PODCAST · education
TESOL Pop
by TESOL Pop
A short conversation can spark a big idea. But as busy English language teachers, it’s hard to find the time and space for those chats that shift how we teach or think about our careers. TESOL Pop brings those conversations to you. This mini podcast features quick, insightful interviews with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators from around the world. In under 15 minutes, you’ll hear ideas, teaching insights, and career stories that make you feel part of the wider ELT community, without adding to your workload. 🎧 Listen on your podcast app 📺 Watch with captions on YouTube 🌐 Or do a bit of both at tesolpop.com Produced by our creative house, Communicating for Impact. <p style='color:grey; font-s
Episodes
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Building Custom Apps for Vocational English | Renata Kucharska
When print textbooks are outdated the moment they're published, what do you do? If you’re Renata Kucharska, you build an alternative that can keep pace with the fast-developing needs of learners who are training for the workplace. In this episode, Renata shares how she ventured into tech to build…
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Moving Beyond the Coursebook with Young Learners | Fiona Hunter
From textbook dependency to a "Starter, Main Course, and Dessert" approach. Fiona Hunter, founder of Kids Club English shares how to confidently step away from set materials to create authentic, play-based language experiences for young learners. From managing the psychological hurdles of letting...
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Global Literature Circles for Teens | Christian Fischer
From outgrowing textbooks to collaborating across continents. Christian Fischer, Head of English at Gymnasium Schillerschule Hannover, shares how the Global Literature Circle project is transforming how teenagers engage with reading. From digital collaboration using Padlet to fostering student...
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Litter Picking, Learning & Lasting Change | Patrick Jackson
From one class pack to a million hours of environmental education. ELT author and creator of Picker Pals, Patrick Jackson, shares how a single idea grew into a movement that’s transformed classrooms and communities. From storytelling and sustainability to litter-picking with families, Patrick...
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Business English, Reimagined | Megan Nicholls
Business English gets a bad reputation — stiff, overly formal, and filled with irrelevant vocabulary lists. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Megan Nicholls, multilingual educator and founder of Mega Language Coach, invites us to reimagine how Business English can be...
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The Power of Emergent Language | Lewis Jaquest
Lewis Jaquest joins Laura to explore how emergent language and learner agency can transform the language classroom. In this episode, Lewis shares how he developed the Student Emergent Language Framework (SELF), reflects on his transition to bottom-up teaching, and unpacks what truly makes…
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Teaching Debate to PhD Students | Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse
University lecturer Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse joins Laura to share how she’s using academic debate to help STEM PhD students become more confident communicators. In this episode, Anila shares how debate boosts her students’ teamwork, critical thinking, and language skills. You’ll also hear how…
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Contracts, Red Flags, and Career Choices | Scott Allis
Scott Allis, experienced ESL teacher and travel creator, joins Laura to share hard-won lessons from a global teaching career that spans China, Iraq, Thailand and beyond. In this candid conversation, Scott unpacks five key things to check before signing a contract—and what to do when the job…
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Facing the Fear: How You Can Grow by Doing It Anyway | Steven Schmidt
Steven Schmidt, professional development consultant and long-time adult educator, joins Laura to share his journey from enduring uninspiring training sessions to leading transformative ones. In this episode, Steve reflects on what makes professional development meaningful, how he overcame...
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IBC 2025: AI Captioning, Smart Archives, and Story-First Production | Haven Tsang
Creators of TESOL Pop, Laura Wilkes and Technical Director Haven Tsang, report from IBC 2025 in Amsterdam with practical takeaways for educators using media. From live multilingual captioning and voice overdubs to richer, human-centred metadata and the storytelling craft behind Becoming Led...
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From Students to Stakeholders: Creating a Shared Classroom | Dr Joel Floyd
Dr. Joel Floyd, educator and founder of Ignite Career Foundation, joins Laura to share how his team creates an inclusive, learner-centred environment for adult English language learners in the US. In this episode, Joel shares student success stories, explores how community and compassion are...
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What Does Digital Literacy Really Mean for Educators? with Jacqueline Aguilera
Jacqueline Aguilera, adult educator and digital equity advocate, joins Laura to explore how teachers can embed digital literacy into their lessons without needing separate “computer classes.” In this episode, Jacqueline shares practical tips for building digital skills with limited tech…
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How EdTech is Transforming Teaching | Kate Bodrova @Amazy.uk
Kate Bodrova, co-founder and CEO of Amazy, explores how technology is positively impacting teaching. Kate shares insights on how Amazy helps educators create and share interactive, media-rich resources while streamlining workflows. In this episode, Laura and Kate also discuss current trends,...
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Bringing Research into Your Classroom | Amira Salama
Amira Salama shares insights on practitioner research and how everyday classroom experiences can contribute to meaningful research. She challenges traditional notions of research and highlights how teachers are already engaging in research without realising it. Watch with closed captions. TALKING...
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Rethinking Gamification in Adult Learning | Jade Arthur
Jade Arthur explores the concept of gamification in teaching adult learners. In this episode, Laura and Jade dive into common misconceptions about gamification, discuss the importance of intrinsic motivation, and share actionable strategies for making learning fun, engaging, and effective for...
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How to Improve our Attention Span | André Hedlund
Founder of the Learning Cosmos André Hedlund explores the growing challenges of maintaining attention spans in the age of digital distractions. André dives into the impact of screen time, the role of executive functions in learning, and how going back to basics can foster focus and resilience in...
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Curating Immersive English Experiences | Ruth Pringle
Founder of Blue Noun, Ruth Pringle, discusses her innovative approach to immersive English learning. Ruth shares how combining outdoor exploration, artistic activities, and community engagement transforms English learners into confident English users. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS…
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Teaching Tips for Translanguaging | Josianne Block
Senior Teaching Associate Josianne Block shares insights on how embracing learners’ linguistic resources can enhance communication, foster inclusivity, and create a more dynamic learning environment. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS What is translanguaging? Josianne defines...
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From Teacher to Teacherpreneur | Shélynn Riel
Shélynn Riel explores what it means to be a teacherpreneur and shares insights on how teachers can transition to entrepreneurship and leverage their skills to build flexible, impactful careers Watch the episode with closed captions here. What is Teacherpreneurship? Shé describes a teacherpreneur…
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Finding What Works for You as a Learner | Urmi Hossain
Multilingual speaker Urmi Hossain joins us to share her experiences learning multiple languages and the personalised strategies she’s developed. Urmi’s learning journey highlights the importance of finding methods that resonate with personal goals, interests, and cultural backgrounds. Watch the...
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Uncovering Hidden Meaning in Teaching Materials | Katherine Reilly
Author and Teacher Trainer Katherine Rilley explores the role of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in English language teaching and materials. Katherine explains how CDA can help educators identify hidden meanings, assumptions, and power dynamics within their teaching materials so we can make...
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Start Building the Career You Want | Martin Hajek
Author Martin Hajek talks about the importance of role models and access to information to make informed decisions about our careers in the English Language Teaching industry. Martin shares three stories from his latest book More Than A Gap Year Adventure that demonstrate the wide range of career...
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Learning Strategies that Get Results | Rachael Harris (Recorded at IATEFL 2024)
Author Rachael Harris discusses her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, and how her experience teaching teens and young learners inspired her to focus on inclusive practices and the importance of strategies to boost students' performance. The conversation explores examples...
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Power up Your Professional Development with Experiential Learning | Kirsten Holt
Kirsten Holt, founder of Creativity Sown, talks about experiential learning in teacher development. In this episode, Kirsten shares practical tips for getting started and highlights the value of building a community to exchange ideas and support growth. Watch this episode with closed captions…
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Setting Students up for Success in the Workplace | Leo Wu
English language trainer Leo Wu shares insights into tasks he uses in his classes to support his Business English learners in developing essential soft skills for the workplace. In this episode, Leo explains why communication, rather than just language proficiency, is key to success in the…
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Curating Personalised Learning Paths with Online Platforms | Roger Hubmann
Roger Hubmann, founder of Happy Students, talks about the evolving role of online learning platforms in language education. Roger shares how modern platforms can create dynamic, engaging, and personalised learning paths for students. He discusses the shift towards using digital tools to support…
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Is Generative AI Making Cheating Easier? with Eve Conway
In our 100th episode, TESOL Pop's co-founders Laura Wilkes and Eve Conway dive into the evolving world of generative AI and its implications for education. The explores challenges and opportunities tools like ChatGPT present in learning, assessment, and plagiarism. Click here to watch this…
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Build Your Teaching Brand by Creating Videos | Basma Abd Elhamied أبلة بسمة
Basma Abd Elhamied (أبلة بسمة), founder of TEFLship, talks about the importance of having a personal brand, how teachers can start, and how video can help in the process. Basma also shares practical tips so you can start creating videos. Click here to watch this episode with closed captions. KEY...
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What to Prioritise When Teaching Pronunciation | Gemma Archer
Gemma Archer shares insights from her latest book: Teaching English Pronunciation for a Global World co-authored with Robin Walker. In this episode, Gemma talks about prioritising intelligibility over native-likeness in language learning, setting realistic learning goals, as well as shares...
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Let's Plan a Podcast using Visual Templates | Emily Bryson
Emily Bryson shares how visual templates can enhance learning by providing a creative way for students to brainstorm and plan projects, such as podcasts. This episode includes practical demonstrations and tips on incorporating visual templates and graphic facilitation into classrooms. Click here…
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Decolonising the Language Classroom | Dr Amina Douidi
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant Dr Amina Douidi talks about racial basis in teaching, materials, and assessment in the context of the language classroom and shares actions we can take to address the problem. Click here to watch this episode with closed captions. KEY TALKING POINTS...
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Teaching Active Listening Skills | Shweta Ramkumar
Communications Coach Shweta Ramkumar shares insights into teaching active listening skills to healthcare professionals. In this episode, Shweta explains what active listening is, why it's important and how we can develop this skill in the ESL classroom. Click here to watch this episode with…
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What is Task-Based Learning? with Jane Willis (Recorded at IATEFL 2024)
Author Jane Willis answers your questions about task-based learning (TBL). In this episode, Jane provides examples of TBL in practice, explores the difference between task-based and task-supported learning, and closes with suggestions on how the latest technology can fit into a TBL framework.…
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Teaching Legal English with Natasha Costello
Natasha Costello, co-author of Practical English Language Skills for Lawyers and a legal English educator, discusses career pathways to teaching legal English. In this episode, Natasha shares insights into learners' needs, lesson content, and resources for anyone interested in exploring teaching...
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A Disruptive Approach to Teaching and Materials with Tyson Seburn
Author of How to Write Inclusive Materials, Tyson Seburn, talks about a disruptive approach to building greater empathy and inclusion in the language classroom. In this interview, Tyson walks through the five stages of the disruptive approach and suggests topics, questions, materials and…
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Coaching Language Learners to Success with Kerstin Cable
Founder of Fluent Language, Kerstin Cable, discusses the difference between teaching and coaching. Kerstin walks through key elements of her language habit system, which focuses on a cycle of planning, tracking, reviewing and goal setting to set learners up for success. KEY TALKING POINTS…
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Common Myths about Teaching Pronunciation with Emma Walker
Founder of Pronunciation with Emma, Emma Walker, addresses myths surrounding teaching pronunciation, from misconceptions about the skills we need as teachers to common mixups between accent and pronunciation. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS Myth 1: Certain Teachers Can't Teach...
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Lesson Materials to Try with Your Adult Learners with Silvina Mascitti
Teacher and materials writer Silvina Mascitti shares three lesson plans from her library of free materials at EFL Creative Ideas. Silvina walks through the various lesson stages for each lesson and shares insights into how she uses the materials with her adult learners. KEY TALKING POINTS Lesson...
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Great Works of Literature to Inspire Your Teaching with Chris Starling
Retired teacher Chris Starling shares a few of his favourite works of literature that inspired him as a linguaphile and educator. We hope Chris' book list inspires you to continue the conversation by sharing your favourite titles with your teaching community and in the comments section on the…
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Choosing the Right Technology for Your Context with Charlie's Lessons
Founder of Charlie's Lessons shares three key questions to remember when choosing technology for your teaching context. KEY TALKING POINTS Core Set of Tools Charlie emphasises the significance of technology in his daily routine, relying heavily on the Google suite of apps for communication and...
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Going from Good to Great in Writing with Paul Duke
Writing Tutor and Coach, Paul Duke, shares what distinguishes a good piece of writing from a great one and how coaching can help learners become great writers. KEY TALKING POINTS Teaching vs. Tutoring vs. Coaching Paul explains the differences between teaching, tutoring, and coaching, emphasising...
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Using TV Shows in the Language Classroom with Samvidha Srinath
Teacher Samvidha Srinath talks about using clips from popular TV shows in her classes, the benefits it brings to her teenage learners, and how she uses the material in class. KEY TALKING POINTS Advantages of Using Authentic Media: Samvidha explains how using clips from films and TV shows in the...
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Debunking Myths About Dyslexia & Language Learning with Ania Karwowska
Founder of PolCa Languages, Ania Karwowska, discusses myths surrounding dyslexia and language learning. Ania draws from research to address three prevalent myths and what we can do instead to support learners. KEY TALKING POINTS Myth 1: Dyslexic-Friendly Fonts Ania debunks the idea that specific...
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Gathering Feedback From Learners with Kate Semerenko
Teacher Educator Kate Semerenko talks about the important role learner feedback has in helping us develop our courses, materials and teaching practice. Kate shares how to gather feedback and how best to implement it. KEY TALKING POINTS Importance of Collecting Feedback Kate highlights the...
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Freelancer or Business Owner? with Rachael Roberts
Founder of Earn Learn Thrive, Rachael Roberts, discusses the nuances between freelancing and business ownership in education. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Rachael offers valuable insights for educators wanting to move from employment into business ownership. KEY TALKING POINTS...
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Organising Online Learning Events with Abigail Fulbrook
Founder of English with Abigail, Abigail Fulbrook, shares insights into the online events she organises for learners and teachers of languages. Abigail talks about what inspired her to start hosting events, the benefits they offer, and tips on how to get involved. KEY TALKING POINTS Inspiring...
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Three Ways to Grow Your Money with Nicola Prentis
Nicola Prentis, founder of The Chilled Investor, shares three ways to start to grow our funds by exploring potential tax-free pensions, investments, and employer pension-matching options. This episode is not financial advice but educational tips and insights designed to help you build your...
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Creating Content To Grow Your Learning Community with English with Amy Online
Teacher and founder of English with Amy Online talks about the different types of content she creates to promote her online teaching business and attract paying students. Whether you own an education business or want to create a community around your school, this episode with provide insight into...
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How Can Reflecting on Critical Incidents Build Better Teams? with Ian McMaster
Author Ian McMaster talks about common challenges international teams face and how taking time to reflect on critical incidents can improve teamwork. This episode is helpful whether you are part of an international teaching team or seek ways to develop better teamwork with your teenage or adult...
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The Benefits of Forest Bathing for Teachers with David Stepanczuk
This special episode for Season 7 features a narrative from educator David Stepanczuk, who shares his journey from the challenges of finding work in Japan to discovering the practice of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) for stress relief. In this episode, David shares: Discovering Forest Bathing…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A short conversation can spark a big idea. But as busy English language teachers, it’s hard to find the time and space for those chats that shift how we teach or think about our careers. TESOL Pop brings those conversations to you. This mini podcast features quick, insightful interviews with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators from around the world. In under 15 minutes, you’ll hear ideas, teaching insights, and career stories that make you feel part of the wider ELT community, without adding to your workload.
🎧 Listen on your podcast app
📺 Watch with captions on YouTube
🌐 Or do a bit of both at tesolpop.com
Produced by our creative house, Communicating for Impact.
<p style='color:grey; font-s
HOSTED BY
TESOL Pop
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does TESOL Pop have?
TESOL Pop currently has 126 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is TESOL Pop about?
A short conversation can spark a big idea. But as busy English language teachers, it’s hard to find the time and space for those chats that shift how we teach or think about our careers. TESOL Pop brings those conversations to you. This mini podcast features quick, insightful interviews with TESOL,...
How often does TESOL Pop release new episodes?
TESOL Pop publishes regularly with 126 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to TESOL Pop?
You can listen to TESOL Pop on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts TESOL Pop?
TESOL Pop is created and hosted by TESOL Pop.
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