WSL Language Café

Kam Kirby

WSL Language Café is a podcast from Williams School of Languages that explores the people, cultures, and stories behind language learning. Hosted by Kam, WSL's very own Filipino and ESL instructor, each episode features conversations with teachers, students, and guests from around the world. Together, we dive into language, culture, travel, identity, teaching, and the life experiences that shape the way we communicate. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and join us for meaningful conversations every Wednesday. Because every language has a story worth telling. Kita-kits!

Episodes

  1. Jul 16

    A Chinese Teacher's Journey | Culture, Language & Teaching English Speakers with Chensi

    In this episode, we sit down with Chensi, our Chinese language instructor at Williams School of Languages, for a heartfelt conversation about her journey from China to the United States, her passion for teaching, and the life lessons she's learned through language and culture. Along the way, she shares practical advice for language learners, reflections on cultural identity, and why learning a new language is about so much more than memorizing vocabulary. You'll also hear the story of how Chensi became part of the Williams family. Before teaching Chinese, she was a student at William Academy, our sister school in Las Vegas, where students train for careers in poker dealing, table games, real estate, and other vocational programs. It's a fun behind-the-scenes look at how many of our language instructors don't simply apply to teach. They're people we meet throughout life's journey and invite to share their language, culture, and expertise with our students. Together, we explore: ✦ What it was like growing up in China ✦ Chensi's journey to becoming a language educator in the U.S. ✦ Common misconceptions about Chinese people and culture ✦ Practical tips for learning Chinese and staying motivated ✦ How language shapes identity, connection, and personal growth Featured Drinks from Molly Tea: Snowy DancongPistachio White Champaca Coconut Whether you're learning Chinese, interested in another culture, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories from educators, this conversation is a reminder that every language opens the door to a new way of seeing the world. ☕

    A Chinese Teacher's Journey | Culture, Language & Teaching English Speakers with Chensi

  2. Jul 9

    What Most People Get Wrong About China | Language, Identity & Life Lessons with Xin Zhang Ph. D

    Welcome back to the WSL Language Café Podcast! ☕ What if everything you thought you knew about China only scratched the surface? In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Xin Zhang, Chinese language instructor, university educator, and lifelong language learner, for an honest conversation about growing up in China, becoming a teacher, and why language is so much more than grammar and vocabulary. Together, we explore: ✶ Common misconceptions about China and Chinese culture ✶ Why there isn’t just one Chinese culture or cuisine ✶ How learning another language changes the way you think✶ The Chinese concepts of Yuan Fen (缘分) and Jia You (加油) ✶ Family, identity, and finding purpose through education ✶ Advice for anyone who’s afraid they’re “too old” to learn a new language Whether you’re learning Chinese, reconnecting with your heritage, or simply curious about another culture, this conversation is a reminder that every language carries an entire world with it.☕ Featured drinks from Airoma Coffee, Las Vegas Kam's drink: Egg Coffee Ms. Xhin's drink: Black Sea If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave us a comment! What’s one culture you’d love to learn more about?

    What Most People Get Wrong About China | Language, Identity & Life Lessons with Xin Zhang Ph. D

  3. Jul 8

    Raising Multilingual Kids & Finding Community with Daniel Salazar Ep. 1 (Part 1)

    Welcome to the very first episode of WSL Language Cafe! In Part 1 of our pilot episode, I sit down with Daniel Salazar, principal of Williams School of Languages, to share how we met, why we started this podcast, and our passion for language learning and cultural connection. Over milk tea from a local favorite, TP Tea, we talk about: Why WSL Language Cafe was createdDaniel’s journey living in South Korea, Brazil, and beyondRaising multilingual children using the OPOL (One Parent, One Language) approachThe importance of heritage languages and staying connected to your rootsCommon misconceptions about bilingual and multilingual childrenBuilding community as immigrants and families living in the United States Whether you’re learning a language, raising multilingual kids, reconnecting with your culture, or simply curious about stories from around the world, there’s a seat for you at our table. Grab your favorite drink and join us for a conversation about language, culture, and connection. 🎙️ WSL Language Cafe is produced by Williams School of Languages in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Raising Multilingual Kids & Finding Community with Daniel Salazar Ep. 1 (Part 1)
  • 3 Episodes

About

WSL Language Café is a podcast from Williams School of Languages that explores the people, cultures, and stories behind language learning. Hosted by Kam, WSL's very own Filipino and ESL instructor, each episode features conversations with teachers, students, and guests from around the world. Together, we dive into language, culture, travel, identity, teaching, and the life experiences that shape the way we communicate. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and join us for meaningful conversations every Wednesday. Because every language has a story worth telling. Kita-kits!

Information

  • Creator
    Kam Kirby
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kam Kirby
  • Show Website
    WSL Language Café