Best Second Language Acquisition Podcasts (2025)

Share your thoughts with us While 75% of enterprises use AI in core operations, fewer than 20% have proper management protocols, costing companies millions in lost opportunity and inefficiency. We expose why the "deploy-and-forget" approach to AI is leadership malpractice and share frameworks for managing AI systems effectively. Managing AI require…

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From Teaching on An Island to Transforming Her Program: Diane's Teacher Story & PPN Member Experience 46:49

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6d ago46:49

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Send us a text Ever felt like the lone Spanish teacher on an island, wondering if everyone else has figured out the secret to effortless curriculum mapping? You're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, veteran teacher Diane opens up about her 23-year journey teaching Spanish and the transformative power of finding professional community. Today…

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Stop Searching for Happiness - Start Creating It with Sister Shivani 1:02:37

6d ago1:02:37

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What if happiness wasn’t just a fleeting feeling, but our natural state of being? In this powerful and heart-opening session, Sister Shivani, Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Teacher and host of “Happiness Unlimited,” shares a deeply transformative message from Tony and Sage Robbins' 2024 Date with Destiny stage in Abu Dhabi—a spiritual wake-up call to rec…

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Re-Release Episode 84: One of the Most Downloaded Episodes of Growing With Proficiency — The Power of Reading with Dr. Stephen Krashen 38:31

6d ago38:31

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Send us a text In a season when we just can't do it all, having clarity about what truly impacts our students’ proficiency journey is key. And this episode? It's the one you’ll want to replay over and over again. This conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast—and for good reason. Dr. Krashen, the ar…

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Re-Release Episode 37: Discover the Power of the S.T.E.P. Protocol for Your Language Class 16:17

13d ago16:17

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Send us a text In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol, a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year. In this episode, I break down each p…

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AI's Real Threat: It's Not Just Your Job, It's Your Judgment 11:47

15d ago11:47

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Share your thoughts with us AI4SP insights from 100,000 global assessments show that 70% of people can't identify misinformation, while entry-level jobs face 25-35% automation. The real crisis? We're unprepared to evaluate the AI systems reshaping our world. Over 100,000 people across 70 countries completed AI4SP's Digital Skills Compass assessment…

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Tony Robbins x Robert Smith: The Power of the Playbook - Making Great Companies Extraordinary 1:14:30

15d ago1:14:30

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Welcome to the debut episode of The Holy Grail of Investing, a new podcast from Tony Robbins and Christopher Zook, inspired by their #1 New York Times bestselling book. In this premier conversation, we sit down with Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, to explore how he built one of the most successful private equit…

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194. La inteligencia artificial 13:18

15d ago13:18

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🎙️ Episode 194: Artificial Intelligence In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta dives into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. What is AI? How does it work? And more importantly, how do we use it responsibly? From Siri to ChatGPT, this episode explores how AI is part of our daily lives, the benefits it offers, and the concerns it raises.…

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Re-Release Episode 35: Easy, Fun, Low-Prep Games for the End of the Year (with Dahiana Castro) 32:38

20d ago32:38

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Send us a text There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now—yes, even if you feel…

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You’ve Lost the Fire... Here’s How You Reignite It | FULL Tony Robbins Intervention 54:42

20d ago54:42

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Have you ever felt torn between who you are... and who you used to be? Inside all of us live competing identities—conflicting desires, beliefs, and values. True growth begins not by choosing one or the other, but by learning to honor and integrate them with compassion and clarity. In this powerful intervention from Date with Destiny 2024, Tony Robb…

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193. Consejos para graduados 15:00

22d ago15:00

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🎓 Episode 193: Tips for Graduates In this special episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta shares six powerful and inspiring tips for graduates—but these lessons are helpful for anyone at any stage of life. From perseverance to self-care and authenticity, each piece of advice is designed to motivate and uplift. Whether you're graduating or just navigating life…

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Authentic Assessment: Replacing Final Exams with Language Portfolios 28:46

23d ago28:46

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Send us a text Are you tired of watching your language students cram for final exams only to forget everything a week later? It's time to revolutionize your assessment approach with something that actually measures what matters: what students can DO with the language they've acquired. Get the portfolio only available in the Practical Proficiency Cu…

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Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension 14:42

27d ago14:42

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Send us a text Are you looking for an interactive and engaging activity to boost your students' participation and build a strong classroom community at the end of the school year? In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast," we explore a unique twist on the popular Card Talk activity that my students absolutely loved! In this activit…

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Why the Service Sector Could Be AI's Biggest Winner 10:20

29d ago10:20

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Share your thoughts with us The AI revolution is happening not in Silicon Valley but in unexpected places like roofing contractors, physical therapists, and local service businesses worldwide. Service businesses implementing AI are seeing 20-30% operational cost reductions while creating 15-20% net job growth by reinvesting savings into market expa…

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My FAVE Speaking Activity for World Language Classes: "And you" & How to Play 24:02

30d ago24:02

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Send us a text The "And You" game transforms speaking practice in world language classrooms, helping students overcome anxiety while having fun with movement and authentic communication. • Based on a college orientation icebreaker game that needs minimal preparation • Students form a circle with placeholders, with one person in the middle making a …

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Episode 30: Purposes for Picture Talk 37:03

1M ago37:03

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Send us a text Episode 30 Show Notes -- Purposes for Picture Talk Link to Cheng & Tsui webinar (mentioned by Diane as included Picture Talk): https://youtu.be/HinXS0n762g eBook (includes both ‘levels’ of Picture Talk Diane described) https://cheng-tsui.publishercart.com/product/comprehension-based-chinese-ebook/ Hawaii Department of Education https…

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Episode 148: Avoiding Teacher Burnout: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner 33:53

1M ago33:53

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Send us a text Are you ending the year feeling tired, disconnected, or wondering if all your hard work made a difference? In this episode, I’m opening up about five things I wish I had known earlier in my teaching career — before burnout crept in. These aren’t just reflective lessons; they’re practical shifts that helped me move from survival mode …

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The Unexpected Link Between Neuroscience, Spirituality & Happiness | Andrew Newberg, MD 1:04:30

1M ago1:04:30

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Is your brain the secret key to spiritual development and happiness? In this live presentation recorded at Tony & Sage Robbins’ 2024 Platinum Partners Happiness Event in Abu Dhabi, neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, M.D. explores “The Spiritual Brain: The Link Between Spirituality, Sexuality, and Happiness.” Drawing on cutting-edge fMRI and PET scans, …

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192. ¿Comprar o adoptar mascotas? 15:03

1M ago15:03

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NEWS: #EQUIPOGATO HAS WON THE CONTEST! 🎙️Episode 192: Adopt or Buy a Pet? In this episode, Marta invites listeners to reflect on the ways we choose to bring a pet into our lives. Is it better to adopt or to buy a pet? Why do we choose one over the other, and what impact does that decision have? Marta shares personal experiences—both buying and late…

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Episode 147: How to Turn End-of-Year Assessments Into a Celebration of Growth 30:15

1M ago30:15

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Send us a text Do your assessments reflect the full journey your students have taken with you this year? In this episode, I reflect on how end-of-year assessments can do more. They can be an opportunity to celebrate all the meaningful interactions, cultural insights, and personal growth that have happened in our classrooms. Inspired by a powerful q…

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Why are we afraid of having "bad grammar?" 42:30

1M ago42:30

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In this episode, we’re asking why so many of us treat grammar mistakes like moral failures instead of what they actually are: a totally normal part of learning. We’ll dig into the shame spiral that comes with making errors, how it holds us back, and why grammar isn't as cut and dry as you might think. New episodes every month! Transcripts available…

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Ep. 19: SLAyyy Dynamic Assessment 39:16

1M ago39:16

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Gaslight Defining Dynamic Assessment Examples from Language Teaching Formative Assessment in the Classroom How are we responsive in our assessments? Gatekeep - Najjarpour and Salimi: “Navigating Mindset Trajectories: Exploring EFL Teachers’ Evolution in Embracing Dynamic and Summative Assessment in the Language Classroom” Dynamic Assessment Girlbos…

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Talent Acquisition in the AI Age: It's Not Hiring, It's M&A 12:31

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Share your thoughts with us The traditional hiring process is evolving from evaluating individual candidates to acquiring human-AI production units. Companies now view candidates as mini-mergers and acquisitions opportunities, valuing those who bring AI agents as part of their professional portfolio. Organizations are specifically seeking candidate…

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Episodio 146 – Planear con propósito: Cómo diseñar una unidad comunicativa paso a paso 31:33

1M ago31:33

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Send us a text ¿Quieres planear tu próxima unidad sin caer en el “más de lo mismo”? En este episodio te llevo paso a paso por cómo diseño una unidad comunicativa, usando el idioma como vehículo para explorar el mundo, no como el objetivo en sí. Te comparto el marco de Creciendo con Competencia que utilizo —un enfoque que va más allá de enseñar estr…

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Tony Robbins' Untold Story of His Childhood with Randall Kaplan 1:34:39

2M ago1:34:39

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What does it really take to create global impact? This episode features Tony Robbins’ January 2025 appearance on In Search of Excellence, hosted by Randall Kaplan. Tony and Randall sit down for a deep and revealing conversation about the journey behind one of the world’s most influential lives. Tony opens up about his early struggles—growing up in …

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Episode 29: Rethinking Authenticity 39:10

2M ago39:10

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Send us a text Episode 29 Show Notes - Rethinking Authenticity Hasegawa, A. (2018). Understanding task‐in‐process through the lens of laughter: Activity designs, instructional materials, learner orientations, and interpersonal relationships. The Modern Language Journal, 102(1), 142-161. https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12448 Intro & outro music selecte…

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Episode 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: The Power of Hieroglyphics in Comprehension 20:16

2M ago20:16

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Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency, we dive into a creative twist on the classic Read and Draw activity that takes student comprehension to the next level! We share an innovative classroom strategy that transforms how students engage with texts, using hieroglyphics-inspired symbols to boost memory, collaboration, and creativ…

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Episode 144: How to Use AI to Support World Language Classes (Without Losing the Purpose) 30:52

2M ago30:52

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Send us a text AI tools are popping up everywhere — but can we use them in a way that still aligns with second language acquisition and communication-centered teaching? In this episode, I’m walking you through how I use AI — especially ChatGPT — in my Spanish classroom without losing the heart of what we do as CI teachers. I’ll share the 5 tools I …

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Building Your AI Workforce? Think Less, Do More 12:53

2M ago12:53

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Share your thoughts with us Luis Salazar, Founder and CEO of AI4SP, shares research showing successful AI teams follow a natural progression from mastering single prompts to orchestrating diverse AI teammates. Most enterprises slow their AI adoption through overplanning, while frontline teams achieve faster results by identifying pain points, exper…

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What If You Had a Planning Partner in Your Pocket? UNIT IDEAS SERIES: Adverbs of Frequency 14:39

2M ago14:39

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Send us a text Planning a world language unit doesn't have to be a solo mission - this episode offers a detailed walkthrough of teaching adverbs of frequency with a proficiency-oriented approach. I share my exact five-day plan for introducing, practicing, and assessing this grammar concept in a way that follows the natural language acquisition proc…

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Ep. 18: SLAyyy Multiword Sequences 58:15

2M ago58:15

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Gaslight Isolated Vocabulary Useful Vocabulary Lists Idioms and Stock Phrases Use Language in Context Gatekeep - Takizawa, K., & Suzuki, S. (2025). The role of multiword sequences in fluent speech: The case of listener-based judgment in L2 argumentative speech. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 1–21. Perceived Fluency and Proficiency Ratings …

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191. ¿Perros o gatos? - Parte 2 14:16

2M ago14:16

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🎙️191. ¿Perros o gatos? Parte 2 In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta explores the pros and cons of having a cat as a pet. From their elegant independence to their quirky behaviors, you'll hear what makes cats lovable and sometimes a little challenging. After covering the perks and pitfalls of both dogs and cats in recent episodes, it's time for you…

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Bonus Episode 28: 当非母语中文老师 39:12

2M ago39:12

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Send us a text This episode is in Mandarin Chinese. Reed & Diane talk about their experiences as non-native learners, users, and teachers of Mandarin Chinese. Intro & outro music selected from "23 Light Years" by CavalloPazzo Support the show Thanks for listening to Conversations about Language Teaching. Watch on YouTube where episodes are captione…

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Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led 21:46

2M ago21:46

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Send us a text Welcome back to Growing With Proficiency The Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Picture Talk—a classic strategy that many of us use occasionally… but what if it became part of your weekly routine? When reimagined as a sustainable and student-led practice, Picture Talk can provide meaningful input, spark student curiosity,…

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Language Glue: Why Your Students Can't Remember What You Taught Them 25:08

2M ago25:08

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Send us a text Language teachers everywhere face the same challenge: how do we create units that actually lead to acquisition instead of just memorization? The answer lies in understanding how our brains naturally process and store language. In this eye-opening episode, I break down the six-phase structure that every successful proficiency-based un…

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Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel 47:51

2M ago47:51

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Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by three brilliant educators—Donna Tatum-Johns, Justin Slocum Bailey, and Erika Peplinski-Burge—for a real, honest, and insightful conversation straight from the heart of CI Mitten. Together, we answer 6 of the most common questions world language teachers ask, like…

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Stop Installing AI - Train It as Your Apprentice and get 4x Results 14:02

2M ago14:02

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Share your thoughts with us We discuss a thought-provoking approach to AI adoption, explaining why treating AI as team members rather than software installations leads to dramatically better results. • AI isn't just software – it should be onboarded like a new employee, not installed like a program • Organizations using the apprenticeship approach …

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190. ¿Perros o gatos? 16:24

2M ago16:24

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🎙️ Hello! In this episode, Marta is diving into a classic debate: dogs 🐶 vs. cats 🐱. Dog owners say dogs are the best, while cat owners argue that cats reign supreme. But who’s right? In this episode, we’ll focus on dogs—their pros, cons, and what makes them such beloved companions. Next time, it’ll be the cats’ turn, and at the end, you will decid…

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Ep. 17: SLAyyy An Effective Long-Term Language Program 46:31

2M ago46:31

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Gaslight Course-End Exams Vertical Alignment - To University and Beyond Understanding Ordered Development Setting Realistic Goals Gatekeep - Gombert, W., Keijzer, M., & Verspoor, M. (2024). Long-term effects of structure-based versus dynamic usage-based instructional programs for French. Journal of the European Second Language Association, 8(1), 18…

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Episodio 141: Estaciones y Rotaciones: Estrategias para un Cierre de Año con Más Autonomía y Menos Agotamiento 22:48

2M ago22:48

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Send us a text ¿Sientes que el fin de año escolar viene lleno de cansancio y falta de energía? 😮‍💨 En este episodio, te comparto dos estructuras que han transformado mis clases en esta época: las estaciones y las rotaciones. Te explico cómo implementarlas paso a paso, qué tipo de actividades funcionan mejor, cómo organizar el tiempo, y cómo usar tu…

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Episode 27: A Story about Student Production 37:45

3M ago37:45

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Send us a text No show notes this time! Intro & outro music selected from "23 Light Years" by CavalloPazzo Support the show Thanks for listening to Conversations about Language Teaching. Watch on YouTube where episodes are captioned: https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationsaboutLanguage We welcome support for the podcasting costs. See "Support" here:…

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Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2) 35:14

3M ago35:14

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Send us a text Last week in Episode 139, I shared the 4 biggest takeaways from SCOLT — and today, I’m showing you how those ideas come to life with 4 powerful classroom strategies grounded in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 engaging, easy-to-implement strategies that are already working right now i…

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Retrain Your Brain to Beat Chronic Stress, PTSD, Anxiety & More | Mo Gawdat 1:07:20

3M ago1:07:20

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IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE STRESS-FREE? Get a front-row seat to an exclusive conversation with Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X, bestselling author of Solve for Happy, and co-founder of Unstressable. In this powerful talk from Tony & Sage Robbins' Platinum Partners 2024 Happiness Event in Abu Dhabi, Mo unpacks the science of stress—…