477. How She Stopped Avoiding English and Started Thriving

477. How She Stopped Avoiding English and Started Thriving

Author: Hadar Shemesh September 12, 2025 Duration: 39:46

"Difficult doesn't mean impossible, and direction is more important than speed." That's a quote from the wonderful interview I'm having today with my dear student, Luciana! Her story will inspire you to keep going, no matter where you are on your English journey.

In this episode, Luciana, a UX designer from Brazil now living in Portugal, shares how she went from avoiding speaking English and feeling awkward in meetings… to hosting conversation groups, creating videos, and speaking confidently every single day.

We talk about:
- How she shifted her mindset from fear to joy
- Why community and accountability are game-changers
- How pronunciation work improved her fluency AND listening skills

If you've ever thought you're too old to improve, or that fluency is impossible without living in an English-speaking country, Luciana is living proof that it's possible.

Luciana is a student of both my New Sound and Beyond programs!
Check them out here:
Join New Sound: https://bit.ly/3I9wNkY
Join Beyond: https://bit.ly/4nrfM5N


Hadar Shemesh hosts The InFluency Podcast, drawing from her own journey from an intermediate English speaker to a recognized pronunciation expert and fluency coach. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical, empathetic guide for anyone who feels stuck in their language learning. Hadar's conversations and solo episodes delve into the tangible strategies that actually work for acquiring an American accent, building unshakeable confidence, and moving beyond textbook English to authentic, fluid speech. You'll hear a blend of mindset shifts, technical pronunciation breakdowns, and stories from a global community of learners. The focus is always on the human side of fluency-how it connects to identity, courage, and communication. Each episode of this podcast feels like a direct coaching session, offering actionable steps that address the real frustrations and aspirations of students and teachers alike. Hadar's approach demystifies the process, making the path to speaking English with assurance feel not only possible but deeply personal. Tune in for a resource that understands the journey because the host has lived it, creating a space where progress is celebrated over perfection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 508

The InFluency Podcast
Podcast Episodes
25. What To Do When You Hit A Plateau In English? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:10
What happens when you make great progress in something, but then… You're stuck. You no longer move forward. It happens in so many different areas in life; losing weight, working out, in relationships… but also in English…
22. How To Take Notes When English Is NOT Your Native Language [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
Taking notes in class, a meeting or a lecture can be a challenge for everyone. So naturally, if you're a non-native speaker, this process can be even more challenging. But! The secret is not in how to understand native s…
21. How to Practice Pronunciation Effectively? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:13
One question I get asked regularly by learners of English is, "how come I practice a new word and succeed in pronouncing it right but then fail to get it right when using it in a conversation later on?" Has that ever hap…
20. Same Spelling but Different Pronunciation? ? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:10
When you see the word 'resume' do you know how to pronounce it if it's out of context? I guess it's going to be hard. Because two words (that are pronounced differently) share this spelling! Homographs are words that are…
19. How to get over the fear of being judged when speaking English [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:48
Have you ever felt nervous speaking English, especially around native speakers? If the answer is yes, do listen to this episode. In this episode you will learn: 1. How to turn your thoughts around so you can become a con…