Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English Without Grammar.

Healthcare insurance in the U.S. has a long history. However, the earliest forms of healthcare insurance in the U.S. were largely private plans that covered hospital and medical care for individuals or employers.  Today, most Americans obtain health insurance through their employers or government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid. In today's episode, I will start by talking about the private healthcare system. Private care in the U.S. allows individuals to purchase health insurance coverage from private companies instead of relying on public insurance sources like Medicaid or Medicare.  Most private health insurance plans are offered through employers and are known as employer-sponsored health insurance.   Private health insurance usually covers a wide range of healthcare services, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, hospitalization, and emergency care. Depending on the plan, private health insurance might include coverage for vision and dental care, alternative medicine, and other ser

Transcript: Are you curious about how the healthcare system works in the U.S.? In this episode, I will explain the basics of the American healthcare system. There is not one universal system, but a range of public and private insurance options. I will lay out how these plans work so that you can gain a better understanding. And yes. Contrary to what some people assume, public health care exists in the USA. There are several public systems, both federal and state. All Americans must have health insurance or face a federal offense. Therefore, everyone should be properly insured. If someone is unemployed, they may be eligible for federal or state public insurance programs to help them access the necessary health care services. Let’s find out more about public health in the U.S. In 1965, the federal government created Medicare and Medicaid, which provided health coverage to the elders and the poorest segments of the population. What are Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is a federal health insurance program primari

Transcript Do you like paradoxes? Today I will talk about the paradox of the magic bill, which has gone viral on social media.  Ok, let’s start! A paradox is a fact, expression, or story that seems contrary to logic. I invite you to listen to this paradox and then assume the solution. Pay attention! A tourist arrives at a hotel. He is very picky about the rooms, so he asks the receptionist if he can see them first. The receptionist agrees but asks the tourist to leave $100 at the front desk. The tourist leaves a $100 bill and goes upstairs to look at the vacant rooms to see if he likes any of them. The hotel manager then takes this bill and goes to the butcher shop to pay a $100 debt to the butcher. The butcher goes to the bakery to pay the $100 debt he owes the baker and does so with the same $100 bill. The baker, in turn, takes the bill and pays his debt to his doctor with the same bill. Finally, the doctor returns to the hotel and pays a $100 debt he owes to the hotel manager. At that point, the tourist re

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at a common issue faced by many learners of English: the proper usage of various verb tenses, as well as the potential mistakes they can make. First, you should bear in mind that native speakers tend to use fewer verb tenses when speaking compared to when they are writing. In other words, spoken language is more direct and simple. And that's good news!  So, why does this happen?  We can consider how to articulate our ideas best, select suitable grammar structures, and more when writing. However, when speaking, there is no time to think about how to construct a sentence. Secondly, when learning a language, there is often a conflict between two components. These two elements are fluency and self-correction. By fluency, I mean the ability to produce the language with few pauses, and by self-correction, I mean the perception that what you are saying may be wrong, and consequently, you self-correct. To illustrate this point, let's assume that Tom is an English learner with a l

Transcript: Every January is the same. Everyone wants to improve their lifestyle. So, let’s continue learning some new year expressions in English. Let's start! #1 Today is the first day of the rest of your life. People often use this phrase to express that every day is an opportunity to start over and make the most of life. It encourages people to make the most of each day and appreciate the present moment. Examples: "Don’t look back; look forward! Today is the first day of the rest of your life. " "Regardless of what happened yesterday, you can always start anew today. Remember, Today is the first day of the rest of your life!" #2 To give it my best shot. Giving your best means doing the best you can in a given situation. It implies that you will try your best and strive your best to achieve success. Examples: "I’ll give my best shot to get through this job interview and show them why I'm the perfect candidate." "Next month, I will run my first marathon and give my best shot." #3 To tighten [one’s] belt. To

Transcript: Today we will talk about pets in the United States. And with a fun mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy answering many questions in English. It’s like having a conversation with another person. Hi, I’m Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com, and I’m back again to help you speak English fluently. So, how can you help me? It’s really simple. Please share the podcast with your friends on social media. That would make me very happy! Before we start, subscribe to my free mini-course on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com [With my free mini-course, you will learn: How to accumulate vocabulary, how to learn grammar, how to learn deeply and not forget, how to speak automatically, and how to stay motivated.] Okay! Let’s start! Nowadays, more and more people are adopting animals, and pet ownership in the States is on the rise. I had a dog some time ago, which was a beautiful experience. The connection between a dog and its owner

Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thank you for joining me for another episode.  If you want to help, please share the podcast on social media. That would mean a lot. Thanks! I hope you are doing great! The New Year is the perfect time for new beginnings and the perfect time to learn some idioms in English for the new year.  You will also learn grammar with a point-of-view lesson without memorizing boring rules. Before we start, visit my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com and subscribe to my mini-course - it's completely free! Ok, let's start! #1 To kick off the new year To kick off the new year means to start a new year. Examples: "Let's kick off the new year with a positive attitude." "The best way to kick off the year is to be surrounded by friends and family. #2 To turn over a new leaf It means to start acting or behaving better or more responsibly. Examples:  "Since I moved to New York, my life has completely changed. I can say that I have turned over a new leaf." "You always promise to turn over a

Hi, everybody! I’m Georgiana, founder of speakenglishpodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier when you use the right material and techniques. In this episode, let's take a look at the most common New Year's resolutions. Then you will practice your English fluency with a mini-story. Alright! Let’s start! By the way, if you are new here, visit my website to get the transcript of today's episode. Go to: speakenglishpodcast.com If you're already familiar with this show, please share it with your friends and family. That would make me very happy! Tell your friends that my podcast is available everywhere on the internet. You can find it on my website and many podcast apps like Spotify, iTunes, Youtube, Facebook, Soundcloud, etc. Just look for "Speak English Now with Georgiana," and start learning English with me!" Well, first of all... Happy New Year! How time flies! A new year has just begun. It’s curious how the passage of time is perceived according to ag

Transcript: Merry Christmas, everyone! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. And if you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. Ah! It’s almost Christmas!!! And today, I will talk about Christmas Markets in New York. And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your speaking. If you need to give something special for Christmas, consider buying my Premium courses. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses and get my English programs at an exceptional price. Ok! Let’s talk about Christmas markets in New York. What are you planning to do at Christmas? I recommend you fly to NYC because the best Christmas markets are here. New York’s holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Plus, you can make your Christmas shopping a positive and relaxing experience.  Bryant Park’s Winter Village You could start by visiting Bryant Park’s Winter Village. One of the highlights of this market

Today we continue talking about money in English. You will learn new expressions, and I’ll give you some advice on how to save money. And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English. Hi, I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is you help you Speak English fluently. And do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks:) Before we get started, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Ok. Let’s start! 1. Money doesn't grow on trees  We use this phrase to warn someone that money is a limited resource and should not be wasted.  Example:  "When I told my five-year-old son that I couldn't buy him a toy because "money doesn't grow on trees," he told me to use my credit card instead." 2. A penny saved is a penny earned  Although many families today live on credit, it is always wise to put some money aside. We use this expression to say that sav

Hi! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher. Thank you for joining me for another episode. Today you will learn new idioms in English with MONEY. I will teach you some English expressions related to money. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar without memorizing any boring rules. And if you want complete programs with hours of audio designed to develop your fluency, don't think twice. Visit Speakenglishpodcast.com/courses/ There are several levels. Ok! Let's start! Depending on the culture, people talk about money or get really uncomfortable when someone brings up this subject. However, everybody needs money nowadays, so today, we will learn expressions about money because "money makes the world go round." When something "makes the world go round," it is extremely important. But not only money makes the world go round; love also makes the world go round. However, love without money can get really complicated sometimes. Anyway, I'm digressing. Today, I'd like you to learn some English expressions 

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode, let's look at some bad strategies and attitudes that don't quite work in conversation. I mean, like having awkward conversations. Next, you'll practice your fluency with a mini-story lesson—the best way to learn to speak English without translating mentally. All right, have you ever been with someone and not know what to talk about? It's happened to me sometimes. Every once in a while, we run into situations where it's difficult to continue the conversation. One example is what happens in an elevator. Imagine that you meet a neighbor you hardly know, and a typical dialogue ends up going like this: —Good morning. —Good morning. —Going down? —Yes. — ... — It's cold today, isn't it? — Yes, yes. It's going to be like this all week, they say... — ... As you can see, this conversation is not very intellectual. It's more about avoiding silence, which can be un

- Did you know that most English learners know more grammar than the native speaker but can barely speak? - Is that so? Now that's pure irony.   Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for a new Speak English Now podcast episode.  Today we have a very interesting topic: I'm going to talk about three concepts that are often confused: irony, sarcasm, and cynicism. - Next, you'll practice verb tenses with a short story about two kids who have a problem on a frozen lake. Okay, let's get started. Yes, many language learners indeed know more grammar than the average native speaker, yet they can barely speak fluently. That's why I recommend my mini-course, where you can understand how to develop your speech, among other things. Go now to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and sign up now. It's free! What is the difference between irony, sarcasm, and cynicism? We are going t

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.   In today's episode: I'll be talking about one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States: Halloween. After that, you'll practice your speaking with a new mini-story while enjoying my new Question & Answer story.   Very well. Let's get started! Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the last day of October. I would say it's very popular because everybody's excited about it, especially children. The word Halloween comes from an old English expression, "All Hallows' Eve," and it means the day before All Saints' Day.  Children of all ages really love Halloween because they can dress up in funny costumes and knock on their neighborhood doors, shouting, "Trick or Treat!". The neighbors usually give them candies. The meaning of the phrase "Trick or Treat" is interesting. In this context, "treat" means getting the candies, and "trick" means the consequence of no

Transcript: Hi! I’m Georgiana, and here to help you speak English fluently. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Speak English Now podcast.  Today, I talk about how to stop making mistakes when speaking English. And how to improve writing. – Next, we’ll practice fluency with a question-and-answer exercise. If you want the complete courses with hours of audio designed to develop your fluency, don’t hesitate. Visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses There are several levels.  Ok, let’s start! Many students asked me over the years how to avoid making mistakes when speaking English.  And that’s an excellent question. As you know, the best way to become fluent in English is by listening to plenty of content that’s easy for you to understand. You should comprehend 90% of the content. Otherwise, it is too difficult for you. And even if you like novelty, the truth is that repeated listening to the same content helps you to automate your speech.  For example, listening to a story allows you to intuitively und

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier than it seems! You just have to use the right material and techniques. In this episode, you’ll learn some new tongue twisters in English to help you with your English pronunciation. And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. A mini-story is very simple but very powerful. I ask easy questions on purpose so that you can simulate a conversation. It’s like talking with another person in English. Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript. It’s free!  Ok. Let’s start! So, do you remember what a tongue twister is?  It can be a difficult phrase that we say quickly, usually because of a sequence of almost similar sounds.  For example, “Peter Piper picked a pickle of pickled peppers.” Many people us

Today we will continue the accent reduction exercise with some fun tongue twisters in English. And with the help of a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course. That would mean a lot to me. Thanks. Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast Ok, let’s start! Last week we started this accent reduction exercise by focusing on the S sound with the help of some fun tongue twisters. So, let’s remember the tongue twisters we used last week to help you improve your English pronunciation. I will go fast, but if you want to practice them, you can do so by listening to the previous episode on my website. List

Today we are going to do an accent reduction exercise with some fun tongue twisters in English. To be specific, we will practice the S sound. And with the help of a mini-story, you will improve your English fluency. A mini-story is very simple but very powerful. Here's how it works: I ask easy questions deliberately so that you can simulate a conversation. It's almost like talking to another person in English. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.  That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.  Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast Ok, let's start! Do you remember what a tongue twister is?  It can be a difficult phrase that we say quickly, usually because of a sequence of almost similar

Are you having a hard time following conversations in English? Don't worry. Today, I'll show you some expressions you can use confidently in situations where it isn't easy to follow a conversation. Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course. That would mean a lot to me. Thanks. Okay, let’s start! When we learn a new language, we are eager to practice speaking with another person. But what happens when the conversation is difficult for some reason? Maybe it's hard to keep up or follow what they tell us. Or if you are in a conversation with people who speak very fast, and you can't hear those words at all, or you don'

Today: I'm going to reflect on the frustration that some English learners may experience. In part 2, you'll practice with a point of view story: you'll meet James and Jane and their adventures! Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.  That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.  Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript, on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast Okay, let's get started! Learning to speak English is not as simple as studying for a couple of days. Can you imagine? In one month, we could learn 15 new languages, or 14 if we are lazy :) If your goal is to become fluent, it takes