Fun isn’t the goal. Freedom is.

In this episode of Alone with English, Ruth and Jennie take on a common (and confusing) expectation: that learning English should always be fun.

We’ve been told two things at once:

• “Push through the pain!”

• “Make it fun or you’ll never stick with it!”

But what if both of those are distractions? What if learning that matters is sometimes quiet, repetitive, or even boring, and that’s okay?

This conversation helps you step away from performative learning and start tuning into what actually works for you.

You’ll hear:

• Why the “fun vs. effort” debate keeps learners stuck

• The difference between distraction and meaningful engagement

• How your past schooling may still shape how you judge yourself

• Why some “boring” practices are secretly brilliant

• How to define success on your terms, not Instagram’s

🛠 Tiny Challenge:

Do something "boring but brilliant." Repeat a simple phrase out loud 10 times while walking. Notice what shifts, in your voice, in your memory, in your comfort.

🎧 Listen-In Tip:

Play this episode during a task you usually avoid (laundry, dishes, sorting emails). It’s not about multitasking, it’s about rewiring how you show up for “non-fun” moments.

Resources & Links 🎯 Excellence in English Education – Confidence-building pronunciation coaching from Jennie 🌿 Blue Noun Language Holidays – Immersive, creative English experiences in Scotland 🎙 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts coming soon

 

For Audio + Transcript, click here.