Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English without grammar‪.‬ Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Hi! I’m Georgiana, and I’m back with a new episode. I’m here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. 🙂
If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.
On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.
Before we start, get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast
It’s completely free!
Ok, let’s start!
Today, we’re talking about the Internet – something we use daily. Knowing internet words is super important whether you’re checking websites, chatting with friends, or shopping online. You will learn different internet words to help you feel more comfortable online.
Website Navigation:
The Internet is like a vast library with countless books. Each website is a different book; to read them, you need to know how to navigate. Think of website navigation as finding your way around the library. You use a website’s menus, links, and buttons to move from one page to another.

Homepage:
Imagine a book with a cover. The homepage is like the cover of a website. It’s the first page you see when you visit a website. It tells you what the website is about.
Tabs:
You might want to read multiple books at once when you go to a library. Tabs in a web browser are like having different books open on different pages. You can click on a tab to switch between different web pages.
Cookie:
Cookies are like bookmarks in the library. Websites use them to remember your preferences and what you do on their site, making your online experience more convenient.

URL Bar/Address Bar:
The address bar is like a search box in the library. You can type the web address of a website, and your browser will take you there. It’s also where you can see the website’s address.
Cache:
Imagine if the library had a storage room to keep some books handy. That’s what the cache is. It stores web data temporarily on your device to make websites load faster when you visit them again.
Streaming:
Streaming is like watching a movie online without having to download it first. You can also stream music and other media content over the Internet.
Buffering:
When you stream a video or music, sometimes it needs to load a little bit before you can start watching or listening. So, buffering prevents interruptions.
Download Manager:
A download manager is like a librarian who helps you organize and track the books (or files) you download from the Internet.
Firewall:
Think of a firewall as a protective shield around your computer. It keeps out any unwanted or harmful visitors from the Internet.
Router:
A router is like a postman delivering letters to different houses. It connects multiple devices in your home or office to the Internet.
Let’s continue with a surprising point-of-view story:

Ever wondered if native English speakers make mistakes? Well, here's the truth: Native English speakers make mistakes, too! This can be comforting for English learners.
Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently.
If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.
On my website, you can find the 5 Secrets to Speaking English and my premium courses.
Before we start, get the transcript. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast
It's completely free!
Ok, let's start!
Native speakers of any language make mistakes, just like learners do. This is a natural part of language use and communication.
Let's learn the mistakes native English speakers make and why they happen.
Pronunciation Mistakes: It's common to mispronounce hard words. For example, some people say "Pacific" instead of "specific."
Spelling Mistakes: Even people who have spoken English from birth can spell words wrongly. It's like writing "definately" when it should be "definitely."
Misusing Words: Sometimes, people mix up words that sound the same, like "their" and "there." Or, they might use the wrong preposition. These are often just small mistakes.
Why Mistakes Happen:
Informal Language: In everyday talk, people use short forms like "gonna" instead of "going to." These are okay when speaking but not in formal writing. Speaking Fast: Often, people talk quickly and don't think about grammar rules. Not Paying Attention: Everyone makes more mistakes when they are tired or not focused. Learning from Mistakes:
When kids learn to speak, they make many errors. As someone learning English, you should see mistakes as a chance to get better. Most of the time, when people correct their mistakes, kids don't get embarrassed. They might even laugh about it.
Attitude Toward Mistakes:
Most people understand that mistakes happen, and they don't usually stop us from understanding each other. Remember, making mistakes doesn't mean you're bad at English. It means you are learning and getting better. So, if you make a mistake, just smile and try again. Even people who have spoken English their whole life are still learning!
Great! I hope you're enjoying this episode!
And now, let's continue with a mini-story.

Have you ever seen a huge mountain with presidents’ faces? Today, we learn about Mount Rushmore. What’s special about it? Let’s find out!
Hi! I’m Georgiana, and I’m back with a new episode. I’m here to help you speak English fluently.
If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.
On my website, you can find the 5 Secrets to Speaking English and my premium courses.
Before we start, get the transcript. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast
It’s completely free!
Ok, let’s start!
Mount Rushmore is a giant and famous place in the United States. It’s located in South Dakota, inside the Black Hills. On this big mountain are huge carvings of the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These presidents are very important because they did great things for America.
The carvings of Mount Rushmore are huge. Each president’s face is as large as a tall building! People made this long ago, starting in 1927 and finishing in 1941. So, it took 14 years to complete. They did not have modern machines, so it was very tough work.
Mount Rushmore is special for a few reasons:
George Washington was the first president to help start the country. Thomas Jefferson made America bigger by buying a large area of land from France, known as the Louisiana Purchase. Theodore Roosevelt protected nature and made sure businesses treated people fairly. Abraham Lincoln kept the country together during the Civil War, which was a very difficult time. Mount Rushmore is also meaningful because of its location. Before it became a monument, Native American tribes, saw the Black Hills as a sacred place. The story of Mount Rushmore includes these tribes and their connection to the land.
When people visit Mount Rushmore, they can explore the Avenue of Flags. This path has flags from all 50 states in the USA. It makes people feel connected to everyone in the country. It is a reminder that, even though we are different, we are all part of one big nation.
Mount Rushmore is not only beautiful because of the nature around it. It also makes us think about the leaders who shaped America, and reflect on how we can all help make the country better.
Making Mount Rushmore changed the mountain forever. It turned a natural place into a symbol of America’s history. This means different things to different people. Some see it as a celebration of freedom and great leaders. Others remember the land and the first people who lived there.
Great! I hope you’re enjoying this episode!
And now, let’s continue with a mini-story!

Transcript: Hi! I’m Georgiana, and I’m back with a new episode. I’m here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. 🙂
If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.
On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English, and also my premium courses.
Before we start, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast
It’s completely free!
Ok, let’s start!
Learning English is exciting because we get to know how people actually speak. Today, we will look at a common phrase in the US: “Good for you!” It’s a friendly way to talk, but there’s more to learn about it.
What Does “Good for you!” Mean?
When people say “Good for you!” they show they are glad for someone else. Imagine giving a friend a thumbs-up. For example, if your friend tells you they did well on a test, saying “Good for you!” is like saying, “I’m happy for you!”
When You Are Really Glad:
Imagine your friend telling you, “I got first place!” You can respond with a smile, “Good for you!” to show your happiness for their success.
How You Say It Is Key:
Your tone of voice can change the meaning. Use a cheerful tone to make sure your friend feels your sincerity.
When to Say “Good for you!”
This phrase fits well in many situations. Here are some moments to use it:
Celebrating Achievements:
When someone achieves something from hard work, like scoring high on a test, “Good for you!” is a great response.
Sharing in Good News:
Hearing about a friend’s good news, like getting a new pet, and saying “Good for you!” shows you share their happiness.
Let’s Practice:
Imagine a time when someone shared something joyful with you. How would you reply? Simple, “Good for you!” Just remember, saying it with a smile and warmth in your voice can really make a difference.
The Different Meanings of “Good for you!”
Sometimes, “Good for you!” is not only about being happy for someone. It can also be used for jokes or in not-so-nice ways, known as sarcasm.
When It’s Just a Joke:
Friends might use it playfully when someone says something funny or not so-important. It’s their way of being friendly.
When It Might Not Be Kind:
However, if someone’s tone sounds unhappy or their expression appears unfriendly, they might not be saying it kindly. For example, if you say, “I can tie my shoes,” and someone responds with, “Good for you!” without a friendly tone, they might not be being nice. They could be mocking you because tying shoes is something most people can do.
Understanding the Difference:
Listen to their voice: Is it light, happy, or flat and unkind?
Look at their expression: Is there a real smile, or do they seem insincere?
Consider what you said: Was it something impressive or ordinary? This helps you figure out if they’re joking or not.
Some Examples:
Happy: You: “I aced my test!” Friend: “Good for you!” (They’re genuinely pleased.)
Joking: You: “I spent the whole day watching TV.” Friend: “Good for you!” (They’re playfully teasing because it’s not a big deal.)
Not Nice: You: “I cleaned up my room today.” Friend: “Well, good for you.” (If their tone is sarcastic, they may not think it’s important.)
That’s why, it’s crucial to pay attention to how people say things, not just the words. This helps you know if they’re truly happy for you, making a joke, or being unkind.
Let’s continue with a surprising point-of-view story:

Today, we will learn how Easter is celebrated in the United States and Australia. We will hear Tom and Sarah's conversation about their plans for Easter this year. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing boring rules.
Hi! Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. I'm Georgiana and my mission is to help you improve your fluency.
If you want to support me, please share the podcast with your friends and family. It would mean a great deal to me. Thank you!
Remember that you can get the text of this episode on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com
Okay! Let’s start!
Tom, from the United States, and Sarah, from Australia, were catching up on a video call before the Easter holiday. As they started chatting, they quickly realized they had different traditions and plans for celebrating the holiday.
Let's listen to their conversation:
Tom: Hey, Sarah! Happy Easter!
Sarah: Happy Easter to you too, Tom! I hope you're doing well.
Tom: Yes, I'm doing great. So, what are your plans for Easter this year?
Sarah: I plan to attend church and celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have a big Easter dinner and spend time together.
Tom: That sounds lovely. I'm also planning to celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have an Easter egg hunt and decorate Easter eggs.
Sarah: Oh, that's a great tradition. We also decorate Easter eggs but don't have an egg hunt.
Tom: That's interesting. Every family has their own traditions.
Sarah: Definitely. What other traditions do you have for Easter?
Tom: We usually go to church and have a big Easter brunch. We also exchange Easter baskets filled with candy and small gifts.
Sarah: That sounds like so much fun. We don't exchange Easter baskets but give each other Easter cards.
Tom: That's sweet. Do you have any special Easter foods that you eat?
Sarah: Yes, we usually have ham, deviled eggs, and hot cross buns.
Tom: That sounds delicious. My family has roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.
Sarah: That sounds amazing. It's interesting to see how different cultures celebrate the same holiday.
Tom: Yes, I agree. Speaking of cultures, I heard Easter is celebrated differently in Australia. Can you tell me more about that?
Sarah: Sure! In Australia, Easter is also a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, since it's celebrated in the fall season there, it's more of a harvest festival. We also have a lot of outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
Tom: That's so cool. I didn't know Easter was celebrated as a harvest festival in Australia. Do you have any special Easter foods that you eat?
Sarah: Yes, we have hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, just like in the US. But we also have meat pies, seafood, and others.
Tom: That sounds amazing. I'll have to try them sometime.
Sarah: Definitely. Maybe we can exchange some Easter foods and try each other's traditions.
Tom: That's a great idea, Sarah!
Sarah: Ok! I'll see you later. Happy Easter!
Tom: Happy Easter!

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. :)
If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.
Get the transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/291-what-is-minimalism/
In our previous episode, we talked about Diogenes syndrome. It's when people collect too many things.
Today, I will talk about practically the opposite: minimalism.
A few years ago, this lifestyle became popular.
The concept of minimalism is about removing unnecessary things and focusing on what's important. Seems logical, right? Well... Sometimes, attempting to live a minimalist lifestyle can actually be more stressful than just accepting a little bit of clutter. Finally, it's about finding a balance that works for you.
Here are some principles of minimalism:
- Simplicity: Enjoy the simple and the necessary.
- Utility: Have only things you use that are useful to you.
- Quality: Prefer fewer things, but of better quality.
- Consciousness: Think and choose what really matters.
- Order: A clean, organized space helps you think and live better.
- Peace: Seek tranquility in your environment.
- Autonomy: Live with the essentials and take care of your resources.
- Experiences: You value moments and friendships more than material possessions.
Marie Kondo is famous in the world of keeping things tidy. She's from Japan and has taught many of us to ask if our belongings make us happy. She's had a big influence, and for some time, we all followed her advice on folding clothes neatly and getting rid of things we don't need.
But now, she mentioned that after having three kids she can't be as strict anymore. If Marie Kondo has found a balance, we don't have to be perfect either.
A while ago, I was inspired by ideas of living simply, so I tried to make my life more minimalist. I planned it well in my mind, but it was hard to do. To be honest, it lasted only two weeks. :) Now, I try to be sensible. I keep only what I need, and I don't worry if things are a bit messy.
So, I believe it's not about keeping your space perfectly clean and tidy all the time. It's more about creating a home where you feel cozy and calm. Sometimes, things are a little messy, like the shoes not being in the right place. But it’s okay!
I hope you found this episode interesting, and that it helped you practice your English a bit too.
What do you think about minimalism? Is it just a fad, or... Does it have value?
 
Get the transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/291-what-is-minimalism/