Ever wondered if video games could be more than just a pastime? What if I told you they could significantly enhance your English language skills? In this podcast episode, we explore the fascinating intersection of video games and language acquisition with English teacher Sara Riascos. We delved into the realm of educational video games, such as Scribblenauts and Who Is So Scarlet, specifically designed to facilitate language learning. Sara shared her experiences incorporating video games into...

In this episode, we talk about the vital skill of writing and its implications for personal growth and professional success. Angela Sierra, a seasoned writer, shares her experiences and wisdom, covering topics from language dynamics in professional settings to the transformative power of personal writing. We share some anecdotes and practical tips, offering a holistic view of the significance of honing one's writing skills. Key Takeaways: Effective writing is crucial in multicultural...

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of expanding your English vocabulary through reading. We go through the benefits of reading different types of texts, including news and analysis, technical books, and literature. We emphasize the importance of reading texts aligned with personal interests, ensuring engagement and motivation. We also explore the concept of active and passive vocabulary, and how reading becomes a key element in improving and maintaining them in your learning...

In this podcast episode, the conversation revolves around strategies to ace job interviews, especially for immigrants or non-native English speakers. The guest, Mujidah Sakibu, shares her experiences and practical tips for navigating interviews successfully. The dialogue touches upon crucial aspects, such as the importance of highlighting relevant experience, addressing language barriers, and understanding the cultural nuances involved in the hiring process. Mujidah emphasizes the need for...

In this episode, the hosts delve into the crucial skill of speaking in front of an audience, emphasizing its universal challenges. Paula, shares insights on overcoming anxiety and embracing the inevitable mistakes that come with public speaking. The discussion covers practical tips before and during a presentation, highlighting the importance of timing, removing excess information, and understanding the audience and setting. Additionally, they touch upon posture, vocal warm-ups, storytelling,...

In this enlightening podcast episode, financial expert Marcy Grossman engages in a conversation on the pivotal role of money in our lives. The discussion spans from the importance of financial literacy to practical tips for managing personal and professional finances. Marcy shares insights on key concepts such as earning versus spending, saving versus investing, and the significance of understanding financial decisions in our daily lives. Financial literacy, according to Marcy, involves...

In this episode, David and Paula explore the intricacies of negotiation in a business environment. They discuss three types of negotiations: integrative, distributive, and mixed motives. Integrative negotiations focus on creating a win-win scenario, where both parties benefit. Distributive negotiations involve a competitive approach, aiming to secure the most significant share of the "cake." Mixed motive negotiations, a blend of the previous two, require balancing different elements to...

Have you ever felt anxious or fearful while learning or speaking English? What if I told you there are strategies to overcome these challenges and thrive in your language learning journey? In this podcast episode we cover the challenges individuals face when learning a new language, particularly English. We discuss four main causes of language learning fears: psychological, methodological, cognitive, and social. These causes touch upon issues such as anxiety, lack of interest, educational...

Information is abundant but often biased. In this episode we discuss the significance of being a critical consumer of news, unraveling the complexities of media bias, and how it intersects with one's understanding of different cultures and perspectives. We stress the need for individuals to cultivate media literacy skills to form well-rounded opinions and avoid falling prey to misinformation. English is a lingua franca and it plays a big role in connecting individuals from diverse cultures...

Phrasal verbs are not just a combination of words; they are unique expressions with meanings that often defy direct translation. Understanding them as inseparable units is crucial for effective communication. The key to mastering phrasal verbs is to immerse yourself in their usage rather than relying on literal translations. In the context of business meetings, we discussed five essential phrasal verbs. "Follow up" is all about checking the status of a process or communication, ensuring that...

Have you ever wondered why cultural understanding is essential in language learning?  Cultural nuances affect communication and the ways in which people perceive the world, which includes behaviors, values, customs, and even expressions. Culture shapes the way people interact, whether they maintain close physical proximity or respect personal space. We emphasize the significance of embracing cultural diversity while learning a new language, respecting local customs, and adapting to societal...

In this podcast episode, we explored the idea of using comedy as a means to enhance your English language proficiency. The conversation revolved around two non-native English-speaking comedians, Ismo and Raffi Comedy, who cleverly incorporate English language-related humor into their routines. Additionally, we discussed the work of Dave Chappelle, a native English speaker whose exceptional storytelling abilities captivate audiences. The episode emphasized that while comedy can be a fantastic...

Have you ever wondered how to ace a job interview, even when you might not have all the required skills?  In this podcast episode, we discussed strategies to highlight your skills and experiences effectively during a job interview. The conversation covered various aspects, starting with the importance of being honest about your skills and not pretending to have abilities you lack. Instead, focus on what you can bring to the table and your willingness to learn. Additionally, we emphasized the...

In this episode, we discussed common grammar mistakes in English that native Spanish speakers make, and how to avoid them. Both native and non-native English speakers make mistakes due to various reasons, such as differences in native language grammar rules transferring into English. We explore the importance of reducing mistakes in communication, particularly in a professional setting where credibility is on the line.  We emphasized the value of grammar exercises, repetition, and...

Have you ever wondered how to balance speaking fast and speaking correctly in English? In this episode, we discuss the four essential elements of English skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Emphasizing that these skills are interconnected and equally vital, so you should work on developing all of them. They also explored the challenge of pronunciation and fluency while being grammatically correct, pointing out the importance of coaching, self-recording, and imitation. We...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to deliver a captivating presentation? In this episode, we talk about presentation techniques and audience engagement in professional settings, for people who use English as a second or foreign language The conversation starts with a focus on the importance of preparation and understanding your audience. We learn that techniques, such as structuring your content and knowing your purpose, are fundamental. Visual aids are emphasized as powerful tools, and...

In this episode, we explore the importance of effective self-introduction and communication skills in both workplace and presentation scenarios in English. We begin by discussing the need to change the narrative around shyness and introversion, emphasizing that these traits should not limit our ability to communicate. We delve into the concept of building an "alter ego" for public speaking, allowing individuals to manage different personas for different situations. Moving on, we highlight...

Have you ever wondered why teachers don’t recommend using translation for learning English? Are there words or expressions that we can’t accurately? In this episode, we delved into the intricacies of language translation and its limitations for learning English as a foreign language. While some of the words might be translated literally, the cultural nuances, emotions, and historical contexts they carry often remain elusive in translation. We explore examples like "estrenar" in Spanish, a...

Is it OK to speak English with an accent? Is having an accent a good thing or does it limit my communication in English? But what exactly is an accent, and why does it matter? To explore everything related to having an accent when speaking English as a foreign language, we’ve invited Anne Maki, an expert in a topic that often concerns English learners: accents. Anne has a background in speech language pathology and sheds light on the significance of a clear and comprehensible accent. We will...

Ever wondered what to be aware of when discussing current events? Or perhaps you've struggled with expressing your thoughts without knowing specific jargon? Well, fear not! We're diving into the art of spontaneous conversations and sharing tips on how to enrich your language skills. Plus, we'll be exploring tips and strategies to improve your capacity to talk about news, recent events, and hot topics that are part of everyday conversations and that you see on TV and social media.  What to...

Have you ever wondered how to enhance your English listening skills and vocabulary effectively as a foreign language learner? In this episode, we delved into the world of podcasts and audiobooks as powerful tools for improving language skills. We discussed strategies to optimize your learning experience through audio content. We explored topics such as dealing with unfamiliar words, selecting the right podcasts, and the benefits of audiobooks. So, let's break down the key ideas. First, we...