Episode 8: Gig, The Golden Lion, and Dancing Your Tit Out

What happens when you build a life, a business, and a community in your second+ language?

In this episode of Speaking of Stories, I sit down with Matthanee Nilavongse (Gig), owner of the iconic Golden Lion, a legendary pub, music venue, and community hub in the heart of Todmorden. The Golden Lion has become known for its live music, Thai food, community spirit, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Gig shares the story of growing up in Thailand, moving across the world, navigating life and business in English, and learning to accept herself after years of hiding behind layers of protection.

We talk about:

• Growing up feeling like an outsider
• Bullying, identity, and self-acceptance
• Moving from Thailand to Australia, Italy, and eventually the UK
• Running a successful business in a second language
• Racism, resilience, and why Gig thinks we need a workshop called "How To Talk To Racists"
• The difference between speaking correctly and connecting authentically
• Why she deliberately leaves mistakes in her Facebook posts
• Dreaming in English (Gig's unexpected advice for language learners)
• The stories behind some of the Golden Lion's most famous phrases, including "Dance Your Tit Out"

Along the way, Gig challenges many of the assumptions we hold about language, fluency, and belonging.

One of my favourite moments:

About Speaking of Stories

Speaking of Stories explores real-life stories about how language weaves in and out of identity, belonging, communication, and lived experience.

Through conversations with people from different backgrounds, we explore what happens when language becomes more than words and when it becomes part of who we are.

About Sukhi

I'm Sukhi, a communication coach working with 2nd+ English speakers move from overthinking and self-consciousness towards more fluid, emotive, and authentic communication - from the inside out.

My work combines communication coaching with mindfulness, expressive & meaningful conversation, grounding, breathing techniques, and tools for presence for a full-bodied communication experience, championing your unique voice.

Instagram

Links

The Golden Lion:
The Golden Lion Todmorden

Follow Gig and the Golden Lion for events, music, food, and community happenings.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find a piece of their own story in the stories they hear.

In this episode of Speaking of Stories, I’m joined by English coach Lisa Wood, creator of the Calm Way.

We explore what really holds people back from speaking English confidently and why it’s often not vocabulary or grammar.

Lisa shares her personal journey learning French and Spanish, and how it led her to develop a more human, brain-friendly approach to language learning focused on mindset, communication, and real-life use.

We talk about:

• Why traditional language learning methods don’t prepare you for real conversations
• The role of mindset, confidence, and self-acceptance in speaking English
• How perfectionism and fear of judgement block communication
• Why native speakers also need better communication awareness
• Practical strategies like paraphrasing and simplifying your message
• What it really means to feel like yourself in another language

If you live or work in English in a global environment and still feel blocked, stuck, or unconfident - this conversation will resonate.

🎁 Lisa shares a free masterclass for listeners of this podcast: 4 Essential Habits to Overcome Fear and Speak English Naturally (code: CALM)

Find Lisa on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/your.english.self

Find me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/englishcoachsukhi

Work with me:

https://english-every-day.kit.com/9439715d75

Hello, I’m Sukhi and welcome to my podcast Speaking Of Stories. I’m endlessly fascinated by people’s stories, and this podcast is an exploration of them through connected conversations about how language weaves in and out of identity, belonging, and lived experience.

Today I’m speaking with Tino Giaccotto, a stand-up comedian based in Manchester.

We speak about what it takes to be funny in your non-main language, how he's reclaimed his accent after it being his biggest insecurity in English, and what happened on a date even with zero English!

Sit back and enjoy a part of Eunji’s story.

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I'm Sukhi, a speaking & communication coach who works with global English speakers, typically for work. If you feel something is missing within your fluency, find out more information of how we can work together at the links below.

Find out more here

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/englishcoachsukhi/

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EnglishCoachSukhi

You can find more about Tino here:

https://www.instagram.com/tinogiaccotto_comedian/