This is a special video episode. Check out the YouTube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p350cCpGb-8

Full transcript and chat history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mwm1rQWzKa8xtlqW6jyNXw4BR_4RroCfFMbYmvSkY60/edit?usp=sharing

Just a quick, somewhat incoherent ramble about what it means to be "proficient" in a language.

Somebody pay my rent and vent bills so I don't have to work so much, and then I can make longer podcasts :-D

Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sa46ivYg2BFH7l1vvcBhClTz0OEuKf3fRP9-FkK-o5g/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I talk about a couple things: note taking and audio in the background.

Make sure to take notes, and don't forget to review them!

Play podcasts or radio program in the background, even if you don't understand everything.

Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B05oc9nfZSID6fpY5pIdZV3QQWtGlS5dR6CYXiXMPLQ/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I try very hard to keep it under 30 minutes. The original goal was 15 minutes, but it went nearly 20 minutes, but . . . there you have it.

My main message in this rant is to make sure you have an activity or goal that requires English. I use my experience playing Japanese-language video games as an example. The only way I could fully enjoy or progress in text-heavy role playing games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest was to improve my Japanese reading ability. Even when I was younger, at a time when I wasn't actively studying Japanese, I recognized that I need to learn a lot more vocabulary in order to play these video games.

As always, make sure your language-learning efforts are based on real-life contexts. After all, language is a tool for communication, not just some subject you study and do worksheets about.

Full transcript available: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bGHDiJbT-7bP8otWn5e1VqiAfqj7_Lv9pNcvK34kWx8/edit?usp=sharing

In this video episode I'll share my thoughts on how to use ChatGPT for language learning.

Check out the full video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7M_9R3a__g

Full transcript available: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uZJmZcgLqNcDiArXDX37Man8l6123oaeeBBMYdWMjTk/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I share my thoughts on and experience with the concept of "one word at a time." First, I talk about author Stephen King's two answers to the question "How do you write your books?" Here's an interview where he talks about something similar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR7XMkjDGw0

Then, I get into how this relates to language learning, including my own experience learning Japanese while living in the US and in Japan.

I also talk about how this principle of "one word at a time" guides my writing.

Finally, I tell you that your smartphone is (probably) preventing you from reaching your language learning goals. Instead of taking your phone into the bathroom, bring your notebook from class!

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fH2ydsaNRI--6gnPIhex3OPPjiY68ak-IoC18Dd3WJk/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I talk about the concept of "reading" in a second language.

First, I touch on the difference between intensive/close reading and extensive reading.

Then I ask listeners to ask themselves why they read in the first place, whether that's in their native language or second language.

Of course, I address the big question: "Why read in English when you can just use translation software or get information in your first language?"

As usual, I share my experiences studying Japanese and living in Japan as they relate to reading. I even mention some of my favorite books or book series and authors.

Finally, I close by talking a bit about using ChatGBT for reading. It's something new to me as well, so I report on my recent observations.

Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z5Iy0zJlGp-dBZajT972KlNWCHrPmNI06HhxZr8SP8s/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, I touch on the following regarding fillers, gestures, non-verbal communication in general, body language, and intonation:

Communication is more than just vocabulary and grammar.

Why it's difficult to communicate on the phone, especially in a second language.

Different ways to learn or observe these aspects of communication.

My own experiences learning them and applying them in Japan.

Full Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f6BujcvgNpujr5vRD5euqMl1p9PH4QeSQyMxGk5b7hM/edit?usp=sharing

In this sixth episode, I go go a little off topic and focus on what I do as an ESL teacher. I cover the following topics: What is my role? Addressing students' various wants, interests, and needs. Personal views on learning and how they sometimes clash with other people's views. Continuously evolving as a teacher. Keeping students engaged. Expending, conserving, and restoring mental energy. The limitations and illusions of test scores. (What is actually being learned?) My general schedule for the day.

Check out the transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz-bLFFfYjny3uirAYJdJKSV5f9vQClpGtVBWJor-fw/edit?usp=sharing

In this fifth episode of the podcast, I'll talk about using media, such as TV shows, audiobooks, and podcasts, for improving your listening proficiency. I'll cover these topics: Making sure you're interested in the subject matter or people involved. (It always helps if you have a crush on the actors!) Going over it three times: enjoy it, analyze it, then review it. Getting out of your comfort zone by listening to unscripted content. (Also, the difference between scripted, rehearsed, and unscripted content.) Acquiring cultural and topical information necessary for communication in social settings. I'll also talk about my own experience using TV shows, movies, and podcasts. In particular, I'll talk about my favorite Japanese comedians: バナナマン ("Banana Man")

In the end, you have to just keep at it every day. Keep yourself immersed in English whenever possible: while cooking, cleaning, driving, exercising, etc. Little by little your listening proficiency will improve.

You can view the transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i_dre-ZHAaERgtqFjW9IUmXCVbUSVrcehUucOFU_FHw/edit?usp=sharing