Chinwag Tuesdays

This week on Chinwag Tuesdays, I'm sitting down with Aastha, who made the big move from New Delhi to Sydney five years ago after meeting her Australian husband. Aastha has an eight-year background in media and communications, a Master's in Business Administration, and she's now working as a Customer Success Manager, connecting with clients all across Australia and New Zealand.We talk about everything from the culture shocks that caught her off guard (shops closing at 5pm, anyone?), to navigating a complete career pivot in a brand new country, to the very real challenge of communicating confidently when your accent is different to everyone around you.One moment in this episode really stuck with me. Aastha shared that when she first arrived in Sydney, she was nervous ordering a coffee because she wasn't sure she'd be understood. She'd ask for her coffee in full, complete sentences, and sometimes the barista would still say 'pardon?' — and that one moment would shake her confidence for the rest of the day. If that sounds familiar to you, this episode is absolutely one to listen to.Aastha is honest, warm, and genuinely funny, and her story is one that so many migrants in Australia will recognise. We also chat about how she's adapted her communication style for work, what she wishes she'd known before arriving, and the advice she'd give to anyone just starting out in Australia.IN THIS EPISODE• What brought Aastha from New Delhi to Sydney (and how she and her husband met)• The work culture differences between India and Australia that surprised her the most• How Australians treat time, boundaries, and work hours very differently• Aastha's honest reflection on ordering a coffee and being asked to repeat herself• Why communication barriers aren't always about English level• How Aastha pivoted from an 8-year media career to Customer Success in Australia• Why asking for help is one of the most important skills a migrant can develop• Practical time management tips for working parents in a new country• Advice for new migrants building careers and confidence in AustraliaCONNECT WITH AASTHAFind Aastha on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aastha-yadav-98102962Short term courses through TAFE: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/short-coursesInterested to hear what other migrants in Australia are getting up to? Check out these episodes:NohelyDawaLeticiaCarolRovieDanielaTomDakshMohitAnishJoAdityaKarenJuliaShakJeanne⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻Want to work on your own Australian English?Book an Accent Assessment with Amanda: ⁠https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/accent-assessment⁠

Why is it so hard to make friends in Australia? What do Aussies really think of migrants in the workplace? This week on Chinwag Tuesdays, I’m joined by Aditya — a tech leader, career coach, and migrant who has lived across India, the US, and now Melbourne.We chat through his fascinating journey from Amazon and Salesforce to helping new migrants settle in and thrive professionally in Australia. From cultural differences to communication gaps, Aditya shares powerful insights that every international student or skilled migrant needs to hear.Australian English learners, skilled migrants and international students will love this chat. We break down real experiences and give practical tips for settling in, improving your Aussie accent, and feeling more confident at work and in social life. Learn Australian English in context and grow your career with cultural insight.Key Highlights:​Career journey across three continents​Launching Kindle, Alexa & Prime at Amazon​Reflecting on meaningful work and coaching​Work culture: US vs Australia​Making friends as a migrant in Australia​Assimilation tips and common challenges​Why many migrants struggle to grow professionally​How to build connection, tell your story & stand out​Final advice for migrants navigating Australian lifeLooking to improve your own Aussie English?I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversation📲 How to Contact Aditya:​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-rajagopalan/ ​Interested to hear what other migrants in Australia are getting up to? Check out these episodes:◦Nohely◦Dawa◦Leticia◦Carol◦Rovie◦Daniela◦Tom◦Daksh◦Mohit◦Anish◦Jo

Want to master an accent that opens doors? This week on Chinwag Tuesdays, I sits down with Jesús Flores, an inspiring Colombian accent coach living in Michigan who helps learners transform their English pronunciation into a confident American accent. From sci-fi movies and teenage language schools to moonlighting as a pronunciation coach—this episode is full of golden insights for international students, teachers, and migrants alike.⌛Chapters / Key HighlightsMeet Jesús: Colombian roots & American lifeWhy Jesús started teaching EnglishHow he discovered accent coachingThe decision to specialise in American pronunciationCommon issues for Spanish speakers learning EnglishThoughts on Aussie English & exposure differencesOne pronunciation tip every learner should tryWarm-ups, anchor phrases & breathing for better speechLearn about accent training from a Colombian perspective, how to sound more American in English, and why Spanish speakers face specific challenges in pronunciation. Jesús shares unique teaching strategies, insights into speech placement and pitch, and compares American, Australian, and British English for learners and teachers alike. Perfect for international students, ESL teachers, and professionals working on their English fluency.📲 How to Contact JesúsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_american_accent_playbook YouTube: https://youtube.com/@arknto15?si=S0FYbpcXJMna28PDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-florez-villa-141265298

In this inspiring episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Dawa — a Nepalese international student, gardener, and aspiring IT professional living in Melbourne. From juggling three jobs and a master's degree to starting a gardening side hustle, Dawa shares the real challenges and wins of migrant life in Australia.We talk about Aussie slang in trade jobs, navigating cultural differences, working in hospitality and aged care, and how Dawa is now preparing for a career in IT. Whether you're an international student, new migrant, or just curious about life down under — this one’s packed with real talk and solid advice.🧠 If you're improving your Aussie English or figuring out how to start a side hustle in Australia — this episode will motivate and guide you.Key Highlights ⌛ Here’s what we cover in this episode ⬇️ Dawa’s background and journey from Nepal to Australia Master’s studies, financial challenges, and international student struggles Starting a gardening business as a migrant Hospitality vs. aged care: emotional impact and industry culture Making friends in Australia and adjusting to Aussie work culture Learning Aussie slang from tradies and navigating different workplaces Advice for migrants and international students on visas, work, and study🗣️ Practise listening to real Aussie English and learn natural pronunciation in a relaxed, meaningful context.📌 If you’re improving your Aussie accent, navigating life in Australia, or seeking inspiration as a migrant — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I sit down with Leticia, a marketing executive at Pearson, originally from China and now based in Melbourne. 🇨🇳➡️🇦🇺 Leticia shares her journey of studying in Australia, securing PR through marketing (a rare pathway!), and thriving in the Aussie job market.We discuss: ✅ Moving from China to Melbourne – Why she chose Australia and her experience settling in✅ Getting PR as a marketing professional – How she navigated the visa process and key strategies✅ Marketing in Australia vs China – The differences in platforms, strategies, and audience engagement✅ Building a career in marketing – Tips for international students and skilled migrants✅ Networking & job hunting – Why LinkedIn and industry connections are essentialIf you're an international student, a marketing professional, or looking for insights on PR and career growth in Australia, this episode is for you! 🎙️✨

In this exciting 33rd episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with @NEOEnglishwithPam an Aussie who has been living in Japan for 16 years. Pam shares her journey from Brisbane to Japan, her experiences running a chain of English schools, and the cultural contrasts she’s encountered living abroad. We discuss her approach to teaching advanced spoken English and how she’s raising her son to be a “citizen of the world” with strong connections to both Australian and Japanese cultures.🔑 Key Highlights:🌏 From Brisbane to Japan: Pam’s story of moving to Japan, starting a family, and immersing herself in Japanese culture. 🗣️ Teaching English: Insights into Pam’s journey from in-person teaching to building an online community and focusing on adult English learners. 👨‍👩‍👦 Raising a Bilingual Child: Pam shares the challenges and rewards of raising her son to embrace both his Japanese and Australian heritage. 😂 Cultural Misunderstandings: Fun anecdotes about life in Japan and the unique cultural differences Pam has adapted to. 💡 Tips for Language Learners: Pam’s advice on improving spoken English and building confidence, even if you’re learning remotely.If you’re interested in expat life, language learning, or raising bilingual children, this episode is full of valuable insights and stories.📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with future episodes of Chinwag Tuesdays! 👍✨How to contact Pam:Watch this space! New website up this week:www.neo-english.comFollow on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neoenglishwithpam/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEOEnglishwithPam YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEOEnglishwithPamTo join Pam's group before her website is up, click ‘Subscription’ (NOT just follow) on her instagram page. (After the website is up, the price will go up too).Enquiries: info@neo-english.com

In the 31st episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Clifton @cliftonshipway, an Aussie who has been living in India for the past 21 years and has truly made it his home. We explore his absolutely incredible, almost unbelievable story, from his family's deep connections to India to Clifton’s work with his family’s NGO, and how he’s embraced a life filled with unique experiences in India’s rural and urban landscapes.🔑 Key Highlights:🌏 Cultural Immersion: Clifton shares how he fully immersed himself in Indian culture and language, even learning Hindi to the point where locals mistake him for a native speaker. 🧑‍🏫 Family Legacy: Discover how Clifton’s grandfather’s agricultural work and his father’s contributions to dairy farming paved the way for Clifton’s move to India. 💡 Challenges of Adaptation: The ups and downs of adjusting to life in India, from language barriers to health challenges. 💬 Living with Purpose: Clifton’s mission to protect his family’s legacy and how it has shaped his outlook on life and the world.If you’re interested in the journey of living abroad, cultural immersion, or simply want to hear incredible life stories, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with future episodes of Chinwag Tuesdays! 👍✨ How to contact Clifton: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cliftonshipway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonshipway How to contact Clifton's NGO/Mission: Website: https://indianorphanage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianorphanage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/indianorphanage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianOrphanage/

In this episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Anna, an English teacher from Australia who has been living in Munich, Germany, for over 10 years. We explore her experiences adjusting to life abroad, navigating cultural differences, and teaching English to teachers in Germany. Anna shares insightful stories from her journey, from Cairns to Melbourne and now Munich, and how she built her career in education across multiple countries.🔑 Key Highlights:🌍 Aussie in Germany: Anna’s story of moving from Australia to Germany, and how she’s adapted to the cultural differences along the way. 🗣️ Teaching English: Anna’s transition from teaching high school students in Australia to training teachers in Germany, and the challenges that come with it. 🇩🇪 Cultural Misunderstandings: Fun anecdotes about the small but important cultural differences Anna has encountered living in Germany, including formal vs. informal language. 💬 Learning German: Anna discusses her relationship with the German language and the challenges of balancing English teaching with improving her own German skills.If you’re interested in teaching English abroad, cultural adaptation, or life as an expat, this episode is packed with great stories and tips!📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with future episodes of Chinwag Tuesdays! 👍✨🇦🇺 Join the VIP Waitlist for my new Aussie Slang course: https://www.aussieenglishwithamanda.com/ascc-waitlist🇦🇺 Read the book "The Story of Australian English" by Kel Richards: https://unsw.press/books/the-story-of-australian-english/How to contact Anna:- email her on annalefevre@hotmail.com

In this episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Rovie, a social media star from the Philippines who’s been living in Australia for 8 years. Known as ‘The Mommy Roves’ on Instagram, Rovie shares her unique and funny experiences of understanding the Aussie accent, navigating cultural differences, and building a massive online following by documenting her life in Australia.🔑 Key Highlights:🌍 Adapting to Aussie Culture: Rovie talks about her transition from the Philippines to Australia, the challenges she faced, and how she eventually felt at home. 🗣️ Understanding the Aussie Accent: Hear about Rovie’s hilarious experiences of learning the Australian accent and slang, and how she incorporates it into her skits. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Life & Content Creation: Find out how including her son and niece in her videos has changed the dynamic of her content and grown her audience. 💬 Dealing with Online Hate: Rovie opens up about facing negative comments online and how she keeps her focus on the positives. 🎭 Bringing the Skits Back: Learn about Rovie’s journey from TikTok to Instagram, and why she’s bringing back her popular skits with wigs!Whether you’re a migrant adjusting to life in Australia or just love Aussie humour, this episode is full of relatable moments and valuable insights. Tune in to laugh along with Rovie’s journey and learn from her experiences.📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with future episodes of Chinwag Tuesdays! 👍✨Where to find Rovie: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/themommyroves/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://tiktok.com/@themommyroves⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@themommyroves⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/themommyroves

In this episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, I chat with Lewis from @englishwithlewis a British ESL teacher who has made Brussels, Belgium, his home. From his early days in Leeds, England, to teaching English across multiple countries, Lewis shares his fascinating journey of language, culture, and adaptability.🔑 Key Highlights:🌍 From Leeds to Brussels: Discover Lewis's journey from England to Belgium, with stops in Spain and Australia along the way.🇦🇺 Time in Australia: Lewis reflects on his experiences living in Australia, from embracing the Aussie BBQ culture to dealing with the environmental challenges and wildlife that Australia is known for.🏫 Teaching Across Cultures: Explore Lewis’s experiences teaching English in various countries and how these diverse environments shaped his teaching approach.📚 Cultural Adaptation: Learn about the cultural differences Lewis encountered, from Aussie slang and BBQ traditions to the more formal Belgian bureaucracy.🎧 Language Learning Tips: Lewis shares his tips for learning new languages, including the importance of immersion and using podcasts to improve listening skills.Whether you're an ESL teacher, a language learner, or someone curious about living abroad, this episode offers valuable insights and relatable stories.Tune in to hear Lewis’s journey and gain inspiration for your own language and teaching adventures!📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with future episodes of Chinwag Tuesdays! 👍✨Where to find Lewis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishwithlewis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@englishwithlewis TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@englishwithlewis I am giving the transcript for free this episode as I had some problems with my mic which made my audio quality low :( - download it HERE

Welcome to another episode of Chinwag Tuesdays! In this episode, I sit down with Pan, a Sri Lankan expat who has made Australia his home. Pan shares his inspiring journey from moving to Australia in 2015 as a wide-eyed migrant to becoming a successful career and mindset coach with his company, Elevar Career Coaching.✨ Key Highlights:🌏 Pan's Dream Move: How his love for cricket inspired him to move to Australia.🏢 Job Hunt Struggles: Facing 516 job rejections and finally landing his first role.🇦🇺 Cultural Adjustments: Navigating Aussie slang and workplace culture.📈 Career Progression: Rapid growth from his first job to a management role.🎓 Coaching Success: Stories of transforming lives through career and mindset coaching.🌐 Global Team Management: Leading a global team through the pandemic.✨ Practical Advice: Tips for adapting to new cultures and finding success.This video is perfect for people living in Australia, those learning Australian English, and anyone looking to improve their English listening skills. Whether you're an expat adjusting to Aussie life, a student practicing English, or someone interested in career development, Pan's story offers valuable insights and inspiration.Where to find Pan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevarcareercoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panperera Website - https://www.elevardigital.com/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@elevarcareercoaching

Join me in this insightful episode of Chinwag Tuesdays as I explore the vibrant life and impactful mission of Andy, an Aussie who has made North India his home. Founder of "Aussie Bhai," Andy is dedicated to helping Indian students navigate the cultural and practical challenges of moving to and living in Australia.🔑 Key Highlights:🌏 Aussie in India: Discover Andy’s journey from Melbourne to North India, sparked by a career move that turned into a profound love for the country.🤝 Aussie Bhai Community: Learn about the creation of Aussie Bhai, a community designed to support Indian students in Australia, offering guidance on everything from visas to cultural integration.📚 Cultural Exchange: Andy shares his experiences of cultural differences and the ways in which he uses his understanding to help students adapt to life in Australia.💼 Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the specific challenges Indian students face abroad and how Andy’s initiatives aim to smooth their transition.🌐 Empathy and Connection: Andy reflects on the role of personal experience in providing genuine help, and how living in India has equipped him to better serve his community.This episode is not just a story about moving countries; it's about making a significant impact on the lives of international students. Whether you’re interested in cultural exchange, education, or simply heartwarming stories of helping others, Andy’s journey will inspire and engage.Tune in to learn how one Aussie is making a big difference in the lives of many by bridging the gap between two diverse cultures.Where to find Andy: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theaussiebhai/ ⁠ The Aussie Bhai Community: ⁠https://members.aussiebhai.com/communities/groups/aussie-bhai-family/home?invite=663c9701b39faefa1c5c21c7 ⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theaussiebhai ⁠

Join me, Amanda, in this special episode of Chinwag Tuesdays as I catch up with someone who I've known since I was 8 years old! Bonnie Hancock, a phenomenal adventurer and two-time world record holder who circumnavigated Australia on a surf ski. From humble beginnings in the small town of Sawtell, NSW, to setting staggering global records, Bonnie's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring.🔑 Key Highlights:🌊 Epic Journey: Discover how Bonnie took on the mighty Australian coastline, facing sharks, crocodiles, and extreme isolation to not just break, but set new world records.🏅 World Records Shattered: Bonnie talks about her 24-hour paddling record and how she not only challenged but exceeded the existing records, including outdoing the men's record.📘 New Author: Dive into the insights from Bonnie’s book, where she shares the raw and emotional tales of her harrowing yet beautiful adventures.🌐 Mental Health Advocacy: Learn about Bonnie’s role as a mental health ambassador and how her journey supports the cause of building mental resilience.🎙 Reconnection and Reflection: Bonnie reflects on the criticisms faced during her journey and how overcoming these challenges fuelled her determination.This episode is more than just a sports story; it's a profound look at resilience, personal growth, and the power of chasing your dreams. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an adventurer, or someone looking for inspiration to tackle big goals, Bonnie's story will surely move and motivate you.Tune in to hear how Bonnie not only navigated the perilous waters around Australia but also navigated the challenges of life with incredible courage and determination.Where to find Bonnie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniehancock Website: https://www.bonniehancock.com/ Watch Bonnie's Documentary "Diamond of the Sea": https://kayosports.com.au/shows/show-diamond-of-the-sea!137607 Buy Bonnie's Book "The Girl Who Touched The Stars": https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460717141/the-girl-who-touched-the-stars/BONUS: Transcript included for this episode. Download your copy HERE and read along.