Podcasts about language learning

Have you ever noticed how people use the word actually in conversation? It's one of those small words that shows up all the time, but it doesn't always mean the same thing. Sometimes it's used to correct someone. Sometimes it adds new information. And sometimes it helps soften disagreement so you don't sound too direct. For example, someone might say, “Actually, I already did that.” Or, “Actually, there's another option.” Or even, “Actually, I think we should wait.”So in today's podcast English lesson, we're going to look at several very practical ways that you can use actually in everyday English.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Have you ever noticed how often native speakers use the word just? It's a small word, but it shows up everywhere in everyday conversation. Like, “I just finished lunch.” Or, “I was just asking...” Or maybe, “I just think this might work.” OR, even the phrase, “just saying”. That little word just helps make English sound more natural, softer, and more conversational. But the interesting thing is that just doesn't always have the same meaning. Depending on the situation, it can show time, minimize something, or soften what we're saying.So in today's podcast English lesson, we're going to look at several very practical ways that native speakers use the word just in everyday English. And once you start noticing it, you'll realize native speakers use just all the time.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

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 another tiny word that changes in natural American English: TO.In everyday English conversation, to usually reduces to a quick “tuh” sound.I went to bed, sounds like I went tuh bedI need to study, sounds like  I need tuh study.I walk to the station sounds like, I walk tuh the stationThe OO vowel sound of to becomes the unstressed schwa sound  əLike,   Nice tuh meet you.  I hafta leave. I went to workLet's practice: Repeat after me:I went to workThey go to schoolI have tuh studyNow, you're speaking like a native! Hey, 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.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. Today, let's look at a really useful conversational response - “fair enough.”We use fair enough when we want to acknowledge what someone said, even if we don't completely agree. It's a polite and natural way to say, “Okay, I understand your point.”Like, imagine you're choosing a restaurant with a friend and they say: “I don't like spicy food.” You could reply: “Fair enough. Let's find a different place.”Or maybe you invite a friend out after work and they say: “I'm too tired to go out tonight.” You could say: “Fair enough. Let's go another time.”Here's another situation. Maybe you suggest watching a horror movie and your friend says: “I can't watch scary movies before bed.” You might reply: “Fair enough. Let's pick a comedy.”We often use fair enough to show respect for someone's opinion or situation. It keeps the conversation friendly and relaxed. It's a short, natural response you'll hear all the time in everyday English.Why not leave your example in the comments, 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.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Have you ever been in a meeting that felt like it would never end? You keep looking at the clock and thinking… “Is this meeting ever going to finish?” But then there are other times when the opposite happens. Maybe you're hanging out with friends, watching a great movie, or traveling somewhere fun, and suddenly you look at the clock and think, “Wow… where did the time go?”In English, we actually have several very useful phrasal verbs to talk about situations like these. So in today's podcast English lesson, we're going to look at some common phrasal verbs related to time that you can use all the time in your everyday conversations.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Have you ever studied the present perfect in English and thought… “Okay… I understand the rule… but nobody actually talks like this.” Maybe your textbook says something like:  “You must use the present perfect for actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past.” So the example sentence is something like:  “I have eaten lunch.” And technically… that sentence is perfectly correct. But if you walk into an office in New York and someone asks you, “Hey, do you want to grab lunch?” most people are not going to say, “No thank you, I have eaten lunch.” They're going to say something like: “No thanks, I already ate.” So what happened to the present perfect? English textbooks often teach the perfect present grammar… but in real conversations Americans tend to use the simple past. And that's what today's podcast English lesson is all about. Today we're going to look at several very practical situations where native speakers naturally use the simple past tense in everyday conversational American English - even in situations where a textbook might tell you to use the present perfect. Now don't get me wrong. The present perfect is still correct, and native speakers definitely use it. And if you'd like to learn more about the present perfect, check out Episode 753. But in fast, casual conversation, we often simplify things.  And when we do that… the simple past shows up everywhere.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

We break down the differences between true cognates, near cognates, and false friends in English and Spanish. We share examples of words that look similar across both languages—some that mean the same thing and others that can easily trick learners into saying the wrong thing. By understanding these patterns and learning from common mistakes, you'll discover how to build your Spanish vocabulary faster and communicate with more confidence.Key Takeaways:True cognates are words that look almost identical in English and Spanish and share the same meaning, making them an easy way to expand your vocabulary.Near cognates follow predictable spelling patterns, which can help you guess many Spanish words even if you've never studied them before.False friends may look familiar but have completely different meanings, so recognizing them can help you avoid confusing or embarrassing misunderstandings.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don't miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

When I was a kid, my friends and I would ride our bikes around the neighborhood until it got dark. And then,  we would sit around the kitchen table talking about our day. I would like to talk about that more.I mean, I would if I had more time. Notice something interesting there? I used the word would several times. And do you know why? A lot of people learn that would is just the past form of will, but in real life, native speakers use would in several very practical ways in everyday conversation. And that's what we're going to look at today!The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Today, let's talk about another tiny word that changes in natural American English: OFIn everyday  conversation, OF usually reduces to a quick “uh” sound. The “v” sound is dropped and you're left with the vowel sound, UH a cup of coffee becomes a cup uh coffeea lot of people becomes a lotta peoplekind of strange becomes kinda strangeYou can also say things like: a piece uh cake. a bunch uh flowers.  a bottle uh waterNow, you're speaking like a native!Hey, 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.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.Today, let's look at a very common conversational phrase - “the bottom line is.” We use the bottom line is when we want to say the most important point after all the discussion. You'll hear this a lot in business meetings, presentations, and even casual conversations.For example, in a meeting, someone might say:  “We've looked at all the numbers, and the bottom line is, we need to increase sales.”Or a parent might tell their kid, “You can make a lot of excuses, but the bottom line is, you need to study more.Or in everyday conversation: “The bottom line is, we just don't have enough money for that vacation this year.”This phrase helps you sound clear and confident because it tells the listener, “This is the main point - listen closely.” So remember, when you want to focus on what really matters, try using “the bottom line is…” It's a strong and natural way to conclude what you're saying.Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week's English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

Have you ever known someone who interrupts constantly… never finishes their work… or talks to people in a bossy way? We all run into people like that from time to time, right? And in English, we actually have some very colorful phrasal verbs to describe those kinds of behaviors. So, for today's podcast English lesson, we're going to look at five very common phrasal verbs that you can use to talk about annoying people.The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

We're pleased to welcome guest Dr. Maggie Marcus to the podcast. Dr. Marcus joins us for a conversation on bilingual learners, two-way immersion programs, and navigating the needs of English learners from a policy level at a time of increased scrutiny on language learning in relation to civic identity. Dr. Marcus is the Executive Director of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation, which is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for English Learners.  02:30 The Joy of Teaching Aligned to Talent: Dual Language Learning 10:30 Professional Pathways for Language Learners 16:30 Two-Way Immersion Programming: Research & Praxis 22:00 Century Foundation Report: Community Demand for Bilingual Educational Opportunity 27:30 English Learners & Pandemic Recovery Trends  31:00 What We Learned Sources & Further Reading: Is Your Child Classified as an English Learner? - PIQE What Families Want: New Data on Public Demand for Bilingual Education Pandemic Response to Pandemic Recovery: Helping English Learners Succeed This Fall and Beyond Quadrinity Check-In | Hoffman Institute Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation Music by John Williams | GRAMMY® Award Winner | Disney+ Mayor Mamdani Declares Local State of Emergency, Snow Day for NYC Public Schools to Keep New Yorkers Safe For a full list of episode sources and resources, visit our website.

By the time I got to the party, Jack had already gone home. Ah, the past perfect tense. Have you ever studied this grammar and thought… When do people actually use this? Maybe you learned something like, “The past perfect is the past of the past.” And technically, that's true… but that rule is not very helpful in real conversation. Because the truth is, native speakers don't walk around thinking about grammar rules. We use certain grammar patterns because they help us explain time relationships in a story or conversation. And the past perfect is one of those patterns. So in today's podcast English lesson, we're going to look at several very practical situations where native speakers naturally use the past perfect in everyday English. The Happy English PodcastHelping people speak English better since 2014Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

ACTA's Academic Affairs Fellow Veronica Bryant is joined by Dr. Marie Kawthar Daouda, stipendiary lecturer in French at the University of Oxford's Oriel College. Dr. Daouda teaches both literature and language, and her research focuses on the reception of antiquity in modern times and artistic representations of good and evil in periods of political and religious crisis. She is the author of Not Your Victim: How Our Obsession with Race Entraps and Divides Us. In their wide-ranging conversation, Drs. Bryant and Daouda discuss the role of language in shaping national, cultural, and individual identity.

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.

Are you struggling to speak a language fluently? Have you been studying for months, or even years, and still feel stuck? This 30-Day Language Challenge is designed to help you build fluency faster by focusing on one powerful principle: consistency. You don't need more grammar rules. You don't need to study for hours every day. And you definitely don't need years to see progress. What you need is a daily language learning habit.Free trial to start learning a language right now: www.mosalingua.com/podcast

聊中西文化，也聊很多东西！ 第八十二期，说了很久的再次去越南，终于在春节假期安排上啦！这一期看到和思考了很多和胡志明不一样的地方，比如当地的茶饮、米其林餐厅、韩国企业，甚至菲律宾品牌Jollibee和永和大王等等。不好意思又拖更了。   欢迎给我们来信： ttmiChinese@gmail.com Have online class with Candice, please email candicex2018@gmail.com YouTube: Candice X Chinese Mandarin Instagram: CandiceXMandarin2022 免费学习资料 Free study materials please visit Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/candicex PDF full script for episode 82: https://www.patreon.com/posts/082-my-holiday-152045810 Video with full subtitles for episode 82: https://youtu.be/hMTImijNrFM

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.

In this video, I explore the phenomenon of brain rot and how language learning can help you combat it.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, KJ sits down with Stacy Richter, CEO of Live Lingua, to explore how the EdTech industry has lost sight of what really matters: human connection. Stacy shares his unconventional journey from corporate collections to boutique marketing to language education, revealing how technology became the status quo it was supposed to disrupt. Discover why the "four-legged stool" approach—combining live tutors, technology, AI tools, and resources—is transforming language learning outcomes and bringing the human element back into education. Four Key Takeaways: (9:12) The Technology Paradox - In language learning, technology has become the status quo rather than the disruptor. EdTech platforms are now the norm, but the pendulum swung so far toward exclusive technology that learners lost the human connection essential for true language acquisition. (13:13) Transactional vs. Transformational Learning - Language learning apps excel at increasing screen time and gamification, but their primary goal isn't actual fluency—it's engagement. Real language mastery requires moving beyond transactional interactions to transformational, person-to-person connections that build relationships and trust. (22:58) The Full-Stack Language Model - Live Lingua's "four-legged stool" approach combines live human tutors (the hub), integrated technology, AI tools for practice, and supplementary resources. This hybrid model makes tutoring sessions 10x more valuable and can shorten the learning curve by months or even years. (30:29) The Power of One Connection - Technology cannot replace the value of human connection. As Stacy emphasizes, you're only one conversation, one relationship away from a breakthrough in your personal or professional life—a truth that applies far beyond language learning. Quote of the Show (9:12):"In the education space, the technology has become the status quo. The pendulum swung from personalized in-person services... so far the other way where it's been exclusively technology.” – Stacy Richter Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Stacy Richter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealstacyrichter/Company Website: https://livelingua.com How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 57: Why Is Tipping in the USA So Complicated?Have you ever stood in front of a payment screen and felt confused (or even pressured) by the tipping options? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn why tipping culture exists in the United States, how it got so out of control, and exactly what to do if you visit or live here. The history is a little surprising. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting.Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/free-lesson. Every issue includes English practice tips and activities connected to new episodes. You'll also get a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator when you sign up!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 Get the English Listening Accelerator!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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.

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.

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtimeUS Conversations: https://www.patreon.com/USConversationsTranscript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SeRA5qURdHzQdXZY85JjDOnpX4g2RtEQ/view?usp=sharing

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.

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.

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.

The Krewe wraps up Season 6 with an episode looking back at the highs, the lows, & what's to come! Join Doug & Jenn for listener feedback and behind-the-scenes stories as they put a bow on the 6th chapter of KOJ Podcast! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy! ------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------ Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode! Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season! Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  ------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------ JSNO Event Calendar Join JSNO Today!

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.

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.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with virtuoso guitarist Angel Vivaldi to explore the intersection of artistry, authenticity, and perseverance. Angel shares insights from his recent tour with legendary guitarist Steve Morse, discusses his creative process behind concept albums like "Synapse," and reveals how he balances being 65% artist and 35% business. The conversation dives deep into topics ranging from working with difficult people and learning from enemies, to the role of AI in music, the importance of vulnerability, and why the only thing worse than living with regret is dying with it. This is a masterclass in commitment, creativity, and staying true to yourself in an industry that constantly demands compromise. Episode Highlights [2:14] Learning from Steve Morse's Humility and Reinvention - Angel describes touring with guitar legend Steve Morse and witnessing him reinvent his playing technique due to arthritis. Despite being one of the greatest guitarists alive, Morse remained humble enough to learn legato and tapping techniques from Angel, demonstrating that true mastery includes the willingness to continuously evolve. [20:59] The Muse and Discipline: Speaking Her Language - Angel shares his philosophy on creativity and the muse: "She has a lot of people to visit and she's gonna favor those who know how to speak her language. What is her language? Music." He explains why showing up consistently to practice—even without inspiration—is essential, because you're refining how you speak music so the muse can work through you. [39:44] The Synapse Album: Painting Studios and Neurotransmitters - Angel reveals the extreme creative process behind his concept album "Synapse," where each song represents a different neurotransmitter. He painted his studio a different color for each song (red for adrenaline, green for serotonin), changed scents, and even wrote at specific times of day to embody each neurochemical state—a process that nearly broke him but resulted in some of his most authentic work. [82:13] Learning from Your Enemies: Unfiltered Feedback - Angel offers a provocative perspective: "Your enemies have no stake in you liking them or them liking you. If you want unfiltered, uncensored, direct feedback on your flaws as a human being, look to your enemies." He explains how to parse criticism from adversaries to find genuine insights while filtering out projection and insecurity. Angel Vivaldi is an American virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and producer who has been pushing the boundaries of instrumental guitar music since beginning his solo career in 2003. Self-taught from age 15, Angel has released multiple concept albums including "Universal Language," "Away With Words Parts 1 & 2," and "Synapse," each showcasing his unique blend of progressive metal, fusion, and melodic sensibility. Beyond his solo work, Angel is a multifaceted creative force—he's a cinematographer, fashion enthusiast, interior designer, and entrepreneur who founded Zenith Council, an artist services company helping musicians with branding, marketing, and creative vision. Recently, he toured as a guest guitarist with legendary Steve Morse, managing Morse's career while contributing rhythm guitar and content creation. Angel's approach to music and life embodies his belief that authenticity and vulnerability are the keys to creating art that truly resonates. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest BioJackie Nourse is the founder of Traveling Jackie and host of the award-winning podcast JUMP with Traveling Jackie, where she shares stories that inspire others to explore the world boldly. A lifelong traveler and storyteller, Jackie chose a path of global adventure at age 18 and never looked back — turning her love for travel into a full-time lifestyle over the past two decades.She has collaborated with leading outdoor brands including Osprey Packs, Oboz Footwear, Atomic Skis, Carve Designs, and Four Wheel Campers, and earned recognition for the documentary short film “Chiloé,” created in partnership with Osprey. Through her podcast and guided group trips, Jackie invites her audience to take the leap — building confidence, connection, and courage through travel. When she's not exploring the world, you'll find her in Montana playing ice hockey or road-tripping in her truck camper with a mountain bike in tow.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jackie about her inspiring path from travel blogger to podcasting powerhouse. She reflects on the life-changing decision to study abroad in Costa Rica, a leap that sparked her lifelong love for travel and set the stage for her global adventures. Through candid storytelling, Jackie shares how stepping into the unknown again and again has shaped her identity and career.Jason and Jackie explore how language, culture, and even loneliness play a role in personal transformation through travel. Jackie emphasizes that the most meaningful growth often happens during the most challenging moments. She offers advice for aspiring travelers, encouragement for parents of adventurous kids, and heartfelt reflections on the relationships and resilience that form through a life on the move.Key Takeaways✓ Jackie's love of travel and language began early and shaped her life direction.✓ The name “JUMP” reflects her belief in bold choices and transformative leaps.✓ Studying abroad can be a turning point in personal growth and worldview.✓ Staying with a host family offers immersive, eye-opening cultural experiences.✓ Loneliness is a natural part of travel — and a catalyst for inner strength.✓ Facing discomfort while traveling builds confidence and resilience.✓ Language fluency improves rapidly through real-life immersion and practice.✓ Travel allows people to redefine themselves outside their usual environments.✓ Parents can play a key role in supporting a young person's desire to explore.✓ Cross-cultural experiences build empathy and meaningful human connections. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple's latest attempt to revamp Siri are running into some snags. This is the daily Tech and Business Report. Today, KCBS Radio anchor Holly Quan spoke with Bloomberg's Samantha Kelly.

Since opening its doors in 1805, Carolina has made foreign language learning an essential part of its curriculum. Classical languages — Latin and Greek — are still taught, but they're now among a much larger group of languages offered, along with many opportunities for students to put their foreign language skills in practice. 

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.

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. Today, let's look at another really common conversational phrase - “at the end of the day.” We use at the end of the day to sum things up or to focus on the final point or conclusion. You'll hear this a lot in business meetings, but people also use it in everyday conversation.Like, in a meeting, someone might say:  “These are all good idea, but at the end of the day, we need to meet the deadline.”Or in a more personal situation:  “The car salesman offered a really good car, for a great price, but at the end of the day it was just too far out of my budget.”Or about language learning: “There are a lot of apps out there to learn English, but at the end of the day, having English conversation with others is the best way to improve.”Remember, you can use at the end of the day to focus on the final point or conclusion. It helps your English sound clear, confident, and natural - especially when giving opinions. Practice using at the end of the day in your english conversations this week.Try leaving an example in the comments,  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.

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 follow through on.When you follow through on something, it means you finish what you promised or planned - you don't quit halfway.Like the problem with Jack is, he has lots of good ideas, but he never follows through on any of them.My friend Emily followed through on her goal to read 20 books last year - pretty impressive.These days, I'm trying to follow through on the study plan I set up.So how about you? What's something you're trying to follow through on these days?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.

Do you need to recharge? No, I'm not talking about your phone. I'm referring to you! Maybe you need to slow down a bit or take a break. If any of those are relatable, you've come to the right place. Today, we're gonna  talk about slowing down, taking care of ourselves, and getting back our energy.This English lesson is all about some natural phrases native speakers use when they need to rest, slow down, or recharge - especially after being busy or feeling stressed. Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

The case for language learning for older folksCan I still take curcumin while taking a low-dose Crestor? Are there interactions between the two or any other supplements?Which K2 is best?  MK4 or MK7?

Seems like these days a lot of folks are busy, and even stressed. How about you? Have you ever wanted to describe your situation or feeling with something more conversational than  “I'm very busy,” or “I'm stressed.” I'm glad you said yes. In fact, native English speakers usually have a few other ways to talk about stress and being busy that sound more natural and more conversational. We often explain why we're busy, or we soften what we say so we don't sound dramatic. And that's what I want to help you with today - talking about stress and being busy naturally in English.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

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 something fun in American English: Stretching words to show emotion or emphasis. In natural spoken English, we often lengthen the vowel sound in a stressed word.  We do this to show feeling - like surprise, excitement, or strong emotion.Like, That movie was sooooo good.OR I'm not gooing out because I'm reeeeeally tired."Hey Michael! Did you hear? Jenny broke up with her boyfriend." “She diiiid? nooo waaaay”So the words don't change - only the length of the vowel changes. Stretching the vowel sounds gives emphasis and emotion to that word.  This is part of the melody and rhythm of American English. Try that, and leave me a comment to let me know how it goes.Hey, 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.

Hey there! It's Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I'm here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently.Today, let's look at another natural conversational phrase - “long story short.”We use long story short when we want to summarize a situation and skip all the details. It's like saying, “I'm just gonna tell you the main point.”Like,  “What a morning! Long story short, I missed the train and got to work late.”Or when talking about a problem:  “Long story short, the project took longer than we expected.”You can also use it when explaining how something ended:  “Yeah, we were going to go hiking, but, long story short, we decided not to go.”You'll hear long story short a lot in casual conversation, especially when people don't want to or don't need to give a full explanation. It helps your English sound more relaxed and natural - just like everyday spoken English.So remember, the next time you want to summarize a situation quickly, try using “long story short.”Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don't miss the next Happy English Podcast and next 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.

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 stick to. When you stick to something, it means you continue doing it and you don't give up - even when it's difficult.You know, a lot of people make New Year's resolutions but have trouble sticking to them.My friend Jake wants to stick to his new workout plan… we'll see how long that lasts.And I'm trying to stick to my goal of studying Japanese for at least 20 minutes every day.So how about you? What's something you are sticking to this year? 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.

Here's a fun fact. In 2010, I started Happy English. In 2010. That sounds pretty accurate, right? And saying the date or the year is certainly correct - but that's not always how native speakers talk. In everyday conversation, we're often much more casual and even imprecise when we talk about the past. And that's what I want to introduce you to today - some very informal ways native speakers talk about the past casually in English.Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I'm Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.

In today's episode I'm talking about my frustrating journey trying to learn Spanish over the last 2.5 years.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.