Shows
The Sharing English Podcast12 - How the British Empire Spread the English LanguageWhy 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/podcastSources: 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...2025-08-1407 minThe Sharing English Podcast11 - Louis Armstrong and the Birth of JazzHow 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/podcastSources: https://music.si.edu/story/louis-armstronghttps://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/biography/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Armstrong Music: “Cherish” by Sascha EndeLink: https...2025-08-0705 minThe Sharing English Podcast10 - Why the U.S. Doesn't Use the Metric SystemMiles 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 com...2025-07-3110 minThe Sharing English Podcast09 - The Names We Speak: Native American Words on the MapMany 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/podcastSources:National Park Service on Sleeping Bear Dunes & Anishinaabek culture & treaties: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/historyculture/anishinaabek-culture.htmOjibwe & Mackinac Island etymology: http...2025-07-2408 minThe Sharing English Podcast08 - Nelson Mandela: A Voice for FreedomNelson Mandela is one of the most influential voices in modern history. In this episode, we learn about his life, his fight against apartheid in South Africa, and how he became a global symbol of peace, equality, and justice. Along the way, we explore how Mandela’s legacy still inspires people across the English-speaking world and beyond.Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcastSources:Nelson Mandela Foundation: https://www.nelsonmandela.org/United Nations Mandela Day: https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/Britannica.com: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nelson-MandelaMusic: "Ch...2025-07-1710 minThe Sharing English Podcast07 - Why Does Hollywood Dominate Global Movies?Hollywood is known around the world as the center of the movie industry. How did that happen? In this episode, we explore the history of Hollywood, how immigrants helped shape it, and its lasting impact on the global film market and the spread of the English language. We’ll also take a look at other major English-speaking movie industries, from the UK and Canada to Australia—and even how Bollywood is growing its English-language films.Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcastMusic: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/s...2025-07-1009 minThe Sharing English Podcast06 - Why Americans Celebrate the 4th of JulyWhy do Americans celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, flags, and cookouts? In this episode, we explore the history behind U.S. Independence Day, how Americans celebrate today, and how people abroad—from Denmark to Japan—also mark the occasion. It’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and worldwide connections.Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast Music: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishLicense: https://ende.app/en/standard-license2025-07-0308 minThe Sharing English Podcast05 - Wimbledon: Tennis, British Tradition, and StrawberriesWhy is Wimbledon such a special event in the English-speaking world? In this episode, we explore the history of the world’s oldest tennis tournament, its famous traditions like strawberries and cream, and how it reflects British culture. Whether you're a sports fan or just curious about global customs, this episode serves up something for everyone.Website: www.sharing-english.comMusic: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishLicense: https://ende.app/en/standard-license2025-06-2607 minThe Sharing English Podcast04 - The Gateway of Hope: Ellis Island and the Story of American ImmigrationIn this episode, we explore Ellis Island—the entry point for millions of immigrants to the United States. Learn about its role in shaping American identity, how immigration laws changed over time, and the challenges newcomers faced. We’ll also look at how the immigrant experience in the U.S. compares to other English-speaking countries.Website: www.sharing-english.comSources:https://www.britannica.com/place/Ellis-Islandhttps://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm Music:Music: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishLicense: https://ende.app/en/s...2025-06-1909 minThe Sharing English Podcast03 - Coffee and Tea Culture Around the English-Speaking WorldDo you drink coffee like an American or tea like the British? Discover how different English-speaking countries enjoy their hot drinks; and what these habits say about their culture and history, including colonial roots. From flat whites in Australia to chai in India, this episode brews up global English learning.Music: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license 2025-06-1309 minThe Sharing English Podcast02 - Why do Americans Love Sweet Breakfasts?From pancakes to orange juice, explore why sweet breakfasts are such a big part of American culture. Learn how breakfast habits in the U.S. reflect history, lifestyle, and even marketing. A fun and tasty way to build your English and cultural knowledge. Warning: do not listen on an empty stomach ;)Sources:https://www.creativereview.co.uk/snap-crackle-pop/https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/learning-hub/topics/1-full-english-breakfastMusic: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license ...2025-06-1307 minThe Sharing English Podcast01 - Welcome to The Sharing English Podcast!Meet your host, Freya, an English teacher from Michigan now living in Denmark, and learn why this podcast is different from typical English lessons. Discover what to expect in future episodes about culture, history, language, sports, and everyday life in English-speaking countries. Perfect for curious English language learners who want real, interesting topics in English.Music: "Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license 2025-06-1304 min