The Fluent Edge Podcast

Sean Watson and Dr Howie Jacobson
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🎙️ THE FLUENT EDGE Level up your English. Amplify your impact. The Fluent Edge is your weekly power-up for professional English, clear communication, and executive presence. Hosted by Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson, we help globally-minded professionals master the language and mindset to lead with confidence. Real business English, leadership tools, and personal growth—all in 15-minute episodes.

Episódios

  1. 23 DE SET.

    Time Is Not What You Think

    🎙️ The Fluent Edge What if time wasn’t your enemy but your ally? In this episode of The Fluent Edge, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson explore how cultures, language, and leadership shape the way we think about time—and how to manage it more effectively. 🎯 Perfect for advanced English learners, global professionals, and leaders who want to use time with purpose. 👇 Chapters, coaching links, tools, and timestamps below! 👉 ⏰📄 Download the Free Expressions & Phrasal Verbs About Time Pack Web link with audio: https://tinyurl.com/mr3k49yx This free guide includes: Common idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions about time Clear definitions and examples Short audio dialogues for real-world practice 🧠 What You’ll Learn How cultures see time differently—and why it matters for communication Why “beating the clock” and “crunch time” increase stress The surprising origins of the word “deadline” Productivity tools like Pomodoro and Time Blocking—and when to use them Why “I don’t have time” is often about priorities, not minutes How language shapes urgency, patience, and presence 🛠️ Techniques & Tools Pomodoro Technique (25-minute focus sprints) Time Blocking (treat yourself like your most important client) Digital Sabbaths (resetting to a human pace) Reframing “no time” into “not a priority” Cultural views of time: linear, cyclical, and spatial 💬 Vocabulary & Power Phrases Beat the clock • Crunch time • In the nick of time • Time is of the essence • Push the deadline • Circle back • Lifeline • Time flies • Spend time wisely ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – The problem with how we think about time 01:00 – Cultures, punctuality, and hidden beliefs 03:00 – English idioms about time pressure 06:00 – Pomodoro vs creative flow 07:00 – Time blocking for leaders and learners 09:00 – “I don’t have time” vs “It’s not a priority” 11:00 – Presence, book clubs, and making time for what matters 13:00 – Technology, instant responses, and digital Sabbaths 14:00 – Slow is fast: lessons from music and learning 16:00 – Key expressions: time is of the essence, circle back, push the deadline 17:00 – How Spanish and English use different words for “time” 18:00 – Why our memory of...

    17min

  2. 20 DE AGO.

    Calm the Mind, Conquer the Fear - Part 2 | The Fluent Edge Ep. 10

    👉 What if your breath could help you speak English more clearly? In this episode of The Fluent Edge, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson dive into the science of breathwork, mindfulness, and imposter syndrome—and how these tools help you stay calm, focused, and fluent under pressure. 🎯 Ideal for advanced English learners, professionals, and presenters. 👇 Chapters, coaching links, tools, timestamps, and more below! ⬇️ Free Download Mindful Speaking Routine: A 5-Minute Pre-Speaking Ritual - https://tinyurl.com/53d442cj 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why imposter syndrome affects even fluent speakers How the 4-7-8 breathing method resets your nervous system What heart rate variability reveals about stress and fluency How mindfulness expands focus and improves recall Why getting stuck on a word isn’t failure—it’s part of learning How to speak up, show up, and step into your power 🛠️ Techniques & Tools Mentioned 4-7-8 Breathing (relax in under 60 seconds) "Step into your power" mental reframe Parasympathetic nervous system & calm Heart rate variability (HRV) and stress resilience Body scan (to ground yourself before speaking) Language learning styles and memory tips Reframing imposter syndrome at work and in life 💬 Vocabulary & Power Phrases Step into your power Ride the wave of nerves Heart rate variability Parasympathetic nervous system Language anxiety Mindful awareness Cognitive reset Show up fully Speak up ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – How breath controls anxiety and focus 01:00 – Why long exhales help you relax 02:00 – Heart rate variability and calm under pressure 03:00 – 4-7-8 breathing: how and why it works 04:00 – Imposter syndrome and language learners 05:00 – Reframing your thoughts with mindfulness 06:00 – Tools for staying grounded at work 07:00 – What leaders, learners, and performers have in common 08:00 – Language memory, forgetting, and recall 09:00 – Real talk: learning styles and sentence creation 10:00 – Power phrases to reframe negative thinking 11:00 – Mindfulness, presence, and practical fluency 🎙️ Want to Speak English with Calm, Clarity & Confidence? Book coaching with Sean (Fluency, Pronunciation, Public Speaking, Business English) 👉 tinyurl.com/5669kjnm Work with Howie (Leadership, Mindset) 👉 tinyurl.com/yty9n5np Subscribe to Howie’s Substack 👉 tinyurl.com/askhowie Subscribe to Sean's Substack 👉 tinyurl.com/rdxyeses 🌐 Visit us: www.thefluentedge.com 📬 Contact: fluentedgeinfo@gmail.com 👍 Like this Episode? ✔️ Subscribe for weekly coaching insights 🔗 Share with someone who gets nervous speaking English 💬 Leave a comment or voice message—we’d love to hear from you! Tags: #EnglishSpeaking #Mindfulness #LanguageAnxiety #FluentEdge #BusinessEnglish #Breathwork #AccentTraining #SpeakWithConfidence #PronunciationTips #PublicSpeakingTips

    11min

  3. 28 DE JUL.

    Calm the Mind, Conquer the Fear - Part 1 | The Fluent Edge Ep. 9

    🎧 Episode 009 - Part 1 – Calm the Mind, Conquer the FearPodcast: The Fluent Edge Hosts: Sean Watson & Dr. Howie Jacobson Ever felt your heart race before a meeting—or gone blank on a word you definitely knew? You’re not alone. Over 60% of advanced English learners experience language anxiety. The good news? A simple, science-backed technique can help: mindfulness. In this episode, Sean and Howie dive into how mindfulness and breathwork can dramatically improve your English fluency, focus, and confidence—especially under pressure. From classical singing and opera stages to Zoom meetings and job interviews, learn how your breath impacts your brain, your voice, and your presence. 🧠 What You’ll LearnWhy anxiety causes fluent speakers to freezeThe science behind breathwork and staying calmWhat prosody means—and how it improves your speechHow mindfulness sharpens recall and reduces fearWhy controlled breathing leads to better pronunciationInspiring stories from opera, jazz, and public speaking 🛠️ Techniques & Tools Mentioned4-7-8 Breathing (reset your stress in under 1 minute)“Ride the wave of nerves” mindset shiftParasympathetic nervous system explainedStrategic pacing for vocal controlMindfulness for mental focus and language fluencyElla Fitzgerald’s on-stage recoveryPavarotti’s pre-show nerves (and how he handled them) ⬇️ Free Download Mindful Speaking Routine: A 5-Minute Pre-Speaking Ritual - https://tinyurl.com/53d442cj 💬 Vocabulary & Power PhrasesProsody (rhythm and melody in speech)Strategic pacingLanguage anxietyMindful awarenessParasympathetic nervous systemRide the wave of nervesCognitive reset ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why we freeze in English, even when fluent 01:00 – What mindfulness actually means 02:00 – Breathing changes your brain: the science 03:00 – Breath: your most flexible communication tool 04:00 – Voice support, pronunciation, and pacing 05:00 – Prosody: how speech becomes music 06:00 – Safety, creativity, and mindful speaking 07:00 – Real-world examples from the stage 08:00 – Mistakes as moments of connection 09:00 – Study: mindfulness improves English performance 10:00 – Distraction, anxiety, and the digital world 11:00 – Why mindfulness is mental hygiene 13:00 – 4-7-8 breathing demo + episode wrap-up 🎙️ Want to Speak English with Calm, Clarity & Confidence?Book coaching with Sean (Fluency, Pronunciation, Business English)👉 tinyurl.com/5669kjnm Work with Howie (Leadership, Public Speaking, Mindset)👉 tinyurl.com/yty9n5np Subscribe to Howie’s Substack👉 tinyurl.com/askhowie Subscribe to Sean's Substack 👉 https://tinyurl.com/rdxyeses 🌐 Visit us: www.thefluentedge.com 📬 Contact: fluentedgeinfo@gmail.com 📌 Stay Tuned for Part 2We’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step techniques to calm your nerves, improve breath control, and speak with more presence and power. 👍 Like this Episode?✔️...

    14min

  4. 7 DE JUL.

    Break the Ice in 90 Seconds: Making Meetings Feel Human | The Fluent Edge Ep. 8

    📝 Episode Description:Most people treat small talk as fluff—but what if those first 90 seconds are the moment you win (or lose) trust? In this episode of The Fluent Edge, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson show advanced English learners and global professionals how micro-banter can cut tension, spark connection, and let you step into quiet leadership—even when you’re not the one running the meeting. From three universal icebreakers to tips for cross-cultural rapport, this is your field guide to sounding human before you get down to business. 🔹 If you’ve ever stared at a silent Zoom gallery wondering what to say, this one’s for you. 🎙️ What You’ll Learn:The 90-Second Rule: why just 1.5 minutes of chat can build trust3 icebreakers that land in almost any cultureHow to read virtual body language (camera on or off)Pronunciation tips for icebreaker, chitchat, and rapportTurning compliments into genuine appreciationThe link between micro-banter and psychological safety 🛠️ Tools & Methods Mentioned:Shared-Environment Opener (comment on what everyone can see)Positive Observation (specific, thoughtful praise)CRISP Question Formula for open-ended conversationPronunciation drills (CH vs. SH, silent letters)The “Micro-Investment” mindset for leaders 🧠 Sticky Concepts:Small talk as a handshake before collaboration“You can’t be strategic if everyone’s nervous”Compliment vs. appreciationAwkward silence vs. productive pauseTrust = familiarity × empathy 📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Cold open: why silence feels longer online00:48 – Sean & Howie introduce the episode01:30 – Science of micro-banter: stress ↓, follow-ups ↑03:00 – Icebreaker #1: Comment on shared environment05:00 – Icebreaker #2: Positive observations without judgment07:10 – Icebreaker #3: Curiosity cues (location, books, etc.)09:00 – Pronunciation corner: icebreaker, chitchat, rapport11:00 – Cross-cultural pitfalls + “perma-grin” moments13:00 – Leaders: humanise your team with small details15:30 – Idioms to know: shoot the breeze, strike up, put at ease16:30 – Listener challenge + 40-phrase starter kit17:00 – Outro: Stay sharp. Stay human. Stay fluent. 🎤 Listener Challenge:Try one of the three icebreakers in your next virtual meeting. Note the shift in energy or engagement—and tell us what happened! We might feature your story in a future episode. 🎉 📥 Free Download:🎁 Cross-Cultural Small-Talk Starter Kit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/5hydbxhf 📬 Let’s Connect:Coaching with Sean – English Clarity & Executive Presence 👉 https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm Coaching with Howie – Burnout-Proof Leadership 👉 https://tinyurl.com/yty9n5np 🌐 Website: thefluentedge.com 📧 Email: a...

    18min

  5. 21 DE JUN.

    What Smart Leaders Do With AI | The Fluent Edge Ep. 7

    🎧 Episode 007 – What Smart Leaders Do With AIMost leaders treat AI like a tool—like Excel on steroids. But what if the real power of AI isn’t just faster output... but better thinking? In this episode of The Fluent Edge, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson explore how advanced English learners and forward-thinking professionals can treat AI not just as an assistant—but as a strategy partner, creative challenger, and emotional intelligence booster. From designing prompts that push your thinking, to simulating team conflict without bruised egos, this episode is your guide to real AI fluency—for leadership that’s both sharp and human. 🔹 If you’ve ever wondered how to go beyond ChatGPT novelty and make AI part of your leadership stack—this one’s for you. 🎙️ What You’ll LearnThe 3 Levels of AI Mastery for LeadersWhy context, role, and constraint matter more than “the perfect prompt”How to build a simple 3-tool AI dashboard for yourself or your teamHow to use AI to depersonalize conflict and clarify communicationReal use cases: lesson generators, nonviolent feedback GPTs, and moreHow voice dictation can make prompt creation feel like a conversationThe one sentence Sean adds to every prompt to avoid confusion 🛠️ Tools + Methods MentionedThe CRIT Prompt Framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task)Custom GPTs for leadership, communication, and emotional intelligenceUsing AI to create dynamic ESL lesson templatesThe “invisible advisor” approach to leadership AIVoiceNotes + AI transcription = frictionless promptingAI as a tool for risk analysis, objection simulation, and de-escalation 🧠 Concepts That Will Stick“You can’t read the label if you’re inside the box”Treating AI like a teammate—not just a toolPrompting as thinking, not just queryingWhy output quality = input clarityHow vague prompts lead to scope creep ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Cold open: AI isn’t Excel on steroids—it’s your 24/7 strategy partner 00:48 – Intros: Sean & Howie on language + leadership 01:30 – Sean’s AI ‘aha’ moment: scaling quality with less effort 03:10 – How prompting gets smarter with practice 04:15 – The CRIT prompt method explained 06:20 – Using voice dictation to create natural prompts 07:10 – BCG study: 40% jump in quality from AI adoption 07:45 – Live demo: Sean’s ESL GPT and lesson template 10:00 – Prompt iteration = product iteration 11:00 – How AI helps depersonalize conflict and boost clarity 12:15 – Howie’s idea: a nonviolent communication GPT 13:00 – Why companies like Sanofi embrace experimentation 13:45 – Build your AI dashboard: 3 tools per quarter 14:30 – Prompt Pack walk-through: strategic planning example 16:00 – Closing thoughts: stay sharp, stay human, stay fluent 🎤 Interactive ChallengePick one of your leadership challenges—conflict, brainstorming, feedback, or delegation—and write a CRIT-style prompt using the framework from this episode. Then feed it into ChatGPT or your own custom GPT and see what you learn. 🧠 Bonus: Ask the AI to interview you to sharpen your thinking. 📥 Download Sean’s CRIT Prompt Pack 👉 https://tinyurl.com/yhmkvf5p 📬 Let’s Connect💼 Coaching with Sean – English Clarity, Fluency & Executive Presence 👉 a href="https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm"...

    17min

  6. 5 DE JUN.

    Why English Spelling Makes No Sense | The Fluent Edge Ep. 6

    ❓ Episode Title: Why English Makes No SenseEpisode Description: From cough to though to hiccough, English pronunciation often feels like a cruel joke—and it’s not your fault. In this episode of The Fluent Edge, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson uncover the historical, cultural, and accidental chaos that makes English sound so illogical. From Vikings and French invaders to Dutch printers who didn’t speak English, you'll learn why spelling and pronunciation rarely line up—and how understanding this mess can actually make you a better speaker. 🔹 If you've ever felt fluent but still unsure how to pronounce “colonel,” “plough,” or “debris”… this episode is your validation—and your solution. 🎙️ What You’ll Learn:Why English sounds nothing like it looksHow “ghost” got a silent H (thanks to a Dutch typo)Why OUGH has 8+ pronunciationsHow to pronounce tricky TH sounds (voiced & unvoiced)Why native speakers also mispronounce “chaos”How to stop blaming yourself and start training smarter 🛠️ Tools + Methods Mentioned:Shadowing (to copy native rhythm + stress)IPA decoding (without becoming a linguist)Voice recording as a fluency feedback toolThe “soldier on” pronunciation challengeReal reasons spelling reform hasn’t happenedWhy English isn’t broken—it’s just experienced 🧠 Words That Will Twist Your Brain:Tough, though, through, cough, hiccough, ghost, colonel, debris, plough, borough, soldier, knight 📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:00 – Why English feels like a trap (26 letters, 44 sounds) 02:00 – GHOTI = fish? Sean explains the chaos 03:00 – From Latin, Celtic, and Norse to Germanic 04:00 – French invaders and food words like “beef” 05:00 – Church Latin + Viking words like “sky” 06:00 – Dutch printers and silent letters 07:00 – IPA and mastering pronunciation tools 08:00 – Canadian vs. American vowels 09:00 – Why “shall” feels outdated 10:00 – Pronunciation hacks: shadowing + recording 11:00 – Accent drift and the future of English 12:00 – TH sounds explained with the touch-your-throat test 13:00 – The “hiccough” paradox and soldier challenge 14:00 – The Schwa: why “American” sounds like “Americən” 15:00 – Submit your voice! Pronounce “tough cough hiccough…” 16:00 – English is not broken—just a 2000-year remix 17:00 – Subscribe, Share, Coaching Links 🎤 Interactive Challenge:Can you pronounce one or more of these sentences? "Though the tough cough and hiccough plough me through, I soldier on." "I thought I bought a thoroughbred, but through a rough cough, it threw me off.""The bough broke though it looked tough enough to hold, and I laughed through the fall." "She fought through the drought and brought dough to the borough despite hiccoughs of doubt."🎙️ Record yourself reading, and we might feature your voice in a future episode! 👉 Send your voice recording here 📥 And don’t forget to download the free Podcast Companion Guide with vocabulary, pronunciation tips, and more: 👉 Click here to get the guide 📬 Let’s Connect:💼 Coaching with Sean – English Clarity & Pronunciation 👉 a href="https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm"...

    23min

  7. 23 DE MAI.

    What Might You Try? The Anti-Advice Secret to Better Communication | The Fluent Edge Ep. 5

    Giving advice to soon feels helpful—but often backfires. In this episode, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson unpack why telling people what to do makes you the bottleneck… and how a simple reframe—“What might you try?”—can turn you into a better leader, teammate, teacher, or coach. Whether you're managing a global team, supporting a friend, or just trying to avoid sounding like a know-it-all, this episode is your fluency and leadership reset. 🔹 If you’re fluent in English but still feel unsure how to sound more collaborative—or if you often over-help and under-empower—this one’s for you. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: Why giving advice too early erodes trust (and what to do instead) How “What might you try?” unlocks ownership and courage Why emotional safety beats quick fixes in team dynamics How modal verbs (like might, could, would) soften tone and invite collaboration Subtle stress and pronunciation shifts that change meaning Why smart leaders get stuck—and how to unstick yourself without solving everything 🛠️ Methods + Tools Mentioned: The “What Might You Try” technique The leadership bottleneck metaphor Modal verbs for coaching-style communication (might, could, would) Emotional courage & ownership as behavior change levers Subtle tone shifts in pronunciation and delivery Cultural insight: Why Dutch directness isn’t rude—it’s Dutch 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Preview 01:00 – Why Advice Backfires (Even When You Mean Well) 03:00 – Know-It-All Syndrome: The Hidden Status Message 05:00 – Leadership Bottlenecks: The Productivity Trap 07:00 – Emotional Courage & Ownership in Communication 09:00 – “What Might You Try?” vs “What Will You Do?” 11:00 – Modal Verbs for Softening Tone 13:00 – When Advice Feels Like Criticism 15:00 – How to Stay Curious (Even When You're Right) 17:00 – Stress Practice: What Might You Try? 19:00 – Meta-Talk and Cross-Cultural Feedback Tips 21:00 – Fluent Edge Challenge & Pronunciation Exercise 22:00 – Coaching Links & Wrap-Up 📬 Let’s Connect: 🎙️ Coaching with Sean: https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm 🎯 Coaching with Howie: https://tinyurl.com/yty9n5np ✅ Subscribe to Howie's Substack: https://tinyurl.com/askhowie 🌐 Visit our site: https://thefluentedge.com 📧 Contact: fluentedgeinfo@gmail.com 👍 If you liked this episode: ✔️ Subscribe for weekly clarity and communication boosts 💬 Drop a comment on YouTube or LinkedIn 🔗 Share this with a leader, coach, or teammate who means well… and talks too much 😉

    22min

  8. 14 DE MAI.

    Voicenotes: The Fluency Hack You're Not Using Yet | The Fluent Edge Ep. 4

    What do prompt fatigue, robotic English, and voice memos have in common? They’re all symptoms of the AI age—and clues for how to speak and write more clearly in high-performance environments. In this episode, Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson unpack the hidden danger of sounding just like everyone else in a world full of ChatGPT clones. From “output convergence” to “idea flattening,” they reveal how even advanced English users risk losing their voice—and how tools like VoiceNotes can bring it back. 🔹 If you’re fluent but find yourself stuck with generic phrases, or if your favourite AI prompt suddenly stopped working… this episode is your fluency reset button. 🎙️ What You’ll Learn: How to spot and fix “generic-sounding” EnglishWhy prompt fatigue is killing creativity in AI usersHow VoiceNotes can act as your second brainWhen to use your voice before your keyboardWhy recording yourself is a secret fluency acceleratorHow to stay human in a world of machine-like output 🛠️ Methods + Tools Mentioned: Try VoiceNotes for transcribing, tagging, and summarizing: https://tinyurl.com/4awsn7zn Prompt engineering vs. speaking your own ideasUsing real speech to draft emails, reports, and agendasCultural tone sensitivity: “wrapped up” vs. “concluded”AI hallucination prevention through limited data setsUsing WhatsApp voice memos as a fluency practice tool 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:00 – What Is Prompt Convergence? 02:00 – Prompt Fatigue, Collapse & Idea Flattening 03:00 – Why Mass-Produced AI Feels Personalized 04:00 – Howie on AI vs Human Insight 05:00 – The Voice Note Advantage 06:00 – Recording on the Go – Watch & Mobile 07:00 – Voice Notes for Creative Flow & Meetings 08:00 – Can It Replace Otter? Zoom Integration Q&A 09:00 – Summarize, Translate, and Prompt Anything 10:00 – Voice Notes as a Second Brain 11:00 – Sean’s Demo: Sales Team Note to Meeting Report 12:00 – Tags, Imports & AI-Powered Pages 13:00 – Mini Podcasts & WhatsApp Integration 14:00 – Live Prompting: Create Agendas & Icebreakers 15:00 – How It Helps Language Learners & Creatives 16:00 – Wrap-Up: Fluent Edge Hack & Pronunciation Practice 17:00 – Subscribe, Share & Coaching Links 🔗 Let’s Stay Connected: English Coaching with Sean: https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm Executive and Mindset Coaching with Howie: https://tinyurl.com/yty9n5np Contact us: thefluentedgepodcast@gmail.com 👍 If you liked this...

    17min

  9. 7 DE MAI.

    The Calmest Person Wins: How Emotional Control Boosts Executive Presence | The Fluent Edge Ep. 3

    Feel like your English is strong, but your confidence disappears when the pressure’s on? This episode explores how staying calm — not clever — wins the room. Why do some professionals instantly command respect while others get talked over? It’s not just about fluency. It’s about emotional control, tone, and timing. Join Sean Watson, business English coach and former opera singer, and Dr. Howie Jacobson, executive performance coach, for a bold, practical, and engaging conversation on: 🧠 Staying calm in high-pressure meetings 🎯 Executive presence through voice and pacing 🧩 Powerful phrases that buy you time and control 🤖 Using AI tools to rehearse your responses (yes, really) 💬 How to stop sounding reactive and rushed Meet the Hosts: 🔹 Sean Watson – Business English Fluency Coach helping professionals thrive in high-stakes conversations. 🔹 Dr. Howie Jacobson – Executive Coach and Performance Strategist focused on presence, clarity, and leadership growth. 🛠 Tools & Topics Mentioned: The “slow the room down” techniqueStrategic pauses and anchor wordsPhrases that signal confidence (even if you’re nervous)Grounding techniques for public speakingUsing VoiceNotes and ChatGPT to refine deliveryThe myth of fast speech = intelligenceHow calm tone builds trust across cultures 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Episode Setup 01:00 – What Beliefs About Leadership Are Outdated? 02:00 – Overcomplicating What We Already Know Works 03:00 – Who Does Howie Love Coaching Most? 04:00 – Hitting a Wall – Moving to Spain 05:00 – Why the Book Title 'You Can Change Other People' Backfired 06:00 – The Power of External Support for Personal Growth 07:00 – From Microbiomes to Co-Creation in Coaching 08:00 – Balancing Individualism with Connection 09:00 – Helping People Do What They Know They Should 10:00 – Old Habits, Competing Commitments & Ice Cream 11:00 – Making the Unconscious Conscious 12:00 – Can Outsiders Lead Authentically? 13:00 – How Vulnerability Builds Connection 14:00 – Howie’s High School Reunion Revelation 15:00 – Where to Get the Book + Final Reflections 16:00 – Outro & What’s Coming Next 📬 Let’s Connect: 🎙️ Coaching with Sean: https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm 🎯 Coaching with Howie: https://tinyurl.com/yty9n5np 📩 Feedback & guest ideas: thefluentedgepodcast@gmail.com 👍 Like this episode? ✔️ Hit Subscribe 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments 🔗 Share this with a colleague who needs a Fluent Edge

    16min

  10. 7 DE MAI.

    From Opera to English Coach – How Sean Helps Pros Speak Confidently | The Fluent Edge Ep. 2

    What do opera, AI, and awkward meetings have in common? They all shaped how Sean Watson became one of today’s go-to coaches for professional English fluency and workplace communication. In this first-ever interview-style episode, Dr. Howie Jacobson flips the script and interviews co-host Sean Watson about his journey from stage to screen — and how he helps professionals not just learn English, but speak it powerfully in high-stakes settings. 🔹 Whether you're advanced but still second-guessing your English, or you're struggling with pronunciation in meetings… this episode is your backstage pass to Sean’s methods. 🎙️ What You’ll Learn: How Sean pivoted from opera singing to Business English coachingWhy many advanced learners still feel anxious when speaking upHow to simulate real workplace scenarios to build fluencyThe truth about “rural” and “world” (and why they’re so hard to say!)What accent clarity means—and why we’ve moved past “accent reduction”The role of AI in creating personalized English coaching sessionsWhat makes a great pronunciation coach vs. a grammar instructor 🛠️ Methods + Tools Mentioned: Roleplay and real-life scenario simulationUsing ChatGPT to build custom language roadmapsBuilding cultural intelligence, not just language knowledgeDeconstructing difficult words using known pronunciation anchorsSwitching from “teacher” to “curator” in the age of AI learning 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Interview Format Explained 01:00 – From Opera to English Coaching – Sean's Backstory 02:00 – First Teaching Job in Post-Communist Europe 03:00 – Building an Online Coaching Business 04:00 – Teaching Philosophy & Holistic Learning 05:00 – From Gatekeeper to Guide: The New Role of Teachers 06:00 – Helping Advanced Speakers Build Confidence 07:00 – AI Simulations, Pronunciation, and Roleplays 08:00 – Accent Clarity vs Accent Reduction 09:00 – Hard Words to Say: 'Rural' and 'World' 10:00 – Finding Your Authentic Voice in a Second Language 11:00 – Outro & What to Expect Next Episode 🔗 Let’s Stay Connected: Coaching with Sean: https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm Coaching with Howie: https://tinyurl.com/yty9n5np Contact us: thefluentedgepodcast@gmail.com 👍 If you liked this episode: ✔️ Subscribe for weekly insights 💬 Leave a comment or question 🔗 Share this with a globally minded professional in your network

    13min

  11. 7 DE MAI.

    How to Sound Powerful in English (Even If You’re Nervous) | The Fluent Edge Ep. 1

    Struggling to speak confidently in meetings or presentations — even though your English is advanced? This episode unpacks the real reasons professionals freeze in English…and what to do instead. Join Sean Watson, business English coach and former opera singer, and Dr. Howie Jacobson, executive performance coach, for a bold, honest, and practical conversation on: 🧠 Speaking under pressure 🎯 Executive presence for non-native speakers 🧩 Phrasal verbs and collocations (finally explained clearly) 🤖 How AI can hyper-personalize your English learning 💬 Why “small talk” is the hidden killer of confidence Meet the Hosts: 🔹 Sean Watson – Business English Fluency Coach helping professionals thrive in high-stakes conversations. 🔹 Dr. Howie Jacobson – Executive Coach and Performance Strategist focused on clear communication, presence, and personal growth. 🛠 Tools & Topics Mentioned: Using AI (like ChatGPT) for coaching + course designPublic speaking pacing & anchor wordsWorkplace idioms & cultural fluencyBreathing techniques from opera and theaterLanguage anxiety & the nervous systemProductivity tools and personal knowledge management 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Who This Podcast is For 01:00 – Meet Sean – Business English Coach 02:00 – Meet Howie – Executive Coach & Language Learner 03:00 – Real Pain Points: Daniella in Finance 04:00 – What Is Executive Presence? 05:00 – Alex the Developer – Monotone & Misunderstood 06:00 – Small Talk Anxiety & Cultural Gaps 07:00 – Howie on Fear vs Anxiety 08:00 – How Slowing Down Boosts Speaking Confidence 09:00 – Opera, Public Speaking & Anchor Words 10:00 – Performance, Pacing & Presence 11:00 – Why Pausing Builds Authority 12:00 – Opera Skills for Communication 13:00 – Sounding Fluent in Other Languages 14:00 – The Truth About Colocations 15:00 – Business English: Phrasal Verbs & Idioms 16:00 – Make vs Do & Common Mistakes 17:00 – AI Tools That Save Time & Personalize Learning 18:00 – Hyper-Personalized Coaching with AI 19:00 – Cross-Cultural Communication Pitfalls 20:00 – Making Mistakes Gracefully Across Cultures 21:00 – Coaching Native Speakers on Leadership 22:00 – The Peter Principle & Team Growth 23:00 – Helping Clients Lead Instead of Do 24:00 – Hitting the Ceiling & Bottlenecks 25:00 – Creating a New Kind of Podcast 26:00 – Feedback Invitation & Closing Remarks 27:00 – Final Reflections & Call to Action 📬 Let’s Connect: 🎙️ Coaching with Sean: https://tinyurl.com/5669kjnm 🎯 Coaching with Howie: https://tinyurl.com/yty9n5np 📩 Feedback & guest ideas: thefluentedgepodcast@gmail.com 👍 Like this episode? ✔️ Hit Subscribe 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments 🔗 Share this with someone who could use a Fluent Edge

    27min
  • 11 episódios

Sobre

🎙️ THE FLUENT EDGE Level up your English. Amplify your impact. The Fluent Edge is your weekly power-up for professional English, clear communication, and executive presence. Hosted by Sean Watson and Dr. Howie Jacobson, we help globally-minded professionals master the language and mindset to lead with confidence. Real business English, leadership tools, and personal growth—all in 15-minute episodes.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Sean Watson and Dr Howie Jacobson
  • Anos de atividade
    2 mil
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  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Sean Watson and Dr Howie Jacobson
  • Site do podcast
    The Fluent Edge Podcast