English With Kirsty

My guest today is Megan Miller, whom I met last year on LinkedIn.Megan Miller is the CEO of Aprovechar Language Solutions, LLC, a company which acts as a bridge between English and Spanish language learners. Her personalized and small group programs take a habit-based approach, and whether it’s in class or a Book Club – you know you’ll have fun! Megan has a Bachelor’s in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture and is certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language.We talked about:• Megan’s podcast for learners of Spanish and how she focuses on one word in each episode.• How habits and routines can help us to improve our language skills.• The mountains and valleys of language learning and what you can do when it stops being fun.• What we want to call ourselves – teacher? Coach? Mentor? Trainer? What do these things mean in different languages?• And it comes back again … learning a language needs to be fun!!Find out more about Megan on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode240*

My guest today is Craig WealandLondon-born Craig is a DELTA qualified teacher, materials writer and a professional podcaster and podcast editor.He settled in Valencia, Spain in 1997 where he worked for the British Council and was a Cambridge speaking examiner until 2021.He has spoken at several international conferences on podcasting and language teaching. These days, he spends his time teaching English conversation and fluency online and producing his co-hosted language podcast.We talked about:⭐ Craig’s story and how he got into teaching⭐ The hidden meanings behind words and why it’s important to understand body language as well as words⭐ Craig’s experiences of living and working in Spain⭐ Tips and resources for passing the Cambridge speaking exam⭐ Craig’s podcast for learners of EnglishFind out more about Craig on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode239***********Send me an email if you have any questions or suggestions about the English with Kirsty podcast:podcast@englishwi

My guest today is Renata Fernandes from Renata Fernandes Translation.Previously Renata was a guest on The Language Worker podcast and we met at one of the networking events for language professionals that I run with Rita Prazeres Gonçalves.This is how Renata introduces herself:“I’m a Brazilian bi cisgender female chronic pain warrior who translates movies and TV shows for a living, and someone who’s relentless about pizza and inclusive communication.”We talked about:* Who Renata is and what she does* Why inclusive language is important to Renata* A Netflix initiative to promote inclusive language* Different ways of communicating inclusively in Brazilian Portuguese* Where you can find Renata online.Find out more on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode236***********Send me an email if you have any questions or suggestions about the English with Kirsty podcast:podcast@englishwithkirsty.comor come and find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-wolf-a8478235/

I start this episode by running through the 4 events that I'm offering in March 2024. If you'd like to know more or you're interested in future events, check out the events section on https://www.englishwithkirsty.com I then go on to talk about my experiences of volunteering, 5 ways a voluntary role in another language can help you, and how not all volunteering roles are the same. They can be online or face-to-face, and there are many organisations that are looking for volunteers, so you’re sure tto find something related to your interests or a topic about which you feel passionate.How about you? do you have any experience with volunteering in another language? Is it something that you would like to explore?Find out more on the show notes page:https://englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode237/Send me an email if you have any questions or suggestions about the English with Kirsty podcast:podcast@englishwithkirsty.comor come and find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-wolf-a8478235/

Nick Nasev is a London-based accredited translator of Southern Slavic languages into English. He has also been an editor of and contributor to many award-winning books and journals about southeast Europe. But get this… his surname might not show it, but he’s actually a fourth-generation Aussie and also an expert in Australian culture and its own form of English, topics he also writes about. For almost 2 decades Nick has been working for many high-profile clients adapting their English copy and text for an Australian audience. And no, it’s not simply a case of just adding -ie to the end of every word.We talked about: Nick’s early introduction to languages and his multilingual upbringing Some differences between Australian English and British English plus Australian English accents Why it’s good to be like a child when you’re learning a language How Nick keeps his Australian English up-to-date Find out more on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode236Send me an email if you have a

Helen, Gwen, and Nicola, who are regular members at my monthly Wednesday evening events for general conversation, share why they come to the club, how it helps them with their English, and their message for anyone who would like to come along and join us!The club is for people who aren't looking for a course, but who would like to have an opportunity to speak English in a welcoming and friendly group.So, if you'd like to join us at the conversation club, you can sign up or find out more on the https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/conversationsFind out more on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode235Send me an email if you have any questions or suggestions about the English with Kirsty podcast:podcast@englishwithkirsty.comor come and find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-wolf-a8478235/

Christine Konstantinidis from Erfolgreiches Sprachenlernen first featured on episode 62 of the podcast back in 2015.I invited her back because I saw that she is involved in a new project.Christine presents an exciting language-learning experience on her YouTube channel! Through the innovative combination of visual mind maps and short, engaging videos, she provides a fresh approach to mastering German vocabulary. Whether you’re starting out or brushing up on your German skills, Christine’s content caters to language enthusiasts of all levels.We talked about:* Christine’s work teaching German and her YouTube channel.* What are mind maps and how can they help you to learn?* How learners can be more proactive with a topic-based approach to learning.Find out more on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode234Send me an email if you have any questions or feedback about English with Kirsty:podcast@englishwithkirsty.comor come and find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-wol

Mónia lives in Portugal and is a freelance translator from German and English into European Portuguese. She’s now specializing in the literary translation field, after fifteen years of a solid background of translating in the technical field.She loves languages and is constantly seeking to improve her linguistic skills. She has learned French, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, and even Icelandic, for which she has a special affection, although she can barely remember a word now. She considers herself an introvert and struggles with speaking in public, but she does not let her fears and insecurities prevent her from having great experiences. She lives by her recent motto: ‘doing difficult things makes you grow’.We talked about:Mónia's work as a literary translator.How spending time living and working abroad can help you to develop your knowledge of another language and culture.The difference between what you learn when you study a language and what you need for everyday conversations.Mónia's advice for anyone who is st

Do you enjoy podcasts?Would you like to know how to find the best ones for you and what you can do with them so that you improve all areas of your English, not just your passive listening?The first in my series of interactive workshops is about podcasts and how they can become an important part of your language learning journey! Date: Thursday 22nd February Time: 16:00 UK/Portugal Time (17:00 CET, 18:00 eET) Duration: 60 minutes Location: Zoom Price: £25 Find out more on the workshop’s web pagehttps://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast-workshopI work with multilingual professionals who want to develop their English, but these learning strategies will work if you’re learning other languages too.Let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you there!Email: podcast@englishwithkirsty.com

Today I decided to do a short episode to ask you a question!We talk about increasing our vocabulary, but sometimes there are words about ourselves or our language skills that don't serve us. It would be better if we stopped using them.I give some examples of things that I often hear, or something that I want to stop saying in my Portuguese classes when the teacher asks me a question!Are there any words that you want to banish from your active vocabulary about yourself?

Alice MANSAUD is a French coach and podcaster whom I discovered through The Language Worker podcast.In France, Italy, Poland, Spain...Alice has always cherished international encounters and experiences, so much she decided to teach her native language, French to non-French speakers! Through her own journey in learning languages and expatriation, she explored the power of the brain and life challenges, which led her to create her own method. With "Moi-même en français", she helps non-French speakers to learn and absorb French in order to be(come) themselves in French. We talked about:* The importance of being and becoming yourself in another language.* Alice's podcast, the different kinds of episodes that she produces, and how listening to podcasts can help us to learn other languages.* The need to find new challenges as intermediate language learners.Alice's newsletter for people who are learning French.Finding our own way as language learners and identifying the strategies that will be most useful for us.Our

Today I decided to do a short episode to tell you about my conversation club and how it can help you to improve your English.The most popular solo episode in 2023 was about improving your active language skils and I know that sometimes it's hard to find ways to do that. So in this episode you'll find out what the club is, who it's for, what we do, and how it can help you! You can sign up or find out more on the club's pagehttps://www.englishwithkirsty.com/conversationsSend me a message if you have any questions or you'd like to know more:podcast@englishwithkirsty.com

Today I'm talking about the different ways in which friends can help us to practise our language skills. I share some ideas from my own experience - not all language exchanges have to look the same. There are different ways in which we can learn from those around us and it doesn't have to involve using your first language at all.These tips work for any language. I talked about German, Romanian, and Portuguese.I know many people here are learning English. My ideas are great if you know people or you have friends with whom you can practise English. If not, come and join us at the conversation club, you can sign up or find out more on the club's page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/conversationsFind out more on the show notes page:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode228And let me know your experiences when it comes to learning with others.If you have any questions, suggestions, or any language experiences that you'd like to share, you can write to podcast@englishwithkirsty.com or look for me, Kirs

We’re back!I love making content with Rita Prazeres Gonçalves and you’ll be seeing more from us in 2024!This time we talked about:* Our podcasts and why we decided to create them (Rita also has a new one, The Intuitive worker).* Why people listen to podcasts and how they can help us.* What we’ve learned from the experience of creating podcasts.* How learning other languages gives us access to new content in areas that are relevant to us.* Our networking events for language professionals.Find out more on the show notes page:https://englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode227/

I met Lynn on LinkedIn through Carol Constant, whom some of you may remember from previous podcast episodes. Lynn Swain is a  TEDx Speaker, Trust Activator, and finalist in the 2023 Woman of Stature Awards for Coaching and Mentoring. She is the founder of the Symbiota Leadership Institute.Lynn holds a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience of Leadership from Middlesex University, and as a result,  offers a distinctive perspective on trust and performance. Her recent TEDx talk, 'A Trust Mindshift to Create a Trust Revolution,' delves into the transformative power of self-trust. Lynns impactful interventions and talks are dedicated to leaving audiences with game-changing tools. We talked about:* Lynn's recent TED talk and how it felt to prepare for it.* What's actually going on in our brain as we move from the fight or flight reaction to a more confident and focused state.*  The impact of self-trust and empathy on our ability to move past fear and think clearly.* How to get past our insecurity or the fear rea

I first met Marta online last year when she took part in my “31 ways to improve your English” challenge in January. Since then, Marta has been participating in my conversation club and earlier this year, she gave a presentation there to the group for business owners and freelancers. This was something new for Marta, but she accepted the challenge! Then she accepted a new challenge – her first podcast guest appearance in English!We talked about:* Marta’s challenges with saying “no” and what changed for her* Some of the benefits that we can enjoy when we say “no” to things that are not right for us* How knowing ourselves and our values can help us to say “no”* Tips for people who find it difficult to say “no” at work* Challenges and solutions for saying “no” in an additional language.How do you feel about saying “no”? Do you have any tips or experiences to add?Find the show notes herehttps://englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode225/

Leda  is an English to Romanian Charity and Public Sector Translator whom I met on LinkedIn a few months ago. Initially I was happy to have found another Romanian connection who enjoys languages, but as I began to read more of her content, I thought she would be a good guest to bring on the podcast too!Leda loves translating texts that educate, entertain, and inspire: from articles about mental health to child protection documents and educational resources developed by charities. She also loves reading, learning languages, and having a nice cuddle with her dog, Puck.We talked about:• Leda’s interest in languages from an early age.• How reading books, including audio books, can help you to develop your language skills.• Leda’s book group on LinkedIn.• Translating children’s books into Romanian• How Leda got into doing social care, parenting, and mental health content translations.• The benefits of having a dog - I had to get Puck the golden retriever in there somewhere!Find out more on the show notes pagehttps

Isabelle and I met on LinkedIn after she was a guest on my friend Rita Gonçalves' "The Language Worker" podcast. Isabelle is a Pronunciation Coach & Marketing Translator from English and German into French for the Tech and Cyber security industry. This is how Isabelle introduces herself:"I'm Isabelle Cottenet, a French pronunciation coach and translator.I help non native French speakers master the rhythms and sounds of the language to sound clear and confident in French. I've been delving into the relationship between languages and music for over 20 years.Today, I use a combination of tools drawn from my background in linguistics, phonetics, music, and vocal technique to create an enjoyable, efficient and supportive journey into French pronunciation for my students.I offer individual and group online classes focused on phonetics and pronunciation. I work with interpreters, translators, language instructors, but also corporate professionals, freelancers, individuals, and singers who want to improve their F

You may remember Rita Gonçalves from episode 215. The episode we did together for my podcast was actually the second part of a podcast conversation swap - and now you can listen to our first conversation as well.This is the conversation that was originally published on Rita's podcast, The Language Worker. Go and check it out if you are interested in the exciting world of language learning and working in the language industry.I love Rita's passion, enthusiasm, and her stories. This time we talked about learning other languages as an adult.The show notes are here:https://www.englishwithkirsty.com/podcast/episode222

I've known Mira online for several years now. We got chatting because of a comment on some language-rlated post and we've had a few virtual coffees and online chats since. I thought Mira would be a good guest to bring on the podcast because of her own story, where she moved to England and needed to start using English within the school system here and later to build her international business.Mira Rutter is a Life Balance Coach & Strategist from <a href="https://ruttercoaching.com/"> Rutter Coaching.</a> She coaches female online service-based business owners to strategically manage their time & energy, develop an empowering mindset & build high-performance habits so that they can take their business to the next level and create success on their terms.She helps you create your success cycle & grow your online business with ease, fun & flow by coaching you to implement female-centric strategies and take aligned, inspired action. Connect with Mira to discover how to tap into your