504. How English helped her say yes to a whole new life

504. How English helped her say yes to a whole new life

Author: Hadar Shemesh March 13, 2026 Duration: 42:26

In this interview, I'm bringing Jelena to the stage! Jelena is one of my New Sound and Beyond students from Serbia, who now lives in the US.

When she arrived, she could barely leave her apartment. She avoided grocery stores, doctor's appointments, and meetings with her supervisor. Today? She's a research fellow, teaches salsa in English, and has a thriving social life she once thought to be impossible.

In this conversation, she shares:

What it really felt like to be isolated and dependent on her husband's English
The turning point that proved she could communicate outside a "safe environment"
Why pronunciation work was the key that unlocked her confidence
How mindset shifts that changed everything
What she'd recommend to anyone stuck in the same loop she was in

This is the kind of conversation I love having: a public catch-up with a former student who is living proof that English doesn't have to be an obstacle to the life you want.

👉 Learn more about New Sound: https://bit.ly/4uqgMuD 

👉 Practice with my Sprints for free: https://bit.ly/43pCotf 

Jelena's story is not unique, it's what's possible. If you've ever avoided a doctor's appointment, stayed silent in a meeting, or felt like a different person in English, this one's for you. ❤️


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: en-us Episodes: 100

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