The Just Start Talking Podcast

Today’s episode is about something we all have to do, especially when we travel. We have to ask for help. And let’s be honest, asking for help can feel a little awkward, even in your first language. In another language, it can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops.

So today, I want to make this simple, clear, and actually kind of fun. We’re heading to a big European train station.  People everywhere, suitcase wheels clicking ...

Today, we’re exploring one small change that can have a huge impact on your English learning journey.

Have you ever thought about switching the language on your phone to English?  It might sound simple, but this tiny change can completely transform how you learn — helping you build vocabulary, confidence, and real-world fluency without even opening a textbook.

In this episode, we’ll talk about how changing your phone settings to En...

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Just Start Talking Podcast — the show that helps you build confidence and fluency in real-world English conversations. I’m your host, Jody, and in today’s episode — “Ordering in a Café: Making Requests” — we’re diving into one of the most useful everyday English skills: how to order politely and naturally in a café.

Whether you’re traveling abroad, studying English in Europe, or just want to sound ...

Today’s episode is all about something super practical — how to go through airport security in English. Whether you’re traveling for the first time or the fiftieth, airport security can be stressful — and even more so if English isn’t your first language. But don’t worry — by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what to say, how to understand the officers, and how to make polite requests in English.

So grab your passport — ...

Ready to travel confidently in English? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about how to check in at the airport in English — from the right travel vocabulary to useful phrases and grammar for making polite requests.

If you’ve ever felt nervous speaking to an airline agent or confused at the check-in counter, this episode will help you sound natural and feel prepared. You’ll learn how to:

• Use common airp...

Feeling tired, unmotivated, or stuck in your English learning journey? You’re not alone — burnout happens to every language learner at some point. In this episode, we share four practical ways to fight burnout, stay motivated, and make learning English fun again. Discover how to change your study routine, set realistic goals, connect with others, and celebrate your progress — all while keeping your confidence and consistency strong...

Today, we’re diving into a super practical topic: traveling on a bus. Whether you’re hopping on a city bus to get to work or taking a long-distance bus to explore a new place, knowing the right words and phrases can make your journey so much easier. In this episode, we’ll cover five key vocabulary words related to bus travel, three common phrases you’ll use when buying a ticket or riding a bus, and we’ll do a short role-play conver...

In this episode of The Just Start Talking Podcast, we break down the building blocks of clear English sentences — from Subject + Verb, to Verb + Object, to Place + Time. Using cozy autumn examples, you’ll learn how to form sentences that sound natural and confident. Whether you’re describing crisp air, raking leaves, or sipping hot chocolate, we show how structure helps your English flow.  Ideal for beginners and intermediate learn...

Today, we’re diving into something everybody deals with… introducing yourself.

Whether it’s at work, in class, at a networking event, or even just meeting someone new in your neighborhood, introductions can feel awkward. Sometimes you don’t know what to say. Sometimes you say too much. And sometimes, the nerves just take over, and your brain decides to hit the pause button.

Sound familiar? Yeah. We’ve all been there.

But here’s the...

Today’s episode is all about How to Practice Speaking Skills Using AI. Speaking can feel like the toughest part of learning English, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s totally doable—and even fun!  

We’re diving into five sections today to make this super actionable: First, we’ll explore how AI voice assistants can help you practice speaking. Then, we’ll look at speech-practice apps for instant feedback. Next, we’ll talk...

Today, we’re diving into a super practical topic: How to Learn Vocabulary Effectively. Whether you’re just starting or brushing up on your skills, this episode is packed with tips to help you grow your word bank in a smart, sustainable way. 

So, grab a notebook, a cup of tea—or coffee, no judgment here—and let’s get started! We have four sections today to break it all down: First, we’ll discuss why context is king when learning voc...

If you speak a language like Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or Turkish, you might notice something interesting: those languages don’t really use articles. You can talk perfectly fine without them.

Today’s episode is about a topic that seems small but is actually a huge part of speaking English clearly: articles. You know them—a, an, and the.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

• Why articles exist in English.
• What purpose do t...

Today’s topic is one I'm frequently asked about: Past Simple vs. Past Continuous in Business Communications.

We’re going to break it down so you can understand not just the grammar rules, but also the why—why we choose one tense over the other, and how that choice changes the way people hear your message in a business setting.

In professional communication, small details make a big difference. The tense you choose affects clarity, ...

Today we’re focusing on a really useful topic: pairs of phrases that look similar, sound similar, but actually mean different things. These are the kinds of small details that can confuse learners. And when you mix them up, sometimes people still understand you — but it doesn’t sound quite right.

So, in this episode, we’re going to look at:

• On time versus In time
• At the end versus In the end

By the end of this episode, y...

Now, many of you are learning English because you want to use it in everyday life. And what’s more everyday than ordering food? Especially pizza! Ordering a pizza might sound simple, but when you’re on the phone—without seeing the person—it can feel stressful.

Don’t worry. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll feel confident making a pizza order in English over the phone for delivery. I’ll teach you five important vocabulary words,...

Our topic today? How to know what to say when you need to make small talk in social situations.

Now, I know for some of you, hearing the words “small talk” makes you want to run the other way. You might think: Ugh, it feels fake. Or maybe you freeze and have no idea what to say. Or you’re just not a fan of talking to strangers.

But here’s the truth: small talk isn’t magic. It’s not something you’re born knowing how to do. It’s a sk...