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The English Zone

ZIYAD

At 18, I could barely speak English. By 23, I was fluent. Today, I’m an English teacher with an MA in Teaching English and more than 10 years of experience helping adults learn English. This podcast teaches English the way I learned it: through stories, listening, and real conversations, tips and routine building hacks, not grammar rules and boring textbooks. Every episode is built around real life: ordering coffee, talking to a doctor, speaking up at work, making friends. You’ll listen to a simple story, answer questions out loud, and practice speaking with me, even if you have no one to practice with. 🎧 Train your listening with clear, slow English 🗣️ Speak with confidence through question-and-answer practice 📚 Learn everyday words and phrases you’ll actually use 🔁 Build a daily English habit that lasts Perfect for beginner and intermediate English learners (ESL / EFL). New episodes every week. Listen. Understand. Answer. Repeat. 📝 Free practice: practice.theenglishzone.co 📩 Free newsletter: theenglishzone.co ▶️ YouTube: @theenglishzone 📸 Instagram: @theenglishzone.co 🎵 TikTok: @theenglishzone

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  • 24 episodes
  • Avg 18 min
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  • Yesterday · 9 min

    Learn English Through a Story | The 18 Penny Goose (Listening & Speaking Practice)

    Improve your English listening and speaking with The 18 Penny Goose by Sally Walker. Listen to a simple story about a young girl who tries to save her beloved goose during the American Revolutionary War. Then practice speaking by answering comprehension questions out loud. Listen. Understand. Speak. Repeat. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • Thursday · 19 min

    How to Learn English Consistently as a Muslim: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

    If I were learning English from scratch today, there are seven things I’d do differently. I’d pick a few resources I actually enjoy, speak English from day one, and keep my daily practice short enough to come back to tomorrow. I’ll also share what reading five verses of the Quran a day taught me about sticking with something when progress is hard to see. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • November 3 · 17 min

    How to Improve Your English in 90 Days (A Simple Daily Plan)

    Can you become fluent in 90 days? No. But you CAN improve your English a lot in 90 days. In this episode, I share the simple plan I used to become fluent, before YouTube, smartphones, and AI. You’ll learn why “less is more,” what you really need to practice (just 3 things), and my 5 day method to learn deeply from one lesson: understand, grammar and vocabulary, pronunciation, shadowing, and summarizing. All you need is 20 lessons, 30 minutes a day, and consistency. Grab your notebook and let’s start. Listen and read along here. Get my 16 story lessons with audio and exercises here. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • September 30 · 15 min

    How to Learn English as a Muslim | 10 Habits That Will Change Your Mind as a Learner

    Want to learn English as a Muslim without separating your English practice from your values? In this episode of The English Zone, I share 10 simple habits for Muslim English learners that can change the way you think about learning English and help you build a more consistent daily routine. We’ll talk about intention, consistency, what you listen to and watch, building better learning habits, and how small daily actions can help you improve your English speaking, listening, vocabulary, and fluency over time. You don’t need to study English for hours every day. You need the right mindset, the right input, and a routine you can actually follow. 🎧 Listen, learn, and choose one habit from this episode to start practicing today. The English ZoneLearn English naturally through listening, stories, repetition, and speaking. Topics: Learn English • English for Muslims • Muslim English learners • English speaking • English listening • English fluency • English learning habits Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • September 30 · 16 min

    261. Jason Is Going to Be a Dad! | Intermediate English Listening Practice

    get my story lessons: Use code EZSTORY for $6 off. Click HERE or go to the link below: https://theenglishzone.co/products/learn-english-naturally-through-stories-beginner-to-intermediate-94e38e Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • July 10 · 9 min

    260. Learn English 10x Faster than Everyone

    Do you forget everything you study in English? The problem is not your memory. It is that you are not present while you learn. In this episode, I take ideas from Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" and show you how to apply them to studying English, speaking with confidence, and remembering what you learn forever. Want to watch this on YouTube with English subtitle? Click here: https://youtu.be/CI0ekYuDMdI?si=tn7F-F9jMAElQcNh Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • June 8 · 26 min

    259. Diego in Houston, Texas | Beginner English Story to Practice Listening and Speaking

    In this lesson, you will listen to a fun story about Diego and his trip to Houston, Texas. Diego saved $2,600 to watch the World Cup. But when he arrived in Houston, he was very confused. Everyone spoke Spanish! Was he still in Mexico? Listen to find out what happened next. Buy my story lessons ⁠HERE⁠. Use code EZSTORY for $6 off. This lesson will help you practice: → Past Simple tense → Travel vocabulary → Phrasal verbs (look for, pick up, pack up, and take care of)→ Numbers and money Listen to the story. Answer the questions out loud.Practice your speaking and pronunciation. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • May 26 · 19 min

    258. The American at the Coffee Shop | Practice Present Simple with a story for beginner English learners

    In this beginner English lesson, you will listen to a fun story about Diego, a young man who works at a coffee shop in Mexico City. One morning, an American tourist named Mike walks in and can't read the menu. What happens next? A funny conversation, a new friendship, and an invitation to the World Cup. Buy my story lessons ⁠HERE⁠. Use code EZSTORY for $6 off. This lesson will help you practice: ✅ Present Simple tense✅ Daily routine vocabulary✅ How to talk about work, money, and dreams✅ Phrasal verbs like wake up, walk into, pay for, and save up Listen to the story. Answer the questions out loud. Practice your speaking and pronunciation. New to The English Zone? Start here. This is how real English learning works.One story at a time. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • May 21 · 24 min

    257. Grocery Shopping at Walmart | Learn English Naturally through Stories

    Learn English through a simple real-life story about grocery shopping at Walmart. In this episode of The English Zone Podcast, you’ll practice everyday English you can actually use when shopping in the United States. Buy my story lessons HERE. Use code EZSTORY for $6 off. Practice Present Simple grammar, grocery store vocabulary, shopping expressions, asking about prices, and Wh-questions such as “Where is the milk?” and “How much are the apples?” You’ll learn these naturally through a story instead of memorizing long vocabulary lists or studying complicated grammar rules. This English lesson is designed for high-beginner to low-intermediate English learners who want to improve their listening, speaking, vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday English conversation. 🎧 Listen to the story more than once, speak out loud, and practice the questions and answers with me. The English ZoneLearn English naturally through listening, stories, repetition, and speaking. Topics: Learn English • English Through Stories • English Listening Practice • English Speaking Practice • English for Beginners • Everyday English • Grocery Shopping English • English Vocabulary • Present Simple • English Conversation Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • May 7 · 8 min

    256. How to focus longer as an English learner (4 simple steps)

    If you can't focus for more than 30 seconds, this episode is for you. Most English learners think the problem is motivation. It's not. It's your attention. And the good news is — you can fix it. In this episode, I share 4 simple, powerful techniques you can start using today to increase your attention span and stay focused while studying English. What you'll learn: → Why your brain keeps losing focus (and how to stop it)→ The 4 techniques to train your attention → How to apply these to your daily English practiceWatch the video on YouTube HERE. This episode works perfectly with the free Daily English Practice Worksheet — download it at theenglishzone.co and build your 30–60 minute daily routine. 🎧 Listen.📖 Read.✍️ Write.🔁 Review. Every day. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • April 6 · 25 min

    255. Learn English with Stories | Jack’s Daily Routine & Work Schedule (Beginner A1 Listening Practice)

    In this episode, you will listen to a simple and engaging story about Jack and his new job at a soap company. You will learn about his daily routine, work schedule, and how he manages his time and money. This lesson is perfect for beginner English learners (A1 level) who want to improve their listening, speaking, and understanding of real-life English. What you will practice: ✦ Present simple — daily routines and habits ✦ Time expressions (at, on, in) ✦ Work and daily life vocabulary ✦ Money and numbers ✦ Common phrasal verbs and expressions ✦ Yes/No, choice, and comprehension questions Key topics in this lesson: Daily routine in English Work schedule vocabulary Talking about time and habits Saving money and monthly expenses Real-life English conversation practice How to practice: Listen to Jack’s story and answer the questions out loud as you hear them. Don’t just listen — speak and participate. This is one of the most effective ways to improve your English naturally. By the end of this episode, you will feel more confident talking about your daily routine, your job, and your schedule in English. The English Zone — Learn English the Easy Way. 🚀 Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • April 6 · 17 min

    254. A beginner story lesson for English learner's about Emma's Free Time in New York City

    In this episode, you will listen to a short story about Emma, a woman who lives in New York City and enjoys her free time after work. You will hear about her daily routine, what she does in the evenings, and how she spends her weekends with friends. This lesson is for beginner English learners (A1 level) who want to practice listening and speaking with a simple and relatable story. What you will practice: ✦ Present simple — daily routines and habits ✦ Frequency words (always, usually, often, sometimes) ✦ Free time and daily life vocabulary ✦ 5 easy vocabulary words ✦ Yes/No and choice questions How to practice: Listen to Emma’s story and answer the questions out loud as you hear them. Don’t just listen — speak! Answer like you are having a real conversation. The more you participate, the faster your English improves. By the end of this episode, you will feel more comfortable talking about your daily routine, your free time, and your life in English. The English Zone — Learn English the Easy Way. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • April 6 · 11 min

    253. Beginner (A1) Listening Lesson: Ryan's Adventure Trip | How did Ryan spend his savings? 🏘️

    Podcast Description: In this episode, you will listen to a short story about Ryan — the same man who saved $7 every day. After six months, Ryan has $1,274 and decides to do something special with his money. He takes a trip to the Smoky Mountains with his brother. You will hear about where he went, how much he spent, and what he did on his adventure. This lesson is for beginner English learners (A1 level) who want to practice listening and speaking with a simple and exciting story. What you will practice: ​Past tense — what Ryan did on his trip ​Numbers and money ​Travel vocabulary ​5 easy vocabulary words ​Yes/No, math, and choice questions How to practice: Listen to Ryan's story and answer the questions out loud as you hear them. Don't just listen; answer like you are talking to a friend. The more you participate, the more your English improves. By the end of this episode, you will feel more comfortable talking about past events, travel, and money in English. The English Zone — Learn English the Easy Way. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • April 4 · 12 min

    252. Beginner (A1) Listening Lesson: Ryan's $7 Habit that Surprised Everyone 💰

    In this episode, you will listen to a short story about Ryan — a man from California who works in an office and has one very simple habit. Every day, he saves $7. His coworker Mark laughs at him and says it is nothing. But after 6 months, something surprising happens. This lesson is for beginner English learners (A1 level) who want to practice listening and speaking with a fun and motivating story. What you will practice: Present and future tense Numbers and money Daily routines and habits 5 easy vocabulary words Yes/No and choice questions How to practice: Listen to Ryan's story and answer the questions out loud as you hear them. Participate like you are in a real conversation. The more you answer, the faster your English improves. By the end of this episode, you will feel more comfortable talking about daily habits, money, and future plans in English — and maybe Ryan's story will inspire you to start your own small habit today. The English Zone — Learn English the Easy Way. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • April 2 · 17 min

    251. Beginner (A1) Listening Lesson: Ahmed's Birthday Month

    In this episode, you will listen to a short story about Ahmed — a man from Ohio who loves the month of May because his birthday is in May. You will hear about his birthday plans, what he did last year, and why he loves the summer months. This lesson is for beginner English learners (A1 level) who want to practice listening and speaking in a simple and fun way. What you will practice: The 12 months of the year Days and dates Present, past, and future tense Numbers and simple questions 5 easy vocabulary words How to practice:Just listen to Ahmed's story and answer the questions out loud as you hear them. Don't just listen — participate! Answer like you are talking to a friend. The more you answer, the more your English improves. By the end of this episode, you will feel more comfortable talking about months, birthdays, and future plans in English. The English Zone — Learn English the Easy Way. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • April 1 · 18 min

    250. Beginner (A1) English Listening Lesson | Maria's Busy Week

    In this episode, you will listen to a short story about Maria — a busy woman from Texas who works a part-time job and takes English classes at the same time. You will hear about her weekly routine, what she does every day of the week, and how she balances work, school, and family life. This lesson is for beginner English learners (A1 level) who want to improve their listening, vocabulary, and basic grammar skills in a simple and natural way. How to practice:Just listen to the story, pay close attention, and answer the questions out loud as you hear them. You don't need to write anything — just listen and answer like you're having a real conversation. The more you participate, the faster your English improves. By the end of this episode, you will have practiced the days of the week, present and past tense, numbers, and five key vocabulary words — all through one simple story about Maria's busy week. The English Zone — Learn English the Easy Way. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • March 25 · 14 min

    249. Beginner English Lesson: Fernando's Life in Florida | Listen, Practice, Repeat

    This lesson is for beginner English learners. You will learn and practice vocabulary words related to family, relationships, work, and the future.In this lesson, you will listen to a short story about a man named Fernando. Fernando is from Guatemala, but he lives in Florida. He will talk about his family, his job, and his dreams for the future.After the story, we will practice new vocabulary words and phrases. Then, we will answer some questions together to check your understanding, practice listening and the grammar that you learned in the story. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • February 25 · 21 min

    248. Practice Future with this Fun Lesson | Road Trip to Colorado ⛰️🚙

    In this lesson, you will learn how to use future simple and talk about future plans using Will and Going to in a fun lesson that's like a conversation between me and you. Listen and pay attention. Repeat after me. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • February 24 · 14 min

    247. Ramadan is not just about Fasting; it is an intensive course with many lessons to teach | Advanced English Learners

    Many people think that Ramadan is only about fasting (not eating and drinking from morning to evening) for one month and that's it. But this is not true. Ramadan is an intensive course that is supposed to reshape our identity and mindset, refresh our faith, realign our purpose, and redirect our intention. This one month training is here to train us for the rest of the year and take from it lessons that can carry us for the next 11 months. In this episode, I share 15 lessons that we can learn from Ramadan that may help us become better and more successful people for ourselves and those around us. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend and share it on your Instagram story. Tag me @TheEnglishZone_ Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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  • February 16 · 20 min

    246. The Hidden Dangers of AI that Nobody Talks about (and How to protect yourself) | Advanced English Lesson

    This episode is for those who think AI is the best thing that's happened to us without learning about or seeing the real damages that AI is causing. It's also for those who want to know what AI is doing to us, how to protect ourselves and bring our power back. For 1:1 classes with me to learn and grow in a REAL WAY, message me on Instagram @TheEnglishZone_ Or complete this FORM. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at beehiiv.com/privacy.

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Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes