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Jason's Easy English

Jason Jolley

Jason’s Easy English provides understandable, intermediate-level English listening comprehension practice, with special support for Portuguese and Spanish speakers. Episodes feature easy-to-understand stories and explanations about American culture, everyday words and phrases in English, and pronunciation tips. Designed for A2-B2 learners, the style is relaxed and natural—easy to listen to. Jason’s Easy English helps you improve your listening comprehension, expand your vocabulary, and enjoy a clear, comfortable path to better English, one episode at a time.

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23 episodes
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#46
Yesterday · 10 min
Episode 46: From Folgers to Frappuccinos: How Americans Drink Coffee
How did American coffee change from simple office coffee to iced lattes, espresso, and cold brew? In this episode of Jason's Easy English, we explore coffee culture in the United States, from traditional diners and home coffee makers to Starbucks and modern coffee shops. Learn useful English words for ordering coffee, discover the amazing variety of coffee creamers in American supermarkets, and compare coffee culture in the U.S. and Brazil. Whether you like your coffee hot, iced, strong, or swee
#45
October 12 · 12 min
Episode 45: The Unwritten Rules of American Get-Togethers
You're invited to an American get-together at 7:00. Should you arrive at 7:00, 7:15, or 8:00? In this episode, I compare social customs in the U.S. and Brazil. We'll talk about responding to invitations, arriving on time, bringing another guest, taking something for the host, knowing when to leave, and saying goodbye. You'll also learn useful English like fashionably late, plus-one, and overstay your welcome while discovering the unwritten rules behind a simple invitation.
#44
October 10 · 11 min
Episode 44: More Than Burgers: The American Family Meal
American food is more than hamburgers, fries, and fast food! In this episode, I explore the tradition of home-cooked family meals in the United States. We'll talk about Sunday dinners, special occasions, old family recipes, potlucks, and dishes passed down through generations. You'll also learn useful English for talking about cooking, food, and family traditions. Come sit at the table and discover a warm, personal side of American food culture.
#43
August 16 · 12 min
Episode 43: How Popular is Soccer in the United States?
Millions of American kids grow up playing soccer, so why isn’t it one of the biggest sports in the U.S.? With the World Cup as our backdrop, I explore soccer’s unusual place in American culture. We’ll talk about youth soccer, die-hard fans, America’s crowded sports calendar, and competition from football, basketball, and baseball. We’ll also look at whether the World Cup can help soccer break through and become a bigger part of American sports culture.
#42
August 16 · 11 min
Episode 42: A Night at the Ballpark: Beyond the Rules of Baseball
Do you really need to understand baseball to enjoy a night at the ballpark? In this episode, I take my Brazilian friend Ronaldo to his first minor league baseball game. I try to explain the rules, but we soon decide to enjoy the experience instead. Come along for hot dogs, nachos, team caps, foul balls, baseball traditions, and Friday-night fireworks — and discover why a summer night at the ballpark can be about much more than the game.
#41
August 16 · 9 min
Episode 41: U.S. National Parks: Know Before You Go
Dreaming about visiting Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, or another U.S. national park? A little planning can prevent some big surprises! In this episode, I explain what international visitors should know about park passes, campsite reservations, busy seasons, crowds, and changing weather. You'll also learn useful English for planning an outdoor adventure. From mountains and forests to deserts and volcanoes, discover the incredible variety of America's national parks — and learn how to p
#40
March 20 · 9 min
Episode 40: Meals in the U.S. Compared to Brazil
In this episode, I explain breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the United States and compare them with Brazil. Why is lunch so fast in the U.S.? What do people eat? And what is brunch? You’ll learn useful vocabulary and understand real cultural differences in a clear, simple way. Great for English learners who want practical language and everyday examples!
#39
March 10 · 11 min
Episode 39: False Friends That Trick Brazilian Learners
Some English words look very similar to Portuguese—but their meanings are different. These are called false friends, and they can cause funny misunderstandings. In this episode, I share a story about my Brazilian friend Renata during a night out with friends. You'll learn confusing words like pretend, actually, college, lunch, parent, eventually, and fantasy, and understand why these words often confuse Portuguese speakers learning English.
#38
March 10 · 8 min
Episode 38: Does the United States Have an Official Language?
When my Spanish friend Javier visits Boston, he notices something surprising: signs and conversations in many different languages. Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and more. Why does this happen in an English-speaking country? In this episode, I tell the story of our walk through the city and explain an interesting cultural fact: the United States does not actually have an official language at the federal level. Learn useful vocabulary and discover how language diversity works in American cities.
#37
March 10 · 8 min
Episode 37: What do American Families Look Like Today?
What does an American family look like today? Many people imagine a mom, a dad, and two kids, but real life in the United States is much more diverse. In this episode, I explain common family structures in American culture, including nuclear families, blended families, step-siblings, same-sex parents, foster families, and multigenerational households. You'll also hear examples from popular TV shows like The Brady Bunch, Modern Family, and Gilmore Girls while learning useful English vocabulary.
#36
March 3 · 8 min
Episode 36: Share the Road? The Reality of Biking in the U.S.
Is it safe to ride a bicycle in the United States? The answer is: it depends. In this episode, I explain how car culture shapes American cities and why bike lanes are sometimes an afterthought. We’ll talk about dedicated bike lanes, scenic bike paths, and the meaning of “share the road.” You’ll also learn why biking safety can change from one city to another — and why this isn’t Denmark or the Netherlands!
#35
March 3 · 9 min
Episode 35: Do Americans Really Do That? Fact or Influencer Myth?
Do Americans really drink milk with dinner? Do they bathe babies in the kitchen sink? In this episode, I share a funny story about meeting my Brazilian friend Ronaldo and fact-checking common influencer myths about American culture. We explore exaggeration, viral content, and how regional differences affect behavior. Learn real-life American English while discovering the truth behind popular internet stereotypes.
#34
March 3 · 9 min
Episode 34: Complaining in the U.S.: Indirect is Best!
In this episode, Jason shares a story about his Brazilian friend Renata, who gets surprising reactions when she complains very directly in the United States. Through situations in a restaurant, hotel, and store, you’ll learn how Americans often criticize in a more indirect and polite way. Discover useful expressions, cultural patterns, and practical language that can help you sound more natural and confident when complaining in American English.
#33
February 25 · 8 min
Episode 33: 10 Foods That Were "Born in the USA"
Many people say the United States has no real national cuisine. Is that true? In this episode, I talk with my Spanish friend Javier about ten foods that are truly American. We explore how immigration and regional culture shaped dishes like hamburgers, barbecue, jambalaya, lobster rolls, chili, and more. You’ll learn useful vocabulary and discover why American food is much more diverse than people think.
#32
February 25 · 9 min
Episode 32: Majors, Football, and Fraternities: American College Life Explained
Have you ever wondered what college life is really like in the United States? In this episode, I explain how students enter college, what dorm life is like, how majors and minors work, and why football games are such a big deal. You’ll also learn about semesters, student clubs, fraternities, and the tradition of walking at graduation. A clear and friendly overview of American college culture!
#31
February 25 · 7 min
Episode 31: One Crazy Week: American Spring Break Explained
What is Spring Break in the United States? In this episode, I explain when it happens, why students look forward to it, and where they travel — from Florida to Cancun and even Europe. We talk about beach parties, group trips, hookups, and safety. If you’re curious about American university culture and want to learn natural English expressions, this episode is for you!
#30
February 19 · 7 min
Episode 30: Teens at the Wheel: Getting an American Driver's License
In this episode, I explain how people get a driver’s license in the United States. You’ll learn about the learner’s permit, the written test, the vision test, and the road test. I also compare the process to Brazil and Mexico and explain why driving is so important for independence in many parts of the U.S. This episode helps you understand real American culture while improving your English listening skills.
#29
February 19 · 7 min
Episode 29: That's Lit! American Social Media Slang
Have you ever read a text in English and felt confused? In this episode, Jason tells a funny story about his Brazilian friend Ronaldo, who needs help understanding American texting and social media slang. Learn real expressions like “lit,” “mid,” “#goals,” and “red flag,” with simple explanations and cultural context. Improve your listening skills and feel more confident reading messages in English!
#28
February 13 · 8 min
Episode 28: Black History Month: A 100-Year Story
In this episode, Jason explains Black History Month in clear, simple English. Learn how it began in 1926 as Negro History Week and why it is celebrated every February. Discover important historical figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Thurgood Marshall, as well as influential artists such as Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. Jason also explains how Black History Month is observed today — and why it continues to matter in American society.
#27
February 13 · 7 min
Episode 27: Groundhog Day: The Tradition and the Movie
Did you know that every year, Americans watch a groundhog to predict the weather? In this episode, I explain the fun tradition of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. We talk about Punxsutawney Phil, six more weeks of winter, media coverage, and the famous movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. You’ll learn about this playful American tradition and why people enjoy it — even if they don’t take it seriously.

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