Podcasts about english teacher

Learn one small but powerful word you can use in difficult conversations to sound more diplomatic and confident without hiding your message. Senior managers use this word to soften feedback, communicate concerns clearly, and handle sensitive moments better. Enjoy! Anna Timestamps00:00 Why this tiny word matters01:05 What the word really means02:40 When to use it (and when not to)04:15 How to use it to to soften feedback06:10 Using the word to express risks08:00 Practice: Rephrase your sentences09:45 Your action step for this week 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

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TV Reviewer James Dempsey joined Tom Dunne in for Seán for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio…

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

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. And if you want to watch this lesson just look for Happy English Michael on YouTube.Today's phrasal verb is rattle off.  When you rattle something off, it means you say or list things quickly and easily - usually without stopping to think much. It's like when someone just fires off information from memory.Like, my friend Lisa is amazing with dates. You can ask her about any historical event, and she'll rattle off the exact year it happened.And my coworker Tom can rattle off ten phrasal verbs in thirty seconds - no problem at all.Here's a pronunciation tip: rattle off - ra-dl-off. The T sound of rattle  is a flap T sound, and the  L sound of links with off, so it sounds like ra-dloff.So how about you? Is there something you can rattle off - maybe song lyrics, movie quotes, or English phrasal verbs?Lemme 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 Verb Friday.  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/user/happyenglishnyBuild Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

The last Decode episode was really popular so I wanted to expand to a new mini series throughout this season. If you've ever been in a meeting and thought, “Wait… what does that phrase actually mean?” this episode is for you. Let me take you through a list of common business expressions you'll hear across companies and industries. You'll learn what they mean, how they're used, and the origin of the phrase. That will mean that next time, you can follow the conversation and won't have to wonder what it means! Enjoy. Anna01:30 Phrase 103:05 Phrase 204:40 Phrase 306:05 Phrase 407:40 Phrase 509:05 Phrase 610:45 Phrase 712:10 Phrase 813:20 Phrase 914:30 Wrap-up + what to do this week 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Originally from Michigan, USA, Stefania teaches English in Jeju while continuing her artistic practice. After a major turning point in her life, she came to the island and has since been learning how to begin again amid its sea, forests, and changing seasons. She enjoys drawing and working with pastels, often depicting people in dreamlike scenes, believing that the act of working with color helps her find calm and make sense of life. As a teacher, she finds the greatest reward in her connection with students and is steadily preparing to pursue art education more deeply in the future. A vegan for nearly fourteen years, she carries her values into daily life through Jeju's restaurants, traditional markets, and thrift shops. She especially loves nature-filled places like Gwakji and Hamdeok beaches, the trails of Jeolmul Forest, and the cherry blossom-lined streets near Jeju University. She believes that forming genuine connections, even in unfamiliar places, is what makes a city feel like home—and she continues to quietly write her next chapter here on the island.

Today we're joined by global indie darling and world's youngest woman Ivy Wolk (Anora, English Teacher, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You) to go absolutely buck wild in Zohran Mamdani's New York! We chat about George and Ivy's auditions for a social justice sketch comedy group, what our roles will be when the revolution comes, Ivy's previous life as a Disney-approved child star, and why there is an epidemic of straight men acting DL! COME SEE US IN LOS ANGELES AT 'ON AIR FEST' ON NOV. 11: https://www.squadup.com/events/straightio-lab-live-with-iheart GEORGE'S SPECIAL RELEASE SHOW AT THE BELL HOUSE ON DEC. 3: https://www.ticketmaster.com/george-civeris-special-release-show-brooklyn-new-york-12-03-2025/event/3000635B3E4D54BC CALL US at 385-GAY-GUYS to leave questions and comments for our next surprise call-in show and you just might hear your call on your favorite podcast. STRAIGHTIOLAB MERCH: cottonbureau.com/people/straightiolab SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Sean Patton joins Emily & Haley to discuss his role on the hit FX comedy English Teacher, the time he worked the New Orleans Jazz Festival while on acid, and what destroyed his dreams of being an action hero. Sean teaches listeners how to approach famous people in public, Haley gets advice on how to support a stand up comedian, and we all agree that air conditioning rocks. So find the nearest bathroom, mispronounce a town in England, and don't you dare curse on stage as you enjoy Episode 35 of How To Make It.Follow us on Instagram: @HowToMakeItPodcastSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: @HowToMakeItPodcast

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

Diane chats with comedy MVP ENRICO COLANTONI about working on the Hulu comedy ENGLISH TEACHER and ensemble comedy. Diane and Andy catch up on the glut of great new shows including PLURIBUS, ALL'S FAIR, DEATH BY LIGHTNING, the upcoming THE BEAST IN ME and more recommendations.

Today, let's look at a really natural and friendly phrase you'll hear all the time in everyday English - “Sounds like a plan.” We use sounds like a plan when we agree to someone's suggestion or idea. It's a casual, upbeat way to say “That's a good idea” or “Let's do that.”For example, your friend says:  “Let's meet at 6 for dinner.” You can reply: “Sounds like a plan!”Or maybe your coworker says: “How about we finish this project on Monday?” You can say: “Yeah, sounds like a plan.”It's short, friendly, and works perfectly in everyday conversation - at work, with friends, even with your family.So remember, the next time someone suggests something you agree with, skip the formal “That is a good idea.” and just say “Sounds like a plan!” It's a natural way to reply!Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Today's phrasal verb is whip up.  When you whip something up, it means you make or create something quickly - usually food, but it can also be ideas, energy, or excitement.Like, yesterday morning I was in a rush, so I whipped up some scrambled eggs before heading out the door.And the other day, my neighbor whipped up a batch of cookies and brought them over. Best surprise ever!Or my friend Amy is so creative - she can whip up a great PowerPoint presentation in no time.So how about you? What's something you can whip up quickly - maybe a meal, a project, or even a good idea?  Leave a comment, and remember to follow or subscribe!Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup

Let's table this. That's what the boss said. And then someone else said, we need to pivot. So then I suggested we take it off line, but the boss said, Let's not reinvent the wheel. Ah, the language of business.have you ever been in a meeting or on a Zoom call and someone says something like, “Let's circle back on that” or “We need to pivot”… and you're just sitting there thinking, “Wait, what did that mean?” Today, let's take a closer look at what these buzzwords really mean in plain English - and how native speakers use them in everyday business conversations. Visit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

CLICK HERE TO MY NEXT FREE LIVESTREAM 12TH NOVEMBER 2025 19.30 (Madrid time)  Do you break the flow when you speak because you're unsure if you're using the right word? In this 15-minute episode, I'll help you finally clarify the most common “what's the difference” questions my clients ask.  You'll stop second-guessing yourself in meetings and just go for it. Keep the flow going! Enjoy. Anna00:00 – Why we hesitate when we speak02:00 – My “SUMO” trick to deal with hesitation04:00 – Double vs. Duplicate05:30 – Each vs. Every07:00 – In the End vs. At the End08:30 – Happy vs. Glad10:00 – Ad Hoc vs. One-Off11:30 – Argue vs. Discuss13:30 – How to use this in real conversations14:30 – Wrap-up and live stream invitation   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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Bill Frost (CityWeekly.net, X96 Radio From Hell) and Tommy Milagro (SlamWrestling.net) talk Coke Francis and the Riyadh Comedy Festival, Tracy Morgan's Crutch, St. Denis Medical, Ryan Murphy's All's Fair, Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things, All Her Fault, Death By Lightning, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, Frankenstein, Vince Gilligan's Pluribus, Stumble, Saturday Night Live: Nikki Glaser, Rasslin' News (WWE in Salt Lake City!), Movie Korner: Nosferatu and Killer Klowns From Outer Space, R.I.P. Ridiculousness, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, The Lowdown, English Teacher, and More.Drinking: Rum & Cokes made with Spiced Rum from OFFICIAL TV Tan sponsor Outlaw Distillery.Yell at us (or order a TV Tan T-shirt) @TVTanPodcast on Threads, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or Gmail.Rate us and comment: Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, YouTube, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, TuneIn Radio, etc. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tvtanpodcast.substack.com

Hello dear listeners, the boys are back at it again!On this episode, the boys dive into new music releases including Mariah Carey's, Here For It All (including Pat's once in a lifetime meeting with his DIVA), the 10th anniversary release of Carly Rae Jepsen's pop masterpiece, Emotion, as well as the whirlwind of conversation surrounding Taylor Swift's 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl. The boys also discuss the end of Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale and the beginning of RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 7, X-Men '97 news coming out of NYCC, English Teacher, Alien: Earth, and much more!So sit back and get ready to Flame ON! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/flameon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Thursday! This week, the hilarious and talented Stephanie Koenig joins us to chat all about the new season of English Teacher! Stephanie dives into her experiences on sets like The Offer and Lessons in Chemistry, and how they compare to working on English Teacher. She and Natalie swap stories about the actor's life — from reading scenes with their moms to finding their footing in Hollywood — and Stephanie shares how she and Brian Jordan Alvarez built their careers side by side.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have a a great question but there's a big audience and it's intimidating? this short, practical session I give you a clear 5-step framework, real examples, and delivery tips so you can speak up, ask a question confidently and feel like you are contributing to the conversation. Enjoy! Anna00:35 – Why speaking up matters for senior managers (visibility & impact)02:10 – The 5-step question framework 04:20 – Example 1: 05:20 – Example 2: 06:05 – Example 3: 06:55 – Delivery tips:08:10 – Sound more advanced08:55 – Action task09:35 – Start small  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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Hey there! It's Michael here, and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at two really common and super natural phrases you'll hear in everyday English: “You know what?” and “Guess what?” We use both of these when we want to grab someone's attention - usually before we share some news, an idea, or an opinion. They make your speech sound lively and conversational and they're kind of like how we say, “Hey, listen to this!”Like:  “You know what? I think I'm finally getting used to this cool weather.” Or: “You know what? I've decided to start going to the gym again.”And guess what? is even more playful. We use it when we're excited to share news or something surprising. Like:  “Guess what? I passed my driving test!”  Or:  “Guess what? My favorite band is coming to Japan!”When you use you know what or guess what, your tone matters. Both phrases sound best with energy and a rising intonation - it builds a little excitement before you say your news. So remember...you know what and guess what, are great for starting a story, sharing good news, or giving an opinion in a fun, natural way. And you know what? I think you're gonna sound even more fluent when you start using these in your conversations!Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday.  I'm here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Today's phrasal verb is buckle down. When you buckle down, it means you start working seriously and with focus — especially after being a bit lazy or distracted. You stop wasting time and get things done. And we tend to say, buckle down and DO somerthing.Like my buddy Kevin. He was having fun all summer, but now that classes started, he really needs to buckle down and study.Or my coworker Amy — she had a big project deadline coming up, so she buckled down this week and finished everything on time.And me? I'll be honest — I've been putting off updating my website, but this weekend I'm gonna buckle down and finally get it done.So how about you? Is there something you need to buckle down and do — maybe work, study, or a personal goal? Leave a comment, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

I suggest you listen carefully to this podcast. And if you're with a friend right now, I suggest he listen carefully as well. Or she listen carefully. I mean, if I were you, I'd definitely stick around for this one.Today we're diving into a part of English grammar that doesn't follow the usual rules - but native speakers use it all the time without thinking twice. Especially in American English. It's called the subjunctive mood - and while that might sound technical or tricky, it's actually pretty simple once you know how it works. So today, I'll walk you through four common ways we use the subjunctive - all with real-life, everyday examples.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

My first classroom was a little blue trailer on the edge of the soccer field. Every morning, I got my shoes clogged with mud hiking across the field, but I loved my corner of campus, and I felt pretty free to design it to work best for my students. And it turned out that what really worked best was constant change. Our desks were attached to our chairs, so to move one was to move both. And move them I did, frequently working up a sweat between classes as I threw them around the room as quickly as I could, moving from circular discussion seating in one class to desks pushed against the walls for a visiting theater artist in another, station seating for book clubs in one back to circular discussion seating in another. I wanted the room to work for the task, not the task to conform to the room. And that meant staying flexible, even though I hadn't yet heard the phrase "flexible seating" and certainly didn't have any couches, yoga balls, or beanbags. I didn't even know I wanted those yet. These days, it's that word "flexible" that defines so much that is helpful in modern classroom design. Flexible seating, flexible displays, flexible resources. I want your students to be able to collaborate with you from day to day to create the environment that will help them shine. So what might that look like these days? Let's dig in. Throughout this podcast, and the ones to come in this series, I'll be showcasing graphics and displays from the #evolvingEDdesign Toolkit, a vast free resource I made for you.  You can grab it here: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/evolvingEDdesign  Please share your classroom design stories, questions, photos and ideas with the #evolvingEDdesign hashtag across platforms so we can continue the conversation off the pod! Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Grab the free Better Discussions toolkit Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! 

If you already speak English every day but still doubt yourself, this one's for you. In 15 minutes, I want to help you shift your perspective so you can focus on more on what actually matters. This is a coaching episode which is part of the content on Confident Business English. It's not just about the technical stuff, you also need to put in the work to move forward in the way you think. I hope you find it useful. Anna. Timings00:00 – Why your English confidence might be the real problem, not your skills02:00 – The mismatch between how you think you sound and how others hear you05:00 – Why “bad English” isn't an accurate description for most professionals08:00 – Universal experiences: nerves, difficult people, and speaking on the spot11:00 – What “fluency” really means (and why you're probably fine)13:00 – How to get useful feedback and build long-term confidence14:30 – Final takeaway: Stop fixing what isn't broken 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Hey, let me ask you a question - have you ever made a decision… and then later thought, “Oh man, I shouldn't have done that”? Or maybe you've thought, “If only I had done it differently.” Yeah. That, my friend, is regret - and we all feel it sometimes. Regret is one of those universal emotions - something everyone experiences. And in English, we've got a few really natural and emotional ways to talk about it. So today, I'll show you how to use phrases like “I should have,” “I wish I had,” and “If only I had” - plus some everyday expressions people use when they mess up. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.Now, in American English, there's a special sound we make with the letter T. It's called the flap T, and it sounds kind of like a soft D sound. You'll hear it in words like better, water, and pretty. So instead of saying “BET-ter,” “WAH-ter,” and “PRIT-ty,” Americans usually say “BEH-der,” “WAH-der,”  and “PRI-dee.” This sound happens when the T comes between two vowel sounds — like the a and e in water, or the i and y in city. Let me give you some sentences to practice this:  “I feel better today.” → “I feel beh-der today.” “We had a pretty nice day in the city.” → We had a pri-dee nice day in the sih-dy.” “Can I get a glass of water?” → “Can I gedda glass of wah-der?”This flap T sound makes your English smoother and more natural — just like how most Americans really speak. Thanks for listening. And remember to like, 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.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here  -  and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at a super common phrase you'll hear in everyday English: “You know what I mean?” We use you know what I mean? to seek agreement or to check if the other person understands us. It's kind of like soft tag questions, like isn't it? that keeps the conversation friendly and connected.Like, in the office, you might say: “There's something strange about the new marketing manager, you know what I mean?” OR  “That meeting felt way too long, you know what I mean?”And on a rainy Monday, “Man, this weather makes me so sleepy, you know what I mean?”Again, when you say you know what I mean, you're not really asking for information. You're just trying to connect what you're thinking with the other person. It makes your English sound more relaxed, natural, and conversational. And here's a quick pronunciation tip  -  in real life, we often say it like this: “Y'know what I mean?” Go ahead, try saying that out loud.So remember, you know what I mean? is a great way to show understanding, invite agreement, and sound more like a native speaker. You know what I mean?Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening  -  and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Welcome - and by the way - thanks for stopping by today! I've been thinking… by is one of those little words that shows up everywhere in English.  It's just two letters, but it does a lot of work. Today we're gonna take a close look at by - and I think you'll be surprised at how many different ways we use it. You've probably seen BY in phrases like “by the time I got there,” or “a book by Hemingway,” or even “I'll finish it by Friday.”  Yeah - by is short, but powerful.  Time, location, who did something, how something happens… yep, by does it all.  So, let's break it down - nice and easy.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

I came to Thailand to teach English, expecting a fresh start, but what I found in the classroom was far from ordinary — a disturbing diary left behind by the teacher I replaced. Inside its pages were dark warnings that blurred the line between folklore and reality, pulling me into something I was never prepared for. This chilling Creepypasta will grip fans of true scary stories, horror stories, and scary stories with its unsettling blend of cultural mystery and creeping dread. If you love late-night horror that keeps you looking over your shoulder, this is one tale you won't want to miss.

The first time I had much use for poetry came in college, freshmen year. My professor assigned each of us to memorize a poem and recite it in class. Horrified, I chose ee cummings' "anyone lived in a pretty how town" and began the process of reading it a million times between tennis practices and snowball fights. Over and over and over I read it, trying to memorize how the words and lines zipped together without the usual literary wardrobe of grammar. I can still remember pieces, twenty five years later: "anyone lived in a pretty how town / with up so many floating bells down..." "no one loved him more by more..." As I read and read, I realized the poem featured two characters named "anyone" and "no one." I began to understand how the years passed quickly through the lines and stanzas, as cycles of time spun through small word choices. I saw its heartbreak. Reading by reading I began to find it utterly beautiful. By the time my friends and I went out to practice for our class presentation by reciting our poems in the middle of Pomona College's outdoor Greek theater late one night, I loved it. But I was still really nervous. As an educator, I've often wondered how to help students get as close up to a poem as I got to ee cummings' "anyone lived in a pretty how town." What makes it possible to step inside the story of a poem, try on its language, dream its dreams? Maybe without having to recite it though? This month I had a chance to explore some of Robert Scott Root-Bernstein and Michèle Root-Bernstein book, Sparks of Genius: The Thirteen Thinking Tools of the World's Most Creative People. Inside, they discuss the risk of education staying on a kind of hypothetical parallel track to the realities of the world, each so close to each other and yet never quite touching. Imagination and experience, they suggest, have become disconnected. "This being the case," write the Root-Bernsteins, "the task for educators, self-learners, and parents is simply put: to reunite the two. And the world's most creative people tell us how in their own words and deeds, in their own explorations of their own minds at work. What they find as individuals, when taken as a whole, is a common set of thinking tools at the heart of creative understanding" (24-25). What are these tools, you might well ask, and what do they have to do with ee cummings, students, and the study of poetry? The tools are: observing, imaging, abstracting, recognizing patterns, forming patterns, analogizing, body thinking, empathizing, dimensional thinking, modeling, playing, transforming, and synthesizing. They're pretty fascinating to play around with when it comes to designing curriculum. How might we help students better understand a poem, using these tools? I decided to experiment with designing around patterns when it comes to ee cummings, a master of writing in rhythms and cycles. The nexus of patterns and poetry had me thinking of blackout poetry at first, but of course, I already had a poem. I didn't need a new one. So I decided to try a new spin on the blackout - blacking out for discovering meaning, instead of to create a new poem. Instead of a blackout poem, I would try a poem blackout, illuminating what patterns I could find by eliminating everything else. For me, the results were powerful. So today on the pod, let me walk you through how to do a poem blackout of your own in class, with any poem you might want to dig deeply into with students. If you love blackout poetry, I think you'll love this riff. As usual, I really encourage you to check out the show notes for the oh-so-necessary visuals to complement this episode. Sources Cited: Root-Bernstein, M. and Root-Bernstein R. Sparks of Genius: The Thirteen Thinking Tools of the World's Most Creative People. Mariner Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=DARiLCJc0dEC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false. Accessed Oct. 14, 2025. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Grab the free Better Discussions toolkit Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!

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In this episode, I talk with Lindsay McMahon, CEO and co-host of All Ears English, about how senior managers can disagree more effectively and sensitively in global business settings. We explore cultural differences in communication, key concepts like context and power distance, and practical English phrases you can use to disagree without damaging relationships. Enjoy! Here are the timings:00:00 – Introduction & why disagreeing well matters for leaders01:00 – Meet Lindsay McMahon and her global communication insights02:30 – A real-life story about missing cultural cues04:30 – Key ideas: high vs. low context cultures and power distance07:00 – How culture and personality shape disagreement styles08:00 – Three approaches to disagree in English08:30 – Style 1: Direct disagreement10:00 – Style 2: Disagreeing while maintaining relationships12:00 – Style 3: Delaying or avoiding disagreement13:30 – Final takeaways: focus on connection, not perfection14:30 – Where to find All Ears English 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

A2thaMo is joined by Southern Com4rt to talk about GraveyOctober, Making Music, Ice Agents, Cocaine, TV Shows, Big Brother, Mobland, Peacemaker, English Teacher, Poverty, Riyadh Comedy Festival, Drake Lawsuit, Autotune, Brave New World, and more while listening to music!Kill Ya for Nothing - Sir NastySo Cold - Southern Com4rtChill Flow - A2thaMo

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.Now, one of the most common phrases in English is “I don't know.” But in everyday conversation, most native speakers don't pronounce each word clearly like that. Instead, we usually say “I dunno.” (“EYE-duh-NO”) That's right — I don't know becomes I dunno. It's just a natural sound change that happens when we speak quickly. “Who's coming to the party?” → “I dunno.” “What time does the movie start?” → “Eh, I dunno.” “I'm gonna ask Tom where Jenny is” → “He dunno.” The meaning doesn't change — it's just faster, smoother, and more natural. So next time you want to say I don't know, try saying I dunno. It'll make your English sound more relaxed and more natural.Thanks for listening. And  remember to like, 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.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at a really common and powerful phrase: “Let me tell you something.” We use let me tell you something when we want to share our feelings, give an opinion, or emphasize what we're about to say. It helps grab the listener's attention and makes your speech sound more natural — and more emotional.Let's say your friend just ask you about a new restaurant in town. You could say: “Oh, let me tell you something - their pasta is incredible!”Or maybe you saw a movie, and a friend says she heard it's boring. You can say: “Let me tell you something, that movie is one of the best I've seen this year.”We also use it when we feel strongly about something:  “Let me tell you something — learning English takes time, but it's totally worth it.”So remember, let me tell you something is a great way to add emotion, confidence, or strong opinion to what you say. It's natural, it's friendly, and it really makes your English sound alive.And let me tell you something - if you keep practicing with these Saturday Shorts, your English is only going to get better and better! Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

~~~~~~~~901 - Phrasal Verb Frida - Crank OutHey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday.I'm here every Friday with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.Today's phrasal verb is crank out. When you crank something out, it means you produce it quickly, often in large amounts. This phrase is often used for things like writing, work, or manufacturing — anything that can be produced at a fast pace, sometimes with a focus on quantity over quality.The factory in the next town cranks out thousands of sneakers every week.My friend Amanda writes for a travel blog, and last week she cranked out five articles in just two days!And I remember when I was in college — we all cranked out our final papers right before the deadline. Typical, right?And hey, here's a little pronunciation tip: crank out… crank-out. The K at the end of crank links smoothly into the O of out. Crank-out.So how about you? What's something you've cranked out lately — work, content, projects, maybe a bunch of emails? Leave a comment, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the nextHappy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Thanks to our awesome Patrons, we're proud to present another episode of Mediasplode! What's a Mediasplode? It's a monthly special edition show in which we talk about what we are enjoying in media outside of the realm of comic books. It's like our All Media Year End Round-Up but in a shorter, monthly format. Note: Time codes are estimates due to dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. SPOILERS BELOW! Running Time: 00:56:46 This month, Josh Flanagan and Conor Kilpatrick are joined by their original Pick of the Week co-host Ron Richards to discuss… What We've Been Enjoying:00:01:37  – Ron saw David Byrne in New York and is watching the first season of Chad Powers.00:08:46 – Josh is rewatching My Name is Earl and is watching rhe new season of Slow Horses (with Ron and Conor).00:17:46 – Conor (and Ron) is watching the new season of English Teacher and went to see Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Discussion:00:24:51 – Alien: Earth, Season 100:37:44 – One Battle After Another Music:“Everybody Laughs”David Byrne feat. Ghost Train Orchestra Listen to Conor, Josh, and Ron discuss Blade (1998) on Cradle to the Grave. Listen to Josh discuss Fargo on Movie of the Year: 1996. Listen to Conor discuss Swingers on Movie of the Year: 1996. Watch Ron talk about pinball technology on the Daily Tech News Show. Listen to Conor discuss Ghostbusters on Movie of the Year: 1984. Listen to Conor, Josh, and Ron discuss The Crow (1994) on Cradle to the Grave. Listen to Josh discuss Jaws 4: The Revenge (1987) on Cradle to the Grave. Listen to Josh discuss Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) on Cradle to the Grave. Watch Josh and Conor talk about how to start a podcast on OpenWater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, can you believe it? This is Episode 900 of the Happy English Podcast. Nine. Hundred. Episodes. I can hardly believe it myself. Here's what I've learned along the way!I just want to take a moment today to say how grateful I am to YOU. Whether this is your first time listening, your 50th time, or you've been here since Episode 1, thank you. The fact that you listen, learn, and grow with me is what keeps me showing up here week after week. So today, I want to share a little bit of my story, what I've learned from doing 900 episodes, and some advice for you on your English journey.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

The Gents attempt to rewarm the sun and watch the 2007 Sci-fi Thriller Sunshine! :35 - Movies We've Seen (The Fly, The Thing, Scream, Halloween, Event Horizon, The Naked Gun) 16:52 - TV Shows We've Seen (The Simpsons, Marvel Zombies, Smiling Friends, Ha Ha You Clown, English Teacher) 28:17 - Sunshine (2007) Get bonus episodes on our Patreon! Next episode: Sinners (2025)

This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Managing Editor Tyler McBrien, Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman, and Public Service Fellow Loren Voss to talk through (somehow only three of) the week's big national security news stories, including:“The Dream of the ‘90s is Alive in Portland.” This past week, the Trump administration made good on its threats to pursue further domestic military deployments, this time to Portland and Chicago. Thus far, the administration has stuck to the same model it pursued in Los Angeles, using troops to bolster federal immigration enforcement efforts. But President Trump has threatened to go further if his efforts are resisted, including by invoking the Insurrection Act—something that hasn't happened since 1992. How seriously should we take this threat? And where is it likely to lead?“Strip Poker.” President Trump and his senior advisers have been engaged in serious shuttle diplomacy for the past several weeks, seeming intent on reaching some sort of peace deal in the beleaguered Gaza Strip. And while it's required him to play every card in his hand—including by bullying both Israel and Hamas into signing on—President Trump appears to be on the verge of a breakthrough. How remarkable an accomplishment is this? And what will it mean for the trajectory of the conflict?“The Maduro Doctrine.” Media reports suggest that several senior Trump administration officials are intent on removing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro from power, and that the build-up of U.S. military forces in the region—as well as the lethal targeting of alleged Venezuela-affiliated narcotics traffickers in recent weeks—is just a prelude to a bigger effort at regime change. How likely is it that the Trump administration will take such a step? And what could it mean for the region?In object lessons, everyone's taking a break—sort of. Dan's “break” involves playing The British Way, a strategy game designed by his colleague Stephen Rangazas that even non–political scientists will enjoy. Tyler's actually taking a break and heading back to high school with English Teacher on FX. Scott's taking a break from originality by recycling not one but two object lessons: a reminder to catch Katie Pruitt at Union Stage on 10/14 (seriously, go), and—if you're not in D.C.—Alan's once-in-a-blue-moon good advice to watch Slow Horses on Apple TV+. And Loren is taking a break from her vices and cleaning up her act with dirty soda.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Managing Editor Tyler McBrien, Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman, and Public Service Fellow Loren Voss to talk through (somehow only three of) the week's big national security news stories, including:“The Dream of the ‘90s is Alive in Portland.” This past week, the Trump administration made good on its threats to pursue further domestic military deployments, this time to Portland and Chicago. Thus far, the administration has stuck to the same model it pursued in Los Angeles, using troops to bolster federal immigration enforcement efforts. But President Trump has threatened to go further if his efforts are resisted, including by invoking the Insurrection Act—something that hasn't happened since 1992. How seriously should we take this threat? And where is it likely to lead?“Strip Poker.” President Trump and his senior advisers have been engaged in serious shuttle diplomacy for the past several weeks, seeming intent on reaching some sort of peace deal in the beleaguered Gaza Strip. And while it's required him to play every card in his hand—including by bullying both Israel and Hamas into signing on—President Trump appears to be on the verge of a breakthrough. How remarkable an accomplishment is this? And what will it mean for the trajectory of the conflict?“The Maduro Doctrine.” Media reports suggest that several senior Trump administration officials are intent on removing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro from power, and that the build-up of U.S. military forces in the region—as well as the lethal targeting of alleged Venezuela-affiliated narcotics traffickers in recent weeks—is just a prelude to a bigger effort at regime change. How likely is it that the Trump administration will take such a step? And what could it mean for the region?In object lessons, everyone's taking a break—sort of. Dan's “break” involves playing The British Way, a strategy game designed by his colleague Stephen Rangazas that even non–political scientists will enjoy. Tyler's actually taking a break and heading back to high school with English Teacher on FX. Scott's taking a break from originality by recycling not one but two object lessons: a reminder to catch Katie Pruitt at Union Stage on 10/14 (seriously, go), and—if you're not in D.C.—Alan's once-in-a-blue-moon good advice to watch Slow Horses on Apple TV+. And Loren is taking a break from her vices and cleaning up her act with dirty soda.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's a question. Have you ever heard someone say ain't in a song or a movie? Like, or “I ain't got no time for that”? Maybe you wondered… is ain't actually English? Well, it sure ain't in the textbooks, but it is in real life! And I ain't kidding. Today we're diving into a word that confuses a lot of English learners - ain't. It's not considered “standard” grammar, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. In fact, native speakers use ain't all the time in casual, spoken English, and especially in music, movies, and everyday conversation. So, if you've ever asked yourself, “What does ain't even mean?” - today's episode is for you.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE

In this episode, I break down common everyday British workplace expressions that you have told me often confuse you. From casual phrases to more formal ones. You'll learn their real meanings and when to expect them so you can respond confidently and follow work conversations with second guessing. Enjoy! AnnaTime Notes:00:00 – Why understanding boosts confidence02:00 – Informal phrases at work04:30 – Formal email language06:00 – Tricky linking words08:00 – Subtle agreement expressions09:45 – Casual workplace slang10:30 – Ways to say “get in touch”12:00 – Describing problems informally13:00 – Signalling agreement14:00 – Scheduling phrases15:00 – Recap and listening tips 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Sunday Speak. I'm here every Sunday with a quick one-point tip to help you speak English more naturally.Sometimes, you need to ask someone to wait. In situations like this, you could say “Please wait a moment.” And sure, that's correct English — but it sounds a bit formal and not something we usually say to friends or coworkers. In everyday conversation, we have a more natural and friendly way to ask someone to wait: “Hang on.”Like, when you're on the phone and need to check something. You can say, “Hang on, let me grab my notes.”Or, if you're in the middle of doing something, and your friend says, “Hey, can you look at this?” You can say, “Hang on a second.”Even if someone's talking too fast, you can say, “Whoa, hang on! Say that again?”It's short, casual, and super natural. So next time instead of “Please wait a moment,” just say “Hang on.”And remember to like, follow, and subscribe so you won't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Sunday Speak. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English Saturday Short, your quick tip for speaking English better.Today, let's look at three really natural phrases: kind of, sort of, and a bit. We use these to soften what we're saying. They make a statement sound less strong, less direct — and that makes your English sound more natural in everyday conversation.For example, let's say you're tired after work. Instead of just saying, “I'm tired,” you can soften it by saying: “I'm kind of tired today.”  Or: “I'm a bit tired after work.” Here's another one. Imagine you saw a movie, but you didn't really love a it, but you don't want to sound too negative. You could say:  “That movie was sort of boring.”  It's not as harsh as, “That movie was boring.”So remember — kind of, sort of, and a bit are like little cushions for your sentences. They soften your opinion and make it sound friendlier and more natural. So, are you kind of ready to try these out in your own conversations? I bet you are! Oh, and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Saturday Short. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

Plus: Spooky Lake Month, Eli's Survivor existential crisis, One Battle After Another, English Teacher, and Downton Abbey.Check out our bonus episode about Nicole and Keith's divorce, Selena's wedding, and DWTS here

Hey there! It's Michael here — and welcome back to another Happy English, Phrasal Verb Friday. I'm here every Friday, with a quick, one-point English lesson to help you learn one new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. Today's phrasal verb is jazz up.When you jazz something up, it means you make it more interesting, exciting, or attractive. It's like giving something a little extra style or energy. Like, my friend Lisa was hosting a party last weekend. She jazzed up her living room with some cool lights and a new playlist. At work, Tony jazzed up his presentation by adding some funny memes. And me? Well, I jazzed up my dinner the other night by adding some hot chili sauce.So how about you? Do you like to jazz up your cooking, your house, or maybe even your social media posts? Leave a comment below, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's Phrasal Verb Friday. Thanks for listening — and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

They didn't even say thank you.  Not “they didn't say thank you.” They didn't even say thank you. So… what's the deal with even in negative sentences?In Episode 880, we looked at how to use even in general - like for comparisons and emphasis. But today, we're going to zoom in on something more specific… and honestly, something really common - using even in negative sentences.Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/plsgVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/My AI English Tutor is HERE 

In this special Birthday Crossover Episode of Dennis Anyone and Dennis Hensley's Happy & Gay, Dennis breaks down his five days of birthday activities, which included two films (Almost Famous & Magnolia), one museum excursion (the Queer Lens exhibit at the Getty Center), one game day at Lawless Brewery and one marvelous outdoor play; Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Dennis also sings the praises of the returning TV shows The Morning Show and English Teacher as well as his friend David Kittredge's wonderful new feature film documentary Boorman and the Devil, which is about the director John Boorman and his movie Exorcist 2: Heretic. In the Observation Deck segment, Dennis's recent podcast guest Rob Loveless, host of the A Jaded Gay podcast, recalls a time he felt totally starstruck. Dennis ends the episode with two happiness-related quotes from Andy Warhol and shares a recent experience related to his new game Search Party where he had to put on his big boy pants and lived to tell about it.

Recently I had to learn APA citation. Oof. It was a heavy lift, after a few decades with MLA. It gave me a refreshed sense of how overwhelming students likely find MLA. I found myself thinking, why can't I just link my sources in parentheses? Why can't I just reference the authors who informed my thinking inside my sentences? Why on earth does it matter if I use a comma or a semicolon, put the page first or put the page second? Why does APA even exist? Yeah, all the things our students probably think when we roll out our 26 page MLA redux, which doesn't even cover it all. And that's only the beginning of student frustration when it comes time for a research paper. Now, I struggle a little bit in recommending these alternatives to the research paper today, partly because my husband regularly references the research paper he wrote in high school as a landmark in his academic life. He loved it. He was so proud of his work. It set him on a path that eventually led all the way to a PHD program at UPenn. The other night, though, when we were debating the relative merits of 5 paragraph essays and research papers, he did mention that the rest of the class did not exactly excel on that research paper assignment, if the comments his teacher made as she passed back the papers were any sign. John Warner, in his book, Why They Can't Write, posits a possible reason for that lack of excelling. “The writing-related tasks we frequently visit upon students would prove difficult for even highly experienced writers. Writing on subjects with which we're newly familiar, in forms that are foreign, and addressed to audiences that are either undefined or unknown (other than 'for the teacher') bears little resemblance to the way we write for the world” (27). In other words, we often ask students to try and make themselves an expert on something they're not that interested in for a research paper, use a citation format that is next thing to a foreign language for them, tie themselves in knots trying to figure out how to convey what they've learned in an orderly way that generally leaves little room for their own voice or opinions, and do it all just to show their teacher, for a grade. Of course, that is how it has seemingly always been done. And after all, we survived. I remember learning MLA format in 7th grade, and creating my first research notecards. I dutifully scrawled quotation after quotation on those notecards, putting all the source information on the back. I can't remember what I wrote about though, for that 7th grade research paper. Literally nothing comes to mind. The first research assignment that I do remember came in 11th grade, when I participated in Minnesota's National History Day, making it to the State Finals with my project "The Column: Supporting Architecture through the Ages." I remember my architectural timeline, supported on a bridge of heavy white dominos across the front of my display board. I remember learning about Ionic, Corinthian, and Doric columns, and I've seen them all over the world in my travels since. I remember my virtual explorations of Athens, as I searched through various texts trying to figure out how the column worked, why it was so special, and what it looked like in buildings all over ancient Greece. I remember presenting my project in Duluth, sensing that I barely made it through with so many other great projects on hand, learning from the quality around me, and improving it before heading for Minneapolis. I remember going to Valley Fair, the amusement park I had had my eye on for years, after the state competition, with my Dad. It. Was. Awesome. My National History Day Project let me choose any topic of interest to me that fit whatever the general theme was that year. It let me use my love of design, color, lettering, and layout in addition to my research skills. It gave me an authentic audience to consider. I think I still had to use MLA citation format, but I was so busy with everything else that I wasn't about to let cracking that code stop me. I had a competition to win. (Not that I did, but I sure had fun trying). When I look back on my academic and professional life so far, research in service of real purpose, in an arena that truly interested me, with the ability to include modes that I enjoy working in, for an audience I truly hoped to impact, made all the difference in igniting my best work. So what if we warm our students up to research with activities, projects, and shorter writing pieces that focus more on elements like these, and less on notecards? What if, instead of jumping into huge MLA research papers with only one person - us - as the intended audience, we cast a wider net around the area of research and explore ways to give students more agency over topic, mode, and audience? This introduction is getting out of hand. Thirteen paragraphs in and we haven't played the music yet. It's lucky I'm not writing a five paragraph essay. So without further ado, let's talk about five alternatives to the research paper that help students practice key skills they can draw on later, if and when they choose a path that requires them to write lengthy academic research papers with full citations in APA or MLA. Sign up for the Full (Free) AI PBL Research Unit: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/aipbl  For a deep dive on the research carousel, check out episode 163, a case study with educator Jane Wisdom: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2022/10/case-study-a-meaningful-21st-century-research-project.html  Sources Cited Warner, John. Why They Can't Write: Killing the 5 Paragraph Essay and other Necessities. John Hopkins University Press: 2020. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Get my popular free hexagonal thinking digital toolkit Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!