From Lost To The River

Every time you try to speak, something inside holds you back. You overthink. You fear mistakes. You imagine others judging you - so you stay quiet. But what if that voice in your head isn't trying to sabotage you? What if it's actually trying to protect you? In this episode of 'From Lost to the River', I sit down with bestselling author and master coach Peter Freeth to explore the psychology of perfectionism, the inner critic, and why both are working overtime to keep you "safe", even when that safety is holding you back. Peter shares insights from 20+ years of coaching experience, explaining why your inner critic isn't the enemy. It's a misunderstood ally. Together, we unpack how to change your relationship with that voice so you can stop feeling bad, stop holding back, and finally speak English with freedom and self-trust. Learn more about Peter and his executive coaching services here at Genius Coach. Buy his latest book, 'The Big Self-Help Lie', on Amazon. Check out some of other books including NLP in Business, Coaching Excellence 'From Lost To The River' is the podcast for Spanish professionals who want to stop hiding behind perfectionism and start speaking with confidence, clarity, and presence. Hosted by Richard Marshall, English confidence and communication coach, the show blends real stories, expert interviews, and practical strategies to help ambitious professionals focus on connection over correctness.   👉 Want to go deeper? Read my collection of articles on my website, where I explore the psychology behind English confidence. These weekly essays go beyond grammar and vocabulary to unpack how identity, fear, shame, and self-perception shape the way you speak, and how to move from awareness to confident, empowered action. If you’ve tried English classes, apps, or courses and still don’t feel confident speaking, this is the missing piece. 🎧 Watch this episode with subtitles on YouTube here. Visit my wesbite procoachenglish.com to learn more about me and ways we can work together. Get access to FREE learning resources here. 

Still overthinking your English in meetings, even after years of classes? Finance Manager Nines López explains why grammar-heavy English learning keeps capable Spanish professionals stuck, silent, and second-guessing themselves, and what actually builds real speaking confidence at work. We explore why textbook English rarely translates into real-world fluency, and how a conversation-first, identity-led approach helps professionals speak naturally under pressure. We unpack the emotional blocks many Spanish learners carry from school, fear of making mistakes, shame around accent, imposter syndrome, and how these show up in meetings, presentations, calls, and everyday professional conversations. This episode is for Spanish professionals who: Know a lot of English but freeze when it matters Overthink grammar instead of expressing ideas Worry about being judged by colleagues or native speakers Feel less confident in English than they are in Spanish Want to sound like themselves in English, not a “perfect” version From Lost to the River is the podcast for Spanish professionals who want to stop hiding behind perfectionism and start speaking with confidence, clarity, and presence. Hosted by Richard Marshall, English confidence and communication coach, the show blends real stories, expert interviews, and practical strategies to help ambitious professionals focus on connection over correctness. 👉 Want to go deeper? Read my More Than Words collection of essays on my website, where I explore the psychology behind English confidence. These weekly essays go beyond grammar and vocabulary to unpack how identity, fear, shame, and self-perception shape the way you speak, and how to move from awareness to confident, empowered action. If you’ve tried English classes, apps, or courses and still don’t feel confident speaking, this is the missing piece. 🎧 Watch this episode on YouTube. 📖 Read More Than Words.  

Learn more at procoachenglish.com. In this extract from 'Me da vergüenza hablar', language coach Nacho Fernández shares strategies to overcome hesitation and speak English confidently, even when you fear making mistakes. Nacho and I discuss how real communication beats grammar perfection. You’ll learn practical ways to build English confidence, including listening to podcasts, watching movies, and other immersive media (even passively) so your brain becomes familiar with natural speech patterns. This episode also explores the emotional barriers that hold back Spanish professionals in high-level roles, such as fear of judgment, comparison with others, and overthinking. Nacho shows how to shift focus from perfection to connection, helping you communicate more naturally in meetings and presentations. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak in English despite knowing the language, this episode will give you one clear takeaway: practice, exposure, and mindset adjustments unlock real confidence. 🧭 About From Lost to the River From Lost to the River is the podcast for Spanish learners of English who want to stop overthinking, stop hiding behind perfectionism, and start speaking with confidence. Hosted by (me) Richard Marshall, it blends personal stories, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to help ambitious professionals focus on connection over perfection. Follow Nacho on LinkedIn where he offers one to one and group based Spanish coaching.   Learn more about me, Richard, at my website procoachenglish.com.  where you can access these free resources.  #EnglishConfidence #BusinessEnglish #SpanishExecutives #ingles #aprenderingles

Today, I'm speaking once again with English teacher and Instagram & TikTok sensation Alba Guerrero González about why so many Spanish professionals feel confident on paper but insecure in real conversations.  Alba returns to the podcast after her episode How To Speak English With Confidence became the most streamed so far on From Lost to the River. In this conversation, she explains how titulitis, external pressure, and exam-oriented learning create a system where students collect certificates but rarely develop real speaking skills. You’ll hear how major exams like selectividad still ignore speaking, and how that affects you years later, especially in high-stakes meetings or presentations in English. If you’ve ever wondered why you overthink, apologise, or hesitate even with a solid C1 level, Alba’s insights will help you understand the emotional roots of that imposter syndrome. And more importantly, she shares how to rebuild confidence through a “connection over perfection” mindset.   This conversation will give you a practical perspective and one clear benefit: a way to start speaking English more naturally without waiting to feel “perfect.” Follow Alba on Instagram here and on TikTok here where she shares super cool English learning tips & tricks as well as offering one to one and group based English classes.  Learn more about me, Richard, at my website procoachenglish.com where you can also access these FREE resources.   

Here's my new website: procoachenglish.com: Many Spanish speakers speak excellent English yet still feel judged, insecure, or hesitant in meetings. If you’ve ever second‑guessed yourself after someone asked you to repeat what you just said, this short episode will help you see why it’s not your fault, and how to rebuild your confidence. I explore the hidden variables in communication that have nothing to do with your grammar or accent. From background noise to distractions in the listener’s mind, you’ll see why misunderstandings happen.  You’ll learn how to stop blaming yourself, reframe those moments, and focus on connection instead of perfection. This is essential for people who want English confidence in presentations, video calls, and real‑time meetings. Discover how to speak naturally, reduce overthinking, and show up with clarity and impact in business English. 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 #ingles #english Watch this episode with SUBTITLES here on YouTube 🎯 Muchos hispanohablantes tienen un excelente nivel de inglés, pero aún así se sienten juzgados, inseguros o dudan en reuniones. Si alguna vez has dudado de ti mismo después de que alguien te pidiera repetir lo que acabas de decir, este episodio corto te ayudará a ver por qué no es tu culpa y cómo recuperar tu confianza. Exploro las variables ocultas en la comunicación que no tienen nada que ver con tu gramática ni con tu acento. Desde el ruido de fondo hasta las distracciones en la mente del oyente, verás por qué ocurren los malentendidos. Aprenderás a dejar de culparte, a replantear esos momentos y a enfocarte en la conexión en lugar de la perfección. Esto es clave para quienes buscan confianza en inglés en presentaciones, videollamadas y reuniones en tiempo real. Descubre cómo hablar con naturalidad, reducir el exceso de pensamiento y comunicarte con claridad e impacto en inglés profesional.

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. If you’ve ever felt your English vanish the moment someone hesitates or looks confused, you’re not alone. We’ve all felt that drop in confidence when suddenly everything we know seems to disappear. In this Spanish-only extract from my conversation with language coach and author Daniele Ponzo. We explore why so many people freeze when speaking English, and how to move past the fear of “getting it wrong.” Listen to the full conversation here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts.  Today we're sharing our stories of learning Spanish from scratch, facing that all-too-familiar “face of confusion,” and realising that true connection matters more than being perfect.  You’ll hear how we learned that confidence grows through use, not just study, and how speaking your target language (in your case, English) by “swimming in the pool of the language” helps you unlearn perfectionism and massively boost your confidence.  Daniele shares practical ways to stay calm in meetings, focus on your message (not your mistakes), and sound more natural when presenting and leading teams. If you’ve ever felt imposter syndrome or shame about your accent, this episode will help you rethink what “good English” really means, and remind you that your value as a communicator isn’t measured by grammar. 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 'procoachenglish.com'. In this short clip from 'The Psychology Behind Real English Confidence', language coach Daniele Ponzo shares the honest truth about perfectionism, fear of mistakes, and the pressure to “sound right.” You’ll hear how one simple mindset shift, from perfection to presence, helped him move past fear and speak naturally in meetings, interviews, and everyday life. 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 the full conversation 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. 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

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Today I'm chatting with English Teacher, Alba Guerrero González about why fluency beats perfection when speaking English. We discuss Spanish learners' biggest struggles, overcoming fear, and why mistakes are your best teachers. Follow Alba on Instagram & Tik Tok and watch her super cool English learning tips & tricks. Mil gracias por tu tiempo Alba! 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. 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

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Aqui tienes un extracto del capítulo 3. Here I explore how our fear of making mistakes and worrying about others’ reactions can create false beliefs about our abilities. It’s so common for us to assume that others won’t understand us (before we even try), or that our language skills aren’t "good enough" - but this is just F.E.A.R.: False Evidence Appearing Real. There are many factors involved in communication, many of which are out of your control. If you found this helpful, subscribe to the podcast for more insights and personal stories about building confidence in English and overcoming your fears of making mistakes.  Visit my website procoachenglish.com to learn more about me and ways you can work with me. Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, & on YouTube with automatic subtitles. 🌟 Let’s connect on: LinkedIn 💬 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....Losing the FEAR will help you speak up and from there you will improve. Tú Puedes! Here’s 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

Visit my website for more info: procoachenglish.com. Welcome to the first episode of From Lost To The River. I'm Richard, and after 14 years of learning Spanish, I understand how frustrating it can feel to speak a second language. I’ve been there, staying quiet out of fear of making mistakes. In this episode, I’ll share how letting go of perfectionism helped me become myself in Spanish and how you can do the same in 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