Beyond the ACCENT: Speak Without Limits, with Keri

What if the question “Where are you from?” isn’t small talk — but a trapdoor? In this episode, I’m joined by Xenia: Russian-speaking trilingual living in Madrid, English and Spanish teacher, American accent coach — and someone who knows what it means to live in several voices at once. We talk about the actual multilingual experience: the selves that emerge in different languages, the homes you grow out of, and the subtle grief and freedom that come with becoming. We get into: - why “I’m a linguist” can feel truer than “I’m a teacher” ; - why some of us say Siberia, not Russia ; - how 2022 quietly rewired the emotional weight of “where are you from?” ; - accent prejudice, identity flexibility, and the psychology behind “I want to lose my accent” ; - fluency arriving before permission ; - language not as a skill, but as a way of living . This episode is for the people who don’t feel fully at home anywhere — and have stopped trying to force themselves into one version of themselves.

Today I sit down with Alex — American in France, language teacher, and co-founder of Peasy Anglais — to explore what happens when your sense of self stretches across languages. We talk about French becoming the language where Alex feels her emotions most fully, about couple-created words (quat = quoi + what), and about the cultural scripts that shape how we sound — from the American “awesome!” to the French “c’est pas possible.” This is an episode about bilingual love, code-switching as an art, and the twilight zone between words — but most of all, it’s about identity. Who are you when you speak French vs English? How does your voice change when you love, argue, or confess in your second tongue? And how do we step away from perfectionism and into authenticity — the version of us that’s real, unpolished, and whole?  

What happens when your British self is calm and structured… but your American self is loud, messy, and totally free? In this intimate duo episode, I speak with Annie (a.k.a. Anita) — a pronunciation coach, multilingual thinker, and unicorn of the accent world — about what it’s like to live in multiple voices. She teaches both British and American accents and reveals how each one taps into a different part of her personality. We talk about:– How speaking in different accents can change how you feel– Why some languages open fairy doors to other parts of yourself– Emotional associations with accents and languages– What it means to “sound real” vs “sound right”– And why the word /jan/ carries more love than English ever could If you’ve ever code-switched, shape-shifted, or felt like you’re made up of several selves — this one’s for you.   Anita's Insta page!! https://www.instagram.com/misssanitta?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=Z2xrNDZsZXd1eDBw    

In this episode, I sit down with British accent coach and pronunciation expert Olga Sytina to explore what accent training is really about. (Spoiler: it’s not just about sounding “native.”) We dive into the emotional, physical, and linguistic layers that make up this work — from rhythm and prosody to confidence, identity, and all the myths that still linger in the language-learning world. Olga shares how she helps ESL teachers master the British accent — not to perform someone else’s voice, but to feel more empowered, expressive, and professionally confident in their own. We talk about:– British vs. American prosody: rhythm, intonation, and cultural vibe– Why confidence — not being a copy of something or somebody — is the real outcome of accent work– The physical side of pronunciation (yes, it’s basically face/mouth choreography)– How pragmatics shapes not just how we speak, but how we’re understood– The surprising emotional payoff of shadowing, feedback, and doing the work “Accent is like your personal DNA. It doesn’t have to be British or American — it has to be you.” One soul-soothing listen for pronunciation teachers, advanced learners, and anyone curious about how voice, identity, and communication intersect.

Today’s Beyond the Accent is a first — and it’s a duo episode! I’m joined by the brilliant Kristina Birk — voice actor, writer, coach, and all-around walking novel. We talk about everything from how we stumbled into each other's lives, to New York vs. L.A., to how growing up as "the odd one out" shaped our coaching journeys. Along the way, we dive into:  What it's really like to train at a professional conservatory for actors in New York City 🎭  How Alexander Technique can change not just your voice, but your life 🧘‍♀️  Who needs pronunciation and what kind of bridges it can help you build 🌍  What it's like to fall in love (and stay in love) with New York 💙  And why every learner needs both open-heartedness and structure to grow. It's heartfelt, it's hilarious, and it’s probably the realest conversation we've had about voice, identity, and carving your place in the world — in any language. Come hang out with us — I think you’ll feel right at home. to purchase Kristina's book:  https://www.amazon.com/Out-Oblivion-How-Left-OB-LOM/dp/173638970X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25NR4TRQ1ABA6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ndm9aX1h2YlfL7Dt6CXWnvcvYoEHS4yn85-KH89Avg9XhIFk3hiH1DteBO-VLkoR.9nXB9dnWk0MDc2DqpLkloUAuwmoJQzhHQAdAUOh5mMQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=kristina+birk&qid=1745820457&sprefix=kristina+birk%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

What do Shakespeare, stress timing, and French composers have in common? More than you think — and less than you'd expect. In this episode, I explore why English swings and French glides, and how the rhythm of a language shapes everything from how we speak… to how we write music. We’ll dive into: – What “stress-timed” actually means — and why it matters for your pronunciation– How rhythm differs in English, French, Russian, and even Japanese– What linguists like Peter Roach and Daria Mitciuk have discovered about how we perceive rhythm vs. how it’s actually produced– How Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter is basically a jazz solo with a British accent 🎭– And why hearing the music of English is the first step to truly owning your voice in it If you're a language lover, a bilingual brain, or a teacher looking to help your students connect with real spoken rhythm — this one’s for you. ✨ PLUS: A sneak peek at my Rhythm & Intonation Workshop (recording available tomorrow!)

To join the Waitlist for our newest online workshop (more deets next week), How I Made My English Sound Effortless with these Rhythm & Intonation Techniques, leave your name and grab your spot:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRHuJi34B7WKS6EKC9E5fwU15zzJR4ZdYe3LywilkwsOnc1Q/viewform?usp=dialog Now, what's this episode on? Whether you're trying to make small talk feel less awkward, give feedback without spiraling into conflict, or just feel more in control when you speak—this episode is for you. I’m sharing seven practical, proven strategies to make your conversations more productive, more connected, and (let’s be honest) more enjoyable. Based on one of the most useful chapters I’ve read in a book on communication by Alan Baker, this episode is packed with examples, metaphors, and tools you can start using today. You’ll learn how to: Clarify your conversational objective (without sounding rigid) Structure your thinking so you don’t jump to conclusions Keep things flowing and focused Move past awkward disagreements Use metaphors, visuals, and summaries to connect more deeply ...and more. This is your personal guide to becoming a more intentional, confident communicator—whether you're working in English, living in it, or just trying to feel more at ease in every conversation. 🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk it through—together.

 Ever feel like you're a slightly different person when speaking English? Like your thoughts flow differently, your reactions shift, or even your sense of self adapts? You're not imagining it. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating ways language shapes our perception, memory, and attention—sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. We explore the infamous Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, the myths and truths about linguistic relativity, and real-world experiments proving that the language you speak can subtly rewire your brain. From why Russian speakers see blue differently to how some languages force you to track direction like a human GPS, we’ll uncover how language isn’t just a tool—it’s a lens that nudges how we see the world. And if you're living in a second language? That lens might just be shifting your reality. Tune in to rethink the way language shapes thought—and, ultimately, how it shapes you.

In this 9th episode of Beyond the Accent, I dive into the world of intonation—the hidden musical quality in our speech that does so much more than just add flavor. I explore how mastering these subtle pitch changes can transform our everyday communication, helping us express meaning, structure our conversations, and build better connections with our listeners. I focus on David Brazil’s Discourse Intonation model—a practical, real-world approach that breaks speech into natural “tone units” and reveals how every rise and fall in our voice carries purpose. Drawing on fascinating research (like the study where correct primary stress boosted comprehension and favorability), I explain why emphasizing prosody isn’t just an academic exercise but a critical tool for clear, effective communication. Join me as I unlock the secret language of intonation and share why paying attention to these “musical signals” can make all the difference in both teaching and everyday interactions.

You’ve been lied to. Okay, maybe not lied to, but definitely misled. If you’ve ever worried about sounding correct, if you’ve ever hesitated before saying “who” or “whom” (and still felt unsure), if you’ve ever felt like “bad grammar” equals bad English—this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: English doesn’t actually have fixed rules. It has trends. What’s “wrong” today was perfectly fine a century ago. What’s “proper” now might be outdated in 50 years. And the people making the rules? Well, they’re mostly just… people.   In this episode, we’re diving into the battle between prescriptivists (the rule enforcers) and descriptivists (the rule observers). We’ll talk about:💥 Why some grammar “rules” are actually just old-fashioned opinions💥 The words and pronunciations that were once considered “incorrect” but won anyway💥 Why you don’t have to sound like a textbook to sound credible, intelligent, or fluent   So if you’ve ever felt anxious about getting it right—take a deep breath. Let’s rethink what “correct” even means.   🎧 Press play and let’s talk about it.

🗣️ Ever notice how your voice changes depending on who you’re talking to? Whether it’s slipping into your ‘work voice’ or switching to your native language with family, code-switching is something we all do—often without even realizing it. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the what, why, and how of code-switching. 🎧 Why do we naturally adapt our speech? What does it reveal about our identity, culture, and sense of belonging? And is it a superpower or a survival skill? We’ll break down the science behind it (spoiler: your brain is working overtime), explore personal anecdotes, and discuss how code-switching can be both empowering and exhausting. Tune in to discover: ✅ The psychology behind code-switching ✅ How cultural influences shape the way we speak ✅ Why switching between accents or languages is totally normal ✅ What your speech says about you Whether you're balancing multiple languages or just navigating different social circles, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen now and embrace the way you naturally adapt to the world around you.

🎙 Your Voice, Your Accent: How Your Idiolect Tells Your Story Have you ever thought about how unique your voice truly is? It’s more than just an accent—it’s a mosaic of influences, experiences, and personal quirks that make your voice one of a kind. This episode dives into the concept of idiolect—the linguistic fingerprint that tells your story. Discover why no two voices are the same and how your accent is just one piece of a larger puzzle. We’ll explore the layers that shape the way you speak, from rhythm and melody to cultural nuances and personal expressions. Whether you're learning to embrace your accent or simply curious about what makes your voice yours, this episode offers an insightful and empowering perspective. 🎧 Tune in now and uncover the story your voice is telling!