Episodios

  • STOP THE LIES! Iran’s Stern Warning to Donald Trump
    Mar 28 2026

    Master the essential language of global news with this B1-level lesson on current events vocabulary. You will explore nineteen key terms and learn to identify "trap words" like "scrambled" and "the heart" that carry specialized meanings in the context of news reporting.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Link to Newsclip: https://youtu.be/kw-PtUyec_o?si=m6XHEhZW68WcdE1o1Critical(Adj.) Very important, or a time of danger."The peace talks are at a critical stage right now."2Crossroads(Noun) A time when you must make a big decision."The country is at a crossroads about its new climate rules."3Pause(Noun/Verb) A short stop."The leader asked for a 24-hour pause in the fighting."4Claiming(Verb) Saying something is true, even without proof."The rebel group is claiming they did the attack."5Within Reach(Idiom) Almost finished or possible to get."After months of talking, a new trade deal is finally within reach."6Firing Back(Phrasal Verb) Answering quickly when someone attacks or criticizes you."The politician is firing back at the bad news."7"Fake News"(Noun) Stories that are not true but look like real news."People must watch out for fake news on social media."8Manipulate(Verb) To control someone or something in a tricky or bad way."The company tried to manipulate the price of their products."9Ultimatum(Noun) A final warning ("Do this, or else...")."The President gave an ultimatum: leave the area or face war."10Colonial(Adj.) About a strong country controlling a weaker country."The two countries are still talking about their colonial history."11Torturers(Noun) People who hurt others on purpose to get information."The human rights group wants the police to arrest the torturers."12Middle Ground(Noun) A point where two fighting sides can agree."The two leaders are trying to find middle ground on the new law."13Scrambled(Verb) To move or work very fast because of an emergency."Workers scrambled to fix the internet after the attack."14Avert(Verb) To stop something bad from happening."The city worked fast to avert a flood."15Catastrophe(Noun) A terrible event that causes a lot of damage."The big hurricane was a catastrophe for the town."16The Heart(Noun/Metaphor) The center or most important part of a problem."Money is at the heart of the government's problems."17Strait(Noun) A narrow strip of water that connects two big seas."Ships are waiting to pass through the strait safely."18Obliterate(Verb) To destroy something completely."The bomb was strong enough to obliterate the whole building."19Power Grid(Noun) The system that brings electricity to a city or country."The winter storm broke the city's power grid."

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    15 m
  • Don’t Visit the United States Right Now
    Mar 22 2026

    Are you planning a trip to the United States anytime soon? In today's lesson, we'll break down a real American newscast and learn essential vocabulary to help you understand why you might want to stay home instead.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/GE2qZDAdqcI?si=bhw-PXVAYlseICIf1. SufferingDefinition: Feeling pain, sadness, or hardship.Example: The medicine helped reduce her suffering after she broke her leg.2. Stretch (time)Definition: A continuous period of time.Example: I had to work on the computer for a long stretch of six hours without a break.3. A lack of...Definition: Not having enough of something.Example: The business failed because of a lack of money.4. StaffingDefinition: Providing workers or employees for a business.Example: The restaurant is having staffing problems, so service is very slow today.5. Calling Out (work)Definition: Telephoning your boss to say you cannot come to work, usually because you are sick.Example: I have a bad cold and a fever, so I am calling out of work today.6. PartialDefinition: Not complete; only a part of something.Example: We only got a partial refund for the canceled flight, not the full amount.7. Government ShutdownDefinition: When a government temporarily stops its normal services because politicians cannot agree on a budget.Example: During the government shutdown, the national parks and museums were closed to the public.8. Union (work)Definition: An organization of workers that protects their rights and fights for better pay or safety.Example: The factory workers joined a union to get better health insurance.9. EndureDefinition: To suffer through a difficult situation with patience, without giving up.Example: The team had to endure a very long and boring meeting.10. Pissed OffDefinition: (Informal/Slang) Very angry or annoyed. Note: Because this is informal, it's best to use it only with friends, not in professional settings.Example: He was really pissed off when someone scratched his parked car.11. NormalcyDefinition: The state of being normal, regular, or typical.Example: After the big storm, it took weeks for the town to return to normalcy.12. ConsistencyDefinition: Doing something the same way over time, which makes you reliable.Example: Consistency is important in customer service; every customer should be treated well.13. Close ProximityDefinition: Being very near to something or someone.Example: We chose this hotel because it is in close proximity to the train station.14. CornerDefinition: The place where two lines, walls, or streets meet.Example: The coffee shop is located on the corner of Main Street and First Avenue.15. Punch through a wallDefinition: To hit a wall so hard with your fist that it makes a hole. It is usually used as an exaggeration to show extreme anger.Example: The computer crashed and deleted his project; he was so angry he wanted to punch through a wall.16. Ridiculously FrustratingDefinition: Extremely annoying or upsetting, to a degree that feels crazy or unreasonable.Example: Waiting on the phone for two hours to speak to a bank agent was ridiculously frustrating.17. FaultDefinition: Responsibility for a mistake or a bad situation.Example: It was my fault that we missed the train, because I woke up late.18. LayersDefinition: Different sheets or levels of material placed one on top of another.Example: It is very cold outside, so you should wear several layers of clothing.19. MatrixDefinition: A complex system or environment where things are connected and develop.Example: Trying to understand the complex matrix of international tax laws can be very difficult.

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    19 m
  • Speak English With the News: Other Countries to Help With Iran
    Mar 16 2026

    Improve your English vocabulary today by reading breaking news about President Trump asking other countries for help. I will teach you key words from the article so you can understand advanced news topics with confidence.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/7wc9691_Mb4?si=I9XiRdT2HFTxmDlU1. Quote * Definition: To repeat exactly what someone else said or wrote. * Example: The newspaper article will quote the president's speech.2. Especially * Definition: More than usual; particularly. * Example: I love Italian food, especially pizza.3. In Conjunction * Definition: Working together with someone or something. * Example: The police are working in conjunction with the community to improve safety.4. Commercial Products * Definition: Items made to be sold to the public to make a profit. * Example: The company makes commercial products like soap and shampoo.5. Pop Up (Internet Verb) * Definition: To appear suddenly on a computer or phone screen. * Example: A new advertisement will pop up when you click that link.6. Popups (Internet Noun) * Definition: The small windows that suddenly appear on a screen, usually showing ads. * Example: I use a special program on my browser to block annoying popups.7. Capability * Definition: The ability, skill, or power to do something. * Example: This new smartphone has the capability to translate languages instantly.8. Mine (Water bomb) * Definition: A hidden bomb placed in the water that explodes when a ship touches it. * Example: The navy had to carefully remove a mine from the harbor.9. Close-Range Missile * Definition: A flying weapon that travels a short distance to hit its target. * Example: The army tested a new close-range missile during their training.10. Defeated * Definition: Having lost a game, battle, or election. * Example: The defeated team shook hands with the winners after the match.11. Artificial Constraint * Definition: An unnatural limit or rule created by people, not by nature. * Example: The manager's strict deadline felt like an artificial constraint on our creativity.12. Decapitated * Definition: Literally: to have the head removed. In the news: to remove the leader of a group. * Example: The criminal organization was decapitated when the police arrested its top boss.13. Continually * Definition: Happening again and again over a long time. * Example: The old machine continually makes a loud noise while it is running.14. Still Underway * Definition: Currently happening; not finished yet. * Example: The construction of the new hospital is still underway.15. Embassy * Definition: The official office of a country's government in a foreign country. * Example: If you lose your passport while traveling, you should go to your country's embassy.16 & 19. Compound * Definition: A group of buildings closed in by a fence or wall. * Example: The government officials lived and worked in a secure compound.17. Fairly Limited Information * Definition: Only having a small amount of facts or details about a situation. * Example: We have fairly limited information about the new company policy so far.18. It's Not Clear * Definition: It is confusing, uncertain, or not easy to understand yet. * Example: It's not clear what time the meeting will start tomorrow.

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    21 m
  • The HIDDEN English Vocabulary in the Supreme Leader’s First Speech
    Mar 15 2026

    The world is reeling from the New Supreme Leader’s first official message, but the mainstream media is completely missing the terrifying subtext hidden in his words. Today, we’re decoding the exact English phrases he used to reveal the shocking truth behind this historic address.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/KqznM8tJI3s?si=4rylgtLzCp_nAjIBVocabulary ListHand it over to youDefinition: To give control, responsibility, or the chance to speak to someone else.Sentence: "That is all for the weather report; now I will hand it over to you, Sarah, for the local news."Highlights Definition: The most important or interesting parts of a story or speech.Sentence: Before the full interview, the news anchor shared the highlights of the president's speech.Bases Definition: A place where members of the army live and work.Sentence: The government decided to move its military bases away from the border to reduce tension.InfrastructureDefinition: The basic systems a country needs, like roads, bridges, power, and water.Sentence: The new leader promised to spend more money on infrastructure to help the economy grow.Goes on to sayDefinition: A phrase used to introduce the next part of what someone said or wrote.Sentence: The report goes on to say that many people are still without electricity after the storm.UnityDefinition: When people or groups agree and work together for a single goal.Sentence: After the difficult election, the country needed unity to solve its problems.ProxiesDefinition: Smaller groups or countries that act on behalf of a more powerful country.Sentence: Some experts believe the conflict is being fought by proxies instead of the two main powers.DemonstrationsDefinition: Public meetings or marches where people show they are for or against something.Sentence: Thousands of people joined the demonstrations in the city center to protest the new law.Look out forDefinition: To watch carefully for something or someone.Sentence: Travelers should look out for any changes in flight schedules this weekend.Gulf CountriesDefinition: Nations located around the Persian Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.Sentence: Several Gulf countries are meeting today to discuss the price of oil.Strait of HormuzDefinition: A narrow and very important waterway for shipping oil between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.Sentence: Much of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz every day.RhetoricDefinition: Language or speech that is intended to persuade people, but is sometimes not sincere.Sentence: Despite the angry rhetoric from both leaders, they are still willing to talk.Taken outDefinition: (In a news/military context) To destroy something or remove someone from power.Sentence: The general confirmed that the enemy's radar system was taken out during the mission.ViaDefinition: By way of; through.Sentence: The diplomat traveled to the capital via a private plane.CuriousDefinition: Strange, unusual, or wanting to know more about something.Sentence: It was a curious decision to close the border right before the holiday.Droning and MissilingDefinition: Attacking using drones (unmanned aircraft) and missiles.Sentence: The news reported hours of droning and missiling over the industrial zone last night.Come under fireDefinition: To be criticized or attacked (physically or with words).Sentence: The mayor has come under fire for how he spent the city's budget.Store (verb)Definition: To keep something in a safe place for future use.Sentence: The company needs a large warehouse to store all of its new equipment.

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    25 m
  • Is WWIII Near? China’s "Special Envoy" Enters the Iran War
    Mar 7 2026

    🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/ybnQZubiC3o?si=yxoJ5kIafacEF00P1. Laying Out (explaining) * Definition: Explaining a plan, idea, or sequence of events clearly, step by step. * News Example: "The president is laying out his new plan to create more jobs."2. Unveiled * Definition: Showed or announced something new to the public for the first time. * News Example: "The tech company unveiled its newest smartphone at a big event in California."3. In the Backdrop * Definition: The situation or events happening in the background while something else is going on. * News Example: "The peaceful elections happened in the backdrop of a struggling economy."4. Mounting * Definition: Slowly increasing or growing larger. In the news, this is often used to describe problems or pressure. * News Example: "There is mounting pressure on the mayor to fix the city's broken water pipes."5. Epicenter * Definition: The exact center of an event, usually a crisis, disease, or earthquake. * News Example: "The large city quickly became the epicenter of the new health crisis."6. Take Into Consideration * Definition: To think carefully about something important before making a decision. * News Example: "The judge will take the man's young age into consideration before giving him a sentence."7. Domestic * Definition: Happening inside a person's own country, not foreign or international. * News Example: "The airport was very busy today because domestic travel has increased this year."8. Consumption * Definition: The act of using, buying, or eating something. * News Example: "The government wants to reduce the country's daily oil consumption to help the environment."9. Youth * Definition: Young people in general. * News Example: "The news program focused on how high housing prices are affecting the youth today."10. Reeling * Definition: Feeling shocked, confused, or very unsteady after a bad event. * News Example: "The small coastal town is still reeling from the terrible storm last week."11. Self-Reliance * Definition: Depending on your own abilities and resources, instead of needing help from other people or countries. * News Example: "The country is working toward energy self-reliance so it doesn't have to buy gas from its neighbors."12. Quantum Computing * Definition: A very advanced and new type of computer technology that can solve highly complex problems much faster than regular computers. * News Example: "Scientists believe quantum computing will completely change how we develop new medicines."13. Drags On * Definition: Continues for a very long time, often longer than expected or wanted. * News Example: "As the workers' strike drags on, many supermarkets are running out of fresh food."14. Obviously * Definition: In a way that is very easy to see or understand; clearly. * News Example: "The new tax policy obviously favors large, wealthy businesses."15. Imposed * Definition: Forced a new rule, tax, or punishment on a person or a country. * News Example: "The government imposed a heavy tax on imported cars."16. Disruptor * Definition: A person or company that changes the normal way an industry or market works, usually with a brand new idea. * News Example: "The cheap, electric car company is a major disruptor in the global auto industry."17. Sovereign (Note: Corrected spelling from your list!) * Definition: Having the highest power or authority; an independent country that rules itself. * News Example: "The peace treaty respects the borders of every sovereign nation."

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    18 m
  • Iran’s New Leader? Worse Than the Last Guy
    Mar 5 2026

    Learn the essential English news vocabulary you need to understand the latest headlines about Iran’s new leader. This lesson is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve their fluency and follow world news with confidence.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to News Clip: https://youtu.be/3Thu4w-8Fb4?si=ylfKdiVj_W1XhMC31. The Ayatollah * Definition: A high-ranking religious leader in Shia Islam. * Sentence: The Ayatollah is a very influential figure in the country’s government.2. State Funeral * Definition: A public ceremony to honor a high-ranking official after they die. * Sentence: Thousands of people gathered in the capital for the president's state funeral.3. Postponed * Definition: Delayed; moved to a later time or date. * Sentence: The meeting was postponed until next week because the manager was sick.4. Clerics * Definition: Religious leaders or members of the clergy. * Sentence: The council of clerics met to discuss the new religious laws.5. Successor * Definition: A person who takes over a job or position from someone else. * Sentence: The company is looking for a successor to the retiring CEO.6. 1979 Revolution * Definition: A major political change in Iran that replaced the monarchy with an Islamic republic. * Sentence: The 1979 Revolution completely changed the political landscape of the Middle East.7. Hereditary * Definition: Passed down from parent to child (like a title, money, or a medical condition). * Sentence: In a monarchy, the power is usually hereditary.8. Corps * Definition: A specialized group of people working together for a specific purpose. * Sentence: He joined the medical corps to help people during the natural disaster.9. Elite * Definition: The best, most powerful, or highest-ranking group in a society. * Sentence: Only the elite athletes are invited to compete in the Olympic Games.10. It was sidelined * Definition: To be pushed to the side or ignored; made less important. * Sentence: His suggestion was sidelined because the team wanted to focus on a different project.11. Prominent * Definition: Famous, important, or very easy to see. * Sentence: She is a prominent lawyer who has won many famous cases.12. Dynasty (Dynastic) * Definition: A series of rulers or powerful people from the same family. * Sentence: The Ming Dynasty ruled China for nearly 300 years.13. It’s a big deal * Definition: (Idiom) Something that is very important or significant. * Sentence: Getting a promotion is a big deal for her career.14. A lot at stake * Definition: (Idiom) A situation where there is a lot to win or lose. * Sentence: With the economy struggling, there is a lot at stake in this election.15. Interprets * Definition: To explain the meaning of something or translate it. * Sentence: A judge interprets the law to make a fair decision.16. Adversary * Definition: An opponent or enemy in a fight or competition. * Sentence: The two countries have been political adversaries for decades.17. Follow in his footsteps * Definition: (Idiom) To do the same thing as someone who came before you. * Sentence: She decided to follow in her father's footsteps and become a doctor.18. Pope * Definition: The leader of the Roman Catholic Church. * Sentence: The Pope lives in Vatican City and travels the world to meet followers.19. Revered * Definition: Deeply respected or admired. * Sentence: The late activist is revered for his work in human rights.

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    15 m
  • Speak English With the News 🗞️ It Doesn’t Get Worse Than This
    Mar 4 2026

    In this lesson, we analyze a significant news report regarding the tragic bombing of a girls' school to help you understand complex English in a real-world context. You will master advanced vocabulary and learn how to navigate sensitive global topics with clarity and confidence.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary List: Definitions and Examples * 1. Satellite * Definition: A machine sent into space to orbit the Earth, used for communication, GPS, or taking pictures. * Example: We use a satellite to get a signal for our television and internet. * 2. The Extent * Definition: The size, amount, or limit of something; how far something goes. * Example: It was too dark to see the extent of the damage to the car. * 3. Plumes of Smoke * Definition: Tall, thick clouds of smoke rising into the air from a fire. * Example: After the explosion, we could see dark plumes of smoke in the sky from miles away. * 4. Elementary School * Definition: A school for young children, usually starting around age 5 or 6. * Example: My little brother is learning how to read at his elementary school. * 5. Foreign Minister * Definition: A government official in charge of dealing with other countries. * Example: The Foreign Minister traveled to France to sign a new trade agreement. * 6. Secretary of State * Definition: In the United States, this is the top government official who deals with foreign affairs (similar to a Foreign Minister). * Example: The US Secretary of State met with leaders in Europe to discuss peace. * 7. Dozens * Definition: A lot of something. A "dozen" is 12, so "dozens" means many groups of 12. * Example: There were dozens of people waiting in line to buy concert tickets. * 8. Residential * Definition: An area where people live in houses or apartments, not where businesses or factories are. * Example: Please drive slowly because this is a residential neighborhood with playing children. * 9. A Stretch (of Road) * Definition: A continuous, straight section of a road or highway. * Example: Be careful driving at night on that dark stretch of road. * 10. Agricultural Land * Definition: Land that is used for farming, growing crops, or keeping animals. * Example: The farmer bought more agricultural land so he could grow more wheat. * 11. Military Installation * Definition: A base, camp, or building owned and used by the army, navy, or air force. * Example: Civilians are not allowed to enter the military installation without special permission. * 12. Retaliate * Definition: To attack or do something bad to someone because they did something bad to you first. * Example: If one country attacks another, the second country will usually retaliate. * 13. Interceptions * Definition: Stopping or catching someone or something before it reaches its destination (often used for flying objects like missiles or balls in sports). * Example: The city's air defense system made several successful missile interceptions last night. * 14. Have Been Taking Place * Definition: A phrase meaning something started happening in the past and is still happening right now. * Example: Loud protests have been taking place in the city center all week. * 15. Tension * Definition: A feeling of worry, anger, or lack of trust between people or countries. * Example: There is a lot of tension between the two teams right before the big championship game. * 16. Diplomacy * Definition: The skill of managing relationships and making agreements between different countries without fighting. * Example: The leaders used diplomacy and long talks to stop the war from starting.

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    13 m
  • Speak Better English With the News: Americans are Saddened
    Mar 2 2026

    In today’s lesson, we break down essential vocabulary used in news reports about military operations and emergency situations. These 17 terms will help you better understand high-stakes global headlines and improve your professional English fluency.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. Command * Definition: To have power over a group of people or to give official orders. * Example: The general has command over all the soldiers at the military base.2. Operation (military) * Definition: A planned set of actions with a specific goal, often involving many people. * Example: The secret operation was designed to rescue people trapped in the city.3. Epic * Definition: Very large, impressive, or heroic in scale. * Example: The historical movie tells an epic story of a long journey across the ocean.4. Fury * Definition: Extreme, wild anger or great physical force. * Example: We watched the fury of the storm as it moved across the coast.5. Campaign (military) * Definition: A series of military operations intended to achieve a specific result in a war. * Example: The winter campaign lasted for three months in the mountains.6. Wounded * Definition: Injured or hurt, especially by a weapon during a fight. * Example: Doctors worked quickly to help the wounded people after the accident.7. Shrapnel * Definition: Small, sharp pieces of metal that fly through the air after an explosion. * Example: The soldiers wore heavy vests to protect themselves from flying shrapnel.8. Concussion * Definition: A temporary brain injury caused by a hard hit to the head. * Example: He had a mild concussion after falling off his bicycle, so he stayed in the hospital overnight.9. Recall * Definition: To officially order someone (like a soldier) to return to their place of duty. * Example: The government had to recall the troops from their vacation because of the emergency.10. Service Members * Definition: People who are currently serving in the army, navy, or air force. * Example: Many service members live on the military base with their families.11. Traumatic * Definition: Something very upsetting or painful that causes lasting emotional or physical damage. * Example: Experiencing a natural disaster can be a very traumatic event for anyone.12. Concussive Blast * Definition: A powerful wave of air pressure caused by a large explosion. * Example: The concussive blast was so strong that it broke windows three blocks away.13. Ballistic Missiles * Definition: Long-range weapons that are fired high into the air to hit a target far away. * Example: Modern defense systems are designed to stop ballistic missiles before they land.14. Shelters * Definition: Safe places built to protect people from danger, such as bombs or storms. * Example: People stayed in underground shelters until the air raid sirens stopped.15. Sheer Magnitude * Definition: The very large size, scale, or importance of something. * Example: No one expected the sheer magnitude of the crowd at the international festival.16. It’s Not Clear * Definition: Something is difficult to understand, or the facts are not certain yet. * Example: It's not clear when the new law will go into effect.17. Retaliate * Definition: To hurt someone or do something bad back to them because they hurt you first. * Example: If the enemy attacks our city, our army will likely retaliate.

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    15 m