Best Dialect Coach Podcasts (2025)

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Nail the U.S. Zoom Callback: Do’s, Don’ts, and How to Perform Your Best 15:57

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1h ago15:57

15:57

A Zoom callback can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences for any actor, especially with the added pressure of performing with an American accent. In this episode, I break down the do’s, the don’ts, and how to set yourself up for success so you can perform at your very best and book the role. Listen as I talk about: The essential tech prep …

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When "Rednecks" Rose Up: Igniting the Labor Movement in Appalachia and What "Hillbilly" Means to Me 23:49

4d ago23:49

23:49

What did you think of this episode? *This is an edited repost of an August 29, 2024 episode* The word “redneck” might have different connotations today, but its roots tell a very different story. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of the word, from its early association with solidarity among coal miners in the hills of Appalachia to i…

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Why Inauthentic Actors Struggle with an Authentic American Accent 17:08

7d ago17:08

17:08

Are you showing up authentically or are you prone to hiding? In this episode, I explore the hidden connection between authenticity in your life and how believable your American accent sounds on screen and on stage. If you’ve ever felt like your accent comes across as forced and unnatural then this episode will open your eyes to why that happens and…

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Accent Review: Nicole Kidman in Big Little Lies 7:36

14d ago7:36

7:36

Think A-list actors never slip up in their American accent? Think again. In this episode, I break down Nicole Kidman’s accent in Big Little Lies and reveal what I hear when I assess an accent in performance. Listen as I talk about: What Nicole Kidman gets right in her American accent Where the accent drops out and why The subtle shifts I listen for…

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Haint Blue, Ghost Walking in the Low Country, and The Disappearing -R in Appalachian Accents 15:05

19d ago15:05

15:05

What did you think of this episode? From mountain mists to coastal marshes, the American South is rich with stories that blur the line between weather, superstition, and the supernatural. In this episode, we explore the colorful world of Appalachian weather lore: old sayings and signs used to predict snow long before the weatherman came on the radi…

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The Truth About Your U.S. Reel (And Why It’s Not Working) 13:00

21d ago13:00

13:00

Think your U.S. reel is helping you get U.S. auditions? Think again. because it might actually be hurting your chances of getting U.S. auditions and even booking U.S. roles. In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes actors make with their U.S. reels and how to fix them. Listen as I talk about: Why your accent must be set-ready bef…

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Do you know why you’re not booking U.S. roles? 11:13

28d ago11:13

11:13

You’ve landed a big U.S. audition. It's your dream role. The problem is... the moment you hit record, your confidence disappears. Why does your accent drop out in performance? And why does it feel like every time you get a U.S. audition your confidence and belief that you could actually book the role drops? In this episode, I’m sharing what’s reall…

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FREE PREVIEW - The ULTIMATE French Pronunciation Podcast / How we ACTUALLY say 'TE'? 6:28

1M ago6:28

6:28

Send us a text In this special preview episode, we’re diving into the word “te,” one of the smallest but most commonly used words in French. You’ll hear how it really sounds in everyday conversation, from quick street French to casual dialogue you’d hear in TV shows. This teaser gives you a feel for the full episode, which includes real examples, p…

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Dog Days, the Signs, and More Summer Lore 26:56

1M ago26:56

26:56

What did you think of this episode? *This updated episode first aired on July 3, 2024* Dog Days are upon us in Appalachia, stretching from July 3rd to August 11, but what does this 16th century phrase mean? Many of us in Appalachia have heard that dog days means avoiding swimming, touching bare feet to the morning dew, and taking care to avoid snak…

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Tiffany Williams: Singer, Songwriter, and Appalachian Dialect Coach 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

What did you think of this episode? A coal miner's daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter from Eastern Kentucky, Tiffany Williams followed her dreams of singing and songwriting to Nashville. I knew her first as a writer and linguist, specializing in Appalachian dialects, a background that she continues to use in her work as a dialect coac…

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Barbara Kingsolver on Writing and the Recovery Center Built by Demon Copperhead 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

What did you think of this episode? *This episode originally aired August 1, 2024* Barbara Kingsolver's novel just keeps on giving: this month she opened the Higher Ground Women's Recovery Residence in my home county of Lee (VA) because, as she says in this episode, what Demon needed most was his mother. In this episode, the eastern Kentucky native…

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The Ballad of Falling Rock and Author Jordan Dotson 37:16

3M ago37:16

37:16

What did you think of this episode? The Ballad of Falling Rock is one of the best novels I've read this year, so I was fortunate to be able to interview its author, Jordan Dotson. Listen in as we talk about his inspiration for the novel (which began with a snow day and no electricity) and the family stories that helped form the historical context f…

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Kendra Winchester of the Read Appalachia Podcast and the Books that Made Us 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

What did you think of this episode? This week, I'm collaborating with another podcaster, Kendra Winchester, from Appalachian Ohio. She hosts and produces the award-winning Read Appalachia podcast. Naturally, we're talking about books and authors, but also the way language shaped us, and how we grew into an understanding of what it means to be Appal…

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Season 3: "Let's Discuss" Southern and Appalachian Culture with Landon Bryant 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

What did you think of this episode? Landon Bryant, author of Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern and social media sensation @landontalks, launches Season 3 of the podcast. We'll talk about everything from hollers to waspers, Dolly and Loretta, cornbread and poke cakes, the overlap between deep South and Appalachian culture, liter…

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Is the Southern Accent Fading? 17:56

4M ago17:56

17:56

What did you think of this episode? Southern accents are in the news again (but they've really never left our hearts and minds). Maybe it was Parker Posey's White Lotus character from North Carolina, who stole hearts with her syrupy vowels that created the latest buzz. But the conversation always leads to: are Southern accents fading? The short ans…

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The 1929 Cyclone of Rye Cove, Virginia: Storm, Song, and Suit 19:23

4M ago19:23

19:23

What did you think of this episode? In this episode, we head back to May 2, 1929, when a deadly tornado tore through the small mountain community of Rye Cove, Virginia, claiming the lives of 12 schoolchildren and one teacher and leaving lasting scars on the region. We explore: What happened that spring afternoon in Rye Cove and the impact on the co…

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From the Highlands to the Hollers: Outlander, Scots English and Appalachian Englishes 13:58

5M ago13:58

13:58

What did you think of this episode? Outlander fans will enjoy this episode, where we trace the winding trail of language from the misty Highlands of Scotland to the shaded hollers of Appalachia. Along the way, we unpack double modals like “might could,” trace the evolution of the word highlander and outlander, and reflect on how language becomes a …

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Appalachian Accents and Speech Recognition Technology 16:52

5M ago16:52

16:52

What did you think of this episode? Have you ever tried text to speech with your accent, only to find your message garbled? In this episode of The Talking Appalachian Podcast, we'll explore speech technology and how AI interacts (and doesn't) with the unique accents found across America, including those in Appalachia. We discuss the 30 most misunde…

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Talkin' Truth with NYT Bestselling Author of The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls 25:49

6M ago25:49

25:49

What did you think of this episode? Jeannette Walls is hailed as one of the world's most gifted storytellers, and she's been sharing her remarkable story of resilience and redemption with audience since her memoir, The Glass Castle, was published in 2005. The book chronicles her dysfunctional and nomadic upbringing, part of which took place in Welc…

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The Meanings and Mystery of "Melungeon" 16:18

6M ago16:18

16:18

What did you think of this episode? In episode 50, we will talk about the word "Melungeon," its multiple meanings, and the history of a mysterious Appalachian people known as the "lost tribe" (who claim Elvis and Abraham Lincoln among their members.) Appalachian historian Dr. Brian McKnight joins me as we dive into a dark part of Virginia's history…

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The Word "Dadgum" and author Silas House on Defeating Accent Bullies "One Word at a Time" 10:31

7M ago10:31

10:31

What did you think of this episode? Listen to find out what word people are replacing with the euphemism "dadgum." Then, author and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House reads from his essay "In My Own Country," about how his parents learned to defeat those who were making fun of their accents....one word at a time. Listen to holocaust survivor Yvette…

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"Them guys," Three Reasons We Will Always Talk Appalachian, and an Excerpt from Lee Smith 11:50

7M ago11:50

11:50

What did you think of this episode? You know the phrases "How do you like them apples?" and "Them's fightin' words!" We'll talk about the Scotch-Irish roots of them for these and those. Then, I'll tell you three of the top reasons why Appalachian speakers won't give up their dialects despite the risk of stigma. Then listen to an excerpt from the es…

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The right way to practice to achieve a flawless American accent 17:21

7M ago17:21

17:21

Could you be practicing your American accent the wrong way? Most actors rely on outdated methods that don’t lead to an authentic American accent. In this episode, I’ll reveal the key to achieving a flawless American accent that sticks—so you can perform effortlessly in auditions and on set. Listen as I talk about: • Why traditional dialect coaching…

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Why Booking U.S. Roles Outside of Hollywood is Easier Than You Think 13:23

7M ago13:23

13:23

Are you waiting for your big break—the role that will change everything for your career? What if I told you that opportunity might be closer than you think? In this episode, I'll reveal why you don’t need to move to Hollywood to book U.S. roles and how to set yourself up for success no matter where you live. Listen as I talk about: The growing tren…

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"Here's you a piece of pizza": a common grammar pattern in the South, and Wool as a Verb 6:35

7M ago6:35

6:35

What did you think of this episode? "Here's you a piece of pizza. Where's me some silverware? There's us a table." We'll talk about this common grammar pattern and where it's spoken. Then, we'll switch to the word "wool," a word used as a verb in vernacular southern Englishes since the 19th century, as in, "The little boy is wooling that kitten." R…

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The Best of 2024: Highlights Part 2 31:48

8M ago31:48

31:48

What did you think of this episode? Listen to more of the best clips from 2024's podcast episode, including: Jack Beck talking about the influence of Scots Gaelic; Jane Hicks reading from her book of poetry, The Safety of Small Things; The origins of the word "redneck,"; A conversation with Hillbilly documentary director Ashley York; Adriana Trigia…

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Create Your Path To Booking U.S. Roles This Year 10:33

8M ago10:33

10:33

What’s your big goal for 2025? If you’re ready to make this your breakout year as an actor, this episode is for you! Learn how to map out your path to booking U.S. roles this year. Make 2025 the year you book your first (or next!) U.S. role! Listen as I talk about: The key steps to achieving big acting goals for 2025. How to create a detailed plan …

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The Best of 2024: Highlight Clips from Selected Episodes 26:58

8M ago26:58

26:58

What did you think of this episode? This episode includes highlights from some of the best episodes of 2024, which include: my interview with Pulitzer-winning reporter and memoirist Rick Bragg; a study of two letters written a century apart and their dialect similarities; what I learned about an ancient Pictish language during a visit to Ireland; m…

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2024 in Music 1:04:41

8M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

The Final Episode under this moniker. Subscribe to the Dialectical Rats for more!

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The Christmas Poke, a Hard Candy Christmas, Old Christmas, and Animals Praying at Midnight in Appalachia 20:19

9M ago20:19

20:19

What did you think of this episode? We're exploring some Appalachian Christmas traditions in this episode from The Christmas poke, or treat bag, to the term "Hard Candy Christmas," made popular in a Dolly Parton song. We'll also talk about Old Christmas, its origins, and why people still recognize January 6th as the one true Christmas Day. Support …

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Set your Actor Goals For 2025! 15:20

9M ago15:20

15:20

Are you ready to make 2025 your breakthrough year as an actor? It’s time to reflect, set goals, and create a plan to take your career to the next level. Whether you're working on mastering your American accent, booking your first U.S. role, or dreaming of making the move to Hollywood, this episode will guide you on how to set actionable steps for s…

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Graveyards, Famous Houses, and an Inspirational Mailbox in the Middle of Nowhere: Sleepy Hollow to Sunset Beach 28:20

9M ago28:20

28:20

What did you think of this episode? In this places and spaces episode that starts in the northern reaches of the Appalachian plateau, we travel from quaint Sleepy Hollow, New York to the serene sands of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, uncovering stories of history, literature, and connection (in a special little mailbox) along the way. This adventure…

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3 Secret Ingredients to Booking U.S. Roles in 2025 13:48

9M ago13:48

13:48

Are you ready to break into the US Film and TV industry in 2025? If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to book U.S. roles, this episode is your roadmap to success. Discover the 3 secret ingredients that will set you apart and help you master the American accent so you can book U.S. roles. Listen as I talk about: The one shift you need to mast…

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How to Choose the Best Dialect Coach for Your American Accent Goals 19:02

9M ago19:02

19:02

Do you need a Dialect coach but are unsure how to choose the right one to support you for your next U.S. audition or to master the American accent? You’re not alone, and in this episode, we’re breaking it all down so you can make an informed decision. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a dialect coach truly effective or what red flags to look out f…

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The Real Reason Why You Haven't Mastered The American Accent Or Booked A U.S. Role 15:47

9M ago15:47

15:47

Are you struggling to master the American accent and book a U.S. role? It’s not just about practice; it’s about mindset, strategy, and practice. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really holding you back and how you can take actionable steps toward becoming a confident, working actor in the U.S. film and TV industry. Listen as I talk about: …

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What Do We Mean by 'Directly' and 'Needs Washed'? 9:07

10M ago9:07

9:07

What did you think of this episode? This episode is about a word and a phrase that are still commonly used in the Appalachian region. First, I'll offer a little refresher on what makes up a dialect and how these words fit in. We'll talk about "directly" as in "I'll be there directly" and the phrase needs + a participle (like washed.) Who uses them …

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Here's WHY it takes 66 Days to master the American accent 15:54

10M ago15:54

15:54

Do you want to know how to perform with an AUTHENTIC American accent? You need to stop mimicking the accent and inHABIT the accent. To get there it takes 66 days and in this episode I am going to explain why that is. Listen as I share: The 4 stages of mastering the American accent Why it takes 66 days How I can help you get to accent authenticity P…

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Places and Spaces: Edgar Allen Poe's Baltimore Home and a Reading of "The Raven" 13:27

10M ago13:27

13:27

What did you think of this episode? In this "Places and Spaces" episode, we'll mark the October anniversary of Edgar Allen Poe's mysterious death with a visit to Poe's house in Baltimore and the cemetery where he is buried. Then, listen to a haunting reading of "The Raven" (with audio by Brock Davidson.) Special thanks to Brock Davidson for lending…

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Grave Matters: Appalachian Death Lore, Burial, and Mourning Rituals 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

What did you think of this episode? In this chilling episode (just in time for spooky week), SWVA Museum Education Specialist Burke Greear joins me to talk about pre-funeral industry Appalachian customs and superstitions surrounding premonitions, death and burial. We'll explore the roots of terms like "death watch," "sitting up with the dead," "pal…

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Appalachian Reckoning, Hillbillies, and Accents with Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll 41:31

10M ago41:31

41:31

What did you think of this episode? The co-editors of Appalachian Reckoning: a Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy and the author of Hillbilly: a Cultural History of an American Icon join me to talk about the region's literary response to J.D. Vance's book, the layered meanings of "hillbilly," and why reclaiming accent matters to so many of us. We'l…

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Appalshop: 55 Years of Telling Appalachia's Stories 35:26

11M ago35:26

35:26

What did you think of this episode? Appalshop was founded in eastern Kentucky in 1969, providing "space for Appalachians to tell their own stories in their own words." Its founding followed the War on Poverty, when Appalachia was put on display for the rest of the world in a way that cemented stereotypical thinking about the region. Since then, it …

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Adriana Trigiani: a Bestselling Author on Books, Movies, Podcasting, and Place 25:56

11M ago25:56

25:56

What did you think of this episode? Adri and I sit down at the Library of Virginia to catch up and talk about writing, The Origin Project, her podcast (You Are What You Read), and ten years since the release of her hometown movie Big Stone Gap. Beloved by millions of readers around the world for her “dazzling” novels, (USA Today) Adriana Trigiani i…

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Meet Sharman Zaveri - The Voice Artist And Film Maker Behind Alparin Media - Film Production Company in Gandhinagar - Ahmedabad 42:14

11M ago42:14

42:14

Podcast with Sharman Zaveri - Voice Artist And Film Maker, Founder Of Alparin Media, Film Production Company in Gandhinagar - Ahmedabad Bonus Episode Of Season 2 Location Partner SP Resort & Hotels Private Limited Voice Over Par Charcha Powered by VoicesBazaarBy HJ Voice Artist

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Finding Glimmers with Poet Jane Hicks and Music by Tiffany Williams 29:33

12M ago29:33

29:33

What did you think of this episode? Poet Jane Hicks is the author of three award-winning poetry collections: Blood and Bone Remember, Driving with the Dead, and recently, The Safety of Small Things (University Press of Kentucky/Fireside Imprint). She also wrote the essay "A Matter of Perception" for Talking Appalachian (the book.) In our conversati…

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The ULTIMATE French Pronunciation Podcast / How we ACTUALLY say "ILS" and "ELLES"? 25:10

12M ago25:10

25:10

Send us a text EPISODE 6: Welcome back! In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up our series on pronouns with "ils" and "elles." These pronouns may seem simple, but their pronunciation rules and cultural significance can be tricky. We’ll explore how to use "ils" and "elles" correctly, focusing on pronunciation and the liaison. We’ll also discuss cultur…

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Voice Over Par Charcha Announcement | Wrapping Up Season 2 & Gearing Up for Season 3 2:09

12M ago2:09

2:09

This episode marks the end of a fantastic season 2 for Voice Over Par Charcha powered by VoicesBazaar.com . It's been a whirlwind of insightful conversations with incredible voice artists, dubbing directors, voice coaches, and industry experts We're thrilled to announce that the podcast was recognized as a Top 3 Finalist in the Best Innovative Form…

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"Hillbilly" and an Interview with Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker Ashley York 41:54

12M ago41:54

41:54

What did you think of this episode? In this episode, I explore the word "hillbilly" with native Kentuckian and documentary filmmaker Ashley York, who co-directed the award-winning film by the same name in 2018. I talk about the history of the word first, and then Ashley and I discuss what it was like to return to central Appalachia to interview fam…

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The Meaning of "Redneck" and Its Role in the U.S. Labor Movement 24:38

1y ago24:38

24:38

What did you think of this episode? Redneck. Hillbilly. White Trash. These are some of the class-based words used to describe people of Appalachia. But did you know that redneck, in particular, has a very special meaning associated with red bandanas worn in solidarity by striking coal miners? Included is an excerpted interview from 1974 with coal m…

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Appalachia's Scottish Roots and the Dialect Influences of Scots Gaelic 46:15

1y ago46:15

46:15

What did you think of this episode? Musician and storyteller Jack Beck, a native of Dunfermline, Scotland, joins me in this episode to talk about his homeland's cultural connection to the Appalachian region. He'll tell us about: how Scots-English came to be part of the Appalachian dialect (in our surnames, occupational names, and place names, for e…

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Amarinder Singh Sodhi | Voice Actor & Actor | Hindi Voice of Rick Harrison - Pawn Stars 1:17:23

1y ago1:17:23

1:17:23

This episode of Voice Over Par Charcha powered by voicesbazaar.com features the incredibly talented Amrinder Singh Sodhi, a true multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry! Amrinder takes us on a journey that began in the world of sports and fashion design before his voice and acting talents took center stage. He's a vocal powerhouse! From Holly…