Shhh, I’m Learning!

S3 E8: An Interview with Jessica Tefenkgi Ruelle

Welcome back to my podcast! I am very excited to share today’s episode with you. Today’s guest is Jessica Tefenkgi Ruelle, the founder of Bubbles of French, where she blends French language learning with self-exploration, mindfulness and authentic expression. She was raised in Brussels in an adoptive family from Italy, she learned several languages from a young age and has always been on a quest to reconnect languages with their most important purpose : connection, identity, belonging and expression. Journaling & meditation are amongst her favorite tools to foster that. She's also a mindset coach for sensitive and ambitious women who want to create their online business.
In today’s episode, we continue the theme mentioned in Sr. Ojeda’s regarding issues in traditional language learning and what we can do to make things better. I found it very interesting when Jessica mentioned how many people have some sort of scars from language learning in schools and/or expectations set by their parents. It can be very difficult to move away from that mindset to one of growth and mindfulness, a mindset focused on the true purpose of language, that is, communication.
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Jessica's Instagram
Bulle de Français on Substack (blog + podcast)
Bulle de Français podcast on Spotify
Bulle de Français podcast on Apple Podcasts

S3 E7: Entrevista con Diego Ojeda (en español)

Welcome back (finally)! Today's episode is with Diego Ojeda, a passionate Spanish teacher, a comprehensible poetry author, a blogger and an accomplished world language teacher trainer and presenter. He has been recognized and awarded for his outstanding teaching style that he brings to the class and enjoys sharing this style and what he's learned from it with his colleagues. A native of Bogotá, Colombia, he has many years of experience teaching in both his native country and in the United States.
Diego brings a refreshing, cultural awareness and innovative perspective to the teaching of the Spanish language. His instructional strategies can be easily adapted to any Spanish language proficiency level. Diego is co-founder of #langchat, an X/Twitter chat that has supported many world language educators in the US since 2011. Having lived and taught in Wisconsin, he now teaches Spanish language at Louisville Collegiate School in Louisville, KY.
In today’s episode we chat about who Sr. Ojeda is, where he comes from, his experiences living and teaching in the United States, and the problems with world language education in the US. 
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resource mentioned in the episode:
Transcripción en español
Transcript in English
Sr. Ojeda's website
#langchat on X
Sr. Ojeda's presentation (in English) at the World Language Teacher Summit
World Language Teacher Summit website

S3 E6: An Interview with Jacqueline Sadberry

Hello and welcome back! Today’s episode is with Jacqueline Sadberry. Jacqueline is a Texas native and author with a passion for languages, faith, K-Pop, and turtles. She currently works to provide a space for those looking for consistent speaking practice in English, Spanish, and Japanese, or who have a desire to become conversational.
You can find her on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest as Jacqueline Simone Media. If you would like to book some sessions with her, you can email her at langhelp22@gmail.com.
I found Jacqueline after completing a language challenge on Instagram – part of the prize for my time was 5 sessions with Jacqueline to learn how to introduce myself in Japanese. And, to be honest, I went into this thinking, I’m curious about Japanese, but I’ll just do these 5 sessions and then stop.
Nope.
Yes, it’s something about the magic of Japanese, but it’s also Jacqueline’s style – how much energy she pours into helping her clients succeed and her passion for languages. Jacqueline has a natural talent for providing that safe space I just mentioned and for helping her clients’ confidence grow. I highly suggest seeking her out even if you’re interested in just dabbling with one of the languages she helps with.
In today’s conversation we chat about Jacqueline’s language journey, how she got started with her current work, finding language partners with positive energy, and why culture matters in learning and teaching languages. I’m so excited for you to hear today’s interview, and so without further ado, let’s get into it!
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)

S3 E5: Mid-season Book Review

It's time to talk about more books! Today I recommend four books to you. I also go into not waiting too long to read in other languages, the benefits of a Spotify Premium account (15 hours of audiobook listening time per month!), and rethinking how books come into our lives.
Three Notes/Corrections: 1) The name of Terrance Lee's podcast changed from "Quiet Voice Fearless Mind" to "The Introvert Experience." and 2) Terrance Lee has a new book coming out this month called The Calm Effect - be on the lookout! 3) Spotify Premium gives you 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month, not 10 as I mistakenly said in the episode, but you can "refill" in 10-hour increments (that apparently roll over each month if unused).
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
speakingspades on Instagram
Torto Arado (Portuguese) / Crooked Plow (English)
Soy introvertido ¿Y qué? (Spanish) / Sono introverso, e allora? (Italian)
Quiet Girls Can Run the World by Rebecca Holman
The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D
theintrovertleader on Instagram
The Introvert Experience podcast (available also on Spotify)
Quiet Voice Fearless Leader book
tales_n_teabookclub on Instagram
Mindful Retreats in Sicily website

S3 E4: An interview with Dr. Devina Krishna

In today’s episode, we have a special guest: Dr. Devina Krishna, Assistant Professor at the Department of English, Patna Women's College, India, and a reputed scholar in linguistics.
In this riveting conversation, Dr. Krishna provides us with deep insights into the realm of language preservation and the criticality of communicating effectively. As an introvert, she provides her unique perspective as both student and teacher. She stresses the need for creating an inclusive classroom environment that caters to the needs of both introverts and extroverts.
Dr. Krishna's fervor for language preservation is inspiring as she highlights the integral role language plays in preserving cultural identities. In her daily life, she actively participates in discussions on language attrition and the crucial steps required for effective language preservation, particularly by championing one's native language.
Beyond academic discourse, Dr. Devina shares practical advice on how to navigate the teaching process for students of varying dispositions, utilizing digital tools for efficient learning, and promoting group discussions as a way of boosting interaction.
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resource mentioned in the episode:
Email Dr. Devina
Instagram
LinkedIn
Papers by Dr. Devina:
Importance of Language Laboratory in Developing Language Skills
Syllable Structure and Word Stress in Dogri
The Place and Significance of English in Business Communication in India
Decoding C's in Effective Communication
Related Resources:
"How to Save a Dying Language" on the What in the World podcast
Dr. Devina's talk on a Linguist Investigation of Lexical Tones in Dogri

S3 E3: An Interview with Urmi Hossain

Welcome back! In today's episode, we introduce you to Urmi Hossain, a polyglot mentor with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant professional paths, and a deep-seated passion for language learning.
Urmi opens up about her unique life experiences and how she evolved into an adept language mentor, tuning her teaching strategies to suit her students' individual needs and goals. Sharing her perspective on the digital evolution of the language learning industry, Urmi emphasizes an inclusive teaching approach focussed on conversation practice, comfort, and encouragement for every learner.
Despite being an extrovert, she innovatively connects with her introverted students and shares her key strategies for dealing with various personality types. Urmi showcases the importance of personalized learning, creating engaging and interactive lessons curated around students' interests. Listen to this episode and get inspired by Urmi's innovative teaching methods and devotion to her students.
As the episode unfolds, you'll glean valuable advice on maintaining language skills and preserving cultural identity. This episode proves to be an essential listen for language learners, educators, and enthusiasts by providing a nuanced approach to language learning and teaching.
A deeper discussion ensues as Urmi unravels her unique methods to encourage quiet language learners and the fine balance between tutor-student speaking time for a more dynamic learning environment. She ends on a powerful note by sharing crucial advice on transitioning from a protected learning space to the real world of language interaction.
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resource mentioned in the episode:
Urmi's books on Amazon
Urmi's iTalki profile
Urmi's website
Urmi on Instagram
Urmi on LinkedIn
Urmi on the Italian Time Zone podcast - practice your Italian listening!

S3 E2: An Interview with Marty Green from Marty Education

In this impactful episode of "I'm Learning", I dialogue with Marty Green, a renowned education maven. Our esteemed guest throws light on her inspiring endeavor of breaking language barriers, embracing diverse cultures and transforming experiences into coaching tools for global learners. Discover how a positive mindset, resilience, and self-assuredness are quintessential in learning a new language. Unravel Marty's incredible insights into accent acquisition and the pivotal role self-drive plays in grasping languages. Power up your language learning journey with this episode.
Dive deeper into the intriguing aspects of language learning, accent acquisition, and psychological hurdles encountered by learners. This episode draws attention to society's profound impact on language learners, especially those aspiring to develop a new accent. It critically addresses biases against non-native speakers, external pressure for constant improvement and unrealistic expectations.
Join us as we dissect the voyage to mastering a new language, underscoring the need to revisit the basics. This episode is a thought-provoking discussion on countering the disparity between societal pressures and the real-world complexity of language learning. It stresses the significance of self-acceptance, informing others about the intricacies of language learning and validating every dialect and linguistic background. Whether you're an educator, immigrant, or someone grappling with bilingualism or multilingualism, this episode resonates with your experiences and struggles.
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resource mentioned in the episode:
Marty's "Your Forever Pronunciation Course" - 20% off
Marty Green podcast on YouTube
My episode on Marty’s podcast
Link to Marty's socials and/or to book a session with her

S3 E1: Season 3 Premiere of "Shhh, I'm Learning"

Welcome to season three of “I'm Learning,” a space for introverts, multilingual individuals, and language enthusiasts around the world. As a reminder, this podcast is a haven for those struggling to express their naturally socially selective selves in the languages they speak.
Season three kicks off with a recap of my winter rest period and the introduction of my monthly newsletter (sign up for it here!). I emphasize the importance of rest and genuine communication with you all. There's also a person announcement and that update affects my life as an introvert and a language learner, adding another layer to the diversity of this podcast.
In this introductory episode I also introduce the focus of this season: language educators who share the common belief that traditional language instruction is not always the most effective. These educators aim to humanize their students and provide resources for their individualized learning journeys. They stress the importance of expressing oneself authentically rather than striving for fluency or perfect syntax and grammar. You'll hear from educators like Marty Green, Dr. Devina Krishna, and many more, who all bring unique insights into the world of language instruction.
Whether you’re a language learner or educator, this season promises enriching content and fresh perspectives on language learning from numerous experts in the field. Explore new ways of learning languages, understand the perspective of language educators, and connect with like-minded individuals!
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
Sign up for my newsletter here! :)

S2 E10: That’s a Wrap, 2023

Woof, what a year it's been!
Today we're wrapping up season 2, so I decided it's time to reflect on what's happened this year as well as give you an idea of what's to come in 2024 (specifically with season 3).
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resource mentioned in the episode:
Trapped in the Anglosphere: Compassion for Native English Speakers (presentation at Polyglot Gathering)
Chatterbug, a platform for language learning that mixes streams, videos and live lessons
The incredible hosts from the writing challenge I mentioned are speakinspades, languageswithrenee and jssberry_lang
 

S2 E9: Being Honest with Your Journey, an interview with Alexandria Robinson

My guest today is Alexandria Robinson, the host and creator of the Insecurities about Language podcast. Alexandria’s podcast talks about her journey with the European Portuguese language and is a space for talking about language insecurities and people’s relationship to languages that form a part of their identity but they don’t speak them for one reason or another. Alexandria has a passion to learn more about her own family's dynamics with regards to language and ethnic background. She titles these family dynamics the Death of Language. She is currently (on and off) learning European Portuguese and discusses that part of her journey in today’s episode.
One thing I greatly admired about Alexandria is her willingness to share her vulnerability about her language story. She has a lot to say about taking breaks and how to know when to push on versus when to step back. Her story reflects what’s reality for many of us but we don’t really talk about. I’ll let her tell her story as she knows and tells it best, but I do have to say I really admire it when people put their kids first. Our language story changes because our life changes. Adulting is hard and at some point we – at least most of us – have to step out of the comfortable bubble of having less responsibilities.
As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)
 
Resource mentioned in the episode:
Speakinspades website