Inside English Podcast
by Sandra Sharpe
Welcome to the Inside English Podcast! My name is Sandra. I started this podcast for my English language learners, who expressed a desire to improve their listening comprehension, learn new vocabulary in context, and enhance their speaking skills, among other goals. On the Inside English Podcast, you’ll have a great time learning English in context through one story, one conversation, and one discussion at a time. The topics will vary, but the goal will always remain the same: to engage you and help elevate your English skills to the next level. Each week, I will explore new topics, introduce vocabulary to enrich your conversations, teach you common English expressions and idioms, and much more. I assure you that this journey will be rewarding, so follow the podcast now and never miss an episode.
Episodes
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When Your Goose Is Cooked
In college, I enrolled in a chemistry class and immediately realized I was in over my head. After one overwhelming lecture, I dropped the course. In this episode, I reflect on the difference between perseverance and knowing when to quit. I hope you will recognize when a situation isn't right for...
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When The Roles Reverse
Growing up, I learned many lessons from my parents, but I never imagined I would one day become their parent. In this episode, I share the surprise, the challenge, the feelings of unpreparedness and fear, the gradual realization of responsibility, and my decision to honor my parents by learning…
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When Going Backward Takes You Forward
Life is about putting one foot in front of the other and taking a step. It's about moving forward, but do you know that sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to step backwards? In this episode, I share how humility, revisiting fundamentals, and embracing a step backward can build…
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Talent Is 10 Percent
This is a personal story about learning that talent is only 10% of success, while hard work and discipline make up the rest. The episode shares lessons from an art professor, real experiences, and encouragement to try, persist, and improve through effort. You will learn new vocabulary, English...
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I Did Something Stupid
I accidentally hung my beige blazer in front of a red one, and the red dye transferred to the collar and lapels. After trying stain remover and researching home remedies, I'm attempting to salvage the blazer before deciding whether to replace it. In this episode, I share the mistake, my attempts…
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It's Not the End of the World
Your world can feel like it's coming to an end after a devastating loss, such as losing your job. I was fired twice and laid off once, so I know the feeling. Each time, I felt a sense of loss; however, I didn't let the situation keep me down. No, I dusted myself off and persevered, and guess…
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The Art of Bargain Shopping
Are you a bargain shopper? Do you love a good sale or deal? In this episode, I share my secret to shopping at bargain discount retailers like Ross and TJ Maxx. You will not be disappointed. My secret will teach you how to turn bargain shopping into a smart, stress-free experience. You will learn...
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My Loss. My Gain.
Shopping, in my opinion, is supposed to be fun, but there are times when things go wrong that sucks all the fun out of shopping. That was my experience on Prime Day this year. I ordered toiletries and got an email saying my package was delivered to a front desk at the wrong address. In this...
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My Deer Friends
In this episode, I share a humorous and personal story about living near a woodland visited by deer that repeatedly eat my beloved hosta plants. I describe the damage, my frustration, and attempts to defend the garden, including using a strong-smelling deer spray. You will learn new vocabulary,...
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A Taste of Home
Recently, I returned to Jamaica, and it was truly one of my best trips back, especially because my favorite fruit — the mango — was in season. I ate mangoes like there was no tomorrow. I even got worried about putting on weight, but then I thought, 'What's a little mango weight when I'm enjoying…
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Half Truths and Lies
Telling the truth can be difficult sometimes. In this episode, I share my dilemma: wanting to tell the truth while hiding it at the same time. You will learn new vocabulary, English phrases, idioms, and, of course, improve your listening comprehension. Enjoy!
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I'm Not Dumb!
In this episode, I share my experience of being judged intellectually. It happened during my first semester of graduate school. A classmate assumed I wasn't smart enough and offered to write the entire research paper we were assigned to work on together. You will learn new vocabulary, English...
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Denial Doesn't Change The Facts
In this episode, I share the story of a woman who refused to accept a prediabetes diagnosis—saying, "I'm not claiming diabetes"—and later developed full-blown diabetes. My message to everyone is: just because you deny that something exists doesn't mean it doesn't. Denial doesn't change the facts....
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Confusion with Emojis
In this episode, I share a funny and embarrassing texting mix-up where I misinterpret a double exclamation mark "!!" and apologize unnecessarily, only to later discover it meant strong agreement. 😳🤦♀️😂 You will learn new vocabulary, English phrases, idioms, and, of course, improve your...
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A Story About Fear
Are you a hostage to fear? If so, you are not alone! In this episode, I share a personal story about my father, who delayed a colonoscopy out of fear and was later diagnosed with colon cancer. I reflect on how fear can paralyze people, lead them to avoid necessary care, and ultimately cause more...
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Complain Less and Be More Thankful
Do you have any complainers around you? You know, people who complain about what they don't have instead of showing gratitude for what they do have. This episode reflects on Hurricane Melissa’s devastation and shares personal stories that contrast complaining with gratitude, urging you to...
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One of the Best Decisions I've Ever Made
I quit a stressful job after five years, and months later, was diagnosed with a pleural effusion that required surgery. Because I had health insurance coverage, I could focus on treatment and recovery without financial panic. This episode is a lesson: life is unpredictable, and health insurance…
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Lemons & Life
In this episode, "Lemons and Life," I explore the idiom "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" through the inspiring story of Miss V, who, after losing her legs, continues to serve her community, bake wedding cakes, and turn hardship into purpose. Now the question is! Have you ever turned…
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Milk That Takes Forever to Spoil
If you know anything about milk, you know that it spoils easily, but that’s not the case anymore. Nowadays, milk takes forever to spoil. In this episode, I get to the bottom of why the milk we drink today has such a long shelf life. You will learn new vocabulary, English phrases, idioms, and, of...
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You Made My Day
Has anyone ever said or done something that made your day? By the way, to make someone's day is to make them happy. In this episode, I share how my goddaughter gave me a huge compliment that made my day. You will learn the difference between the words compliment and complement, several English...
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Snowfall & Embedded Questions
This episode begins with a nostalgic reflection on the excitement of snow and the joy of snow days in childhood, then shifts to a practical grammar lesson in which I explain embedded questions: what they are, why they sound more polite than direct questions, and how to use them with examples and...
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Water Under The Bridge
In this episode, I talk about one of my top pet peeves. What are pet peeves? They are things that especially annoy you. You will learn new vocabulary, idioms, English phrases and expressions, and, of course, improve your listening comprehension. Enjoy!
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Out of the Loop
Are you always aware of what is happening around you? My answer is a resounding, no! In this episode, I talk about how I'm always out of the loop and how my friend keeps me updated on what is happening around me. You will learn new vocabulary, idioms, English phrases, and, of course, improve your...
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Names Matter
In this episode, I discuss how your name and the way you speak can contribute to stereotyping and unequal access to job opportunities. You will learn new vocabulary, idioms, English phrases, and, of course, improve your listening comprehension. Enjoy!
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There Goes A Duck
Have you ever been scammed? I have. In this episode, I share that incident, discuss the lessons I've learned, and offer tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to spot a scammer. You will learn new vocabulary, English phrases, idioms, and, of course, improve your listening comprehension.
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Goodbye and Hello
Change is inevitable, but sometimes we are forced to say goodbye unexpectedly or before we are ready. This is something I recently had to do, but thankfully, while saying goodbye, I was fortunate enough to be able to say hello to the start of something new. In this episode, you will learn new...
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You Won't Believe What Happened to Me!!!
Can you recall one of the most terrifying experiences you have ever had? I can. In this episode, I share that experience with you. This experience made me question what the world is coming to, and why I don't have the right to complain when someone wrongs me. You will learn new vocabulary and...
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Neighborhood Etiquette
When you first move into a new neighborhood, no one gives you a list of dos and don’ts; however, you’re still expected to follow the neighborhood norms. In this episode, I talk about my neighbors and the trouble I have with them not observing neighborhood etiquette. You will learn new vocabulary...
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Distracted Driving
Have you ever had an experience that should have never happened? I have. I crashed into an already disabled car. I will share that story with you in this episode. You will also learn new vocabulary and English expressions, and, of course, improve your listening comprehension. The episode…
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One Fool Makes Many
In this episode, I share one of my many experiences behind the wheel. You will learn new vocabulary and English expressions, and, of course, improve your listening comprehension. The episode transcript is available on Apple Podcasts, so please follow along.
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Good Manners
Good manners are essential, but in today's world, they are becoming increasingly rare. In this episode, I share how my parents instilled good manners in me and how we should always treat people with kindness and respect. You will learn new vocabulary and English expressions, and, of course…
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Laundry Day
Laundry day can be a hassle, but when I run out of clean clothes, the laundry has to be done. In this episode, I discuss my laundry day routine, which includes sorting, soaking, washing, drying, and folding. You will learn new vocabulary and English expressions, and, of course, improve your...
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My Sump Pump Nightmare
Life is strange, and the most bizarre things happen when you least expect them. In the previous podcast episode, I mentioned how concerned I was about my basement flooding due to the consistent heavy rainfall we have been experiencing. Well, guess what happened? What I feared the most came to…
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Rainy Days
Rainy days are some of my favorite days; however, I've always been puzzled about why some people describe them as nasty. To me, that's an extreme or strong word to use to describe the rain, which is so vital to our existence. In this episode, I discuss this issue and more. You will learn new...
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My Shiny Red Leather Flats
Shoe shopping is one of my favorite activities, and in this episode, I take you on my shoe-shopping journey to purchase a new pair of flats. When I decided to add one more pair of shoes to my collection, I had no idea what that shoe would look like, but in the end, my new shoes turned out to be a...
About this show
Welcome to the Inside English Podcast! My name is Sandra. I started this podcast for my English language learners, who expressed a desire to improve their listening comprehension, learn new vocabulary in context, and enhance their speaking skills, among other goals. On the Inside English Podcast, you’ll have a great time learning English in context through one story, one conversation, and one discussion at a time. The topics will vary, but the goal will always remain the same: to engage you and help elevate your English skills to the next level. Each week, I will explore new topics, introduce vocabulary to enrich your conversations, teach you common English expressions and idioms, and much more. I assure you that this journey will be rewarding, so follow the podcast now and never miss an episode.
Hosted by
Sandra Sharpe