From Lost To The River
From Lost to the River is the podcast for Spanish learners of English who want to break free from self-doubt, stop hiding behind perfectionism, and start speaking with confidence. If you hesitate, second-guess your words, or worry that your mistakes make you look less capable, this podcast is for you. This show takes a real, unfiltered look at what it means to communicate in a second language. I don’t just talk about this. I’ve lived through it. I know how it feels to stay silent because I’m embarrassed about my accent or worried I’ll make mistakes and not be understood. And I know what it takes to overcome it. Each episode blends raw personal stories, expert interviews and actionable strategies to help you shift the focus from perfection to powerful communication.
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Episodes
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Language coach Bianca González and I explore how confidence, mindset, and emotional blocks like frustration & fear shape language learning. We challenge perfectionism and discuss learner-centered coaching vs outdated grammar drills. Follow Mary Costello on LinkedIn to join Bianca’s weekly bilingual coffee chats. A safe space to speak English (& Spanish!)
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
I discuss how my positive approach to language learning helps people use what they already know. Hear my take on why connecting with the people you're speaking to matters more than speaking perfect English. It’s all about USING English with clarity and feeling great doing it. Follow me on Linkedin for more English confidence tips.
Friday May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
Hoy, me acompaña Nacho Fernández, coach de español. Hablamos sobre bloqueos mentales como el miedo y el perfeccionismo, y exploramos cómo el coaching, la escucha pasiva y hablar desde el primer día pueden ayudarte a ganar verdadera confianza, rápidamente. I speak Spanish on this one too!
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
I reflect on the 'Chicken Story' and how being laughed at by a shop full of strangers impacted me more than I realised. I then share another language mix-up with an Amazon delivery guy. Looking back, I’ve learned these moments are a key part of the learning process. Even if we upset a few Amazon guys along the way! Watch it HERE with subtitles
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Here is a funny story from my early days in Spain when my basic Spanish skills led to a hilarious mix-up at the butcher's! It’s a lighthearted reminder that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and often leads to the best memories. Watch it with subtitles here on YouTube
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Lauren and I continue our conversation about the pressure of perfectionism, particularly in Spain, where the emphasis on flawless grammar creates anxiety and a reluctance to speak up. We explore the importance of self-acceptance & how to celebrate your English progress, instead of comparing your level to that of native speakers. Follow Lauren HERE on Instagram.
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m speaking with Lauren Martin, a multilingual copywriting expert who helps language coaches connect with their clients' needs. We explore the psychology of confidence, the importance of embracing mistakes for growth, and the damaging impact of perfectionism in language learning. Lauren shares some valuable insights, such as how to use 'dead time' to increase your exposure to English in fun and interesting ways like listening to podcasts. Enjoy!
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Today I'm chatting with English Teacher, Alba Guerrero González about why fluency beats perfection when speaking English. We discuss Spanish learners' biggest struggles, overcoming fear, and why mistakes are your best teachers. Follow Alba on Instagram & Tik Tok and watch her super cool English learning tips & tricks. Mil gracias por tu tiempo Alba!
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
In this deeply personal ‘off-camera’ conversation with Sarah Smit, I share how the pandemic forced me to rethink my path. How my frustrations with Spain brought out a darker, more negative side of my personality. And how transforming this negativity has shaped me, allowing me to ultimately find my purpose: helping others break free from their fears of communicating in English. From stand-up comedy to language coaching, this is a story of growth, resilience, and transformation.
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Here’s an extract from my conversation with Sarah Smit, a polyglot and language expert who knows firsthand what it takes to go from zero to fluent, because she did just that while living in the Netherlands for over a decade. We discuss the mindset shifts that truly build confidence in a second language and how my empathy for my clients’ experiences forms the foundation of my coaching. Follow me on LinkedIn for insights!