Best English Alphabet Podcasts (2024)

1
When to use 'the' before a noun. Why rhymes help us remember. Opening a lime. 18:22

2d ago18:22

18:22

1008. We look at why you have to use "the" before some nouns and not others, and then we dive into the science behind why rhymes stick in our memory and how they can even influence our beliefs. The "articles before nouns" segment was written by Neal Whitman, an independent writer and consultant specializing in language and grammar and a member of t…

1
The Truffle Pig of Racism 34:45

6d ago34:45

34:45

Tawny and Andrew discuss Trump questioning Kamala's Blackness, if there's a light dimmer on the bridge, and Tawny's new Star Trek live action show! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Why singers lose their accents. Why the 'I before E' rule is weird. 18:29

10d ago18:29

18:29

1007. Why do Adele and Susan Boyle sound American when they sing? We have answers. Plus, with all the talk about "weird" lately, we think it's time to examine the old "I before E except after C" rule that has so many exceptions it's hardly a rule at all — until you add W for "weird." The singing segment is written by Susan K. Herman, a former multi…

1
Why 'I' takes plural verbs. Making names that end in S, like Harris and Biles, possessive. Marinate. 14:40

17d ago14:40

14:40

1006. We look at why the pronoun "I" seems to take plural verbs, and then we talk about a grammar topic that's in the news: how to make names that end in S (like Harris and Biles) possessive. | Share a recording of your familect story with me on WhatsApp, Threads, Instagram, or Mastodon. | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simpleca…

1
And She's Very Famous with Jessica Gao 35:29

20d ago35:29

35:29

Tawny, Kevin and former CEO-current manager of the show Jessica Gao discuss Kamala Harris running for President before getting into some listener questions. Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
A brief history of English (aka when they spoke French in England). Killer death meat. 19:21

24d ago19:21

19:21

1005. You asked, so I have a brief history of English from invading Germanic tribes to the Modern English era. We talk about Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, the Tyndale Bible, the printing press, and more. | Share a recording of your familect story with me on Threads, Instagram, or Mastodon. | Edited transcript with links: https://gr…

1
The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin 42:08

26d ago42:08

42:08

1004. This week, Karen Yin, author of "The Conscious Style Guide," discusses the concept of conscious language and its importance in promoting equity and respect. We explore the differences between conscious language and political correctness, the evolution of the singular "they," and how to navigate language change. Karen also shares insights on a…

1
How to write about zero. Are your emails accidentally rude? PAPST. 17:23

1M ago17:23

17:23

1003. This week, we look at zero — what a weird number! It has two plurals, sometimes you use the word and sometimes you use the numeral, and it gave rise to a bunch of idioms in the World War II era. Then we turn our attention to email. Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings. We explain why and how to avoid them. | Edited transcrip…

1
AI: Friend or foe? A conversation with Martha Brockenbrough 22:29

1M ago22:29

22:29

1002. This week, Mignon talks with author Martha Brockenbrough about the good and bad sides of using artificial intelligence for writing and education, including ethical concerns about using AI-generated content, strategies for teaching writing in the age of AI, and the potential effects on teachers' jobs. Martha's new book, "Future Tense": https:/…

1
Doo-Doo Esquire 43:32

1M ago43:32

43:32

Tawny, Andrew and Kevin discuss country music recs and answer some listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies 17:43

1M ago17:43

17:43

1001. This week, we explore the often-overlooked rules for ordering adjectives in English and when to use commas between them. Then, spurred by a recent shout-out at a Taylor Swift concert in Australia, we look at the rise of the phrase "yeah-nah" (and its American cousin "yeah-no"). | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.c…

1
Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy 25:35

1M ago25:35

25:35

1000. In this special 1000th episode, I take the hot seat to answer your questions. Hear what made the first year of the podcast so wild, what I wish I had done differently, what mistakes I still make, how I still find fresh topics after all these years, and the title of my secret dream show (hint: it involves penguins!). It's a celebration of lang…

1
The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka. 19:06

1M ago19:06

19:06

999. This week, we look at what shaped early American English, from Native American words to Noah Webster's spelling reforms. Then, we explore phrasal verbs, looking at their grammatical peculiarities and some tips to distinguish them from other types of verbs. The "American English" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguisti…

1
Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen 46:13

2M ago46:13

46:13

998. This week, I talked with Samantha and Greg Enslen, who recently purchased their hometown newspaper, the "Tippecanoe Gazette" in Tipp City, Ohio. Sam and Greg shared how they are making it work, from updating antiquated systems to expanding news coverage and readership. We also discussed balancing print and digital content, the challenges of ad…

1
Karma's Revenge Body 41:11

2M ago41:11

41:11

Tawny and Andrew discuss Baby Yellowstone, a wild listener text and a few voicemails! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:18

2M ago16:18

16:18

997. This week, I help you learn (and remember!) the difference between "which" and "that" with practical tips and examples about cupcakes. Then, we take a linguistic stroll through walking-related terms, including "perambulate," "sashay," and "traipse." The "words for walking" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publis…

1
The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart 39:41

2M ago39:41

39:41

996. This week, you'll learn about the rich linguistic history of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart, an advisor to the Oxford Dictionary of African American English. We talked about what goes into making an entirely new dictionary and about some of the first entries, including "kitchen," "Aunt Hagar's Children," and "do rag." Find Dr…

1
The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing. 18:18

2M ago18:18

18:18

995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the history of words for describing a big fuss — "kerfuffle," "hullabaloo," "hoopla," and more. The "big fuss" segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at Dra…

1
Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick 44:42

2M ago44:42

44:42

994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challenges in the "Dune" series. Learn how Kevin and Scott navigated Frank Herbert's original vocabulary, stayed true to the cultural influences of the names and terms, and created an extensive pronunciation…

1
Yo-driver 45:20

2M ago45:20

45:20

Andrew and Tawny discuss the Peabody Awards, the new Star Wars show and answer a few listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee 16:42

2M ago16:42

16:42

993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communication. Then, we look at the many words for 'father' and their historical and linguistic significance, from early baby talk to more formal terms for adults. Dune sign language supercut video: https://youtu…

1
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

2M ago27:11

27:11

992. What began as a simple word game in 1913 sparked a nationwide craze just a decade later, causing a moral panic and changing American publishing forever. This week, Ben Zimmer, a prolific crossword constructor and language commentator, takes us through the crossword puzzle's surprising early history and enduring legacy. He also explores the mod…

1
From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge. 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hair of the dog." Then we go through the "audience of one" concept, which involves tailoring content to a single, imagined recipient; and we look at how this approach can make your writing more understan…

1
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones 29:40

3M ago29:40

29:40

990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q is always followed by a U? We have the answers to those questions and more this week from Paul Anthony Jones, author of "Why is this a question?" | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjon…

1
That's Why I'm Like This 42:22

3M ago42:22

42:22

Andrew and Tawny discuss questions about media literacy and the reaction to a broadcaster's social media post. Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
What is a Word? Target moments. 18:41

3M ago18:41

18:41

989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at how things like plurals, compound words, and contractions make defining the word "word" a tricky exercise. | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjones.com/ | Edited transcript with links: …

1
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski 26:50

3M ago26:50

26:50

988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published during World War II for distribution among the troops. We look at the special problems of wartime publishing, the collaborative efforts among publishers, and the lasting influence of these books on th…

1
You Can't Allegedly Yourself 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

Tawny, Andrew and Kevin discuss B6 and answer a few listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

3M ago16:49

16:49

987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not OK) to do so. Plus, we talk about the medial S, a strange F-like letter that makes an S-sound and shows up in old documents. We look at how it came to be, its role in English typography, and what made i…

1
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner 31:53

3M ago31:53

31:53

986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools like Zapier. You'll also learn about starting and growing a freelance business, including how to figure out what to charge, how to make ends meet at the beginning, a…

1
The Palm Springs of Canada (with Matt Apodaca) 49:59

3M ago49:59

49:59

Andrew, Kevin and Matt Apodaca discuss Gosling season, The Muppets and answer some listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

3M ago15:34

15:34

985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the phrase "whim-wham for a goose's bridle." Plus, I have a quick tip about when to capitalize "mom" and "dad." The "weird words" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publisher fo…

1
Huda Fakhreddine on Hiba Abu Nada ("Pull Yourself Together") 1:30:30

3M ago1:30:30

1:30:30

What can a poem do in the face of calamity? This was an extraordinary conversation. Huda Fakhreddine joins the podcast to discuss "Pull Yourself Together," a poem that Huda has translated into English and that was written by the Palestinian poet, novelist, and educator Hiba Abu Nada. Hiba was killed by an Israeli airstrike in her home in the Gaza S…

1
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions 26:33

3M ago26:33

26:33

984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" or "broth," "street" or "boulevard," "maze" or "labyrinth" and more with Eli Burnstein, author of "The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions." Confusion about colors got him started on this path, but along the way, he gained insights into language, culture, and the subtle …

1
Wake Me For Meals (with Jessica Gao and Sierra Katow) 52:30

3M ago52:30

52:30

Andrew chats with Jessica Gao and Sierra Katow talk about Sierra's new stand up special Funt and answer some listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys 17:35

3M ago17:35

17:35

983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who stick to traditional meanings and descriptivists who accept new usages and what you should do with these words in your own writing. Plus, we learn how using "we" versus "I" alters perceptions of leadersh…

1
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen 30:56

3M ago30:56

30:56

982. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets of Old English animal names, from "walking weaver" for spider to the ominous "unland" for a whale's deceptive island. Find Hana Videen at https://OldEnglishWordhord.com/ | Edited transcript with links:…

1
Fine I Guess (with Jessica Gao) 40:56

3M ago40:56

40:56

Andrew, Kevin and the show's former CEO/current manager Jessica Gao discuss media literacy, protests throughout college campuses and answer a few listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers. 17:39

4M ago17:39

17:39

981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to include in your writing so you're handling this kind of information credibly and professionally. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of animal terminology, including the histories and n…

1
Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan 33:32

4M ago33:32

33:32

980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad. | Edited transcript with links: https://gramma…

1
Make It Taste Good 36:49

4M ago36:49

36:49

Tawny and Andrew are talkin tofu, nicknames and checking bags while traveling! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket. 16:29

4M ago16:29

16:29

979. In the first segment, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the origins and transformation of punctuation. From the early days when words ran together without spaces, to the introduction of punctuation systems by scholars like Aristophanes, we explore how punctuation has played a pivotal role in shaping written communication. In the second segm…

1
How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg 19:23

4M ago19:23

19:23

978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. Learn about the science behind effective communication, from NASA's emotional intelligen…

1
What Has this Podcast Turned Into? with Ify Nwadiwe 48:13

4M ago48:13

48:13

Andrew and guest co-host Ify Nwadiwe discuss Boston Comic-Con, the importance of constantly checking yourself and answer a listener question! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy 13:44

4M ago13:44

13:44

977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky orig…

1
Came in with a Cattitude 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

Tawny, Andrew and Kevin discuss Beyoncé new album Cowboy Carter before answering a few listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Andrew Ti, Tawny Newsome

1
Pet-Speak: From Meowlogisms to Zoomies. 'Imply' or 'Infer'? 19:58

4M ago19:58

19:58

976. How have our pets influenced the way we use language? This week, we dive into the "cativerse" and explore the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling habits of our furry friends. From LOLcats to doggo dialects, discover the linguistic wonders of how we talk about our beloved pets. Plus, don't get tripped up by "imply" versus "infer." In the second s…

1
Church Except You Can Swear with Jane Marie 36:21

4M ago36:21

36:21

Andrew chats with writer/podcaster Jane Marie (The Dream) about her new book Selling the Dream. They also talk about people saying the military is too woke and weird small talk at the dentist's office. Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listen…

1
You love to read. Could you narrate? 24:14

4M ago24:14

24:14

975. This week, I learned all about audiobook narration from David H. Lawrence XVII, who is launching a new program called "Narrate Your Own Book." If you've ever dreamed of being a narrator, this episode is for you! And if you're a self-published author who has always wanted to narrate your own audiobook (or feel like you should), this episode is …

1
French or Gambit? (with Cody Ziglar) 41:01

5M ago41:01

41:01

Andrew and guest co-host Cody Ziglar discuss Zig's time at Toronto Comic-Con, getting tattoos before doing your research and answer some listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and subscribe to Tawny and Andrew's bonus podcasts at suboptimalpods.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

English Alphabet Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide