Real English Conversations Podcast | English Fluency For Newcomers And International Professionals

What if becoming a better communicator isn't about talking more?

What if it's about asking better questions, listening more carefully, and creating an environment where people actually want to share?

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with Andres Lares, CEO and Managing Partner of Shapiro Negotiations Institute, to explore the communication skills that can change the outcome of a negotiation, job interview, business meeting, presentation, or difficult workplace conversation.

Andrés brings a unique perspective to this conversation because English is his second language. Originally from Venezuela, he u...

What if the English you've been listening to could actually become the English you speak?

What if you stopped treating podcasts as something you simply listen to…

…and started using them as a complete English-learning system?

That is exactly what Diego Nieto did.

Diego grew up in Cabimas, Zulia, Venezuela, and became fascinated by English as a child. Years later, when he was searching for a way to improve his listening, he discovered the Real English Conversations Podcast.

At first, he couldn't understand everything he heard.

So he created his...

What does it really take to become a trusted and valuable professional on a global team?

In today's workplace, having strong technical skills isn't always enough. If you work remotely for an international company, especially a U.S.-based organization, your ability to communicate proactively, take ownership, solve problems, build trust, and adapt to AI can have a major impact on your professional success.

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis talks with Marc Snegg, founder and CEO of Ground Game, about what it really takes to succeed as an international professional...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience another country as a local rather than as a tourist?

In this special episode from the archives, Curtis and Former co-host Amy talk about their incredible three-month experience in Colombia.

They traveled to Barranquilla on Colombia's Caribbean coast to experience Carnival, but instead of simply staying in hotels and visiting tourist attractions, they stayed with friends and their families.

That allowed them to experience Colombian culture from the inside—from everyday social activities and local food to music, dancing, street parties, and Ca...

Why are some professionals able to communicate an idea and immediately make people listen, connect, and remember it—while others struggle to get their message across?

In this powerful episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author, keynote speaker, story strategy consultant, and Chief Storytelling Officer Rain Bennett to explore one of the most important skills for today's global professionals: storytelling.

Rain has conducted more than 1,000 interviews and spent more than 20 years working with stories, filmmaking, communication, and human connection. Through those experiences, he has discovered a powerful tr...

Why do so many intelligent, ambitious professionals know exactly what they should be doing—but still struggle to take action?

In this powerful episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with decorated Army veteran, award-winning international speaker, executive coach, and author Mark Reynolds to explore the connection between confidence, competence, mindset, and taking action.

Mark explains why high achievers can become trapped between constantly trying to "fix their mindset" and searching for the perfect strategy, tactic, or productivity hack—and why lasting change requires both.

Drawing from his military lead...

Have you ever wondered what your English teacher did before becoming a teacher?

In this special re-released episode from the Real English Conversations Podcast archives, Curtis Davies and former co-host Amy share the story of their entrepreneurial journey long before they began helping English learners around the world.

Before teaching English full-time, they owned and operated their own delivery business in Canada. Running a small business taught them valuable lessons in communication, customer service, problem-solving, leadership, and calculated risk-taking, skills that continue to shape how they teach English today.

Whether you're an entrepreneur...

Have you ever felt nervous speaking English in meetings, presentations, or job interviews—even though you know what you want to say?

In this practical and inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with executive communication coach, speaker, actor, and presentation expert Andrew Hurteau to explore what separates average communicators from truly memorable ones.

Drawing on more than 25 years of coaching business leaders, performers, and professionals around the world, including executives from Meta, Dolby, Gartner, The North Face, Kaiser Permanente, and many others, Andrew shares powerful strategies for becoming a mo...

Why do so many intelligent professionals still struggle with confidence—even when their English is already good?

In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with TEDx speaker, comedian, communication coach, and entrepreneur Sam Ghanem to explore one of the biggest challenges facing international professionals today: believing in yourself when it matters most.

Sam shares her powerful journey from chasing external validation to discovering authentic confidence, explaining why confidence isn't about perfection—it's about presence, self-awareness, and showing up as your true self.

Whether you're preparing for job...

Do you feel embarrassed by your English accent?

Many English learners believe they must sound like a native speaker before they can succeed professionally. But is that really true?

In this special re-release from the Real English Conversations archives, Curtis Davies and former co-host Amy Whitney explore one of the biggest misconceptions in English learning: that eliminating your accent is the key to confidence.

You'll discover why clear communication is far more important than sounding native, how confidence and pronunciation work together, and practical strategies to become easier to understand without losing your...

What does it really take to become a great teacher, and what can English learners learn from the classroom?

In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with long-time friend Mike Foster, a Canadian high school Physical & Health Education teacher from British Columbia.

Mike's journey wasn't straightforward. After graduating with degrees in Kinesiology and Education, A strike and government negotiations delayed his teaching opportunities, forcing him to gain experience in unexpected places, from lifeguarding and outdoor education to coaching young people with autism, before finally becoming the teacher he...

In this latest episode of The Real English Conversations podcast, Curtis welcomes special guest James Murgatroyd from Holler Digital, reminiscing about their high school days and James's recent trip to London to see his favorite band, Galliano. James shares his experience of walking around London, enjoying classic British foods, and doing radio shows together. The conversation turns to their shared passion for music and DJing, with a look back at their high school DJ sessions and radio show takeovers. Overall, the conversation highlights the enduring love for music and the evolution of technology in DJing and music consumption. Tune in...

What does it mean to truly find your voice?

In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis sits down with his longtime high school friend Lance Cardinal, an internationally recognized Indigenous artist, television host, entrepreneur, actor, comedian, cultural ambassador, and member of the Bigstone Cree Nation.

For English learners, language is about much more than grammar and vocabulary. It's about identity, confidence, self-expression, and connecting with the world around you.

Lance shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Calling Lake, Alberta, to becoming one of Canada's most...

Do you ever freeze when speaking English?

Maybe you know exactly what you want to say, but the words won't come out. Maybe you overthink every sentence, worry about making mistakes, or feel nervous speaking in meetings, presentations, or everyday conversations.

In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with Edit B. Kiss—holistic mentor, trauma healing specialist, international speaker, best-selling author, and former petroleum engineer—to explore the deeper reasons why confidence can disappear when we need it most.

Edit shares her incredible journey from working as a...

Do confident professionals communicate differently?

The answer is yes — and the good news is that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis sits down with communication expert, voice actor, broadcaster, speaker, and author David Tyler, creator of the book Connect: A Field Guide for Master Communicators.

With more than 40 years of experience helping people communicate effectively, David shares the 10 communication habits of confident communicators and explains how anyone can develop them — including English learners, business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Do you ever feel like you're capable of more, but something is holding you back?

Many English learners struggle with confidence. They know more English than they think they do, but fear, self-doubt, overthinking, and the fear of making mistakes stop them from speaking naturally and expressing themselves fully.

In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis sits down with educator, TEDx speaker, author, professional speaker, engineer, and corporate executive John Kundly to discuss confidence, communication, personal growth, purpose, and how to move forward even when you don't feel ready.

...

What happens when three completely different life journeys collide around the same global challenge?

In the final episode of our 6-part Plot Pattern series, Curtis Davies is joined once again by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) — along with special guest Maryam Shoja, co-founder of the Mod Hob Cooperative — to explore one of the most advanced storytelling frameworks yet: the Parallel Plot Pattern.

This episode goes far beyond storytelling.

Together, Curtis, Matt, and Maryam trace their individual experiences from the turn of the millennium (Y2K) through the evolution of technology, communication, media, educ...

Why do so many English learners struggle with perfectionism, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome — even when they're improving?

In Part 5 of our 6-part Plot Pattern series, Curtis Davies is joined again by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) to explore one of the most powerful storytelling and personal growth frameworks ever created:

The Monomyth Plot Pattern — also known as The Hero's Journey.

This episode goes far beyond storytelling.

Curtis and Matt break down how the Hero's Journey mirrors the real-life experience of learning English, building confidence, overcoming fear, and pushing through the unco...

Why do so many professionals feel stuck in their English progress, even when they're practicing consistently every day?

In Part 4 of our 6-part Plot Pattern series, Curtis Davies is joined by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) to explore one of the most practical and powerful frameworks yet: the Circular Plot Pattern.

This episode reveals why progress in English (and in life) isn't about pushing harder — it's about creating balance, adapting to disruption, and building confidence through consistent routines.

If you've ever felt like you're doing "everything right" but still not improving… this epis...

Why do smart professionals struggle to explain complex ideas clearly in English?

It's not because the ideas are too complicated… It's because they don't know how to connect them.

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies is joined once again by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) to break down Plot Pattern #3: The Non-Linear Method.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to explain data, trends, or multiple ideas in English — or worried that your message feels scat...

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Why do smart professionals struggle to explain their experience clearly in English… even when they know exactly what they want to say?

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies is joined once again by...

Why do smart professionals struggle in business presentations, even when they know their subject inside out?

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies is joined by new co-host Matt Gardner, also known as Mod Hob Matt, to break down a simple but powerful strategy to master business presentations in English.

If you've ever felt nervous, lost your words mid-presentation, or worried that your ideas aren't landing clearly… this episode is for you.

Together, Curtis and Ma...

What does it take to stay mentally strong when your job exposes you to the worst moments of human life?

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies sits down with Craig Semple, a former homicide detective turned mental health educator and resilience expert.

Craig spent 25 years with the New South Wales Police Force, investigating serious crimes including homicides and organized crime. After being medically retired due to psychological injury, he was forced to confront the realities of...

Sometimes the best collaborations start long before you even realize it.

In this special episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast — the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work — host Curtis Davies welcomes a new guest co-host, Matt Gardner, also known as Mod Hob Matt to the show. Listeners will get to hear him when there is no other guest on the show, for example.

But this isn't just a professional introduction — it's a full-circle moment.

Curtis and Matt actually went to the same high school, and years later...

What separates good communicators from unforgettable leaders? The ability to tell powerful stories in Business English.

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast — the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work — host Curtis Davies has a Real English Conversation with Gabrielle Dolan, one of the world's leading experts in business storytelling and authentic communication.

Gabrielle is an international keynote speaker, educator, and the bestselling author of eight books. Her newest release, Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI, debuted as Australia's #1 Business Book and...

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies welcomes two innovative creators who are transforming how we think about learning, collaboration, and communication.

Joining the show are Maryam Shoja and old high school buddy Matt Gardner, the founding partners behind Mod Hob Cooperative & PlotWeaver: Cards of Creation — a creator-led producers' cooperative building practical, regenerative systems for learning, collaboration, and community resilience.

Mod Hob (short for Modern Hobbies) brings together educators, designers, technologists, and artists to design systems that re...

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies sits down with Robert Siciliano, one of the world's leading Cybersecurity Awareness experts and a trusted voice on how AI is reshaping communication, trust, and leadership.

Robert is a "good guy" hacker, international speaker, and the creator of The Strategic Human Firewall™. As CEO of ProtectNowLLC.com, he trains organizations to treat personal and digital security like preventative medicine, not damage control. His work has been featured on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Th...

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with Tennylle Carnes, a mindset coach, breathwork practitioner, and founder of multiple wellness and travel-based businesses. With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Tennylle has transformed her life through mindset, embodiment, and aligned action, all while raising two boys as a single mother and building her businesses from the ground up.

Tennylle teaches a simple but powerful truth:

✨ A strong body supports a powerful mind — and a powerful mind creates a powerful life.

She integrates fitness, breathwork, mind...

In this special solo episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work, Curtis shares a rare, limited-time opportunity for listeners who are ready to finally transform their English communication skills.

For the first time ever, podcast listeners can get 50% OFF any package of the 90-Day Next Level English Challenge, using the exclusive coupon code:

👉 90DAY50

This is the biggest discount Curtis has ever offered, designed specifically for listeners who want to take their English — and their confidence — to the next level.

...

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies talks with one of the most unconventional and high-energy business strategists in the world:

Nathan Baws.

Nathan has built and scaled more than 19 businesses, including multiple 7-figure companies — and he openly shares the stories behind the wins and the failures. He's been featured on Shark Tank Australia, holds a Guinness World Record for ice baths, and recently co-authored an international best-selling book with Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy.

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies speaks with Craig Sotkovsky, a 9/11 World Trade Center lung cancer survivor, entrepreneur, international speaker, and resilience advocate.

Craig's story is extraordinary. After being exposed to toxic dust near Ground Zero during the attacks on September 11, 2001, he was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer nearly twenty years later, a moment that changed everything. Instead of breaking him, that diagnosis awakened a powerful mission.

Today, Craig helps people find strength through adversity...

In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies talks with Michelle Ferguson, author, speaker, coach, and the voice behind the heartfelt memoir A Love Like Ours.

Michelle's story is one of extraordinary love, deep loss, and the courage to keep moving forward. After walking beside her husband Jerry during his battle with Stage IV cancer, navigating her own health challenges, and rebuilding her life through gratitude and connection, Michelle now uses her experience to help others heal, grow, and "...

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast — the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work — host Curtis Davies talks with Urnell Greaves, the founder of FIRM Communication Coaching, a communication expert who helps professionals build real confidence, elevate their delivery, and communicate powerfully in high-stakes situations.

Urnell has supported professionals to overcome fear, strengthen their presence, and speak with clarity and authority. He's now formalizing his proven coaching process into a programme that will be available soon.

Today's conversation dives into how to develop confidence, manage public speaking anxi...

In this powerful solo episode, Teacher Curtis Davies, confidence coach, pronunciation specialist, and communication expert, shares how global professionals can finally speak clearly and confidently at work in just 90 days.

If you're tired of missing opportunities, avoiding conversations, or feeling stuck in your English communication, this episode is your wake-up call. Curtis introduces the 90-Day Next Level English Challenge, a proven system that helps you:

✅ Improve pronunciation ✅ Build fluency and clarity under pressure ✅ Ace job interviews and presentations ✅ Speak up in meetings without fear ✅ And finally, express yourself like the professional you are

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, host Curtis Davies sits down with Kira Shishkin — Founder & CEO of informed.now, the SMS-based news service trusted by leading professionals who want fact-based, bias-free information without overwhelm.

Kira is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a 4-time serial entrepreneur, a former co-founder of a $100M+ FinTech marketplace at Intuit, and a 2018 World Public Speaking Champion. His work spans investment banking, private equity, venture capital, crypto, publishing, and media innovation. He holds honors degrees in Economics, Philosophy, and Abstract Mathematics, plus accelerated executive programs at Stanford.

Today's conversation is...

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast — the show that helps global professionals to speak clearly and confidently at work — host Curtis Davies talks with Deepak Chari, MS, an Engineer, Certified Biofeedback Specialist, and co-founder of the Chari Center of Health.

Deepak is the creator of the Life Transformation Technology™ Program, which uses Advanced Voice Biofeedback to help people release hidden emotional blocks from stress, anxiety, past emotional experiences, and even ancestral patterns. His work helps clients feel calm, confident, empowered, and emotionally free, often creating rapid and unexpected breakthroughs in communication, confidence, and mental clarit...

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, host Curtis Davies sits down with Aaron Ryan, an award-winning and bestselling author of nearly 40 books, including the fan-favorite Dissonance alien invasion saga, the Christian dystopian series The End, multiple sci-fi thrillers, children's books, and business books — including his guide on self-publishing.

Aaron's creative journey began in second grade with a story called The Electric Boy. Since then, he has spent his life creating — not only as an author but also as a musician, producer, videographer, stage performer, voiceover artist, and more. His diverse background gives him a powe...

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, host Curtis Davies sits down with Todd Hancock, one of Vancouver's Canada's most recognized radio personalities, a former longtime afternoon host on CFOX 99.3 The Fox (2002–2014), and creator of the hugely successful Toddcast Podcast, which continues to grow across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and beyond.

Todd began his radio career in 1996 and spent nearly two decades in one of Canada's most competitive markets, where he interviewed major artists, navigated unpredictable live broadcasts, and developed the confidence, speed, and storytelling skills necessary to thrive under the pressure of live radio.

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, host Curtis Davies speaks with Sam Murray, founder of The Breath Connection, a former British Royal Marine Commando, and an expert in breath retraining, nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, and stress resilience.

After years of struggling with alcohol & drug addiction, chronic fatigue, anxiety, panic symptoms, poor sleep, and energy crashes, Sam discovered that dysfunctional breathing was at the core of his entire health cycle. By retraining his breath, he transformed his body, his mind, and his life — and now he teaches others to do the same.

Sa...

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, host Curtis Davies sits down with Darren "Danger" Grieve, a 35-year, multi-award-winning broadcasting professional and one of Vancouver's most recognizable radio personalities.

Darren built a long and successful career across some of Canada's biggest stations — Sonic Radio 104.9 FM, 96.9 Jack FM, City News 1130, 99.3 The Fox & XFM among others— He became a name known for his voice, Music knoweldge, his on-air presence, and his unforgettable interviews with some of the biggest names in Rock music and entertainment.

Winner of Best Evening DJ in Vancouver for seven consecutive years, Darr...