MetaLearn Podcast

Discover the importance of community in language learning and the three essential skills needed: grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Learn about attending a Polyglot conference and the strategies and mindset for successful language learning. Gain insights into learning two languages simultaneously and the importance of immersion in language learning for accelerated progress.

Mariana Marquez and Emma Zangs are two public speaking coaches and choreographers, who teach people to speak better and improve their body language through their company MetaSpeech. One of the things that gives the most bang for the buck in public speaking is good body language, but it's something people often ignore and fail to improve. As choreographers and movement directors Mariana and Emma bring a fresh perspective to the world of public speaking and they’ve successfully coached clients securing funding, pitching on TV shows and speaking at conferences. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: - The most common non-verbal communication mistakes and how to avoid them - How to tap into the mind-body connection - The importance of thinking with the body and movement in schools So whether you're looking to improve your body language for an upcoming presentation at work or understand the relationship between your mind and body better, this episode has you covered.

Julian Treasure is a communications expert, acclaimed TED Speaker and the founder of The Sound Agency, a consultancy that helps businesses improve their results by becoming more conscious about their sound. Studies have shown that we spend 60% of our communication time listening but the average person can only remember 10% of that 3 days later. And every one of us needs to learn how to listen better, especially in a world full of noise. As an expert on sound and listening Julian is perfectly placed to advise on this and his 5 TED talks on listening, speaking and communication have been viewed an estimated 40 million times, with one in the top 20 of all time. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: - How we can use sound to positively influence our learning and life - The 5 simple tools that people can apply right now to listen better - The tips we can learn from great speakers to improve our communication skills So whether you're looking to improve your listening or speaking skills, or use sound more consciously in your learning life, this episode has you covered with actionable strategies you can apply right away.

Richard Nisbett is the Theodore Newcomb Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Michigan and has written 3 great books for a lay audience on mental models, the nature of intelligence and how thinking differs across cultures. Understanding the patterns behind our thought processes is a crucial part of developing self awareness and improving as learners, as we're often subject to cognitive biases that take us down the wrong path. Richard has spent decades researching thinking across contexts and cultures, which is why I was so keen to reach out to have a discussion on the subject. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: - How to become aware of the mental models that drive behaviour and decisions - The differences between Eastern and Western thought - The way we view intelligence and the state of the nature vs. nurture debate So whether you're looking to become aware of your own thought processes, understand the main cultural differences between Asians and Westerners or gain insight into the nature vs nurture debate, this episode has you covered.

The future of learning will be determined by a number of key issues - from the impact of technology and the rise of EdTech, to the evolution of the educational system and the need for lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts. In this episode I explore all of these issues in depth and answer the question I always ask guests at the end of my podcast interviews - "What's your vision for the future of learning?" Plus I answer your questions including: - Is there a way to increase the likelihood of people completing online courses? - What are the differences between digital and in person learning experiences? - How do we integrate learning into our lives effectively? So if you want to know what can do to put yourself at the cutting edge of learning, this podcast will give you an insider's perspective of the major trends and actionable insights you can apply to your life.

Jordan Poulton is the co-founder of Makers Academy, London's leading Web Developer Bootcamp which teaches you how to code in just 12 Weeks. He is a former president of Oxford Entrepreneurs and previously appeared on the BBC’s hit show The Apprentice in 2013. Coding is arguably the skill with the fastest growing demand in the modern economy and more people are looking to acquire the skill every year. But coding is a challenging skill to learn and people are often unsure where to start. Jordan went through the first Makers Academy cohort and by the end of the process, he was asked to join the Makers Team as a Co-Founder. As a result, he's got both a student's and an educator's perspective on the topic, which makes him uniquely placed to give advice on the subject. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: - The fundamental skills and mental models a good programmer needs to develop - The blend of theory and practice that’s best for learning entrepreneurship - The changing educational landscape of the 21st century So whether you're learning to code, building a business or curious about the way technology is shaping education, this episode will give you all that and more.

Ed Cooke is the founder of Memrise, an online platform that uses memory techniques to optimise learning. Ed has also previously competed in memory sports and became a Grand Master of Memory when he was just 23. Human memory is something that few people understand well but the secrets behind improving it are both simple and fun. Ed is someone who has applied these techniques to himself and his business Memire and even coached US journalist Josh Foer to win the US memory championships, which makes him the perfect man to explain them. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: - Practical applications of memory techniques that people can use everyday - How much we actually know about memory and the mind - The role of technology in learning and the future of ed tech So whether you're looking to improve your memory to remember vast amounts of information or understand the limits of your mind, this episode will give you all that and much more.

Tom Chatfield is a author and speaker who’s written several books about the digital age. He’s also worked with several companies as a consultant including Google and Mind Candy and spoken at forums including TED Global. We all need to think more critically about how we interact with digital technology, because the secret to living and learning well with it is not related to which devices we use, but to how we use them. Tom has spoken and written about the use of technology in a number of different areas so I reached out to him to get a critical perspective on the use of technology in learning and life. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: - The advantages and disadvantages of the different types of media - How to choose what methods to use when learning something online - How to build unwired states in your day to increase focus So whether you're looking to make more of your time online, find the best resources for what you're learning or spend more time disconnected, this episode will offer you actionable strategies you can implement right away.

Learn how to become a better speaker by exploring the strategies and techniques of great speakers throughout history. Discover the importance of practice, overcoming obstacles, and the modern value of effective speaking. Get tips on preparing for public speeches, simulating the speaking environment, and improving body language and gestures. Also, find out how to conquer the fear of public speaking and deliver impactful speeches.

Serial entrepreneur Rob Fitzpatrick discusses core skills for entrepreneurs, effective customer conversations, and his approach to learning. He shares his experience of learning to sail and repair boats, the importance of understanding your audience, and learning outside traditional methods. The podcast also explores the differences between building a lifestyle design business and a VC-funded startup, achieving financial freedom, and valuing free time. Additionally, the episode delves into entrepreneurship in education, developing social skills, and the future of education.