Norah Jones

Season 6, Episode 9 of It's About Language features veteran educator Milton Alan Turner in a thoughtful conversation about language, identity, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience teaching French, Spanish, and AP African American Studies, Milton shares how language education shaped his understanding of culture, voice, and community. From navigating multiple dialects and identities growing up to studying and traveling throughout Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, and Côte d’Ivoire, he reflects on how language opens doors to deeper understanding and empathy. Milton and host Norah Jones explore why language teachers are uniquely positioned to teach interpersonal communication, the importance of curiosity over judgment, and how language can either liberate or marginalize. They discuss representation in education, the value of embracing different language varieties, and why helping students develop critical thinking and adaptability may be more important than ever in today's rapidly changing world. This episode is a powerful reminder that language learning is about far more than grammar and vocabulary—it is about understanding people, building relationships, and discovering what connects us across cultures and experiences. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why curiosity is essential for meaningful communication • How language influences identity, belonging, and self-expression • What educators can learn from intercultural experiences abroad • Why representation and multiple language varieties matter in the classroom • How AP African American Studies intersects with world language education • Why education should focus on developing wisdom, not just delivering knowledge Whether you're a language educator, student, advocate, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers valuable insights into the role language plays in shaping how we understand ourselves and others. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

There’s a noticeable shift happening in language education—and this conversation captures it. Right after Language Advocacy Days, Norah sits down with Joy Peyton to talk about what stood out most. Not the challenges, but the energy. The collaboration. The stories of progress that people are actually seeing in their schools and communities. Joy shares what she heard from educators and students, especially the growing role of young people who are stepping into multilingual spaces with confidence and purpose. From community-based language schools to new ideas around teaching and learning, this episode highlights how language is becoming more connected to real life—and more collaborative than ever. If you’ve ever wondered where language education is headed, this is a conversation that gives you a clear sense: it’s moving forward, and it’s not slowing down. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

What starts as a simple story about being snowed in turns into something much bigger, as Charlie walks through the early decisions that shaped his career. He shares how he ended up teaching abroad, and how a series of unexpected turns eventually led him to Puerto Rico. Along the way, he talks about what really drives language learning—especially for adults—and why real-life need often matters more than anything you’ll find in a classroom. As the conversation continues, those experiences start to connect to a bigger idea. Charlie reflects on how language shapes the way we listen, respond, and show up for others. Whether he’s talking about raising his daughters or leading a team, the focus isn’t on getting every word right—it’s about tone, awareness, and intention. By the end, the conversation opens up into a broader look at leadership, growth, and the role communication plays in every part of our lives. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

Dr. Maureen Manning joins Norah Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about language as a life-shaping force—and why the stories we tell about language learning matter as much as the learning itself. From Maureen’s earliest memory of being pulled out of school at age eight for French lessons at the public library, to her work today helping global education organizations communicate with clarity and impact, this episode explores the ripple effect of one advocate, one opportunity, and one well-told story. You’ll Hear About Maureen shares the origin story behind her lifelong relationship with language—starting with the moment her mother advocated for her to leave school once a week so she could attend an adult French class at the local library. Together, Norah and Maureen unpack what a single “yes” from an educator can unlock over a lifetime, and how personalized learning begins with honoring a student’s genuine curiosity. The conversation moves from early language learning (cassette tapes included) to Maureen’s continued language practice in Swedish—through community, conversation, and a weekly fika club. Maureen reflects on how confidence grows when we release perfection, invite correction, and create low-pressure spaces to use language as connection rather than performance. As a strategist and storyteller, Maureen then pulls back the curtain on what it means to help organizations tell their stories well—especially by centering student voices, not just institutional messaging. She offers a powerful example of crisis communication and reflection during a study abroad experience, underscoring the role of language in processing complex moments and supporting learners long after a program ends. Finally, Maureen shares what she’s most excited about next: a forthcoming edited book on work-integrated learning and global experiential education—and why cross-sector collaboration may be one of the most important strategies for protecting and strengthe Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

In This Episode In this episode of It’s About Language , Norah Jones interviews James Mattiace . He is an educator, assessment reformer, and lifelong language learner. They discuss what languages reveal, not just about communication. They also explore how people think, learn, and relate to one another. James draws on lived experience across eight countries. He reflects on language as a human system. It is nonlinear and deeply tied to identity. It is also shaped by power, culture, and motivation. The conversation shifts easily between topics. It moves from Costa Rica to Nahuatl and from refugee education to assessment reform. It always returns to one central idea. Language learning works best when it is rooted in meaning, dignity, and curiosity. You’ll Hear About James shares what it’s like to build a life across cultures and languages. He begins with his experience living in Costa Rica. He discusses what the country’s cooperative founding narrative reveals about cultural values today. He traces his personal language journey. He explores what sparked it and what stalled it. He examines how motivation, belonging, and human connection determine whether a language takes root or is quietly resisted. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

Pod Crashing episode number 420 with singer songwriter and now podcaster Norah Jones. Norah Jones is a multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist who loves playing music with people, so she started her own podcast to do just that. Each episode, she sits down with a different guest for impromptu musical collaborations and candid conversation. Her guests come from all walks of life and every musical style and you never know where the songs will take them. So, come hang out in the studio. Norah Jones is Playing Along! Episodes available here: Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-norah-jones-is-playing-al-102152218/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support .

Pod Crashing episode number 420 with singer songwriter and now podcaster Norah Jones. Norah Jones is a multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist who loves playing music with people, so she started her own podcast to do just that. Each episode, she sits down with a different guest for impromptu musical collaborations and candid conversation. Her guests come from all walks of life and every musical style and you never know where the songs will take them. So, come hang out in the studio. Norah Jones is Playing Along! Episodes available here: Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-norah-jones-is-playing-al-102152218/

Pod Crashing episode number 420 with singer songwriter and now podcaster Norah Jones. Norah Jones is a multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist who loves playing music with people, so she started her own podcast to do just that. Each episode, she sits down with a different guest for impromptu musical collaborations and candid conversation. Her guests come from all walks of life and every musical style and you never know where the songs will take them. So, come hang out in the studio. Norah Jones is Playing Along! Episodes available here: Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-norah-jones-is-playing-al-102152218/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-view-from-the-writing-instrument--1023245/support .

Pod Crashing episode number 420 with singer songwriter and now podcaster Norah Jones. Norah Jones is a multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist who loves playing music with people, so she started her own podcast to do just that. Each episode, she sits down with a different guest for impromptu musical collaborations and candid conversation. Her guests come from all walks of life and every musical style and you never know where the songs will take them. So, come hang out in the studio. Norah Jones is Playing Along! Episodes available here: Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-norah-jones-is-playing-al-102152218/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support .

Pod Crashing episode number 420 with singer songwriter andnow podcaster Norah Jones. Norah Jones is a multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist wholoves playing music with people, so she started her own podcast to do justthat. Each episode, she sits down with a different guest for impromptu musicalcollaborations and candid conversation. Her guests come from all walks of lifeand every musical style and you never know where the songs will take them. So,come hang out in the studio. Norah Jones is Playing Along! Episodes available here: Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-norah-jones-is-playing-al-102152218/