In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jonathan H., an English teacher with over 25 years of experience teaching across countries, systems, and learning contexts. Their conversation explores how shame often enters language learning early through schooling and exams, and how it continues to shape adult learners long after.
They discuss the difference between fluency and perfection, why exams are only snapshots rather than full measures of ability, and how real-world communication values clarity and connection more than grammatical accuracy. Jonathan also shares his experience running a long-term speaking challenge across multiple languages and reflects on what sustainable consistency actually looks like.
The episode touches on curiosity, generalism, and designing learning rhythms that are compassionate rather than punishing — asking what becomes possible when learning is rooted in care instead of pressure.
Show notes and guest info: https://wecultivate.world/podcast
