Happy English Podcast

Michael DiGiacomo Happy English

About

Learn American English with your host Michael DiGiacomo from Happy English in New York City.

This podcast brings you fun, practical, and useful English lessons which are ideal for English learners  of all ages.

Every week, you can learn English idioms, phrasal verbs, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar American Culture and so much more.

Bite-sized English lessons you can take anywhere!

Get Happy, Get English. Happy English!

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1195 episodes

715 - Cats & Dogs

I'm not trying to let the cat out of the bag, but I have to tell you, I am dog tired.  I'm going to guess that you're going to want to know why, but keep in mind curiosity killed the cat. Yup, today is all about cats and dogs. For today's English lesson let's have a look at idioms that deal with cats and dogs. I really love helping you learn idioms because they do tend to make your English conversation and writing more colorful and more natural sounding.  Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

8m
Mar 26, 2024
714 - Ability and Possibility

When I was younger I could play the piano a lot better than I can now. You know? I'm glad I was able to tell you that. Knowing modal verbs like can and be able to is not only important for your everyday English conversation, but using this grammar correctly will give you an edge in English exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC.  Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

9m
Mar 18, 2024
713 - Day to Day English

Day in and day out, I try to come up with topics to talk about here on the Happy English podcast. Most of my ideas come from questions or problems my students have. At the end of the day, it’s always best to keep trying new things. In this day and age, I think most people are interested in learning something. That’s plain as day, no? Today, let’s look as 10 idioms and expressions that relate to time and day. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

10m
Mar 11, 2024
712 - Negative Questions

Wouldn't it be nice if we could learn another language quickly and easily? Oh, don’t worry, this isn’t a commercial, just an intro to this lesson. Isn’t that why you’re here? Negative questions are questions that begin with the negative forms of the be verb and other auxiliary verbs. Like their cousins, tag questions, negative questions are often used to check what we think is true. Let’s go! Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

8m
Mar 04, 2024
711 - Business Phrases

I’m sure you have a lot on your plate, so thanks a lot for checking out my podcast. Today I have something special for everyone working in an international environment. I’m not saying that I have the silver bullet, but I think this episode is going to be a game changer for you. For today’s English lesson, let’s have a look at 8 phrases that you can use in the workplace and in your daily English conversations. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

9m
Feb 26, 2024
710 - The Tiny W

American English pronunciation is interesting. A lot of English learners tell me that Americans talk to quickly. But I would say it’s more the style of speaking than the speed. One interesting feature of spoken American English is the fact that We. Do. Not. Like. To. Stop. After. Each. Word. In. A. Sentence. Quite often, the end of one word links with the beginning of the next word. For this English lesson, we’re going look at one particular sound that happens when one word ends with a vowel sound, and the next word begins with a vowel sound. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

8m
Feb 19, 2024
709 - 9 Ways To Use Have

For this English lesson, We’re going to look at nine different ways that we use the verb have. Have is one of those interesting words in English that has multiple meanings and uses, as well as a number of different grammar patterns. By the way, have is an irregular verb, and the three parts are have, had, and had. Let’s get the ball rolling! Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

7m
Feb 12, 2024
708 - Checking Information

For this English lesson, I'm going to show you a couple of different types of questions that you can ask when you want to check that the information you have is right. Basically, these are tag questions and negative questions. By the end of this lesson you'll understand how these questions are used in everyday, conversational English. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

7m
Feb 05, 2024
707 - American Conversational Phrases

Guess what! This lesson is all about conversational phrases in American English. And maybe you’re wondering…can I find a lesson like this in a book? Not exactly. “How come?,”you may ask. How come indeed. Let’s check it out. For this English lesson, I’m going to show you how to sound more American, by using words and phrases that will make your English conversations sound, well, less like a text book. By the end of this lesson, you be able to use and understand this English. Let’s dive in. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

8m
Jan 29, 2024
706 - 6 Causative Forms Of Have

Have you ever seen the movie, Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams? In that movie, an army base had William’s character work as a radio dj, and his personality had everyone on the base laughing. Except of course his supervisors, who wanted to have him transferred. Have someone do something, have someone doing something, and have someone done. By the end of this podcast, you’ll have learned six different ways to use have in the causative. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

8m
Jan 22, 2024
705 - Things You Can Do With Time

Thanks again for spending time with the Happy English podcast. I remember the time I first started doing this in 2014. I was killing time on social medial when I first knew about podcasts. Those were interesting times! Time? Times? Let’s discuss! Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

8m
Jan 15, 2024
704 - Six Things You Can Pay

Let me ask you something. Would you rather pay train fare or a highway toll? Do you think the admission charge at the movie theater is reasonable? In your country, what percentage of a doctor's fee do patients usually need to pay? In this podcast English lesson you're going to learn the difference between six different types of things you can pay. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ FREE Workshop to build your vocabulary: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

7m
Jan 08, 2024
703 - New Year Idioms

Learning idioms can make your English conversations sound more natural and today, we’re going to look at five idioms you might use in your English conversations at the beginning of the year. By the end of this podcast, you’ll learn these idioms and the history behind how we started saying them! Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ FREE Workshop to build your vocabulary: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Get TOEIC Mastery: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/TOEIC-Mastery-Online-English-Course This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

9m
Jan 03, 2024
702 - A Visit From International St. Nicholas

Merry Christmas 2023. For today’s podcast, I’ve gotten together an amazing group of English learners from all over the world to bring to you a very special reading of A Visit From St. Nicholas, the iconic Christmas poem written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1837. In no particular order, thanks to Rémi (France), Naoko (Japan), Peter (Russia), Andrea (Germany), Konomi (Japan), Fabri (Italy), Tammy (Hong Kong), Sumiko (Japan), Elena (Italy) Noriko (Japan), Nancy (Guadalupe) Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

4m
Dec 25, 2023
701 - 5 Things You Can HIT

For today's English lesson we're going to take a look at five idioms which are things that you can hit: Hit the ceiling, hit the hay / sack, hit the jackpot, hit the sauce, and hit the town By the end of this lesson you're going to not only learn these idioms but you also have an idea as to where they came from. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

7m
Dec 18, 2023
700 - Part II Water Idioms

Are you determined to do anything, come hell or high water? Are you able to keep your head above water these days? Is there anything you want to try and test the waters? Has anyone told you a story that couldn’t hold water? By the end of this podcast English lesson, you’ll learn five water idioms and also how they came to be. Have a topic you'd like me to cover here? Send me a message and let me know! Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

7m
Dec 11, 2023
699 - Water Idioms

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water? Maybe you’ve been in hot water recently, or in deep water with your boss. Do you feel like your relationship with the boss is like oil and water, or is that more like water off a duck’s back. Let’s discuss. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

9m
Dec 04, 2023
698 - Arrive

After you arrive in New York, you can probably arrive at your hotel within an hour. Since you’ll be arriving with luggage, I’d suggest taking a taxi. When you arrive by taxi, the hotel will have a special entrance just for you. Let’s discuss. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

7m
Nov 27, 2023
697 - I Suppose I’m Supposed To

I suppose you’re listening to this podcast in order to learn something about English. I also suppose you’ll be taking notes. Why? Well, suppose you want to remember these English points. You’re supposed to do that, you know! Let’s discuss. Send me a DM with your suggestion or request for a lesson here! Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

8m
Nov 13, 2023
696 - Learning English With Gregory Diehl

In this podcast English lesson, I'm speaking with author and English teacher, Gregory Diehl. Gregory has a new book out called Our Global Lingua Franca: An Educator's Guide to Spreading English Where EFL Doesn't Work which explores the cultural and economic importance of spreading English as a universal language. Gregory has taught in more than a dozen countries and observed the persistent flaws that prevent the majority of learners from developing even conversational English fluency, let alone true fluency. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

29m
Nov 06, 2023
695 - Longer Conversations

I think that learning another language is not just about grammar and vocabulary. How about you? Oh, and that reminds me. I wanted to let you know what today’s lesson is all about. And by the way, I’m sure you’re going to find this useful. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

5m
Nov 01, 2023
694 - Inversion

Had I known this English point was a pain in the neck for a lot of English learners, I would have covered it before. Can you imagine? How I missed this is beyond me! Sometimes the word order of a sentence is changed. In particular, we sometimes reverse the order of the subject and verb. And this is called, inversion. For today’s English lesson, lets look at five situations where this happens. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

6m
Oct 23, 2023
693 - Confidence? You Got This!

You know? The three things you need to do to boost and keep your confidence in English are: 1. Keep a positive attitude about English. 2. Practice using English every day 3. Read more. Let’s discuss. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ FREE Workshop to build your vocabulary: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

11m
Oct 16, 2023
692 - Jessica From IELTS Energy

Talking the IELTS exam? If so, you need to hook up with Jessic from IELTS Energy. So lucky to have her on the podcast today. She's got some tips and ideas to help you reach your dream score on the IELTS exam. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ FREE Workshop to build your vocabulary: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

24m
Oct 09, 2023
691 - Spooky Idioms

Have you spilled your guts recently? Have you seen or heard about anything which made your boil or left you scared stiff? Well, before those bad dreams come back to haunt you, let’s discuss. This English lesson is all about Spooky Idioms! FREE Workshop to build your vocabulary: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

6m
Oct 03, 2023
690 - Face-Part Vocabulary

AT THE OFFICE THIS MORNING, HANK WAS CHECKING OUT A BREATHTAKING PRESENTATION THAT ANNIE PUT TOGETHER. HANK PRAISED THE EYE-POPPING VISUALS AND MOUTHWATERING CONTENT, TELLING ANNIE THAT HE WAS SURE IT WOULD PREVENT THEIR SALES FROM NOSE-DIVING. LET’S DISCUSS! Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Get TOEIC Mastery: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/TOEIC-Mastery-Online-English-Course This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

7m
Sep 26, 2023
689 - Hacking Language With Kyra Sage

This is my chat with Kyra Sage from LanguageHack.co. We talk about learning and hacking languages, plus you can hear all about how Kyra got into teaching English, as well as her own language learning journey Kyra Sage online: https://www.languagehack.co Kyra's Book: Explore the Outdoors: Photorealistic ABCs for Kids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CFZKZJ23/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=happengl0d-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1646113195&linkId=68d098471ea1e64b03e59dab4fe5d562 Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website : https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Get TOEIC Mastery: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/TOEIC-Mastery-Online-English-Course This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

19m
Sep 18, 2023
688 - Business Change Phrasal Verbs

WHEN JACK’S COMPANY WAS TAKEN OVER BY ANOTHER FIRM, THEY CLOSED DOWN THEIR BRANCH OFFICES IN BOSTON AND DENVER, AND LAID OFF ALL THE STAFF. AFTER TWO YEARS, THE COMPANY WAS DOING SO WELL, THEY STARTED TO BRANCH OUT AND TAKE ON NEW STAFF. TODAY'S LESSON IS ALL ABOUT CHANGE IN THE BUSINESS WORLD, WITH PHRASAL VERBS. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Get TOEIC Mastery: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/TOEIC-Mastery-Online-English-Course This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

8m
Sep 11, 2023
687 - New York Pizza

When it comes to having a slice, probably the most important thing people consider is the crust. That’s right the crust - not to thick, but not so thin that you can’t pick up a slice with one hand. For New Yorker’s it’s got to be just right. Let’s discuss. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Get TOEIC Mastery: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/TOEIC-Mastery-Online-English-Course This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

7m
Sep 05, 2023
686 - Room for Time and Space

I’ve recently moved my office into a different room and it has more than enough room for all of my stuff. Now I can do my work with enough space. My new desk has a space for my computer and several spaces where I can put other equipment. Yeah, this room has enough room. Let's build your vocabulary Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcript Visit my website: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/ Get TOEIC Mastery: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/TOEIC-Mastery-Online-English-Course This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5900997/advertisement

6m
Aug 28, 2023