🌟 FULL TRANSCRIPT, SHOW NOTES, AND RELATED RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON THE DIRECT EPISODE PAGE: https://www.wecultivate.world/podcast/andrea-r-reclaiming-language

"Even teachers told me… you're not normal. It's better if you just speak one language. Being multilingual is not good."

How can we approach the complex world of multilingualism for children and adults?

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Andrea R., a woman who has powerful insights into the way sociolinguistic prestige (a.k.a. language prestige) has played a critical role in her own life, business, and approach to child-rearing. In the episode, Andrea shares deeply personal stories about her multicultural background; being from Germany with Romanian, Transylvanian Saxon roots. She reflects on how prestige-based language dynamics influenced her early experiences, from teachers blaming her shyness with German on her multilingual household, to her parents' decision not to teach her their home dialect. Throughout the episode, Andrea walks us through the details of the rich backstory of her life, how she’s made choices for herself in terms of language acquisition, and how she’s encouraging empowered multilingualism in her daughter. Together, we explore the complexities of language choice, identity, and the pressures that come with navigating multiple linguistic and cultural spaces. 

🔥SPECIAL LISTENER PROMO: GET 50% OFF ANDREA’S BILINGUAL AFFIRMATION CARDS (FOR KIDS OR EVEN ADULTS!) WITH PROMO CODE TONGUES50 (Valid until May 31 only! See the episode page for order link!)

VIDEO VERSION ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Visit the main site for transcripts, show notes, and more.

"If an author chooses to not choose me, not because of my voice, but because of my background, I wouldn't want to work with them anyways. We're not going to be happy with the product."

🌟 FULL TRANSCRIPT, SHOW NOTES, AND RELATED RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON THE DIRECT EPISODE PAGE: https://www.wecultivate.world/podcast/

In this episode, we sit down with Heather K. Ling—a pediatric dietitian by day and audiobook narrator by night—whose journey weaves together culture, language, and career in unexpected ways. Heather shares how her Chinese heritage and family’s immigration story shaped her upbringing, the challenges of growing up bilingual, and the role cultural sensitivity plays in her work as a dietitian. She also takes us inside the audiobook industry, where the push for authentic representation is changing the game. We delve into the importance of cultural sensitivity in dietetics, the push for authenticity in audiobook narration, and how Heather navigates these diverse fields.From navigating barriers in both personal and professional spaces to forging her own path in two very different fields, Heather’s story is a powerful exploration of identity, passion, and the many ways language and culture shape who we are. But also how we choose to handle where we go.

🔥SPECIAL LISTENER PROMO: DM HEATHER FOR A PROMO OFFER OF HER NEWEST NARRATED AUDIOBOOK, “THE DRAGON SPY” OUT NOW ON AUDIBLE! (@heatherkayling on Instagram)

Video of the main conversation available on our YOUTUBE CHANNEL and below!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

Ep 10: Taylor & Jeremy (Part 2) Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While "Appreciating" Global Cultures

In this episode, Part 2 of Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While “Appreciating” Global Cultures, we explore the intersection of culture, language, and community work with guests Jeremy and Taylor, who share powerful insights from their personal and professional experiences. The conversation delves into the complexity of identity and belonging, challenging surface-level notions of diversity and inclusivity. Jeremy reflects on a pivotal moment that shaped his approach to service, emphasizing the need to listen, take a backseat, and support rather than center oneself as a savior—a role often rooted in unconscious biases and default expectations shaped by Western, white-dominant cultural norms. Taylor highlights how genuine connection requires recognizing the unique lived experiences of individuals rather than erasing differences.

The episode also critiques the current commodification of language learning, with both guests discussing how the rise of AI and low-cost teaching solutions may disrupt the industry. They argue that survival and success in this evolving landscape require authenticity, deep expertise, and a commitment to delivering real outcomes—not simply teaching surface-level vocabulary distinctions like "goose" and "geese." As AI emulates popular teaching norms, the conversation stresses that true differentiation comes from standing alongside learners and embodying a unique, people-first approach. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to build human-centered, impactful learning experiences in a rapidly changing world.

Full transcript, show notes, and a NEW RELATED RESOURCES section available (for free!) on each individual episode page at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wecultivate.world/podcast⁠⁠

Subscribe to our Youtube channel and watch the full video episode! ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@wecultivate.podcast⁠⁠

Ep 9: Taylor & Jeremy (Part 1) Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While "Appreciating" Global Cultures

On this episode of WeCultivate: The Pod, where we’re diving into a topic that challenges how we think about global cultures and our place within them. In "Not Here to Save: What We Overlook While “Appreciating” Global Cultures," we follow the journey of Taylor and Jeremy, a couple from the US who went to live abroad during the pandemic, who quickly realized that experiencing another culture isn’t just about showing up, working hard, or meaning well. It’s ALSO about seeing what’s been invisible to you, and unlearning the habits and assumptions you didn’t even know you had. Make no mistake. This isn’t the typical “kumbaya,” “everyone gather around the campfire” discussion about sensitivity or tolerance. In this two-part series, we explore the layers of privilege, cultural humility, and how much is missed in conversations about truly appreciating and understanding global cultures. We dive deep into the complicated (and often untouched) topics of race, stereotypes, and the nuanced ways identity shapes how we experience the world. No matter where you’re from; whether you’re a traveler, an expat, or someone curious about bridging cultural gaps, this episode will leave you rethinking what it means to show up in a world beyond your bubble.

Full transcript, show notes, and a NEW RELATED RESOURCES section available (for free!) on each individual episode page at⁠⁠⁠https://wecultivate.world/podcast

Subscribe to our Youtube channel and watch the full video episode! https://www.youtube.com/@wecultivate.podcast

EP 8: Felly Day – Rethinking How We Think About Language: Connection Over Perfection

Have you ever been told that you need to be PERFECT in order to speak a language? Have you ever been judged for your accent? Well, this episode is here to walk you through all of the surprise and even confusion that can come from all of that. Our guest, Felly, shares her journey as a bilingual child in Canada, her experiences working and traveling across Australia, Asia, and Mexico, and her current life as an expat in semi-rural France. The conversation explores stereotypes and hidden assumptions tied to “English knowledge” and “accents” and emphasizes how language shapes social identity and inclusion. It also uncovers the complexities of navigating linguistic and cultural differences in everyday societies.

Full transcript, show notes, and a NEW RELATED RESOURCES section available (for free!) on each individual episode page at⁠ ⁠https://wecultivate.world/podcast⁠⁠

Music credit: “Coffee and Herbs” by sunsetflowerray (Pixabay)

EP 7: Angela A – Beyond Teaching: The Responsibility of Shaping Language and Identity

 In this episode, Michelle sits down with her guest, Angela A, to talk about the intersection of language, communication, education, and the future of learning. Angela is a seasoned English instructor who grew up bilingual (Filipino and English) and is currently living in Spain. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the shortcomings of traditional education, and emphasizes the responsibility educators have (specifically those in language instruction) on the lives of their learners. She also touches on her current, ongoing experience learning Spanish and reflects on the potential benefits and limitations of language technology.

Reflection Questions:

What sorts of early life experiences have informed your understanding of the English language? (Feel free to sub in any language, it doesn’t have to be English!)

What are those key events or moments that shaped your perception of the language early on?

What pieces played a role in your early life where you can draw a line to now and say “Okay, I see!”

Bonus: Is there a link between the assumptions you have now with those early life experiences?

Remember: There is NO right or wrong answer with these sorts of questions. But we didn’t just become adults overnight. We have ALL grown from a host of different influences and systems. If we want to better understand the road forward, we often need to pause, and take a look at the road we’ve come from.

With these questions, perfection is not the goal. Language education x personal context is what we're going for.

Full transcript, show notes, and more available at ⁠https://wecultivate.world/podcast⁠

Music credit: “Coffee and Herbs” by sunsetflowerray (Pixabay)

In Part 2 of Michelle’s conversation with polyglot and educator Sean L. Young, the discussion takes a deeper look at the overlooked realities of language learning. They unpack the challenges learners face, including the less glamorous and often frustrating aspects of expanding one’s linguistic repertoire. Sean shares insights on creating a supportive learning environment and navigating real-world interactions where patience and understanding may be lacking.

The conversation also explores the current state and future of language education, including the limitations of traditional methods, language apps, and AI tools. Sean emphasizes the critical role of human interaction in mastering the nuances of communication. The episode wraps up with Sean discussing his book, which provides practical strategies for both learners and educators.

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. ALL WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED! THANK YOU FOR ENTERING.

Reflection Questions: What sorts of assumptions are you making about your language learning? Where did they come from? Do they still serve you today?

Full transcript and show notes available at https://wecultivate.world/podcast

Music credit: “Coffee and Herbs” by sunsetflowerray (Pixabay)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://wecultivate.substack.com/

Episode 5: [Part 1] Sean L. Young – From Ancient Egypt to Modern Classrooms: The Journey of Learning 65 Languages (and counting!)

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Michelle sits down with Sean L. Young, a seasoned polyglot and founder of Young's Language Consulting. Sean has studied over 60 languages, achieving conversational fluency in 21, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Together, they dive into his innovative methods for language learning, the creation of the Rosetta Stone Challenge and Speak Up Language series, and his critique of traditional education systems.

Sean reflects on his early teaching experiences, critiques outdated education methods, and discusses the transformative power of personalized learning strategies. If you're curious about how language learning can break free from traditional constraints and unlock new possibilities, this episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into Sean’s innovative work and global impact.

Full transcript and show notes available at https://wecultivate.world/podcast

Giveaway details posted on our Instagram pages (@wecultivate.world)

Part 2 coming soon!

Music credit: “Coffee and Herbs” by sunsetflowerray (Pixabay)