Let’s start the new year with some FAB new books!

‘I’m honored that my free hugs movement is featured in the coolest book about the future of sex, Holy Fuck. You can read my chapter on how to make it through an international casting in Tanja Kok’s great book about the modelling industry, and you can see all my sustainable tips and tricks in Marieke […]
Please don’t be this guy….
I’m BAAAAAACK!!! I just wanted to check in and see if you survived the holidays. Did you eat enough? Drink enough wine? Hear enough lame jokes? (I can say ‘OH YES’ to all of the above!) This is my favorite new lame joke in English: What do you call a cheese that is not yours? […]
Why I hug strangers at stations

Well, hello there! And goodbye. This is my last newsletter for the year. 2018 has flown by in a flash. Why? Because…just a random list of things that pop up in my mind when I think of 2018….I…. *launched a new ebook, Work It! *created a new card game, Talk Nerdy To Me *helped Linda […]
‘Woman of the Year 2018’

‘I was so honored to be one of the nominees for Harper Bazaar’s Woman of the Year award. I co- hosted the event last year and it was so much fun to be invited back this year, but as a nominee! ‘
All about feeling stupid when you’re not, aka ‘Why I Asked For Breasts in the Supermarket’
I know what it’s like to feel smart. Because I am. I know what it’s like to be separated from your friends at age 8 because you are 1 of 3 kids in your school who have been chosen to go to the ‘gifted’ program. Which basically meant, instead of chasing boys around the playground, […]
Deeply honored to be the Speaker Coach for the Minister

The word is out! I’m deeply honored to be the Speaker Coach for the Minister of Education, Ingrid van Engelshoven (‘Just call me Ingrid’, she says. But…I still can’t.)! I’ve worked closely with her and her team to give her confidence in her very first TED talk (in English!) which will be held this Thursday. […]
One of my dreams came true yesterday…..and it’s all because of YOU!

Happy December, my darling! It’s the last month of the year. The last time to make a difference in 2018. The last chance to stop smoking, learn how to knit, ask that hottie out, cycle up that Austrian mountain, create your own signature fragrance, design heels that are actually comfortable, and REALLY join that gym. […]
Save the best for last….?
I cannot believe it. December starts this weekend. Just a few more weeks (that will fly by in a blur) and then….it’s 2019!! What are you going to do to go out with a bang? I’m not talking about fireworks on New Year’s. I mean – what will you do to make this month, December, the […]
A special Nerdy quiz to test your English!

I was delighted that (one of my favorite groups) Taalvoutjes loved my Talk Nerdy To Me cards so much that they made a special Nerdy quiz to test your English! Try it here.
What’s holding you back?

About 18 years ago I heard that little voice again. The voice of doubt. The voice of hesitation. The little voice whispering, more and more often…’Is this….it?’ I was teaching at the most prestigious language institute of the Netherlands. I was well-paid. I had a permanent contract. It was a lovely 20-minute bike ride from […]