

English with Thiago
Thiago Alencar
This is a podcast designed to help intermediate and advanced English learners communicate with more confidence, accuracy, clarity and awareness.
Hosted by Thiago Alencar, a Brazilian English Teacher with over 20 years of experience, this podcast deals with topics such as English pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, exam preparation, writing, listening, mindset and everything else related to English learning.
If you feel forever stuck at the intermediate level, this podcast is for you!
Download the B2 Edge app:
https://studio.com/thiago
Hosted by Thiago Alencar, a Brazilian English Teacher with over 20 years of experience, this podcast deals with topics such as English pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, exam preparation, writing, listening, mindset and everything else related to English learning.
If you feel forever stuck at the intermediate level, this podcast is for you!
Download the B2 Edge app:
https://studio.com/thiago
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 29, 2024 • 23min
20 BASIC ENGLISH WORDS That Also Have More ADVANCED MEANINGS! (B2+ Vocabulary)
The host explores 20 simple English words and shows how each can carry more advanced meanings in different contexts. Short examples contrast literal senses with business, legal, artistic and technical uses. Practical tips encourage reusing familiar vocabulary and checking dictionaries or AI to uncover extra meanings.

May 26, 2024 • 25min
Learn ENGLISH with a SHORT STORY - Frank's Last Case (B2/C1 Vocabulary Level)
Get my pronunciation course on pre-sale:
https://www.englishwiththiago.com/course-pre-sale
Learn ENGLISH with a SHORT STORY - Frank's Last Case (B2/C1 Level)
In this episode, Thiago reads a story called 'Frank's Last Case' about a police officer who is about to retire. Thiago also highlights vocabulary words and phrases from the story.
Takeaways
- The story explores the theme of retirement and the desire for a better life.
- Vocabulary words and phrases include 'frowned,' 'barely enough,' 'showing off,' 'catch them red-handed,' and 'thoroughly.'
- The story demonstrates the consequences of making unethical choices.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:35 Reading 'Frank's Last Case'
15:11 Vocabulary Highlight: Frowning, Barely Enough, Showing Off & More
22:11 Vocabulary Highlight: Thoroughly Searching
24:09 Conclusion
Link to the story:
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/story-zone/b2-c1-stories/franks-last-case-b2/c1
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/
Background Music by Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/ovioyx
Follow My YouTube Channel:
English with Thiago - YouTube

May 22, 2024 • 22min
Write Better in ENGLISH: Tips to Improve Your WRITING Skills & My New Pronunciation Course is Out on Pre-Sale!
Thiago, an expert in English writing skills, shares valuable tips on improving writing. Topics include daily practice, reading, seeking feedback, technology tools, planning, revising, expanding vocabulary, varying sentence structure, experimenting with styles, and joining writing groups. These tips aim to enhance communication, critical thinking, and language learning.

May 15, 2024 • 38min
Is ENGLISH FLUENCY Enough for SUCCESSFUL LANGUAGE LEARNING? Maybe NOT. Here's Why...
In this episode, Thiago discusses the difference between fluency and proficiency in language learning. He defines fluency as the ability to speak with flow and minimal pauses, while proficiency refers to a person's knowledge and accuracy in the language. Thiago emphasizes the importance of developing both fluency and proficiency and provides tips for improving each. Thiago encourages learners to focus on their individual needs and find a balance between fluency and proficiency.
Takeaways
1) Fluency is the ability to speak with flow and minimal pauses, while proficiency refers to a person's knowledge and accuracy in the language.
2) Developing both fluency and proficiency is important in language learning.
3) Tips for improving fluency include listening extensively, speaking regularly, learning pronunciation and connected speech and recording and listening to yourself.
4) To improve proficiency, focus on studying grammar, expanding vocabulary, reading extensively, and preparing for proficiency exams.
Chapters
0:00-2:48 Introduction2:48-11:43 What is Fluency?11:43-21:28 What is Proficiency?21:28-27:04 Food for Thought27:04-31:06 Tips to Improve Fluency31:06-34:12 Tips to Improve Proficiency34:12-38:00 Final Tips38:00-38:29 Outro
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/
Follow my YouTube channel:
English with Thiago - YouTube

May 12, 2024 • 23min
How To Pronounce the TH SOUND in ENGLISH (Voiceless TH vs Voiced TH) - English Pronunciation Lesson
In this episode, Thiago discusses the TH sound in English. He explains that there are two sounds for TH: voiceless and voiced. He provides examples and practice exercises for both sounds. Thiago also mentions some exceptions to the TH pronunciation and demonstrates how to connect TH sounds in words and sentences. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of practicing the correct TH sound, but also noting that mispronouncing it may not greatly impact communication.
Takeaways
- The TH sound in English has two variations: voiceless and voiced.
- To pronounce the voiceless TH, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth and push out air.
- To pronounce the voiced TH, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth and activate your vocal cords.
- Practice pronouncing words and sentences with the TH sound to improve your pronunciation.
- There are some exceptions to the TH pronunciation, such as "Thomas" and "Thailand".
- When connecting TH sounds in words and sentences, be mindful of the correct pronunciation.
Chapters
0:00-1:16 Intro
1:16-4:04 TH Sounds: Explanation
4:04-10:09 Voiceless TH: Practice
10:09-16:40 Voiced TH: Practice
16:40-18:47 TH in Connected Speech
18:47-20:50 TH in Natural Speech
20:50-22:57 Closing thoughts & Outro
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/
Follow my YouTube channel:
English with Thiago - YouTube

May 8, 2024 • 47min
How I Improved My FLUENCY In ENGLISH With MOVIES and TV Series (My Personal Method with Examples)
In this episode, Thiago discusses his personal method for learning English with movies and TV series. He emphasizes the importance of being active and intentional in the learning process, rather than passively consuming content. Thiago provides step-by-step instructions for using movies and TV series to improve pronunciation, learn vocabulary, and contextualize language. He also highlights the benefits of observing native speakers and the variety of genres available for language learning. Thiago encourages learners to incorporate movies and TV series into their study routine on a daily basis for short periods of time.
Takeaways
- Incorporate movies and TV series into your study routine to improve English skills
- Be active and intentional in your approach, rather than passively consuming content
- Focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, and contextualizing language
- Watch short clips and extract at least one takeaway from each session
- Practice regularly, even for just a few minutes a day
0:00-1:10 Intro1:10-8:53 Why Learn English with Movies & TV Series?8:53-12:51 Active vs Passive Learning12:51-17:24 Method: The Mindset17:24-19:00 Step 1: Looking from above19:00-24:02 Step 2: The Pronunciation24:02-27:15 The Vocabulary27:15-32:01 Contextualizing32:01-33:26 Quick Recap33:26-42:33 Let's Practice!42:33-47:08 Parting Words and Outro
Want to have private classes with me? Apply here:
https://englishwiththiago.teachable.com/p/private-classes
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/teacher.thiagoalencar/
Follow my YouTube Channel:
English with Thiago - YouTube

May 5, 2024 • 16min
How Do You Learn? Learn English & Books (Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker) with Vocabulary Explanations
Author Peter Drucker shares insights on self-management in the podcast. The importance of knowing how you learn best, managing oneself, and personal development are discussed. Tips for English learners on implementing effective strategies in their fluency journey are highlighted.

May 1, 2024 • 32min
Sound More ADVANCED and FLUENT in ENGLISH With These 40+ Words! (B2, C1 & C2 Vocabulary Level)
A lively lesson presenting 40+ advanced synonyms to replace basic words like very good, very bad, nice, and interesting. Short pronunciation tips and example uses make new vocabulary feel usable. Nuance and word-formation tricks help learners choose more precise expressions. A final practice challenge encourages creating sentences to lock in the new words.

Apr 28, 2024 • 23min
Learn English with a SHORT STORY (Bad Blood) - A2/B1 Vocabulary Level
An ominous vampire watches a young couple during their romantic dinner, heightening the tension. As David nervously prepares to propose, a strange presence lurks nearby. Upon reaching home, the couple's argument about who should sacrifice themselves to the vampire showcases the theme of love and sacrifice. Their bickering ultimately annoys the vampire, who declares their relationship 'bad blood' and leaves them unharmed. Vocabulary highlights like 'sit still' and 'bear teeth' add depth to the chilling story.

Apr 25, 2024 • 38min
How To Use The FUTURE TENSES in ENGLISH (Will, Going to & -ING), Pronunciation & The Importance of Studying Grammar
Dive into the intricacies of future tenses in English! Discover how to use present continuous for definite plans and the nuances of 'going to' for intentions and predictions. Learn when to employ 'will' for promises and spontaneous decisions, plus the formal touch of 'shall' for suggestions. Thiago also shares pronunciation tips, including fun reductions like 'gonna.' Ultimately, grasping grammar is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English.


