Real English Conversations Podcast | English Fluency For Newcomers And International Professionals

Have you ever wondered what your English teacher did before becoming a teacher?
In this special re-released episode from the Real English Conversations Podcast archives, Curtis Davies and former co-host Amy share the story of their entrepreneurial journey long before they began helping English learners around the world.
Before teaching English full-time, they owned and operated their own delivery business in Canada. Running a small business taught them valuable lessons in communication, customer service, problem-solving, leadership, and calculated risk-taking, skills that continue to shape how they teach English today.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business professional, immigrant, or someone considering a career change, you'll discover that many of the communication skills needed for business success are the same as those needed to communicate confidently in English.
Although this episode originally aired in 2021, the lessons are just as relevant today.
🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn:
✅ How Curtis and Amy became entrepreneurs before becoming English teachers
✅ The realities of owning and operating a delivery business in Canada
✅ Why entrepreneurship teaches communication better than many classrooms
✅ Customer service lessons that improve your English communication
✅ How to place a delivery order over the phone like a Native speaker
✅ Why career changes can open unexpected opportunities
✅ The importance of adaptability and resilience
✅ Practical communication habits every professional can develop
💬 Memorable Quote
"Every career teaches you something valuable—and the skills you develop today may become the foundation for your next opportunity."
👤 About Curtis Davies
Curtis Davies is the founder of Real English Conversations and has helped English learners from more than 100 countries communicate naturally and confidently for over 12 years.
His podcast has surpassed 15 million downloads worldwide, helping immigrants, international professionals, and business English learners improve their fluency through authentic conversations with world-class guests and practical communication strategies.
🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🎧 Podcast + Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle
📚 All Courses https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
⭐ If you enjoyed this episode...
⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform.
⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show.
⭐ Share this episode with someone who's thinking about changing careers, starting a business, or improving their professional English communication.

Have you ever felt nervous speaking English in meetings, presentations, or job interviews—even though you know what you want to say?
In this practical and inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with executive communication coach, speaker, actor, and presentation expert Andrew Hurteau to explore what separates average communicators from truly memorable ones.
Drawing on more than 25 years of coaching business leaders, performers, and professionals around the world, including executives from Meta, Dolby, Gartner, The North Face, Kaiser Permanente, and many others, Andrew shares powerful strategies for becoming a more confident, authentic, and engaging communicator.
Whether English is your first language or your second, you'll discover why effective communication isn't about sounding perfect; it's about connecting with your audience, owning your message, and allowing your personality to shine through.
If you want to communicate with greater confidence at work, deliver stronger presentations, lead meetings more effectively, or simply become a more natural English speaker, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.
🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn:
✅ Why authenticity is more powerful than perfection
✅ How to overcome fear and anxiety when speaking English
✅ The biggest mistake professionals make during presentations
✅ Why storytelling creates stronger communication than memorized scripts
✅ Practical techniques to become a more engaging speaker
✅ How body language and vocal delivery influence your message
✅ Why confidence is a skill anyone can develop
✅ Communication habits that help professionals stand out in today's workplace
💬 Memorable Quote
"Your audience doesn't need perfection—they need you." — Andrew Hurteau
👤 About Andrew Hurteau
Andrew Hurteau is an executive communication coach, presentation specialist, speaker, actor, and associate of Butterfield Speaks. For more than 25 years, he has helped professionals, executives, and business leaders become more confident, authentic, and impactful communicators.
His clients include leaders and teams from organizations such as Meta, Dolby, Gartner, The North Face, Kaiser Permanente, Samsara, and many others. Andrew combines his background in professional theatre, storytelling, and executive coaching to help people communicate with clarity, confidence, and genuine human connection.
🔗 Connect with Andrew Hurteau
🌐 Website
https://www.butterfieldspeaks.com/
https://www.butterfieldspeaks.com/andrew
💼 LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hurteau-2a812061/
 

🎙️ Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge
(50% OFF with code: 90DAY50)
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🎧 Podcast + Phrasal Verb Audio Course Bundle
https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle
📚 All Courses
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/
🌐 Website
https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies
https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast

If you enjoyed this episode...
⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform.
⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show.
⭐ Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or English learner who wants to communicate with more confidence and make a lasting impression.

Why do so many intelligent professionals still struggle with confidence—even when their English is already good?
In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with TEDx speaker, comedian, communication coach, and entrepreneur Sam Ghanem to explore one of the biggest challenges facing international professionals today: believing in yourself when it matters most.
Sam shares her powerful journey from chasing external validation to discovering authentic confidence, explaining why confidence isn't about perfection—it's about presence, self-awareness, and showing up as your true self.
Whether you're preparing for job interviews, giving presentations, leading meetings, networking, or simply trying to express yourself more naturally in English, this conversation will help you develop the mindset and communication habits of truly confident professionals.
You'll also discover why your voice matters, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why "the room gets better when you're in it."
🎯 In This Episode You'll Learn:
✅ Why high-achieving professionals still experience self-doubt
✅ The difference between confidence and authenticity
✅ How to overcome imposter syndrome and negative self-talk
✅ Why perfection is hurting your communication
✅ How to become a more natural public speaker
✅ The mindset shift that transforms networking
✅ Practical strategies to improve confidence in English conversations
✅ Why your presence matters more than perfect English
💬 Memorable Quote
"The room gets better when you're in it. Your only job is to show up and take up space." — Sam Ghanem
👤 About Sam Ghanem
Sam Ghanem is a TEDx speaker, comedian, communication coach, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker who helps professionals communicate with authenticity, confidence, and impact.
Combining years of experience in public speaking, business leadership, comedy, and personal development, Sam teaches people how to overcome self-doubt, become better communicators, and build genuine confidence that lasts.
🔗 Connect with Sam Ghanem
Watch Sam Ghanem's TEDx Talk: It's Contagious | The Way You Treat Yourself Spreads Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSfKUcWFe8
Follow Sam Ghanem Online
🌐 Website https://iamsamghanem.com
🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@iamsamghanem
💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/samghanemmiba
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamsamghanem
🎙️Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE 
https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
If you enjoyed this episode...
⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform.
⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show.
⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.

Do you feel embarrassed by your English accent?
Many English learners believe they must sound like a native speaker before they can succeed professionally. But is that really true?
In this special re-release from the Real English Conversations archives, Curtis Davies and former co-host Amy Whitney explore one of the biggest misconceptions in English learning: that eliminating your accent is the key to confidence.
You'll discover why clear communication is far more important than sounding native, how confidence and pronunciation work together, and practical strategies to become easier to understand without losing your identity.
Whether you're preparing for meetings, presentations, job interviews, or everyday conversations, this episode will help you focus on the communication skills that truly matter.
In this episode you'll learn:
✅ Why sounding like a native speaker isn't the real goal
✅ The connection between confidence and pronunciation
✅ When your accent actually needs improvement—and when it doesn't
✅ Why your accent is part of your identity
✅ Curtis' STIR framework for improving pronunciation naturally
✅ How tone, rhythm and intonation make your English sound more natural
✅ Practical ways to become easier to understand at work and in everyday conversations
About Real English Conversations
The Real English Conversations Podcast helps intermediate and advanced English learners communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in professional and everyday situations.
Hosted by English Confidence Coach Curtis Davies, each episode provides practical communication strategies, expert interviews, and real-world English to help you succeed in international careers and English-speaking environments.
🎙️Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE 
https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
If you enjoyed this episode...
⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform.
⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show.
⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.

What does it really take to become a great teacher, and what can English learners learn from the classroom?
In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis Davies sits down with long-time friend Mike Foster, a Canadian high school Physical & Health Education teacher from British Columbia.
Mike's journey wasn't straightforward. After graduating with degrees in Kinesiology and Education, A strike and government negotiations delayed his teaching opportunities, forcing him to gain experience in unexpected places, from lifeguarding and outdoor education to coaching young people with autism, before finally becoming the teacher he had always dreamed of being.
Together, Curtis and Mike explore confidence, perseverance, resilience, learning styles, neurodiversity, motivation, and why some of life's biggest setbacks often become our greatest opportunities.
Whether you're learning English, changing careers, or simply trying to become more confident, this episode will remind you that success isn't about taking the perfect path—it's about continuing to move forward.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why perseverance often matters more than talent
✅ How setbacks prepare us for future success
✅ What teaching students with autism taught Mike about empathy and communication
✅ Why teenagers today struggle with confidence more than previous generations
✅ The hidden impact of smartphones and social media on learning
✅ The biggest mistake almost every learner makes
✅ How successful learners develop resilience
✅ Why it's okay to change careers—and why happiness should define success
Key Takeaways
• Confidence grows through experience—not perfection.
• Every setback can become valuable preparation for the future.
• Great teachers first build trust before they teach.
• Every learner is different, and understanding how you learn changes everything.
• Don't quit on a bad day.
• Success isn't measured by money—it's measured by purpose and happiness.
🎙️Learn with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE 
https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/ 
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
If you enjoyed this episode...
⭐ Follow the podcast on your favorite platform.
⭐ Leave a review—it helps more English learners discover the show.
⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs a little more confidence today.