504. How English helped her say yes to a whole new life

In this interview, I'm bringing Jelena to the stage! Jelena is one of my New Sound and Beyond students from Serbia, who now lives in the US. When she arrived, she could barely leave her apartment. She avoided grocery stores, doctor's appointments, and meetings with her supervisor. Today? She's a research fellow, teaches salsa in English, and has a thriving social life she once thought to be impossible. In this conversation, she shares: What it really felt like to be isolated and dependent on her husband's English The turning point that proved she could communicate outside a "safe environment" Why pronunciation work was the key that unlocked her confidence How mindset shifts that changed everything What she'd recommend to anyone stuck in the same loop she was in This is the kind of conversation I love having: a public catch-up with a former student who is living proof that English doesn't have to be an obstacle to the life you want. 👉 Learn more about New Sound: 👉 Practice with my Sprints for free: Jelena's story is not unique, it's what's possible. If you've ever avoided a doctor's appointment, stayed silent in a meeting, or felt like a different person in English, this one's for you. ❤️

You can listen to 504. How English helped her say yes to a whole new life online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

504. How English helped her say yes to a whole new life is an episode from The InFluency Podcast by Hadar Shemesh.

This episode is 42:26 long.

This episode was published on Mar 13, 2026.

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