Podcasts about American English

Set of dialects of the English language spoken in the United States

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American English

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Best podcasts about American English

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Latest podcast episodes about American English

Happy English Podcast
955 - Went, Gone, or Been - What's the Real Difference?

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 7:04 Transcription Available


Have you ever gone somewhere… and then realized you should've been somewhere else? Or maybe you went somewhere, and now you're trying to explain that… but the grammar just won't come out right. Don't worry - this happens to a lot of English learners. So today, we're going to clear it all up.Went, Been, Gone. Yeah - I know. These words all seem similar, and sometimes even native speakers mix them up. But there is a pattern. There is a logic behind when we use went, gone, and been. So today, I'm gonna break it down for you in a clear, simple way - with a bunch of examples to make it all stick.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
954 - The Tiny W - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 2:02 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Now, in everyday spoken American English, we often connect vowel sounds with a very small, quick W sound. I call this the tiny W. The tiny W happens when when one word ends with an “oo” sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound. Like, do it. We don't stop the sound, and in one breath we say, doo-wit. It's not do it, it's doo-wit. I'm gonna doo-wit tomorrow. Did you hear the tiny w? I'm gonna doo-wit tomorrow. Here are some other examples:  You are sounds like yoo-wahr. Yoo-wahr a nice person. Who else sounds like hoo-welse. Hoo-welse is coming to the party?To ask sounds like too-wask. You need too-wask the boss.Be sure to practice these phrases yourself this week and they will become part of your English. And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening! Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

English Makes No Sense
Why Do Americans Celebrate Ugly Sweater Day?

English Makes No Sense

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 10:06


Why do Americans wear the ugliest sweaters they can find—and celebrate it?In this episode of English Makes No Sense, you'll learn the origin and history of Ugly Sweater Day, how it became a popular workplace tradition, and what it really means in American culture.This episode is perfect for:ESL learners (B1–B2)English students working in the U.S.Anyone confused by American holiday traditionsWorkplace English & cultural understanding

Happy English Podcast
953 - The Next Thing I Knew - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 1:40 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really useful expression for telling stories - “the next thing I knew.” We use the next thing I knew when something happens quickly or unexpectedly, especially in a story. It's another way to say “and then suddenly…” or “after that…”Like, “I sat down on the sofa to rest, and the next thing I knew, I fell asleep.”Or: “I was looking at instagram on my phone, and the next thing I knew, it was after midnight.”We use this expression to show a jump in time - like your story skips ahead to the next big moment.So remember, if you want to make your storytelling more natural and dramatic, try using “the next thing I knew.” It brings your story to life.Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
952 - Chew Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 1:51


Hey there! It's Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.I'm here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is chew out. When you chew someone out, it means you scold them strongly - usually because they did something wrong or made a big mistake. It's a very informal, very American way to say “tell someone off.”Like yesterday in the office, my manager chewed out the team because the report wasn't finished on time.And my friend Olivia got chewed out by her mom for coming home too late.Even I got chewed out once - I forgot to reply to an important email, and the client was not happy.Here's a pronunciation tip: chew out sounds like choo-wout. The W sound in chew links with out.So how about you? Has anyone ever chewed you out - or maybe you had to chew someone out?Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verbs in a Minute. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
To Sound American, You Need To Break Things

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 15:16


Get more practice focusing on vowels when you speak: https://youtu.be/XiYGrFxvkp8Welcome to the Schwa Mill, where we review pronunciation files you send us and give feedback to help you achieve a more natural American English sound the next time you talk!❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com#americanenglish #fluentamerican #pronunciation

Tales From The Kentucky Room
Appalachian Englishes with Dr. Jennifer Cramer (2025)

Tales From The Kentucky Room

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 22:55


David sits down with Dr. Jennifer Cramer, Director of the Appalachian Studies Program at the University of Kentucky and a Professor in the department of Linguistics to talk about the myths and realities of Appalachian Englishes. They talk about her research into dialects in Kentucky and Appalachia and how Appalachian English dialects are similar and different from other American English dialects, and how that influences the ways people think about the region. They also discuss her work with the Kentucky Humanities Council and participation in the Speakers Bureau, a program that provides high-quality speakers to libraries and other non-profits.Thank you for joining us on Tales from the Kentucky Room this year!

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
How To Speak American English Clearly

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 18:41


Get more practice focusing on vowels when you speak: https://youtu.be/XiYGrFxvkp8There's also a free audio/mp3 version of this video: www.fluentamerican.com/podcastWelcome to the Schwa Mill, where we review pronunciation files you send us and give feedback to help you achieve a more natural American English sound the next time you talk!❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com#americanenglish #fluentamerican #pronunciation

Happy English Podcast
951 - Does "I hear you" mean "I can hear you?"

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 6:36 Transcription Available


Have you ever been in this situation? You're venting to a friend about having a long and tough day, and your friend's response is  something like, Yeah, I hear you.”  That little phrase - "I hear you"- has nothing to do with your friend's ears. So - let's talk about those moments when someone is telling you about a bad day, a tough situation, or something that's just not going well. You want to respond in a way that shows you care, right? That you're listening. That you understand. There are actually a bunch of phrases like that in everyday English that help you sound more natural when someone is complaining, venting, or just needs to feel heard. That's what we're going to look at today!Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
To Sound American, Don't Repeat

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 16:21


Get more practice focusing on vowels when you speak: https://youtu.be/XiYGrFxvkp8There's also a free audio/mp3 version of this video: www.fluentamerican.com/podcastWelcome to the Schwa Mill, where we review pronunciation files you send us and give feedback to help you achieve a more natural American English sound the next time you talk!❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com

Happy English Podcast
950 - Stress Shift With Do and Did - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 2:20 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.  And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Sometimes, in everyday spoken American English,  we use stress, to show meaning. That means saying certain words louder or stronger to give emphasis in a sentence. A great example of this is when we use do or did for emphasis. When we really want to strongly confirm something, we put the stress on do or did. Like if someone says, how come you didn't finish that report? You can say “I did finish the report.” And I sent it to you.Or if you got a bad grade on an exam, and someone accuses you of not studying. You can tell them, “I did study. That was just a really tough exam”Or maybe someone has the wrong idea about you. Like if your friend says, “we can't go to that new sushi place, because Michael doesn't like sushi. You can say, “I do like sushi.”When you use do or did this way, the meaning becomes stronger and clearer. That's how native speakers show emphasis.  So next time you want to correct someone or strongly confirm something, try saying things like, “I did do it.” OR “I do wanna do it.”  That's the music of natural American English.Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
949 - Sure Enough - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 1:52 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really natural conversational expression - “sure enough.” Sure enough means, “as expected.” We use sure enough to talk about something that happened exactly the way we thought it would.Like,  “I was wondering if Jack would come late to the meeting - and sure enough, he did.”And yesterday, on the way to the bakery, I was wondering if they would still have sesame bagels left, and when I got there, sure enough, they were sold out. Here's one more. The weather looked iffy all morning and sure enough, it started pouring during lunch.Again, sure enough is not negative or positive. It just means, “Yep… that's exactly what I thought would happen.”Try using this phrase in one of your English conversations this week. And hey - sure enough, I think you're gonna sound even more natural when you do. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.  Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
15-Minute American English Shadowing Exercises

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 14:53


The video version: https://youtu.be/m7ADrnMVtMM American English shadowing exercises are for people interested in expanding their American English accents, whether you are located in the US, North America, or other areas around the world. For the best use of shadowing exercises in American English, listen to a section of audio, pause, and repeat what you hear. Try to use the same pronunciation, intonation, stress, pitch patterns, and linking that you find native English speakers use; record yourself and compare the differences.Find mp3 versions of our exercises here: www.fluentamerican.com/podcast#fluentamerican #shadowing #americanaccent

On Point
The once and future dictionary

On Point

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 34:30


The quest to define and canonize new words in American English is as old as the country itself. In the new book "Unabridged: the thrill of (and threat to) the modern dictionary," author Stefan Fatsis explores how that quest has changed in the age of the internet.

Happy English Podcast
948 - Bang Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 1:54 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is bang out. When you bang something out, it means you produce it quickly - often a lot of it - without spending too much time on perfect details. It's all about speed and getting things done fast.Like, the other day, I had so many emails to answer that I just banged them out one after another.And in my neighborhood, my friend Atsuko bangs out a lot of bagels at her bakery Cocon.Yesterday, I banged out a quick pasta dish using whatever I had in the fridge.And here's a pronunciation tip: The G at the end of bang links with out. So it sounds like ban-goutSo how about you? What's something you can bang out quickly - homework, ideas, or maybe dinner?Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Listening Time
American English - How To Ask For Things Politely

Listening Time

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 4:24


Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtimeUS Conversations: https://www.patreon.com/USConversationsTranscript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ts0ekZ7lU6b9uQRKFdiwSjwbc7v0nYoY/view?usp=sharing

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
Two Changes To Immediately Sound American

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 13:36


Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcast❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com

Happy English Podcast
947 - Verb + To Do Patterns With Special Meanings

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 8:56 Transcription Available


You know, English is funny sometimes. We've got a ton of verbs that go with “to + verb” - like want to do, like to do, plan to do - and most of them just talk about an action, right? I want to go. I like to cook. I plan to travel. That's easy.  But! There are some verb + to do combinations that have a special meaning - a nuance - a deeper idea behind them. And that's what we're going to look at today.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
The Difference Between You & American Accents

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 11:18


Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcast❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com

Happy English Podcast
946 - Phrases With “It's Time” In English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 7:55 Transcription Available


So, the other day, I was on the phone with my friend Ed. We had plans to meet at 1pm, and it was already 1:15. I said, "It's time to go." And he goes, "It's about time!" Ha! You ever hear that phrase? "It's about time"? What does that even mean? Well, today, we're going to talk about how to use a bunch of conversational phrases with “It's time” in English. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: learnenglish,englishpodcast,englishconversation,phrasalverbs,americanenglish,englishgrammar,englishpronunciation,eslpodcast,speakenglishnaturally,englishlessons,englishforbeginners,englishlistening,englishspeaking,improveyourenglish,studyenglishonline,learnenglishusa,learnenglishcanada,learnenglishgermany,learnenglishbrazil,happyenglishpodcastBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
How Americans Say Numbers (& You Can Too!)

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 4:53


Get more practice focusing on vowels when you speak: https://youtu.be/XiYGrFxvkp8The problem with consonants is that they block breath.The solution?Make consonants into vowels.This is especially true when saying numbers in American English. All those T sounds, and D sounds, and Ns, and Rs actually don't matter as much as the vowels around them, and there are some techniques that will make that process much, much easier. Let's take a look❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level.Who am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com

Happy English Podcast
945 - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 2:20 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.  And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's continue our discussion of reduction in American English, you know, when we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. Can't you, Aren't you, and ain;t you are usually pronounced as can'cha, aren'cha, and ain'chaWhen we say can't you, the T of can't blends with the Y of you. Can't you becomes can'cha.  “Can'cha see that?,”  “Can'cha hear me?,”  “Can'cha stay a little longer?”And when we say aren't you, the T in aren't also blends with the Y of you. Aren't you becomes aren'cha. “Aren'cha coming to the party?,” “Aren'cha ready?” “Aren'cha going home soon?”And finally, It's the same with ain't you. The T in ain't also blends with the Y of you. Ain't you becomes ain'cha. “Ain'cha coming to the party?,” “Ain'cha ready?” “Ain'cha gonna tell me?”Can'cha, aren'cha and ain'cha. This is how it goes in spoken American English.  They help the rhythm stay smooth and make the whole sentence easier to say.And if you want to sound more natural yourself, try using them in casual conversation. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
944 - All + Adjective - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 2:13 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really casual, really conversational pattern you'll hear in everyday American English - all + adjective. We use all before an adjective to mean very or totally, and it adds emotion to what we're saying.  You'll hear this especially when people are talking about feelings, reactions, or moodsLike, Maybe last night, you came home after a long day. You can say: “I was all hungry and tired when I got home last night.” all hungry and tired means very hungry, and  very tired.Or maybe your boss saw last month's sales numbers and wasn't happy. You could say: “The boss was all grumpy when he saw last month's sales data.” Here's another example. “Jen was all excited about her vacation.” It's casual, it's expressive, and it sounds very natural in everyday American English.  Just remember - this is spoken English, not something you'd use in formal writing.Try using this pattern the next time you want to describe a strong feeling - like “I was all surprised!”  It really brings your English to life. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

LibriVox Audiobooks
The Antichrist

LibriVox Audiobooks

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 237:45


Support Us:Donation Page – LibriVox Free AudiobooksFriedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900)Translated by H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)Save for his raucous, rhapsodical autobiography, Ecce Homo, The Antichrist is the last thing that Nietzsche ever wrote, and so it may be accepted as a statement of some of his most salient ideas in their final form. Of all Nietzsche's books, The Antichrist comes nearest to conventionality in form. It presents a connected argument with very few interludes, and has a beginning, a middle and an end. The reason to listen to this version is that H.L. Mencken, the famous journalist, turned Nietzsche's German into such direct, plain-spoken American English that it puts the haranguing philosopher right up in your face.Genre(s): *Non-fiction, Atheism & AgnosticismLanguage: EnglishKeyword(s): literature (1956), philosophy (970)Support Us:⁠Donation Page – LibriVox Free Audiobooks⁠

Happy English Podcast
943 - Weigh In (On) - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 1:52 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is weigh in on. When you weigh in on something, it means you offer your opinion in a discussion — especially when people want your thoughts or input.Like in the office, the boss weighed in on Jack's new marketing idea.And yesterday, my friend Justin weighed in on which laptop I should buy.And whenever I post a lesson like this online, you guys weigh in with awesome comments!And here's a pronunciation tip: The A sound of weigh links with in, and the N of in links with on. Altogether, it  sounds like way-yih-non. Way-yih-non: very smooth and connected.So how about you? What's something you weighed in on recently - maybe a decision at work, a family plan, or even a friend's problem? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
American English Doesn't Do This.

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 13:34


Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcast❗❗❗❗❗❗Each week I do more than 10 group classes on American English pronunciation and communication training. Want to catch them ALL for a huge discount? Become a Youtube Channel Member to watch every live session, past session, and future session! Press JOIN and be part of the American Accentric level at www.youtube.com/fluentamericanWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.More on Fluent American at www.fluentamerican.com

Happy English Podcast
942 - Come vs. Go in English - How to Use Them Correctly

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 11:05 Transcription Available


So I got invited to another one of Jack's parties. If I go by myself, there's a good chance I won't know anyone, which is ok, unless a lot of people come. But if Jenny comes with me, then there's a better chance of having fun. I wonder if she'll go... or come with me. Come and go. That's the magic - and the confusion - of the verbs come and go in English. They seem simple… but they can be really tricky. Today we're going to clear up one of the biggest confusions that even intermediate and advanced learners struggle with: the difference between come and go.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why Brits eat biscuits and Americans eat cookies. Why brands keep nouning everything. Hamster alert.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 17:46


This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a cookie and a biscuit, and the two meanings of "pudding." Then, we look at anthimeria, the advertising trend of turning one part of speech into another, as in the slogan "Together makes progress."The anthimeria segment was by Ben Yagoda,whose books include "Gobsmacked! The British Invasion of American English" and the novel "Alias O. Henry." His podcast is "The Lives They're Living."

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
Why People Don't Understand Your English

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 14:20


Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish

Happy English Podcast
941 - Though, Even Though, & Although - What's The Difference?

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 8:24 Transcription Available


The other day, I was thinking about the difference between though, even though, and although. Even though they all mean but, there's a difference, though. And although you may not have learned it before… you'll learn it today.Though, Even Though, & Although all - express contrast, like you say one thing, but then mention something opposite. But how we use them depends on the situation, how formal or casual we want to sound, and the rhythm of the sentence. So today, I'll walk you through the differences between though, even though, and although... with clear, natural examples to help you speak more fluently and confidently.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
Why People Don't Understand Your English

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 14:54


Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish

Happy English Podcast
940 - Doncha & Woncha - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 2:19 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.As we've said before, in everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction - that means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak.Today, let's look at two really common question reductions that you hear all the time in natural spoken English: don't you and won't you. These are pronounced like, doncha and wonchaWhen we say don't you, the T of don't blends with the Y of you. Don't you becomes doncha.  Like “Doncha wanna go?” “Doncha know him?” “Doncha like it” DonchaAnd when we say  won't you, the T of won't blends with the Y of you. Won't you becomes woncha.  “Woncha join us for lunch?” “Woncha come inside?” “Woncha tell me?”  WonchaSo remember. Doncha and Woncha. These natural ways to say don't you and won't you in American English.  They help the rhythm stay smooth and make the whole sentence easier to say.And if you want to sound more natural yourself, try using them in casual conversation. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
939 - What's Up With? - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 2:17 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really useful conversational phrase - “What's up with…?”We use what's up with…? to ask about something we don't understand. It's another way to say“What's the situation with…?”  And you can use it for people, for events, or even for weird situations.Like,  Maybe your coworker is acting strange. You can say:  “What's up with John today?”Or if you're confused about a rule at work, you might say:  “What's up with casual Fridays? Can we wear jeans or not?”We also use it to talk about trends or new behaviors we don't get.  Like:  “I don't know what's up with kids these days and that 6-7 thing.”One thing to keep in mind is tone. With a neutral tone, it sounds curious.  With a strong tone, it can sound annoyed or frustrated:  “Oh man, what's up with all this traffic today?”What's up with waiting? Go try this phrase in your next conversation! Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
938 - Brush Up On - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 1:59 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English.I'm here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is brush up on.  When you brush up on something, it means you review it or practice it again so you can improve. We usually use brush up on for skills, subjects, and knowledge.For example, before my trip to Paris, I brushed up on my French a little.And yesterday, my friend Emma brushed up on her Excel skills before her job interview.If you want to brush up on your English, why not take a lesson with me!And here's a pronunciation tip: brush up on sounds like bruh-shuh-pon. The SH of brush links with UP, and the P of UP links with ON bruh-shuh-pon That makes it smooth and quick.So how about you? What's something you want to brush up on? Maybe English, a hobby, or a skill you haven't used in a while? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verbs in a Minute.  Hey, thanks for listening. And until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
937 - Phrasal Nouns For Daily English Conversation

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 9:36 Transcription Available


Do you need a pick-me-up? I'm not being a show-off when I say that our little online get-togethers like this podcast are probably good for your English. Thanks for tuning in! Let me start with a quick question. Have you ever heard someone say, “We're having a little get-together this weekend”? Or maybe, “I could really use a pick-me-up”? You might think, wait a second – isn't get a verb? Isn't get together a phrasal verb? Yep - but when we add a hyphen and use it as a noun, it becomes something totally different. Today, we're going to look at these kinds of phrases that native speakers use all the time, but they don't always show up in grammar books. These are called phrasal nouns and for today's lesson, we're going to see how those verbs become nouns, and how we use them in conversation. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

The Art of Longevity
The Art of Longevity Episode 85: Idlewild, with Roddy Woomble

The Art of Longevity

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 62:41


Emerging from Edinburgh's music scene in the mid-1990s, Idlewild carved out their place in a British rock scene choc-a-bloc with guitar bands (the halo of Britpop) through a combination of emotional intensity and literary edge. All of this is present in the band still, right down to new song “Back Then You Found Me” name checking Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood. Their 1998 debut album, Hope Is Important, announced them as something more than just another Scottish guitar band. Their songs were tight, but angular, and threaded with Woomble's poetic phrasing and a strong melodic core. Did Idlewild have the boom and bust fame of Brett Anderson's “Stations of the Cross” career curve (on which this podcast is based, I remind you)?Of a sort, yes. Building on an acclaimed debut album (Broken Windows),  2002's The Remote Part, Idlewild reached a classic creative x commercial peak. That album is perhaps still their most well known - a more expansive, anthemic sound without abandoning the sensibilities that had become their trademark. It contained bona fide chart hits, “You Held the World in Your Arms” and “American English” and set the band on the way to being one of the key British bands in the early 2000s.But in a sense, the “stratospheric rise to the top” was kept well in check. Perhaps it was personnel changes (I haven't counted but the band has had more than its fair share of bassists). They pivoted toward a warmer, more reflective style on Warnings/Promises (2005), incorporating folk influences and richer textures. It bridged the band to maturity and opened up their options but ultimately did not satisfy the major label they were signed to, Parlophone. An arena tour with Coldplay somewhat exposed Idlewild's “limitations” if you want to put it that way - not musically, but in terms of performance - the will and the way to take their show to the big stages expected by major labels. There was no meltdown, no drama. But major label life is what it is - both back then, and in the present time. “Our label mates were Kylie Minogue, Radiohead, Coldplay and Blur. We were definitely at the bottom of that pile”.When Parlophone didn't want to renew a new deal after four albums, it was time for the band to re-adjust. To Woomble, it was liberating - eventually. “For Make Another World, we felt like we'd toured enough, we had a fan base. Then after Post Electric Blues (2009) we decided to take some time away. As a band we felt intact, but we also felt like we wanted to stay up at the level we were, not to end up just playing clubs. The music business was so strange then (2007), we ended up taking five years away and came back with a renewed sense of what we could do, creatively”. Their string of subsequent albums, Everything Ever Written (2015), Interview Music (2019) and now Idlewild all have something to offer, and demonstrate the band's refusal to stagnate. The one-two punch of Woomble's poetic lyrics and Jones's jagged, urgent guitar work still delivers something, if not unique, then most definitely a cut above standard indie fare - more depth, more emotion. Few bands transition successfully from ragged punk-inflected rock to expansive indie-folk, but Idlewild managed it without alienating their audience or diluting their artistic character. In short, Idlewild's career is a testament to thoughtful songwriting, evolution, and the enduring power of emotionally intelligent rock. Most definitely an interesting and quietly inspiring longevity story. Support the showGet more related content at: https://www.songsommelier.com/

Learn American English With This Guy
Learn With a Real American English Teacher: Talk About Thanksgiving

Learn American English With This Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 19:44


To Fluency Podcast: English with Jack
Learn English Naturally: Talking about Cooking - Can You Understand? (Video Podcast with Subtitles)

To Fluency Podcast: English with Jack

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 23:28


Learn everyday English through the topic of cooking and food.Get bonus English lessons here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/jda-industries-inc/subscribeIn this episode, we talk about breakfast routines, snacks, quick meals, go-to dinners, grocery shopping, and even washing up. You'll get natural listening practice plus lots of useful phrases that you can use to describe your own daily life in English.We keep things conversational and practical so you can build real-world fluency while enjoying a relaxed chat about food.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Talk about your typical breakfast and morning routineDescribe snacks, cravings, and “guilty pleasures”Explain quick meals and leftovers in natural EnglishUse phrases for ordering takeout and frozen mealsDescribe your go-to meals and cooking styleUse common expressions for grocery shoppingTalk about washing up and taking turns with choresExpress food preferences, likes, and dislikesUseful phrases from the episode:Breakfast and habitsI tend to have breakfast around nine or ten.I usually start the day with a cup of coffee.I used to eat a lot of cereal as a kid.I used to live in Spain.I've grown to love this.I've gotten used to being hungry.I don't mind being hungry.Snacks and cravingsI'm not big on snacks.I just need a little something before lunch.I need a little snack to get me through until dinner.Let's grab a few snacks before we go.I fancy something to eat.I fancy something sweet.Chips are my guilty pleasure.Chocolate is my guilty pleasure.I'm trying to cut back on chocolate.I'm trying to cut back on snacks.Quick meals, leftovers, and takeoutI'm just going to throw something together.Let's just have pizza.Let's finish that leftover pasta.We have some leftovers in the fridge.I love leftovers.Can I get a box for this?In American English, we say “takeout.”Frozen pizza is really popular here.It's convenient and fast.Go-to meals and cooking styleWhat's your go-to meal?My go-to meal is beef stew.My go-to meal is beef pasta.I like to cook from scratch.I don't really like ready meals.Instant meals are very popular in the U.S.We try to rotate meals each week.Grocery shoppingDo we have any garlic?Do we have any pasta left?Do we have any herbs for this dish?I'm just going to nip to the store.Let's stock up before the weekend.I'm not a big fan of grocery shopping.I forgot the one ingredient I needed.Cooking and washing upI like to clean as I cook.I like having music or a podcast on while I cook.I don't mind washing up.We take turns doing the washing up.It's my turn to wash up tonight.Whose turn is it to wash up tonight?The sink is full again.The dishwasher hasn't been unloaded.This pan needs soaking.I like to get in the zone when I'm cooking.Talking about likes and dislikesI fancy a quick drink before dinner.I fancy going out to eat.I'm craving steak tonight.It's not my cup of tea.I'm not a big fan of full English breakfasts.I'm not keen on full English breakfasts.Reflect and practiceIf you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Use the phrases from this episode to describe your own breakfast, snacks, and dinner routines in English.Chapters:(00:00) Learn English Podcast Intro(00:48) Breakfast(04:11) Snacks and Snacking Habits(08:26) Quick and Easy Meals(09:16) Leftovers and Takeout Culture(11:44) Cooking from Scratch vs. Instant Meals(15:15) Grocery Shopping Tips(20:30) Cleaning Up and Final Thoughts

Happy English Podcast
936 - Get Outta Here! Casual English Phrases That Show Surprise

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 9:00 Transcription Available


Let me ask you something… have you ever been surprised - like, really surprised - and you just didn't know what to say in English? Imagine, you're talking to a friend, and they say something totally unexpected. Like, “Hey, did you hear? Lisa is moving to Australia!” And you want to respond like a native speaker - with something more natural than just “Wow” OR “Really?”That's what we're going to look at today - casual, real-life phrases that native English speakers use to show surprise. And hey - this isn't just fun stuff. These phrases help you sound more natural and more confident when you speak. So let's jump in!Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show
You're Too High To Sound American

Schwa Mill: The American English Pronunciation Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 14:13


Join the free group to share audio files on streams: https://t.me/+TJTAfM5tEyQ1ODMxDownload a free podcast/audio/mp3 at www.fluentamerican.com/podcastOne immediate way to start sounding natural is to analyze how you sound in American English. The reality is many American English learners are not saying words in a way that sounds natural, often creating a rhythm that does sound natural because it has little to no variation in contrast, in addition to issues with placement, breath, and vowels. Let's show you some quick techniques will have you start sounding natural in American English pronunciation. Welcome back to the Schwa Mill❗❗❗❗❗❗JOIN our channel to get access to our Pronunciation Group on Telegram, where you receive feedback and suggestions for YOUR pronunciation every day. See what it is like here: https://youtu.be/FDwPuwstUEoWho am I? My name is Geoff Anderson. I got my MA in Teaching English as a Second Language in 2012, and have been teaching since 2010. I've studied Italian to around level C1-C2. I was also an IELTS examiner for the speaking/writing tests for 3 years.#schwamill #fluentamerican #americanenglish

Happy English Podcast
935 - Didn't → Dih-n't → Dih-n' - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 2:59 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Now, in everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction - that means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. Today's example is the word “didn't.” First, most native speakers drop the D in the middle.  So instead of “didn't,” we say “dih-n't.” “dih-n't.” The reason is if you pronounce the final D of did, and the next sound is N, D followed by N makes the sound stop. Did-n't. Dropping the D makes the sound smoother: “dih-n't.” Like, “I didn't see your message.” becomes “I din't see your message.” OR “She didn't call me back.” becomes “She dih-n't call me back.” “dih-n't.”And there's one more thing. The final T in this word also tends to get very soft… or disappears.  So “dih-n't ” becomes “dih-n.”  That's right - both the D and the T get reduced. I'm sure you hear this all the time, like,  “I didn't hear you.” becomes “I dih-n hear you.”  “She didn't call me back.” becomes “She dih-n call me back.” and  “They didn't do it.” becomes “They dih-n do it.”This is not slang and it's not lazy. It's just how real American English flows. So next time you say didn't, try relaxing your tongue a bit:  “I dih-n know.”  “I dih-n get it.”  That's the rhythm of natural American speech.Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Sunday's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
934 - Do Me a Favor - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 2:16 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And by the way, if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really common phrase you'll hear in everyday English - “Do me a favor.”We use do me a favor when we want to ask someone to do something for us. It's usually for a small, everyday request, and it sounds more friendly than directly asking someone to do something. One common pattern is: Do me a favor and, plus a verb. You can say things like,  “Do me a favor and close the window.” OR  “Do me a favor and turn down the TV a little.”We also use Do me a favor followed by a sentence. Like, “Do me a favor. Hand me that dictionary over there.” OR  “Do me a favor, don't tell anyone what we just talked about.You can also use Do me a favor when you're annoyed with someone. Like, Do me a favor and talk more quietly. OR Do me a favor. Stop smoking in this restaurant. Using “do me a favor” is a common, indirect way to soften your request. Even when you're annoyed. So do me a favor and try using this phrase in one of your English conversations this week, ok?Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
932 - How To Politely Refuse an Invitation in English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 8:17 Transcription Available


Has this ever happened to you? Someone invites you to do something - maybe go out for dinner, or join a party - but you can't go. Maybe you're too busy. Maybe you don't want to go. But you feel a little nervous about saying no? Yeah... totally understandable. Saying no in English isn't always easy, so today let's learn how to do it.In this lesson, we're going to look at how we invite people in English, and more importantly, how to politely say no when you can't accept that invitation. This is super helpful for conversations at work, school, or even with friends.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signupWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts

English Out LOUD
Master the English "H" Sound Training for Spanish, French and Italian speakers | #296

English Out LOUD

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 12:54


Spanish, French & Italian Speakers Need this Training!Boost your professional confidence and clarity with Episode 296! Master the challenging American English "H" sound (aspirated /h/) that non-native speakers often find difficult.If you are a Spanish, French, or Italian speaker using English as a second language, this is your essential training session. We focus specifically on providing clear, actionable drills to eliminate silent or dropped 'H's, ensuring flawless communication in professional settings.What you will master in this essential Business English episode:

Happy English Podcast
931 - Questions and Negatives with Still, Yet, Already, & Anymore

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 8:50 Transcription Available


Thanks for joining me today! If you've ever wondered what the difference is between “Have you eaten yet?” and “Are you still eating?”... or if you're not sure when to use anymore - then this episode is for you. These four little words - still, yet, already, and anymore - seem simple, but when it comes to questions and negative sentences, things can get a little tricky. So today, we'll take a deep dive into how they work, with plenty of real, everyday examples.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signupWatch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts

Happy English Podcast
930 - I'm Tryin' To → Ahm Tryin' Uh - Speak Naturally in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 2:26 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.In fact, the idea for today's lesson came from a listener's question on YouTube. It's all about reductions. In language learning, reduction means shortening or softening sounds when we speak quickly - it's what makes English sound smooth and natural. One really common example is when we say the phrase “I'm trying to.”  It usually sounds like, “I'm tryin' uh.” “I'm tryin' uh.” There are three things happening here. First, I'm is pronounced as Ahm. Then, we drop the g of trying, so it sounds like try-in, and third we drop the T in the word TO and pronounce it as uh. Ahm try-in-uh. Here are some examples in context: “I'm tryin' uh finish this report.”“I'm tryin' uh get up earlier.”And these days, “I'm tryin' uh learn Japanese.”It's quick, relaxed, and totally natural - especially in everyday conversation and songs. You'll hear this kind of reduction all the time in American English, like what we studied last Sunday: Lemme, gimme, and gemme. So next time you say I'm trying to, relax your mouth and let it flow: “I'm tryin' uh.”  That's the rhythm of real American English.Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
929 - Does That Make Sense? - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 2:04 Transcription Available


Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.Today, let's look at a really common phrase you'll hear in everyday English - “Does that make sense?”We use does that make sense? to check if the other person understands what we just explained. It's a more natural and friendly way to say “Do you understand?” - which can sometimes sound a little too direct.For example, if you're giving directions, you could say: “Go straight two blocks, turn right at the light, and the café's on the left. Does that make sense?”Or, if you're helping a coworker with a report, you might say: “So, we'll send this out by Friday, and then follow up next week. Does that make sense?”It's polite, warm, and shows you care that the other person understood you. So next time you're explaining something, try ending with a friendly “Does that make sense?” - just to make sure!And hey, does that make sense to join me again next time for another podcast English lesson? Lemme know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday's English tips in a minute.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Watch the video version of this Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcastsBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Happy English Podcast
925 - Sunday Speak - Lemme, Gimme, Gemme - Reductions in American English

Happy English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2025 2:38 Transcription Available


In everyday spoken American English, we often use reduction. Here, reduction means we shorten or soften sounds when we speak. It's when certain words or syllables lose their full sound to make speech smoother and faster. Today, let's look at three really common reductions: lemme, gimme, and gemme.Like, instead of saying let me, we reduce it to lemme. The T sound at the end of let, is dropped. Lemme. You can say things like, “Lemme see that.”  “Lemme know when you're ready.” or “Lemme know what time the meeting starts.” Lemme. And instead of saying give me, we reduce it to gimme comes from give me.The V sound at the end of give, is dropped. Gimme. You can say things like,  “Gimme a second.” “Gimme that pen.” Or “Can you gimme a hand moving this desk?. GimmeFinally for today, instead of saying get me, we reduce it to gemme. The T sound at the end of get is dropped. Gemme. You can say things like, “Gemme a coffee, please.”  “Can you gemme a towel?” Or, “You're going for donuts? Can you gemme one?”These reductions happen naturally in everyday casual conversation. And reductions aren't a lazy way of speaking. They're just how people really talk smoothly.  So next time you hear lemme, gimme, or gemme, you'll know the meaning. And when you use them yourself, your English will sound smoother and more natural.Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 7, 2025 is: vamoose • vuh-MOOSS • verb Vamoose is an informal word that means "to depart quickly." // With the sheriff hot on their tails, the bank robbers knew they had better vamoose. See the entry > Examples: "... I spotted the culprit, a young racoon, attempting to dislodge one of my feeders. Caught in the act, he ran for his life when I opened the window and told him to vamoose." — Margaret Haylock Capon, The Picton County Weekly News (Ontario, Canada), 19 June 2025 Did you know? In the 1820s and '30s, the American Southwest was rough-and-tumble territory—the true Wild West. English-speaking cowboys, Texas Rangers, and gold prospectors regularly rubbed elbows with Spanish-speaking vaqueros in the local saloons, and a certain amount of linguistic intermixing was inevitable. One Spanish term that caught on with English speakers was vamos, which means "let's go." Cowpokes and dudes alike adopted the word, at first using a range of spellings and pronunciations that varied considerably in their proximity to the original Spanish form. But when the dust settled, the version most American English speakers were using was vamoose.

The History of English Podcast
Episode 186: A Dutch Treat

The History of English Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 85:59


In this episode, we explore two important developments in North America. First, we examine the legendary story of the Pilgrims' arrival in New England in 1620 and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. Secondly, we examine the creation of the Dutch settlement in modern-day New York and New Jersey, and we explore how Dutch influenced early American English. We also examine several important developments in England in the early 1620s.