Podcasts about english podcast

Learning English uses a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Have you ever been in a conversation in English and suddenly thought… “Wait. I didn't catch that.” Maybe someone was speaking too fast. Maybe they used a word you don't know. Maybe you understood the words - but not the meaning. And in that moment, you freeze.  You don't want to say the wrong thing. You don't want to look confused. You don't want to interrupt.Well here's the good news. Checking understanding and getting clarification is a natural part of a conversation in any language - even English. And today, I'm going to show you how you can do that.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.Today, let's talk about a tiny word that changes a lot in American English:   and.In everyday conversation and usually reduces to something that sounds like a weak inSo rock and roll sounds like rock 'n rollsalt and pepper sounds like  salt 'n pepperham and eggs sounds like  ham 'n eggsThe reason is, like other short worlds, conjunctions like and are unstressed.  Here are a few more:you and me → you 'n meblack and white → black 'n whitebread and butter → bread 'n butterHey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Do you ever catch yourself translating in your head before you speak English? Word by word, sentence by sentence—trying to convert your native language into English before the words even leave your mouth?It's exhausting. It slows you down. And it makes fluency feel impossible.But here's the truth: translation isn't a language problem—it's a thinking problem. And in this episode, we're going to show you exactly how to rewire your brain so you can finally think directly in English.We break down a powerful 3-stage method that trains your brain to process English naturally, without translation:STAGE 1: Vocabulary Immersion — Learn words in context through natural phrases and real situations, not isolated translationsSTAGE 2: Topical Study with the 5Ws — Answer Who, What, When, Where, and Why to build complete thoughts in English from the ground upSTAGE 3: Opinion Development — Express your perspective with structured reasoning to think critically in English, not your native languageEach stage includes real examples across fitness, shopping, and travel topics—so you can see exactly how to apply this method starting today.We also explore why translation happens in the first place (it's a natural learning stage, but you can outgrow it), and how thinking in English transforms not just your speaking speed, but your confidence, clarity, and ability to participate naturally in conversations.If you've ever felt stuck mid-sentence, searching for the "right" translation—this episode is for you. Because fluent speakers don't translate. They think, process, and express all in one language.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

This is Happy English Podcast, Episode 1,000. Episode one thousand. I honestly didn't know if I'd make it to ten.When I started this podcast, I had no idea who would be listening… or if anyone would be listening. And now, here we are - one thousand episodes later.And the best part? I'm not doing this alone.  It's the comments and messages I get from all over the world every week.  That's what makes this special. Language connects people. And this podcast became a small part of that connection.This week, so many of you sent warm, thoughtful messages. Messages about studying on the train… listening before work… improving pronunciation… gaining confidence with phrasal verbs. I couldn't include every voice today, but please know - I heard you. And I'm grateful. Yes, thank you for 1,000 episodesHappy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Today's phrasal verb is throw on. When you throw something on, it means you put on clothes quickly without thinking too much about how you look. You're not planning an outfit - you're just getting dressed fast.Like this morning, I woke up late and just threw on a hoodie and jeans before running out the door.And my friend Sarah said she didn't dress up for the party - she just threw something on at the last minute.Sometimes when I go to the convenience store near my house, I just throw on whatever's nearby and go.So how about you? When was the last time you just threw something on and headed out?Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast.  Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Have you ever been asked a question in English and suddenly your mind just goes blank? Has that ever happened to you? Maybe someone says, “What do you think about remote work?” Or, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” And inside your head you're thinking, “Wait… give me a second…” Well, native speakers don't always answer immediately either. In fact, we use small phrases to buy time while we think. We use phrases like, “Let me think…” “That's a good question…” “I've never really thought about that…” Or small words like, “Well…” and “Actually…” These little phrases help you sound fluent - even when you're still organizing your thoughts. And that's what today's podcast English lesson is all about.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Do you ever feel your English sounds fine, but not quite executive? In this episode, you'll learn three simple language shifts that will help strengthen your presence in your interactions as a senior manager. Nothing complicated. Just smarter framing that changes how you're perceived. Book mentioned in episode: The First Minute, Chris Fenny GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Learning English uses a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Episode 1000 of the Happy English Podcast drops on February 28, and I'd really love to include you in it. If you've been listening for a while and this podcast has helped you in any way, please send me a short message — about 20 to 40 seconds. Just tell me your first name, where you're listening from, how long you've been listening, and how the podcast has helped you.You can record it on your phone in a quiet room and email the audio file to me at michael@myhappyenglish.com. If you'd rather write a message instead, that's totally fine too. Some of your messages will be featured in Episode 1000. Please send them by February 27. I can't wait to hear from you.People often say that Americans speak very directly. Have you ever heard that? Have you ever thought that? Well in some cases it's true, but quite often in every English conversation, we tend to soften our language in order to sound less direct. And that's what today's podcast English lesson is all about.Have you ever noticed that native English speakers don't always speak in extremes? We often use phrases to soften our language like,  “I'm kind of tired.” “It's a bit cold outside.” Or when someone asks, “Are you hungry?” we don't always say, “No.” We say, “Not really.” Native speakers soften things all the time.  So today, we're going to look at five very common softening phrases: kind of, sort of, a bit, a little, and not really. These small phrases can completely change your tone and make your English sound more natural, more polite, and more conversational.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Today, let's talk about something that confuses a lot of learners. Why do “your” like, your pen and “you're” like you are nice sound exactly the same in American English? The reason is, in natural speech, both words usually reduce to “yer.”So instead of saying:  “your phone”   Americans say:  “yer phone.” And instead of:   “you're late”       We say:  “yer late.”Listen to these examples:“Is that your car?” → “Is that yer car?” “You're early today.” → “Yer early today.” “Your idea is great.” → “Yer idea is great.”This is part of American rhythm — small words often get weaker, and the important words get the stress.Try using this pronunciation in your English conversations this week. Let me know in the comments how that goes. And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Speak Naturally in a Minute.Hey, thanks for listening!  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Ever feel like your words just... keep going? Like you started making a point, but then it multiplied into three half-finished thoughts, and now you're not even sure what you were trying to say?You're not alone. Upper-intermediate English learners often struggle with rambling—not because their English is bad, but because they're trying to sound too perfect, fill every silence, and prove they belong in the conversation.In this episode, we break down exactly why rambling happens (it's not a vocabulary problem—it's a confidence problem), and we give you 5 practical, field-tested strategies to speak more clearly and confidently:Kill the Safety Net — Stop adding "you know what I mean?" and trust that your point landedThe Power Pause — Use silence as punctuation, not something to fearOne Point, One Breath — Make one clear point per turn instead of stacking multiple thoughtsThe Exit Ramp — Give yourself permission to stop talking, even mid-thoughtFirst Answer Confidence — Trust your first instinct without rephrasing it three different waysEach strategy includes real-world examples from meetings, presentations, casual conversations, and interviews—so you can see exactly how to apply them starting today.If you've ever walked away from a conversation thinking, "Why did I say so much?"—this episode is for you. Because confident speakers aren't the ones who say the most. They're the ones who trust what they said.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language.Episode 56: Valentine's Day in the United StatesValentine's Day was yesterday, and it's one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the United States. In this episode, you'll hear about the history of the holiday, how Americans celebrate it, and what it tells us about American culture. You might be surprised by some of the traditions! As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. This means you can improve your English without needing a lot of time.Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen. I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English lessons on my channel!Episode transcriptPodcast website English Listening AcceleratorSubscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and bonus English learning tips and practice!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Before we get to today's English point, I need your help.  Episode 1000 of the Happy English Podcast drops on February 28, and I'd really love to include you in it.If you've been listening for a while and this podcast has helped you in any way, please send me a short message — about 20 to 40 seconds. Just tell me your first name, where you're listening from, how long you've been listening, and how the podcast has helped you.You can record it on your phone in a quiet room and email the audio file to me at michael@myhappyenglish.com . If you'd rather write a message instead, that's totally fine too.Some of your messages will be featured in Episode 1000. Please send them by February 27. I can't wait to hear from you.Today, let's look at another really natural conversational phrase — “that figures.” We use that figures when something happens that we expected, especially when it's typical or slightly annoying. It often has a little bit of sarcasm in it.Like if the train is late. You might say:  “The train's late again? That figures.”Or maybe your friend always forgets things.  “Jack forgot his wallet? That figures.”So that figures basically means, “Yep… I'm not surprised.” Usually in a slightly frustrated or sarcastic way. Just remember, your tone matters. If you say it lightly, it sounds funny. If you say it strongly, it can sound more annoyed. So next time something predictable happens, try saying “that figures.” It's short, natural, and very conversational.Lemme know in the comments if you've ever said “that figures,” and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Today's phrasal verb is turn in. Turn in means to go to bed to sleep.During the week, I usually turn in at around 10:30.Jen is a night owl, so she doesn't usually turn in until 1 or 2a,I was exhausted last night so I turned in at nine!So how about you? What time do you usually turn in? What time did you turn in last night?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.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Have you ever heard people say things like this? Really? Get outta here! Seriously? No way! When something surprising happens in an English conversation, we have a number of different ways we can express our surprise or disbelief. And n English, reacting naturally when you feel surprise or disbelief is not just about vocabulary. It's about tone. It's about intonation. And sometimes it's even about your relationship with the other person. And that's what this podcast English lesson is all about.Today, we're going to look at 4 very natural reaction phrases that native speakers use all the time - and we're also going to practice the pronunciation and intonation that make them sound real.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Asa senior manager you constantly report on progress, what's done, what's delayed, what's ongoing, and what's stopped. In this episode, you'll learn how to use four essential adverbs to make your status updates clearer, more precise, and more credible in meetings. Enjoy! Anna00:00 – Why precision matters in senior-level communication02:30 – First key language shift05:00 – Second key language shift07:30 – Third key language shift09:30 – Fourth key language shift12:30 – A subtle nuance that changes tone14:00 – How to apply the learning GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Learning English uses a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and thought, “Okay… I need to leave now… but how do I say that?” Maybe you're at a party. Maybe you're on the phone. Maybe you're chatting with a coworker and you actually have work to do. Well, we usually end a conversation with soft, natural phrases to signal that the conversation is ending. We ease out of it. And that's what this podcast English lesson is all about.Today, we're going to look at some very natural phrases native speakers use to wrap up a conversation smoothly, politely, and without awkwardness. Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Does ambition make us more successful - or just more disconnected from the people around us?In this advanced English conversation, César and Oliver explore the role of ambition in modern life, from hustle culture and big-city pressure to discipline, happiness and personal relationships. Through a natural, unscripted discussion, they question whether constantly striving for more can affect how we see success, friendship and even ourselves.This episode is designed for advanced English learners who want to improve their listening skills through real conversations about society, ethics and everyday life. Expect natural vocabulary, cultural references and thought-provoking ideas that go beyond typical language lessons.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Today, let's look at a two words that are often hard to hear: can and can't First is can. Can is unstressed and the sound is more like kin. And the stress is on  the verb after can: I kin TAKE it She kin DO it We kin GO there tomorrow.On the other hand, can't is stressed I CAN'T take it She CAN'T do it We CAN'T go there tomorrow.Listen again. I can go. She can't go. Can is unstressed, can't is stressed. I can do it. She can't do it.Remember, pronunciation is half listening and half doing, so practice every day!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.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Are you stuck in the "English student" trap? You know enough grammar, you've studied vocabulary for years, but something still holds you back from speaking confidently. The problem isn't your English level — it's your identity.In this episode, I reveal why upper-intermediate learners struggle to break through to fluency: they've spent so long defining themselves as "students" that they've never given themselves permission to BE speakers. Students study. Speakers speak. And as long as you call yourself a student, your brain will keep you preparing instead of participating.I'll walk you through five powerful applications that will shift your identity from student to speaker:The Identity Declaration — How to consciously redefine yourself as someone who speaks English (not someone learning it)The Participation Shift — Why measuring progress by conversations had (not hours studied) changes everythingThe Mistake Reframe — How to see errors as proof you're speaking, not proof you're not readyThe "Already Enough" Mindset — Why your current English is sufficient to participate right nowThe Daily Speaker Practice — Simple actions to reinforce your speaker identity every single dayEach application includes real-world examples showing exactly how this identity shift plays out in networking events, work meetings, client calls, and everyday conversations.This isn't about studying more or reaching some future level of fluency. This is about making one decision today: to stop being a student and start being a speaker. Your English doesn't need to change — your identity does.Perfect for: Upper-intermediate English learners who are tired of waiting to feel "ready" and want to finally step into their identity as confident English speakers.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Today, let's look at another,  common conversational phrase - “I'm into…”We use I'm into to mean I really like or I'm interested in something. And here's the cool thing - we use it for both romantic situations and everyday interests.For example, in a romantic way, you might say:“I think I'm really into her.”Or, “He's into girls who love to travel.”But we also use it for hobbies and interests. Like:“I'm really into photography these days.”Or, “I'm not into horror movies.”So I'm into just means you have a strong interest in something - or someone. It's casual, natural, and you'll hear it all the time in everyday conversation.So remember, the next time you want to say you really like something - or someone - try using “I'm into…”Lemme know in the comments what you're into these days, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

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.Today's phrasal verb is chisel away at. A chisel is a tool used to shape wood, a little at a time. When you chisel away at a task, it means you work on it little by little over time. Like my friend Alex has been chiseling away at writing his novel for the past year. He only writes a few pages a week, but it's adding up.And my neighbor has been chiseling away at renovating his house - one room at a time.These days, I'm chiseling away at improving my Japanese reading and writing. A little practice every day really makes a difference.So how about you? What's something you've been chiseling away at recently? 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.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Sometimes you need to tell someone whether you're free or not. And when I say free, I'm talking about time, not cost. Maybe a coworker wants to set up a meeting. Maybe a friend wants to grab dinner. Maybe someone asks, “Are you available tomorrow?” In situations like these, you don't need to say yes or no. In everyday English, we have a few short, natural phrases that clearly show whether we are available - or not. And that's what this podcast English lesson is all about.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Learning English uses a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Sometimes, in the middle of a conversation, you need to change the topic. Maybe something that was said suddenly reminds you of something else that you want to say. Well, if that's happened to you, then you've come to the right podcast. In situations like these, we have a few short, natural phrases that gently guide the conversation in a new direction - and that's what this podcast English lesson is all about.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to Speak Naturally in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.Today, let's practice liaison - how sounds link together in natural American English.  Our focus today is the phrase “whaddaya.” I everyday English conversation,  what do you and what are you often sound exactly the same: whaddaya.So instead of saying:  “What do you think?”  Americans usually say:  “Whaddaya think?”And instead of:  “What are you doing?”  We say:  “Whaddaya doing?”Now, let's do some shadowing practice. I'll say a phrase twice.  First, just listen.  Then, say it together with me. Ready?Whaddaya think?  (Again - shadow me)  Whaddaya think?Whaddaya like?  (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya like?  Whaddaya want?  (Again - shadow me) Whaddaya want?  Whaddaya doing?   (Again - shadow me)  Whaddaya doing?Whaddaya thinking?   (Again - shadow me)  Whaddaya thinking?Whaddaya getting?   (Again - shadow me)  Whaddaya getting?This kind of liaison makes your English sound faster, smoother, and more natural. So next time you ask a question, try it the natural way:  Whaddaya think?Hey, thanks for practicing with me! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Speak Naturally in a Minute.  Until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

Learning English use a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.