The elegance of English.

I'd never thought of English that way, but my guest, Maria Glazunova, explains why English has such an emotional hold her on. It's a beautiful English conversation we have for you today.

Maria and I talk about:

• her history with English: learning and teaching it

• burnout and how that led her to adopt a dogme approach to teaching English

• how her book literally saved her life

• how she uses a reactive teaching approach with tech professionals

• how my English pronunciation course helped her better diagnose her clients' problems, and empowered her to teach pronunciation

Whether you're learning English or you're an English language teacher, or both, this episode is going to offer you plenty to think about, in addition, as usual, to lots of interesting language and messy, delightful, imperfect spoken conversational English.

And if what you hear from Mary about my Pronunciation for Teachers course makes you curious, be sure to contact me ASAP. The course is offered twice a year. Learn more about it here: Pronunciation for Teachers.

In about a week, I'm going to celebrate my 55th birthday. I remember when I once thought that was old. Hahaha!!! In honour of my 55th birthday, I want to share some thoughts on aging, specifically aging as a woman:

• what it means to get old and look old (smashing the beauty myth!)

• the very real possibility of losing mental agility

• research that suggests age is a mindset, not a number

I believe to my core that getting older is not something we should take for granted: it’s a privilege and should be welcomed and celebrated.

So come celebrate with me as I step through the door on my way to 60. I'm not rushing to get there, but I AM hoping to get there!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all this :)

English listening challenge:

This episode is chock-full of idioms and common collocations - listen for them. How many can you find? Which do you know? Which ones can you use this week in your language practice?

Thanks for listening,

Welcome to Episode 41 of Hear You Go!

I'm joined in an intermediate English conversation this week with Urmi Hossain, an inspiring polyglot who shares with us her experiences learning languages, the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and speaking your languages, and how language influences and shapes our identity.

What language feels like home to you?

What languages can you say "belong" to you?

How about speaking in public: is this something you do or do you avoid it at all costs?

There's lots to take away from this conversation - enjoy it and let me know your thoughts.

Will you be surprised to learn that creative activities that occupy our hands are crucial for positive mental health, and that these activities contribute to happiness and fulfillment?

The focus of today’s English Listening episode is on creativity, crafts, and connection.

We’ll look at:

• the Arts and Crafts movement and define arts and crafts – what are they?

• we’ll explore this new Maker Movement and the physical and mental benefits of making things with our hands

• we'll conclude by sharing my personal history of being “creative”, and I’ll share some ideas about how you too can add creative activities to your weekly schedule.

It's important to do things with our hands, don't you agree?

Would you believe me if I told you that doing things with your hands, while you think in English might help you learn English in a relaxed but effective way?

Listen and find out more.