Best Erin English Podcasts (2024)

1
1004. The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin 42:08

5m 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

5d 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
042 - Realistic Motherhood In Your 20's - w/ Megan Nunes 1:12:06

3h ago1:12:06

1:12:06

Megan is a bestie for life (if you listened my Friendsgiving special, episode 25, you'll remember her 😎), and she is also my first bestie to give birth! Join us for a super candid conversation about her first year of motherhood and how she stays sane through all the expectations, duties, lack of alone time, childhood wounds, relationship changes, a…

1
Scott Beuerlein on Horticulture Magazine Interviews 1:06:49

10h ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Podcasters often host interesting experts in the field on which they love to talk. This episode is no different, but because the expert, Scott Beuerlein, Director of Horticultural Outreach at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, does a monthly column interviewing all kinds of interesting people in horticulture, you are going to get a bigger ban…

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

2d 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
The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies 17:43

4d 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…

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Episode 63 — Experiences Of Being A Penn State Cheerleader With Alumni Taylor And Danielle Sekelsky 53:36

5d ago53:36

53:36

Alumni Taylor and Danielle Sekelsky are among the more impressive Penn State duos around! Taylor (2015, Smeal College of Business) and Danielle (2023, Smeal College of Business) were both varsity cheerleaders during their time at Penn State and had the unique opportunity to dance together at THON 2024. Professionally, Taylor works in capital market…

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

9d 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

11d 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
041 - Is This The Death of Celebrity Culture? 57:09

14d ago57:09

57:09

It’s no question that we’re experiencing a shifting landscape of fame and celebrity culture, but are we actually moving away from idolizing celebrities and their brands? Let’s explore how celebrity has shapeshifted over the centuries, how their current lack of advocacy for world issues is changing public attitudes, and the growing emphasis on authe…

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

19d 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
'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:18

26d 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
Marianne Willburn, Unpacking the English Garden Tour 59:32

22d ago59:32

59:32

Marianne and I are home from our travels and in this episode we talk about the very successful first garden tour put together by Marianne and Andrea Gasper. So many fabulous English Gardens-- Rousham, Kiftsgate, Wisley, Blenheim, Waterperry, and that's just the half of it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothegar…

1
Episode 62 — Writing About American Civil War History With Professor Jonathan W. White '01 37:20

20d ago37:20

37:20

Today's episode of The People of Penn State is for all of you history buffs out there as we're joined by accomplished American Civil War author and professor, Jonathan W. White! Jonathan is professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University and the author or editor of 17 books that cover a variety of topics about the Civil War, includi…

1
Back From Travels Quick Episode 17:04

22d ago17:04

17:04

After a month away, I would like to re-introduce myself as the not serious and American garden Podcaster, Leslie Harris. I'll catch you up on how my garden fared with not much attention for over 30 days; what worked well in terms of planning for leaving it, and what didn't work as well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/s…

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

23d 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

25d 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…

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040 - "When You Know, You Know" & Other Myths - w/ Chelsea Horton of Healing Embodied 1:03:05

1M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Ever been in a relationship that your heart knows is right, but your brain SCREAMS is wrong? Well, you've come to the right place. Today's amazing conversation is from Chelsea Horton of Healing Embodied, experts in helping those with anxiety move beyond their relationship fears and into wholehearted love. I've been waiting for this one. 💕 Show note…

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

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

1M 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

1M 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…

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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…

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039 - A Different Kind of Sex Talk, Part II: Unlearning Shame 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

In the previous episode (which you should definitely listen to before this one), we discussed the importance of destigmatizing sexual energy and conversations around sex. It’s not a taboo. It’s actually the most normal, natural thing ever. This week, we go a bit further into the concept of shame - why we feel it, and ways to unlearn it even when it…

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

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

2M 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

2M 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
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

2M 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
Episode 61 — Outer Space National Security With Lockheed Martin's Maria Demaree '90 32:28

2M ago32:28

32:28

To infinity and beyond! 🚀🌌 Alumna Maria Demaree '90 has been a part of Lockheed Martin for over 30 years and is currently the Vice President and General Manager of the National Security Space line of business at Lockheed Martin Space. Maria leads a workforce of over 7,500 team members while managing a $6B+ customer portfolio. Within Lockheed Martin…

1
038 - A Different Kind of Sex Talk 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

Why are westerners so weird about sex? Why are we squeamish and scared of having a conversation about sexual energy on a larger scale? Why is it so normal and commonplace for every other living thing aside from humanity? Today we're going to look into our culture's history of prudishness and how that has led us down a long road of highly misguided …

1
Marianne Willburn England Garden Tour Preview 1:11:12

2M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Summer is coming and so are vacations. How do we prepare our gardens to get along without us? Marianne Willburn and I discuss tips and tricks on this topic and we also preview the fabulous garden tour in England that she and Andrea Gaspar have organized and I am attending! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothegar…

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

2M 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
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

2M 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
Endangered Languages Project (ELP) 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

In this episode, Alexandra Philbin talks to Anna Belew and Akano Johnson Adewale about the Endangered Languages Project (ELP). ELP is an organisation that supports people around the world who are working to promote and protect Indigenous, endangered and minoritised languages. It provides an online space where people can access knowledge and resourc…

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

2M 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
Episode 60 — Swimming Across The English Channel With Jeannie Zappe '87 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

Fancy a swim? How about a swim across the entire English Channel? 🤯🏊 On today's podcast, we chat with Jeannie Zappe '87, Speaker and Coach at Eternal Optimist LLC, and open water distance swimmer! Jeannie's personal feats include swimming around Manhattan at 53, crossing the English Channel at 55, and joining the elite ranks of the Triple Crown of …

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

2M 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
037 - T.H.I.N.K.ing Through Human Communication - w/ John Belmont 55:59

3M ago55:59

55:59

I always thought the T.H.I.N.K. acronym was about social media posting etiquette. Turns out, it's much deeper than that. Today's episode features my friend John, and he's here to tell us all about how T.H.I.N.K. has helped him make the most of his interactions and communication with other people, and how the rest of the world could (and should) sta…

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

2M 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
Madeline Hooper and Garden Fit 1:03:01

2M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

What's the most important gardening tool? Your body, silly, which, if you are like me, isn't quite the same as it used to be. Is there a resource where you can learn about how to improve and maintain this tool? Yes, and it's the PBS show called Garden Fit. Can you have sneak peaks at other people's fabulous gardens at the same time? Oh yes, you can…

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

3M 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…

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Episode 132: Sparkle Crackle Twinkle Paddle Waddle Dazzle Hobble Wriggle Nuzzle 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

In this episode, Amy is elsewhere completely while Ryan is appreciating all over again the all-too-frequent cuteness of the "-le" suffix in English! Lexitecture is a podcast about etymology (the linguistics study of the origin and history of words). In each normal, increasingly infrequent episode, a Canadian (Ryan) and a Scot (Amy) each present the…

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

3M 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
The Spring Garden with Marianne Willburn 1:08:45

3M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Hydrangea pruning, bulbs (tulips... are they worth it? of course), transplanting polygonatum, tchotchkes in the garden (MA thinks no, Les likes a bit of whimsy), and quite a long side path of Magnolia discussion. Oh, and the MOST important spring "chore"? Pretty easy: Look. Every. Day. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh…

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

3M 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
Episode 59 — Serving In The U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps With Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michaels 43:34

3M ago43:34

43:34

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michaels '02, '05 Dickinson Law, has served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps since January 2006. During his time as an Army lawyer, he has served in military units all over the world. In addition to service in Iraq, South Korea, and Europe, he most recently returned to the United States after servin…

1
036 - Fighting The Good Fight Against Climate Anxiety 44:28

3M ago44:28

44:28

Happy Earth Day, friends! In this episode, we delve into a topic often overlooked amidst the climate crisis: the emotional toll it takes on individuals. We'll explore the concept of climate anxiety and how we can combat it by reframing our relationship with the Earth and its people. From community initiatives to personal rituals, let's talk actiona…

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

3M 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
Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy 13:44

3M 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
Queerness, medieval Irish literature and Celtic Studies 1:08:32

3M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this podcast, Nina Cnockaert-Guillou talks to Roan Runge about Queerness in Celtic Studies. Roan explains their doctoral research on medieval Irish literature using Queer and Trans theory. They also discuss what it is like to be Queer in the field of medieval Irish studies and Celtic Studies, how students react to Queer readings of medieval Iris…

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

3M 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…

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