RealLife English: Learn and Speak Confident, Natural English
Welcome to the RealLife English podcast! For over 10 years, RealLife English has helped millions of learners just like you from virtually every country to go beyond the classroom and live, speak and master English in the Real World. We’ve been able to do this through our unique method: The RealLife Way, which consists of three simple, but powerful components: Mindset: How to think like a successful English speaker Method: How to live, speak and master English in the Real World Mastery: How to become a confident Global Citizen In this podcast, you will listen to fun and dynamic English co...
#450 - 5 Best TV Series to Learn English in 2025 (+5 Bonus Ones at the End!)
Join Ethan, your RealLife English fluency coach, in this exciting lesson as he shares 5 incredible TV series that will help you take your English to the next level! Whether you're at an intermediate or advanced level, you'll find something perfect for you.
And these aren’t just any shows! Ethan has personally watched and loved each one, and he’ll also teach you 15+ advanced expressions along the way.
You'll discover:
✅ TV shows you've probably never heard of (but should!)
✅ What level each show is best for
✅ Why learning with TV can be a game-cha...
#449 - 5 Mental Blocks That Are Stopping You From Learning English (...And How to Beat Them)
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In this episode, Izzy shares the 5 internal blocks that secretly stop you from becoming fluent in English – and how to break them today. Discover why your mindset matters more than you think, how perfectionism and “someday” thinking hold you back, and why taking action now, even imperfectly, is the fastest way to build real-life English confidence.
You’ll hear inspiring reflections, practical mindset shifts, and clear steps you can apply immediately to transform your learning into real-life speaking skills. No more waiting for the perfect moment –...
#448 - 5 Reasons Why Most English Learners NEVER Get Fluent — Are You Making These Mistakes?
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In this energizing episode, Izzy and Ethan, with over 25 years of combined English teaching experience, break down the 5 biggest reasons why most English learners never reach fluency. You’ll discover why the same obstacles appear for nearly every learner worldwide — and, more importantly, how to overcome them so you can finally speak confidently and naturally.
From the busy, distraction-filled life of a modern learner to the hidden mindset blocks that sabotage your progress, we unpack how to stop making these common mistakes that are keeping you f...
#447 - How Long Does it Take to Get Fluent in English? — My Experience and How to Reach Your English Fluency Faster (Than Me)
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Are you wondering how long it actually takes to become fluent in English? In this powerful episode of the RealLife English Podcast, Ethan sits down with Izzy, our Fluency Coach and a passionate English learner who has reached a native-like level, and shares exactly how he did it.
💡 You'll discover:
How long it took Izzy to become fluent (and why it might be faster for you!)
The three key strategies he used to accelerate his learning
A special mindset hack inspi...#446 - My Daily Routine for Learning Languages — Improve Your English Every Day with These Habits for the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening
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Struggling to stay consistent with your English learning? Discover the powerful daily routine that helps language learners succeed — morning, afternoon, and evening. In this episode, Ethan shares the RealLife Way methodology, backed by mental health habits, communication practice, and real human connection. Learn how to stop thinking like a learner and start living as an English speaker — plus hear Ethan’s personal stories from learning six other languages. Don’t miss this practical and motivational guide to making English part of your everyday life!
Show notes her...
#445 - Improve Your English Speaking with 5 Funny NEWS STORIES — Podcast for English Learners
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In this laugh-out-loud episode, Izzy teams up with Humbert, our video producer and resident movie buff, to break down some of the craziest real news stories — including a parrot swearing at zoo visitors, a suspect caught thanks to a hilariously bad sketch, and even an alligator used in a robbery! As always, you’ll pick up loads of natural English expressions while having a great time. At the end, Humbert shares his passion for movies, gives you a peek behind the scenes of how we create our TV se...
#444 - 3 Exercises to Speak English Faster (Like a Native) — Proven Tips That Work For Anyone, Why You Still Speak Slowly, and Using Rap Songs to Train Your English
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In this episode, Ethan shares 3 powerful exercises to help you unlock fast, fluent English! Learn practical tips to boost your speaking speed, discover fun travel-related vocabulary, and test your listening skills with Oprah, Adele, and Homer Simpson. And how about a rap song challenge? Tune in to have some fun while learning to speak fast English!
Show notes here.
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#443 - How You Can Speak English with CONFIDENCE — We Analyzed the Speech of These 5 Non-Native Celebrities
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In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journeys of five celebrities who learned English as a second language and used it as a powerful tool to connect with the world and achieve international success. Join Izzy and Ethan as they break down real video clips of each star, analyze their English, and highlight one powerful takeaway from each speaker. Whether you're working on your fluency, pronunciation, or confidence, you'll walk away with actionable tips to help you speak English more naturally and with impact.
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#442 - Learn 30 Advanced Expressions From This Powerful TED Talk — Best TED Talks for Learning English
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In this inspiring episode, Ethan takes you on a journey through one of the most powerful TED Talks ever — Jill Bolte Taylor’s “My Stroke of Insight.” You'll not only learn 30+ advanced English expressions in context, but you’ll also explore fascinating ideas about the brain, ego, emotions, and human connection.
Ethan breaks down key moments from the TED Talk to help you understand and use natural English more confidently. He also brings in insights from Eckhart Tolle’s “What Exactly IS the Ego?” and shares his favori...
#441 - How to Stop Translating in Your Head and START to Think in English — Here's What I Did
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Want to stop translating in your head and start thinking naturally in English? In this episode, Izzy shares his personal journey from being a native Portuguese speaker in Brazil to mastering fluent English. Discover 3 powerful principles that helped him break free from the habit of mental translation — including the surprising truth about why deliberate practice is the key. It’s like learning to drive — awkward at first, but automatic with time. Tune in and take your English thinking to the next level!
Show notes he...
#440 - How to Become FLUENT in English by Playing Video Games — Stories From Learners Who Did it, and Our Favorite Video Games from Our Childhoods
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In this episode, Izzy and Ethan explore how video games helped RealLife English team members learn real, everyday English. Discover three inspiring stories, learn why gaming is an underrated learning tool, and get recommendations for mobile games you can start using today. Plus, take a nostalgic trip with us through some classic games from our childhood!
Show notes here.
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#439 - How to Understand Americans 100% When They Speak Fast — 5 Speech Patterns You Must Know, Real Clip Analysis, and a Deep Reflection on Global Consciousness
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Are you ready to transform your English listening and speaking skills? 🚀 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the magic of connected speech — the secret weapon that fluent English speakers use every day without even thinking about it.
You’ll listen to an authentic American speaker who sounds just like the average native you’d meet on the street. He speaks naturally, quickly, and connects his words — and that's exactly what makes native speech sound so fluid. But don't worry if...
#438 - 5 Ways to Improve Your English Speaking Alone by Reading Books — The Strategies Used by the Best Learners, Essential Lessons for Life, and Why You Should Focus on Discoveries Rather Than Outcomes
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In this episode, Ethan gets real about a common challenge many English learners face — feeling intimidated by reading in English. He shares five personal, practical strategies that can help you improve your speaking skills simply by picking up a book, even if you're learning on your own. Drawing from his own experience and what’s worked for RealLife learners around the world, Ethan walks you through how reading can boost your confidence, expand your vocabulary, and help you speak more naturally. Plus, he’ll reveal five powerful life le...
#437 - 5 Great Songs to LEARN Phrasal Verbs in ENGLISH — Let's Sing, Analyze the Lyrics, and Learn (with Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Guns N' Roses, Lady Gaga & More!)
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Join Ethan and Izzy in this musical English lesson where learning phrasal verbs becomes fun and unforgettable! 🎶 This episode features five hit songs from top artists like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Guns N' Roses, and Lady Gaga. Together, you'll listen to catchy lyrics, discover dozens of everyday phrasal verbs, and break down their meanings in context. Perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to boost their vocabulary and listening skills through music. Grab your headphones and get ready to sing, learn, and laugh along!
S...
#436 - How to Get Fluent in English WITHOUT Studying Grammar — What You Should Focus On Instead, Why Natives Don't Know Grammar, and How I Learned Verb Tenses in English
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In today’s episode, Izzy dives into one of the most debated questions in language learning: Is grammar actually necessary to become fluent? If you’ve ever felt guilty for not remembering all the grammar rules, this one’s for you.
Oh — and we’ll tackle the ultimate question: Is college even necessary anymore? (Spoiler: It depends.)
Tune in for practical tips, unexpected insights, and maybe even a mindset shift. This might just change the way you think about learning a language.
#435 - The Key to Changing Your Life's Destiny — How to Get Unstuck, Take Control of Your Life, and Find Joy
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Feeling stuck in life? In this powerful episode, Izzy invites Ethan to uncover the key to breaking free from autopilot living. Discover how defining your personal values and beginning with the end in mind can transform your mindset, help you take control of your future, and bring more joy into your everyday life. Plus, stay tuned to learn the #1 pronunciation mistake English learners make — and how to fix it. Whether you're at a crossroads or just craving more direction, this episode is your first step toward lasting chan...
#434 - Discover the ORIGIN of Words in English — Learn Vocabulary More Easily
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Have you ever wondered why English words are the way they are? In this episode, Izzy and Ksenia dive into the fascinating world of etymology—the study of word origins! Understanding where words come from can make them easier to learn, remember, and use in real life. Boost your vocabulary in a whole new way! 🚀🎧
Show notes here.
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#433 - How to Stop Using the Same Basic English Words — Speak with a Rich Vocabulary (Like a Native)
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Do you ever feel like your English sounds too simple? In this episode, we’ll show you how to express yourself more naturally — so instead of saying “The movie was good,” you can describe it in a way that truly reflects your feelings! Plus, we have a special guest who will help you understand native speakers like never before. Tune in and start speaking English with more confidence today! 🎙️💬
Show notes here.
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#432 - Why Some People Have SUCCESS Speaking English... and Others Don't
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Why do some people succeed in speaking English fluently while others struggle, even after years of effort? 🤔 In this episode, we uncover the #1 reason why some learners achieve confidence while others feel stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying and trying but not making real progress, this episode is for you! We’ll break down what’s holding you back and share simple mindset shifts that can transform your learning journey. Don’t miss the tips at the end to start taking action today! 🚀🎧
Show notes he...
#431 - How I Started to Understand Movies in English WITHOUT Subtitles — My 5 Secrets
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Struggling to understand fast English in movies and TV shows? In this episode, Izzy shares how he trained his ears to understand fast English without subtitles. He’ll break down connected speech, look at real examples from movies, and give you his top five secrets to help you do the same. If you want to stop feeling lost and start enjoying movies in English for real, hit play and let’s go! 🎬🔥🎧
By the end of this lesson, you will have learned:
How...
#430 - How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Getting FLUENT in English — Try These 3 Solutions and Start Making Progress in 5 minutes
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Ever plan to study English but end up doing everything except studying? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! In this episode, we’re sharing three simple tips to beat procrastination and get things done. Oh, and there’s a bonus tip at the end you don’t want to miss! Tune in and let’s tackle procrastination together! 🎙️🔥
By the end of this episode, you will have learned:
- Why you should do the most important tasks first thing in the morning
- Ho...
#429 - How to Get Fluent in English in 2025 — Even If You’re BUSY
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Feeling stuck in your English learning journey?⏳ Do years pass by, yet your English stays the same? In this episode, Izzy and Ethan bring you three science-backed lessons from the book Atomic Habits to help you finally start speaking English confidently—even if you're super busy! 🚀
You’ll discover practical strategies that fit into your daily routine, so you can speak English naturally without overwhelming yourself. Whether you’re juggling work, studies, or personal life, these simple yet powerful techniques will help you make real progress ove...
#428 - How to Understand All the Jokes in ENGLISH (in Movies, TV, Conversations): Understand Humor, Sarcasm, etc in English Like a Native Speaker
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Struggling to catch the jokes in English movies, TV shows, or conversations? In this episode, we’ll show you how to unlock English humor, sarcasm, and wordplay so you can laugh along like a pro. Learn the secrets behind what makes things funny and boost your cultural understanding of English comedy. By the end, you’ll never miss a punchline again!
Show notes here.
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#427 - How I Went From ZERO to FLUENT in English ALONE — 5 Speaking Exercises
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Discover the exact exercises Izzy used to transform his English speaking skills from zero to fluent — completely on his own! In this episode, we break down each exercise step by step, so you can practice and improve right along with us. Whether you're shy, stuck, or unsure where to start, these strategies will empower you to speak confidently and naturally. Ready to join the journey? Let’s dive in!
By the end of this episode, you will learn:
Five simple exerc...
#426 - How I Use CONNECTORS and FILLERS to Speak English More Fluently — Learn This to Stop Sounding Like a Robot in English
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If you have the issue of sounding like a robot when you speak English and not really being your true self, then today's lesson will be perfect for you. There are small but powerful tools called fillers and discourse markers that make your speech flow naturally and sound more conversational. Fillers do more than just fill pauses; they help to organize your thoughts, manage conversations, and even show your emotions or attitude. And that’s what you’ll learn and practice in today’s lesson, all in a fun a...
#425 - How Many of These ENGLISH ACCENTS Can You Understand? — Learn 20 Different Accents from Around the World
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English is fascinating thanks to the incredible variety of accents that make it a truly global language. Each accent tells its own story, adding richness, history, and personality to the way we communicate. In this episode, we’re celebrating that diversity by exploring 20 different English accents from around the world. Ethan will try his hand at guessing which country each accent belongs to and will even give imitating some of them a shot! Plus, we’ve included clips showcasing unique and challenging accents you might have...
#424 - Test Your English! — Do You Know These 20 Advanced Expressions for Everyday Life? Improve Your Vocabulary for Real-Life Situations
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The English language is packed with idiomatic expressions — those quirky phrases that often don't make sense if you take them literally. But once you learn how to use them, they can bring a whole new level of color, personality, and depth to your conversations! In this episode, we explore the magic of idioms and share the common mistakes learners and even natives make so you can avoid them! Tune in and take your English to the next level!
By the...
#423 - 6 Great Movies in English That Defined My Childhood
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In today’s lesson, Ethan and Izzy dive into a lively discussion about their favorite childhood movies. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to practice your English with real, natural conversation! You’ll discover advanced expressions, get some great movie recommendations, and learn how making connections to nostalgic topics can make new vocabulary stick. Get ready for an episode full of fun, memories, and English learning that’s both practical and enjoyable.
Show notes here.
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#422 - 40 English Words You’re Probably Pronouncing Wrong (and How to Fix Them)
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English pronunciation can be tricky — sometimes even the most common words trip us up! In today's episode, we’ll dive into some fascinating examples of words that are often mispronounced. We’ll share practical tips and clever tricks to help you master these challenging pronunciations, boosting your confidence when speaking English. Get ready for an engaging session that not only sharpens your skills but also reveals the surprising quirks of the English language!
By the end of this episode, you will:
Lea...
#421 - 6 Reasons You Still Feel NERVOUS When Speaking English — 6 Things Not to Do, How to Stop Feeling Insecure and Face the Fear of Making Mistakes in English
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There are six common reasons why you might freeze up or feel nervous when it’s time to speak English. In today’s episode, Ksenia and Izzy dive deep into these challenges, sharing their personal experiences and practical insights to help you overcome them. You’ll learn the dos and don’ts of speaking English with confidence, along with actionable tips that will make a real difference in your language journey. Whether you're shy, worried about making mistakes, or simply feel stuck, this episode is packed wit...
#420 How I Achieved My Dream of Living in the U.S. as an English Learner —How I Went, Where, and My #1 Tip for You
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In this episode, I sit down with my co-host to ask him all about his unforgettable journey as a work-and-travel exchange student in the U.S. Hear all about his time working at a ski resort, the culture shocks he faced, the life lessons he gained, and how watching TV shows at home helped him get comfortable with English before the trip. It’s a fun and inspiring look at what it’s like to work abroad and embrace a whole new world of experiences!
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#419 8 Great Apps for Practicing Your English Every Day
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In this episode, we dive into the world of apps that aren’t strictly about learning English but are perfect for helping you immerse yourself in the language. These tools can transform your everyday activities into opportunities for natural learning and fluency building. Whether it’s exploring global cultures, organizing your life, or connecting with others in English, these apps make it easier and more fun to live your English, rather than just study it. Tune in to find out how to make technology your langu...
#418 The English Lesson Nobody Taught You — How I Became a Confident, Natural English Speaker (Without Textbooks)
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The traditional school method may have helped you study English, but it didn’t prepare you to truly live it. That’s why communicating in English can still feel like a challenge. In today’s episode, we introduce the RealLife Way of learning English! Using a real-life news story, we’ll help you absorb new vocabulary and pronunciation effortlessly — just like a sponge.
By the end of this episode, you will:
Familiarize yourself with the RealLife way method of learning...
#417 How to Stop Speaking English Slow, Like a Robot — Learn to Speak FAST, NATURAL English
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If you feel like your English sounds slow and robotic, this lesson is going to help you to become a fast, natural English speaker. Also, this lesson is super practical. You're going to practice a lot with clips from great series, movies, songs, common proverbs, and tongue twisters.
By the end of this episode, you will:
Master the most common patterns of connected speech through engaging movie clips. Improve your pronunciation and understanding of English sounds with songs by Billie Eilish, Joe Coc...#416 How I Started to Speak English Naturally (in Any Situation) — 3 Things I Did
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Learn how to speak English naturally in any situation! In this lesson, discover how to use scripts to make meaningful conversations, avoid getting stuck when expressing yourself, and expand your vocabulary with confidence. Let’s build your fluency together!
Show notes here.
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#415 Why Making Friends as an Adult is So Hard (and How I Build Friendships) — Podcast for English Learners
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In this episode, we dive into the challenges of adult friendships, why they’re so tricky, and practical ways to build genuine connections. Perfect for English learners, you’ll pick up real-life language skills while discovering tips to grow your social circle. Ready to make some meaningful connections? Hit play and join us!
Show notes here.
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#414 10 Powerful Books That Will Transform Your English Fluency and Your Life
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Get ready for a powerful dose of inspiration and English learning in our latest episode! We’re diving into 10 life-changing books that helped shape our journeys — and will boost yours too. From popular reads like Atomic Habits to unique gems like the Leonardo da Vinci biography, we’ll share why these books resonated with us and how they’re perfect for mastering English. Whether you’re after self-improvement, creative fuel, or just looking for your next great read, these picks are sure to inspire!
Show note...
#413 Years of Study, But No Progress? Here's How to Level up from Intermediate to ADVANCED English — 5 Things You Should Stop Doing and 1 Method You Should Apply
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In today's episode, you'll learn where you're actually wasting time when learning English, and what you should stop doing. Instead, we will teach you a method that actually works! It has worked for us, has worked for our students, and it will definitely work for you! No more frustrations - level up your English fluency! Start today!
Show notes here.
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#412 20 GREAT MOVIES to Improve Your English and Gain Real-Life Fluency — Ethan and Izzy's Top Recommendations
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In today's lesson, you will discover 20 movies that are excellent for you to practice your English with, expand your vocabulary, and improve your listening skills so you can start to understand natives without subtitles even when they speak fast. At the end of the lesson, we will give you tips on how you can select the best movies for you, and we'll teach you the method for you to watch and learn at the same time.
Show notes here.
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#411 5 Easy Ways to Practice Speaking English with Real People — Even If You Don't Have a Native Speaker Friend
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Don’t have a native English speaker friend? No problem! In this episode, we’ll share five proactive ways you can practice speaking English, even if you don’t live in an English-speaking country. From creative language exchanges to practical tips you can try today, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to build your confidence and improve your fluency with real conversations. You don’t need a native speaker to take your English to the next level — start practicing now!
Show notes here.
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