Meet the extraordinary people who are guests on “It’s About Language.” Get to know them, see what resources they’re sharing, and connect with them as you continue to find your voice and enter the conversation.
Introducing Jenniffer Whyte (Episode 78)
Meet Jenniffer Whyte, award-wining language educator and host of podcast “Afro-Latina Teacher in the Rural South.”
Introducing Elizabeth Mack (Episode 74)
Meet Elizabeth Mack, who turned her passion for deep language and cultural understanding into Freestyle Languages, a company dedicated to transformational language teaching and learning for individuals and businesses.
Introducing Megan Jeffrey (Episode 73)
Learn more about the National Foriegn Language Center and its resources and LECTIA app, with guest Megan Jeffrey, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communication.
Introducing Dali Tan (Episode 72)
Learn more about Dr Dali Tan, guest on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 72, focused on the necessity of language and cultural studies to create a more just, equitable, and joyful world.
Introducing Steven Sacco (Episode 71)
Learn more about Steven Sacco, guest on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 71, focused onthe realities of language usage worldwide, and the implications for freedom to speak multiple languages to achieve common goals.
Introducing Celia Zamora (Episode 70 & Episode 62)
Learn more about Celia Chomón Zamora, guest for episode 70 focused on personal empowerment, and panelist advocacy panel episode 62 for Heritage Language Month of It’s About Language.
Introducing Agnès Ndiaye Tounkara (Episode 69 & 61)
Learn more about Agnès Tounkara, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 61, focused on the opportunities available to those who speak heritage languages.
Introducing Linda Egnatz (Episodes 7 & 62)
Meet It’s About Language podcast guest Linda Egnatz,, whose mission is nothing less than to connect a diverse world of languages and cultures, one person at a time.
Introducing Joy Peyton (Episodes 24, 60, 61, 62, 63)
Meet Joy Peyton, Coalition for Community-Based Heritage Language Schools, IAL co-host for episodes 60-63 and guest for episode 24.
Introducing Amanda Seewald (Episodes 10 & 62)
Meet Amanda Seewald, JNCL President and CEO of Maracas Kaleidoscope, IAL guest for episodes 62 and 10
Introducing Renata Emilsson Peskova (Episode 63)
Learn more about Renata Emilsson Peskova, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 63, focused on international collaboration to support heritage languages.
Introducing Ken Cruickshank (Episode 63)
Learn more about Ken Cruickshank, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 63, focused on international collaboration to support heritage languages.
Introducing Antonella Cortese (Episode 63)
Learn more about Antonella Cortese, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 63, focused on international collaboration to support heritage languages.
Introducing Gisi Cannizzaro (Episode 63)
Learn more about Gisi Cannizzaro, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 63, focused on international collaboration to support heritage languages.
Introducing Neila Baumiliene (Episode 61)
Learn more about Neila Baumiliene, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 61, focused on the opportunities available to those who speak heritage languages.
Introducing Ashok Ojha (Episode 61)
Learn more about Ashok Ojha, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 61, focused on the opportunities available to those who speak heritage languages.
Introducing Maria Carreira (Episode 60)
Learn more about Maria Carreira, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 60, focused on heritage languages in society.
Introducing Fabrice Jaumont (Episode 60)
Learn more about Fabrice Jaumont, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 60, focused on heritage languages in society.
Introducing Richard (Dick) Brecht (Episode 60)
Learn more about Dick Brecht, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 60, focused on heritage languages in society.
Introducing Hugh Ballou (Episode 59)
Podcast 59’s guest, Hugh Ballou, provides language, images, and steps to transformational leadership for organizations and businesses.
Introducing Edgar Serrano (Episodes 16 & 58)
This week’s guest, Edgar Serrano, shares three important tips for businesses to grow and succeed through harnessing the power of languages.
Introducing Kim Haas (Episode 57)
“It’s About Language” guest Kim Hass shares her personal and professional journey to raising awareness of the contributions and cultures of Afro-Latinos over centuries.
Introducing Jenni Kilmore (Episode 54)
“It’s About Language” guest Jenni Kilmore shares how language teaching, educational resources, and personal connections transform individuals and communities.
Introducing Josh Barinstein (Episode 52)
“It’s About Language” guest Josh Barinstein shares his transformation of life and relationships by using language to go “under the surface.”
Introducing Jacque Merritt (Episode 48)
“It’s About Language” guest Jacque Merritt shares why and how to listen, a pathway to successful and sustainable societies, relationships, and businesses.
Introducing Shawn Slakk (Episode 47)
“It’s About Language” guest Shawn Slakk demonstrates that an open mind and heart are the foundations for multilingualism and effective advocacy for a connected world.
Introducing Chaz Volk (Episode 46)
“It’s About Language” guest Chaz Volk is founder and owner of Mr Thrive Media, the producer of this podcast, and developer of effective language and pathways for media creatives and young people.
Introducing Florencia Henshaw (Episode 45)
“It’s About Language” guest Florencia Henshaw is a national leader in world language education and in teacher preparation.
Introducing Michael Liebowitz (Episode 44)
Michael Liebowitz is my guest for Episode 44. Read his bio to learn more about what he does and the valuable work his company, Mind Magnetizer, does.
Introducing Leslie Baldwin (Episode 43)
Dr. Leslie Baldwin, my guest for episode 43, is an educator, a leader of a world language organization, and an author. Learn more about Leslie and check out her suggested resources.
Introducing Jill Kushner Bishop (Episode 42)
Jill Kushner Bishop, my guest for Episode 42, is the Founder and CEO of Multilingual Connections, launched to help organizations understand and engage multilingual audiences.
Introducing Linda Zins-Adams (Episode 41)
Linda Zins-Adams, guest of Episode 41, is passionate about learners, because she’s passionate about potential, inclusion, and a more connected and joyful world. Learn more about Linda’s work and background.
Introducing Clarissa Adams Fletcher (Episode 40)
Learn more about Clarissa Adams Fletcher, who celebrates every single student and colleague she comes across with her joy of language and unique life gifts.
Introducing Jen Carson (Episode 39)
My guest on It’s About Language, Jen Carson, inspires all of us with her life story, as well as with her language skills, advocacy, and compassion.
Introducing the Leaders of the National Museum of Language (Episode 38)
Norah Jones’s guests for Episode 38 of It’s About Language are the three leading officers of the National Museum of Language. Career language specialists themselves, they now share their skills and joy through this virtual museum.
Introducing Susan K Younger (Episode 37)
Learn more about Susan K Younger, my guest for Episode 37 of It’s About Language, whose B.A.N.K. coaching work is part of a lifetime commitment to connecting and healing individuals and communities.
Introducing Matt Bailey (Episodes 35 and 36)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 35 of It’s About Language is Matt Bailey, marketing consultant and podcast host.
Introducing Lea Graner Kennedy (Episode 34)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 34 of It’s About Language is Lea Graner Kennedy, world language supervisor and professional development leader and national advisor.
Introducing Cheri Quinlan (Episode 33)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 33 of It’s About Language is Cheri Quinlan, passionate world language educator, leader, and presenter, who addresses finding our own passion in the world.
Introducing Cristina DiGiacomo (Episode 32)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 33 of It’s About Language is Cristina DiGiacomo, whose life changed and blossomed when she met philosophers – and now introduces them to us.
Introducing Ashwini Prasad (Episode 31)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 31 of It’s About Language is Ashwini Prasad, “The Inclusive Screenwriter,” who has dedicated herself to uncovering bias and making untold stories heard.
Introducing Robert Pizzini (Episode 30)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 30 of It’s About Language is Bob PIzzini, decorated Navy Special Ops veteran and man dedicated to sharing the language of leadership.
Introducing Dan Goodwin (Episode 29)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 29 of It’s About Language is Dan Goodwin of CYA Consulting – a trained investigator whose insights on words are joined to compassion and perspective.
Introducing Arthur Padilla (Episode 28)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 28 of It’s About Language is Arthur Padilla, whose life and work honor, empower, and include those of all cultures and voices, broadly and powerfully defined.
Introducing Carmen Scoggins (Episode 27)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 27 of It’s About Language is Carmen Scoggins, award-winning language educator and leader specializing in opening opportunities for reflection and connection.
Introducing Patrick Moynihan (Episode 26)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 26 of It’s About Language is Patrick Moynihan, linguist, deacon, and storyteller par excellence with a heart for Haiti.
Introducing Krista Chambless (Episode 25)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 25 of It’s About Language is Dr. Krista Chambless, transformational (and fun) language educator, engaging students and training up powerful teachers for a global future.
Introducing Ricky Adamson (Episode 23)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 23 of It’s About Language is Ricky Adamson, world language educator, supervisor, trainer, publisher, and a man who knows the power of inclusion to change lives.
Introducing Toni Theisen (Episode 22)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 22 of It’s About Language is Toni Theisen, award-winning world language educational leader and advocate for inclusionary programs, courses, and mind-sets.
Introducing Akash Patel (Episode 21)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 21 of It’s About Language is Akash Patel, founder of Happy World Foundation, educator, and sought-after international presenter on global citizenship.
Introducing Maria del Pilar Garcia (Episode 20)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 20 of It’s About Language is Maria del Pilar Garcia: author, educator, philanthropist, and inspiration to young people in the US and her native Colombia and beyond.
Introducing Sheri Spaine-Long (Episode 19)
Norah Jones’s guest for Episode 19 of It’s About Language is Sheri Spaine-Long, Executive Director of the AATSP.
Introducing Lisa Fore (Episode 18)
This week’s guest, Lisa Fore, brings her personal sense of urgency to engage all people in a journey from a narrow to a broad, inclusive, and celebratory view of languages, cultures, and individual value.
Introducing Ines Lormand (Episode 17)
This week’s guest, Ines Lormand, makes a passionate and personal plea for early bi- and multi-lingualism based on her life experiences, work, advanced studies, and
Introducing L.J. Randolph (Episode 15)
This week’s guest, Dr. LJ Randolph, shares the need for and approach to connecting social justice and language learning and use.
Introducing Adrienne Jones Daly (Episode 14)
This week’s guest, Dr. Adrienne Jones Daly, challenges our ideas around standardized languages in education and society.
Introducing Eavan Mages (Episode 13)
This week’s guest, Eavan Mages, was born in Galway, Ireland, and has tapped her rich cultural and language history for her career and family life.
Introducing Charlotte Peyton (Episode 13)
This week’s guest, Charlotte Peyton, was born in the Netherlands; her multilingual and multicultural experiences inform her outlook and career in powerful ways.
Introducing John De Mado (Episode 12)
This week’s guest, John De Mado, is known world wide for his joyful insights into and respect for the enigma of human language.
Introducing Sharla Zwirek (Episode 11)
This week’s guest on It’s About Language is Sharla Zwirek, who provides an insight into how we approach learning about the language and culture of others – and ourselves.
Introducing David Bong (Episode 9)
Meet It’s About Language podcast guest David Bong, who shows how we all can use language to make the world a better place for all.
Introducing Debbie Callihan-Dingle (Episode 8)
Meet It’s About Language podcast guest Debbie Callihan-Dingle, who shows us leadership paths to honor each individual in challenging times.
Introducing Parthena Draggett (Episode 6)
My guest this week is language educator superstar Parthena Draggett. Parthena shares inspirational stories and insights leading us to global awareness and participation.
Introducing Andrés Pi Andreu (Episode 5)
My guest this week, Andres Pi Andreu, has a special relationship with imagination, making it the lead with dancing partner language. Explore with us the role of language and culture not only in the past, but for their roles in a future of digital “metahumans.”
Introducing Carolyn Gill (Episode 4)
In this episode of It’s About Language, I talk with Carolyn Gill, multilingual world traveler who works in the world language publishing industry. We explore the joyful take on “the Other,” those whose languages and cultures have so much to reveal to and delight us – and ours to them.
Introducing Ken Stewart (Episode 3)
Ken’s biography demonstrates his commitment to and achievement of compassion, excellence, and community in world language teaching and learning.
Introducing Linda Markley (Episodes 2 & 53)
Episode 2 (airing 9/24) is with Linda Markley, a lifelong learner and teacher for over 40 years. Come learn about Linda and her ideas of teachers’ powerful advocate voices.
Introducing Sharon Deering (Episode 1)
Language is deep inside us. What happens when language is suddenly gone? Sharon Deering lost her language. Come learn more about her and her story.