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A Little More with Letícia

Letícia Quintal | Another Level

A little more about me. A little more English for you.

Welcome to my audio journal! I’m Letícia, an English teacher, mother, language learner, International Trade student, and founder of Another Level Language School.

In each episode, I share a little piece of my life: personal stories, everyday moments, memories, and things I’m still figuring out.

As you get to know me, you’ll practice listening to English and explore useful vocabulary and expressions, with simple explanations woven into each conversation.

You don’t need to understand every word. Follow the story, get curious, and listen again whenever you like.

Real life. Everyday English. A little more, one episode at a time.

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21 episodes
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Episodes 21

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#21
Friday · 9 min
21 — More Than Teaching: What Running My Own Business Is Really Like
What happens behind the scenes of running an English school? In this episode, I share how private lessons grew into Another Level—and how I discovered that teaching English and running a business require very different skills. From organizing finances and setting boundaries to training teachers and learning to create content, I talk about the challenges, lessons, and student achievements that make this journey worthwhile. You’ll also learn the expression “to wear many hats”—to have several different roles or responsibilities. “As a business owner, I wear many hats.” Practice your listening and reflect with me: Do you wear many hats at work? What is one part of your job that people rarely see? A little more about me, and a little more English for you.
#20
Wednesday · 7 min
20 — The Little Things That Make Me Feel at Home
What makes a place feel like home? In this episode, I share a little update on our new apartment—from furniture we’re still waiting for to mornings on the balcony, colorful decorations, and the reading spaces we’re creating. I also talk about how everything changes when my children arrive, the memories of my grandmother that I carry with me, and why making people feel welcome matters so much to me. Along the way, you’ll learn the expression “to settle in”—to start feeling comfortable in a new place or situation. “We’re still settling into our new home.” Listen, practice your English, and think about your own answer: What makes you feel at home? 🏡 A little more about me, and a little more English for you.
#19
Tuesday · 9 min
19 — Friendship as an Adult: Making Time for Each Other
Can you go weeks without talking to a friend and still feel just as close? In this episode, I share what friendship looks like in my adult life—from a friendship of more than twenty-five years to a casual catch-up at the mall. I talk about how living abroad changed my relationships, why my social battery is often low, and what matters to me in a friendship: mutual effort, support during important moments, and the freedom to have our own lives. Today’s expression: “to catch up with someone” — to talk to someone you haven’t spoken to for a while and hear about what’s been happening in their life. “I caught up with some friends yesterday.” You’ll also hear expressions such as “to count on someone,” “to turn down an invitation,” and “to pick up where you left off.” When was the last time you caught up with a friend? A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#18
October 8 · 10 min
18 — A Little More About My Food Habits
I like beans… without the beans. Confused? Let me explain. 😂 In this episode, I share a little more about my food habits—from my grandmother’s homemade fries and carefully strained bean broth to ordering burgers without toppings in the United States. I talk about how textures and smells influence my choices, an awkward dinner experience, my children’s different tastes, and the small steps I’m taking toward trying more foods. Today’s expression: “to be a picky eater” — to be very selective about food. “I’m a picky eater, especially when it comes to textures.” You’ll also hear useful phrases for ordering food and asking for changes at restaurants. Are you a picky eater, or do you love trying new dishes? Listen, practice your English, and tell me what your perfect Sunday lunch would look like! A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#17
October 7 · 10 min
17 — Why Politics Feels Personal to Me
When did politics become personal to you? In this episode, I share how becoming more aware of social class, race, and inequality changed the way I vote. I reflect on the values that guide my political choices, how motherhood shapes my hopes for the future, and why living abroad strengthened my concerns about prejudice and belonging. I also talk about navigating political disagreements with people I care about, setting boundaries on social media, and checking sources before believing or sharing information. Today’s expression: “to stand for something” — to support or represent a particular value, principle, or idea. “I want to support leaders who stand for equal opportunities.” This is a personal reflection on my experiences and political views, with everyday English to help you practice your listening. What values do you stand for? A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#16
October 6 · 9 min
16 — Choosing Presence Over Productivity
Sometimes, changing your plans doesn’t mean you failed to be productive. It means you recognized what mattered most in that moment. In this episode, I talk about why I decided not to record over the weekend when my children wanted to stay close to me. I reflect on motherhood, quality time, the guilt we sometimes feel when we don’t complete everything we planned, and what living far away from my children taught me about being truly present. Today’s language point is the difference between postpone and procrastinate: • To postpone something — to decide to do it at a later time, often for a specific reason. • To procrastinate — to delay something unnecessarily, usually because you’re avoiding it. You’ll also learn the expressions to be present, to catch up on something, to be attached to someone, and to take something for granted. Have you ever postponed something because another moment felt more important? A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#15
October 2 · 8 min
15 — Why I’m Always Running Late
Have you ever needed a parrot to wake you up so you wouldn’t be late for school? I have. 🦜 In this episode, I talk about something that has followed me since childhood: I’m almost always running late. I share the funny story of how my grandfather used my parrot as an alarm clock, explain why I’m punctual with my students but much more relaxed about social events, and reveal why I need around four hours to get ready. I also talk about getting the children ready, my husband’s constant time reminders, and whether I genuinely believe I can become more punctual. Today’s expressions: • To run late — to be later than planned or expected. • To put something off — to postpone doing something. • To make up for something — to compensate for something. • Back-to-back — happening one immediately after another. Are you usually on time, or are you always running late too? A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#14
October 1 · 9 min
14 — Trying to Get Back Into Working Out
Getting back into exercise doesn’t always begin with a perfect routine. Sometimes it begins with just twenty minutes of cardio. In this episode, I talk about my past experience with Muay Thai, why work, motherhood, and other responsibilities took priority for many years, and why I finally feel ready to make exercise part of my life again. I also share what I dislike about the gym, why getting started is harder than the workout itself, and how I’m trying to build a realistic routine—one day at a time. Today’s expression: “to get back into something” — to begin doing an activity again after stopping for some time. Is there an activity you’re trying to get back into? And what is more difficult for you: starting or staying consistent? A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#13
September 30 · 8 min
13 — Why I’m Finally Cutting My Hair Short
Have you ever wanted to change your look but felt afraid to take the first step? In this episode, I share why I’m finally ready to cut my hair into a short blonde bob. From a hair-color decision I regretted to the connection between hair, confidence, and identity, this is a personal conversation about embracing change—even when you’re a little nervous. Today’s expression: “go for it” — to decide to do something you want to do, even if you feel uncertain. Practice your listening with a real-life story, and tell me: Have you ever made a big change to your appearance? Did you love it or regret it? A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#12
September 29 · 7 min
12 — The Handmaid’s Tale: Why It Still Feels So Relevant
In this episode, I talk about why I got hooked on The Handmaid’s Tale and why its story still feels so relevant today. I reflect on June and Serena, the gradual loss of women’s rights, and how small changes—both negative and positive—can have powerful consequences over time. I also share how watching thought-provoking series helps me improve my English, discover new expressions, and gradually incorporate them into my vocabulary. Today’s expression: to get hooked on something — to become so interested in something that you want to keep watching, reading, or doing it. What series have you gotten hooked on? And has watching series helped you improve your English? ⚠️ Content warning: This episode mentions oppression and sexual violence and contains some spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale. A little more about me. A little more English for you.
#11
September 28 · 8 min
11 — How My Saturday Actually Went
The gym didn’t happen. The night out in Botafogo didn’t happen either. But I did end up singing to my husband in front of a room full of people! 🎤💛 In this episode, I share how my Saturday actually went — from breakfast on our new balcony table and pool time with Vicente to a birthday celebration and an unexpected musical moment. Along the way, you’ll learn how to use “end up” to talk about what happens when plans change. Listen for the story first, then tell me: what did you end up doing this weekend? A little more about me, a little more English for you. 🎙️
#10
September 26 · 6 min
10 — A Busy Saturday Ahead
A new balcony table, a little gym motivation, and a busy Saturday ahead! In this episode, I share my weekend plans from a slow breakfast and hopefully some sunshine by the pool to a birthday celebration and a possible night out in Botafogo. Along the way, you’ll learn everyday expressions like “have a lot going on,” “keep my fingers crossed,” “catch up,” and “run late.” Listen for the story first. You don’t need to catch every word. Then tell me: do you love a packed Saturday or prefer a day with no plans? And are you usually on time? 👀 A little more about me, a little more English for you. 🎙️💛
#9
September 25 · 9 min
09 — Singing Out Loud: Why I Love Karaoke
I’ve loved singing since I was a child, but theater, karaoke nights, and music in English helped me become even more confident with a microphone in my hand. In this episode, I share memories from my first karaoke night, the songs I love performing, the special connection between “Best Part” and my son, and why my friends know that once I start singing, there’s no stopping me. I also talk about how singing can support your English by helping you notice pronunciation, rhythm, contractions, and connected speech. You’ll learn expressions such as “sing in tune,” “sing off-key,” “go-to song,” “sing along,” “know by heart,” and “lose track of time.” What is your go-to karaoke song? 🎤
#8
September 24 · 9 min
08 — Game Night: More Than Just a Game
Games have always been part of my life—from childhood card games and board games to today’s family game nights. In this episode, I share some of my favorite games, the hilarious chaos of playing Overcooked, what games can reveal about our personalities, and why these moments with my children mean so much to me after living far away from them. You’ll also learn useful expressions such as “It’s your turn,” “keep score,” “cheat,” “sore loser,” and “quality time.” Because sometimes, a game is much more than just a game. It’s a chance to disconnect from our screens, connect with the people we love, and create memories together. Are you competitive? And which game brings back memories from your childhood?
#7
September 23 · 6 min
07 — One Thing at a Time: Making a New Place Feel Like Home
We have a bed, a stove, and a refrigerator… but almost every meal still feels like a picnic. Welcome to our new apartment! 🏡 In this entry of A Little More with Letícia, I share what it’s like to settle into a home while waiting for most of the furniture (from an uncomfortable work setup to the quiet balcony breakfasts I’m looking forward to). Along the way, we explore the expression “one thing at a time” and why this place already feels like home, even with so much missing. 🎧 Listen at your own pace. You don’t need to catch every word. Just follow the story. 💬 What makes a place feel like home to you? Share your answer in the comments: “A place feels like home to me when…”
#6
September 22 · 6 min
06 — Learning to Enjoy My Own Company
I used to want company for everything (even bathroom breaks with my childhood friends!) So how did I become someone who enjoys a quiet evening alone? In this entry of my audio journal, I share how I gradually learned to enjoy my own company, from making my own choices after a breakup to spending quiet evenings by myself in the United States. Along the way, you’ll learn the expressions “enjoy my own company” and “have some time to myself” through personal stories and everyday examples. Listen for the story first. You don’t need to catch every word. Do you enjoy spending time alone? Leave a comment starting with: “When I have some time to myself, I like to…” A little more about me. A little more English for you. 🎙️💛
#5
September 21 · 7 min
05 — The Little Things That Make Me Happy
What are the little things that make you happy? In today’s audio journal, I share a little more about life outside work: the series I’m watching, my love of karaoke and game nights, and what a lovely, slow Sunday looks like to me. I also talk about moving closer to my children, waiting for furniture to arrive, and enjoying both family time and my own company. Along the way, you’ll explore “take your time,” “in the mood,” and “social battery” through everyday examples. Listen for the story—you don’t need to catch every word. What’s one simple thing that makes your day better? Leave a comment starting with: “One little thing that makes me happy is…” A little more about me. A little more English for you. 🎙️💛
#4
September 19 · 9 min
04 — Why I’m Studying International Trade
What makes an English teacher decide to study International Trade? In this entry of my audio journal, I share how my curiosity about the world, my background in law and business, and even an airport TV show helped shape this decision. I talk about bringing different interests together, being a student while running a language school, and the possibilities I’m considering for the future. Along the way, you’ll explore three useful expressions: “look into,” “bring together,” and “keep my options open.” Listen for the story first. You don’t need to catch every word. What’s something you’d love to study? Leave a comment starting with: “I’d love to learn more about…” A little more about me. A little more English for you. 🎙️
#3
September 18 · 11 min
03 — Living Abroad: What Made Me Feel at Home
What makes a place feel like home? In this entry of my audio journal, I share my experience of moving from Brazil to the United States: the dream that took me there, the moments I loved, and the challenges I didn’t fully expect. From arriving in snowy New York to building a routine in Huntington Beach, I reflect on studying, working, making friends, and living far from my children and my support system. I also share what ultimately brought me back to Brazil. Along the way, we explore three everyday expressions: • Come again? • Support system • Feel at home Listen for the story, return for the details, and remember: everyone’s experience of living abroad is different. What makes you feel at home? Share your answer in the comments, starting with “I feel at home when…” A little more about me. A little more English for you. By Letícia Quintal | Another Level Language School
#2
September 17 · 9 min
02 — How It All Started: From Learning to Teaching
Before I ever thought of becoming a teacher, I was already helping people learn. In this entry of my audio journal, I take you back to my first English classes at age seven, learning through music, and helping classmates and neighbors, and sometimes right in the hallway of my building. I also share how an unexpected opportunity led to my first teaching job in 2011, and why I eventually decided to start my own business. Along the way, we explore three useful expressions: • Looking back • Learn as you go • Word of mouth As you listen, think about your own journey: is something you enjoyed in the past connected to your life today? Tell me in the comments. You can start with “Looking back, I…” A little more about me. A little more English for you. By Letícia Quintal | Another Level Language School

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