In episode 13 Rico and Patrick are back from a long break and catch up on their latest discoveries. From David Goggin's book "Can't Hurt Me" to buying Real Estate in Germany, a lot has happened during this long hiatus. Then in the "Expert's Corner," they interview, Christiane Beinroth an online coach at www.azurate.com (and content creator) helping repeat/serial ex-pats take ownership of their international transition and ex-pat experience. Christiane has lived and worked internationally for most of her adult life (3 ex-pat experiences in Europe and 2 in the U.S.). She worked in education/ teaching (various age groups, entities). Around 2015 she started formally transitioning into coaching and consulting, first doing a master's degree in “Business Coaching and Change Management” and then gradually building her online consulting business. In this interview, Christiane gives out some tips and tricks to aspiring ex-pats that you won't want to miss. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
On our inaugural Learneezee Cast! We have our Co-founder Patrick Bastien talking to his friend and Guest-host Ricardo Lazo about Rico's career path from being an online English teacher to diving into the Gig economy to create his own vintage clothing store on eBay. To book a free trial lesson with one of our great teachers on the Learneezee.com team where you can take online course in English, German, Italian, Economics and much more, go to: https://www.learneezee.com/
In this episode of the Learneezee podcast, hosts Andrew and Patrick talk with Ariane, a coach who helps women navigate life transitions across cultures and personal challenges. Inspired by the Greek myth of Ariadne, Ariane shares her journey from Germany to Canada, her multicultural identity, and how she guides clients through uncertainty using her unique "Ariadne Logic." The conversation explores themes of identity, resilience, and embracing change, with practical advice for anyone feeling lost or stuck. Tune in for inspiring stories, actionable coaching tips, and a reminder that it’s okay to change direction and seek clarity in life’s labyrinth. About Ariane Change can feel overwhelming, but it’s a natural part of life. Hi, 👋🏻 I’m Ariane, a certified coach based in Freiburg, Germany, supporting women locally and worldwide through transitions and personal challenges. I lived in Canada for 30 years before returning to Germany: a life experience that spans two continents, three languages, and a life between urban energy and the Black Forest. With clarity and compassion, I help women pause, sort through inner chaos, and reconnect with their true voice. With me at your side, we uncover patterns, explore new perspectives, and take meaningful steps toward a lighter, self-directed life. I blend intuition and strategy, and I believe: Change may begin in chaos, but it can lead to clarity, strength, and vitality as every change holds the potential for growth. www.derarianefaden.de https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianeschuessler/ https://www.instagram.com/der_ariane_faden/ https://www.facebook.com/ariane.schuessler Learneezee newsletter: https://www.learneezee.com/register/ Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/learneezee/ https://www.instagram.com/learneezee/ https://medium.com/learneezee
In this episode of the Learneezee podcast, co-hosts Andrew and Patrick sit down with Cheryl Leonhardt, a Jamaican teacher, poet, and storyteller living in Germany. Cheryl is a Jamaican at heart, shaped by the rich storytelling traditions, rhythms, and warmth of her homeland. Though she now lives in Germany, she carries her culture with her - spun into words, experiences, and poetry. Her journey has been one of movement, not just across borders but through emotions, memories, and self-discovery. Cheryl discusses her cultural journey, the languages she speaks, and the importance of maintaining her Jamaican heritage while adapting to German life. The podcats delves into the differences in educational approaches between Jamaica and Germany, her transition from tourism to teaching, and her passion for poetry. Cheryl also shares insights on overcoming fear of failure and the significance of cultural expression. Check out Cheryl's work here: / leonhardtempress / cherylclassics / cheryl-a-leonhardt-msc-b2aa7356 Subscribe to learneezee here: https://www.learneezee.com/register/ Follow us on social media: / learneezee / learneezee / learneezee
In this episode of the Learneezee podcast, the hosts welcome Ashley Matthäus, an American expat, filmmaker, and community builder living in Freiburg, Germany. Ashley discusses her multifaceted journey which includes leading Creative Mornings Freiburg and organizing events at the Carl Schurz House. She shares her experiences with learning languages, navigating German bureaucracy, and the importance of building a community when living abroad. Ashley also delves into her work on a feature documentary about Jesse Coston, an American opera singer and expat. The episode focuses on themes of risk, connection, and the pursuit of belonging in a foreign country. Ashley Matthäus is a US-American who has lived in Germany since 2010. She works for the Carl-Schurz-Haus as Head of the English Program for Adults & Companies as well as Head of the German-American Business Community. Outside of work, she is the host of the Creative Mornings / Freiburg chapter and takes on filmmaking projects such as her edit of the 2024 documentary on Jesse Coston. Check out Ashley’s work here: / ashleyrdmatthaeus CreativeMornings/Freiburg: https://creativemornings.com/cities/FR Jesse Coston: Of Life and Opera on imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32392429/ Carl-Schurz-Haus, DAI Freiburg: https://www.carl-schurz-haus.de Subscribe to learneezee here: https://www.learneezee.com/register/ Learneezee Medium: / learneezee Follow us on social media: / learneezee / learneezee
Building Bridges from Belgrade to Berlin: The Journey of Stefan Velickovic Welcome to the Learn Easy podcast! In this episode, we talk with Stefan Velickovic, a product manager for corporate planning solutions at Jedox and a passionate blogger. Stefan shares his journey from Belgrade to Berlin, discussing his language skills, his early interest in technology, and his career progression. He details his experiences living in Dubai whilst working as an intern, and his move to Germany for better career opportunities and work-life balance. Stefan also talks about his blog 'Jedox for Beginners' and his ongoing YouTube project to share quick tips on Jedox software. Join us for an insightful conversation about cross-cultural experiences, lifelong learning, and bridging gaps in technology.
In this edition of the Learneezee Cast, we interview Andrew Pounder, a Trinbagonian who has moved to Germany to pursue a master's degree in sustainable systems engineering. The episode covers Andrew's experiences with German bureaucracy, his motivation to study abroad, and how his background in Trinidad and Tobago shaped his career in sustainability. Andrew talks about the differences in educational systems, practical aspects of his studies, and his future plans in the field of sustainability and renewable energy. Tune in to hear about his journey and insights on sustainable aviation fuel, mental health in migrant communities, and much more.
Craft Beer and Biodynamics: Jorrell's Brewing Journey Join Rico Lazo and Patrick Bastien as they interview Jorrell Rush-Kittle, a craft beer enthusiast turned business owner. Jorrell shares his journey from studying medicine to becoming a brewmaster in Germany, discussing differences in brewing culture between the US and Germany. Discover the art of farmhouse brewing and the Demeter certification's role in sustainability. Learn about Jorrell's future plans, including opening his brewery and promoting biodynamic farming practices. This episode also marks Rico's farewell as cohost of the Learneezee cast. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:57 Jorrell's Background and Language Skills 02:28 Journey into Homebrewing 05:25 Brewing in Germany vs. the U.S. 08:07 Farmhouse Brewing and Demeter Certification 19:42 Challenges and Insights in Brewing 29:51 Future Plans and Final Thoughts 37:38 Host Farewell and Podcast Future
In this episode of the Learneezee Cast, hosts Rico Lazo and Pat Bastien chat with therapist Cecilia Iacono, an expert in Gestalt counseling for expats. Cecilia shares her journey from traveling the world to finding her calling in helping others navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living abroad. She offers insights into the transformative power of Gestalt therapy, its emphasis on present-moment awareness, and how it can support expats in finding belonging in a new environment. The conversation also explores the profound practice of Vipassana meditation and offers a glimpse into the future of the web (Web 3.0 and beyond).
In episode 24 of the Learneezee Cast, hosts Rico Lazo and Patrick Bastien have an uplifting conversation with Natalie Riede, a life coach, clinical hypnotherapist and cancer survivor originally from the UK, now based in Germany. Natalie shares her incredible story of using mindset techniques to overcome two harrowing cancer battles that brought her back from the brink of death. Beyond the remarkable personal journey, Natalie explains how she now helps awaken transformation in others. She provides tangible insights into modalities like hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), and NLP to drive rapid change by reprogramming the subconscious mind. Natalie also discusses her tips for quickly growing a successful coaching business by modeling other pros, hiring mentors, shifting limiting beliefs around deservingness, and taking bold action. In the final “What’s on Your Mind” segment, hosts Rico and Patrick discuss learnings from Rico’s recent life coaching certification, the importance of continual self-investment, ideas for pushing English learners out of their comfort zone, and recommendations for improving language acquisition through engaging more actively. Viewers can connect with Natalie at: hello@natalieriedecoaching.com https://www.natalieriedecoaching.com https://dare-to-dream.natalieriedecoaching.com/join-dtd-now https://www.facebook.com/groups/3484840898453066/ https://instagram.com/natalie_lifecoaching https://www.tiktok.com/@natalie_lifecoaching
In this podcast episode, hosts Rico Lazo and Patrick Bastien interview Seba Pereyro, founder of Empirical LLC, about his journey from software engineer to entrepreneur. Seba discusses his background coming from Argentina to the U.S., and how he started his company Empirical which provides top Latin American talent to tech firms through nearshoring. Seba explains the concepts of nearshoring and staff augmentation, and shares the unique aspects of his company's offerings. The hosts and Seba also have an insightful discussion around the challenges of starting your own business, the role of luck vs hard work in success, and the importance of investing in your own development and growth. This episode provides an interesting perspective on software engineering and entrepreneurship. Connect with Seba via his company’s website: www.goempirical.com or via email at seba@goempirical.com or via his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spereyro/ In the “What’s on Your Mind” segment, hosts, Rico and Pat, delve into the importance of investing in yourself as a way to grow your skills, abilities and confidence and the challenges of confronting the possibility of COVID not being completely eradicated. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and please check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/. #Nearshoring #StaffAugmentation #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #SoftwareEngineering TIME CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 1:03 Origin story 2:21 Leaving Argentina 3:31 Decision to study Systems Engineering 6:45 Becoming an entrepreneur 9:14 What is nearshoring & staff augmentation? 12:55 Cultural gaps between Latin America and the United States 15:08 Empirical’s unique selling proposition 19:33 Biggest challenges faced as an entrepreneur 26:49 Attracting top flight talent from Latin America 31:13 What is the biggest contributing factor to Empirical’s success? 40:50 What’s on Your Mind segment
Discover the enchanting world of storytelling with hosts Rico Lazo and Patrick Bastien as they sit down with Ankush Vengurlekar, a storytelling virtuoso. Ankush shares his inspiring journey of using storytelling to bring about positive change in society. From empowering indigenous communities in India to giving a voice to the marginalized, Ankush's experiences will touch your heart and leave you in awe. Learn how storytelling can be a powerful tool to bridge gaps and build connections, making a real impact on the lives of others. If you've ever wondered how your own stories could make a difference, this episode is a must-watch! Connect with Ankush on his social media at: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalKarmaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digi.karmaa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankush-vengurlekar-23941728/ In the “What’s on Your Mind” segment, hosts, Rico and Pat, delve into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on various industries. They discuss its role as a valuable tool for engineers, the concerns surrounding job security for writers and actors, and the need for responsible use and exploration as AI continues to evolve. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and please check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/. #StorytellingForChange #Inspiration #Empowerment #MakeADifference #AIRevolution #TechIndustry #ResponsibleAI TIME CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 1:07 Ankush’s languages 2:09 Ankush’s most memorable storytelling campaign 4:54 Fundraising for large campaigns 7:53 Challenges of building brands and generating funds for social impact businesses 12:14 Adivasi Lives Matter origin story 17:55 Empowering youth to tell their stories 26:03 How to leverage social media to impact social impact organizations 31:55 What’s on your mind segment
In episode 21 of the Learneezee Cast, hosts Rico Lazo and Pat Bastien interview Franziska “Franzi” Niehus, aka TravelComic, a full-time content creator from Germany. Franzi shares her expertise in travel, education, and culture through captivating travel videos in English and Turkish. She has visited 60 countries and teaches the art of content creation and video making. From her humble origins as a shy high school graduate interested in making films to now a content creator powerhouse with over 2 million followers on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, Franzi discusses how to solo travel, get out of your comfort zone and discover your passion. Connect with Franzi/TravelComic on her social media at: https://www.youtube.com/c/TravelComic https://www.instagram.com/TravelComic/ https://www.tiktok.com/@TravelComic https://www.facebook.com/travelcomic/ In the “What’s on your mind” segment, hosts Rico Lazo and Pat Bastien discuss the Titan submersible tragedy but also highlight another shipwreck that was underreported and result in many more deaths. They touch on Artificial Intelligence with a great free speech coach tool called Yoodli. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and please check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
In episode 20 of the Learneezee Cast, hosts Rico Lazo and Pat Bastien discuss the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that focuses on finding purpose and meaning in life, how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to help individuals reach their full potential and life coaching can help individuals uncover their true purpose and goals. The guest interview segment, the "Experts Corner", features Ilaria de Altin, a climate protection advocate and an advocate for voting rights for all residents in the European Union, regardless of their passports . She shares her journey of discovering her right to vote as an EU citizen living in Germany and her subsequent involvement in advocating for voting rights for all residents. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/. https://xn--wir-whlen-z2a.org/voting-right/ https://www.instagram.com/bundesnetzwerk_wirwaehlen/ #learneezee #learninganything #votingrights #YourVoteIsYourVoice #freiburgerwahlkreis100
In episode 19 Pat and Rico have their first panel interview with three members of the Global Shapers Freiburg Hub: Minsara Jayasinghe, Timi Ayomide and Vinay Hegde. Join the Global Shapers Community in Freiburg, Germany (www.globalshapersfreiburg.com), as they discuss the power of sustainability and positive change! Discover their passion for empowering young people and shaping communities. They take you, viewer/listener, on an exploration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they align their projects with global objectives. Discover how they promote self-sufficiency in food production and reduce environmental impact through urban gardening. Lastly, we dive into their exciting initiatives, from green education for children to peer mentoring programs. Get inspired and join their mission to create a better world! As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
In episode 18 Pat and Rico talk about what it means to be a content creator, their journey as podcast hosts, as they approach the three year anniversary of the Learneezee Cast, and their travels in Antwerp, Belgium and the Colombian coast respectively. The interview mentioned in the first part of the podcast is Nuseir Yassin on the How I Built This show with Guy Raz: https://open.spotify.com/episode/31jb... In the "Expert's Corner," they interview, Francesca Carlin, a Transformational Coach through Animas and a certified Designing Your Life Coach. Francesca started her career in the theater but eventually went on to be become a Life Coach after being inspired by the book, "Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. She can be contacted through her website at https://dyl-coaching.com/ As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
In episode 17 Pat and Rico talk about big news in the tech sector. Pat discusses the confusion about SVB's collapse and asks how it was even possible. Rico discusses OpenAI's fascinating new software - ChatGPT. In the "Expert's Corner," they interview, Muza Nuri, an independent Career Coach, HR Consultant and Content Creator based out of Germany. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
In episode 16 Pat and Rico ring in another year of the Learneezee Cast. Rico discusses his move to Medellin, Colombia and Pat speaks about life in Germany. The rising costs of consumer goods has affected people all across the globe and inflation is definitely being felt in both Colombia and Germany. In the "Expert's Corner," they interview, Patrice Gans, Executive Director at Random Hacks of Kindness Junior Inc, a nonprofit organization that empowers young people to learn programming skills and do good in their communities. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
In episode 15 Rico and Patrick get straight to the interview with dynamic ex-pat SiR Reggie Anthony. SiR is an artist-teacher with a professional background in behavioral sciences and the entertainment industry. He has advised, interviewed and promoted recording artists signed to independent and major record labels. His articles, reviews and opinion pieces have appeared in publications such as Essence magazine and Upscale magazine. He currently hosts and curates the long-running literature program “Let’s Talk About Books With Reggie” at the Carl-Schurz-Haus. He also hosts a Hip Hop radio program called “Voyage To Gandahar: The Hip Hop Network.” As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.
In episode 14 Rico and Patrick are back from an extended break and discuss their in person meeting after 3 years of virtual communication. Rico and Patrick both have some interesting news to share. Then in the "Expert's Corner," they interview, Richard Russo: "Once upon a time, I did a CELTA course in the UK. This awakened my passion for teaching and enabled me to see the world.” From there, he decided to get a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. For over 20 years, he has taught English to students of all ages in different countries. From his experiences, he began to write and recently finished his first novel. With teaching, he likes to read short stories or news articles with students and discuss guided questions. He encourages students to stream TV episodes and take notes of language because it is engaging to talk about in class, and allows a focus on grammatical questions as well. In this interview, Richard tells us about a fictional account of a particular red headed former right wing president in his debut novel. As always, we hope you enjoy the show and check out our previous podcast episodes as well as the variety of courses our teachers have created for you at https://www.learneezee.com/.