Happy English Podcast

Michael Digiacomo Happy English
  • 4.7 (189)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is an American English Podcast with your host Michael DiGiacomo from Happy English in New York City. You will learn real American English speaking and pronunciation with Michael, who has been teaching English since 1994. This is an English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) podcast that brings you fun, practical, and useful English lessons which are ideal for intermediate and advanced level English learners everywhere. This podcast is perfect for university students, business professionals, homemakers, retirees and anyone who is interested in learning and improving their English skills. Every week, you are going to learn American English idioms, conversational expressions and phrasal verbs. As your American English teacher, I will help you learn real and natural American English  pronunciation and conversational style. You will get the chance to improve your vocabulary and have a clear understanding of practical English grammar. I also help you have a deeper understanding of  American Culture through language learning. Join my podcast learner's study group to practice these lessons with me each week on zoom. Get Happy, Get English. Happy English!

  1. 973 - Giving Advice in English - Have You Ever Thought About It?

    5H AGO

    973 - Giving Advice in English - Have You Ever Thought About It?

    Do you ever feel a little uncomfortable giving advice in English? Maybe you want to help someone - but you don’t want to sound pushy, bossy, or rude. So you’re not sure what to say. The good news is, native speakers rarely give advice in a very direct way. Instead of saying things like, “You should do this,” we usually soften our advice and make it sound more friendly and conversational.  So today, let’s look at some very common, very natural ways native speakers give advice in everyday English. Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    9 min
  2. 972 - Why Americans Don’t Say the T in Winter

    2D AGO

    972 - Why Americans Don’t Say the T in Winter

    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. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube. Today, let’s talk about something fun in American English: Why “winter” and “winner” often sound exactly the same. This happens because of a sound change called the N-flap. When N + T comes between two vowel sounds, the T often disappears or becomes a soft flap - something like a quick D sound. winter sounds like winnertwenty sounds like twennyplenty sounds like plenny For example: “I don’t like winter weather.” sounds like  “I don’t like winner weather.”“We invited twenty people.” sounds like  “We invited twenny people.” This isn’t slang - it’s just the natural rhythm of American English. Hey, thanks for listening! And remember to follow and subscribe so you won’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s 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. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    2 min
  3. 971 - Talking About Plans and Intentions in English - Want To, Plan To, Be Going To, Hope To, and Intend To

    3D AGO

    971 - Talking About Plans and Intentions in English - Want To, Plan To, Be Going To, Hope To, and Intend To

    Do you ever notice that when you talk about your plans in English, you use the same phrase again and again? Maybe you say things like: “I’m gonna do this.”  “I’m gonna go there.”  “I’m gonna improve my English.” Those sentences are totally fine. No problem at all. But native speakers don’t only use “be going to” when they talk about future plans. We also use phrases like want to, plan to, hope to, and even intend to - and each one sounds a little different. So today, let’s look at five very common ways to talk about plans and intentions in English, and how native speakers really use them in everyday conversation. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    8 min
  4. 970 - It Turns Out - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

    4D AGO

    970 - It Turns Out - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

    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. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube. Today, let’s look at a really useful conversational phrase — “it turns out (that).” We use it turns out to mean actually or in fact, especially when the result is surprising or different from what we expected. Like, I left the house in a hurry, and it turns out I forgot my wallet.Or when talking about relationships: They dated for a while, but it turns out they weren’t compatible.We also use this phrase when we discover new information: I did some research, and it turns out my grandfather was a taxi driver for a while. So remember, when something ends up being different than you expected, try using “it turns out…” It’s a very natural way to tell that kind of story in English. 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. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    2 min
  5. 969 - Map Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

    5D AGO

    969 - Map Out - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

    I’m here every week with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak. By the way, if you want to see the video version of this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube. Today’s phrasal verb is map out. When you map out something, it means you plan it carefully, step by step - just like drawing a map. Like, a lot of people map out their goals for the new year - health, work, hobbies, all of it.My friend Olivia mapped out her budget for 2026 so she can save more.And I just mapped out my podcast schedule for the next few months… busy but exciting! And here’s a pronunciation tip. The P of Map links with out. Ma-pout So how about you? Have you mapped out anything for the new 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. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    2 min
  6. 968 - Talking About Obligation in English - Have To, Must, Need To, and Be Supposed To

    JAN 13

    968 - Talking About Obligation in English - Have To, Must, Need To, and Be Supposed To

    Do you ever feel like English has too many ways to say the same thing? Maybe you’ve wondered why English has have to, must, need to, and be supposed to, when they all seem to mean something like “I should do this.” Like, “I have to work late.” “I must finish this.” “I need to call her.” “I’m supposed to send the email.” Today, we’ll look at four very common ways to talk about obligation, rules, and expectations - and you’ll hear how each one sounds a little different, even though they’re all connected to “things we should do.” Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    9 min
  7. 967 - OR Sounds like ER - Speak Naturally in a Minute

    JAN 12

    967 - OR Sounds like ER - Speak Naturally in a Minute

    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. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube. One of the biggest pronunciation secrets in American English is how we reduce the sound “or.” In  everyday conversation, “or” often becomes a quick, relaxed “er.” Do you want tea er coffeeShould we meet today er tomorrow?Is your answer, yes er no? This small reduction keeps the rhythm smooth and relaxed. 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. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    1 min
  8. 966 - When It Comes To - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

    JAN 10

    966 - When It Comes To - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

    Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Saturday with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. And if you want to watch this lesson, just look for Happy English Podcast on YouTube. Today, let’s look at a very useful conversational phrase - “when it comes to…” We use when it comes to followed by a sentence, to mean regarding or about. When it comes to is a great way to introduce a topic or give your opinion. Like, “When it comes to cooking, my sister is amazing.”Or “When it comes to playing sports, well, it’s not my cup of tea.”And you know what, when it comes to learning English, I’m glad you found me here! It’s simple, natural, and you’ll hear it all the time - at work, in casual conversations, evenin TV shows and movies. So remember, the next time you want to give your opinion about a topic, try using “when it comes to…” It’s one of the most natural ways to start that sentence. Lemme know in the comments how it goes, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next Saturday’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool. Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly. 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses: https://www.myhappyenglish.com

    2 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
189 Ratings

About

This is an American English Podcast with your host Michael DiGiacomo from Happy English in New York City. You will learn real American English speaking and pronunciation with Michael, who has been teaching English since 1994. This is an English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) podcast that brings you fun, practical, and useful English lessons which are ideal for intermediate and advanced level English learners everywhere. This podcast is perfect for university students, business professionals, homemakers, retirees and anyone who is interested in learning and improving their English skills. Every week, you are going to learn American English idioms, conversational expressions and phrasal verbs. As your American English teacher, I will help you learn real and natural American English  pronunciation and conversational style. You will get the chance to improve your vocabulary and have a clear understanding of practical English grammar. I also help you have a deeper understanding of  American Culture through language learning. Join my podcast learner's study group to practice these lessons with me each week on zoom. Get Happy, Get English. Happy English!

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Digiacomo Happy English
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    973
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2014 -2025 Michael DiGiacomo, Happy English Language Services Co.
  • Show Website
    Happy English Podcast

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