Episode 51: The Problem with Textbook English (and what to do instead)

06min | 01/14/2026

Description

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 51: The Problem with Textbook English (and what to do instead)
Why does textbook English sound so different from real conversations? In this episode, I explore the gap between what you learn in books and how English actually sounds in daily life—and share practical ways to bridge that gap. Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing a lot of time.

Episode transcript

Podcast website

English Listening Accelerator

Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and bonus English learning tips and practice!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About English, please

Struggling to find intermediate English content that's actually interesting? English, please gives you real, interesting content at the perfect level for intermediate learners (B1-B2).

Every episode is under 10 minutes with clear, natural English about topics that actually matter: American culture, travel, daily life, and practical tips you can use right away. No textbook English. No slow, unnatural speech. Just real conversations you can follow and understand.

Every episode is completely free and includes:

Clear intermediate-level English (B1-B2)
Free transcripts
Vocabulary definitions in chapter markers
Topics that keep you engaged while you learn

Ready to practice more actively? Try the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. It's a complete workbook with 10 practical lessons, audio files, comprehension questions, vocabulary, repeat-after-me exercises, and a complete answer key. Download Lesson 2 free to see if it's right for you!

Join thousands of learners improving their English, one episode at a time! Questions or feedback? Contact me!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About English, please

Struggling to find intermediate English content that's actually interesting? English, please gives you real, interesting content at the perfect level for intermediate learners (B1-B2).

Every episode is under 10 minutes with clear, natural English about topics that actually matter: American culture, travel, daily life, and practical tips you can use right away. No textbook English. No slow, unnatural speech. Just real conversations you can follow and understand.

Every episode is completely free and includes:

Clear intermediate-level English (B1-B2)
Free transcripts
Vocabulary definitions in chapter markers
Topics that keep you engaged while you learn

Ready to practice more actively? Try the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. It's a complete workbook with 10 practical lessons, audio files, comprehension questions, vocabulary, repeat-after-me exercises, and a complete answer key. Download Lesson 2 free to see if it's right for you!

Join thousands of learners improving their English, one episode at a time! Questions or feedback? Contact me!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.

Episode 51: The Problem with Textbook English (and what to do instead)
Why does textbook English sound so different from real conversations? In this episode, I explore the gap between what you learn in books and how English actually sounds in daily life—and share practical ways to bridge that gap. Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing a lot of time.

Episode transcript

Podcast website

English Listening Accelerator

Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and bonus English learning tips and practice!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About English, please

Struggling to find intermediate English content that's actually interesting? English, please gives you real, interesting content at the perfect level for intermediate learners (B1-B2).

Every episode is under 10 minutes with clear, natural English about topics that actually matter: American culture, travel, daily life, and practical tips you can use right away. No textbook English. No slow, unnatural speech. Just real conversations you can follow and understand.

Every episode is completely free and includes:

Clear intermediate-level English (B1-B2)
Free transcripts
Vocabulary definitions in chapter markers
Topics that keep you engaged while you learn

Ready to practice more actively? Try the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. It's a complete workbook with 10 practical lessons, audio files, comprehension questions, vocabulary, repeat-after-me exercises, and a complete answer key. Download Lesson 2 free to see if it's right for you!

Join thousands of learners improving their English, one episode at a time! Questions or feedback? Contact me!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About English, please

Struggling to find intermediate English content that's actually interesting? English, please gives you real, interesting content at the perfect level for intermediate learners (B1-B2).

Every episode is under 10 minutes with clear, natural English about topics that actually matter: American culture, travel, daily life, and practical tips you can use right away. No textbook English. No slow, unnatural speech. Just real conversations you can follow and understand.

Every episode is completely free and includes:

Clear intermediate-level English (B1-B2)
Free transcripts
Vocabulary definitions in chapter markers
Topics that keep you engaged while you learn

Ready to practice more actively? Try the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. It's a complete workbook with 10 practical lessons, audio files, comprehension questions, vocabulary, repeat-after-me exercises, and a complete answer key. Download Lesson 2 free to see if it's right for you!

Join thousands of learners improving their English, one episode at a time! Questions or feedback? Contact me!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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