2. Japanese Word Play? Shiritori /言葉遊び（し...

I’ll be taking a short break from the podcast and website until mid-May. In this episode, I explain why I decided to go to India—to focus on yoga in Rishikesh and experience South Indian food and Ayurveda. I also reflect on my previous sabbatical and why intentionally stepping aw ... Show More

Did you know Japan has had bicycle traffic rules for years but almost nobody enforced them? That's changing in April 2026. Police can now issue on-the-spot fines (called 青切符 ao-kippu) for violations like running red lights, riding the wrong way, or using your phone while cycling. ... Show More

Many people picture grilled fish, miso soup, and rice — but is that really what Japanese people eat every morning? In this cozy, casual episode, I share what breakfast actually looks like in Japan, and in my own kitchen! Think clay pot rice, TKG, natto, ochazuke, and simple miso ... Show More

Learn a phrase about talking too much. 

<p>Practice speaking English with me, as your friend today in a "repeat after me" English lesson. I'll teach you some common phrases that English speakers use to make their speech sound quicker and you will repeat the phrase.</p> <p>In this English lesson, I am not going to be sp ... Show More

<p>A lot of students tell me that they are trying to think in English to speak English faster. In this episode I wanted to explain what the quickest way to speak is.</p> 

<p style="color:#333333;font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:30px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;hyphens:auto;text-align:justify;" data-flag="normal"><span>说话是一件不容易的事。</span><br></p> 

Learn a phrase about talking nonsense. 

Do you have difficulty speaking in English. Sometimes the hardest part is to start a conversation. In this podcast, we will discuss how to start a conversation in any situation. 

<p>Listening to natural conversational English is the most effective way to understand and replicate native English speakers.</p> 

How to make your meaning clear by speaking in shorter sentences.