The Just Start Talking Podcast

The Just Start Talking Podcast

The Just Start Talking Podcast is your friendly guide to learning and speaking English with confidence. This show is designed for English language learners who want to improve their skills, understand the “rules” of English, and feel empowered to speak — even if it’s not perfect. Each episode explores vocabulary, grammar tips, and practical conversation strategies, while reminding you that mistakes are part of the journey to fluency. You’ll discover how consistent practice builds confidence and how small, everyday conversations can transform your English skills. Whether you’re learning for work, study, or travel, this podcast will help you speak more, worry less, and just start talking!

Episodes

August 23, 2025 11 mins

Now, many of you are learning English because you want to use it in everyday life. And what’s more everyday than ordering food? Especially pizza! Ordering a pizza might sound simple, but when you’re on the phone—without seeing the person—it can feel stressful.

Don’t worry. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll feel confident making a pizza order in English over the phone for delivery. I’ll teach you five important vocabulary words,...

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Our topic today? How to know what to say when you need to make small talk in social situations.

Now, I know for some of you, hearing the words “small talk” makes you want to run the other way. You might think: Ugh, it feels fake. Or maybe you freeze and have no idea what to say. Or you’re just not a fan of talking to strangers.

But here’s the truth: small talk isn’t magic. It’s not something you’re born knowing how to do. It’s a sk...

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What does the past continuous even mean? Today’s episode breaks it all down with tips and tricks to help you understand and use the past continuous more often in your daily conversations.
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July 22, 2025 9 mins
Whether you are visiting a new place or need a convenient way to get around, knowing how to communicate with ride share drivers in English can make your travels so much smoother. In this episode we will discuss essential phrases and vocabulary that you can use when ordering and riding in a ride share. #English for travel #ESL #LearnEnglish
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Today we’re going to talk about idioms in English— what they are and how to use them. Idioms make conversations more colorful, more natural, and often more fun!
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In this episode, we’re talking about how to keep the conversation going after you’ve introduced yourself in a business setting in English. We will discuss practical phrases, vocabulary, and strategies to help you keep talking.
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June 22, 2025 12 mins
The Present Simple is one of the building blocks of English. Today we will talk about how we use it, why it matters and how you can start using it better right away.
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Today we’re talking about something that’s on every learner’s mind— how do I speak better English?? There’s no magic trick. No overnight fix. But there are strategies. In this episode, we’re talking about 8 solid tips to help you level up your spoken English. #EnglishSpeakingTips #ESLPodcast #EnglishFluency

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June 10, 2025 11 mins

What does “Survival English” actually mean?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: the essential English you need to get by in everyday situations—buying food, asking for help, finding your way, or dealing with an emergency. You may not be fluent yet, but if you have these survival phrases, you can communicate when it matters most.

It’s not about perfect grammar or long sentences—it’s about being clear, direct, and understood.

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June 3, 2025 14 mins

Today, we’re getting into something really practical: how to give directions in English.

And no—this isn’t one of those boring grammar lectures. We’re talking about real-life, "Hey, how do I get to the train station?" kind of English. So, if you’ve ever felt that mini panic when someone asks you for directions in English, or maybe you want to ask but don’t know how—that ends today. Let's dive into it! 

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In this episode we will learn about how to speak up if something goes wrong when you are in a restaurant. We will cover the key phrases you need to complain politely, clearly, and confidently in English.
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May 20, 2025 13 mins
Let’s talk about what it means to think in English, why it matters for you— and how to make it a natural part of your day. When you translate every sentence in your head before speaking, you slow yourself down. In this episode we will walk through some practical strategies you can use to start thinking in English and building fluency.
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May 13, 2025 12 mins
Today we’re talking about something everyone knows about— the weather! The weather is small talk gold. And if you are learning English- the weather is a simple, safe, and easy topic. Why do people always talk about the weather? Simple. Because everyone experiences it. And this topic easily opens the door to more conversations. What are some common things native English speakers say about the weather? Tune in and let’s talk about it...
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Today we’re diving into something simple but super important— greetings. If you’re learning English or planning a trip to an English speaking country, knowing how to say “hello” in the right way can make a huge difference. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 10 of the most common greetings you’ll hear in American English. I’ll explain how to use them, how casual or formal they are, and how to reply. Let’s jump in!!
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Textbooks are great, but if you really want to sound like a native speaker, it’s time to grab the remote. In this fun and practical episode of the Just Start Talking Podcast, we break down 5 of the BEST American TV shows to boost your English skills— especially your slang, conversation, and listening comprehension. Learn how shows like Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine can teach you idioms, casual speech, and even cultural context tha...
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April 16, 2025 12 mins

Today’s episode is all about how to check into a hotel in English. If you’ve ever traveled or want to travel in the future, this episode will help you feel more confident speaking English at the front desk. We’ll learn useful vocabulary, common phrases, and even listen to a short hotel check-in conversation. 

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April 9, 2025 14 mins
Today we’re discussing two super important parts of English that you use all the time— articles and pronouns. These tiny words hold sentences together- like glue. We’ll talk about how to use them and what they are.
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If you love food and want to feel more confident when dining out— this episode is for you. We’ll go over key phrases and even practice a role play for ordering food in a restaurant. What does the Server say? How do you answer? Let’s talk about it and practice!
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If you’ve ever wondered about how to talk about your daily life, habits, or just stuff that’s always true, this episode is for you. The simple present is one of the easiest tenses in English and we use it all the time. Let’s dive in and figure this out!
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The present perfect is this cool mix of past and present. It’s like a bridge that connects something you did before to right now, the present.
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