Do you always say "How are you?" to your English teacher and English speaking friends? While we DO use this common expression in everyday spoken English, there are many more informal and more popular ways of asking this question amongst friends! Learn my favorites in this episode of Stairway to English!
👉 Book with me: https://italki.com/teacher/8476284

Stairway to English: Short easy to understand episodes to improve your English grammar and fluency

Stop saying "How are you"! 

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis interviews Shweta Ramkumar, a communication coach and founder of Healthy Dynamics,  who helps healthcare professionals from non-English speaking backgrounds become confident, empathetic communicators in English.

Shweta’s passion for healthcare communication began at home, growing up with a doctor mom. Today, she uses that experience to coach international healthcare workers, blending emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, and real-life clinical scenarios with ESL strategies.

They discuss:

The biggest English communication mistakes healthcare professionals make (and it’s not grammar)

Why miscommunication can create emotional stress for both patients and providers

How empathy, trust, and active listening can improve patient care

The powerful results her clients see through one-on-one coaching

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, medical student, or ESL professional in healthcare, this episode will help you understand how clear, compassionate English can truly change lives, starting with your own.

Book a Lesson with teacher Curtis on Italki - https://www.italki.com/teacher/4672521/english

Real English Conversations Podcast

🎙️How Shweta Ramkumar Helps Healthcare Professionals Speak English with Empathy & Confidence | English for Medical Communication at Work

For the first time, Curtis takes the guest seat as he’s interviewed by radio and podcast expert Matt Cundill on the You May Also Like Podcast.

In this candid conversation, Curtis shares how his passion for radio in Edmonton eventually led to launching the Real English Conversations Podcast — and building an online coaching business that helps professionals around the world speak English clearly and confidently at work.

They talk about:

The story behind Real English Conversations and its global impact

What makes a podcast grow and connect with international listeners

How Curtis helps professionals become confident English communicators using real conversations—not grammar drills

If you’ve ever wondered about the story behind the mic, or want to hear what it takes to build a meaningful business in the ESL space, this episode delivers insights, real talk, and inspiration.

Book a Lesson with teacher Curtis on Italki - https://www.italki.com/teacher/4672521/english

🎙️ Curtis Gets Interviewed: From Radio Dreams to Teaching Business English Globally | Behind the Mic on Real English Conversations

n this high-energy episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis interviews Jason R. Levine, better known around the world as Fluency MC, the viral teaching sensation who helps English learners build fluency through rhythm, rap, and real fun.

Jason is the creator of Stick, Stuck, Stuck, a YouTube megahit that’s been used in classrooms across the globe. In this conversation, he shares how his love of music evolved into a powerful teaching method that blends grammar, listening, and memory into something unforgettable.

They talk about:

How rhythm and rhyme help English learners retain grammar and vocabulary

The story behind Stick, Stuck, Stuck going viral

Performing in schools around the world and seeing real transformation

His latest programs: Rhyme On Time and Speak On Beat

Why fun, music-based learning can break language anxiety and boost confidence

If you're learning English and want to enjoy the process more — or you're a teacher looking for creative ideas — this episode will leave you motivated and ready to try something new.

Book a Lesson with teacher Curtis on Italki - https://www.italki.com/teacher/4672521/english

🎙️ How Fluency MC Went Viral Teaching English with Rap & Rhythm | Speak Naturally & Build Fluency Through Music

In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis interviews Nathan Lige, a game designer, writer, and co-creator of the hit storytelling game Mythwind at Open Owl Studios.

Nathan shares how his love of writing and community storytelling led him to leave the tech world and create games that bring people together. His purpose-driven journey is filled with lessons about creativity, risk-taking, and finding work that matters.

They explore:

How storytelling skills can strengthen your communication and leadership

What it takes to transition careers with intention and passion

The role of language, empathy, and collaboration in creative work

Why following your purpose builds confidence in life, and English

Whether you're learning English, dreaming of a career change, or curious about how creativity fuels connection, this episode will inspire your next step.
Book a Lesson with teacher Curtis on Italki - https://www.italki.com/teacher/4672521/english

🎙️ Purpose-Driven Careers, Creativity & Communication | Curtis Interviews Game Designer Nathan Lige of Mythwind

After a long break, we’re back—and what better way to kick things off than with a true Edmonton radio legend?

In this episode, I sit down with Terry Evans—longtime morning show host on K-97 and the voice behind the Reluctantly... podcast—for a real conversation about confidence, mistakes, and staying true to yourself when the pressure’s on.

We talk about how Terry got started in radio, some of the wild things that happen live on-air, what it really means to be confident (especially when you're nervous), and how to handle those tough, awkward conversations at work. It’s honest, funny, and packed with wisdom you’ll want to hear—especially if you’ve ever held back from speaking up because you were afraid of making a mistake.

Whether you’re learning English, trying to be more confident, or just love a good story from behind the mic—this episode is for you.

Book a trial with teacher Curtis on Italki - https://www.italki.com/teacher/4672521/english