John Scott Lawton's English, you know ...

In today’s episode I interview Ismet (Isse) Muratspahic as we discuss: - How to go on a self-discovery journey with your inner book  - How to structure a business and personal brand by creating a book asset and, - How to follow your calling with authenticity and attract your tribe (aka how to market your book).  Ismet (Isse) Muratspahic is an author and founder of Calling to Millions where he insp...

In this episode, I interview Zuzana Labašová from the Centre of Environmental and Ethical Education Živica, based in Pliešovce, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. We discuss her work; her motivations for getting involved in educating teachers; and the impact she sees on people on a personal and professional level. A migrant during childhood, an inhabitant of a tiny island in the Mediterranean, a foreigner...

In this episode, I again interview transformational coach, Michaela Smith about 'Imposter Syndrome', which many leaders experience at least once in their lives or careers. Where does this feeling of being, 'not good enough' or, 'not worthy' and the associated 'fear of failure' come from, and what can be done to change it? Read on below and listen to the podcast to b...

In this episode I interview Gabby Sosa, a mentor who supports individuals at a challenging time of their lives. She works with people who are going through a separation or divorce and provides practical guidance to help people fully understand what's happening to them. In Gabby's own words: My marriage was never meant to happen but because I didn´t listen to my intuition, which at that tim...

In this episode I interview Czech jewellery maker and designer Antonie Lecher. We talk about the inspiration for her unique pieces which she sees as a cocktail of art deco, antique and minimalist styles, with echoes of the natural environment. Antonie discusses the challenges faced when launching a new business during the COVID pandemic and how marketing is in itself an additional skill which she...

Tímea Reicher is an Executive MBA graduate of the WU Executive Academy of the Vienna University of Economics and Business and University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management (USA). We talk about her career and how learning has always been a key part of her personal and professional development. Tímea has been with SLOVNAFT, part of the MOL group of companies, for over 17 years and in the podc...

In this episode, I interview celebrated author N. Dean Meyer about his book: ' How Organizations SHOULD Work: envisioning a high-performing organization made of a network of internal entrepreneurs ', released in June 2022. The book provides: A detailed vision (blueprint) of the end-state operating model - to help you craft and communicate your own vision. All the mechanics - solid principl...

In this episode, I interview Leadership Coach Petra Holic both about her early life experiences and her current work with individuals and teams. Talking about her childhood and her inspirational mother, Petra describes how, as a young family, they twice attempted to leave Czechoslovakia during the socialist era, but were prevented from doing so on each occasion. Despite her mother being taken as a...

In this episode, I interview Leon Conrad, an author, educator, and story structure consultant and author of the multi-award-winning book, Story and Structure: A complete guide which won the IPNE Book of the Year Award for 2022. His next book, Master the Art and Craft of Writing is due out in 2023.  Story and Structure: A complete guide is about story—as a dynamic force of life. It explores the dee...

In this episode, I interview Jane James, the founder of the Little Voices franchise network in the United Kingdom. Little Voices provides singing and drama (or acting) classes for children and young people from the ages of 4 - 18 years. Jane trained as an opera singer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland after gaining a degree at the University of Sheffield. She brought her love for the performi...

In this extended episode, I interview Dr. Venu Panicker and Michaela Fábry Pardubská, MBA about the life science of Ayurveda. Originating in India about 5000 years ago, many of the descriptions of Ayurveda are given in the original Sanskrit form in which the Hindu Vedas were written, with an English equivalent given by Dr Venu as he guides us through the key elements of Ayurveda. You will hear abo...

In celebration of International Women’s Day which this year aims to promote digital literacy for women and girls, I interview Monika Kočiová who leads the Center for International Private Enterprise's (CIPE’s) portfolio of programs across Central and Eastern Europe as a Program Officer, based in Bratislava, Slovakia. Her work focuses mostly on strengthening the capacity of the private sector to ad...

Caroline E. King is the founder of Vocal Assets which is a speaking company based in Somerset, UK, focusing on you being able to show up as your best you and being able to communicate that with style, resonance and gravitas. In this episode we talk about how to use the natural sound of your voice, but to enhance it in a way which makes it pleasant to listen to and which carries its message perhaps...

In this episode, I interview Beth Jannery, CEO and founder of Titan, a woman owned small business specialising in strategic communications, advising and life coaching, working with C-Suite executives in Fortune 100 companies. Beth and I explore the welcome and increasing trend to more conscious leadership in companies, organisations and groups, as well as in our personal lives within our fami...

After a longer than expected summer break due to ill-health, I am back, nearly fighting fit, to share another episode of my conversational podcast with you, 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know'. The general aim of the podcast series is to be entertaining for all listeners, as well as being educational, assisting upper-intermediate and advanced level English language students with additional lis...

Arguably the most popular genre or style of fictional writing in English is the crime novel. Many of the most popular series of books or short stories feature professional or amateur detectives seeking to solve crime, often murders. What is it about this type of story that appeals? When did the genre first become popular? Who are some of the most famous authors and who are their leading protagonis...

In this episode I interview Laura Field, Director of Spoken Words, a company specialising in providing professional support to international clients who wish to improve their communication skills in the business environment. Laura and I discuss what it takes to be an excellent communicator; how we sometimes are too critical of ourselves when speaking, which can have a negative impact on our confid...

Hello and welcome to my podcast John Scott Lawton's English, you know. In this episode, I interview Michaela Smith a Leadership, Mindset and Transformational Coach.  Michaela has recently established herself as a professional, accredited coach focussing on working with high achievers; people who are driven to succeed and to have an impact, but who often suffer burnout because of the intense p...

Welcome to my podcast: 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know'. In this rather different episode, I'm interviewed by one of my advanced level students, Mária from Slovakia, about my teaching career and my experiences of living and working in many different countries. The episode is intended to provide live material for students who want to improve their listening skills by hearing natural dialogue...

Welcome to my podcast, 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know'. In this episode I interview Priscilla Morris from Loud and Clear Voice Coaching about the importance of protecting our speaking voice from overuse and damage. Our voice is an essential part of our personality. Research has demonstrated that our voice is often as distinctive as our fingerprints, unique to each of us; often instantly re...

Welcome to my podcast, 'John Scott Lawton's English, You Know'. In this personal episode, I interview my 88-year-old mother, Muriel Lawton, about her experiences as a child growing up during the Second World War. She was evacuated, or moved, from the city of Manchester in England, to go to live with two families that she didn't know at first. In 1939, she was evacuated to Mobberley in Cheshire, ju...

In this episode I interview Martina Gregorova, a Public Relations Officer at an international environmental organisation based in London, UK. Martina is passionate about tackling the climate crisis and she became an accredited Climate Reality Leader in 2020. She spends her free time educating others how to take environmental action for positive change.  Martina is also an enthusiastic vegan a...

In this episode, I interview Phil Tooley from Chesterfield, Derbyshire in the United Kingdom about his passion for fine dining - which involves seeking out the best restaurants to experience some of the highest quality dining experiences. Phil and I discuss the importance of selecting the finest ingredients or produce from which skilled and experienced chefs create some of the best foodie experien...

In this episode, I interview Chesterfield Football Club supporter, Phil Tooley. Phil has been associated with his home town football club, Chesterfield FC, which is in Derbyshire, England, for over 40 years as a volunteer and reporter. He currently commentates on the club’s own internet radio station, 1866 Sport. I ask Phil what he enjoys about a close involvement with the football club...

In this episode I interview Robin Pardo Roques about his interest and experience of learning and teaching European Languages, in particular Spanish, Italian and, indeed, English. Robin is Head of Modern Foreign Languages in a Secondary School in Derbyshire, England. In this interview, we discuss his chance meeting in a lift (an elevator) that led to a life abroad and a career teaching la...