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PODCAST

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words

Richard Marshall

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words (previously "From Lost to the River") is a podcast for anyone who speaks English as a second language and wants to feel like themselves when they use it. Maybe you"ve spent years studying and practising, or you"ve built a life, a career or a family in English, and still something closes down when it matters. A meeting, a phone call, a chat with a neighbour. You overthink every sentence, you freeze, and you walk away wondering why the words wouldn"t

education language learning

All Episodes

7:00

(7 min) Ashamed of Your English Accent? Why Clarity...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2026/10/06

Do you wish you could get rid of your accent when you speak English?Today, I'm joined by Stefy Vaclavikova, an ICF-accredited coach who has helped thousands of teachers build their own businesses, to talk about her non-native English accent and the school director who wouldn't let her appear in promotional videos because of it. Stefy explains how she let go of trying to sound like a native speaker and made clarity her goal, which changed how she felt every time she spoke. Then we get into the

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7:30

(7 min) Language Identity: "Do You Know How...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2026/10/04

Do you ever feel like a smaller version of yourself when you speak English?In this seven-minute extract from a longer conversation (which you can watch HERE on YouTube), I'm joined by English coach Daniele Ponzo, originally from Italy, to talk about language identity and the thirteen years he spent in Ireland learning to speak English confidently at work. From the fear of making mistakes in English to a funeral where he had no idea what to say, he's been exactly where you are. And nobody was

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2:50

(3 min) Your English Mistakes Sound Worse to You Than...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2026/10/02

Have you ever stopped yourself halfway through a sentence in a meeting because you weren't sure the grammar was right? In this short clip from a longer conversation, I'm joined by Lauren Martin, a language expert and copywriter who runs Simply Copy and helps language teachers, coaches and schools with their marketing, to talk about why so many capable professionals freeze when speaking English at work. We talk about how grammar-heavy schooling leaves people so worried about getting every sentence

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5:34

(6 min) Stop Comparing Your English to Everyone...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2026/09/30

Most people who have studied English for years still measure themselves against the colleague who lived in California, or against native speakers, and come away feeling they will never be good enough. Add the "fluent in six weeks" promises all over social media, and speaking English confidently starts to feel like a race you can't win. In this short clip, I talk with English teacher Verónica Vitale, founder of Vital English, about why comparing yourself to others is never a fair comparison and how

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6:28

(6 min) You Already Know English. So Why Does...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2026/01/09

Every time you try to speak, something inside holds you back. You overthink. You fear mistakes. You imagine others judging you - so you stay quiet.But what if that voice in your head isn't trying to sabotage you? What if it's actually trying to protect you? In this episode of 'From Lost to the River', I sit down with bestselling author and master coach Peter Freeth to explore the psychology of perfectionism, the inner critic, and why both are working overtime to keep you "safe", even when that

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3:47

(4 min) Cómo dejar de bloquearte al hablar inglés |...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/12/19

Still overthinking your English in meetings, even after years of classes? Finance Manager Nines López explains why grammar-heavy English learning keeps capable Spanish professionals stuck, silent, and second-guessing themselves, and what actually builds real speaking confidence at work.We explore why textbook English rarely translates into real-world fluency, and how a conversation-first, identity-led approach helps professionals speak naturally under pressure. We unpack the emotional blocks many

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6:50

(7 min) Gana confianza al hablar inglés | con Nacho...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/12/10

Learn more at procoachenglish.com. In this extract from 'Me da vergüenza hablar', language coach Nacho Fernández shares strategies to overcome hesitation and speak English confidently, even when you fear making mistakes.Nacho and I discuss how real communication beats grammar perfection. You’ll learn practical ways to build English confidence, including listening to podcasts, watching movies, and other immersive media (even passively) so your brain becomes familiar with natural speech

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8:14

(8 min) 'Titulitis' & Speaking Through the Fear |...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/12/05

Today, I'm speaking once again with English teacher and Instagram & TikTok sensation Alba Guerrero González about why so many Spanish professionals feel confident on paper but insecure in real conversations. Alba returns to the podcast after her episode How To Speak English With Confidence became the most streamed so far on From Lost to the River. In this conversation, she explains how titulitis, external pressure, and exam-oriented learning create a system where students collect certificates

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2:04

(2 min) STOP Blaming Your English | Hay más Variables

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/11/19

🎯Many Spanish speakers speak excellent English yet still feel judged, insecure, or hesitant in meetings. If you’ve ever second‑guessed yourself after someone asked you to repeat what you just said, this short episode will help you see why it’s not your fault, and how to rebuild your confidence.I explore the hidden variables in communication that have nothing to do with your grammar or accent. From background noise to distractions in the listener’s mind, you’ll see why misunderstandings

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7:34

(7 min) Confianza vs Perfección | Un episodio en español

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/11/12

If you’ve ever felt your English vanish the moment someone hesitates or looks confused, you’re not alone. We’ve all felt that drop in confidence when suddenly everything we know seems to disappear.In this Spanish-only extract from my conversation with language coach and author Daniele Ponzo. We explore why so many people freeze when speaking English, and how to move past the fear of “getting it wrong.” Listen to the full conversation here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts. Today we're sharing

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3:11

(3 min) Perfection is Killing Your Confidence |...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/11/10

In this short clip from 'The Psychology Behind Real English Confidence', language coach Daniele Ponzo shares the honest truth about perfectionism, fear of mistakes, and the pressure to “sound right.” You’ll hear how one simple mindset shift, from perfection to presence, helped him move past fear and speak naturally in meetings, interviews, and everyday life.Learn more about Daniele and his coaching services on his website at danieleponzo.com Connect with us on LinkedIn: Daniele Ponzo &

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49:21

(49 min) The Psychology Behind Real English...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/11/08

If you’re a driven Spanish professional who freezes in English or fears being judged, this episode is for you. Daniele Ponzo, former IT manager turned language coach and author, explains how to swap perfectionism for presence so you can speak naturally, be heard in meetings, and lead with confidence.Daniele and I explore the emotional side of language: why imposter syndrome, school-system conditioning and ego make otherwise capable professionals stay quiet, and how to change that. You’ll hear

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09:22

(9 min) You Are Not Broken | The System Is

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/06/19

Language coach Bianca González and I explore how confidence, mindset, and emotional blocks like frustration & fear shape language learning. We challenge perfectionism and discuss learner-centered coaching vs outdated grammar drills. Follow Mary Costello on LinkedIn to join Bianca’s weekly bilingual coffee chats. A safe space to speak English (& Spanish!)

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07:47

(8 min) Positivity & The Sexiest Accent in the World!

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/06/04

I discuss how my positive approach to language learning helps people use what they already know. Hear my take on why connecting with the people you're speaking to matters more than speaking perfect English. It’s all about USING English with clarity and feeling great doing it. Follow me on Linkedin for more English confidence tips.

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30:20

(30 min) De “Me da Vergüenza Hablar” a Expresarte con...

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/05/02

Hoy, me acompaña Nacho Fernández, coach de español. Hablamos sobre bloqueos mentales como el miedo y el perfeccionismo, y exploramos cómo el coaching, la escucha pasiva y hablar desde el primer día pueden ayudarte a ganar verdadera confianza, rápidamente. I speak Spanish on this one too!

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04:39

(4.5 min) No Es Memorizar Frases - Es Conversar

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/04/29

Miguel Ángel Carrasco comparte su visión sobre cómo ha evolucionado con el tiempo la mentalidad española respecto al aprendizaje del inglés. Habla con honestidad sobre sus primeros pasos, marcados por el estrés, la presión y la necesidad de memorizar frases lo más rápido posible. Pero con los años, esa urgencia fue desapareciendo. Soltó el perfeccionismo y priorizó lo esencial: comunicarse.

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04:35

(4.5 min) Atrévete a Hablar | Aprende en Pequeñas Dosis

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/04/29

COO of 'Toys R Us' Miguel Ángel Carrasco joins me again to talk about how daring to make mistakes & using English in real-life, high-pressure situations builds fluency & confidence. He shares how the short videos and passive learning materials that I send him have helped keep English present in his day to day routine. He reflects on the value of real, flexible conversations and connecting emotionally with topics to make learning more natural and more accessible.

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04:15

(4 min) The Amazon Story

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/04/25

I reflect on the 'Chicken Story' and how being laughed at by a shop full of strangers impacted me more than I realised. I then share another language mix-up with an Amazon delivery guy. Looking back, I’ve learned these moments are a key part of the learning process. Even if we upset a few Amazon guys along the way! Watch it HERE with subtitles

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03:14

(3 min) The Chicken Story

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/04/25

Here is a funny story from my early days in Spain when my basic Spanish skills led to a hilarious mix-up at the butcher's! It’s a lighthearted reminder that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and often leads to the best memories. Watch it with subtitles here on YouTube

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02:31

(2.5 min) Learning Tips for Busy People

Speak English with Confidence | More Than Words ·

2025/04/25

How to embrace English without studying. Lauren Martin shares her passive learning tips and how to make the most of “dead time”. Simple, everyday habits that build your confidence and fit easily into your daily routine, not the other way around. Listen to the full two-part 'Embracing Imperfection' conversation in the episode library.

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