🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we're talking about something that can be very confusing for English learners—pronunciation! English has many words that are not pronounced the way they are spelled, and this can make it difficult to speak clearly and confidently. In today's episode, you'll learn how to pronounce some tricky city and state names in the United States.

❓Have you ever looked at a word like “Arkansas” or “Connecticut” and had no idea how to say it? You’re not alone! These place names are known for their unusual pronunciation. Even native speakers sometimes get them wrong. In this episode, you’ll hear clear explanations and examples to help you remember the correct pronunciation.

🗣️We also explore some cities that have French or Spanish origins, like “Des Moines” or “La Jolla.” These names follow different pronunciation rules, so they may surprise you! By listening to this episode, you’ll discover helpful tips on how to pronounce foreign-sounding names with an American accent, and you’ll also understand why they sound so different from their spelling.

🎧This episode is perfect for learners who want to improve their English while learning about real-world topics. You'll explore new vocabulary and get to practice your listening comprehension. And don't forget to check the description of this episode for a list of the new words to help you study so you can improve your English!

States covered in this episode: Arkansas, Illinois, Connecticut, Oregon, Nevada

Cities covered in this episode: Birmingham, Mobile, Louisville, Des Moines, Boise, Kissimmee, Tucson, La Jolla

Link to pronunciation playlist

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Silent letter – a letter in a word that is not pronounced

2) Schwa – the most common vowel sound in English, an unstressed and soft sound (ə)

3) Tricky – difficult in a way that needs special attentio

4) Cringe – to feel a little embarrassed or uncomfortable because of something awkward

5) Deceptive – something that seems one way but is actually different

6) Unemphasized syllable – the part of a word that is not stressed

7) Home state – the state someone is originally from

8) That makes sense – that is logical or understandable

9) Something to be aware of – something you should know or remember

10) Right next to – very close or directly beside something

🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, I share a very personal story about a serious back injury I experienced last year. For many years, I have struggled with pain in my lower back, but last year, things got much worse. I talk about what happened, how I felt, and what I’ve done to get better.

🗣️I share my journey with you honestly and clearly, so that you can also improve your English skills while listening to a real-life story. But this episode isn't just a personal account; it's also a fantastic opportunity to improve your English. As you listen to the story unfold, you'll encounter everyday vocabulary and natural English expressions used in context. You will learn vocabulary about the body, pain, doctors, and exercise. I explain words like sciatic nerve, seize up, urgent care, numbness, and many more. These words are useful for everyday conversations, especially when talking about health, fitness, or visiting the doctor.

🎧This episode is perfect for learners who want to improve their English while learning about real-world topics. You'll explore new vocabulary and get to practice your listening comprehension. And don't forget to check the description of this episode for a list of the new words to help you study so you can improve your English!

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

Affiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) messed up (my back): (informal) injured my back. This implies a significant injury.

2) burning pain: a type of pain that feels like something is hot or on fire.

3) intense pain: very strong pain.

4) sustained (an injury): experienced or suffered an injury.

5) sciatic nerve: a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg.

6) limping: walking with difficulty because one leg is injured.

7) in bad shape: in poor condition, often referring to health.

8) seize up: (of a muscle) suddenly become tight and stiff, often causing pain.

9) pain relievers: medication that reduces pain.

10) urgent care: a medical facility for treating illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention.

11) emergency room (ER): a hospital department that provides immediate treatment for serious illnesses or injuries.

12) disc (in spine): a cushion-like structure between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine.

13) herniated: when part of an organ or tissue pushes through an opening or weak spot in a surrounding muscle or membrane. In this case, referring to a spinal disc.

14) hype myself up: encourage myself and build up my enthusiasm or energy.

🔥Recently we did an episode on the wildfires in California. On today's episode, we continue our discussion on this topic by focusing on the firefighters who fight those fires. There is unique program in California that you might not have heard of before.

🧑‍🚒 In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we talk about a very unusual program in California, where some of the people fighting fires are actually inmates. This might sound strange or even shocking, but it is a real and important part of how California deals with its yearly wildfires. We talk about how this program began during World War Two, when many young men were sent overseas to fight in the war and the state needed firefighters. You will also learn about California, its wildfires, and how this program has changed over time.

🚒The story is interesting and a little controversial, so it’s a great topic to practice understanding English in real-life situations. We'll break down the ethical debates surrounding the program, discussing the low wages, potential career opportunities, and the moral questions that come with using prisoners to fight life-threatening fires. Some people think this program is helpful, but others think it is unfair. You'll hear the arguments for and against this program so you can make your own opinion.

🎧This episode is perfect for learners who want to improve their English while learning about real-world topics. You'll explore new vocabulary and get to practice your listening comprehension. And don't forget to check the description of this episode for a list of the new words to help you study so you can improve your English!

🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:

Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/

Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod

📚Affiliate link for italki: https://www.italki.com/en/i/ref/GBBdbb

Affiliate link for Lingq: https://www.lingq.com/?referral=msusc

📝 Vocabulary list:

1) Wildfire – A large fire that spreads quickly in natural areas like forests or grasslands.

2) Brush – Dry grass and small plants that can catch fire easily.

3) Fire risk – The possibility or danger of a fire starting.

4) Inmate – A person who is in prison (synonym: prisoner).

5) Incarcerated – Officially in prison

6) Criminal record – A list of crimes someone has been officially punished for.

7) Committed a crime – Did something illegal.

8) Reform – To improve or change someone's behavior, especially after being in prison

9) Reoffend – To commit another crime after being released from prison.

10) Minimum wage – The lowest amount of money someone can be paid for a job.

11) Leave prison / get released – Finish your prison sentence and be set free.