From Lost to the River is the podcast for Spanish learners of English who want to break free from self-doubt, stop hiding behind perfectionism, and start speaking with confidence. If you hesitate, second-guess your words, or worry that your mistakes make you look less capable, this podcast is for you. This show takes a real, unfiltered look at what it means to communicate in a second language. I don’t just talk about this. I’ve lived through it. I know how it feels to stay silent because I’m ...
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I reflect on the 'Chicken Story' and how being laughed at by a shop full of strangers impacted me more than I realised. I then share another language mix-up with an Amazon delivery guy. Looking back, I’ve learned these moments are a key part of the learning process. Even if we upset a few Amazon guys along the way! Watch it HERE with subtitles…
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Here is a funny story from my early days in Spain when my basic Spanish skills led to a hilarious mix-up at the butcher's! It’s a lighthearted reminder that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and often leads to the best memories. Watch it with subtitles here on YouTubeBy Richard Marshall | Pro Coach English
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How to embrace English without studying. Lauren Martin shares her passive learning tips and how to make the most of “dead time”. Simple, everyday habits that build your confidence and fit easily into your daily routine, not the other way around. Listen to the full two-part 'Embracing Imperfection' conversation in the episode library.…
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(4 min) Finding Confidence in Your Own Journey
3:46
3:46
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3:46The impact of comparison and the pressure to be perfect often slows us down. From feeling inspired by others' fluency to the struggle of comparing ourselves to unattainable standards, Lauren Martin and I explore how focusing on your own journey leads to increased confidence and faster progress. The full 'Embracing Imperfection' conversation is avai…
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Lauren Martin and I talk about the inner critic that blocks us, the fear of mistakes, and the freedom that comes from letting go. A powerful reminder that it’s not about perfection, it’s about connection. Listen to our two-part 'Embracing Imperfection' conversation in the episode library. Follow Lauren on Instagram…
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In this extract from Episode 3, La Comunicación, I explore a simple but powerful truth: communication isn’t just about you. Background noise, distractions, even the listener’s state of mind can all get in the way. So if someone doesn’t understand you, it might not be your English — or your fault. I hope this short reflection helps take some pressur…
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(23 min) Embracing Imperfection (Part 2) Una Charla en Inglés
23:12
23:12
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23:12Lauren and I continue our conversation about the pressure of perfectionism, particularly in Spain, where the emphasis on flawless grammar creates anxiety and a reluctance to speak up. We explore the importance of self-acceptance & how to celebrate your English progress, instead of comparing your level to that of native speakers. Follow Lauren HERE …
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(27 min) Embracing Imperfection (Part 1) Una Charla en Inglés
27:28
27:28
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27:28In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m speaking with Lauren Martin, a multilingual copywriting expert who helps language coaches connect with their clients' needs. We explore the psychology of confidence, the importance of embracing mistakes for growth, and the damaging impact of perfectionism in language learning. Lauren shares some va…
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(6 min) How to Speak English with Confidence | with Alba Guerrero
5:49
5:49
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5:49Today I'm chatting with English Teacher, Alba Guerrero González about why fluency beats perfection when speaking English. We discuss Spanish learners' biggest struggles, overcoming fear, and why mistakes are your best teachers. Follow Alba on Instagram & Tik Tok and watch her super cool English learning tips & tricks. Mil gracias por tu tiempo Alba…
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(10 min) My Story | Fear, Frustration & Finding My Purpose
10:29
10:29
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10:29In this deeply personal ‘off-camera’ conversation with Sarah Smit, I share how the pandemic forced me to rethink my path. How my frustrations with Spain brought out a darker, more negative side of my personality. And how transforming this negativity has shaped me, allowing me to ultimately find my purpose: helping others break free from their fears…
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(8 min) Deja de Buscar la Perfección | Una Charla en Inglés
8:09
8:09
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8:09Here’s an extract from my conversation with Sarah Smit, a polyglot and language expert who knows firsthand what it takes to go from zero to fluent, because she did just that while living in the Netherlands for over a decade. We discuss the mindset shifts that truly build confidence in a second language and how my empathy for my clients’ experiences…
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(20 min) Una Charla en español | The Spanish Mindset
19:04
19:04
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19:04Today, I’m speaking with my client, Miguel Ángel Carrasco Delgado, COO of PRG (Toys R Us & Prenatal), who has nearly 40 years of experience working with top brands like Sephora. He shares how he overcame the fear of making mistakes and built confidence in using English for business. We explore the key mindset shifts that boosted his confidence, alo…
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(14 min) Fluency Over Perfection | The Key to Speaking English
14:15
14:15
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14:15Struggling with your accent? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down why perfection is overrated and how real communication is the main objective. Hear insights from Alberto Rodríguez on the Spanish-English pronunciation clash and why confidence matters more than flawless speech. Follow me on Linkedin for more English confidence tips!…
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In this episode, I talk about how perfectionism can stop us from improving in a new language. I’ll share my personal journey of accepting my accent and occasional mistakes in Spanish, and how this mindset shift can help you embrace your unique voice in English. When you accept your English as it is today, you’ll feel more confident, speak up more, …
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Aqui tienes un extracto del capítulo 3. Here I explore how our fear of making mistakes and worrying about others’ reactions can create false beliefs about our abilities. It’s so common for us to assume that others won’t understand us (before we even try), or that our language skills aren’t "good enough" - but this is just F.E.A.R.: False Evidence A…
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(5 min) Maneras Fáciles de Mejorar tu Inglés Diario
5:05
5:05
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5:05¡Ya estamos en diciembre! Un mes de celebraciones, reuniones, y por supuesto aprendizaje. Entre reuniones sociales, comidas y luces de Navidad, es importante recordar que disfrutar de las festividades y aprender inglés sí es posible. Escuchar podcast es una de las muchas formas de aprender inglés de forma natural y sin esfuerzo. Recuerda que expone…
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(4 min) "Tú Puedes" Your English Is Better Than You Think
3:57
3:57
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3:57En este extracto del primer capítulo, abordo la lucha de sentir que "no eres lo suficientemente bueno" ("not good enough") al hablar inglés y por qué es hora de cambiar esa mentalidad. A continuación, algunos puntos claves que aprenderás: Tu nivel de inglés es mejor de lo que piensas. La comunicación es más importante que la perfección. El impacto …
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In today's episode, we're talking about COMMUNICATION itself. Firstly how other people’s reactions can impact our confidence when we're speaking our target language. And then we'll expolore how communication depends on many factors that are often beyond our control. Read as you listen with YouTube's subtitles HERE key insights The Impact of Reactio…
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In this episode of 'From Lost to the River', I explore why perfection is overrated and how accepting the way we're able to connect and communicate with others, instead of being blocked by perfection, can be transformative. Read as you listen with YouTube's subtitles HERE. You will hear my 'basura' confession. You (and my loved ones) will discover w…
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(17 min) Bienvenidos al Podcast | "Tú Puedes"
17:24
17:24
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17:24Welcome to the first episode of 'From Lost To The River'. Soy Richard. I’ve been learning Spanish for 14 years so I know how difficult and challenging it is to communicate in a language that isn't your own. I’ve been exactly where you are—feeling frustrated and worried about making mistakes and staying quiet as a result. However, once I let go of p…
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