Word Hunters: Left, Right and Off-Center Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:08:11 -0400 http://www.wordhunters.com en-us © 2026 Word Hunters: Left, Right and Off-Center yes 8f4656b5-c288-56d0-b510-65b3015f473f Brent Jones episodic false Stimulating dialogues with friends, family and anyone else who has something to say. Serious and not so serious topics but definitely not taking ourselves too seriously. Check wordhunters.com/blog for show notes and links.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) oral history, oral histories, stories, interviews Brent Jones https://storage.buzzsprout.com/vhfnhaed72gmi0512os8efxx4dkz?.jpg Word Hunters: Left, Right and Off-Center http://www.wordhunters.com Brent Jones #44 James Crocker #44 James Crocker James Crocker has been a Primary Teacher, Language Instructor, Director of Studies, Principal, Teacher Trainer, ESL Author, and Lecturer for over 30 years. He has worked in many countries, most recently Japan, at Kobe Women’s University. He has published ESL texts with Macmillan and Oxford University Press. In this episode we talk to James about his background and the various twists and turns his career has taken. Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.


]]> James Crocker has been a Primary Teacher, Language Instructor, Director of Studies, Principal, Teacher Trainer, ESL Author, and Lecturer for over 30 years. He has worked in many countries, most recently Japan, at Kobe Women’s University. He has published ESL texts with Macmillan and Oxford University Press. In this episode we talk to James about his background and the various twists and turns his career has taken. Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.


]]> Brent Jones Buzzsprout-19068695 Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0900 2601 full false #43 Hiroshi Okamoto #43 Hiroshi Okamoto Hiroshi Okamoto has supported education and global learning across 45+ countries on five continents through the United Nations, JICA, and other organizations. With a diverse career as a dancer, actor, Michelin-starred restaurant chef, and global educator, he founded 3L-MIEL (Global Learning Center) in Kobe to promote international understanding through the five senses and help people Learn, Live, and Love by experiencing the world in immersive and meaningful ways. He is the author of "How to Find Who You Want to Become" (Iwanami Books), the supervisor of the "World Greetings" (3 volumes, supervised) (Doshinsha), and "Nutrition and Cooking" - World Breakfast Stories (Joshi Eiyo University Press). Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Hiroshi Okamoto has supported education and global learning across 45+ countries on five continents through the United Nations, JICA, and other organizations. With a diverse career as a dancer, actor, Michelin-starred restaurant chef, and global educator, he founded 3L-MIEL (Global Learning Center) in Kobe to promote international understanding through the five senses and help people Learn, Live, and Love by experiencing the world in immersive and meaningful ways. He is the author of "How to Find Who You Want to Become" (Iwanami Books), the supervisor of the "World Greetings" (3 volumes, supervised) (Doshinsha), and "Nutrition and Cooking" - World Breakfast Stories (Joshi Eiyo University Press). Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones Buzzsprout-19057915 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0900 3431 full false #42 Richard Harrison #42 Richard Harrison Richard Harrison was granted the title of Professor Emeritus at Kobe University in early 2025. He received his Ba. Hons (1st Class) in Japanese Studies (Japanese linguistics) from Sheffield University in 1988. He has since been teaching Japanese in the UK, Australia and Japan. He received an Master of Education (Technology) from Monash University in 1999, and has been teaching Applied Linguistics specializing in Computer Aided Learning. Show notes can be found HERE.

]]> Richard Harrison was granted the title of Professor Emeritus at Kobe University in early 2025. He received his Ba. Hons (1st Class) in Japanese Studies (Japanese linguistics) from Sheffield University in 1988. He has since been teaching Japanese in the UK, Australia and Japan. He received an Master of Education (Technology) from Monash University in 1999, and has been teaching Applied Linguistics specializing in Computer Aided Learning. Show notes can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones Buzzsprout-17070411 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0900 3611 full false #41 Emma Rye #41 Emma Rye In this episode, Emma Rye shares stories from her childhood, school days, travel experiences, academic and career pursuits, and living and working in Columbia. Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> In this episode, Emma Rye shares stories from her childhood, school days, travel experiences, academic and career pursuits, and living and working in Columbia. Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-15360425 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0900 4165 full false #40 Charles Browne #40 Charles Browne Charles Browne was born in Boston in the United States but has lived and worked in Japan since 1985. He is a Professor of Applied Linguistics & TESOL and researches both Vocabulary and Reading, especially as they apply to online learning. He has more than 25 years of experience working as a teacher trainer, works with several boards of education, and has sat on several committees for the Japan Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEXT). He is best known for developing two important new corpus-based word lists for second language learners, namely the New General Service List (NGSL) and the New Academic Word List (NAWL). In this talk, he shares some of his stories about growing up in different areas, becoming interested in Japan, working with the JET program, and working with future teachers. Show notes for Episode #40 with Charles Browne can be found HERE. 

]]> Charles Browne was born in Boston in the United States but has lived and worked in Japan since 1985. He is a Professor of Applied Linguistics & TESOL and researches both Vocabulary and Reading, especially as they apply to online learning. He has more than 25 years of experience working as a teacher trainer, works with several boards of education, and has sat on several committees for the Japan Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEXT). He is best known for developing two important new corpus-based word lists for second language learners, namely the New General Service List (NGSL) and the New Academic Word List (NAWL). In this talk, he shares some of his stories about growing up in different areas, becoming interested in Japan, working with the JET program, and working with future teachers. Show notes for Episode #40 with Charles Browne can be found HERE. 

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-15057271 Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 +0900 3433 full false #39 John Adair #39 John Adair John Adair is the head brewer and part owner of Sooke Brewing Company. In this talk, recorded on November 14, 2018 at the brewery, John talks about his background as a forest firefighter, his entry into homebrewing as a hobbyist, competing on the homebrewing circuit in Canada, and challenges of opening the brewery. He also shares his insights into the brewing scene on Vancouver Island and other parts of British Columbia. Feel free to check the show notes for information on some of the topics covered.

]]> John Adair is the head brewer and part owner of Sooke Brewing Company. In this talk, recorded on November 14, 2018 at the brewery, John talks about his background as a forest firefighter, his entry into homebrewing as a hobbyist, competing on the homebrewing circuit in Canada, and challenges of opening the brewery. He also shares his insights into the brewing scene on Vancouver Island and other parts of British Columbia. Feel free to check the show notes for information on some of the topics covered.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-15043906 Fri, 10 May 2024 13:00:00 +0900 1585 full false #38 Ixchell Reyes #38 Ixchell Reyes Ixchell Reyes teaches English at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. DLIELC is the leader in English language training for the Department of Defense and builds security cooperation capability through English language training and cultural immersion. Reyes also cohosts the DIESOL Podcast, which focuses on developing innovation in ESOL. She’s been recognized for her innovative efforts by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as an emerging leader, and by CATESOL as a Professional Development awardee. She previously taught at CSU San Bernardino, UC Riverside, and at the University of Southern California.

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Ixchell Reyes teaches English at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. DLIELC is the leader in English language training for the Department of Defense and builds security cooperation capability through English language training and cultural immersion. Reyes also cohosts the DIESOL Podcast, which focuses on developing innovation in ESOL. She’s been recognized for her innovative efforts by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as an emerging leader, and by CATESOL as a Professional Development awardee. She previously taught at CSU San Bernardino, UC Riverside, and at the University of Southern California.

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-14931371 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0900 3473 full false #37 Dr. Amihan April M. Alcazar #37 Dr. Amihan April M. Alcazar Dr. Amihan April M. Alcazar is scholar from the Phillipines. She is currently the University President of Urdaneta City University, Pangasinan, and is the Co-Chair of the Internationalization National Review Committee of the Commission on Higher Education.

In this episode, she talks about growing up in the Philippines, her educational background, her experiences studying and researching in Europe and Japan, her involvement with Teachers Helping Teachers, challenges working in academia and being a university president, and other topics.

Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Dr. Amihan April M. Alcazar is scholar from the Phillipines. She is currently the University President of Urdaneta City University, Pangasinan, and is the Co-Chair of the Internationalization National Review Committee of the Commission on Higher Education.

In this episode, she talks about growing up in the Philippines, her educational background, her experiences studying and researching in Europe and Japan, her involvement with Teachers Helping Teachers, challenges working in academia and being a university president, and other topics.

Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.

]]> Buzzsprout-14534026 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0900 2851 full false #36 Chris Poel #36 Chris Poel Chris Poel from Shiokaze BrewLab sat down for an interview with Brent and students in his Beer Industry Project at Konan University. Chris shares some stories from his early days in Japan as well as more recently, especially as related to the craft beer movement in Japan. Links to more information can be found in the show notes for episode #36.

]]> Chris Poel from Shiokaze BrewLab sat down for an interview with Brent and students in his Beer Industry Project at Konan University. Chris shares some stories from his early days in Japan as well as more recently, especially as related to the craft beer movement in Japan. Links to more information can be found in the show notes for episode #36.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-14124145 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0900 3707 full false #35 Laura Pollacco #35 Laura Pollacco In this episode, we spoke to Laura Pollacco,  a freelance writer and photographer working in Tokyo, Japan.  Laura talks about her background growing up in the UK, her experience on the JET program, her work as an actor in the theatre, her journalism, and other topics. You can find out more here on her newly designed website and show notes for the episode can be found HERE. 


]]> In this episode, we spoke to Laura Pollacco,  a freelance writer and photographer working in Tokyo, Japan.  Laura talks about her background growing up in the UK, her experience on the JET program, her work as an actor in the theatre, her journalism, and other topics. You can find out more here on her newly designed website and show notes for the episode can be found HERE. 


]]> Buzzsprout-14095350 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0900 3694 2 full false #34 Brent Warner #34 Brent Warner In this episode, we catch up with Brent Warner, who is a professor of English as a Second Language at Irvine Valley College and is currently on a research sabbatical in Japan. His work focuses on building academic writing skills for multi-lingual learners and integrating technology in the learning process to help with language acquisition. He blends research-based pedagogy with cutting edge technology to find the best ways to help students become more efficient, autonomous learners. Some of the topics covered can be explored further in the show notes on our blog.

]]> In this episode, we catch up with Brent Warner, who is a professor of English as a Second Language at Irvine Valley College and is currently on a research sabbatical in Japan. His work focuses on building academic writing skills for multi-lingual learners and integrating technology in the learning process to help with language acquisition. He blends research-based pedagogy with cutting edge technology to find the best ways to help students become more efficient, autonomous learners. Some of the topics covered can be explored further in the show notes on our blog.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-13989286 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0900 3037 full false #33 Stefan Thorgeirsson #33 Stefan Thorgeirsson Stefan Thorgeirsson is an Icelandic actor and producer currently based in Sapporo, Japan. Stefan is a graduate of the Iceland University of the Arts with a BA in Acting degree. He also holds an Engineering degree from the University of Iceland. As an actor, Stefan has mostly worked in theatre in Iceland and Japan. In this episode, we talk with Stefan about his childhood, various overseas sojourns, and life in Japan. Episode show notes can be found HERE.

]]> Stefan Thorgeirsson is an Icelandic actor and producer currently based in Sapporo, Japan. Stefan is a graduate of the Iceland University of the Arts with a BA in Acting degree. He also holds an Engineering degree from the University of Iceland. As an actor, Stefan has mostly worked in theatre in Iceland and Japan. In this episode, we talk with Stefan about his childhood, various overseas sojourns, and life in Japan. Episode show notes can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-13937743 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0900 2404 full false #32 John Dix #32 John Dix We had the good fortune to sit with John Dix, legendary potter and long-time resident of Japan. In this episode, John graciously shares some experiences from his childhood and talks about his travels and career. Some of the topics covered in this Episode 32 are linked to in our show notes.

]]> We had the good fortune to sit with John Dix, legendary potter and long-time resident of Japan. In this episode, John graciously shares some experiences from his childhood and talks about his travels and career. Some of the topics covered in this Episode 32 are linked to in our show notes.

]]> Buzzsprout-13839283 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0900 3330 full false #31 Brent Jones' Iceland trip for Eurocall #31 Brent Jones' Iceland trip for Eurocall In this episode, Brent shares his experiences and adventures (and misadventures) about his trip to Iceland. He talks about his journey, his presentation at the conference, and other topics. 

]]> In this episode, Brent shares his experiences and adventures (and misadventures) about his trip to Iceland. He talks about his journey, his presentation at the conference, and other topics. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13587455 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0900 2391 full false #30 Jökull Smári Jakobsson #30 Jökull Smári Jakobsson In this episode, Brent speaks with Jökull, born and raised in Iceland. He talks about his background growing up in Iceland, including interesting insights about the Icelandic education system. He also talks about his passion--working in the theatre-- as well as his work as a tour guide in the capital, Reykjavik.  Show notes can be found on our BLOG.

]]> In this episode, Brent speaks with Jökull, born and raised in Iceland. He talks about his background growing up in Iceland, including interesting insights about the Icelandic education system. He also talks about his passion--working in the theatre-- as well as his work as a tour guide in the capital, Reykjavik.  Show notes can be found on our BLOG.

]]> Buzzsprout-13565810 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0900 2768 full false #29 Angus McGregor #29 Angus McGregor Angus McGregor has lived and worked in Japan since 1990 and is currently based in Kyoto. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Global Studies at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies and still works with students at Kyoto Gaidai Nishi High School where he taught for many years. Major features of his department are the teaching of global and social issues through English and involvement in community engagement activities.

In this episode he talks about his background, shares his experiences working with students in Japan, as well as his involvement in TEDx Kyoto. Links to information on topics covered can be found HERE.

]]> Angus McGregor has lived and worked in Japan since 1990 and is currently based in Kyoto. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Global Studies at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies and still works with students at Kyoto Gaidai Nishi High School where he taught for many years. Major features of his department are the teaching of global and social issues through English and involvement in community engagement activities.

In this episode he talks about his background, shares his experiences working with students in Japan, as well as his involvement in TEDx Kyoto. Links to information on topics covered can be found HERE.

]]> Buzzsprout-13508010 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0900 2955 full false #28 Atsushi Fujibayashi #28 Atsushi Fujibayashi Atsushi has the distinction of being our first repeater, as this is the second time he has been on the podcast. He is a university student and world traveler, aspiring journalist, and an one of the most interesting students we have met in Japan (see episode #10 for his background and early travel experience). In this episode, he talks about his recent travels to Turkey, where he visited the site of the recent earthquake;  and he reports on his travels to Ukraine, where he interviewed citizens and made a short documentary for his  Youtube channel --World Windowz - YouTube.  Links to further information for some of the topics can be found HERE.

]]> Atsushi has the distinction of being our first repeater, as this is the second time he has been on the podcast. He is a university student and world traveler, aspiring journalist, and an one of the most interesting students we have met in Japan (see episode #10 for his background and early travel experience). In this episode, he talks about his recent travels to Turkey, where he visited the site of the recent earthquake;  and he reports on his travels to Ukraine, where he interviewed citizens and made a short documentary for his  Youtube channel --World Windowz - YouTube.  Links to further information for some of the topics can be found HERE.

]]> Buzzsprout-13386034 Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0900 2632 full false #27 Amy Shapiro #27 Amy Shapiro In this episode, we spoke to Amy Shapiro,  originally from New York, but a long-time expat in Japan.  Amy has been teaching in Japan for more than 30 years and is currently promoting Kobe through the Kobe Ambassador Program. She shares some interesting stories from her childhood and talks about her experiences of living and working in Japan. We hope you enjoy it. Show notes can be found HERE.

]]> In this episode, we spoke to Amy Shapiro,  originally from New York, but a long-time expat in Japan.  Amy has been teaching in Japan for more than 30 years and is currently promoting Kobe through the Kobe Ambassador Program. She shares some interesting stories from her childhood and talks about her experiences of living and working in Japan. We hope you enjoy it. Show notes can be found HERE.

]]> Buzzsprout-13351990 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0900 2023 27 full false #26 John Rucynski #26 John Rucynski John Rucynski is an educator, writer, editor, cyclist, hiker and baseball enthusiast, not necessarily in that order. In this episode, John shares some stories about his background, world travels, teaching and writing/editing. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Center for Liberal Arts and Language Education at Okayama University, and his main research interest is the role of humor in foreign language acquisition and intercultural communication. Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.


]]> John Rucynski is an educator, writer, editor, cyclist, hiker and baseball enthusiast, not necessarily in that order. In this episode, John shares some stories about his background, world travels, teaching and writing/editing. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Center for Liberal Arts and Language Education at Okayama University, and his main research interest is the role of humor in foreign language acquisition and intercultural communication. Show notes for this episode can be found HERE.


]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-13347339 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0900 3656 1 26 full false #25 Gary Ross #25 Gary Ross Gary Ross has been developing, programming, and designing online educational systems for over 15 years. He has taught at KIDI Parsons (the Japan affiliate of Parsons School of Design, NYC), and ran his own web design company. He is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kanazawa University, where he is developing the online ESL program as well as being the former webmaster for the CALL-SIG of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT). His focus is on usability and the integration of mobile into the classroom. Show notes/links can be found HERE.

]]> Gary Ross has been developing, programming, and designing online educational systems for over 15 years. He has taught at KIDI Parsons (the Japan affiliate of Parsons School of Design, NYC), and ran his own web design company. He is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kanazawa University, where he is developing the online ESL program as well as being the former webmaster for the CALL-SIG of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT). His focus is on usability and the integration of mobile into the classroom. Show notes/links can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-12827917 Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0900 3652 full false #24 Rica Bradshaw #24 Rica Bradshaw Rica Bradshaw is the founder and Managing Director of Core Eight, a real estate agency located in Kobe with luxury property listings throughout Japan. Through her work in Japan, Malaysia and the U.K. in fashion and as an apprentice to a Japanese landscape architect, she well understands the importance and impact of design on a space; how the spiritual elements in traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship and the style and personality in contemporary urban design alone or fused together can create an inviting ambiance and enhance the human experience! Topics discussed in this episode can be explored further via links in our show notes.


]]> Rica Bradshaw is the founder and Managing Director of Core Eight, a real estate agency located in Kobe with luxury property listings throughout Japan. Through her work in Japan, Malaysia and the U.K. in fashion and as an apprentice to a Japanese landscape architect, she well understands the importance and impact of design on a space; how the spiritual elements in traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship and the style and personality in contemporary urban design alone or fused together can create an inviting ambiance and enhance the human experience! Topics discussed in this episode can be explored further via links in our show notes.


]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-12820676 Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 1998 full false #23 Trevor Raichura #23 Trevor Raichura Trevor Raichura is a university lecturer by day, and one of Kansai's biggest Hanshin Tigers fans by night. He hails from Canada but has been in Japan for nearly half his life. He lives in Nishinomiya, Japan with his wife and two sons. His obsession with the Tigers has drawn attention from local newspapers and television, and has helped establish him as one of the English-speaking experts on Japanese baseball. Some of the topics covered can be explored further via show notes HERE.

]]> Trevor Raichura is a university lecturer by day, and one of Kansai's biggest Hanshin Tigers fans by night. He hails from Canada but has been in Japan for nearly half his life. He lives in Nishinomiya, Japan with his wife and two sons. His obsession with the Tigers has drawn attention from local newspapers and television, and has helped establish him as one of the English-speaking experts on Japanese baseball. Some of the topics covered can be explored further via show notes HERE.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-12766642 Tue, 16 May 2023 12:00:00 +0900 2918 full false #22 Blue Geisinger #22 Blue Geisinger Blue is an exchange student studying Japanese Konan University in Kobe. He is a student at the University of Hawaii and grew up in San Francisco. In this episode, he tells us about his background and his experiences living and studying in both Hawaii and Japan. 

]]> Blue is an exchange student studying Japanese Konan University in Kobe. He is a student at the University of Hawaii and grew up in San Francisco. In this episode, he tells us about his background and his experiences living and studying in both Hawaii and Japan. 

]]> Buzzsprout-12723873 Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 +0900 2896 full false #21 Elaine Hodgson #21 Elaine Hodgson In this episode, we spoke with Elaine Hodgson,  a teacher, teacher trainer, author of educational materials, and editor at Macmillan education. She has taught English for over 30 years in different public and private educational institutions in Brazil in the states of São Paulo, Ceará and the Federal District. She has also worked on training and development projects for public school teachers at the US Embassy and the British Council.  She has a keen interest in Diversity and Inclusion and was a volunteer at Raise Up! for ELT, aimed at producing more inclusive material, and EVE, aimed at helping women become conference presenters in ELT events.  Show notes and links can be found HERE.

]]> In this episode, we spoke with Elaine Hodgson,  a teacher, teacher trainer, author of educational materials, and editor at Macmillan education. She has taught English for over 30 years in different public and private educational institutions in Brazil in the states of São Paulo, Ceará and the Federal District. She has also worked on training and development projects for public school teachers at the US Embassy and the British Council.  She has a keen interest in Diversity and Inclusion and was a volunteer at Raise Up! for ELT, aimed at producing more inclusive material, and EVE, aimed at helping women become conference presenters in ELT events.  Show notes and links can be found HERE.

]]> Buzzsprout-12678834 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0900 3948 full false #20 Brent's Fieldwork in the Phillipines #20 Brent's Fieldwork in the Phillipines In the episode, I interview Brent about his annual fieldwork in the Phillipines. He has been taking a group of Konan University students to the Phillipines for more than a decade now. These trips are a part of an elective at Konan and the students get a chance to interact with local students and learn about the culture of the Phillipines. Brent details the educational objectives of this field trip and talks about how it has evolved over the years, including the challenges he has faced.  Show notes can be found HERE.

]]> In the episode, I interview Brent about his annual fieldwork in the Phillipines. He has been taking a group of Konan University students to the Phillipines for more than a decade now. These trips are a part of an elective at Konan and the students get a chance to interact with local students and learn about the culture of the Phillipines. Brent details the educational objectives of this field trip and talks about how it has evolved over the years, including the challenges he has faced.  Show notes can be found HERE.

]]> Buzzsprout-12497642 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0900 3836 1 full false #19 Carol Lethaby #19 Carol Lethaby Carol grew up in the UK and trained to be a French and German teacher in the UK. She has taught EFL in Greece and Mexico and is currenlty based in the US (San Francisco). She has worked on the UC Berkeley extension Certificate in TESL/EFL for about 20 years teaching Methods and Materials and Fundamentals of Linguistics for ESL/EFL teachers (since 2020 online), and worked on the New School MA online TESOL program for about 15 years until the program was discontinued.

She has also been writing textbooks and materials for learners since about 1997 and has authored and co-authored several series.

Her interests in the field include teacher education and knowledge, the application of research and evidence to teaching, and the brain, gender and language learning.

Check out her website here: https://clethaby.com/

And you can find her book,  An Introduction to Evidence-Based Teaching in the English Language Classroom: Theory and Practice, here:

 https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Carol-Lethaby/dp/1913414892

Show Notes are HERE.


]]> Carol grew up in the UK and trained to be a French and German teacher in the UK. She has taught EFL in Greece and Mexico and is currenlty based in the US (San Francisco). She has worked on the UC Berkeley extension Certificate in TESL/EFL for about 20 years teaching Methods and Materials and Fundamentals of Linguistics for ESL/EFL teachers (since 2020 online), and worked on the New School MA online TESOL program for about 15 years until the program was discontinued.

She has also been writing textbooks and materials for learners since about 1997 and has authored and co-authored several series.

Her interests in the field include teacher education and knowledge, the application of research and evidence to teaching, and the brain, gender and language learning.

Check out her website here: https://clethaby.com/

And you can find her book,  An Introduction to Evidence-Based Teaching in the English Language Classroom: Theory and Practice, here:

 https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Carol-Lethaby/dp/1913414892

Show Notes are HERE.


]]> Buzzsprout-12381811 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0900 3718 2 3 full false #18 Russ Mayne #18 Russ Mayne Russ is an author, blogger, teacher and teacher trainer based in Japan. His book, An Introduction to Evidence-Based Teaching in the English Language Classroom: Theory and Practice, has been well received in the teacher training community and the larger ELT field-- it is a great reference for examining common teaching practices. His popular blog is also filled with interesting critical writings on popular teaching techniques.  In this episode, we talk to Russ about his background, his experience teaching, his book, his current interests, and other topics.  See our blog for links to references mentioned in the episode. 



]]> Russ is an author, blogger, teacher and teacher trainer based in Japan. His book, An Introduction to Evidence-Based Teaching in the English Language Classroom: Theory and Practice, has been well received in the teacher training community and the larger ELT field-- it is a great reference for examining common teaching practices. His popular blog is also filled with interesting critical writings on popular teaching techniques.  In this episode, we talk to Russ about his background, his experience teaching, his book, his current interests, and other topics.  See our blog for links to references mentioned in the episode. 



]]> Buzzsprout-12166194 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0900 3375 2 2 full false #17 Ken Lackman #17 Ken Lackman Ken Lackman has been presenting workshops and developing materials for English language instructors since 1996. His company,  Ken Lackman and Associates, was formed in 2007 to offer teacher training sessions to schools and other language teaching organizations. Since that time, he has presented over 300 workshops at schools and conferences in Canada and Europe. In this episode he talks about his background, his experiences teaching and training, and other topics.  You can find links mentioned in the episode on our website. 


]]> Ken Lackman has been presenting workshops and developing materials for English language instructors since 1996. His company,  Ken Lackman and Associates, was formed in 2007 to offer teacher training sessions to schools and other language teaching organizations. Since that time, he has presented over 300 workshops at schools and conferences in Canada and Europe. In this episode he talks about his background, his experiences teaching and training, and other topics.  You can find links mentioned in the episode on our website. 


]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-12127151 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0900 2221 2 1 full false #16 Elbert Shitamoto #16 Elbert Shitamoto Elbert is an artist, librarian, freediver, traveler, and nature lover. In this episode, he tells us about growing up in Los Angeles, and how experiencing racism made him more resilient and tolerant. He shares stories about teaching in a poor neighborhood in South Central L.A. and talks about his current passion, freediving in and around Suma, as well as other topics. He has a YouTube channel and you can visit our blog to see other references made in the episode. 

]]> Elbert is an artist, librarian, freediver, traveler, and nature lover. In this episode, he tells us about growing up in Los Angeles, and how experiencing racism made him more resilient and tolerant. He shares stories about teaching in a poor neighborhood in South Central L.A. and talks about his current passion, freediving in and around Suma, as well as other topics. He has a YouTube channel and you can visit our blog to see other references made in the episode. 

]]> Buzzsprout-11999676 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0900 4104 full false #15 Ikuko Sunagawa #15 Ikuko Sunagawa In this episode, we talk with Ikuko Sunagawa about her background and experiences learning the English language, translation work, and other interests. Links to some of the topics can be found in this blogpost. 

]]> In this episode, we talk with Ikuko Sunagawa about her background and experiences learning the English language, translation work, and other interests. Links to some of the topics can be found in this blogpost. 

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11901270 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0900 1911 2 1 full false # 14 Leo Gomez # 14 Leo Gomez Leo is the founder of Learn your English (.net), as well as an ESL teacher, trainer, and entrepreneur.  Leo believes that individuals develop through reflection, experimentation, and learning from their mistakes. Leo and his business partners work to build a language community for both instructors and learners to become more autonomous and effective.

In this episode, we talk to Leo about his background, his own language learning, his experiences traveling and living abroad, the lexical approach, some interesting ideas for professional development, whether the teacher's role is to just give students information,  or to enable and empower them to use information productively, and other topics. Links to background info on some of the topics can be found on our BLOG.

 

]]> Leo is the founder of Learn your English (.net), as well as an ESL teacher, trainer, and entrepreneur.  Leo believes that individuals develop through reflection, experimentation, and learning from their mistakes. Leo and his business partners work to build a language community for both instructors and learners to become more autonomous and effective.

In this episode, we talk to Leo about his background, his own language learning, his experiences traveling and living abroad, the lexical approach, some interesting ideas for professional development, whether the teacher's role is to just give students information,  or to enable and empower them to use information productively, and other topics. Links to background info on some of the topics can be found on our BLOG.

 

]]> Buzzsprout-11874311 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0900 3478 1 14 full false #13 Anthony Gaughan #13 Anthony Gaughan Anthony is a teacher trainer, blogger and teacher, and most known for developing an ‘unplugged’ CELTA course based on Dogme teaching principles. We discuss this interesting model of teacher training as well as Anthony’s background, his views on the resistance to more ‘reactive’ styles of teaching, and other topics. Show notes (links) can be found HERE.

]]> Anthony is a teacher trainer, blogger and teacher, and most known for developing an ‘unplugged’ CELTA course based on Dogme teaching principles. We discuss this interesting model of teacher training as well as Anthony’s background, his views on the resistance to more ‘reactive’ styles of teaching, and other topics. Show notes (links) can be found HERE.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11846466 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0900 4173 full false #12 Joshua Jodoin #12 Joshua Jodoin Dr. Josh Jodoin is a lecturer, researcher, and author. He is passionate about sustainable development and is currently writing a book on a new area of study called Language Education for Sustainable Development (LESD). In this episode we talk to Josh about his research, his experience teaching in Europe and Asia, his experience with indigenous people in Calgary, and other topics.  Here is a link to our BLOG where you can find the references mentioned in the episode.

]]> Dr. Josh Jodoin is a lecturer, researcher, and author. He is passionate about sustainable development and is currently writing a book on a new area of study called Language Education for Sustainable Development (LESD). In this episode we talk to Josh about his research, his experience teaching in Europe and Asia, his experience with indigenous people in Calgary, and other topics.  Here is a link to our BLOG where you can find the references mentioned in the episode.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11753970 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0900 3754 full false #11 Vincent Lebert #11 Vincent Lebert Vincent is doing research for a Master’s Degree at Kobe University and is focused on Japanese literature and history.   In this episode, he shares his experiences of living in different parts of his home country, Germany,  his experiences studying in Japan, and his current research interests. He also gives us his views on the differences between German and Japanese universities and classrooms, as well as other topics. References in the episode can be found on our blog here: https://wordhunters.com/10-vincent-lebert/ 


]]> Vincent is doing research for a Master’s Degree at Kobe University and is focused on Japanese literature and history.   In this episode, he shares his experiences of living in different parts of his home country, Germany,  his experiences studying in Japan, and his current research interests. He also gives us his views on the differences between German and Japanese universities and classrooms, as well as other topics. References in the episode can be found on our blog here: https://wordhunters.com/10-vincent-lebert/ 


]]> Buzzsprout-11622310 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0900 2208 1 11 full false #10 Atsushi Fujibayashi #10 Atsushi Fujibayashi Atsushi is a unique and adventurous Japanese university student, and has traveled to 37 countries, hitchhiked across Japan and America, and is planning a trip to Africa.  In this episode he tells us about his background and some of his travel stories. 

]]> Atsushi is a unique and adventurous Japanese university student, and has traveled to 37 countries, hitchhiked across Japan and America, and is planning a trip to Africa.  In this episode he tells us about his background and some of his travel stories. 

]]> Buzzsprout-11619565 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0900 2206 1 10 full false # 9 Neil McCuthcheon # 9 Neil McCuthcheon In this episode, we talk with Neil McCutcheon. Neil  is an author, teacher trainer, and ELT consultant with more than 30 years of experience. He has worked on teacher training courses around the world, including in Ghana, Hungary, France, and the UK. He co-wrote Activities For Task-Based Learning  in 2019 and has an excellent blog for teachers at https://fluencyfirstelt.blog/.  He's also an amateur musician and vinyl collector. You can find the references mentioned in the episode on our blog:

https://wordhunters.com/9-neil-mccutcheon/


]]> In this episode, we talk with Neil McCutcheon. Neil  is an author, teacher trainer, and ELT consultant with more than 30 years of experience. He has worked on teacher training courses around the world, including in Ghana, Hungary, France, and the UK. He co-wrote Activities For Task-Based Learning  in 2019 and has an excellent blog for teachers at https://fluencyfirstelt.blog/.  He's also an amateur musician and vinyl collector. You can find the references mentioned in the episode on our blog:

https://wordhunters.com/9-neil-mccutcheon/


]]> Buzzsprout-11575890 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0900 2753 1 9 full false # 8 Cory Mckenzie # 8 Cory Mckenzie In this episode, we talk to Cory Mckenzie of Hamstead, New Hampshire in the US. Cory is a Research Fellow at Kobe Universtiy studying medieval Japanese literature, with a particular interest in a little-known legend called Yuriwaka.  Interestingly, he reads classical Japanese texts in Kobun ( classical Japanese), and is also writing his thesis in Japanese. His dream is to someday share with students his love for Japan's history, language, and culture.  Here is a link to our blog which includes references mentioned in the episode:

https://wordhunters.com/8-cory-mckenzie/


]]> In this episode, we talk to Cory Mckenzie of Hamstead, New Hampshire in the US. Cory is a Research Fellow at Kobe Universtiy studying medieval Japanese literature, with a particular interest in a little-known legend called Yuriwaka.  Interestingly, he reads classical Japanese texts in Kobun ( classical Japanese), and is also writing his thesis in Japanese. His dream is to someday share with students his love for Japan's history, language, and culture.  Here is a link to our blog which includes references mentioned in the episode:

https://wordhunters.com/8-cory-mckenzie/


]]> Buzzsprout-11547020 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 20:00:00 +0900 3282 1 8 full false # 7 Danyk Amyot # 7 Danyk Amyot In this episode, Derek talks with Danyk Amyot, a teacher, community-based event organizer, designer, and polyglot. We discuss his background growing up in Canada, his language learning strategies, his projects, current interests, and other topics. Our blog post with links to references from the episode can be found here: https://wordhunters.com/7-danyk-amyot/ 
 

]]> In this episode, Derek talks with Danyk Amyot, a teacher, community-based event organizer, designer, and polyglot. We discuss his background growing up in Canada, his language learning strategies, his projects, current interests, and other topics. Our blog post with links to references from the episode can be found here: https://wordhunters.com/7-danyk-amyot/ 
 

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11484183 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:00:00 +0900 2801 1 7 full false #6 Jim Jensen #6 Jim Jensen In this episode,  we hear from author, teacher, and adventurer Jim Jensen.  Here is a link to the references mentioned in the episode:

https://wordhunters.com/6-jim-jensen/

]]> In this episode,  we hear from author, teacher, and adventurer Jim Jensen.  Here is a link to the references mentioned in the episode:

https://wordhunters.com/6-jim-jensen/

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11405741 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0900 1729 1 6 full false #5 Edward Montgomery #5 Edward Montgomery Edward is an Air Force Academy Teacher & Pilot and is currently doing his Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Hawaii. His research interests are at the intersection of eastern and western philosophy, particularly focusing on what it means to be an ethical person. He is a great guy to converse with and I am sure you will find something interesting in this wide-ranging conversation that includes topics on education and teaching, philosophy, the tension between the individual and the group, Zen, Japanese society, and more.  Links to references mentioned in the podcast
https://wordhunters.com/5-edward-montgomery/

]]> Edward is an Air Force Academy Teacher & Pilot and is currently doing his Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Hawaii. His research interests are at the intersection of eastern and western philosophy, particularly focusing on what it means to be an ethical person. He is a great guy to converse with and I am sure you will find something interesting in this wide-ranging conversation that includes topics on education and teaching, philosophy, the tension between the individual and the group, Zen, Japanese society, and more.  Links to references mentioned in the podcast
https://wordhunters.com/5-edward-montgomery/

]]> Buzzsprout-11347678 Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0900 3016 1 5 full false #4 Derek and Brent - Reticence #4 Derek and Brent - Reticence In this episode, Brent and Derek discuss the topic of reticence to speak among Japanese learners of English. Here is a link to the references mentioned in the discussion:
https://wordhunters.com/4-derek-and-brent/

]]> In this episode, Brent and Derek discuss the topic of reticence to speak among Japanese learners of English. Here is a link to the references mentioned in the discussion:
https://wordhunters.com/4-derek-and-brent/

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11308218 Tue, 13 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0900 1749 1 4 full false # 3 John Spiri # 3 John Spiri John Spiri is an educator, writer and self-publisher based in western Japan. In addition to EFL textbooks, John has researched, written and published the "Asians at Work" series, featuring "Japanese at Work." His hobbies include hiking, bicycling and go. Here is a link to references mentioned in the conversation:

https://wordhunters.com/3-john-spiri/

]]> John Spiri is an educator, writer and self-publisher based in western Japan. In addition to EFL textbooks, John has researched, written and published the "Asians at Work" series, featuring "Japanese at Work." His hobbies include hiking, bicycling and go. Here is a link to references mentioned in the conversation:

https://wordhunters.com/3-john-spiri/

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11253090 Sat, 03 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0900 1532 1 3 full false # 2 Brent Jones # 2 Brent Jones In this episode, Derek interviews Brent about his background, his career, and his current interests. 

]]> In this episode, Derek interviews Brent about his background, his career, and his current interests. 

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11248186 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0900 1952 1 2 full false # 1 Derek Keever # 1 Derek Keever In this episode, Brent interviews Derek about his background, his career, and his current interests.  Here is a link to some of the references mentioned:

https://wordhunters.com/episode-1-derek-keever/

]]> In this episode, Brent interviews Derek about his background, his career, and his current interests.  Here is a link to some of the references mentioned:

https://wordhunters.com/episode-1-derek-keever/

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11240951 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0900 1615 1 1 full false Welcome Message Welcome Message In this episode, we talk briefly about the who, what, why and how of the Word Hunters podcast.

]]> In this episode, we talk briefly about the who, what, why and how of the Word Hunters podcast.

]]> Brent Jones / Derek Keever Buzzsprout-11240531 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0900 324 1 0 trailer false