In this second Trainer POV episode, Michelle unpacks the hidden exhaustion of using English at work as a second or third language. From constant self-monitoring to adapting to unspoken norms, she explains why even “good” days can feel draining—and shares small shifts to help reduce burnout and communicate with more ease.

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How do you honor all the versions of yourself across languages, cultures, and life stages?

In this episode, I speak with Patra — a Ugandan-born hypnotherapist living in Australia — about healing, identity work, emotional intelligence, and shaping your path with authenticity.

Tune in to hear how language and self-concept intertwine across a lifetime of growth.

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Grammatical accuracy isn’t the same as effective communication—especially at work. In this solo episode, I break down why perfect grammar won’t guarantee you’ll be understood, respected, or heard in professional spaces. I’m sharing what actually matters, what most business English classes miss, and why your real-world communication deserves more than textbook answers.

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We sit down with Bront’e, also known as The Polyglot Fox, a language coach who specializes in helping introverted and perfectionist language learners. Drawing from the diversity of her own language learning experiences—from early childhood to college and now as an adult—she emphasizes the importance of finding personalized learning methods rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Bront’e highlights the value of immersion and actively using the language, sharing her experiences learning Japanese in college. The conversation also explores misconceptions about fluency, the role of self-reflection in the learning process, and the need for strategies that cater to different personality types, particularly introverts. Additionally, Bront’e shares insights from her own (non-language-related) teaching experience, revealing the broad overlap between general education and language learning.

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We sit down with Andrea R., a woman who has powerful insights into the way sociolinguistic prestige (a.k.a. language prestige) has played a critical role in her own life, business, and approach to child-rearing.

In the episode, Andrea shares deeply personal stories about her multicultural background; being from Germany with Romanian, Transylvanian Saxon roots. She reflects on how prestige-based language dynamics influenced her early experiences, from teachers blaming her shyness with German on her multilingual household, to her parents' decision not to teach her their home dialect.

Throughout the episode, Andrea walks us through the details of the rich backstory of her life, how she’s made choices for herself in terms of language acquisition, and how she’s encouraging empowered multilingualism in her daughter.

Together, we explore the complexities of language choice, identity, and the pressures that come with navigating multiple linguistic and cultural spaces.

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We sit down with Heather K. Ling—a pediatric dietitian by day and audiobook narrator by night—whose journey weaves together culture, language, and career in unexpected ways. Heather shares how her Chinese heritage and family’s immigration story shaped her upbringing, the challenges of growing up bilingual, and the role cultural sensitivity plays in her work as a dietitian. She also takes us inside the audiobook industry, where the push for authentic representation is changing the game. We delve into the importance of cultural sensitivity in dietetics, the push for authenticity in audiobook narration, and how Heather navigates these diverse fields.

From navigating barriers in both personal and professional spaces to forging her own path in two very different fields, Heather’s story is a powerful exploration of identity, passion, and the many ways language and culture shape who we are. But also how we choose to handle where we go.

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In Part 2, we explore the intersection of culture, language, and community work with guests Jeremy and Taylor, who share powerful insights from their personal and professional experiences. The conversation delves into the complexity of identity and belonging, challenging surface-level notions of diversity and inclusivity. Jeremy reflects on a pivotal moment that shaped his approach to service, emphasizing the need to listen, take a backseat, and support rather than center oneself as a savior—a role often rooted in unconscious biases and default expectations shaped by Western, white-dominant cultural norms. Taylor highlights how genuine connection requires recognizing the unique lived experiences of individuals rather than erasing differences.

The episode also critiques the current commodification of language learning, with both guests discussing how the rise of AI and low-cost teaching solutions may disrupt the industry. They argue that survival and success in this evolving landscape require authenticity, deep expertise, and a commitment to delivering real outcomes—not simply teaching surface-level vocabulary distinctions like "goose" and "geese." As AI emulates popular teaching norms, the conversation stresses that true differentiation comes from standing alongside learners and embodying a unique, people-first approach.

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In this two-part series, we explore the layers of privilege, cultural humility, and how much is missed in conversations about truly appreciating and understanding global cultures. We dive deep into the complicated (and often untouched) topics of race, stereotypes, and the nuanced ways identity shapes how we experience the world. No matter where you’re from; whether you’re a traveler, an expat, or someone curious about bridging cultural gaps, this episode will leave you rethinking what it means to show up in a world beyond your bubble.

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This episode delves into the profound connections between language, communication, and culture, highlighting the importance of moving beyond grammatical perfection to prioritize meaningful interaction. Our guest, Felly, shares her journey as a bilingual child in Canada, her experiences working and traveling across Australia, Asia, and Mexico, and her current life as an expat in semi-rural France. The conversation explores stereotypes tied to “English knowledge” and “accents” and emphasizes how language shapes social identity and inclusion. It also uncovers the complexities of navigating linguistic and cultural differences in everyday societies.

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In this episode, Michelle sits down with her guest, Angela A, to talk about the intersection of language, communication, education, and the future of learning. Angela is a seasoned English instructor who grew up bilingual (Filipino and English) and is currently living in Spain. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the shortcomings of traditional education, and emphasizes the responsibility educators have (specifically those in language instruction) on the lives of their learners. She also touches on her current, ongoing experience learning Spanish and reflects on the potential benefits and limitations of language technology.

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In the episode, Sean emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive environment for learners, despite the difficulties they may encounter. We discuss the current state and future of the language learning industry. Sean criticizes the reliance on traditional methods and the slow progression towards more effective learning techniques. Sean and Michelle also discuss the limitations of language learning apps and AI tools, stressing the importance of human interaction and understanding the nuances of communication. The episode concludes with a discussion about Sean’s new book, which offers learners and instructors practical advice and methods for learning and teaching languages effectively.

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In our inaugural guest episode of the WeCultivate Podcast, we welcome Sean L. Young, author, educator, polyglot. Sean shares his incredible journey from being fascinated by the Rosetta Stone at age 13 to learning and teaching over 60 languages, achieving conversational fluency in 21 of them. Throughout the episode, Sean and Michelle both emphasize the importance of finding personalized methods for learning languages and critique the traditional education system for its outdated methods. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of language learning and the importance of a supportive environment.

Additionally, Sean shares specific insights into his own teaching methods that eliminate the need for rote memorization and grammar-heavy approaches.

Join us as we delve into Sean's inspiring story, his groundbreaking methods, and his thoughts on the future of language education!

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