Podcast
The English Exchange
Hosted by The Immersion Studio · EN
The English Exchange is where English learners get immediate clarity on the challenges that textbooks don't solve — the grammar that confuses even advanced speakers, the vocabulary that shifts meaning based on context, the cultural codes that make or break natural conversation.
Every episode is fast, focused, and actionable. No fluff, no filler — just 6-10 minutes of clear explanation, natural examples, and practical strategies you can use right away.
But here's what makes this podcast different: it's rooted in The Fluent Framework. You're not learning grammar in isolation or memorizing vocabulary lists. You're understanding how language actually works in real life — how structures carry meaning, how words behave in context, how culture shapes the way we speak.
Whether you're stuck on modal verbs, confused by phrasal verbs, or trying to figure out how native speakers interrupt politely without sounding rude, The English Exchange meets you exactly where you are — and helps you move forward with confidence.
Hosted by LJ, TEFL-certified ESL teacher and founder of The Immersion Studio.
Learn more at www.theimmersionstudio.com
New episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
7episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why 'Actually' Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means
Dec 700:10:57Tap to summarizeYou know the word "actually" means "in reality" — but why does it sometimes sound polite and sometimes sound passive-aggressive? In this episode, we break down the four ways native speakers actually use "actually": softening corrections, expressing surprise, emphasizing clarity, and (if you're not careful) sounding defensive. The dictionary definition only tells part of the story. This episode teaches you how tone and context turn a simple word into a powerful tool for managing conversations — or accidentally starting arguments.About The HostLJ is a TESOL-certified ESL teacher and the founder of The Immersion Studio, where language learning is about meaning, voice, and cultural fluency — not just mechanics. If you're looking for private English lessons that go deeper than textbook grammar, visit www.theimmersionstudio.com to learn more about working with LJ one-on-one. The Immersion Studio offers personalized teaching rooted in The Fluent Framework: a philosophy that treats fluency as a relationship, not a checklist.Connect with LJ:Website: www.theimmersionstudio.comInstagram: @theimmersion.studioBook a lesson: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6876400
Transcribe →How to Interrupt Politely (Without Feeling Rude)
Nov 2600:11:27Tap to summarizeYou're in a meeting. Someone keeps talking, and you have something important to add — but you wait for the "right moment" that never comes. Here's what's happening: in your first language, you know the rhythm of interruption. In English? It feels risky. But here's the truth: native English speakers interrupt constantly. It's not rude when it's done right — it's how we show engagement. In this episode, you'll learn the difference between collaborative and disruptive interruption, the exact phrases that signal polite interruption, and when to hold back. You'll also discover how body language and conversational rhythm work together to create space for your voice.Reflection PromptsHow does interruption work in your first language or culture? Is it considered rude, or is it a normal part of conversation flow?Think of a recent conversation where you wanted to speak but held back. What stopped you? What would have helped you jump in?This week, watch a casual English conversation (podcast, interview, reality TV). How often do people interrupt? What phrases do they use?Practice ChallengeThis week, interrupt once in a low-stakes situation. Choose a casual conversation with a friend or colleague. Use one of the polite phrases ("Can I jump in?" or "Just to add to that…") and notice how it feels. The goal isn't perfection — it's practicing the rhythm.Learn MoreInterested in private English lessons? Check out my teaching profile on italki. Click here. If you're not quite ready for that, visit my website! There, I have lots of other resources that go beyond English towards reframing your entire relationship with language, fluency, and identity.The Immersion Studio Website
Transcribe →Why 'Get' Is the Most Useful (and Confusing) Word in English
Nov 2600:11:52Tap to summarizeThree letters. One syllable. Infinite meanings. Get is everywhere in English — and if you're a learner, you've probably noticed that native speakers use it constantly in ways that don't always make logical sense. In this episode, we decode the chaos: get signals either change or acquisition. Once you understand that core idea, you can start predicting how it works — even in phrasal verbs you've never seen before. You'll learn the five main patterns, why native speakers love this word, and how to use it naturally without feeling lost.Reflection PromptsWhich pattern of get do you already use naturally? Which one feels most confusing?In your first language, is there one word that works like get — flexible and everywhere? Or are those meanings split across multiple words?This week, count how many times you hear or read get in your English input. What patterns do you notice?Practice ChallengeThink of three things you need to do this week. Express each one using get:"I need to get groceries""I need to get ready for my meeting""I need to get some rest"Say them out loud. Get comfortable with how natural it feels.Learn MoreInterested in private English lessons? Check out my teaching profile on italki. Click here. If you're not quite ready for that, visit my website! There, I have lots of other resources that go beyond English towards reframing your entire relationship with language, fluency, and identity.The Immersion Studio Website
Transcribe →Would Vs. Could - And Why It Actually Matters
Nov 2600:10:07Tap to summarizeYou've been told that "would" and "could" both work for polite requests — so why does choosing between them feel so confusing? In this episode, we break down the real difference: could asks about ability, while would invites possibility. You'll learn when to use each one, why native speakers choose one over the other in different contexts, and how to stop second-guessing yourself every time you need to ask for something politely.Reflection PromptsThink about a recent situation where you hesitated between "would" and "could." Which one did you choose, and why?How does politeness work in your first language? Does it rely more on grammar structures or tone?This week, notice when native speakers use "would" vs. "could" in your input sources. What patterns do you observe?Practice ChallengeChoose three situations this week where you need to make a request. Try using could in one casual situation and would in one formal situation. Notice how it feels and how people respond.Learn MoreInterested in private English lessons? Check out my teaching profile on italki. Click here. If you're not quite ready for that, visit my website! There, I have lots of other resources that go beyond English towards reframing your entire relationship with language, fluency, and identity.The Immersion Studio Website
Transcribe →Say It Like This
Oct 1700:06:32Tap to summarizeLet’s start with a simple truth: Most learners sound formal not because they *want to,* but because that’s the version of English they were *given.*
Transcribe →How Native Speakers Really Speak
Oct 1700:06:18Tap to summarizeLet’s be real for a second. When you first start learning English, you probably think native speakers talk like the recordings in your textbook:“Hello, how are you today?” “I am fine, thank you. And you?”Then you meet a native speaker and they say:“Hey, how’s it goin’?” “Good, you?”And your brain goes: Wait. What language was that?Here’s the thing — most learners aren’t bad listeners. They’re just listening for a version of English that doesn’t exist in real life.
Transcribe →Welcome To The English Exchange
Oct 1700:01:46Tap to summarizeYou’re listening to The English Exchange — the show that helps you speak English naturally, confidently, and as yourself.I’m LJ, your coach and host from The Immersion Studio.Maybe you’ve studied English for years… but still hesitate when it’s time to speak. Or maybe you understand everything — until real people start talking too fast.This show is for that moment — the gap between what you know and how you sound.
Transcribe →