RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4 -- Rendered At Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:30:05 +0000 The Shape of a Person: Immigrant Stories https://redcircle.com/shows/the-shape-of-a-person en-US All rights reserved. Immigrant stories from Houston, TX. Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Immigration has been in the news a lot these days, but this podcast hopes to focus on the people and humanity behind the headlines. The two hosts have made careers out of teaching English to non-native speakers, all the while marveling at the stories of these amazing people who find themselves in an ESL classroom in the suburbs of Houston, TX, the most diverse city in the country. “The Shape of a Person” features weekly guests who share their stories and laughter with their teachers as well as with you, the audience. New episodes drop on Friday. ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4 Immigration has been in the news a lot these days, but this podcast hopes to focus on the people and humanity behind the headlines. The two hosts have made careers out of teaching English to non-native speakers, all the while marveling at the stories of these amazing people who find themselves in an ESL classroom in the suburbs of Houston, TX, the most diverse city in the country. “The Shape of a Person” features weekly guests who share their stories and laughter with their teachers as well as with you, the audience.

New episodes drop on Friday.

]]> episodic yes Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen shapeofapersonpodcast@gmail.com no full Maricarmen from Mexico Maricarmen from Mexico 8 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Maricarmen is this week's guest, and what fun we had! She is a dedicated and diligent student, but she is also hilarious and positively delightful.

]]> <p>Maricarmen is this week&#39;s guest, and what fun we had! She is a dedicated and diligent student, but she is also hilarious and positively delightful.</p> 4441f5ce-6cab-447d-822a-54dcc18f6d08 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/fb9f337d-b7fe-4ed9-bb98-a311fd3b4447 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:01:02 +0000 2722 no full Delia from Nicaragua Delia from Nicaragua 7 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen This week, we welcomed Delia to the podcast studio! She is warm, kind, and exudes positivity. In other words, she was the perfect guest to kick off the spring semester episodes! Enjoy!

]]> <p>This week, we welcomed Delia to the podcast studio! She is warm, kind, and exudes positivity. In other words, she was the perfect guest to kick off the spring semester episodes! Enjoy!</p> 44605a95-53ed-4587-92b1-bfbe24954d51 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/5f5b2b5f-ab9e-4fb8-b977-061fd1f9ecd0 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:01:08 +0000 2130 no full Gaby from Mexico Gaby from Mexico 6 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen We adore Gaby! She's so full of warmth and fun. She's a great student and a kind friend, and she's the perfect person to close out this season of the podcast (well, at least the fall semester half of it anyway...)

]]> <p>We adore Gaby! She&#39;s so full of warmth and fun. She&#39;s a great student and a kind friend, and she&#39;s the perfect person to close out this season of the podcast (well, at least the fall semester half of it anyway...)</p> d93e3b49-f75e-4f68-9a99-817dc29a01e3 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/2c01759f-0e1b-4a26-8b76-e10a3fd38f58 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:01:03 +0000 3165 no full Imtiaz from Pakistan Imtiaz from Pakistan 5 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Imtiaz is everyone's favorite conversation partner in class. He is always full of new and exciting information! His journey to our campus took several turns in his quest to learn and grow as a professional chef. We're so grateful he took time out of his crazy schedule to chat with us!

]]> <p>Imtiaz is everyone&#39;s favorite conversation partner in class. He is always full of new and exciting information! His journey to our campus took several turns in his quest to learn and grow as a professional chef. We&#39;re so grateful he took time out of his crazy schedule to chat with us!</p> f21997a0-7da7-4352-ae78-5b34cca8f14f https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/5bbef330-33c0-4a07-ad1f-6905cc95cb9c Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:01:22 +0000 2678 no full Ana from Mexico Ana from Mexico 4 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Ana is so accomplished but assures us that we, too, can do hard things - it doesn't take magic or super powers but commitment and discipline. Get ready to be inspired!

]]> <p>Ana is so accomplished but assures us that we, too, can do hard things - it doesn&#39;t take magic or super powers but commitment and discipline. Get ready to be inspired!</p> f066c2dc-b1c8-46b9-80ff-5a4da14e7f6d https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/d12a752c-3ffb-43ed-adfd-7baaf5a457e9 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:01:44 +0000 3008 no full Alexey from Russia Alexey from Russia 3 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Alexey is truly one of a kind, and we are so grateful he agreed to be a guest on the podcast. He's an incredibly organized and deep thinker, and he loves to solve problems. Please enjoy his AMAZING interview. (side note, "amazing" is Alexey's favorite English word)

]]> <p>Alexey is truly one of a kind, and we are so grateful he agreed to be a guest on the podcast. He&#39;s an incredibly organized and deep thinker, and he loves to solve problems. Please enjoy his AMAZING interview. (side note, &#34;amazing&#34; is Alexey&#39;s favorite English word)</p> 0d28b259-3bab-47b2-adc3-81b7c2d24978 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/0966acd7-2b67-41b8-87c1-d6fdbf11b4cd Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:01:28 +0000 2822 no full Andrea from Mexico Andrea from Mexico 2 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen We loved interviewing Andrea because she speaks so openly and candidly about how difficult moving to a new country and forging a new community can be. It takes time and effort and patience. She also makes us laugh a lot, and we're sure she'll do the same for you!

]]> <p>We loved interviewing Andrea because she speaks so openly and candidly about how difficult moving to a new country and forging a new community can be. It takes time and effort and patience. She also makes us laugh a lot, and we&#39;re sure she&#39;ll do the same for you!</p> 321b9415-d2e6-4ef7-81f4-f6a48b673fca https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/a33fa271-60f9-46fd-b6a4-bfab583adf74 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:01:05 +0000 2819 no full Duda from Brazil Duda from Brazil 1 2 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen We are so happy to be back with a new season of The Shape of a Person! This week, we welcomed Duda to the podcast, and she was the perfect first guest. She's full of adventure and possibility, and we know you'll enjoy hearing her stories just as much as we did!

]]> <p>We are so happy to be back with a new season of The Shape of a Person! This week, we welcomed Duda to the podcast, and she was the perfect first guest. She&#39;s full of adventure and possibility, and we know you&#39;ll enjoy hearing her stories just as much as we did!</p> 1a04b771-7e4d-4c85-a6b8-a06a774f1e3a https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/3cdafbd4-6f40-4a18-a7a5-1eb5041e7b0e Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:01:21 +0000 2678 no full Joao from Mexico Joao from Mexico 10 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joao. He teaches us about the value of a parent’s sacrificial love, which he received from his mother and now embodies for his children. He is thoughtful and devoted, and we know you will enjoy his story as much as we do.

]]> <p>This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joao. He teaches us about the value of a parent’s sacrificial love, which he received from his mother and now embodies for his children. He is thoughtful and devoted, and we know you will enjoy his story as much as we do.</p> 966b89a1-78ad-42f2-9c91-18d407b249f4 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/d6a3a5e5-a77a-4fbe-a500-6ec9bf6c5c8d Fri, 09 May 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2866 no full Andrea from Colombia Andrea from Colombia 9 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen What a joy it was speaking to Andrea! She exudes peace, calm, and positivity. We're certain she will inspire you the same way she did us.

]]> <p>What a joy it was speaking to Andrea! She exudes peace, calm, and positivity. We&#39;re certain she will inspire you the same way she did us.</p> 5c0f7304-f455-4853-833b-e82869ca92aa https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/c12bed6b-a2ba-4ed7-949f-7ea9ef07fc72 Fri, 02 May 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2896 no full Denisse from Panama Denisse from Panama 8 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Denisse is delightful. She is full of personality and fun. We loved learning about her background as well as her plans for the future. Enjoy!

]]> <p>Denisse is delightful. She is full of personality and fun. We loved learning about her background as well as her plans for the future. Enjoy!</p> 25a4e50b-de92-4c55-843a-fb7ac758a570 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/24347e64-d39d-4594-926c-fc340ba0994b Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2406 no full Marcos from Brazil Marcos from Brazil 7 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen This week we speak with Marcos. He reminds us to never give up, whether starting a business or finishing a marathon. He is also a true gentleman.

]]> <p>This week we speak with Marcos. He reminds us to never give up, whether starting a business or finishing a marathon. He is also a true gentleman.</p> 644afafb-cc48-4b35-8a0d-583a1a7c7eb0 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/d81598e2-3616-4cf8-8f4a-c3bee89ecb7e Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2860 no full Pedro from Mexico Pedro from Mexico 6 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen This week's episode features our dear Pedro. Pedro is warm and generous and takes care of his friends, always. He also made us double over with laughter. Enjoy!

]]> <p>This week&#39;s episode features our dear Pedro. Pedro is warm and generous and takes care of his friends, always. He also made us double over with laughter. Enjoy!</p> f67d30a1-a8c4-4937-9ce1-e7220fb70714 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/691df6ec-1b5f-4411-aa84-caa0bdc171c4 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2803 no full Melina from Honduras Melina from Honduras 5 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen In today's episode, we speak with Melina. Her story is a powerful reminder to be open to life's blessings as well as its challenges. She is truly inspiring.

]]> <p>In today&#39;s episode, we speak with Melina. Her story is a powerful reminder to be open to life&#39;s blessings as well as its challenges. She is truly inspiring.</p> 427563b3-8a0f-4b2e-91d0-272638e792fb https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/2c844c0c-3b81-4137-b31c-286fc50973af Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2561 no full Iris from Mexico Iris from Mexico 4 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Iris from Mexico. She discusses her initial resistance to leaving her home country but shares the many lessons she has learned along the way.

]]> <p>In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Iris from Mexico. She discusses her initial resistance to leaving her home country but shares the many lessons she has learned along the way.</p> 8c728ff1-2a1a-4dc4-b4f4-220cd0c9c821 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/eb42e0b4-f86a-4784-baa8-a8cee6e4b847 Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2781 no full Tanya from Russia Tanya from Russia 3 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen In this episode, we spoke with the incredible Tanya. She is brilliant and thoughtful and tells us all about her family's journey to the US from Moscow, Russia. We learned so much from Tanya and could have talked to her for hours more. Enjoy!

]]> <p>In this episode, we spoke with the incredible Tanya. She is brilliant and thoughtful and tells us all about her family&#39;s journey to the US from Moscow, Russia. We learned so much from Tanya and could have talked to her for hours more. Enjoy!</p> 8ed3d677-2f90-476e-8935-de0f8f9b4234 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/f5231428-5e37-4822-a62c-de7eaa44cca2 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2418 no full Samandra from Colombia Samandra from Colombia 2 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen This week we interview Samandra about how her life has completely changed in recent years and how she welcomes the change with excitement and fearlessness.

]]> <p>This week we interview Samandra about how her life has completely changed in recent years and how she welcomes the change with excitement and fearlessness.</p> 942b4194-1cdd-49b5-ac25-cae910957e16 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/b476e31e-99b9-4e68-a7a5-c6e0cacca009 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:01:00 +0000 2824 no full Carlos from Argentina Carlos from Argentina 1 1 Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen This week we talk to Carlos about how he migrated from Argentina to Spain and eventually the United States.

]]> <p>This week we talk to Carlos about how he migrated from Argentina to Spain and eventually the United States.</p> f18a00f3-63da-4259-ad31-6b2e256031fa https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/ab650ec6-acdb-47cb-a7bd-bb514fab78ef Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:01:00 +0000 2815 no trailer The Shape of a Person - Trailer The Shape of a Person - Trailer Melissa Brega & Becky Steffen Immigration has been in the news a lot these days, but this podcast hopes to focus on the people and humanity behind the headlines. We have made careers out of teaching English to non-native speakers, all the while marveling at the stories of these amazing people who find themselves in an ESL classroom in the suburbs of Houston, TX, the most diverse city in the country. “The Shape of a Person” features weekly guests who share their stories and laughter with their teachers as well as with you, the audience.

]]> <p>Immigration has been in the news a lot these days, but this podcast hopes to focus on the people and humanity behind the headlines. We have made careers out of teaching English to non-native speakers, all the while marveling at the stories of these amazing people who find themselves in an ESL classroom in the suburbs of Houston, TX, the most diverse city in the country. “The Shape of a Person” features weekly guests who share their stories and laughter with their teachers as well as with you, the audience.</p> b1bdaa5e-2b82-4223-8cf7-83ee9e32d737 https://redcircle.com/shows/ea7e32ae-dc63-4306-9726-e09feca7e5a4/episodes/f8d2ab34-c08a-4e1d-a002-b798d88aa13a Sun, 02 Mar 2025 02:40:00 +0000 183 no