Bridge Beyond English
Bridge Beyond English is hosted by David Nagai, an American communication and creativity coach based in Yokohama, Japan. The podcast offers short reflections on communication, culture, psychology, creativity, business, and everyday life, aimed at helping English learners think creatively, speak confidently, and connect deeply. It goes beyond textbook English to explore meaningful ideas and better conversations. The show targets curious individuals who want a stronger connection to the world through English.
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98. Class Insights: Creating Change Is More Possible Than We Think
We often assume that the way things are is simply the way they have to be. In this episode, I share insights from recent class discussions about imagining our ideal, understanding what really motivates us, and taking thoughtful action to create change. We explore how small experiments, calculated risks, and especially how we communicate can help us influence much more than we might initially think
97. Hedonic Adaptation—How Appreciation Keeps Good Things Alive
We often work hard to get the things we want—better jobs, stronger relationships, new experiences, more skills—and then, strangely, they start to feel just normal. In this episode, I explore hedonic adaptation and why we can slowly stop appreciating the good things already in our lives. But if we aren't careful, those great relationships and things may lose their magic. That’s why appreciation, pe
96. My U.S. Trip: Reflections on People & Life
In this episode I share reflections from my recent trip to the United States about human connection, communication, and culture. Enjoy!Join my English discussion classesJoin online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and experience meaningful discussions that help you:Think creativelySpeak confidentlyConnect deeplyAdvanced and intermediate English speakers only.Book a free consultation and learn about
95. What Really Motivates Us?
What really drives us to work hard, grow, and keep going—and why do some tasks energize us while others drain us? In this episode, we explore how understanding our deeper needs, environment, and relationships can help us shape motivation, enjoy the process more, and still achieve meaningful goals.Join my English discussion classesJoin online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and experience meaningfu
94. Five Kinds of Communication—and When to Use Them
Different situations require different kinds of communication. In this episode, we explore five powerful examples—from emotional leadership and cross-cultural understanding to crisis response, symbolic action, and visionary public speaking—and consider when each approach works best.Join my English discussion classesJoin online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and experience meaningful discussions t
93. Complaining: Why We Need It & How to Manage It
Complaining isn’t always negative—it can help us process emotions, connect with others, identify problems, and challenge unfair situations. In this episode, we explore how to complain more wisely by choosing the right person and moment, communicating with sensitivity, and turning frustration into constructive action.Join my English discussion classesJoin online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and
92. Class Insights: What Five Remarkable People Teach Us
What can we learn from Shohei Ohtani, Kazuo Inamori, Franz Kafka, Freddie Mercury, and Akashiya Sanma about success, creativity, character, business, and communication?In this class reflection, I share insights that emerged when my students introduced five remarkable people and explored their lives together. We discovered lessons about discipline, ethical leadership, expressing what makes us diffe
91. Innovation Requires Awareness & Communication – Stories from Semmelweis & Kodak
Here are two stories from the Hungarian doctor Semmelweis and the company Kodak that show how innovation requires deeper awareness and better communication.Join my class online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.I help my students:Think creativelySpeak confidentlyConnect deeply· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join our in-person events here.www.bri
90. World Cup Observations – How Football Reflects Our Humanity
The World Cup is more than a sports event. It is a reflection of our human experience…teamwork, diversity, tribal identity, play, kindness, contradictions, and our shared need to belong, succeed, celebrate, and feel alive.In this episode I share 7 observations from the world cup and how they show our common humanity.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through gre
89. Satisficing In Decision-Making – Time, Choice, & "Good Enough"
As the United States turns 250 years old on July 4th, 2026, I want to share some reflections about where the country has come over the years.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join our in-person events here.www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
88. The American Experiment Turns 250
As the United States turns 250 years old on July 4th, 2026, I want to share some reflections about where the country has come over the years.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join our in-person events here.www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
87. Six Psychology Concepts to Help You Communicate & Connect Better
Understand these six concepts from psychology to grow your self-awareness and ability to communicate and connect with people more freely. These are six of David's favorites.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan and feel alive through great conversations.· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join our in-person events here.www.bridgebeyondenglish.com
86. Time Perspectives
Do you focus more on the past, present, or future? In this episode, we'll discuss how to have balanced time perspective and how to avoid getting stuck with limited thinking.Watch Phillip Zimbardo's TED Talk here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your Engl
85. Design Your Own Game – What the Strait of Hormuz can teach us about business and life
If you're not the strongest, design your own game and use a strategy that works for you.In this episode we look at the Iran War and the Strait of Hormuz to understand strategy when we face limitations – and how we can design our own game in business and life.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or i
84. What This School Really Is – A Bridge BEYOND English
On the surface, Bridge Beyond English is an English school. But in this episode I'll explain how we offer more than just English. We helps students think, express and connect in deeper ways. It's not just about English language – it's about creating better relationships and experiencing the world in new ways. That's why it's called Bridge Beyond English. In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse
83. What Does "Success" Really Mean for You?
What is your definition of success? We explore what "success" really means in this episode.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· J
82. Surrounded by Idiots – A Four-Color Communication Framework
This episode introduces a framework for understanding four main types of people. It will help you understand yourself and others. If you apply the ideas, you can improve your communication and connection with people who are different from you.The original concept is from the Swedish author Thomas Erikson's book called Surrounded by Idiots. Also available in Japanese with the name 『世界にバカは４人いる』In t
81. The Psychology of Brand Names
Why do certain brand names attract us?One reason is their foreign-sounding names that cause us to associate the brand with a certain country and quality.But is it really even from that country?In this episode, we'll take a look at some brands that use foreign branding to explore the psychology of their name choices – both globally and in Japan.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to h
80. The Power of Changing Your Temperature
The way you speak and act has a temperature that makes people feel something. But you can always change your temperature.In this episode, David shares about how our social temperature influences people and how we can adjust our communication to improve our connection and impact.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our
79. Four Chemicals We All Need
There are four chemicals we all need to survive and flourish in life. In this episode I share about each chemical and how we can keep getting enough balance. Enjoy!In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection·
78. Don't Assume Too Fast
Assumptions help us, but they can also cause big problems. In this episode I share about five business situations where assuming too fast caused communication problems – and lessons we can learn from each.Read the full text with vocabulary tips here at my blog.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or
77. When Power Has No Limits
What should we think about Donald Trump and global politics in 2025 onward? Here are some reflections about power, trust and democracy to help you think about the situation.Read the full text version of this episode with vocabulary tips here at my blog.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yoko
76. KitKat Chocolate – What it teaches us about communication & connection in business & life
How did KitKat chocolate succeed in Japan? Communication and connection in its branding! Let me share the story and how we can learn from it.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Adva
75. Creative Insights from Current Events (Oct. 2025) – Based on real discussions with my students
In this episode I analyze current news stories through the lens of critical thinking, empathy, creative thinking and connection/application to our work and life.The insights I share in this episode are based on some of the news topics and discussions I had last week with my high-level students here in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think cre
74. Irony in American Culture & Politics
In this episode, David Nagai shares observations and commentary about the many ironies he observes in his American culture and politics.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama Motomachi, Japan to expand your:Creative thinkingGlobal awarenessCross-cultural communication(Advanced and inter
73. The Psychology of Persuasion
In this episode you'll learn about the 7 principles of persuasion that create influence. (Based on Robert Cialdini's book called Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion)In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connect
72. Gratitude & Curiosity
Want to enrich your life? Then ask these questions every day:What am I grateful for? ... and... What if...?Read the text version of this episode at the blog here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cr
71. Stability, Challenge & Trying New Things
Stability can be good, but a new challenge is often important if we want to reach our highest creative potential. This episode is about understanding why we fear challenge and how to take positive action in a smart and thoughtful way.Read the text version of this episode at the blog here.Find out more about Todd Henry, Daily Creative, and his other books and work here.In this podcast, David Nagai
70. Communicate With Empathy, Listening & Resilience / Mario Wissa Interview
Learn the importance of communicating with empathy, listening and resilience from communication expert Mario Wissa.Find out more about Mario's work and books at mariowissa.com.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global
69. The Spotlight Effect
Understanding the spotlight effect can help you stop worrying about what others think so you can relax and enjoy your life instead. Read the text version here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross
68. How to Express Sympathy
Do you know how to express sympathy in English? Find out in this episode.Read the text version of this episode here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and inte
67. Primal World Beliefs
Do you know your primal world beliefs? (The basic ways that you view the world) Find out in this episode as I explain it.Read the text version of this episode here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection·
66. Three Types of Students
There are generally three types of English students. Learn which you are and what it means. Read the text version of this episode here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication·
65. We Believe in Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect
At Bridge Beyond English, we uphold the values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all people.Read the text version of this episode here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communi
64. If You Are Tired...
If you're exhausted, this poem and reflection will help you gain perspective.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join our in-per
63. Improve Your Video Meetings in English (A Guide for Japanese Business People)
Learn how to improve your online meetings in English!Read the text version here with English tips included.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate
62. How to Disagree Politely (In English)
Disagreement is necessary. Here are tips on how to do it right!Read the text version here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Jo
61. The Six Hats Brainstorming Framework
Learn to brainstorm using the six hats framework.Read the text version here with English tips included.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate Engl
60. Sparketypes
Learn about Sparketypes to understand your unique strengths at work to improve your work and life.Read the text version at the blog here.Take the free assessment at sparketype.com.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Glo
59. Stoic Philosophy for Modern Life
Here are some tips from Stoic philosophy to help improve your modern life.Read the text version or watch the video slide presentation here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communicat
58. How It Feels to be Russian
I asked Arina Petrova how it feels to be Russian. Here is her thoughtful and insightful response.Read the text version at the blog here:In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication
57. Freewriting to Free Your Mind
Learn how to use freewriting to free your mind.Read the text version at the blog here.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join o
56. The SCAMPER Method
Learn how to brainstorm using the SCAMPER Method.Read text version here at the blog.In this podcast, David Nagai shares diverse ideas to help you think creatively and connect globally – in English.Join our classes online or in Yokohama-Motomachi, Japan to expand your English and:· Creative thinking· Global connection· Cross-cultural communication· (Advanced and intermediate English only)· Join our
55. How to Critique Sensitively
Learn how to critique people or ideas sensitively in English.Read the text version here at the blog.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
54. Making Polite Requests In English
Learn how to make polite requests in English with these nuances and tips.Read the text version at our blog here.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
53. Pandemic Poetry
These are some poems that reflect on our pandemic experience.The original poems can be found at Mediators Beyond Borders here.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
52. Learning from My Baby
We can learn a lot from babies. Here's what I've learned from my son who just turned one year old!Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
51. Pay Attention & Change
Pay attention and adapt to change.Here are two big lessons I've learned from jogging in the forest.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
50. The Culture Map
Learn all about how the Culture Map framework by Erin Meyer can help you communicate better with different cultures. I recommend her website and book (The Culture Map) in English or Japanese.Click here to follow along at the blog and see the charts.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AW
49. Plan Vs. Strategy
What's the difference between a plan and a strategy? This episode explains the important difference.This episode my slower voice recording of Dr. Roger Martin's video presentation on Harvard Business Review's YouTube channel. I hope the English tips (at the blog) and slow/clear audio I provide can help you understand and appreciate Dr. Martin's wonderful ideas! Please visit the original video at H
48. The Importance-Difficulty Matrix
Learn how to priorities your tasks so you can accomplish your goals effectively.Please follow along with the images at the blog here.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
47. The Philippines 2022 Election
Learn from Chiara Manuel about the complexity of the recent 2022 elections in the Philippines. She provides an overview and opinion.Manuel is a lecturer at Thames International Business School and holds an MA from the University of the Philippines Diliman.To read the text version of this episode (includes English tips), visit our blog.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free
46. Covid, Death & Life
Covid has caused death in many ways. But it has also given us new life as we reimagine the future.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
45. Excellence Vs. Perfection
7 tips about how to pursue excellence instead of chasing "perfection."Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
44. The Power of Purpose in Business
When we understand and live according to our purpose in business, we authentically satisfy our customers. The key is to be clear about our purpose and to execute it at every level with transparency.You can read the text version of this episode here.You can access the original TED Talk by By Ashley M. Grice that is the source of this episode here.Want to connect with the changing world in English?J
43. The Ukraine War & What It Reveals
Many Europeans are shocked that there is a war in Europe. They assume that war should always be far away from home.But this assumption reveals how western foreign policies and the treatment of non-westerners is unfair and discriminatory.The Ukraine war highlights that war can happen anywhere in our interconnected world, and that we need a system that is better for all people, everywhere.Click here
42. Brainstorming – Rules & Tools
Proper brainstorming can fix many of our problems. It can also help us improve and create many things. This episode shows you how.Read the full text version here. (Includes English tips)Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate
41. Essentialism
So much of what we do in our life is a waste of time and energy. But, if we can figure out how to prioritize the most important tings, we can change our life.Read the full text version here. (Includes English tips)Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATI
40. Perfect Is Impossible
Being perfect is impossible. Instead, we should aim for creative progress. This episode shares how.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
39. Learning From Bad Teachers
We can learn a lot from bad teachers. Yes, BAD teachers!They can teach us what NOT to do. I'll explain more in this episode.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and intermediate only)
38. The Five Love Languages
Do you know how to speak the language of love? Well, it turns out there are several love languages. Listen to discover your own love language and how to identify the love language of people you care about.Read the text version of this episode at the blog here. (Includes English tips)Resource: To read more about the five love languages and to take the online quiz to discover your love language, vis
37. Your Work Matters
If you ever wonder, "Does my work matter?" here are some words of encouragement for you. Yes, your work does matter. Your work is important for you, for the people you love, and for the world. No matter how small or repetitive, your work matters.This episode draws from some excerpts from the book The Artist's Rule.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class o
36. Becoming a Mother in Japan / Chami Nagai Interview
In this episode I interview my wife Chami Nagai about her experience becoming a new mother here in Japan.She shares about her ups and downs along the way, shares advice for all of us who are listening, and also gives some especially warm encouragement to all the new mothers who are listening.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi t
35. Don't Judge Other Cultures Too Fast
It's easy to quickly judge someone from a different culture because they do things differently. But if we can have an open mind and try to understand their perspective, then we can appreciate their differences – we can learn and appreciate instead of judge and feel frustration.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:*
34. What Do Customers Actually Value?
In this episode we explore a helpful framework that helps us understand what customers actually value. It's usually a much more complex than it seems.View the text version of this episode with a helpful pyramid image here.For sources and more information, visit this Harvard Business Review article.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motom
33. Communication Strategies for Global Teams
If you work on any type of global team, you’ve probably seen some bad communication happen. But, the good news is that if we increase our awareness we can improve communication between people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.Here are some strategies for you to improve global team communication.Read the text version of this episode here.Want to connect with the changing world in
32. Understanding EMPIRE / Missy Hart Interview (Part 3)
This episode is about EMPIRE. Specifically, the current and future state of EMPIRE.Throughout history we’ve seen many empires rise and fall. Now we have the American superpower, or empire, and people are wondering if China might be the next superpower, or empire.This episode is the second of a three-part series about empire. In particular, we focus on the history of empire in this second part.In a
31. How to Facilitate a Discussion
What's the best way to facilitate a discussion? There's not only one perfect method, but there are some core concepts that make up the foundation of good facilitating. In this episode I share six of these core ideas.Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICA
30. Understanding EMPIRE / Missy Hart Interview (Part 2)
Throughout history we’ve seen many empires rise and fall. Now we have the American superpower, or empire, and people are wondering if China might be the next superpower, or empire.This episode is the second of a three-part series about empire. In particular, we focus on the history of empire in this second part.In all three episodes I interview Missy Hart. Missy is an American living in Yokohama,
29. Understanding EMPIRE / Missy Hart Interview (Part 1)
Throughout history we’ve seen many empires rise and fall. Now we have the American superpower, or empire, and people are wondering if China might be the next superpower, or empire.This episode is the first of a three-part series about empire.In all three episodes I interview Missy Hart. Missy is an American living in Yokohama, Japan.Her current work has been acting as a peace and reconciliation co
28. Shifting Careers, Being Yourself & Creating a Fulfilling Life / Sayako Yamamoto Interview
In this episode I interview my student Sayako Yamamoto.She shares about how she shifted careers multiple times to find better health and fulfillment. She's worked with Japan's Defense Ministry, an environmental research institute, and currently is a freelance English translator.Through our conversation, we touch on the topics of empathy, conflict resolution, and how to be yourself and create a mea
27. My Park Is My Teacher
The world is in a difficult situation, but in this episode I want to refresh your imagination by walking with you through the amazing Negishi Forest Park. Let's see what the park can inspire in us!Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWARENESS* CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION(Advanced and i
26. The Fosbury Flop
This is the story of how a failure high jumper ended up transforming the sport. The story can teach us some key strategies for creative innovation and adapting to change.Read the text version of this episode here.(Includes vocabulary explanations)Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:* CREATIVE THINKING* GLOBAL AWAR
25. From Bangladesh to Japan / Ershad Rana Interview
Ershad Rana is from Bangladesh and moved to Japan to study over 28 years ago and has been here ever since.During this interview, Ershad shares about adjusting to Japan, language learning, cultural identity, accepting new ideas, and being flexible. He even sings a Bengali song and a Japanese song!Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomac
24. Social Linguistics & Gender / Conversation with Chami Nagai
Social linguistics is the study of how language is used in society.In this episode, Chami Nagai talks specifically about how gender influences how people communicate in society. It exists everywhere and depends on the culture and context. If we are aware of it then we can see it more clearly and also help promote more gender equality and dignity for everyone.Want to connect with the changing world
23. Biases to Avoid
Why do we often so quickly judge people as likable or unlikable – as amazing or horrible? In this episode we look at two very common biases. If we understand them, hopefully we can view other people more realistically and with more empathy.-Click here for the text version of this episode and references.-Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in
22. How to Improve Your Speaking from Home
It's possible to improve your speaking by yourself from home. Through shadowing practice, you can maximize your speaking skills and also overall English fluency. Here are some tips to get started.-Click here for the text version of this episode.-Click here to access the slower TED Talk and here for the faster TED Talk to start shadowing practice.-Want to connect with the changing world in English?
21. Taoism & the Philosophy of Water
The Ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism teaches us to live in harmony with all things. But what does this mean in a world where we have to fight to survive, push against injustice, and create a better world? Join me as I share reflections on this topic from our class discussions about a TED Talk by Raymond Tang.*Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class on
20. Crossing Cultures & Being Yourself / Chami Nagai Interview
Listen to Chami share about her experience shifting between many cultures. She shares what she learned from various cultures and how she grew her courage to be her authentic self no matter where she is in the world.*Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:- creative thinking- global awareness- cross-cultural communica
19. Yokohama Chinatown and the Pandemic / Yao Interview
In this interview with Yokohama Chinatown restaurant owner Yao, we get an inside perspective into how the pandemic has impacted Chinatown's restaurant businesses and the people who work there.*Want to connect with the changing world in English?Join a free trial English class online or in Motomachi to expand your:- creative thinking- global awareness- cross-cultural communication(Advanced and inter
