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.

***

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/

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 language, identity, and life.

Today I’m speaking with Eunji, the owner of The Thirsty Korean restaurant in Manchester.

We speak about running a business and living in Manchester as a 2nd+ English speaker, what's she learnt over the past 6 years when it comes to letting go of people's judgments, how native speakers sometimes don't help with creating understanding within a conversation, and how a little bit of positive craziness (delusion) goes a long way.

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

***

I'm Sukhi, a speaking & communication coach who works with high-level English-speaking executives in global workplaces. If you're someone who feels like their voice is not fully formed in English or 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 The Thirsty Korean here:

https://www.instagram.com/thethirstykorean/?hl=en

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 language, identity, and life.

Today I’m speaking with Professor Loredana Padurean — an award-winning academic, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker working at the intersection of AI, innovation, and leadership. She teaches at Northeastern University in Boston, has held roles at MIT Sloan and the Asia School of Business, and is the author of The Job Is Easy, The People Are Not with a new book on AI and innovation on the way.

She’s delivered over 350 talks worldwide, collaborated with organisations like the European Commission, State Street, and TBWA, and has earned major recognition including the Distinguished Woman Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award.

I first discovered Loredana on Instagram through her viral video about her accent — and I’ve been a proud Smartie ever since. Her phrase “just a little just” has become a tiny mantra for me… especially lately while teaching myself to dance. Yes, really.

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

***

I'm Sukhi, an English coach who works with advanced English speakers on their communication, through heart-led coaching, language refinement, soft skills tailored for 2nd+ English speakers, mindfulness techniques, and reflective conversation for an embodied approach to communication.

Book a connection call here:

https://english-every-day.kit.com/65c7880973

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/englishandsukhi/

Find and support Loredana here:

https://www.prof-loredana.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/prof_loredana

Welcome to my podcast Speaking of Stories.

I'm Sukhi (he/him), a 2nd+ English communication coach, working on building on your English communication from the inside out. Merging mindfulness techniques for presence & calm, communication-focused skills for 2nd+ English speakers, conversational depth through coaching questions, mindset & reflective practices, I aim for an full and embodied communication experience to leave you ready for the real world of communication.

My fascination with people's stories, particularly relating to language and identity, is how this podcast has come to be to show that connection can be formed through being curious about people's lives and the way they weave through their days.

In episode 3, I speak to Amanda, a certified Australian English teacher and the creator of Aussie English with Amanda.

In today's episode, we talk of:

- her own language journey with Hindi,

- how reflection helped her work through her perfectionism,

- and the impact of negative comments on social media.

Since 2020, she has taught over 9,000 lessons and helped hundreds of international students and professionals feel more confident, clear, and natural when speaking Aussie English. Her specialty is accent, pronunciation and connected speech, taught with warmth, structure and real-life relevance. She does not just teach how Aussies speak. She explains why they speak that way and how learners can as well, without losing their own voice. Through her online courses, podcast and one-to-one training, Amanda has built a global reputation for helping learners move beyond textbook English into real conversations with clarity, confidence and cultural connection. Whether someone is just beginning their Aussie English journey or refining their skills for work and life, Amanda guides them every step of the way, helping them speak in a way that feels more natural and more true to themselves.

Sit back, and enjoy a part of Amanda's story.

Support us on:

Amanda

https://www.instagram.com/aussie.english.with.amanda/

https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/

Sukhi

https://www.instagram.com/englishandsukhi/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukhi-bansal/

Courses, communities and 1:1s

https://linktr.ee/EnglishAndSukhi

Welcome to my podcast Speaking of Stories.

I'm Sukhi (he/him), a 2nd+ English communication coach, merging mindfulness techniques for presence & calm, communication-focused skills for 2nd+ English speakers, conversational depth through coaching questions, mindset & reflective practices, and enjoyment of the process for an embodied communication experience.

My fascination with people's stories is how this podcast has come to be to show that connection can be formed through being curious about people's lives and the way they weave through their days.

In episode 2, I speak to Felipe Coelho. We dive deep into his language-learning process in New York, what he's learnt from that process, whether you can truly be the same person in any language you speak, and how bad marketing has led to the proliferation of needing to sound like a native speaker.

Felipe Coelho is a Brazilian English teacher, content creator, and entrepreneur known for his viral videos that blend humor, cultural insights, and real-life English.

With over 900,000 followers and millions of views, his content has helped thousands of Brazilians learn English in a fun and relatable way.

Felipe lived in New York City for several years, and his experience navigating real-life English after years of classroom learning became the inspiration for many of his videos. His style is spontaneous, authentic, and focused on making English learning practical and engaging.

He’s currently developing an AI-powered platform to help people personalize their language learning experience.

Sit back and enjoy just a little slice of Felipe's story.

Be sure to check him on
https://www.instagram.com/inglescomfelipe1

And me on

https://www.instagram.com/englishandsukhi
https://linktr.ee/EnglishAndSukhi

All Episodes

Welcome to Speaking Of Stories.

I'm Sukhi (he/him), a 2nd+ English communication coach, merging mindfulness techniques for presence & calm, communication-focused skills for 2nd+ English speakers, conversational depth through coaching questions, reflective practices, and enjoyment of the process for an embodied communication experience.

My fascination with people's stories is how this podcast has come to be to show that connection can be formed through being curious about people's lives and the way they weave through their days.

In episode 1, I speak to "Teacher Kay."

Kayla McKesey (she/her) is a descendant of Jamaican and Belizean teachers who made Canada their home two generations ago. Her roots, culture, and lived experience shape her worldview and are the foundation of her teaching philosophy.

Based in Toronto, Kayla began her English teaching journey in São Paulo, Brazil, where she founded Diaspora English Learning—a platform that celebrates the diverse cultures and identities of the English-speaking world while helping students become confident, powerful communicators.

She is also the creator of Sincerely Teaching, a teacher training initiative focused on identity, decolonization, and language justice through conscious teaching.

Through her work, Kayla is committed to creating liberated learning spaces where English language education is reimagined as a tool for self-expression and empowerment—not assimilation.

Sit back, and enjoy her story.

Instagram: @englishandsukhi
www.instagram.com/englishandsukhi

Instagram: @sincerelyteachingenglish
https://www.sincerelyteaching.com