for all so you can sound more natural and avoid awkward misunderstandings. In this episode, we tackle: Actually vs. Actualmente: Why you're probably using this one wrong. Career vs. Carrera: Understanding the difference between your studies and your field of work. College vs. Colegio: Where do you actually go to get a degree? Educated vs. Educado: Are you talking about schooling or manners? Introduce vs. Introducir: The correct way to present yourself in a professional setting. Whether you're prepping for a job interview or just leveling up your conversation skills, this episode is packed with the practical, real-life English you need. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to follow the show, leave a thumbs-up in the comments to let me know you made it to the end, and share this with one person who is currently learning English! Stay safe, keep learning, and I'll see you in the next one!

EP20 | Mastering Past Modals: Could Have, Should Have, Would Have | Real-Life English

Struggling with past modals in English? In today's episode of Actually English, we take a deep dive into Could Have, Should Have, and Would Have so you can finally use them with confidence. Using funny and real-life Google Reviews (from airport complaints to massive dessert portions). Today I explain how native speakers use these structures to express past regrets, possibilities, and missed opportunities. You'll also learn the essential grammar rules behind them, including past participles, and the common slang expression "coulda, shoulda, woulda." Test your skills with the interactive mini-quiz at the end of the episode! Subscribe/Follow so you never miss a Wednesday episode, and leave a review if this helped you make sense of real-life English!

English Modals Made Easy: Could, Should, Would Through Real Reviews

Are you confused about when to use could, should, and would in English? In this episode of Actually English, you'll learn these essential modal verbs through real Google reviews—some serious, some hilarious, and all packed with natural English. You'll discover: ✅ How to use could for possibility and suggestions ✅ How to use should for advice and recommendations ✅ How to use would for preferences, recommendations, and hypothetical situations ✅ Common pronunciation shortcuts like couldn't, shouldn't, and wouldn't ✅ A quick quiz to test your understanding Instead of studying grammar from a textbook, you'll hear how native speakers actually use these modal verbs in real-life reviews about hotels, restaurants, museums, and more. Perfect for intermediate English learners (B1-B2) who want to improve their grammar, listening skills, and vocabulary with authentic English. 🎧 Listen now and master could, should, and would naturally. 📚 Want more English lessons through real-life content? Follow Actually English and join us next episode as we explore could have, should have, and would have through even more funny Google reviews. #LearnEnglish #EnglishPodcast #EnglishGrammar #ModalVerbs #CouldShouldWould #B1English #B2English #ESL #EnglishListening #ActuallyEnglishPodcast #SpeakEnglishNaturally #EnglishForAdults

EP18 English Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Explained Through a Story | Carlos Goes to Pride

In this episode of Actually English, we continue following Carlos and Maya on their journey to learn real-world English through stories. This time, Carlos heads to a local Pride festival to work on his first big journalism assignment—and along the way, he encounters even more idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs used by native speakers. Instead of memorizing long vocabulary lists, you'll learn these expressions naturally through context, conversation, and storytelling. In this episode, you'll learn: • Stick out like a sore thumb • Loosen up • Get down to business • Back out • Go the extra mile • Get out of hand • Break the ice • Connect the dots • Catch on Perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to understand native speakers, improve their listening skills, and build vocabulary they can actually use in real life. Listen along and see if you can learn these expressions just like Carlos does. New episodes every Wednesday. #LearnEnglish #EnglishPodcast #EnglishIdioms #PhrasalVerbs #ESL #EnglishListeningPractice #AdvancedEnglish #VocabularyBuilding #ActuallyEnglish #BusinessEnglish

EP17 Business English Idioms Explained Through a Realistic Office Story

In this episode of Actually English, you'll follow Carlos, a journalist attending his first big meeting with his new boss. Carlos speaks excellent English, but there's one problem: his boss loves using workplace idioms. Luckily, his coworker Maya is there to help him understand expressions like: • Get the ball rolling • Dive in • Behind the eight ball • Cut through the noise • On it • Left and right • More meat on the bone • The cat is out of the bag • Touch base Instead of memorizing definitions, you'll learn these idioms the natural way: through context, storytelling, and real-life workplace situations. This episode is perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to understand native speakers more easily, sound more natural at work, and build their professional English vocabulary. 🎧 Listen along, learn new idioms, and improve your English one story at a time. New episodes every Wednesday. #BusinessEnglish #EnglishIdioms #LearnEnglish #ESLPodcast #AdvancedEnglish #EnglishVocabulary #WorkplaceEnglish #ProfessionalEnglish #EnglishListeningPractice

EP16 Either vs Neither Explained Clearly | English Grammar for Real Conversation

In this English lesson, we break down one of the most confusing grammar topics for ESL learners in a simple and natural way. You’ll learn how native speakers actually use these expressions in real conversation.In this lesson, you’ll learn:✅ The basic difference between either and neither✅ How to agree with negative sentences naturally✅ “Me neither” vs “Neither do I” vs “I don’t either”✅ How to use either…or… and neither…nor…✅ Common mistakes English learners make✅ Natural pronunciation and spoken English tipsThis lesson is perfect for A2–C1 English learners who want to sound more fluent and confident in everyday conversations.👇 Write your own example sentence in the comments using:eitherneithereither…or…neither…nor…

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EP15 Wild Dogs, Broken Cars & Highway Chaos | Learn Real English Naturally

Three women, two children, two dogs, broken-down cars, wild street dogs, tow ropes snapping on the highway, and hours stranded in the middle of nowhere… this story has everything. If you’re an advanced English learner, this episode will help you: • Improve your listening comprehension with real natural English • Learn advanced vocabulary through storytelling • Understand native expressions and casual speech • Learn useful words like “stranded,” “transmission,” “radiator,” “tow truck,” and more • Hear authentic conversational English in context This podcast is perfect for advanced ESL learners who want to understand REAL English the way native speakers actually talk. 🎧 Listen and improve your English naturally through stories.

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EP14 Native English Slang & Idioms Explained Through Reddit Stories

Want to understand the REAL English native speakers use every day? In this episode of Actually English, we break down a viral Reddit “Am I the Asshole?” story to teach you natural English slang, idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions that English learners rarely hear in textbooks. You’ll learn expressions like: • stand your ground • cause a scene • come to terms with • hard pill to swallow • good egg • bullshit • give up This episode is perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their listening skills, understand native speakers faster, and sound more natural in conversations. ⚠️ Warning: This episode contains profanity and authentic internet slang. Follow Actually English for weekly episodes about: • American English slang • Real conversations • Native pronunciation • Reddit stories • Idioms and phrasal verbs • Listening practice for ESL learners Instagram: @ActuallyEnglishPodcast

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EP13 Learn REAL English Slang from Reddit | Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Native Speech

Want to understand how native speakers actually talk? In this episode of Actually English, we break down real English slang, idioms, and phrasal verbs using a viral Reddit story. This lesson is perfect for advanced English learners (B2–C1+) who want to: Understand natural, fast English Learn slang used in real conversations Sound more like a native speaker Improve listening and vocabulary through context ⚠️ Warning: This episode includes real slang, strong language, and adult topics, just like you’ll hear in real life. 🧠 What you’ll learn: Slang: fuming, bang, man child Phrasal verbs: figure out, blow up Expressions: take for granted, bad name Real conversational English from native speakers We read a real Reddit post, explain the vocabulary in context, and react to comments—so you don’t just learn English… you understand it. 💬 Tell me in the comments: Do you like learning English through Reddit stories? 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @actuallyenglishpodcast

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EP12 How to Actually Learn English in 2026 | Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Want to improve your English fast in 2026? In this episode of Actually English, we break down the 4 essential skills you need to become fluent in English: reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and how to practice all of them from home. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, this video gives you a simple daily study plan (just 40–60 minutes a day) to build real fluency. You'll also learn how to use AI tools the right way (without becoming dependent on them) to boost your progress. Join me in this episode where we talk about: The difference between active vs passive language skills How to improve your English reading with books, AI, and real-life content Simple ways to practice listening every day (even if you're busy) How to build a daily writing habit (journaling, to-do lists, and more) Proven techniques to improve your English speaking skills alone at home What shadowing is and how it helps your pronunciation How to find (or create!) opportunities to speak English with others The smart way to use AI for language learning

EP11 | The Last Message Pt. 3 | 8 Emotional English Expressions You Need to Know

Want to learn real English through stories instead of boring textbooks? In this episode of Actually English, you’ll improve your listening and vocabulary with a mystery story (Part 3: The Last Message) while learning 8 powerful emotional words and expressions used in real life. This podcast is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners (B1, B2, C1) who want to understand how English is actually spoken. In this episode, you’ll learn: What flinch, frightened, terrified, and paranoid really mean Natural expressions like worried sick and bring down How to understand vocabulary through context (not memorization) Real storytelling English to improve your listening skills Story Summary: Elena continues investigating Daniel’s disappearance… but someone is watching her. As the tension rises, she discovers the truth—and learns just how dangerous the story really is. 👉 Recommended: Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 first (Episodes 7 and 10) 📲 Connect with me: Instagram: @ActuallyEnglishPodcast 💬 Got a story you want me to break down? Send it to me—I’m all ears!

EP10 | The Last Message Pt. 2 |10 Emotional English Expressions You Need to Know

Can you keep it together under pressure? In this episode of Actually English, we follow Elena as she races to find her missing friend Daniel — and you'll learn 10 powerful English expressions for intense emotions along the way. This is Part 2 of "The Last Message." Haven't heard Part 1? Go back to Episode 7! ✅ Expressions covered in this episode: 1. To send a chill down your spine – a feeling that makes you shiver from fear 2. To feel your stomach drop – a sudden feeling of shock or dread 3. To go rigid with tension – your body becomes stiff from stress or fear 4. Heart hammering – your heart beating so fast you can feel and hear it 5. Relief – the feeling when you stop worrying about something 6. Enormous – very big, huge, significant 7. Chest tightening – pressure in your chest from anxiety or strong emotion 8. Admiration – deep respect or looking up to someone 9. Fury – extreme anger, rage 10. Absorbed – so focused on something you lose track of everything else 💬 Discussion question: Have you ever had to keep it together in a stressful situation? What did that feel like? Send me a message on Instagram @actuallyenglishpodcast — I read everything! 🔔 Part 3 is coming next week — will Elena find Daniel? Can she trust Marcus? Actually English is the podcast for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to understand real, natural English from real stories — not textbooks.

EP9 | The Woman Who Changed Running Forever

Join me in this episode where we unpack the interesting life of Katherine Switer, the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon. We go over phrases and keywords that deal with emotion and perseverance.

EP8 | How the Languages We Speak Shape the Way We Think

In this episode, we break down a TED Talk from Lera Boroditsky. From how an Aboriginal community from Australia doesn't have the words "left" and "right", to how some languages avoid fault by only using passive voice, we touch on many aspects of how language shapes the way we see the world.

EP7 The Last Message | Intermediate/advanced English listening | Suspense Story

Part 1 of the suspense story, The Last Message. Follow us in this story while we listen to Helena after she finds a mysterious message from a coworker that leads to his disappearance. For intermediate to advanced learners.

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EP6 Do vs. Make | The One Rule That Changes Everything

Do you ever get confused when you have to choose between the verb "do" or "make"? Don't worry, it can be confusing! After this episode, I'm sure you'll be a master. Join us as we dive into this topic and learn the difference between "do" and "make".

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EP5 Did She Kill the Vibe? English Listening Practice

In this episode of Actually English, we are back on Reddit, where we will learn lots of useful phrases through context, like "kill the vibe" and "it's a whole thing". Listen for yourself and tell us if you think this poster was the a**hole or not!

EP4 5 Phrasal Verbs You Need to Know | Grammar Bites

Phrasal verbs don't have to be a list you memorize and forget. In this episode of Actually English Grammar Bites, we learn 5 essential phrasal verbs through two stories — one with explanations, one without. Back out, burst out, call it off, bring up, and turn out. Plus a challenge at the end. Find us on Instagram @actuallyenglishpodcast

EP3 Is she being pushed away?

Today's post comes from r/relationship_advice — one of Reddit's most active communities. It's a deeply human story about a long friendship that seems to be fading without explanation. The language in this post is rich with emotional vocabulary, idioms about relationships, and the kind of raw, honest informal English that native speakers use when they're genuinely struggling with something.

EP1 Your English Lesson is Serving Drama

In this episode, we read a real-style Reddit post from the subreddit r/AITA (Am I The Asshole) and decode the slang, internet language, and informal expressions that make it almost impossible for most learners to follow. This is one of the most popular corners of the internet in English-speaking countries - understanding it means you're truly reading at a native level.