Roald Dahl’s stories—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach—have delighted generations. In this episode, we explore his fascinating life, from his childhood in Wales and his World War II adventures, to his career as one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. We’ll also look at the lasting impact of his work, the controversies around his personal views, and why his magical worlds continue to inspire readers around the globe.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:

• The Roald Dahl Story Company

• BBC History: Roald Dahl

• Biography.com
  

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende

Link: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

Labor Day in the U.S. is often seen as the “last hurrah” of summer—barbecues, picnics, and one final long weekend before school and fall routines begin. But behind the holiday is a story of workers’ struggles, labor unions, and the fight for fair conditions.

In this episode, we explore:

• The history of Labor Day and why the U.S. celebrates in September instead of May.

• The Pullman Strike of 1894 and how it led to the creation of the holiday.

• Important labor leaders like Samuel Gompers, Eugene V. Debs, Cesar Chavez, Delores Huerta, and Mother Jones.

• How labor unions shaped workers’ rights in the U.S.

• What Labor Day means today—both as a summer tradition and in light of modern union movements.

Labor Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a reminder of the sacrifices and victories of workers who built the foundation for rights many of us take for granted.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:

• How a Bloody Railroad Strike Paved the Way for the First Labor Day

• Here’s Why We Celebrate Labor Day

• Why Is Labor Day Celebrated in September? | Britannica

• https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/september/labor-day

• Mother Jones | AFL-CIO
  

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

The right to vote is something many of us take for granted today, but it was won through decades of struggle, persistence, and courage. In this episode of The Sharing English Podcast, we explore the history of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States:

• how it grew out of abolition and temperance efforts;

• the voices of leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells;

• and the long fight that led to the 19th Amendment in 1920.

We’ll also look at how the U.S. story fits into a bigger picture, by comparing it to women’s suffrage movements in other English-speaking countries, including the UK, where women won the vote earlier. Along the way, we’ll reflect on how language, speeches, and storytelling helped build a movement that changed democracy forever.

Join me for this inspiring journey into a turning point in history—and the powerful voices that demanded to be heard.

Further Reading:

• "Declaration of Sentiments" https://www.nps.gov/wori/learn/historyculture/declaration-of-sentiments.htm
• "Ain't I a Woman?" https://www.nps.gov/articles/sojourner-truth.htm

Sources:

• https://www.womenshistory.org/
• https://www.loc.gov/collections/national-american-woman-suffrage-association/about-this-collection/

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende

https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

Ever wonder what American high school is really like? In this episode, we take you inside the U.S. high school system — from grade levels and school districts to public, private, charter, and boarding schools. We’ll cover academic requirements, extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and marching band, and give you a glimpse of social life, after-school jobs, and even the driving age. Whether you’re curious about everyday student life or comparing schools around the world, this episode is your guide to understanding U.S. high schools.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende

https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

Why is English spoken in so many different countries? This episode explores how the British Empire spread the English language across the globe, and how former colonies reshaped it to fit their own cultures. We also look at the Commonwealth, local versions of English, and why understanding this history helps us better understand the modern English-speaking world.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-the-commonwealth-of-nations-arose-from-a-crumbling-british-empire
https://www.britannica.com/place/British-Empire
https://thecommonwealth.org/

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishhttps://ende.app/en/standard-license

How did a boy from New Orleans become one of the most important musicians in the world? In this episode, we explore the life of Louis Armstrong, how he helped shape jazz music, and why his legacy still matters today. You’ll also learn how jazz influenced later musical styles and became a global symbol of creativity and freedom.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources: https://music.si.edu/story/louis-armstrong

https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/biography/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Armstrong Music: “Cherish” by Sascha Ende

Link: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

Miles instead of kilometers. Gallons instead of liters. Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. If you’ve ever visited the United States—or lived here—you’ve probably noticed that Americans still use the standard (imperial) measurement system, even though most of the world has adopted metric. But why?

In this episode of The Sharing English Podcast, I explore the reasons behind the U.S.’s continued use of standard measurements. From British imperial history and cultural habits to cost and resistance to change, we’ll uncover why metric never fully caught on. I’ll also explain how the scientific community in the U.S. uses metric, and how American students do learn it in school—even if they don’t use it in daily life.

We’ll also dive into the colorful world of unusual units like the stone, hand, acre, and league—and discover the origins and meanings behind these quirky measures.

Whether you're an English learner or just curious about American culture, this episode will help you make sense of a system that can feel like it belongs in a different century.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Music: “Cherish” by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishLicense: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

Many of the place names we use every day—like Michigan, Dakota, and Chicago—come from Native American languages. In this episode, we explore the rich history and cultural meanings behind U.S. states, cities, and landmarks named by Indigenous peoples. You'll also hear how Native stories and legends helped shape the American landscape and the English we use to describe it.

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:
National Park Service on Sleeping Bear Dunes & Anishinaabek culture & treaties: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/historyculture/anishinaabek-culture.htm

Ojibwe & Mackinac Island etymology: https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/how-did-michigan-cities-get-their-names https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackinac_Island,_Michigan

Legends and meanings (Sleeping Bear, Mackinac): www.mythfolks.com/michigan-folklore

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishLicense: https://ende.app/en/standard-license