

The InFluency Podcast
Hadar Shemesh
The InFluency podcast is your go-to resource for learning, speaking and teaching English.
Hadar Shemesh is a pronunciation expert and fluency coach with thousands of students around the world, though she herself was an intermediate speaker of English once.
In this podcast she will share her best strategies for learning English, speaking English with confidence and mastering the American accent.
Discover how becoming fluent has everything to do with acquiring the right mindset, setting goals and learning how to overcome challenges.
Hadar will also share her teaching philosophy and techniques to support English teachers looking to help their students become fluent.
Hadar Shemesh is a pronunciation expert and fluency coach with thousands of students around the world, though she herself was an intermediate speaker of English once.
In this podcast she will share her best strategies for learning English, speaking English with confidence and mastering the American accent.
Discover how becoming fluent has everything to do with acquiring the right mindset, setting goals and learning how to overcome challenges.
Hadar will also share her teaching philosophy and techniques to support English teachers looking to help their students become fluent.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 12min
480. 5 common and everyday English idioms you need to know
Discover five essential American English idioms that can elevate your conversations! Learn what it means to "bark up the wrong tree" and how to "beat around the bush" effectively. Get organized with the practical advice of "getting your ducks in a row" and understand the implications of "stealing someone's thunder." Finally, find out how to "get your feet wet" when trying something new. Each idiom comes with pronunciation tips and real-life examples to help you use them naturally! Practice makes perfect!

Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
479. 4 true stories of English transformation that will inspire you
Get inspired by real success stories from New Sound alumni who transformed their English skills! Hear how mindset shifts and community support fueled their journeys. Discover the importance of intonation for authentic connections and the game-changing insight of focusing on communication rather than perfection. From building confidence through practice to making friendships during meetups, these students offer valuable advice for anyone looking to enhance their language skills. It's all about connection, confidence, and transformation!

Sep 17, 2025 • 11min
478. Level up your English with these advanced techniques
Discover advanced English strategies to elevate your language skills. Learn to set clear, performance-based goals for impactful communication. Explore the Fluency Wheel to identify and strengthen weak areas. Formulate a focused daily practice plan packed with drills and modern techniques. Delve into voice quality, pitch, and the art of connected speech. Plus, find opportunities for deeper coaching and community engagement. Get ready to transform your English learning journey!

8 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 40min
477. How She Stopped Avoiding English and Started Thriving
In an uplifting conversation, a UX designer from Brazil shares her journey from avoiding English to thriving in it. She emphasizes that difficult doesn't mean impossible and reveals how a positive mindset transformed her experience. The power of community and accountability shines through as essential tools for her growth. Her story highlights that anyone, regardless of age or location, can achieve fluency with dedication and practice. Daily routines and embracing self-expression are key themes, inspiring others to embark on their language journey.

Sep 9, 2025 • 20min
476. Useful English Phrases with Severance | English with TV Shows
Dive into the world of 'Severance' as key scenes are analyzed for English learners! Discover useful phrases in context, along with their meanings and real-life applications. Explore the emotional nuances of dialogue and sharpen your understanding of intonation and stress in speech. It's an engaging way to enhance your conversational skills while enjoying insights from a popular TV show!

9 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 43min
475. Success story: How she overcame English anxiety and changed her life
In this inspiring conversation, Laura shares her journey from battling social anxiety to confidently hosting events. She reflects on conquering limiting beliefs and the crucial mindset shifts that transformed her life. The impact of community support becomes evident as she highlights the empowerment gained through meaningful conversations. Creative vocabulary learning strategies also play a role in her success, demonstrating how overcoming language barriers can lead to immense personal growth and enriched daily experiences.

Aug 19, 2025 • 15min
474. Elevate your English: Linking words you can use beyond ‘However’ and ‘Or’
Unlock the power of linking words to elevate your English! Discover how to express your thoughts more fluidly with alternatives to 'however' and 'or.' Learn tips and examples that will enhance your communication skills, making your speech and writing more dynamic. Boost your fluency and confidence as you master connectors that will transform the way you articulate ideas. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and communicate more effectively!

Aug 12, 2025 • 13min
473. Build your English confidence step-by-step [7-day challenge]
Confidence in speaking English is a skill that can be developed step-by-step. The podcast reveals common barriers that hold learners back and offers practical tips to overcome them. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a positive mindset and embrace consistent practice. A special 7-Day Confidence Challenge is introduced, aiming to help participants boost their speaking abilities and embrace their English skills with clarity and impact.

Aug 5, 2025 • 19min
472. Pronunciation practice in a song: Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo
Have you ever used music to boost your English pronunciation? 🎶 In this week’s video, I’m introducing you to Olivia Rodrigo’s song Traitor to practice the different T sounds in American English… especially the Flap T! I’ll break down lines from the song, show you how to pronounce them, and I’m certain you won’t be able to resist singing along with me 😉 Want to keep practicing prosody? Check out this playlist: https://bit.ly/4fx9j4t Here are the lyrics of the part we did together: Brown guilty eyes and little white lies Yeah, I played dumb but I always knew That you'd talk to her, maybe did even worse I kept quiet so I could keep you And ain't it funny How you ran to her The second that we called it quits? And ain't it funny How you said you were friends? Now it sure as hell don't look like it You betrayed me And I know that you'll never feel sorry For the way I hurt, yeah You'd talk to her When we were together Loved you at your worst But that didn't matter It took you two weeks To go off and date her Guess you didn't cheat But you're still a traitor Listen to the full music video here: https://youtu.be/CRrf3h9vhp8

Jul 16, 2025 • 18min
471. How to pronounce pronouns correctly in real life English
Dive into the nuances of English pronouns and discover how they are truly pronounced in everyday conversations. Learn about the surprising variations that go beyond textbook teachings. Explore key pronouns like 'your' and 'them' and how stress affects their pronunciation. Enhance your clarity and fluency with practical examples and guided exercises. Plus, uncover the subtleties of connected speech, helping you refine your listening skills and communicate more effectively!