Speaking Of Stories

Episode 8: Gig, The Golden Lion, and Dancing Your Tit OutWhat happens when you build a life, a business, and a community in your second+ language?In this episode of Speaking of Stories, I sit down with Matthanee Nilavongse (Gig), owner of the iconic Golden Lion, a legendary pub, music venue, and community hub in the heart of Todmorden. The Golden Lion has become known for its live music, Thai food, community spirit, and unforgettable atmosphere. Gig shares the story of growing up in Thailand, moving across the world, navigating life and business in English, and learning to accept herself after years of hiding behind layers of protection.We talk about:• Growing up feeling like an outsider • Bullying, identity, and self-acceptance • Moving from Thailand to Australia, Italy, and eventually the UK • Running a successful business in a second language • Racism, resilience, and why Gig thinks we need a workshop called "How To Talk To Racists" • The difference between speaking correctly and connecting authentically • Why she deliberately leaves mistakes in her Facebook posts • Dreaming in English (Gig's unexpected advice for language learners) • The stories behind some of the Golden Lion's most famous phrases, including "Dance Your Tit Out"Along the way, Gig challenges many of the assumptions we hold about language, fluency, and belonging.One of my favourite moments:"It's not the words that are interesting. It's your idea. Is it interesting?"About Speaking of StoriesSpeaking of Stories explores real-life stories about how language weaves in and out of identity, belonging, communication, and lived experience.Through conversations with people from different backgrounds, we explore what happens when language becomes more than words and when it becomes part of who we are. About SukhiI'm Sukhi, a communication coach working with 2nd+ English speakers move from overthinking and self-consciousness towards more fluid, emotive, and authentic communication - from the inside out. My work combines communication coaching with mindfulness, expressive & meaningful conversation, grounding, breathing techniques, and tools for presence for a full-bodied communication experience, championing your unique voice.InstagramLinksThe Golden Lion:The Golden Lion TodmordenFollow Gig and the Golden Lion for events, music, food, and community happenings.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find a piece of their own story in the stories they hear.

In this episode of Speaking of Stories, I’m joined by English coach Lisa Wood, creator of the Calm Way.We explore what really holds people back from speaking English confidently and why it’s often not vocabulary or grammar.Lisa shares her personal journey learning French and Spanish, and how it led her to develop a more human, brain-friendly approach to language learning focused on mindset, communication, and real-life use.We talk about: Why traditional language learning methods don’t prepare you for real conversations  The role of mindset, confidence, and self-acceptance in speaking English  How perfectionism and fear of judgement block communication  Why native speakers also need better communication awareness Practical strategies like paraphrasing and simplifying your message  What it really means to feel like yourself in another language If you live or work in English in a global environment and still feel blocked, stuck, or unconfident - this conversation will resonate.  🎁 Lisa shares a free masterclass for listeners of this podcast: 4 Essential Habits to Overcome Fear and Speak English Naturally (code: CALM)  Find Lisa on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/your.english.selfFind me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/englishcoachsukhiWork with me: https://english-every-day.kit.com/9439715d75

Hello, I’m Sukhi and welcome to my podcast Speaking Of Stories. I’m endlessly fascinated by people’s stories, and this podcast is an exploration of them through connected conversations about how language weaves in and out of identity, belonging, and lived experience. Today I’m speaking with Tino Giaccotto, a stand-up comedian based in Manchester. We speak about what it takes to be funny in your non-main language, how he's reclaimed his accent after it being his biggest insecurity in English, and what happened on a date even with zero English! Sit back and enjoy a part of Tino's story.*** I'm Sukhi, a speaking & communication coach who works with global English speakers, typically for work. If you feel something is missing within your fluency, find out more information of how we can work together at the links below. Find out more here Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishcoachsukhi/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnglishCoachSukhiYou can find more about Tino here:https://www.instagram.com/tinogiaccotto_comedian/

Hello, I’m Sukhi and welcome to my podcast Speaking Of Stories. I’m endlessly fascinated by people’s stories, and this podcast is an exploration of them through connected conversations about language, identity, and life.Today I’m speaking with Eunji, the owner of The Thirsty Korean restaurant in Manchester. We speak about running a business and living in Manchester as a 2nd+ English speaker, what's she learnt over the past 6 years when it comes to letting go of people's judgments, how native speakers sometimes don't help with creating understanding within a conversation, and how a little bit of positive craziness (delusion) goes a long way. Sit back and enjoy a part of Eunji’s story.*** I'm Sukhi, a speaking & communication coach who works with high-level English-speaking executives in global workplaces. If you're someone who feels like their voice is not fully formed in English or something is missing within your fluency, find out more information of how we can work together at the links below. Find out more here Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishcoachsukhi/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnglishCoachSukhiYou can find more about The Thirsty Korean here: https://www.instagram.com/thethirstykorean/?hl=en

Hello, I’m Sukhi and welcome to my podcast Speaking Of Stories. I’m endlessly fascinated by people’s stories, and this podcast is an exploration of them through connected conversations about language, identity, and life.Today I’m speaking with Professor Loredana Padurean — an award-winning academic, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker working at the intersection of AI, innovation, and leadership. She teaches at Northeastern University in Boston, has held roles at MIT Sloan and the Asia School of Business, and is the author of The Job Is Easy, The People Are Not with a new book on AI and innovation on the way.She’s delivered over 350 talks worldwide, collaborated with organisations like the European Commission, State Street, and TBWA, and has earned major recognition including the Distinguished Woman Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award.I first discovered Loredana on Instagram through her viral video about her accent — and I’ve been a proud Smartie ever since. Her phrase “just a little just” has become a tiny mantra for me… especially lately while teaching myself to dance. Yes, really.Sit back and enjoy a part of Loredana’s story.*** I'm Sukhi, an English coach who works with advanced English speakers on their communication, through heart-led coaching, language refinement, soft skills tailored for 2nd+ English speakers, mindfulness techniques, and reflective conversation for an embodied approach to communication. Book a connection call here: https://english-every-day.kit.com/65c7880973Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishandsukhi/Find and support Loredana here: https://www.prof-loredana.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_loredana

Welcome to my podcast Speaking of Stories. I'm Sukhi (he/him), a 2nd+ English communication coach, working on building on your English communication from the inside out. Merging mindfulness techniques for presence & calm, communication-focused skills for 2nd+ English speakers, conversational depth through coaching questions, mindset & reflective practices, I aim for an full and embodied communication experience to leave you ready for the real world of communication. My fascination with people's stories, particularly relating to language and identity, is how this podcast has come to be to show that connection can be formed through being curious about people's lives and the way they weave through their days.  In episode 3, I speak to Amanda, a certified Australian English teacher and the creator of Aussie English with Amanda. In today's episode, we talk of:- her own language journey with Hindi, - how reflection helped her work through her perfectionism, - and the impact of negative comments on social media. Since 2020, she has taught over 9,000 lessons and helped hundreds of international students and professionals feel more confident, clear, and natural when speaking Aussie English. Her specialty is accent, pronunciation and connected speech, taught with warmth, structure and real-life relevance. She does not just teach how Aussies speak. She explains why they speak that way and how learners can as well, without losing their own voice. Through her online courses, podcast and one-to-one training, Amanda has built a global reputation for helping learners move beyond textbook English into real conversations with clarity, confidence and cultural connection. Whether someone is just beginning their Aussie English journey or refining their skills for work and life, Amanda guides them every step of the way, helping them speak in a way that feels more natural and more true to themselves.Sit back, and enjoy a part of Amanda's story. Support us on: Amandahttps://www.instagram.com/aussie.english.with.amanda/https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/Sukhihttps://www.instagram.com/englishandsukhi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukhi-bansal/Courses, communities and 1:1s https://linktr.ee/EnglishAndSukhi 

Welcome to my podcast Speaking of Stories. I'm Sukhi (he/him), a 2nd+ English communication coach, merging mindfulness techniques for presence & calm, communication-focused skills for 2nd+ English speakers, conversational depth through coaching questions, mindset & reflective practices, and enjoyment of the process for an embodied communication experience.My fascination with people's stories is how this podcast has come to be to show that connection can be formed through being curious about people's lives and the way they weave through their days.  In episode 2, I speak to Felipe Coelho. We dive deep into his language-learning process in New York, what he's learnt from that process, whether you can truly be the same person in any language you speak, and how bad marketing has led to the proliferation of needing to sound like a native speaker. Felipe Coelho is a Brazilian English teacher, content creator, and entrepreneur known for his viral videos that blend humor, cultural insights, and real-life English.With over 900,000 followers and millions of views, his content has helped thousands of Brazilians learn English in a fun and relatable way.Felipe lived in New York City for several years, and his experience navigating real-life English after years of classroom learning became the inspiration for many of his videos. His style is spontaneous, authentic, and focused on making English learning practical and engaging.He’s currently developing an AI-powered platform to help people personalize their language learning experience.Sit back and enjoy just a little slice of Felipe's story. Be sure to check him onhttps://www.instagram.com/inglescomfelipe1And me onhttps://www.instagram.com/englishandsukhihttps://linktr.ee/EnglishAndSukhiAll Episodes

Welcome to Speaking Of Stories. I'm Sukhi (he/him), a 2nd+ English communication coach, merging mindfulness techniques for presence & calm, communication-focused skills for 2nd+ English speakers, conversational depth through coaching questions, reflective practices, and enjoyment of the process for an embodied communication experience. My fascination with people's stories is how this podcast has come to be to show that connection can be formed through being curious about people's lives and the way they weave through their days. In episode 1, I speak to "Teacher Kay."Kayla McKesey (she/her) is a descendant of Jamaican and Belizean teachers who made Canada their home two generations ago. Her roots, culture, and lived experience shape her worldview and are the foundation of her teaching philosophy. Based in Toronto, Kayla began her English teaching journey in São Paulo, Brazil, where she founded Diaspora English Learning—a platform that celebrates the diverse cultures and identities of the English-speaking world while helping students become confident, powerful communicators. She is also the creator of Sincerely Teaching, a teacher training initiative focused on identity, decolonization, and language justice through conscious teaching. Through her work, Kayla is committed to creating liberated learning spaces where English language education is reimagined as a tool for self-expression and empowerment—not assimilation.Sit back, and enjoy her story. Instagram: @englishandsukhiwww.instagram.com/englishandsukhiInstagram: @sincerelyteachingenglishhttps://www.sincerelyteaching.com