In this episode of Conquering Spanish, host Tania Roman speaks with Joel Dermott, a public health administrator in rural Missouri, about how learning Spanish became a tool for service rather than perfection.

Joel shares how families who arrive at his clinic without English immediately relax when they’re greeted in Spanish, even if the conversation is simple. He explains why technology alone can’t replace human connection, and how returning to Spanish later in life helped him reconnect with values like empathy, dignity, and respect.

This conversation explores learning Spanish as an act of humanity, especially in communities where language barriers can make people feel invisible or unsafe. Joel’s story is a reminder that fluency isn’t required to make a meaningful difference.

🎧 Listen for insight, motivation, and a powerful perspective on why conquering Spanish is really about connection.

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