Rants, Ramblings, and Reflections from an ESL Teacher

Hey everyone, it’s Chris. In this episode, I want to talk about something I see all the time — students who study English really hard but still don’t feel like they’re improving. You review your notes, watch videos, use all the apps… but when it comes time to actually use English in real life, it’s hard to find the chance. So in this episode, I share a story about a student who’s going through exa...

In this episode, I talk about learned helplessness — that feeling of “I don’t know what to do” that shows up in language classes, and in life. Even though we have amazing tools like translation apps, Google, and ChatGPT, many learners still freeze when faced with confusion. I explore why that happens, how mindset plays a bigger role than grammar or vocabulary, and what it means to take ownership o...

In this episode, I step back from lesson planning and dive into what drives me as a teacher. I share my journey learning Japanese—both the boring textbook classes and the unforgettable real-world moments—and how those experiences shape the way I teach English today. From heritage language schools to life in Tokyo, from textbook drills to projects that actually felt real, I talk about what worked,...

Do you ever feel frustrated when someone doesn’t understand your English? In this episode, I share why it’s not always your fault when communication breaks down. From cultural differences to distractions to unfamiliar accents, there are many reasons people may not respond the way you expect—and sometimes it has nothing to do with your language ability. At the same time, I’ll talk about being hones...

In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest frustrations language learners face: why doesn’t real English sound like the English in textbooks? I share examples of how natural speech reduces and links sounds, why people from different regions and subcultures speak differently, and why that variety actually makes language richer and more interesting. I’ll also talk about my own experiences learn...

Do you ever freeze when speaking English because you’re searching for the “perfect” word? In this episode, I explain why fluency doesn’t come from inventing new sentences every time—but from recycling common phrases, making mistakes, and exposing yourself to real English in daily life. Learn how to stop overthinking, start collecting useful chunks, and use them with confidence. Transcript and Note...

In this episode, I talk about the difference between performative learning —studying just to pass tests, finish worksheets, or check boxes—and actual learning , where skills stick and can be used in real communication. Drawing on my own experiences teaching in Japan, learning Japanese, and even struggling with Spanish in high school, I explore why we often confuse “looking like we’re learning” wit...

After a short “digital detox,” I’m back with fresh thoughts on one of my favorite topics: taking responsibility for your own language learning. I share why stepping away from technology can improve focus, how your confidence in English might be lower than your actual ability, and a simple habit I used while learning Japanese—writing down what I wanted to say and finding out later how to express it...

(This is a video episode, so check out the original YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Tw9Mr7cYKoA ) Tone matters — especially when you're writing something personal and emotionally sensitive, like a breakup message, a “let’s just be friends” note, or a difficult email to someone you care about. In this episode, I share a real-life experience that made me reflect deeply on how tone can make or break...

In this episode, we’re talking about something that doesn’t show up on your grammar test but definitely shows up in real life: tone. Yep, that invisible thing that makes your message sound friendly… or accidentally rude… or suspiciously like it was written by a robot. I share a personal story (featuring heartbreak and AI), and explain why tone matters just as much as vocabulary—especially when emo...

This is a special video episode originally made for my online class. Access the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/7iZtynTN0nk Full transcript and summary: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13YNKPT_WfKF1cqgkwHhwqmb2T-SvCvbWSy_J5Dp0YF4/edit?usp=sharing ChatGPT conversation history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iglnw-Qb1UIHuw57k3S0AcjJQ4NQuscuXF1CiDbGdak/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I talk about money as it pertains to language learning. Basically, if you truly value learning, wouldn't you be willing to spend money on it? Also, I ramble about my views on money in areas such as taking care of your health, saving time and energy, and retirement. Full transcript and summary: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p43nrv8zgLffPSx4Q7FPKlB5tUZAZZMMyJZdyhOV__I/edit?usp...

Hey everyone—today I wanted to share some thoughts on a topic I bring up a lot in class but haven’t really explored on the podcast: honesty , especially being honest with yourself about your goals, time, and priorities when it comes to learning English—or really, anything in life. It’s a bit personal, a bit reflective, and hopefully helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about what you...

In this episode, I talk about the benefits and shortcomings of using an LLM for not just language learning purposes but also general uses. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kh-WJMmVaaR6ComvsqsKGV1duITG83wUsZSGsEq02lI/edit?usp=sharing Summary: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Qw5lU5gWnpxg2RrWEWQ7DbVei1uZJcJQBovPOIyrf8/edit?usp=sharing

This is an update on a previous episode in which I talked about my experience using ChatGPT in Japan from a language learner's perspective. I recorded it for students in an online course as part of a lesson on using LLMs for language learning. Because this is a guide to using ChatGPT, I recommend watching the video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69hP9Rw1nFc Transcript: https://docs.googl...

In this video I walk students in my online course through how to use ChatGPT (or other LLMs) to compose a message. Because it's a guide to using ChatGPT, I recommend checking out the video version: https://youtu.be/w0L3LtmzCL4 Full Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y1-NcmRN_L6YbtsbfSgz4HwPfZEGb_Dkt5rF5UTO2Vk/edit?usp=sharing Chat History: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17ztWOH2Um...

I ramble a bit for some reason . . . I think I was hungry. But basically, try to ask yourself this question: "Why do I feel like my English isn't good enough?" Remember that when you are in challenging and uncomfortable situations, that's your opportunity to improve. At a certain point you have to take that (uncomfortable) next step and put yourself out there. And if you do that, you will (probabl...

In this special video episode I talk about my experience using ChatGPT to help me communicate while on "vacation" in Japan. Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QdKu4ElHDbpsazHoyXpnnfsvuYtNO7z3kwWyKdwElJg/edit?usp=sharing ChatGPT conversation history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17UsT5sOFPmM1ha_MJcsGV2DaQ8nSQxo27b4YGE50TuA/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I talk about the value of preparing before entering a situation. I use my upcoming trip to Japan as an example of how language learners can use AI to not only help them learn what to say but also use it as a learning opportunity. Full Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ChIaHEniimmNgIfeMki7kbXAM5FQZvkF7FZG7rByL8/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I (attempt to) give an overall impression of the history of the English language. Immigration, invasion, and trade all influence the development of English. I also talk about why spelling seems so chaotic and random and I give my thoughts on the issue of standardized grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It's important to also look at the history of your own language and learn a...

This is a special video episode. Check out the YouTube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p350cCpGb-8 Full transcript and chat history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mwm1rQWzKa8xtlqW6jyNXw4BR_4RroCfFMbYmvSkY60/edit?usp=sharing

Just a quick, somewhat incoherent ramble about what it means to be "proficient" in a language. Somebody pay my rent and vent bills so I don't have to work so much, and then I can make longer podcasts :-D Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sa46ivYg2BFH7l1vvcBhClTz0OEuKf3fRP9-FkK-o5g/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I talk about a couple things: note taking and audio in the background. Make sure to take notes, and don't forget to review them! Play podcasts or radio program in the background, even if you don't understand everything. Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B05oc9nfZSID6fpY5pIdZV3QQWtGlS5dR6CYXiXMPLQ/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I try very hard to keep it under 30 minutes. The original goal was 15 minutes, but it went nearly 20 minutes, but . . . there you have it. My main message in this rant is to make sure you have an activity or goal that requires English. I use my experience playing Japanese-language video games as an example. The only way I could fully enjoy or progress in text-heavy role playing ga...

In this video episode I'll share my thoughts on how to use ChatGPT for language learning. Check out the full video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7M_9R3a__g Full transcript available: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uZJmZcgLqNcDiArXDX37Man8l6123oaeeBBMYdWMjTk/edit?usp=sharing