It's About Language, with Norah Jones

Norah Lulich Jones
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Insightful conversations on the nature and impact of language and culture with creative leaders in the fields of education, business, arts, and science. Their stories shed light on how language makes us human - and brings hope.Find your voice. Enter the conversation. Find your superpower.

  1. S6E7: Onward Together: The Energy Behind Language Advocacy & Collaboration with Joy Peyton

    5H AGO

    S6E7: Onward Together: The Energy Behind Language Advocacy & Collaboration with Joy Peyton

    There’s a noticeable shift happening in language education—and this conversation captures it. Right after Language Advocacy Days, Norah sits down with Joy Peyton to talk about what stood out most. Not the challenges, but the energy. The collaboration. The stories of progress that people are actually seeing in their schools and communities. Joy shares what she heard from educators and students, especially the growing role of young people who are stepping into multilingual spaces with confidence and purpose. From community-based language schools to new ideas around teaching and learning, this episode highlights how language is becoming more connected to real life—and more collaborative than ever. If you’ve ever wondered where language education is headed, this is a conversation that gives you a clear sense: it’s moving forward, and it’s not slowing down. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    46 min

  2. APR 16

    S6E6: Power of Young Voices | Students at Language Advocacy Days

    What happens when you give students the space to just… speak? At Language Advocacy Days 2026 in Washington, DC, a group of students from across the country did exactly that. No script. No formal panel. Just a circle, a microphone, and a willingness to share what language means in their lives. What came out of it is this episode. You’ll hear from students at every stage—some brand new to advocacy, others returning with experience—but all of them speaking honestly about why language matters. Not in theory, but in real life. In friendships. In identity. In the opportunities they’ve had—and the ones they want others to have too. There’s something different about hearing it directly from them. It’s not polished, and it’s not supposed to be. It’s real. And it’s a reminder that advocacy doesn’t start when you feel “ready”… it starts when you decide your voice is worth using. If you’ve ever wondered whether young people really understand the impact of language education—this will answer that. And maybe it’ll leave you thinking about who around you still needs the chance to be heard. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    33 min
  3. S6E5: It’s Not Just What You Say: The Hidden Power of Language and Communication with Charlie Hanchett

    MAR 25

    S6E5: It’s Not Just What You Say: The Hidden Power of Language and Communication with Charlie Hanchett

    What starts as a simple story about being snowed in turns into something much bigger, as Charlie walks through the early decisions that shaped his career. He shares how he ended up teaching abroad, and how a series of unexpected turns eventually led him to Puerto Rico. Along the way, he talks about what really drives language learning—especially for adults—and why real-life need often matters more than anything you’ll find in a classroom. As the conversation continues, those experiences start to connect to a bigger idea. Charlie reflects on how language shapes the way we listen, respond, and show up for others. Whether he’s talking about raising his daughters or leading a team, the focus isn’t on getting every word right—it’s about tone, awareness, and intention. By the end, the conversation opens up into a broader look at leadership, growth, and the role communication plays in every part of our lives. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    1h 3m
  4. S6E4: From Library French Lessons to Global Impact with Maureen Manning.

    MAR 4

    S6E4: From Library French Lessons to Global Impact with Maureen Manning.

    Dr. Maureen Manning joins Norah Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about language as a life-shaping force—and why the stories we tell about language learning matter as much as the learning itself. From Maureen’s earliest memory of being pulled out of school at age eight for French lessons at the public library, to her work today helping global education organizations communicate with clarity and impact, this episode explores the ripple effect of one advocate, one opportunity, and one well-told story. You’ll Hear About Maureen shares the origin story behind her lifelong relationship with language—starting with the moment her mother advocated for her to leave school once a week so she could attend an adult French class at the local library. Together, Norah and Maureen unpack what a single “yes” from an educator can unlock over a lifetime, and how personalized learning begins with honoring a student’s genuine curiosity. The conversation moves from early language learning (cassette tapes included) to Maureen’s continued language practice in Swedish—through community, conversation, and a weekly fika club. Maureen reflects on how confidence grows when we release perfection, invite correction, and create low-pressure spaces to use language as connection rather than performance. As a strategist and storyteller, Maureen then pulls back the curtain on what it means to help organizations tell their stories well—especially by centering student voices, not just institutional messaging. She offers a powerful example of crisis communication and reflection during a study abroad experience, underscoring the role of language in processing complex moments and supporting learners long after a program ends. Finally, Maureen shares what she’s most excited about next: a forthcoming edited book on work-integrated learning and global experiential education—and why cross-sector collaboration may be one of the most important strategies for protecting and strengthe Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    52 min

  5. FEB 12

    S6E3: Learning Language at the Speed of Being Human with James Mattiace.

    In This Episode In this episode of It’s About Language, Norah Jones interviews James Mattiace. He is an educator, assessment reformer, and lifelong language learner. They discuss what languages reveal, not just about communication. They also explore how people think, learn, and relate to one another. James draws on lived experience across eight countries. He reflects on language as a human system. It is nonlinear and deeply tied to identity. It is also shaped by power, culture, and motivation. The conversation shifts easily between topics. It moves from Costa Rica to Nahuatl and from refugee education to assessment reform. It always returns to one central idea. Language learning works best when it is rooted in meaning, dignity, and curiosity. You’ll Hear About James shares what it’s like to build a life across cultures and languages. He begins with his experience living in Costa Rica. He discusses what the country’s cooperative founding narrative reveals about cultural values today. He traces his personal language journey. He explores what sparked it and what stalled it. He examines how motivation, belonging, and human connection determine whether a language takes root or is quietly resisted. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    1h 1m

  6. JAN 28

    S6E2: Language as a Bridge: Lessons from Senegal with Katy Wheelock

    Norah Jones talks with Katy Wheelock, a French educator with 30+ years of classroom experience and the founder of Vive l’Experience, about why language learning is ultimately about connection, not perfection—and how centering Francophone Africa (especially Senegal) transforms teachers, students, and communities. Katy shares her personal path to Senegal, what teacher immersion experiences unlock, and why being seen—down to pronouncing someone’s name correctly—can change everything. You’ll Hear About Why Katy felt drawn to French-speaking Africa and how she ended up studying in DakarHow Senegal became a lifelong part of her teaching and professional missionWhat transforms teachers most when they experience Senegal through immersionPractical ways teachers bring Senegal into lessons (food, clothing, drinks, hospitality, cultural norms)Why Francophone Africa matters for the future of French worldwideHow immersion experiences restore teachers who feel isolated or burned outHow Katy approaches colonial history with care, humility, and Senegalese expertiseThe “power of names” story (Diallo/Jalo) and what it means to be truly seenWhat Senegalese communities gain from these exchangesKaty’s take on AI: impressive language tools, but human connection still matters mostContact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    50 min

  7. JAN 15

    S6E1: The Voice of French-Speaking Africa

    What happens when a team of passionate French educators travels to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to create authentic, lived-experience-based resources for teachers across the U.S.? In this episode, Norah Jones speaks with Steve Sacco, Megan Diercks, Jessica Ayer, and Jeff Loughary about their month-long Fulbright-Hays project and the powerful impact it’s having on curriculum, culture, and connection. Together, they explore: Why Francophone Africa must be part of French language educationHow to move beyond “celebratory multiculturalism” to truthful, anti-oppressive curriculumReal stories from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) —cacao plantations, marketplace conversations, and moments of cultural connectionThe classroom resources being developed (coming soon, free through AATF)How travel, language, and vulnerability shape us as educators and global citizensYou’ll hear how Jessica’s visit to a cacao plantation transformed her teaching, how Jeff’s unexpected conversations challenged stereotypes, how Steve facilitated constant pivots on the ground, and how Megan is guiding AATF’s commitment to centering La Francophonie in meaningful, accurate ways. ✨ This is an episode for teachers, curriculum developers, language advocates, and anyone who believes in the power of authentic cultural learning. About the Guests Steve Sacco – Professor emeritus of French & Italian (San Diego State University), consultant, and co-leader of the Côte d’Ivoire project. Megan Diercks – Executive Director, American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). Jessica Ayer – French teacher, doctoral student in curriculum & instruction, focused on the cacao industry and post-colonial realities. Jeff Loughary – French professor, teacher educator, and PhD candidate focusing on linguistic human rights and language variation. Key Themes Centering Francophone (the French-speaking world) Africa in French teachingAuthenticity in curriculum developmentStorytelling as a bridge between culturesThe power of language vulnerability (like using Bambara in the market!)How travel transforms educatorsThe relationship between colonial history and modern cultural identityEnjoying the Conversation? ✨ Follow It’s About Language on your favorite podcast app ✨ Share this episode with a colleague or friend ✨ Explore more at ItsAboutLanguage.com Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    37 min

  8. 05/29/2025

    S5E11: I Just Want to be Heard- A Conversation with Sharon Deering Williford

    How language, identity, and patience shape our healing and humanity. In this deeply personal episode, Sharon Williford returns to the podcast nearly five years after her first appearance. Then, she was freshly navigating life after a massive stroke that left her with severe aphasia—a loss of language that profoundly impacted how she communicated and how others saw her. Now, years later, Sharon shares her ongoing journey: the challenges of expressing herself, the patience required to rebuild identity through language, and the surprising strength found in simply being heard. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    46 min
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Insightful conversations on the nature and impact of language and culture with creative leaders in the fields of education, business, arts, and science. Their stories shed light on how language makes us human - and brings hope.Find your voice. Enter the conversation. Find your superpower.

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