In this new advanced English language conversation (E72), I talk to English language coach and pronunciation pro Jessica Dias to discuss one of the most underrated language skills: listening.
But not just listening for meaning — listening as a speaking strategy. Jessy shares how tuning your ear to real English conversations helps you sound more natural, confident, and fluent.
We explore why so many learners struggle to speak — and how the problem often starts with what and how they’re listening.
From the importance of decoding fast, messy, connected speech to the power of noticing reductions, contractions, and rhythm, Jessy breaks it all down for us.
We also dig into the difference between listening for pleasure and listening with intention, and how noticing small pronunciation details (like the difference between sheep and ship) can make a huge impact on both your listening and speaking skills.
✨ Highlights:
- Why real conversations are always better than curated audio
- How decoding speech helps you speak more freely and understand more
- The myth of “they speak too fast”
- Listening as a gateway to pronunciation mastery
🎓 Want to go further? Jessy’s Clear Pronunciation Program (CPP) is now open — a self-paced course designed to help learners and teachers fine-tune their pronunciation and listening. Or check out Jessy Academy, her live conversation program for intermediate to advanced learners.
📲 Follow Jessy on Instagram: @MsJessyDays Links to courses and more in her bio.
As always, I’ll note some useful intermediate/advanced language (B1/C1 Intermediate & Advanced English) along the way.
Hear You Go English language listening podcasts aim to give you, the intermediate English language learner and advanced English language learner, a space to practice your English listening so that you can think, learn, and connect in English.
To access the transcript, be sure to sign up for the newsletter.
You can also follow me on Instagram.
🎶 Amos the Transparent provides my theme song. They're an awesome group of talented musicians. Give them some love and check out their music.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
As Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, Dr. Jesse Mills has spent his career helping men understand their bodies, their hormones, and their health. Now he’s bringing that expertise to The Male Room — a podcast where data-driven medicine meets common sense. Each episode separates fact from hype, science from snake oil, and gives men the tools to live longer, stronger, and happier lives. With candor, humor, and real-world experience from the exam room and the operating room, Dr. Mills breaks down the latest health headlines, dissects trends, and explains what actually works — and what doesn’t. Smart, straightforward, and entertaining, The Male Room is the show that helps men take charge of their health without the jargon.