Shows
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Travel with an Open Mind in your SuitcasePetra Kovacova, a Slovak national, is a traveller, passionate language learner, and teacher/mentor who helps others optimize and navigate their learning processes. She has lived in and explored several countries, which allowed her to enhance the quality of each experience; connect with local people; and appreciate the simple things in each place.
Being a slow and mindful traveller challenged her beliefs, helped her learn about herself, and embrace the unknown. She has lived in many countries, most extensively in Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, and the United States of America (USA).
Teaching abroad became her...2024-06-2840 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...To Feel is to Heal - the power of words to overcome the pain and disappointments in lifeIn this episode I interview Italian national Marina Puviana, a university student, aspiring journalist and writer of short, powerful poems about the human experience.
We talk about Marina's love of ballet, but then the disappointment as she came to the self-realisation that this was a career in which she could not excel, despite her passion and love of the discipline.
Following this - as a trigger warning - Marina talks openly about her experiences of bullying and of how she overcame the opinions and taunts of others to build her own positive self-worth, self-esteem and...2024-06-1843 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 43-48)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the eighth part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed of two parallel storylines; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
2024-04-1842 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 37-42)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the seventh part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed of two parallel storylines; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
2024-04-0339 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Electric Vehicles - the future is now?In this episode I return to my regular interview format as I talk with Slovak national Martin Salamon from the company, ejoin, about the improvements required in the infrastruture for a country wishing to significantly increase the use of electric vehicles.
ejoin is a Slovak manufacturer of charging stations for electric vehicles, charging stations, chargers, and electromobility.
The ejoin website is available at: https://ejoin.eu/
Martin and I discuss the benefits of electric vehicles versus diesel vehicles (such as my 19-year-old Landrover), not just in terms of environmental sustainability, but also in...2024-04-0243 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 31-36)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the sixth part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed of two parallel storylines; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
2024-03-2748 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 25-30)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the fifth part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed of two parallel storylines; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
2024-03-2044 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 19-24)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the fourth part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed of two parallel storylines; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
2024-03-1445 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Imposter Syndrome - Back to Basics - with Michaela Smith (An International Women's Day Special)In this special edition launched to celebrate International Women's Day 2024, I again interview popular guest, Michaela Smith, a Slovak national working as a conscious leadership coach, focusing on supporting people to overcome Imposter Syndrome.
Michaela goes back to basics, defining Imposter Syndrome, formerly known as Imposter Phenomenon, and briefly references the controversial research which was carried out on a group of only women as research subjects in the 1970's.
We discuss whether this is a topic of relevance only to women and share personal experiences which illustrate the damage that Imposter Syndrome can do to...2024-03-0750 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Pronunciation Principles in French and EnglishIn a return to my more regular format of Interviewer/Guest I would like to introduce Isabelle Cottenet, a French language speaker who works as a translator and French language pronunciation coach.
We talk about the challenges of developing a confident and proficient accent in French and make comparisons with the issues in developing an English Language accent that learners are proud of.
We compare the two languages, French and English, and consider the fact that at least a third of 'English' words are derived from French, going back to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
2024-03-0647 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 13-18)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the third part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed in two parts; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
...2024-03-0552 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 7-12)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the second part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed in two parts; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
...2024-02-2845 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Forever in Florence (Chapters 1-6)In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audio book in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
There will be other podcasts coming shortly in the more regular format, don't worry!
This episode therefore introduces you to my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed in two parts; with the stories being presented...2024-02-2346 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Brain-friendly Language Learning with Natasha BechtholdtNatasha Bechtholdt is an English and Spanish teacher, coach and facilitator from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has been teaching languages for more than 13 years now.
She has several certifications and diplomas in language teaching, life coaching, #neuropsychoeducation, innovation and technology in education and translation, apart from being a passionate language learner.
She delivers 1-1 English and Spanish lessons as well as group courses and teacher training workshops.
In this episode we talk about new approaches to language learning which are more brain-friendly, especially for adult learners. These are defined as those that offer a...2024-02-0941 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Emotional Intelligence in the Language Learning ProcessIn this episode I interview educator Silvina Andrea Fernandes from Buenos Aires, Argentina about the role emotional intelligence plays in the language learning process.
Silvina describes two key components of Emotional Intelligence, being 'intrapersonal emotional intelligence' and 'interpersonal emotional intelligence'.
She defines these and gives practical examples of how she trains young people and teachers to develop the necessary attributes of curiosity, trust, surprise, resilience, determination, patience, courage, risk-taking and critically self-love in order to become successful learners, teachers or managers.
Silvina is a trained teacher of English as a Foreign Language and...2024-02-0148 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...CV Writing for Success with Ian VinerIn this episode I interview Ian Viner of the company CV Writing Services which was set up and is managed by CV Writing Consultant Ian Viner who has over 30 years' management experience gained in a variety of small to medium sized companies covering a wide range of industries.
Ian also has a broad range of leadership, coaching and mentoring skills. In recent years Ian has used these CV Writing Consultant skills both within companies and independently to assist a wide range of people in their job search as well as to cope with redundancy.
With ex...2024-01-3040 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Productized Services Model with Edita AngyalováIn this episode I interview Slovak entrepreneur Edita Angyalová from the Terzos company about the Productized Services Model. This is where companies develop and package their existing and sometimes new services into sellable products which they then promote in the Business to Business (B2B) marketplace.
Edita emphasises the importance of high quality services which are effective and efficient being selected to be further developed into marketable products. We also discuss the process of packaging these products; price banding; the opportunities for selling products at scale; and the benefits of transparency and clarity which come from developing p...2024-01-2653 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Choose your Voice - with Sonya RossSonya Ross is a voice, speech and pronunciation coach.
Since 2006, when she completed her MA in Voice Studies, she’s helped thousands of international professionals express their valuable ideas clearly, smoothly, confidently and authentically in business and in life. She’s based between London and Hastings, UK – and globally available online.
Sonya and I discuss her Top 10 Tips for Clear Pronunciation in English, a PDF of which is available via the links below. Sonya will shortly be producing a video of these tips in action. When that video is available, I will provide a direct link t...2024-01-1854 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Empowering Women with Eva LelkesEva Lelkes is an internationally active mentor & coach empowering women.
As a former top executive and a devoted change maker she supports professional women to harness their masculine drive and step into their feminine power, so they can chill with no guilt while creating a life which feels light and true.
As the author of her 'Femme Fatale' mentoring program she empowers women to CHOOSE their destiny.
We talk about her executive work as a senior manager and how experiences of burnout and anxiety led her to choose and follow her true calling.2023-12-2050 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Movie Club: A Community for Film-loving English Language LearnersCara Leopold is the creator of the Leo Listening Movie Club, a community where she helps film-loving non-native English speakers understand and discuss movies together so they can master conversational English.
Find out more about the Movie Club at: https://leo-listening.com/movie-club/
Many people enjoy watching films (British English) or movies (American English), but find following the dialogues challenging. With Cara's support and with fellow members of the Movie Club, you work through guided activities to help you get the most out of your film/movie watching experience.
In this podcast, I a...2023-11-1629 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Spinning the Globe - Language, Culture and HomeIn this episode I interview poet, teacher and writer Kathy Ellis, M.Ed.
Kathy delivers a range of services from her home in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States of America and these include:
Language Coaching, Training, and Instruction in workplace scenarios, job search, TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, and general English competency
Cross-cultural communication competency skills for the global workplace, Licensed in Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and Cultural Detective
In the podcast we discuss our separate motivations for teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language and find that our career pat...2023-10-3143 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Relational Communication in English - creating a new entityIn this episode I interview David Cabezas Ferreras from Málaga, Andalusia, Spain, an experienced English Language Coach with his own teaching business.
We discuss the very purpose of language learning, focussing on the communicative aspects of language acquisition and use and the need to build relationships with others.
We touch on aspects of marketing, using our own businesses as examples and consider how new software tools, such as ChaptCPT, for example, provide new opportunities to consider how to market businesses and services to others.
An important topic in our conversation is the g...2023-10-1952 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English with Purpose - Getting a Job in the USA - Challenges, Networking and Promoting Yourself with ConfidenceIn this episode I interview Julie Yoder, an experienced English language coach based in the Washington, DC area. Her company, 'English With Purpose', helps international professionals working for a better world eliminate any final communication barriers, unlock career potential, and confidently lead teams in English.
We discuss the importance of networking; putting yourself forward, or promoting your skills and abilities, in order to get the job you aspire to; confidence building; and presentation skills. We consider the challenges foreign language speakers of English have when they have to engage in social chit-chat outside the formal presentation context...2023-09-2446 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Any Language You Want - with Fabio CerpelloniIn this episode I interview author, teacher and minimalist, Fabio Cerpelloni.
Fabio describes himself as a language learner, teacher, blogger, podcaster, writer, traveller, storyteller, nonfiction reader, and minimalist. English is his second language. Learning it became such a great passion that he ended up teaching it professionally in New Zealand, Spain, Ireland, and Italy, his native country. He has a lot of tips for language learners but the best advice he could give them is to question all the learning advice you receive.
Find out more about him on his website: www.fabiocerpelloni.com
Fab...2023-09-2248 min
HaskinCast Podcast348 Album Review - Celebrating The Life Of John Lawton CD #2Whether you know him from Uriah Heep, Lucifer’s Friend or any of the other things he’s done, you can certainly see why he stood out as such an amazing vocalist. We’re onto CD #2 Let’s dig in!Album Links:Cherry Red Records:https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/john-lawton-celebrating-the-life-of-john-lawton-2cd/iTunes:N/AAmazon:https://www.amazon.com/Celebrating-Life-John-Lawton/dp/B0C4PCWN3C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=300CP31UCP891&keywords=Celebrating+The+Life+Of+John+Lawton&qid=1686377960&sprefix=celebrating+the+life+o...2023-09-1243 minHaskinCast Podcast347 Album Review - Celebrating The Life Of John Lawton CD #1I first knew of John Lawton from The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast and later learned he did three albums with Uriah Heep (Firefly, Innocent Victim and Fallen Angel). It is no surprise the outpour of affection for this wonderful singer, now immortalized on this 2 CD set from Cherry Red Records. Let’s dig in to CD #1!Album Links:Cherry Red Records:https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/john-lawton-celebrating-the-life-of-john-lawton-2cd/iTunes:N/AAmazon:https://www.amazon.com/Celebrating-Life-John-Lawton/dp/B0C4P...2023-09-121h 02
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Healing from Trauma - How to break through the self-sabotage cycleIn this episode I interview writer and trauma therapist/coach Brooke Bownes, author of the book, 'You can Have It!: How to break through the self-sabotage cycle' (September, 2021).
Brooke and I discuss what trauma is, where it comes from, how it manifests or shows itself, and how it can affect us throughout our lives.
There are some delicate or sensitive topics discussed in this episode which may serve as a trigger or reminder for some people; identifying with their own trauma.
We define the terms and words that are currently being used in...2023-08-0340 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Calling to Millions - How to write and publish your inner bookIn today’s episode I interview Ismet (Isse) Muratspahic as we discuss:
- How to go on a self-discovery journey with your inner book
- How to structure a business and personal brand by creating a book asset and,
- How to follow your calling with authenticity and attract your tribe (aka how to market your book).
Ismet (Isse) Muratspahic is an author and founder of Calling to Millions where he inspires individuals to follow their inner calling by following their inner book.
In the podcast, Ismet a...2023-07-1955 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Critical Thinking and Global Education - hope for a better worldIn this episode, I interview Zuzana Labašová from the Centre of Environmental and Ethical Education Živica, based in Pliešovce, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia.
We discuss her work; her motivations for getting involved in educating teachers; and the impact she sees on people on a personal and professional level.
A migrant during childhood, an inhabitant of a tiny island in the Mediterranean, a foreigner in her own country, a family member of Indian-South African refugees in the United States, a mother of a half-Indian child growing up in central Slovakia, an eco-village dweller for 15 years – all th...2023-07-1751 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Imposter Syndrome - How do I get rid of it?In this episode, I again interview transformational coach, Michaela Smith about 'Imposter Syndrome', which many leaders experience at least once in their lives or careers. Where does this feeling of being, 'not good enough' or, 'not worthy' and the associated 'fear of failure' come from, and what can be done to change it?
Read on below and listen to the podcast to book your free 90-minute consultation with Michaela.
Born in then communist Czecho-Slovakia Michaela has always dreamt of being able to travel and experience the world without the restrictions of the repressive regime.
2023-06-1655 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Mentoring Support for Divorce and Separation - with Gabby SosaIn this episode I interview Gabby Sosa, a mentor who supports individuals at a challenging time of their lives. She works with people who are going through a separation or divorce and provides practical guidance to help people fully understand what's happening to them.
In Gabby's own words:
My marriage was never meant to happen but because I didn´t listen to my intuition, which at that time I had no idea what it was about, I committed to something unwanted, unpleasant, lacking trust and in false hope of changing my ex-husband. Years went by a...2023-05-2548 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Jewellery from Prague by Antonie LecherIn this episode I interview Czech jewellery maker and designer Antonie Lecher.
We talk about the inspiration for her unique pieces which she sees as a cocktail of art deco, antique and minimalist styles, with echoes of the natural environment.
Antonie discusses the challenges faced when launching a new business during the COVID pandemic and how marketing is in itself an additional skill which she has had to learn. She talks about the barriers and challenges faced when developing a new business and how these can be overcome with a positive mindset, support from friends...2023-05-1523 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Joining the Dots - Lifelong Learning for Career AdvancementTímea Reicher is an Executive MBA graduate of the WU Executive Academy of the Vienna University of Economics and Business and University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management (USA). We talk about her career and how learning has always been a key part of her personal and professional development.
Tímea has been with SLOVNAFT, part of the MOL group of companies, for over 17 years and in the podcast she describes the various roles she has undertaken in that time. Again, Tímea emphasises the role learning has played in her career advancement, leading to her now be...2023-04-0447 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...How Organizations SHOULD WorkIn this episode, I interview celebrated author N. Dean Meyer about his book: 'How Organizations SHOULD Work: envisioning a high-performing organization made of a network of internal entrepreneurs', released in June 2022.
The book provides:
A detailed vision (blueprint) of the end-state operating model - to help you craft and communicate your own vision.
All the mechanics - solid principles of design, and clear frameworks to help you design your organization in a fact-based manner.
Implementation processes - participative processes that engage your leadership team in designing your organization.
A case study.
Analysis...2023-03-2436 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Back to the future - challenges, choices and change (via Canada)In this episode, I interview Leadership Coach Petra Holic both about her early life experiences and her current work with individuals and teams.
Talking about her childhood and her inspirational mother, Petra describes how, as a young family, they twice attempted to leave Czechoslovakia during the socialist era, but were prevented from doing so on each occasion. Despite her mother being taken as a political prisoner, Petra and her sister defiantly held on to each other and their dreams of fleeing to another country, eventually emigrating with their mother to Canada after the Velvet Revolution.
...2023-03-2148 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Story and Structure: A complete guideIn this episode, I interview Leon Conrad, an author, educator, and story structure consultant and author of the multi-award-winning book, Story and Structure: A complete guide which won the IPNE Book of the Year Award for 2022. His next book, Master the Art and Craft of Writing is due out in 2023.
Story and Structure: A complete guide is about story—as a dynamic force of life. It explores the deep structures which underpin stories. Leon argues that by following story back to its source, we can find more flow in our lives.
For Leon, story has a purpose. Story generally appears whe...2023-02-0150 min
Uriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFree ’n’ Easy - RevisitedA re-dive into the song Free ‘n’ Easy by Uriah Heep.
Choices and the Every Day Rocks! boxed sets can be ordered here and you should do it soon as quantities are limited. Made available now by Uriah Heep and BMG Records! Check out my Every Day Rocks! unboxing video here!
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
...2023-01-2018 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Little Voices - Singing and Drama for ChildrenIn this episode, I interview Jane James, the founder of the Little Voices franchise network in the United Kingdom. Little Voices provides singing and drama (or acting) classes for children and young people from the ages of 4 - 18 years.
Jane trained as an opera singer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland after gaining a degree at the University of Sheffield. She brought her love for the performing arts into her teaching career, establishing the Little Voices Franchise Network in 2007.
Little Voices has been, and always will be, about excellence and caring for each and every...2023-01-0652 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Ayurveda as a Positive Lifestyle ChoiceIn this extended episode, I interview Dr. Venu Panicker and Michaela Fábry Pardubská, MBA about the life science of Ayurveda. Originating in India about 5000 years ago, many of the descriptions of Ayurveda are given in the original Sanskrit form in which the Hindu Vedas were written, with an English equivalent given by Dr Venu as he guides us through the key elements of Ayurveda.
You will hear about the Panchakarmas - or five (5) cleansing procedures which are used to detoxify the body. These are Vamana – vomiting; Virechana – purgation; Vasthi – enemas; Nasya – nasal drops; and Raktha moksha – or blood let...2022-12-2852 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Women's Empowerment in Business - An International Women’s Day SpecialIn celebration of International Women’s Day which this year aims to promote digital literacy for women and girls, I interview Monika Kočiová who leads the Center for International Private Enterprise's (CIPE’s) portfolio of programs across Central and Eastern Europe as a Program Officer, based in Bratislava, Slovakia. Her work focuses mostly on strengthening the capacity of the private sector to advocate for constructive policy reform, advancing the role of women leaders, and strengthening overall the business and governance environment.
Monika previously served as the Director of the Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Košice...2022-12-2634 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...How to Speak so People ListenCaroline E. King is the founder of Vocal Assets which is a speaking company based in Somerset, UK, focusing on you being able to show up as your best you and being able to communicate that with style, resonance and gravitas. In this episode we talk about how to use the natural sound of your voice, but to enhance it in a way which makes it pleasant to listen to and which carries its message perhaps more powerfully.
Caroline sang with The London Philharmonic Choir which gave her the opportunity to sing in some of the best...2022-12-1636 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...The Value of Conscious LeadershipIn this episode, I interview Beth Jannery, CEO and founder of Titan, a woman owned small business specialising in strategic communications, advising and life coaching, working with C-Suite executives in Fortune 100 companies.
Beth and I explore the welcome and increasing trend to more conscious leadership in companies, organisations and groups, as well as in our personal lives within our families, relationships and friendship groups. We talk about what it means to be 'conscious', ''self-aware', 'present' or living in 'presence', compared to living a life full of drama, stress, anxiety and a feeling of things being out of or...2022-12-1041 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Conscious Leaders - who do you want to be?After a longer than expected summer break due to ill-health, I am back, nearly fighting fit, to share another episode of my conversational podcast with you, 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know'.
The general aim of the podcast series is to be entertaining for all listeners, as well as being educational, assisting upper-intermediate and advanced level English language students with additional listening practice. I've been told the podcasts are the perfect travelling companion for long car journeys, train rides and even for airplane adventures.
In this episode I again interview Slovak national Michaela Smith about...2022-10-0546 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Crime Stories in EnglishArguably the most popular genre or style of fictional writing in English is the crime novel. Many of the most popular series of books or short stories feature professional or amateur detectives seeking to solve crime, often murders.
What is it about this type of story that appeals? When did the genre first become popular? Who are some of the most famous authors and who are their leading protagonists, or lead characters, attempting to solve these fictional murders or major crimes?
I interview Dave Lee, an English Language and Literature graduate who has a real...2022-08-0136 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Confident Business Communication Skills in EnglishIn this episode I interview Laura Field, Director of Spoken Words, a company specialising in providing professional support to international clients who wish to improve their communication skills in the business environment.
Laura and I discuss what it takes to be an excellent communicator; how we sometimes are too critical of ourselves when speaking, which can have a negative impact on our confidence and competence; and we explore ways in which we can all continue to improve our communication and presentation skills in English.
Laura reveals her Top Three Tips for developing excellent communication skills...2022-05-1728 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Coaching High AchieversHello and welcome to my podcast John Scott Lawton's English, you know.
In this episode, I interview Michaela Smith a Leadership, Mindset and Transformational Coach.
Michaela has recently established herself as a professional, accredited coach focussing on working with high achievers; people who are driven to succeed and to have an impact, but who often suffer burnout because of the intense pressure they put on themselves to be successful.
Together we discuss the concepts of self-talk; self-doubt; self-awareness; burnout; mastering your heart and mind; and the role that listening to our gut feelings a...2022-02-2228 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Home thoughts from abroad: Travelling, Teaching and TimeWelcome to my podcast: 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know'.
In this rather different episode, I'm interviewed by one of my advanced level students, Mária from Slovakia, about my teaching career and my experiences of living and working in many different countries.
The episode is intended to provide live material for students who want to improve their listening skills by hearing natural dialogues in English; albeit in a question and answer format in an interview situation.
Here, the tables are turned with the student asking the questions of a teacher to elicit h...2022-02-1536 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Protecting Your VoiceWelcome to my podcast, 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know'. In this episode I interview Priscilla Morris from Loud and Clear Voice Coaching about the importance of protecting our speaking voice from overuse and damage.
Our voice is an essential part of our personality. Research has demonstrated that our voice is often as distinctive as our fingerprints, unique to each of us; often instantly recognisable to others; and a key part of our character. However, in certain occupations and through misuse, it is very easy to unintentionally damage the voice through simple overuse, or through straining the...2022-02-0434 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Childhood Memories of an EvacueeWelcome to my podcast, 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know'.
In this personal episode, I interview my 88-year-old mother, Muriel Lawton, about her experiences as a child growing up during the Second World War. She was evacuated, or moved, from the city of Manchester in England, to go to live with two families that she didn't know at first. In 1939, she was evacuated to Mobberley in Cheshire, just south of Manchester, which was then a perceived target of German bombers at the start of the war. When these attacks didn't come, she went back home to Manchester...2022-01-3027 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Veganism and Environmental ChangeIn this episode I interview Martina Gregorova, a Public Relations Officer at an international environmental organisation based in London, UK.
Martina is passionate about tackling the climate crisis and she became an accredited Climate Reality Leader in 2020. She spends her free time educating others how to take environmental action for positive change.
Martina is also an enthusiastic vegan and, in this episode, she talks about her own personal journey – when, how and why she became a vegan; how her friends and family reacted to her decision; and what she found difficult about the radical change in...2021-11-2838 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Fine Food and DrinkIn this episode, I interview Phil Tooley from Chesterfield, Derbyshire in the United Kingdom about his passion for fine dining - which involves seeking out the best restaurants to experience some of the highest quality dining experiences.
Phil and I discuss the importance of selecting the finest ingredients or produce from which skilled and experienced chefs create some of the best foodie experiences available. We also discuss the accompanying wines that should go with such meals and I challenge Phil to tell me what his favourite meal would be.
The podcast will be of interest...2021-11-0352 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Chesterfield Football ClubIn this episode, I interview Chesterfield Football Club supporter, Phil Tooley. Phil has been associated with his home town football club, Chesterfield FC, which is in Derbyshire, England, for over 40 years as a volunteer and reporter. He currently commentates on the club’s own internet radio station, 1866 Sport.
I ask Phil what he enjoys about a close involvement with the football club as a whole and we consider the crucial role the club's supporters have had in not only following the club's fortunes on the pitch, but off it, too, including being instrumental in the very survival of t...2021-11-0335 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Learning European LanguagesIn this episode I interview Robin Pardo Roques about his interest and experience of learning and teaching European Languages, in particular Spanish, Italian and, indeed, English. Robin is Head of Modern Foreign Languages in a Secondary School in Derbyshire, England. In this interview, we discuss his chance meeting in a lift (an elevator) that led to a life abroad and a career teaching languages.
Robin talks about how international exchanges, in particular the European Union's Erasmus Programme, led to adventures in football and culture before returning to the United Kingdom (UK) to pursue a career in language teach...2021-10-1731 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Living and Working Abroad (Part 2 of 2)In this the second part of the two-part episode of 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know', I again interview Slovak national Michaela Smith about her fascinating career, initially in the Commercial Hospitality sector, in particular, which has seen her live, work and travel to many different countries. More recently, Michaela has trained to become a Leadership and Transformational Coach to share her vast experiences of working with people to help others progress in their careers and to develop personally.
In this second episode, we follow Michaela on her exciting journey from Vietnam to work in Japan for 3 y...2021-09-2524 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Living and Working Abroad (Part 1 of 2)In this two-part episode of 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know', I interview Slovak national Michaela Smith about her fascinating career, initially in the Commercial Hospitality sector, in particular, which has seen her live, work and travel to many different countries. More recently, Michaela has trained to become a Leadership and Transformational Coach to share her vast experiences to help others progress in their careers and to develop personally. This is explored more fully in the second podcast.
In this first part, I ask Michaela what motivated her to want to leave Slovakia as a young woman...2021-09-2526 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Writing Fantasy Novels (Part 2 of 2)Welcome back to my podcast series. After a short summer break, I'm here again, this time interviewing Lívia Hlavačková, a Slovak author, who writes in both Slovak and English. This is the second part of a two-part episode. The first part is available with all my other podcast links.
Lívia is a medical doctor by training, but spends her days writing all sorts of text. She makes her living with medical writing, and she shares interesting medical topics in blogs and her regular newsletter and she loves writing fiction, mostly fantasy. She has written and...2021-09-0721 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Writing Fantasy Novels (Part 1 of 2)Welcome back to my podcast series. After a short summer break, I'm here again, this time interviewing Lívia Hlavačková, a Slovak author, who writes in both Slovak and English.
Lívia is a medical doctor by training, but spends her days writing all sorts of text. She makes her living with medical writing, and she shares interesting medical topics in blogs and her regular newsletter and she loves writing fiction, mostly fantasy. She has written and published many short stories and also a fantasy trilogy called 'Gwind', all in Slovak. The first part of the tril...2021-09-0725 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Men's Mental HealthIn this episode of 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know' I interview Asif Bhana as we talk about men's mental health issues.
We both talk openly about our experiences of encountering stress and anxiety in our own lives, often brought about through overwork or burnout. Why do we let this happen to us and what effects does it have on our mental and physical health, as well as on our friends and close family members?
We consider the need for men to talk more openly about their feelings, particularly in relation to their health, but...2021-07-1943 min
Uriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFeelings - Two VersionsA dive into the song Feelings by Uriah Heep
New BMG Boxed Set – Every Day Rocks:
https://uriahheep.lnk.to/EveryDayRocksPC
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 13-3
Song: Feelings
Air date: 7-5-2021
...2021-07-0535 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Idioms Explained - MiscellaneousIn this episode, I continue the exploration of the use of idioms in the English Language and talk to language enthusiast, Ivana about comparative idioms in the Slovak language, as well as her understanding of some familiar and less familiar idioms.
So, if you've ever wondered what it means when people warn you, "not to burn your bridges"; or indeed when something is described as being, "like water under the bridge", here's your chance to find out. "Don't miss the boat on this one" - take a listen and see if these descriptions help you make sense o...2021-06-1519 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Idioms Explained - Life LessonsIn this episode of my current podcast mini-series on English Language idioms, I speak to Slovak first language speaker Lucia Minačová about her love of reading in the English Language and how she sometimes finds idioms hard to comprehend, given their complexity.
Lucia challenges me to come up with explanations that make sense to her and we briefly discuss how frequently idioms are used in the Slovak language, compared to English.
So, if you've ever wondered what it means to, "get on like a house on fire" with someone; or need to "break the ic...2021-06-1531 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Idioms Explained - Body PartsIn this episode, I interview former colleague Asif Bhana about English Language Idioms involving parts of the human body - dead or alive!
What do idioms such as, 'I'm only pulling your leg', or, 'I'm all ears', actually mean? What is somebody actually trying to say when they've just got a new job and tell you that they've finally, 'got their foot in the door'?
The use of such idioms can be entertaining but confusing for foreign speakers of English, so, hopefully this short series of podcasts will go some way to explaining them and...2021-05-2830 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFree 'n' Easy Part C w/ Dave Moody - More ReviewA dive into the song Free ‘n’ Easy by Uriah Heep Part C w/Dave Moody
In the Lap of the Pods:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-lap-of-the-pods-queen-podcast/id1517814055
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 11-4
Song: Free ‘...2021-05-2522 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFree 'n' Easy Part B w/ Dave Moody - We ReviewA dive into the song Free ‘n’ Easy by Uriah Heep Part B w/Dave Moody
In the Lap of the Pods:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-lap-of-the-pods-queen-podcast/id1517814055
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 11-4
Song: Free ‘...2021-05-2523 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFree 'n' Easy Part A w/ Dave Moody - We TalkA dive into the song Free ‘n’ Easy by Uriah Heep Part A w/Dave Moody
In the Lap of the Pods:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-lap-of-the-pods-queen-podcast/id1517814055
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 11-4
Song: Free ‘n’ Easy
2021-05-2536 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastRollerA dive into the song Roller (Spiders From Mars cover) by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 11-3
Song: Roller
Air date: 5-24-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass...2021-05-2424 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Idioms Explained - Music and the DevilIn this episode, I again interview Sandra Hamrouni, an experienced English as a Foreign Language Teacher, about the use and origins of idioms in the English language. We explain where they might have originated from, although the derivation is not always clear.
We use example idioms from two thematic areas here - music and the Devil - in the second of a series of short programmes to assist English Language learners get to grips with these sometimes problematic phrases, or idioms.
Idioms such as, 'it's music to my ears' and '... better the Devil you...2021-05-2223 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFlyin' HighA dive into the song Flyin’ High by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 11-2
Song: Flyin’ High
Air date: 5-21-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass Guitar: Tre...2021-05-2112 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Idioms Explained - Animals and FoodIn this episode, I interview Sandra Hamrouni, an experienced English as a Foreign Language Teacher, about the use and origins of idioms in the English language. We explain where they might have originated from, although the derivation is not always clear.
We use example idioms from two thematic areas here - animals and food - in the first of a series of short programmes to assist English Language learners get to grips with these sometimes problematic phrases.
Idioms such as, 'the elephant in the room', commonly used in business meetings nowadays and, 'low hanging fruit...2021-05-2019 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastKeep On Ridin'A dive into the song Keep On Ridin’ by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 11-1
Song: Keep On Ridin’
Air date: 5-20-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass Guit...2021-05-2016 min
Uriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastDance Dance DanceA dive into the song Dance, Dance, Dance by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-12
Song: Dance, Dance, Dance
Air date: 5-18-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass...2021-05-1817 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastI Always KnewA dive into the song I Always Knew by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-11
Song: I Always Knew
Air date: 5-17-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass...2021-05-1722 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastA Far Better WayA dive into the song A Far Better Way by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-10
Song: A Far Better Way
Air date: 5-14-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box...2021-05-1421 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastCrime of PassionA dive into the song Crime Of Passion by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-9
Song: Crimes Of Passion
Air date: 5-13-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass...2021-05-1314 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastFireflyA dive into the song Firefly by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-8
Song: Firefly
Air date: 5-11-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton, Ken Hensley
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass Guitar...2021-05-1122 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastSympathyA dive into the song Sympathy by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-7
Song: Sympathy
Air date: 5-10-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass Guitar: Trevor Boulder...2021-05-1026 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Amateur FootballIn this episode I interview David Bauckham, photographer, blogger and photojournalist about his interest in English Amateur Football.
In non-league circles, David is the celebrated author of a number of books, including the infamous 'Dugouts' and 'Love Not Money', in which I feature as a volunteer for Matlock Town Football Club.
David charts the history of the game and explains the split between the amateur and professional football clubs, and the formation of separate football associations, even going back to the different rules which existed in the early days of the game. We talk about...2021-05-0733 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastRollin' OnA dive into the song Rollin’ On by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-6
Song: Rollin’ On
Air date: 5-7-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass Guitar: Tre...2021-05-0720 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Non-verbal Physical TheatreIn this episode I interview Richard Hayhow of the Open Theatre Company about his work in Non-verbal Physical Theatre with Music.
We explore the work of actors with learning disabilities and the importance of inclusion at all stages of the artistic process. We talk about how engagement in this work is transformational, both for the actors, as well as those participating in it in support roles or as audience members.
Richard and I examine the values of the work, discussing why the work matters and the gains to be had from recognising the actors as...2021-05-0637 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastDo You Know - Two VersionsA dive into the song Do You Know by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-5
Song: Do You Know
Air date: 5-6-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass...2021-05-0622 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Football, Fans and FinancesIn this episode I interview an old friend, Ollie Pardo, about our mutual interest, (some would say obsession), with football.
We look at football finances. Why did six leading British football clubs recently choose, albeit temporarily, to agree to join a breakaway European Super League? How are semi-professional football clubs financed and are there other models which could make football clubs more accountable to their supporters and economically sustainable?
Ollie describes his lifelong passion with Leicester City Football Club and talks about the night they won the English Premier League.
We talk about the non-league football pyramid, the smaller clubs...2021-05-0435 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastWise Man - Two VersionsA dive into the song Wise Man by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-4
Song: Wise Man
Air date: 5-4-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass Guitar...2021-05-0416 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastWho Needs MeA dive into the song Who Needs Me by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Elke - https://www.elkesbilder.de/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-3
Song: Who Needs Me
Air date: 5-3-2021
Performers:
Lead Voc...2021-05-0319 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Exploring New Zealand - 'very green and very far away'?In this episode I again interview Laura Broatch to gain her perspectives on her home country, New Zealand, or to give it its Māori name, Aotearoa. Laura talks about the climate and geography of the two main islands, as well as some of the other countries who were formerly (and formally) part of the then colonial entity, but which are now independent nations again. We discuss the increasingly impressive performance of the country's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and I ask Laura whether the politician is as popular at home as she appears to be abroad. Laura also discusses t...2021-05-0228 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Teaching in TaiwanIn this episode I interview Laura Broatch, a New Zealand national, currently living in Taiwan where she teaches English. Laura describes her work in a Cram School - which students attend after their regular school, often in the evenings or at weekends, learning English intensively - a process known as 'cramming' - hence the title, Cram School.
Laura qualified as an English as a Foreign Language Teacher in New Zealand before heading off to Taiwan. Here she has explored the island extensively, tasting the food and everything that the country's rich culture has to offer. Laura initially...2021-05-0220 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastBeen Away Too LongA dive into the song Been Away Too Long by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-2
Song: Been Away Too Long
Air date: 4-30-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box...2021-04-3026 minUriah Heep - The Magician's PodcastThe Hanging TreeA dive into the song The Hanging Tree by Uriah Heep
Show website
(http://www.scotthaskin.com/uriah_heep_podcast/)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UriahHeepPodcast
Twitter:
@HeepPodcast
Instagram:
@UriahHeepPodcast
Email:
UriahHeepPodcast@gmail.com
Episode: 10-1
Song: The Hanging Tree
Air date: 4-29-2021
Performers:
Lead Vocals: John Lawton
Guitar: Mick Box
Bass...2021-04-2925 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Disability, Technology and AccessibilityIn this episode, I interview David Banes, an experienced disability accessibility consultant, who has worked for many years in research and development and as a practitioner providing technology support to disabled people.
I start with a discussion around the language used to talk about the notions of disability and impairment. Many people are unsure whether to use such terms as 'people with disabilities'; 'disabled people'; 'handicapped' and so on and we address this issue directly, pointing out that self-identification and identity are most important. We consider the political context in which language is used and how it c...2021-04-1744 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Phrasal Verbs ExplainedIn this episode I explore the surprisingly complex and even controversial aspect of phrasal verbs in English. These are described differently according to which grammar text book you choose to read; but for reference, I have used the definition used by Michael Swan in his 'Practical English Usage' (Fourth Edition, p. 12), 2020, Oxford University Press see www.oup.com/elt
I'm in conversation with John Taylor, a first language speaker and avid (that's very keen) reader, as we discuss just three verbs which easily generate over 50 phrasal verbs - 'to get on', 'to look' and 'to go'. We...2021-04-1151 min
John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Teaching English OverseasIn this episode, I catch up with Sandra Hamrouni, who I first met several decades ago when we both went to Kenya, Africa, to teach English as volunteers for Voluntary Service Overseas, then a UK charity which is now more international in its structure.
Sandra and I talk about the training we underwent and the experiences of living in a country we had never visited before. We consider the impact that our teaching had on the children and adults who were learning English as a second, third or even fourth language.
We talk about the...2021-03-2838 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Sensual or Sexual? Poems for pleasureIn this episode, I interview Miriam Barnaby, A Slovak poet writing in English. Miriam is back by popular demand as she featured in my most popular podcast to date.
We discuss whether some of her poems are sensual in nature, or sexual. Who decides? Is it the writer; or the listener or reader?
Is it right that poems can be open to interpretation, without ever really knowing the intention of the author?
Miriam reads five of her poems which are all linked here - all available on her LinkedIn profile:
1. 'Vanam...2021-03-2036 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Groundhopping Football ToursIn this episode, I take a quirky look at the esoteric activity of football fans visiting different non-league football grounds to watch several live games in a single day.
Known as Groundhopping, this is the football equivalent of the pub crawl. Listen to two old fellas chatting about what is involved in setting up a Groundhop, who benefits and what international hosts think of their English (and other international) visitors.
A few years ago I took part in what I believe is still a world record 10 football games in the same League (the Central Midlands...2021-03-1336 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...English Pronunciation for SlovaksIn this episode, I begin to explore issues of pronunciation in English, with a particular focus (you'll see why that word is important later!) on the needs of Slovak learners. The programme will be of interest to learners and teachers alike who want to explore how different sounds are made and why some are more challenging to get right than others.
This will be the first in a series of podcasts on the topic and I am grateful to Matej and Tomáš for agreeing to be interviewed to give authentic voice to the difficulties learners face with so...2021-03-0735 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Poems and Stories for ChildrenIn this episode I interview Eleanor McLeod from Swansea in Wales about her career as an actor, teacher, writer, examiner and festival adjudicator.
I discuss Eleanor's love of the spoken and written word and Eleanor recites some of her poems from the books, 'Poems for Children to Enjoy and Teachers, Too!' and 'More Poems for Children to Enjoy and Teachers, Too!'.
Eleanor discusses the significant achievements made during the global pandemic by organisations such as LAMDA, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the Hong Kong Festival in moving their work...2021-02-2639 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Successful Job ApplicationsIn this episode I return to the theme of applying for jobs, submitting CVs (résumés) and attending job interviews, whether online or face to face.
I interview Kristina Preston, Head of Awarding and Skills at Peridot Partners in London. She gives very sound and direct advice on how to customise your CV for each job you apply for and gives useful tips about how this can be done quickly and efficiently.
Then we look at the job interview and the need to give clear and honest answers to questions asked. It sounds straightforward en...2021-02-2029 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Speaking in Public - an Art or a Science?In this episode I address the fear many people have of speaking in public - whether face to face or, more likely nowadays, online.
What is it about giving a speech that terrifies some people? What can a normally quiet, shy or nervous person do to overcome their fears?
I speak with Priscilla Morris from Loud and Clear Voice Coaching, a trained actor and professional coach, who is also an Examiner with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and a Festival Adjudicator, to get some professional advice for business people, teachers, students...2021-02-1946 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Getting a JobIn this episode I explore issues around getting a job. I talk with Samantha Johnston - Head of Division, Higher Education at TPP recruitment in London.
We examine the importance of having a powerful CV or résumé, one which sells your skills and attributes, but which is also customised for each job that you are applying for. We take a close look at the interview process and consider what it is employers are really looking for. We discuss the notions of hard and soft skills - what exactly are 'soft skills' and why are they increasingly im...2021-02-1230 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Writing as TherapyThis episode explores writing in English, or any language, as a means of therapy. By this I mean writing freely to express emotions and feelings, some of which can be difficult to recall or remember. I speak to Princess R Lakshman from Sydney, Australia about her work supporting women, children and men to recover from trauma, often caused by dislocation - having to leave one's home country because of war or natural disaster - or through individual traumas experienced in families, schools or workplaces because of abusive relationships or bullying.
This podcast therefore comes with a trigger...2021-02-0624 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...Taken from Sport - idiomatic expressions used in EnglishIn this episode I interview John Taylor, sports fanatic from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England about idioms in British English Language which have been taken from sports terminology. Many people use phrases such as 'to get on the front foot' without realising where that idiom originated. Boxing is surprisingly rich in having generated such idioms that are now used in regular speech such as, 'down and out', to 'throw in the towel', to 'throw your hat into the ring', or to be 'saved by the bell'.
In American English, the same processes have taken place, with business and accounting...2021-01-3033 minJohn Scott Lawton's English, you know ...It's poetry - so what?John Scott Lawton, English Language Coach, interviews Miriam Barnaby, Slovak poet, English Language Teacher and writer about what inspires her to create poetry in English. Is all poetry meant to be shared with others? Will poetry see a resurgence given the dramatic and beautiful oratory of Amanda Gorman's, 'The Hill We Climb' at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony? Was that poetry, prose, spoken word ... or does it not matter?
Miriam's poems are deeply personal, sensual and layered ... revealing just a little more of themselves at each reading or listen.
Hear Miriam read her own poems...2021-01-2331 min