American English Podcast

212.2 - The Birth of Netflix and the Fall of Blockbuster

American English Podcast

Show Notes

In this episode, I’m taking you back to the 1990s and sharing what family movie nights were like growing up in suburban California. From browsing the aisles at Blockbuster with my family to ordering DVDs through Netflix for the very first time, we’ll explore how entertainment changed almost overnight and how Netflix completely transformed the movie industry.

Along the way, you’ll learn lots of natural American English related to: - Movie nights and entertainment

- Film and television vocabulary

- Business and technology

- Internet culture and innovation

- Common expressions and idioms

You’ll also hear expressions and vocabulary like: - My jam

- On the same page

- Come to an agreement

- Think outside the box

- Jump on the bandwagon

- Binge-watch

- Late fees

- Browse

- Streaming

- Subscription

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the story behind Netflix and Blockbuster, but you’ll also have new vocabulary and expressions to talk naturally about movies, technology, and change in everyday English conversations.

This episode follows the Fluency Loop approach. It helps you hear, understand, and start using English naturally through stories, culture, and real-life context. Sign up to the Academy to learn more with each lesson.

⭐ Want more real, everyday English? Join my 14-Day Slang and Expression Challenge. Each day, you’ll learn natural phrases through short dialogues, quizzes, and real-life context so you can start sounding more like a native speaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from American English Podcast

Oct 22, 2026

After seven years of being glued to my kids, I finally packed a bag and took a trip on my own. In this Chat with Shana episode, I take you back to my backpacking days in Europe: hostels, grocery store picnics, and one very loud night in Amsterdam. Then I tell you about my recent trip to Ireland and Tenerife, where I stepped way out of my comfort zone.

Oct 15, 2026

📖 Need help following along? Read the transcript + vocabulary explanations while you listen!

Oct 7, 2026

We live in a day and age that is driven by science and technology, yet people are still superstitious. According to a study I read by YouGov, 9% of Americans claim to be superstitious, while another 35% admit to not being very superstitious, but somewhat. That makes over 40% of individuals in the United States somewhat superstitious.

Sep 24, 2026

Have you ever noticed how many of your best stories begin with, “The first time I…”?

Sep 17, 2026

➡️ Start improving your English today! Learn more about the Academy.

See all episodes →