We're Alexia and Foster.
A couple (in a variety of senses) of language lovers and the hosts of the Carioca Connection podcast.
The Short Version
We started Carioca Connection in 2016 as a passion project to share our love of Brazilian Portuguese. Since then, we've recorded 400+ episodes, with listeners in 140+ countries joining our journey.
Ten years later, we're still recording the podcast, running the CC Club (an online community for Brazilian enthusiasts to learn, share, and cultivate their connection with Brazil), and personally coaching a handful of students each month.
The Two of Us
Alexia
Carioca da gema (born & raised in Rio). She's your co-host on the podcast and has been teaching Portuguese for more than a decade.
Foster
Foster is your language nerd. He has been learning and teaching languages around the world for more than a decade. On the podcast, he's your cobaia (guinea pig), always making mistakes so you don't have to.
What We Care About
Connection
It's in the name. Connection has always been at the heart of our work: with each other, with the beauty of Brazilian Portuguese, with Brazil, and with everyone who learns with us.
Curiosity
We're driven by curiosity. We want to learn more about the world, its people, and our place in it, with a special place for all things Brazilian. Most of our listeners and CC Club members are curious cats too: lifelong learners who have discovered the beauty of Brazil and are diving deeper into why Brazilians are the coolest people in the world.
Care
Carioca Connection is a labor of love. We take care of everyone who learns with us and work to create a community where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Learning a language and adapting to a new culture is difficult. As Tom Jobim said:
“Brasil não é para principiantes.”
Brazil is not for beginners. Tom Jobim
We find the most joy helping others connect more deeply with Brazilian Portuguese, and of course, with Brazilians.
For Anyone Who's Had a Taste of Brazil
Carioca Connection exists to help you dive deeper. Maybe you've traveled to Brazil (or plan to), met a Brazilian, or you're simply curious about Brazilian culture.
You already know textbooks will only get you so far when it comes to speaking real-life Portuguese with Brazilians. We share our experience so you can improve your Portuguese and understand the culture behind it.
One of the most popular Brazilian Portuguese podcasts in the world, since 2016.
Ten Years of Conversations
"I began my Portuguese-learning journey with the Carioca Connection podcast, and recently decided to join the CC Club after trying some other online and in-person Portuguese classes and tools. Alexia and Foster are so helpful, responsive, and thoughtful in their teaching styles and the materials they've put together. The live classes are engaging, fun, informative, and inclusive. I always come away from them feeling challenged (in a good way!), with lots of new vocabulary and a better understanding of Brazilian culture."
"When I first joined I was still really nervous about speaking in Portuguese and I was rehearsing phrases in my head before I spoke. Now I feel like I can speak with ease about most topics, a lot of which is more about confidence than actual vocabulary. Alexia and Foster are great at giving helpful tips, whilst giving lots of space to speak and try things out."
"I've truly enjoyed my Carioca Connection Coaching sessions with Alexia! In just a short time, we've made noticeable progress with my conversational skills and pronunciation, which are areas that I've found challenging for years. Alexia has also tailored our classes to include vocabulary specific to my life, hobbies, and profession. I can't wait to continue growing my confidence with Brazilian Portuguese through our work together!"
Come Learn With Us, Pessoal.
It's just the two of us, so we put a lot of love and care into everything we do.