Generally American (A Journey in American English)

By: Christopher M. Chandler Kris Schauer
  • Summary

  • Hello, Hola, Guten Tag, Bonjour, こんにちは ! Welcome everyone, this is a podcast for those wanting to learn about U.S. culture through Standard American English, also known as General American. We talk about various different topics related to the U.S. and the U.S.'s relations with other countries. My co-host and I would like to think of this as more of a journey because you never know where it’ll take us. Plus, since the journey’s more important than the end or the start, we hope that you’ll be willing to join us! Let’s see where it takes us!
    Christopher M. Chandler, Kris Schauer
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Episodes
  • S6E1: Back From Trips/Back from Break (Boston - Saint Louis)
    Sep 28 2024

    summary
    In this episode of the Generally American podcast, we discuss their recent experiences, including a trip to Boston, personal life changes, and cultural observations. We explore the beauty and history of Boston, share insights on accents and local interactions, and reflect on family visits and the emotional connections that come with them. The conversation also touches on navigating bureaucracy, the importance of social security, and the challenges of traveling with a baby. We conclude with thoughts on future travels and recommendations for listeners.


    takeaways

    • The weather in Boston can be quite hot during late summer.
    • Boston's public transportation is highly efficient and accessible.
    • Fenway Park is a historic site worth visiting, even without a game.
    • Accents in Boston are more prevalent in older neighborhoods.
    • Family visits can evoke strong emotional connections and nostalgia.
    • Navigating social security and IDs can be complicated, especially for children born abroad.
    • Identity theft is a significant concern in the U.S.
    • Traveling with a baby presents unique challenges, especially on flights.
    • Boston is rich in history and offers many cultural experiences.
    • Harvard University offers interesting student-led tours.

    Transcript:
    https://share.transistor.fm/s/8545cf69/transcript.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:
    Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

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    47 mins
  • S5E11: Season Finale - Recap
    Jul 17 2024

    Summary
    In this episode, we recap and revisit all the topics of this season!

    Takeaways

    • We talk about the extreme heatwave and the challenges of living without air conditioning.
    • We discuss the process of renovating their homes and dealing with noisy neighbors.
    • We share updates on their children's growth and the challenges of parenting.
    • We have differing opinions on copyright law and video game piracy.
    • We enjoy playing board games and recommend trying out different games.
    • We discuss changes in German citizenship laws and the possibility of English becoming an official language.
    • We mention their experiences with Kickstarter and backing projects. Backing projects on Kickstarter can be a time-consuming process, and delays in production and shipping are common.
    • Fast food has become more expensive and is often considered a luxury. Many people are looking for healthier alternatives.
    • The music industry has changed with the rise of streaming platforms, making it easier to find and consume music. However, there are concerns about the quality and authenticity of AI-generated music.
    • Staying informed and engaged in civic duty, such as voting and jury duty, is important for a functioning democracy.
    • Soft power, the ability to influence others through culture and values, is a significant aspect of American influence in the world.


    Transcript:
    https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ae8345f/transcript.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:
    Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • S5E10: Cultural Influence as a Form of Soft Power
    Jun 26 2024

    In this episode, Kris and I discuss the concept of soft power and its influence on global relations. We explore how the United States, as a global power, exerts its soft power through cultural, economic, and military influence. We also touch on the impact of American pop culture, such as music, TV shows, and movies, on other countries. We highlight the importance of soft power in shaping perceptions and relationships between nations.

    Takeaways

    • Soft power is the ability to influence others without the use of force, and the United States exerts its soft power through cultural, economic, and military influence.
    • American pop culture, including music, TV shows, and movies, has a significant impact on other countries and shapes perceptions of American society.
    • Economic influence, such as trade and currency, is another form of soft power that can be used to shape relationships between nations.
    • Soft power is a two-way street, with other countries also influencing American culture and society.
    • Soft power plays a crucial role in shaping global relations and can have long-lasting effects on international dynamics.

    Transcript:
    https://share.transistor.fm/s/0da64c0d/transcript.srt

    Contact:
    Podcast Team:
    Poll: https://forms.gle/EDqw565Wus4JHsut8
    Discord: https://discord.gg/NUUC2QJumv
    E-mail: podcastteam@generallyamerican.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/generallyamcn

    Show more Show less
    48 mins

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