The English for Change Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ruth Whittle
The English for Change podcast is here to inspire and motivate English learners everywhere to use your voice in English to make positive change to improve your life and the world for the better. Hosted by Ruth Whittle, English language teacher and founder of English for Change, each episode will explore ways you can improve your English and your life and use your voice in English to speak about important global issues. If you are an ambitious English learner that needs to improve your English communication skills so you can achieve your dreams and goals, this podcast will provide you with the knowledge and tools to help you build a confident voice in English and talk about causes and issues that matter to you.
Come join this advanced English discussion where I discuss the ongoing protests in Iran following the death of young woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. In this episode, I will discuss:
- a short summary of the current situation in Iran
- 3 recent news headlines covering this topic
- 7 English vocabulary featured in the news headlines to talk about women’s rights and protests
Mentioned in this episode, some of my previous episodes covering similar phrasal verbs and topics on feminism and discrimination:
Speak English naturally | A phrasal verb story to talk about discrimination in work
E2. How to talk about feminism in English
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
For more info on my services, go to www.englishforchange.co
Come join this advanced English discussion where I discuss the recent death of the Queen of England.
In this episode, you will:
- learn 7 English expressions to talk about the Queen
- hear about the Queen's legacy and the history of Ireland and the UK.
- hear my opinion on the death of the Queen of England and what I think of the British royal family
You can watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube here
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
This week I explore the topic of education and ask the question: What would the world be like if everyone had access to a good education?
In the episode I discuss:
- 3 useful English expressions used in an infographic on education
- a video on one of the world’s best education systems
- a video on how schools kill children’s creativity
You can download this free pdf with a summary of all the expressions and resources mentioned in the episode here
You may also be interested in downloading my free self-study guide I created for B2 & C1 learners with the aim to help you achieve greater English fluency. The guide covers all core language skills using authentic material and interesting topics. You can download the guide here
Sources mentioned:
What makes a great education? - infographic
https://www.globalpartnership.org/news/infographic/what-makes-great-education
Why Finland's schools outperform most others across the developed world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xCe2m0kiSg&t=188s
Why schools need to embrace kids' creativity | Sir Ken Robinson (short version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4IAa8wZlqU
Why schools need to embrace kids' creativity | Sir Ken Robinson (long version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
Working as a podcaster in human rights, living in Brussels, learning English abroad…
Just some of the topics I discussed with this week’s guest, the wonderful Amélie Tagu, a Communications Officer based in Brussels, Belgium.
Amélie is originally from Rennes, in France. Like most French children, she learnt English at school. But she really discovered the language by traveling, during a linguistic immersion in New Jersey, and more recently through a voluntary service in Czech Republic.
She has lived in Brussels for four years and works for the NGO Euromed Rights, defending human rights in North Africa and the Middle East. There, she uses English to produce a podcast series featuring human rights activists, who speak about their fights and achievements in their countries.
Interviewing Amélie was such a great pleasure and I really think you will enjoy our conversation together.
You can listen to Euromed Right's podcast at the following link
https://open.spotify.com/show/7xz1gy3G71ut3rN22X4Ome
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
This week, I am sharing my top tips and strategies to achieve greater English fluency through self-study.
In the episode I discuss:
- how to make progress with your English even when you are feeling stuck and demotivated
- techniques you can use to learn English efficiently and effectively
- 2 authentic sources to practise your English skills on: 1. the topic of health including an article dealing with how to increase serotonin levels; 2. the topic of travel including a video talking about sustainable travel
This episode is based on the self-study guide I created for B2 & C1 learners with the aim to help you achieve greater English fluency. The guide covers all core language skills using authentic material and interesting topics. You can download the guide here
I know that you might not be able to take notes when listening to this podcast. That is why I now offer a transcript so you can read along and check unfamiliar words and phrases..
You can subscribe to weekly access to the transcripts here with a free 30 day trial.
Sources mentioned:
- 13 Scientifically Backed Ways To Naturally Increase Serotonin, According To Experts
- 35 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS // easy, medium, and advanced
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
Working in English as a coach, wellbeing and perfectionism…
Just some of the topics I discussed with this week’s guest, the wonderful Sandra Lindholm, a Health and Wellbeing Strategist based in beautiful Finland (the happiest country in the world 5 years in a row).
Sandra is married and together with her husband has 3 children under 12. She is a nurse and a trained coach, but decided in 2015 to follow her passion and start her coaching business to create more freedom of time and flexibility in her life.
Today she helps busy CEOs go from just surviving to truly thriving in life using her signature approach incorporating Mind, Body, Soul & Strategy.
Interviewing Sandra was such a great pleasure and I really think you will enjoy our conversation as she opens up about:
- her love of personal development especially in English
- giving heart-felt feedback to clients in a foreign language
- how she makes self-care a priority
- overcoming perfectionism as a non-native English speaker
You can find Sandra at the following places:
www.sandralindholm.fi
@sandralindholmstrategy on IG and FB
I know that you might not be able to take notes when listening to this podcast. That is why I now offer a transcript so you can read along and check unfamiliar words and phrases..
You can subscribe to weekly access to the transcripts here with a free 30 day trial.
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
This week I explore the topic of travel and the controversial billion dollar form of travel called ‘volunteer tourism’ which raises questions in relation to racism, colonialism and even narcissism.
This topic was discussed in a group discussion class last month in my membership for English learners, the English Changemaker Club and the members enjoyed exploring this popular type of tourism that has been criticised as making a spectacle of poverty and reinforcing damaging racial stereotypes.
In the episode I discuss:
- ethical travel and some key expressions to talk about making a difference
- the benefits of volunteer tourism for developing greater cultural awareness
- the kinds of volunteer work done in volunteer tourism and why this can be problematic
- the idea of the white saviour complex and how it is present in volunteer tourism
I know that you might not be able to take notes when listening to this podcast. That is why I now offer a transcript so you can read along and check unfamiliar words and phrases..
You can subscribe to weekly access to the transcripts here with a free 30 day trial.
Sources mentioned:
Let’s Stop Being White Saviors: Tips for Traveling, Volunteering & Working Overseas
Samantha Nutt on the Problems of Volunteer Tourism | NowThis
Layla Saad, Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World Hardcover – 28 Jan. 2020
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
Mastering a language, academic English and living in Belgium...
Just some of the topics I discussed with this week’s guest, the wonderful Katrien Schiepers, a language teacher based in Leuven, Belgium.
Even though we live in the same country of Belgium - Katrien in the Flemish Dutch part and me in the French speaking part, we actually met online. We are both Patreon supporters of Youtuber Leena Norms and connected over a shared interest in books, feminism and ethical consumption.
Katrien was born and raised in Belgium and still lives there. As a teenager, she fell in love with the English language at a language camp in England. After getting her degree in English and German literature and linguistics, she started working as an English language teacher at KU Leuven university. She also teaches German at the local language centre, both on campus and online. Her interests are not limited to language learning, but also include reading, listening to podcasts, cycling and playing boardgames.
Interviewing Katrien was such a great pleasure and I really think you will enjoy our conversation as she opens up about:
- her job teaching languages and English academic writing in Belgian university town Leuven
- how she has learned English to an advanced level without living in an English-speaking country
- some of her suggestions for the most effective and fun ways to learn any language
- the geography of Belgium and the three languages spoken in the country
- how to write for academic purposes in English
- the benefits and limits of taking classes with a teacher to improve your English
A few resources mentioned for writing in English:
ozdic.com
https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html
Listen to Leena Norma on Youtube to hear her take on books, ethical consumption and feminism:
https://www.youtube.com/c/justkissmyfrog
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on my services including my group membership the English Changemaker Club, see my website here
This week, I explore the topic of food, one of my favourite topics of conversation that works in every social situation.
From my experience, working with hundreds of English students around the world, food is a topic we can all talk about and we all have something different to share, whether it is an unusual food we have tasted, a family recipe or cultural practice around food.
Food was the discussion theme for the English Changemaker Club in May and we really went into detail and looked at the topic of food from different angles from discussing food & culture, the relationship between food & health and how food is produced.
In the episode I discuss:
- the benefits of curiosity and having fascinating conversations when learning a language
- some interesting English vocabulary to talk about how different cultures enjoy food
- a BBC podcast we listened to in the Club discussing the fake news online about healthy food
- the mega industry involved in producing the most consumed fruit in the world
I know that you might not be able to take notes when listening to this podcast. That is why I now offer a transcript so you can read along and check unfamiliar words and phrases..
You can subscribe to weekly access to the transcripts here with a free 30 day trial.
Sources mentioned:
Buzzfeed, "When I Realized This, It Was A Revelation": 26 Lessons From Cuisines Around The World That Will Actually Make You A Better Cook
BBC The Food Chain, The online food fighters
Secrets of the Tomato Industry: The Empire of Red Gold | Food & Agriculture Documentary
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
Online business, parenting, empathetic communication...
Just some of the topics I discussed with this week’s guest, the wonderful Katharina Dello. Katharina is from Ukraine, has lived in Russia and currently lives in Germany. She trained as an economist and journalist and has recently published an online course "Master the secrets of effective communication with your kids" in English.
Interviewing Katharina was such a great pleasure and I really think you will enjoy our conversation as she opens up about:
- how she has learned English and several other languages to an advanced level
- how her world is bigger using English as an online entrepreneur
- her online course and interests on the topics of empathetic communication, self care and empowerment for parents
- her international collaboration to raise money for Ukraine during the current invasion
- her tips for English learners to advance their communication skills
So whether you dream of living abroad, working in English as an employee or business owner or speaking up about the causes that matter to you, I am sure this interview with Katharina will inspire you.
You can connect with Katharina here:
Katharina's blog: https://happytalkwithkids.com/blog/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/katharina.dello/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/HappyTalkWithKids/_created/
Online course: https://www.udemy.com/course/master-the-secrets-of-effective-communication-with-your-kids/?referralCode=EEF085AD2650A66CA819
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on my services see my website here
What are your passions and interests? Do you know how to talk about them in English?
In this episode, I give you 10 common English expressions to talk about your passions in English.
Knowing how to talk about your interests and passions is really important when we talk about ourselves as it helps people to understand who we are as people.
I love hearing about my students' passions as it helps me to adapt the English lessons to the things that interest them.
Listen to the end of the episode to hear about an exciting giveaway I will be doing, where you can win a free English coaching call with me.
I know that you might not be able to take notes when listening to this podcast. That is why I now offer a transcript so you can read along and check unfamiliar words and phrases..
You can subscribe to weekly access to the transcripts here with a free 30 day trial.
Sources mentioned:
Mel Robbins, These Mistakes Are Making You Feel STUCK!
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
Don't forget: for weekly access to the transcripts, click here to start your free trial!
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
Recently in the group English discussion classes I run, we spoke about challenging situations in relation to war, inequality and human rights. In this episode, I wanted to share with you 4 phrasal verbs that we learned in these discussions.
In this episode, I will discuss:
- how to identify phrasal verbs and how to use them when speaking English
- 4 phrasal verbs to talk about challenging situations that cause anxiety and fear
- 4 questions for you to reflect on so you can practise using these phrasal verbs
- my favourite tips for learning and revising vocabulary
This episode also has a transcript so you can read along while listening and check any new or unfamiliar words.
You can access the full transcript on my website here
This podcast (and transcript) is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
When reading the news in English, you will probably have come across the following terms:
- refugee
- asylum seeker
- migrant
But what do they mean exactly?
As I record this episode in April 2022, we are seeing the invasion of Ukraine and the fastest growing refugee situation since World War 2.
So far, 4 million Ukrainian people have left their country to find safety in other countries and they are being referred to as 'refugees'.
In this episode, I will clarify the difference between migrant, asylum seeker and refugee - terms frequently misunderstood by the media. I will also talk about my own experience working in refugee organisations and share some reliable sources to learn more about the refugee situation in Ukraine.
This episode also has a transcript so you can read along while listening and check any new or unfamiliar words.
You can access the full transcript on my website here
Sources mentioned:
UNHCR, What is a refugee?
How many Ukrainians have fled their homes and where have they gone?
UNHCR - Ukraine Refugee Situation Operational Data Portal
EU Ukraine Response: EU Steps Up With Temporary Protection, Border Management Guidelines, Humanitarian Aid, and Support to Member States
This podcast (and transcript) is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efcpodcast
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website https://www.englishforchange.co/join
With the invasion of Ukraine in recent weeks, many ordinary Ukranians have become refugees as they are forced to leave their home to find safety in other countries.
In this episode, I will discuss some vocabulary associated with the topic of refugees, while referring to recent events.
Grab a pen and paper because this episode is packed full of vocabulary and questions for you to reflect on, so you can use this vocabulary to better understand the news in English and speak about current events.
This episode also has a transcript so you can read along while listening and check any new or unfamiliar words.
You can access the full transcript on the transcript tab or on the English for Change website here
This podcast (and transcript) is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
“We don't know where we're going, we don't know what's going to happen, but no one can take away from you what you put in your own mind.”
As we face uncertain times, this quote from Holocaust survivor Edith Eger demonstrates the power we have in how we respond to life's challenges.
Writing in a journal is one tool I have found helpful to process my thoughts and feelings and deal with stress and uncertainty.
In this episode, I discuss my experience with journalling and keeping a diary throughout my life. I talk about the 3 huge benefits of journalling that I have experienced:
- Journalling for self care
- Journalling for personal development
- Journalling to improve your language & communication skills
I give some tips on how you can approach journalling to improve yourself and advance your English.
Vocabulary mentioned:
to journal
to keep a diary
to jot down
to brain dump
stream of consciousness
Sources mentioned:
Personal development & self care journalling techniques
Muchelleb, A journalling method that works
The Artists Way - Morning Pages
Language learners who speak about journalling
Zoe Languages
Lindie Botes
Shea Jordon
Check out my website here to sign up to my free newsletter and learn more about my group membership.
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
To celebrate reaching Episode 15 of this podcast, I reflect on my mission and values as an English teacher and the impact I want to make in the world.
In this short episode, I willl speak about:
- reconnecting to the mission of English for Change
- my feelings about current world events
- my upcoming plans to support more English learners in my online business
Subscribe to my newsletter here to be the first to hear about about my upcoming free series The Confident English Voice Challenge
Check out my website here to learn more about my English coaching services & group membership.
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
Gender inequality and the climate crisis are two of the most urgent challenges of today.
In this week's episode, we explore the link between gender equality and the environment, which was also the theme of this year's International Women's Day.
In this episode, I talk about:
- 7 useful English expressions and vocabulary you can use to speak about gender equality and the environment
- a UN article, an expert video and a podcast interview on the topic of sustainability, ecofeminism and climate action
Here is the vocabulary mentioned:
to mitigate = to make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.
to predominate = be greater in number or amount.
disproportionate = too large or too small in comparison with something else
carbon footprint = the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
a shift in the way = a small change in position, direction
to foster = encourage the development of something
to bear the brunt of something = be the person to suffer the most as the result of an attack, misfortune
Resources:
Five ways to build gender equality and sustainability
Vandana Shiva | Ecofeminism and the decolonization of women, nature and the future
The Irish Times Women's Podcast, Ep 521 How women can save the planet (and why they shouldn’t have to)
Check out my website here to learn more about English coaching services & group membership.
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
To celebrate this month's International Women's Day, I bring you an episode exploring my country Ireland's treatment of women.
In the episode I talk about:
- the female role models I admired growing up in Ireland
- Ireland's shameful past of shunning unmarried women and their children
- Ireland's recent vote to legalise abortion for women
- gender based violence in Ireland and abroad
Here is the vocabulary mentioned:
a microagression = indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group.
a role model = to look up to someone = to admire
to criminalise / decriminalise = to make something a crime
to shun = to persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something)
an outcry = a strong expression of public disapproval or anger.
What’s your take on this? = what’s your opinion, perspective?
Resources:
Article on Microagressions
Irish Times The Women’s Podcast
Mother and baby homes in Ireland
Ireland votes by landslide to legalise abortion
Asking for It - Louise O'Neill
Check out my website here to learn more about English coaching services & group membership.
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
Most of us learn a foreign language so we can communicate with other people but if we are an introvert, it can feel really challenging to socialise with new people, make mistakes and express our big ideas in another language
As an introvert and language learner myself, I know what it's like to feel shy and afraid to speak English in public.
In this episode, I will share some personal stories about my own journey as an introvert while living abroad and speaking a foreign language.
I will also share some recommendations on how you can study English and communicate best as an introvert.
I hope you enjoy the episode!
Vocabulary I mention:
- introvert
- extrovert
- introversion
- extroversion
- Words associated with introverts: shy, reserved, quiet
- Words associated with extroverts: outgoing, bubbly
Resources I mention:
Myers Briggs Personality Test - 16 Personalities
Susan Cain, The power of introverts TED talk
Language immersion, living abroad, letting go & self-acceptance...
Just some of the topics I discussed with this week’s guest, the wonderful Camille. Camille is from the south of France and currently lives in Azores, Portugal. She is a holistic life coach helping people manage stresss to live a more serene and fulfilled life.
Interviewing Camille was such a great pleasure and I really think you will enjoy our conversation as she opens up about:
- how she has learned English to an advanced level
- her career as a holistic life coach
- how she uses English in her personal and professional life
- the vulnerability of learning a language
As Camille so rightly says, what’s important (when speaking a foreign language like English) is the message and the change you want to bring into the world.
So whether you dream of living abroad, working in English or speaking up about the causes that matter to you, I am sure this interview with Camille will inspire you.
You can connect with Camille and her coaching services here:
Website: holywhatholistic.com
Instagram: @holywhatholistic
Discovery call: a free 30-minutes chat
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea, click here
For more info on English for Change, see my website here
This episode explores today's fashion industry, in particular fast fashion, looking at an article from the Guardian:The truth about fast fashion: can you tell how ethical your clothing is by its price? (29 July 2021)
I read and comment on some extracts in the article, then explain some key vocabulary that you can use to talk about this topic.
Here are the 7 useful phrases & vocabulary I mention:
- greenwashing = process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information that a company's products are environmentally friendly.
- clear conscience = a knowledge or belief that one has done nothing bad or wrong
- ethical = moral, principled; Opposite: unethical
- apt choice = appropriate choice :
- thrifting & buying secondhand = an item that is not new
- to be accustomed = to be usual, used to
- to reap the benefits = to get/acquire
- lifespan = how long something lasts
In the second part, I explain how you can summarise any topic in a clear and concise way and I demonstrate how I would summarise the issue of fast fashion in 3 points.
You can download a free 3 step video here where I go into more detail on how you can summarise any topic or issue for your next important discussion in English.
Mentioned:
Apps to buy secondhand clothes:
Vinted
Depop
Facebook Marketplace
Content creators talking about fast fashion and sustainable living:
Kristen Leo
Relevant videos on the fashion industry (and she has many more):
the unsettling cult-like operation of the fashion industry
the conflict of activism in fashion
Venetia LaManna
Instagram: Remember who made them
Podcast: All the small things
Check out my website here to learn more about English coaching services & group membership.
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
Do you struggle to find the right words to express yourself? Well this episode is for you!
I give you 7 common English phrases to talk about language learning that came from the native resources we covered in the English Changemaker Club in January.
I know that you might not be able to take notes when listening to this podcast. That is why I have prepared a free pdf vocabulary list with everything mentioned which you can download here
I also talk about my favourite video and article on the topic of language learning. They are:
Favourite video: David Crystal - Will English Always Be the Global Language?
Favourite article: 12 Rules for Learning Foreign Languages in Record Time — The Only Post You'll Ever Need
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
For more info on my services see my website here
Listen to my 4 tips on how to stay motivated to learn a foreign language. I share stories about my own journey of learning French. I refer back to the previous podcast episode, Episode 7, and my interview with Irish based lawyer Ioanna Negrello who offers some tips on how she got to an advanced level in English.
In the episode, I speak about:
- connecting to your why and motivation for learning a language
- why comparing yourself to others is unhelpful and what you should do instead
- how following your passion will help you stay motivated
- why appreciating your progress is important
You can support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea at the link here
For more info on my services see my website here
Career, feminism, mental health, language learning & yoga...
Just some of the topics I discussed with my very first guest to this podcast, my wonderful friend Ioanna Negrello.
Ioanna is from Marseille in France and currently works as a judicial assistant in the High Court in Dublin, Ireland. Interviewing Ioanna was such a great pleasure and I really think you will enjoy our conversation as she opens up about:
- how she has learned English to an advanced level
- her legal career in France & Ireland
- how being a sensitive person is beneficial for her work in the human rights field
- how she manages her fears about the environment
Whether you dream of living abroad, working in English or speaking up about the causes that matter to you, I am sure this interview with Ioanna will inspire you.
You can connect with Ioanna on Instagram at @the.anxious.advocate where she shares more about her interests on feminism, the environment and mental health.
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea, click here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
Is it possible to learn a language alone? Do I recommend it?
In this episode, I will talk about the pros and cons of learning English alone. I will answer the questions that are often on our minds as adult language learners:
Is it worth spending money on improving your English?
How can you learn English online?
What things do you miss out on when you study English alone?
I will also share some vocabulary to talk about being alone. You can access the list of vocabulary mentioned here.
And a reminder that this January 2022, you can try out my group membership the English Changemaker Club for free and attend a group discussion class. Places are limited so reserve your spot now to guarantee your place.
This month we are discussing World languages & language learning. Sign up here and use coupon code FREECLASS to reserve your free class.
Mentioned:
Les Misérables Movie- 'On my Own’
Céline Dion - All By Myself
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea, click here
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website here
We all share the same planet so this week, let's talk about a topic that concerns us all: the environment.
Grab a pen and paper because this episode is packed full of vocabulary and recommendations to discuss the impact of climate change and the challenges and solutions we face.
As well known activist Greta Thunberg says 'We have all the facts and solutions. All we need to do is wake up and change'.
By listening to this episode in English, I hope it will provide you with some knowledge and inspiration to speak about these issues confidently in English.
I know the environment and climate change is a complex issue but your stories and how you feel about these issues matter.
You don't need to be a scientist to talk about it, you don't need to know all the jargon and vocabulary.
The environment impacts us all and your voice in English matters. I hope you can use it to talk about the environment with people in the global language of English!
Want more? Download my free pdf with all the vocabulary and example sentences discussed. Go check it out here:
https://english_forchange.ck.page/c4b0e3896a
Mentioned:
The latest IPCC report explained in 7.5 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J0lCBjMgvg
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, Official Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64R2MYUt394
School strike for climate - save the world by changing the rules | Greta Thunberg | TEDxStockholm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAmmUIEsN9A
TED Talk, Language shouldn't be a barrier to climate action
https://www.ted.com/talks/sophia_kianni_language_shouldn_t_be_a_barrier_to_climate_action/transcript?rss=172BB350-0205
This podcast is completely free. Show your appreciation for this podcast and buy me a cup of tea:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efcpodcast
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website https://www.englishforchange.co/join
Ready for a successful and confident 2022?
In this episode, I'll help you to set your English language goals for the New Year or any new month.
As the quote goes 'A goal without a plan is just a wish' so taking time to write our goals down and make a plan is so important!
For me, 2021 has been an amazing year in business and regular goal setting was a big thing that helped me achieve so much. So whether or not it is the New Year as you listen to this, you can set goals for the coming week, month or year.
I explain 3 Ms associated with setting goals - Mindset, Motivation & Momentum. I also give you 4 questions that you can answer to reflect on the past few months and make a plan for the year to come.
Mentioned:
Atomic Habits
https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efcpodcast
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website https://www.englishforchange.co/join
Afraid to speak English in public? Well this episode is for you!
Let me guide you through what you can do to beat your fear and feel confident in your next meeting, discussion or presentation in English.
I speak about some useful strategies from psychology to better prepare you and to stop you from overthinking when you need to speak in English. I also tell you a story from my own experience as a shy public speaker.
And finally, I share an idea of how you can use your fear for good: using your voice in English to speak about the challenges you face so you can help others who feel the same way.
Mentioned:
Impostor syndrome
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndrome#causes
Amy Cuddy ‘Your body language may shape who you are’
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are/up-next?language=en
5 second rule
This One Brain Hack Backed By Science Will Change Your Life. Here's How.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrZAGVq25zw
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efcpodcast
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website https://www.englishforchange.co/join
Interested in speaking about feminism in English?
This episode is packed full of good stuff: phrasal verbs and expressions that you can use to talk about a woman’s role in society and some books, videos and podcasts that you can listen to on this topic.
Feminism was our monthly theme in the English Changemaker Club in November 2021 so there is plenty to discuss. I share the ideas from one of our members who spoke about the feminist message behind the movie Legally Blonde.
Want more? I have a free video with 5 phrasal verbs related to feminism. Go check it out here:
https://english_forchange.ck.page/3821b9f8fc
Sources mentioned:
English with Rob Podcast - 29. Ruth from English for Change - How to talk about Feminism
https://englishwithrob.podbean.com/e/29-how-to-talk-about-feminism-ruth-from-english-for-change/
How Legally Blonde became an unlikely feminist classic
https://lwlies.com/articles/legally-blonde-unlikely-feminist-classic/
BBC Woman's hour
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb
We should all be feminists | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | TEDxEuston
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc
The Guilty Feminist: From Our Noble Goals to Our Worst Hypocrisies
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39703115-the-guilty-feminist
The Guilty Feminist Podcast
https://guiltyfeminist.com/episodes/
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efcpodcast
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website https://www.englishforchange.co/join
In this first episode, I get personal and share more about me, Ruth Whittle, the host and founder of English for Change. I’ll tell you about my first penpal experience as a child and how I came to start my online teaching business.
I explain the format of each podcast episode. In each one we explore 2 things: firstly, an individual change you can make to improve your English and your life and secondly, a way you can use your voice in English to make positive change in the world.
I also explain what I mean by an 'English Changemaker' and how identifying as one will help you in your language learning journey.
PS Sorry for the weird sound in a part of the episode. Was unable to edit it out!
Support this podcast and buy me a cup of tea https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efcpodcast
For more info on the English Changemaker Club see my website https://www.englishforchange.co/join
I'm so excited to bring you the English for Change podcast helping English learners everywhere build a confident voice in English.
Listen to this trailer, subscribe to the podcast and get ready for lots of amazing content to inspire, motivate and empower you in upcoming episodes.