Shows
WeCultivate: The PodIntercultural Love Is Beautiful. It’s Also Work. (Inside Our Multilingual Marriage) | Ep. 32In this bilingual Valentine’s episode, Michelle and Yann reflect on intercultural love inside their multilingual marriage.Through parallel responses in French and English, they explore how language, culture, and identity shape listening, conflict, boundaries, and emotional expression. They unpack the difference between a language barrier vs. a deeper misunderstanding, and what it means to repeatedly choose conscious communication in an intimate relationship.This episode challenges the highlight-reel version of multicultural love and looks instead at the nuance, recalibration, and everyday work behind real connection.Episode 32 of WeCultivate: The Pod.Show no...
2026-02-1244 min
WeCultivate: The PodBetween Two Cows: A Personal Conversation with the Unpaid Intern (Yann T.) | Ep. 31What happens when we slow down and talk about language without shortcuts?In this episode, Michelle is joined by Yann (yes, WeCultivate’s unpaid intern!) for a personal conversation recorded early in their journey of working together. They reflect on Yann’s experience growing up in France, learning languages without access to today’s technology, and navigating communication beyond the classroom.Together, they unpack common assumptions about France, explore the gap between formal language education and real-life use, and reflect on how identity, confidence, and self-expression shift across languages.Like all WeCultivate episodes, this c...
2026-02-0359 min
WeCultivate: The PodLanguage Learning: More Compassion, Less Shame (Jonathan H.) | Ep. 30In 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...
2026-01-131h 16
WeCultivate: The PodCommunity Stories on Family, Language, and Culture (Holiday Episode 2025) | Ep. 29Holiday Episode 2025 brings together community stories on family, language, and culture from across the WeCultivate community.Nine voices share reflections on navigating complex family dynamics shaped by culture, migration, language, and lived experience — offering honesty, nuance, and perspective beyond the idea that family should be simple or universal.✨ Bonus: a special surprise from Yann (yes, your favorite unpaid intern), featuring the first time we've officially aired in another language on the podcast!✨Visit the episode page for full transcripts (including an English translation for Yann's section), guest bios, full stories, and more. https://wecult...
2025-12-231h 04
WeCultivate: The PodIt’s Not the Language. It’s the Assumptions. (Martha S.) | Ep. 28What if the hardest part of learning a language isn’t the grammar or practice, but the assumptions people make about you before you even speak?In this episode, Martha and I talk about how judgments around accent, identity, and personality shape the language journey far more than most of us realize. We also explore why language spaces often reward extroversion, and how quieter learners bring strengths that are too often overlooked.Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about perception, belonging, and what really supports learning.More at wecultivate.wo...
2025-11-2557 min
WeCultivate: The PodAt Home, An Outsider (Sonia M.) | Ep. 27What does it mean to call a place home when that same place refuses to see you as one of its own?In this deeply personal conversation, Sonia — a Black Italian creative who grew up in Italy and spent years abroad — joins Michelle to unpack how identity and belonging collide when culture, language, and appearance don’t align.Together, they discuss the emotional cost of being misread, the not-so-thin-and-pretty-much-always-obvious line between curiosity and microaggression, and the resilience required to stay grounded in your truth. No matter where life takes you.Through shared stories, laught...
2025-11-041h 44
WeCultivate: The PodTough on Yourself? That's Not Growth. (Trainer POV) | Ep. 26Being self-aware doesn’t mean being self-critical.In this Trainer POV episode, Michelle breaks down why “being tough on yourself” isn’t the same as growth and how both language learners and multilingual professionals can shift from judgment to genuine awareness.Learn how to spot the difference between observing and overanalyzing, and why real progress starts with noticing, not punishing.Show notes and more at https://wecultivate.world/podcast
2025-10-2830 min
WeCultivate: The PodDeep South Korean: Owning Voice, Facing History (April W.) | Ep. 25In this episode of WeCultivate: The Pod, Michelle sits down with April, a Korean transracial adoptee and creator of Deep South Korean. Together, they explore what it means to own your voice—accent, story, and all—while unpacking the layered realities of growing up Asian in rural West Virginia.The conversation dives into code-switching vs. inauthenticity, cultural appropriation, and the often-overlooked truths of international adoption. April reflects on how her Southern accent shapes others’ perceptions of her identity, and how she’s learned to embrace it as part of her truth.🌱 A powerful exploration of race, histo...
2025-10-211h 11
WeCultivate: The PodMultilingual Growth: Not Always Equal, But Always Evolving (Feat. storycast clips from Andrea @familytongues) | Ep. 24Is “balanced multilingualism” even real — or just another impossible standard? In this episode, we open the complex topic of multilingual parenting, and begin to explore the myths and realities. This episode, the first of a new format, weaves together clips from previous podcast guest Andrea R.@familytongues (Ep 12), and insights from Michelle.Main Topics Covered in This Episode: 💬 Myths of Multilingual Parenting: Common misconceptions and pressures families face. 🏡 Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Frameworks like OPOL or MLAH can help, but no single approach works for everyone.⚖️ The Truth About “Balance”: W...
2025-10-1426 min
WeCultivate: The PodBeyond Borders: What Languages and Travel Teach Us About Real Connection (Robin C.) | Ep. 23When we move across borders, we don’t just collect stamps... we collect new ways of seeing. In this episode, our guest Robin C. joins Michelle to share what growing up across Italy, Germany, and later living in Canada taught her about empathy and adaptability, Together, they reflect on how language and environment shape identity, why respect and connection matter more than “perfect grammar,” and how education systems can better support multilingual realities. They also discuss the importance of recognizing what is individual character (or "personality") rather than nationality.Main Topics Covered: 🌍 Life in I...
2025-10-071h 21
WeCultivate: The PodNEW? START HEREThis isn’t just a podcast about language. It’s about the intersections of language, communication, learning, and culture — and how they shape the way we live, work, and connect.Here you’ll find:✨ Guest conversations with researchers, creators, and professionals across the globe✨ Trainer POV episodes with practical insights from my work as a communications trainer✨ Special topics that dive deep into the myths, struggles, and opportunities around language and identityWhether you’re navigating multiple languages, curious about culture, or simply looking for conversations that challenge the usual narratives...
2025-09-1706 minWeCultivate: The PodPhase 1 Roundup + Summer Break Announcement | Ep. 22In this special roundup episode, I take a moment to pause and reflect on where we’ve been so far — from conversations on identity and intercultural communication to episodes on burnout, chronic pain, and language bias. Episode 22 highlights key takeaways from our recent guests and themes that shaped the first arc of WeCultivate: The Pod!This episode also marks the start of a short summer break. I’ll be back with new episodes soon — but until then, thank you for listening and growing with us.🎙️ Featuring guests from Episodes 5–21🌐 Full archive + show notes: https://wecultivate.world/
2025-06-2529 min
WeCultivate: The PodLanguage Learning, But Make It Yours (Christina J, LovetoLingo) | Ep. 21What does "empowered learning" really mean? How can learners AND educators learn to encourage greater agency in the classroom?Michelle sits down with Christina J. of LoveToLingo to talk about what it really takes to learn a language: discomfort, curiosity, and ownership. From cultural integration to instructor burnout, writing strategies to shifting systems, this episode is a deep dive into why language isn’t just a skill—it’s a relationship. And how you get to define the terms.🌍 identity and cultural friction🧠 writing as a thinking tool💬 how English becomes a status symbol...
2025-06-171h 32
WeCultivate: The PodBuilding What Feels Good: On Burnout, Language Bias, and Redefining Success in Tech (Kax U.) | Ep. 20In this episode, Michelle speaks with Kax U., a former tech leader turned startup founder and coach for women in tech, about the layered experience of navigating global workspaces as a multilingual, multicultural professional.💬 Topics include: Burnout, misalignment, and why success often feels empty Language bias and the myth of "perfect fluency"Internalized perfectionism in immigrant communitiesEnglish-first workplaces and cross-cultural communicationWhat it actually means to build a career that feels good🎯 Actionable steps:⏱ 12:00 – Redefine what “feels good” means in your work⏱ 25:00 – Notice how language bias shows up in your workplace⏱ 44:00 – Try a...
2025-06-101h 13WeCultivate: The PodWhy Adaptability Is the Hidden Key to Long-Term Professional Success (Trainer POV) | Ep. 19Why is adaptability the most underrated skill in workplace communication?In this solo Trainer POV episode, Michelle explores how adaptability helps multilingual professionals navigate complex, high-stakes situations—without losing themselves in the process. You'll learn the importance of reading the room, shifting your delivery with intention, and adapting without burnout. This isn’t about being performative. It’s about communicating with impact and alignment.✨ In this episode:▪️ [02:20] Why context is everything in communication▪️ [04:35] What true adaptability looks like (beyond language rules)▪️ [17:30] 5 actionable steps to help you communicate with more flexibility and clarity
2025-06-0328 min
WeCultivate: The PodWhose English Is It Anyway? On Accents, Bias & “Jiggery Pokery” (Damien C.) | Ep. 18What does it mean to “sound native”? And who decides what’s correct? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Damien C., a former archaeologist turned pain coach and kung fu teacher, for a wide-ranging conversation on accents, authenticity, and the layered politics of being a native English speaker.Together, they explore:Why the idea of “correct English” is a mythDamien’s story of growing up with an unexpected RP accentHow global communication is shaped by subtle (and not-so-subtle) biasThe cultural dissonance between what we’re t...
2025-05-2758 min
WeCultivate: The PodBaking Through Grief, Living Through Layers (Kaylesh B.) | Ep. 17In this moving episode of WeCultivate: The Pod, Michelle sits down with longtime friend, attorney, and baker Kaylesh (@chaikaybakes) to unpack the layered realities of identity, loss, and healing.Together, they explore what it means to grow up between cultures — navigating life as a Malaysian-Indian woman in the U.S., code-switching across languages, and wrestling with expectations around career and belonging. In the second half, Kaylesh shares how a deeply personal loss led her to find solace and strength in baking, turning her grief into a space for creativity, connection, and self-expression.From summers in Ma...
2025-05-201h 02WeCultivate: The PodCommunication Fatigue: When English Feels Draining at Work (Trainer POV) | Ep. 16Why do so many multilingual professionals feel exhausted—even after a "good" workday? This episode dives deep into communication fatigue, the invisible yet very real energy drain that comes from operating in English at work when it’s not your first language. From decoding unspoken norms to constantly self-monitoring your words and tone, this episode explores the emotional and cognitive load that often goes unnoticed.Whether you're writing emails, speaking in meetings, or just trying to stay present, this episode offers practical shifts to help reduce mental burnout and bring more clarity to your communication. If you've ever...
2025-05-1333 min
WeCultivate: The PodShapeshifting With Authenticity & Cultivating Lifelong Healing (Patra N.) | Ep. 15How do you honor all the versions of yourself across languages, cultures, and life stages?In this episode, I speak with Patra, a Ugandan-born hypnotherapist living in Australia, about:Self-concept and identity workHealing generational traumaEmotional intelligence and lifelong growthNavigating language and communication across culturesLiving authentically as a multilingual, multicultural personTune in to hear how language, healing, and self-awareness intertwine across a lifetime of transformation. 🎙️Episode page with show notes at https://www.wecultivate.world/podcast
2025-05-061h 12WeCultivate: The PodWhy Grammatical Accuracy Isn’t Enough: The Key to Effective Communication in the Workplace for Non-Native English Speakers (New Series: Trainer POV) | Ep. 14Grammatical accuracy ≠ communication.You can know all your tenses, use “whom” correctly, and still walk out of a meeting feeling like no one heard you.Why? Because effective communication in the workplace isn’t about grammar perfection. It’s about clarity, connection, and confidence in high-stakes spaces.In this first solo Trainer POV episode, I break down:📌 Why “perfect English” can still leave you feeling invisible📌 What non-native professionals really need to succeed📌 Why grammar and communication are not the same📌 Why “Business English” classes often fall short—and what to focus on insteadIf you’ve ever won...
2025-04-2319 min
WeCultivate: The PodHelping Others Navigate Their Own Language Journeys (Bront’e, The Polyglot Fox) | Ep. 13In this episode, I sit down with Bront’e—also known as The Polyglot Fox—a language coach who supports introverted and perfectionist learners. Bront’e shares how her early exposure to multiple languages shaped her approach to language learning and coaching. We talk about the power of personalizing your learning journey, breaking free from one-size-fits-all methods, and navigating language learning as a deeply human experience. Whether you're just starting or refining your skills, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and lots of real talk.👉 Want more resources and links from this episode? Visit the full episod...
2025-04-101h 01
Love to LingoRethinking Success in Language LearningIn this episode, I’m joined by Michelle from We Cultivate—a trainer, podcast host, and multilingual communicator helping advanced English users communicate more effectively in global workplaces.We talk about:Why fluent speakers can still struggle to be understoodThe “native speaker fallacy” and why it’s so pervasiveHow identity and culture shape the way we use languageQuestions to ask when choosing a language coach or trainerThe importance of taking ownership of your learning journeyWhether you're working in another language or supporting learners who are, this conversation is a thought-provoking look at wh...
2025-04-0117 min
WeCultivate: The PodReclaiming What Was Denied: Cycle-Breaking Through Empowered Multilingualism (Andrea R.) | Ep. 12🌟 FULL TRANSCRIPT, SHOW NOTES, AND RELATED RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON THE DIRECT EPISODE PAGE: https://www.wecultivate.world/podcast/andrea-r-reclaiming-language"Even teachers told me… you're not normal. It's better if you just speak one language. Being multilingual is not good."How can we approach the complex world of multilingualism for children and adults?In this episode, Michelle sits down with Andrea R., a woman who has powerful insights into the way sociolinguistic prestige (a.k.a. language prestige) has played a critical role in her own life, business, and approach to child-rearing. In the episo...
2025-03-201h 11
WeCultivate: The PodVoicing Culture in Context: Myths, Meaning, and Representation (Heather L.) | Ep. 11"If an author chooses to not choose me, not because of my voice, but because of my background, I wouldn't want to work with them anyways. We're not going to be happy with the product."🌟 FULL TRANSCRIPT, SHOW NOTES, AND RELATED RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON THE DIRECT EPISODE PAGE: https://www.wecultivate.world/podcast/In this episode, we sit down with Heather K. Ling—a pediatric dietitian by day and audiobook narrator by night—whose journey weaves together culture, language, and career in unexpected ways. Heather shares how her Chinese heritage and family’s immigration story shaped he...
2025-03-061h 02
WeCultivate: The PodNot Here to Save: What We Overlook While "Appreciating" Global Cultures (Taylor & Jeremy, Pt. 2) | Ep. 10Ep 10: Taylor & Jeremy (Part 2) Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While "Appreciating" Global CulturesIn this episode, Part 2 of Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While “Appreciating” Global Cultures, we explore the intersection of culture, language, and community work with guests Jeremy and Taylor, who share powerful insights from their personal and professional experiences. The conversation delves into the complexity of identity and belonging, challenging surface-level notions of diversity and inclusivity. Jeremy reflects on a pivotal moment that shaped his approach to service, emphasizing the need to listen, take a backseat, and support rather than cent...
2025-02-2055 min
WeCultivate: The PodNot Here to Save: What We Overlook While "Appreciating" Global Cultures (Taylor & Jeremy, Pt. 1) | Ep. 9Ep 9: Taylor & Jeremy (Part 1) Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While "Appreciating" Global CulturesOn this episode of WeCultivate: The Pod, where we’re diving into a topic that challenges how we think about global cultures and our place within them. In "Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While “Appreciating” Global Cultures," we follow the journey of Taylor and Jeremy, a couple from the US who went to live abroad during the pandemic, who quickly realized that experiencing another culture isn’t just about showing up, working hard, or meaning well. It’s ALSO about seeing wha...
2025-02-0646 min
WeCultivate: The PodRethinking How We Think About Language: Connection Over Perfection (Felly D.) | Ep. 8EP 8: Felly Day – Rethinking How We Think About Language: Connection Over PerfectionHave you ever been told that you need to be PERFECT in order to speak a language? Have you ever been judged for your accent? Well, this episode is here to walk you through all of the surprise and even confusion that can come from all of that. Our guest, Felly, shares her journey as a bilingual child in Canada, her experiences working and traveling across Australia, Asia, and Mexico, and her current life as an expat in semi-rural France. Th...
2025-01-0658 min
WeCultivate: The PodBeyond Teaching: The Responsibility of Shaping Language and Identity (Angela A.) | Ep. 7EP 7: Angela A – Beyond Teaching: The Responsibility of Shaping Language and Identity In this episode, Michelle sits down with her guest, Angela A, to talk about the intersection of language, communication, education, and the future of learning. Angela is a seasoned English instructor who grew up bilingual (Filipino and English) and is currently living in Spain. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the shortcomings of traditional education, and emphasizes the responsibility educators have (specifically those in language instruction) on the lives of their learners. She also touches on her current, ongoing experience learning Spanish and reflects on the pot...
2024-12-2357 min
WeCultivate: The PodFrom Ancient Egypt to Modern Classrooms: The Journey of Learning 65+ Languages (Sean Y., Pt. 2) | Ep. 6In Part 2 of Michelle’s conversation with polyglot and educator Sean L. Young, the discussion takes a deeper look at the overlooked realities of language learning. They unpack the challenges learners face, including the less glamorous and often frustrating aspects of expanding one’s linguistic repertoire. Sean shares insights on creating a supportive learning environment and navigating real-world interactions where patience and understanding may be lacking.The conversation also explores the current state and future of language education, including the limitations of traditional methods, language apps, and AI tools. Sean emphasizes the critical role of human interaction in m...
2024-12-1636 min
WeCultivate: The PodFrom Ancient Egypt to Modern Classrooms: The Journey of Learning 65+ Languages (Sean Y., Pt. 1) | Ep. 5Episode 5: [Part 1] Sean L. Young – From Ancient Egypt to Modern Classrooms: The Journey of Learning 65 Languages (and counting!)In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Michelle sits down with Sean L. Young, a seasoned polyglot and founder of Young's Language Consulting. Sean has studied over 60 languages, achieving conversational fluency in 21, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Together, they dive into his innovative methods for language learning, the creation of the Rosetta Stone Challenge and Speak Up Language series, and his critique of traditional education systems.Sean reflects on his early teaching experiences, cr...
2024-12-0934 min