Go Natural English Podcast | Listening & Speaking Lessons

Why does English feel easy when you read it, but suddenly impossible when people speak? In this episode, I break down the real reason listening is the hardest skill for intermediate and advanced English learners. The problem isn't your vocabulary or grammar. It's that spoken English doesn't sound the way it looks, and most learners were trained through textbooks, not real conversation. You'll learn how native speakers actually listen and speak in everyday English, including why words disappear, sounds blend together, and phrases matter more than individual vocabulary. I share 10 practical strategies you can use in just 10 minutes a day to improve your English listening and comprehension, plus real examples of fast, natural speech that usually confuse learners. This episode covers why reading and listening are not the same skill, how to train your ear before your brain, why learning phrases instead of words changes everything, and how to measure listening progress the right way. If you understand English when you read but struggle to follow real conversations at work or in social situations, this episode will help you start rebuilding your listening skills through sound, not text. To join the waitlist for my Fluent Communication program, visit gonaturalenglish.com/prereg.

Talking About Climate Change with Confidence: A Conversation with Dr. Alice Alpert Climate change is a topic that affects every one of us, yet it can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even polarizing. That's why I was excited to welcome Dr. Alice Alpert, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, to the Go Natural English podcast. Dr. Alpert studies emerging climate technologies, evaluates their real-world impact, and works with teams focused on methane, climate policy, and international sustainability partnerships. In our conversation, we explored misconceptions, sources of hope, daily sustainability habits, and clear English vocabulary related to the climate conversation. What Does a Climate Scientist Do? Dr. Alpert evaluates new climate solutions, from clean energy to carbon-removal technologies to sustainable farming. Her work starts with two key questions: Does this solution meaningfully help reduce climate impact? What are the trade-offs or challenges that come with it? Her job is not just to imagine solutions but to determine what actually works. The Biggest Misunderstanding About Climate Change Dr. Alpert explained that a major misconception is the idea that climate action is "all or nothing." People often believe: "It's too late to do anything," or "It's someone else's responsibility." Both mindsets lead to inaction. "You don't have to be perfect," she said. "Every step forward helps. The idea of 'everything or nothing' isn't useful." How She Stays Hopeful Climate news can feel heavy, so I asked what keeps her motivated. Her answer was simple: the future. "I have three kids. That's three votes for the future. We are moving in the right direction, and I think we'll get most of the way there." Her optimism is practical and rooted in evidence. Many climate solutions are already working and becoming more affordable. Misconceptions About Sustainability, Especially in Texas One surprising part of our conversation was about renewable energy in Texas. Many people assume Texas is not sustainable, but the opposite is true. Texas produces more clean energy than any other U.S. state, and by a huge margin. Wind, solar, and battery storage are growing rapidly. Much of this growth is driven by economics, not ideology. "It's the cheapest energy," she said. "People are making money from it." Another misconception is that sustainability is always more expensive. In reality, the cheapest new energy to build today is solar. Short-Term Costs vs. Long-Term Benefits Many sustainable choices cost more upfront but save money over time: installing solar panels, buying an electric vehicle, or purchasing high-quality items that last longer. I shared the example of clothing I've kept for more than a decade. A well-made sweater ended up costing less over time than several cheaper ones. Dr. Alpert agreed. "The upfront investment is real. But long-term thinking matters." Everyday Sustainability: What Works for You Dr. Alpert emphasized that sustainability should be personal and realistic. A few examples we discussed: Thrifting and Secondhand Shopping Buying used items reduces waste and builds community. Reusing Items for Children Circulating children's items among families increases their lifespan and reduces unnecessary purchases. Flexible Eating Habits She chooses what feels natural. She doesn't eliminate any foods, but she eats less beef because she doesn't enjoy it much and knows it has a higher climate impact. Her philosophy is simple: do what works for your lifestyle, not someone else's. Cultural Differences in Sustainability Many listeners of Go Natural English live in the United States but grew up abroad. If that describes you, you may have noticed differences in: recycling habits how food is packaged energy use transportation diet choices We would love to hear about your experiences and what surprised you when comparing sustainability practices around the world. Key English Vocabulary for Talking About Climate Change Because much climate information is published in English, we reviewed several useful terms. Carbon footprint The amount of greenhouse gases created by an activity. Carbon neutral No net increase in emissions; emissions are balanced by removals. Renewable or clean energy Energy sources that do not rely on fossil fuels. Examples include wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and sometimes nuclear. Fossil fuels Coal, oil, and natural gas. Dr. Alpert jokingly compared them to "burning dinosaurs." Move the needle To make a meaningful impact or measurable improvement. In the same boat Facing the same challenge or depending on the same shared resource. Individual Actions and Leadership Actions While individual choices matter, Dr. Alpert pointed out something important: You cannot expect one person to "save the world." Leadership and policy matter too. So how do we hold leaders accountable? Voting, especially at the local level Joining conservation-minded organizations Speaking up through social media or letters Staying informed on local policies Supporting leaders who prioritize clean energy and sustainability These steps make a meaningful difference. Where to Learn More Dr. Alpert recommends two easy places to start: The book "Not the End of the World" by Hannah Ritchie 📘 https://amzn.to/4nWcJ4L A simple online search for "Guide to what you can do about climate change" She found this produces highly practical resources. Her Approach in One Sentence "Do your best and forget the rest." Sustainability does not require perfection. It requires participation and consistency. What Will You Try Next? Is there one small action you feel inspired to try this week? Have you noticed differences in sustainability habits between countries? Share your experience in the comments on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/OrspTd7eSyk Your perspective might inspire someone else. If you'd like more conversations like this—combining expert insights with practical English learning—follow the Go Natural English podcast for upcoming episodes.

Stop Giving Embarrassing Answers — Improve Your Speaking 133% with the D.N.A.S. Method 🗣️ Episode Description: Have you ever left an interview, meeting, or conversation thinking, "Ugh… why did I say it like that?" You're not alone. Even smart, well-educated professionals often sound less intelligent than they really are — not because of their ideas, but because of how they answer questions. In this episode, Gabby Wallace (founder of Go Natural English) reveals her D.N.A.S. Method — a 4-step system that helps you organize your thoughts, speak clearly, and sound instantly more confident in English. 💡 What You'll Learn: Why most people give messy, disorganized answers (and how to fix it) The #1 secret to sounding smart and fluent — even under pressure How to answer questions confidently in interviews, meetings, and conversations The 4 steps of the D.N.A.S. Method: D = Direct answer N = Numbers to structure your points A = Anecdote or analogy S = Summary to finish strong 🎯 Whether you're speaking English at work, studying abroad, or leading a team — this episode will help you transform the way you communicate so people actually listen and respect your ideas. ✨ Full Lesson + Practice: Get the complete lesson, transcript, quiz, and worksheet here 👇 👉 https://gonaturalenglish.com/DNAS 🎧 Perfect for: ESL learners, professionals, interview prep, business communication, and anyone who wants to speak English clearly, confidently, and naturally. #EnglishSpeaking #GoNaturalEnglish #FluentCommunication #PublicSpeaking #InterviewTips #SpeakConfidently #EnglishPodcast #LearnEnglish #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalEnglish  

🗣 Business English for Negotiations — How to Say "No" Without Sounding Rude Learn how to say "no" politely and confidently in English! In this Business English lesson, you'll discover 5 professional ways to say "no" without offending anyone — perfect for meetings, negotiations, and workplace conversations. You'll learn my 5 C's Framework for polite refusals — practical phrases, real examples, tone tips, and short dialogues to sound confident in business English conversations. 🎯 What You'll Learn ✅ How to say "no" politely and professionally in English ✅ 5C's method: Check, Conditional Yes, Choice, Care, and Close ✅ Real negotiation dialogues for business situations ✅ Pronunciation and intonation to sound natural ✅ Why "no" earns respect — not rejection 💬 Useful Phrases "Let me check and get back to you by Friday." "We can do that if we extend the deadline." "That may not work, but what if we try this approach?" "I completely understand, but unfortunately that's beyond our budget." "I appreciate the offer, but we'll have to decline at this time." ⏰ Timestamps 00:00 – Why saying "no" is so hard 00:15 – Recovering from being a "yes" person 00:35 – Why saying no earns respect 01:13 – When to use the 5 C's method 01:28 – Let's get started 01:36 – Why this is an essential skill 02:03 – Introducing the 5 C's Framework 02:28 – Fluent Communication 5.0 invitation 03:00 – Cultural differences: what "no" means around the world 03:32 – Direct vs. indirect communication (US, Japan, Brazil) 04:46 – How to be politely direct 05:02 – C1: Check (Delay Technique) 05:40 – Example: responding to your boss 05:57 – Why "Check" buys you time 06:09 – C2: Conditional Yes 06:28 – Example: realistic negotiation condition 06:50 – C3: Choice (Offer an alternative) 07:03 – Example: different timeline 07:20 – C4: Care (Show empathy) 07:52 – Example: understanding the other person's stress 08:41 – C5: Close Firmly (Polite but clear "No") 09:13 – Use softeners like "just" or "at this time" 09:34 – Pronunciation: rising vs. falling tone 09:54 – Practice tone examples 10:12 – Role Play 1: Client asks for a discount 10:44 – Role Play 2: Boss asks for extra work 11:10 – Quiz & Recap of the 5 C's 12:40 – Why clear "no" = respect and confidence 13:00 – Next lesson preview: How to say "Yes" effectively 13:52 – Subscribe & join Fluent Communication 5.0 waitlist 14:08 – Closing 🚀 Want to Speak Fluent, Confident Business English? Join Fluent Communication 5.0 — my live coaching program for advanced English speakers who want to sound natural, intelligent, and persuasive in real business conversations. 👉 Join the Waitlist Here 🎥 Next Lesson: How to Sound Fluent in Job Interviews — Advanced Phrases and Answers 📩 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss it!   Episode keywords: business english, how to say no politely, polite english phrases, english for professionals, english at work, negotiation english, english communication skills, business english conversation, how to refuse politely, english fluency training, english conversation practice, professional english speaking, fluent communication, gonaturalenglish, english lessons for advanced learners  

Too many talented, experienced professionals get overlooked at work—not because they aren't qualified, but because they stay quiet. In this episode, Gabby Wallace from Go Natural English shares 10 powerful phrases you can use to speak up in meetings, express your opinions confidently, and get noticed for the capable person you truly are. You'll learn how to join a fast-paced conversation, agree or disagree politely, ask clarifying questions, and summarize key points without sounding nervous or rude. Whether you're an intermediate or advanced English learner—or even a native speaker—these practical expressions will help you sound more natural, professional, and self-assured in any business setting. Plus, Gabby explains why speaking up (even with mistakes) is far better than staying silent, how to use small attention-getting words like "well" and "um" to hold the floor, and why confident communication is essential for career growth in English-speaking workplaces. If you're ready to stop being overlooked and start being heard, this episode is for you. Join the English Insiders waitlist for advanced lessons, feedback, and community practice at gonaturalenglish.com/insiders. New episodes every week. Subscribe, share, and keep growing your authentic English fluency with Go Natural English.