From Lost To The River

You already know English. So why does something stop you the moment it matters? In this six-minute conversation, I'm joined by master coach Peter Freeth to talk about what's actually happening when you freeze - the inner critic, the fear of embarrassment, the perfectionism that feels like it's protecting you. Because it is. That's the problem. This is More Than Words, previously 'From Lost to the River', a weekly show about language, identity, and what it really takes to speak with confidence. More conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

You've studied English for years. You know the grammar. So why does speaking it at work still feel so hard? In this four-minute conversation, finance manager Nines López talks about what English learning got wrong - too much grammar, not enough real conversation - and what actually helps professionals stop freezing and start speaking with confidence. Note: this episode is conducted in Spanish. This is More Than Words, previously 'From Lost to the River', a weekly show about language, identity, and what it really takes to speak with confidence. More conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

You understand more than you speak. You freeze in meetings. You know the grammar but can't get the words out in the moment. In this seven-minute conversation, language coach Nacho Fernández - who works with CEOs and senior professionals on exactly this - talks about what actually unlocks speaking confidence. The shift from grammar to communication. The fear of judgement. Why correction and criticism are completely different things. And what happens when you finally drop the block. Note: this episode is conducted in Spanish. This is More Than Words, previously 'From Lost to the River', a weekly show about language, identity, and what it really takes to speak with confidence. More conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

Many Spanish professionals have the certificates — B1, B2, even C1 — but still struggle to speak English confidently in real conversations. Why? Because the system teaches you to pass exams, not to communicate. In this episode of More Than Words 'From Lost To The River', English teacher Alba Guerrero González returns to unpack the difference between Exam English and Real English. We explore how 'titulitis', external pressure, and exam‑oriented learning create a generation of learners who feel confident on paper but insecure when speaking. Alba explains why major exams like selectividad still ignore speaking, and how that shapes your confidence years later in meetings, interviews, and high‑stakes situations. If you’ve ever wondered why you overthink when speaking English, apologise too much, or hesitate even with a strong level, this conversation reveals the emotional roots of that insecurity — and how to rebuild confidence through a connection‑over‑perfection mindset. This episode gives you one clear benefit: a practical way to start speaking more naturally without waiting to feel “ready.” Follow Alba on Instagram and TikTok for daily English tips and speaking strategies. If this episode resonated, you’ll find more conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.  

Many people speak English well, yet still panic when someone says, “Sorry, could you repeat that?” In this short episode of More Than Words 'From Lost To The River', I explain why these moments often have nothing to do with your English level. You’ll learn the hidden variables in communication that affect understanding: background noise, distractions in the listener’s mind, technical issues on video calls, and the simple fact that people are often in their own head. When someone doesn’t understand you, it’s usually because they weren’t fully present, not because your English was wrong. This episode will help you stop overthinking, stop blaming yourself, and speak with more confidence in meetings, presentations, and real‑time conversations. If this resonates, you’ll find more conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

You're mid-sentence and someone's face changes. Suddenly everything you know disappears. In this seven-minute conversation, language coach, author and podcast host Daniele Ponzo talks about exactly that moment -- and what it taught him about confidence, imperfection, and what communication is actually for. His story of being sent to fix a client problem in Barcelona, in his third language, is worth the listen alone. Daniele works with IT professionals on English confidence and hosts The Non-Native Leader podcast. His book Easy English for IT is on Amazon. Note: this episode is conducted in Spanish. Listen to the full conversation in English here on Apple Podcasts. And here on Spotify. And watch it with subtitles here on YouTube.  This is More Than Words, previously 'From Lost to the River', a weekly show about language, identity, and what it really takes to speak with confidence. More conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

  Most people who freeze when speaking English have already done everything they were supposed to do. The classes, the grammar, the certification. And it still wasn't enough. In this three-minute clip, language coach and author Daniele Ponzo talks about the moment he realised perfectionism was the problem, not the solution - and what actually shifted when he stopped trying to sound perfect and started trying to connect. His observation that even native speakers constantly mishear each other and ask for repeats is the kind of thing that quietly rewires how you think about your own mistakes. Daniele works with IT professionals on English confidence and hosts The Non-Native Leader podcast. His book Easy English for IT is on Amazon at danieleponzo.com. This is More Than Words, previously 'From Lost to the River', a weekly show about language, identity, and what it really takes to speak with confidence. More conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. If you’re a driven Spanish professional who freezes in English or fears being judged, this episode is for you. Daniele Ponzo, former IT manager turned language coach and author, explains how to swap perfectionism for presence so you can speak naturally, be heard in meetings, and lead with confidence. Daniele and I explore the emotional side of language: why imposter syndrome, school-system conditioning and ego make otherwise capable professionals stay quiet, and how to change that. You’ll hear Daniele’s story from 13 years in IT to coaching, plus practical mindset shifts and simple techniques you can use today to build English confidence for executives and teams. Expect clear, benefit-first advice on business English, real workplace phrases, role-play strategies and the “handle-with-care” mindset that stops overthinking and helps you speak naturally in high-stakes situations. These are tools you can apply immediately to presentations, meetings and interviews. Learn more about Daniele and his coaching services on his website at  danieleponzo.com  Connect with us on LinkedIn: Daniele Ponzo & Richard Marshall Check out Daniele’s book 'Easy English for IT' here on Amazon.  And his podcast 'The Non-Native Leader' here on YouTube. Watch this episode of 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com: I used to stress over every word, constantly worrying that my Spanish wasn’t “good enough.” In this episode, I explore how to reframe that fear and build confidence by focusing on what you can already do. When language is used as a tool to communicate (rather than to prove yourself) everything starts to flow more naturally. We look at why perfectionism so often holds people back, and why mindset usually matters far more than grammar. I share practical techniques to help you stay focused on your objective in meetings, presentations, or everyday conversations, and how visualising success can help you take action in the moment. This episode also touches on the beauty of accents, the importance of learner-centred coaching, and why genuine connection will always matter more than flawless language. If you’re ready for personalised support, you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Follow me on LinkedIn here. Move beyond basic exchanges and explore English in a relaxed, pressure-free space. No performance, just conversation, curiosity, and community. Start building your English confidence today. Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here. Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com: Hoy, me acompaña Nacho Fernández, coach de español. Hablamos sobre bloqueos mentales como el miedo y el perfeccionismo, y exploramos cómo el coaching, la escucha pasiva y hablar desde el primer día pueden ayudarte a ganar verdadera confianza, rápidamente. I speak Spanish on this one too! If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Follow me on Linkedin here Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. I’ll never forget the day the Amazon delivery guy asked, “¿Quieres ver mi carne?” 😮 Fresh in Spain and still learning Spanish, I thought he wanted to see… my meat! What followed was a hilarious mix-up that taught me a big lesson: mistakes aren’t just inevitable, they’re essential for growth. In this episode, I share how embracing language mistakes (and even awkward, funny ones) can help you break free from perfectionism. When you focus on real communication instead of flawless grammar, your confidence skyrockets. I explain practical strategies to loosen your inner critic, build English fluency, and shift from self-doubt to action. Follow me on LinkedIn for daily confidence tips.  Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives es

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Here is a funny story from my early days in Spain when my basic Spanish skills led to a hilarious mix-up at the butcher's! It’s a lighthearted reminder that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and often leads to the best memories. Watch it with subtitles here on YouTube What You’ll Learn in This Episode: I share how everyday language mishaps (like mispronouncing the word for chicken) can teach you more than any textbook ever could. I explain how embracing mistakes, staying curious, and focusing on real communication helps you build confidence when speaking another language. Learn practical strategies to overcome perfectionism, handle social embarrassment, and turn funny failures into rapid progress. Follow me on LinkedIn for daily confidence tips.  Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Most Spanish professionals already know English — but speaking it confidently is another story. Perfectionism, fear of mistakes, and the pressure to “sound correct” can make even simple conversations feel stressful. In this short episode of More Than Words 'From Lost To The River', I talk with English teacher Alba Guerrero González about why fluency matters more than perfection and how to overcome the fear of speaking English. We explore the real reasons Spanish learners hold themselves back, why mistakes are essential for growth, and how to build English confidence through connection instead of correctness. Follow Alba on Instagram and TikTok for practical English tips and everyday speaking strategies. If this episode resonated, you’ll find more conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. In this deeply personal ‘off-camera’ conversation with Sarah Smit, I share how the pandemic forced me to rethink my path. How my frustrations with Spain brought out a darker, more negative side of my personality. And how transforming this negativity has shaped me, allowing me to ultimately find my purpose: helping others break free from their fears of communicating in English. From stand-up comedy to language coaching, this is a story of growth, resilience, and transformation. Follow me on LinkedIn for daily confidence tips.  Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives  

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Here’s an extract from my conversation with Sarah Smit, a polyglot and language expert who knows firsthand what it takes to go from zero to fluent, because she did just that while living in the Netherlands for over a decade. We discuss the mindset shifts that truly build confidence in a second language and how my empathy for my clients’ experiences forms the foundation of my coaching. Follow me on LinkedIn for insights! Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Today, I’m speaking with my client, Miguel Ángel Carrasco Delgado, COO of PRG (Toys R Us & Prenatal), who has nearly 40 years of experience working with top brands like Sephora. He shares how he overcame the fear of making mistakes and built confidence in using English for business. We explore the key mindset shifts that boosted his confidence, along with practical tips for Spanish professionals looking to speak English more confidently. Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Struggling with your accent? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down why perfection is overrated and how real communication is the main objective. Hear insights from Alberto Rodríguez on the Spanish-English pronunciation clash and why confidence matters more than flawless speech. Follow me on Linkedin for more English confidence tips! Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. In this episode, I talk about how perfectionism can stop us from improving in a new language. I’ll share my personal journey of accepting my accent and occasional mistakes in Spanish, and how this mindset shift can help you embrace your unique voice in English. When you accept your English as it is today, you’ll feel more confident, speak up more, and improve faster. Even us native speakers don’t speak perfect (by the book) English! Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

Many people speak English far better than they think, yet still feel a wave of fear the moment someone doesn’t understand them. In this short episode of More Than Words ‘From Lost To The River’, I explore how fear creates stories in our mind that feel true even when they’re not. You’ll hear the acronym F.E.A.R — False Evidence Appearing Real — and how it shapes the way we interpret other people’s reactions. A distracted listener, a noisy room, a moment of stress… we often turn these neutral situations into “proof” that our English isn’t good enough, even though nothing has changed about our ability. This episode helps you reset your perspective, breathe, and recognise when your mind is inventing a problem that isn’t really there. It’s a simple reminder that your English doesn’t suddenly disappear just because someone asks you to repeat yourself. If this resonates, you’ll find more conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com. Losing the fear will help you speak up, and from there you’ll improve. Here are a couple of free speaking clubs to get you started: Speaking Club - Practice Speaking English online for FREE Intercambio de idiomas en España | Encuentra compañeros de intercambio de idiomas con Tandem

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. En este extracto del primer capítulo, abordo la lucha de sentir que "no eres lo suficientemente bueno" ("not good enough") al hablar inglés y por qué es hora de cambiar esa mentalidad. A continuación, algunos puntos claves que aprenderás: Tu nivel de inglés es mejor de lo que piensas. La comunicación es más importante que la perfección. El impacto de establecer metas poco realistas como "hablar como un nativo". Lecciones de mi propia experiencia aprendiendo español. ¡TÚ PUEDES LOGRARLO! Con pequeños pasos y un cambio de mentalidad, alcanzarás resultados sorprendentes. Poco a poco. __________________________________________________________________________ In this short and motivational extract from the opening episode, I talk about the common struggle of feeling "not good enough" when speaking English and why it’s time to let that go. Here’s what you’ll take away: Why your English level is already better than you think. How focusing on communication over perfection leads to real progress. The psychological impact of aiming for unrealistic goals like "speaking like a native." My own personal journey of struggling with Spanish and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This episode is a reminder that YOU CAN DO THIS. By shifting your mindset and immersing yourself in English, even in small ways, you’ll see incredible results...poco a poco. 🌟 Conéctate conmigo en LinkedIn / Let’s connect on: LinkedIn 💬 ¿Tienes preguntas o temas? Have a question or a topic you’d like me to cover? Drop me a message via LinkedIn or email me at [email protected], I’d love to hear from you! Ojo....Communication is what matters most! Tú Puedes! Download your FREE interactive PODCAST GUIDE  here subscribepage.io/podcasts Read my latest ARTICLE HERE Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, & on YouTube with automatic subtitles. Check out 'The Amazon Story' here on YouTube! And of course the famous 'Chicken Story' is now available on YouTube, enjoy! Un abrazo fuerte,  Richard!    

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Listen to why others’ reactions affect our confidence when speaking English and how many communication factors are beyond our control. Learn why mutual effort matters, why fears about mistakes are often false, and how to reset your perspective. Plus, language expert Lauren Martin shares insights on smoother communication. Enjoy practical tips and my F.E.A.R. acronym for anxiety. Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives  

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. In this episode of From Lost to the River, I talk about why perfectionism can block your progress and how embracing your accent and your mistakes can actually help you connect with confidence. You'll hear a Spanish speaker’s perspective on letting go of shame when speaking English. Follow me on LinkedIn for daily confidence tips.  Watch 'From Lost To The River' with subtitles here on YouTube.  If you're ready for personalised support then you can reach out and book a call with me here via this link. Start building your English confidence today! Explore mindset strategies, coaching insights, and free guides here: Command the Room in English Top 10 English Challenges For Spanish Speakers & How To Fix Them #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives

This is where it started. The first episode, recorded with man flu, no script, and no interest in following anyone's template for how a podcast should sound. In this seventeen-minute introduction, confidence coach Richard Marshall explains why so many people who already speak English well still freeze when it matters, why the traditional grammar-heavy approach to language learning creates shame rather than confidence, and why connection will always matter more than perfection. Unedited, unpolished, and completely honest about what this show is trying to do. This is More Than Words, previously 'From Lost to the River', a weekly show about language, identity, and what it really takes to speak with confidence. More conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.