Language Hacking: Recent Episodes
Fluent in 3 Months
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy meet real-life language learners and discover smarter, faster ways to learn a language. Learn more at: https://www.fluentin3months.com/podcast/
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who is head over heels about languages?
In this interview, psychology researcher Dan Mirea discusses the links between psychology and linguistics (including whether individuals switch personalities when they switch languages) and talks about his journey as a psychology student who was able to gather a huge following on social media by sharing his passion and interest for languages.
Other topics covered include how (and when) people develop confidence in language learning and when speaking foreign languages, tips on how to become a language content creator online, Dan’s process for content creation, and how his psychology research has affected his language learning journey.
Mentioned in this Episode
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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode, Benny explains how he got overwhelmed with his use of Anki in the second month of his Korean mission, and what solutions he found to balance his learning back.
PS: Listen to this episode if you want to learn how to fix your learning mistakes even when you’re weeks into your mission.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.
Check out Benny’s progress during his mission on his YouTube channel.
In this episode, Benny lists the most helpful resources that have helped him throughout his Korean mission. He goes into details about what makes those resources great to help all Korea learners out there!
Resources:
- 90 Day Korean
- Talk To Me In Korean
- Preply
- Anki
- Memrise
- Kpop Korean 2
- KoreanClass101
PS: We have an on-going promotion with Benny’s favourite resource, 90 Day Korean, which you can check out here. The promotion only runs until June 12th, so make the most out of it now!
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.
Check out Benny’s progress during his mission on his YouTube channel.
Benny explains how language exchanges work by describing his own experience with the MundoLingo events. He covers how events are organised to make language recognition easy, shares how the set-up is ideal even for introverts, and mentions a few tips to make the most about the event.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode includes a Black Friday promotion. Follow this link to get the Black Friday price.
Check out all our Black Friday deals on 50+ languages here.
How can language learning happen through reading stories?
Olly Richards, creator of the Uncovered Language Courses, is back on the Language Hacking Podcast to answer the question above.
Olly shares his story and explains how he combined his background in education, his polyglot skills, and his passion for writing in order to make language learning more accessible to the everyday language learner. He explains how there is more to language learning than just passive absorption
Benny and Elizabeth encourage Olly to talk about the structure of his courses, how they cover microskills needed by beginners to build solid bases in a new language, and the struggle to find the right native tutor to support the courses’ development.
The discussion also covers Olly’s recently released intermediate-level Uncovered courses and how they follow the same methodology as his beginner courses.
If you’re interested in testing out Olly’s Uncovered method, take advantage of the Uncovered Courses Black Friday promotion going on right now!
Follow this link to get the Black Friday price.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Uncovered Language Courses Black Friday Deals
- Olly’s first podcast episode: #005 | Olly Richards on Living Abroad and Story Learning
- French Uncovered review: French Uncovered
- Italian Uncovered review: Italian Uncovered
- German Uncovered review: German Uncovered
- Spanish Uncovered review: Spanish Uncovered
- Japanese Uncovered review: Japanese Uncovered
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to support what we do!
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
How much does living in different countries shape your personality and influence your personal development?
In an episode packed with cultural exploration anecdotes, writer, translator, and educator Kelsey Lechner shares her experience with learning six vastly different languages, keeping her career tightly related to languages in unexpected ways, and adapting to new cultures while living in countries like Tanzania, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Kelsey also shares her flexible language learning strategy pointers, which she developed while learning Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Swahili, and Bengali. She and Benny discuss how social acceptance works when trying to adjust to new cultures, how to take missteps in cross-cultural communication in stride, and how to deal with culture shocks.
(Psss… Wait until minute 28 for a funny anecdote about how mixing up Bangladesh and Spanish led Kelsey to hit up on someone without meaning to!)
Mentioned in this Episode
- Anki
- Kelsey’s posts on Fluent in 3 Months
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to support what we do!
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Are dead languages worth learning?
Latin learner, polyglot, and professional translator Brian Powell answers this question by explaining his experience with learning Latin and the way it changed his perspective on learning languages.
Among other topics discussed in this conversation with Benny, Brian explains the “Living Latin” movement, using Latin in a spoken way, and whether or not Latin is a useful stepping stone to learn modern romance languages.
Brian also shares about his love for grammar, insights on the other languages he has learned, including Arabic, Farsi, and French, as well as stories and tips from his career as a translator.
PS: Definitely listen to this episode if you want to hear Benny’s special pronunciation of Latin words :)
Mentioned in this Episode
- Brian’s blog post on Fluent in 3 Months: How to Speak Latin: A Beginner’s Guide to Living Latin
- Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata
- ScorpioMartianus YouTube channel
- MagisterCraft
- Latinitium
- Assimil
- italki
- IndustryArabic
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny starts off this episode with a personal case study related to language immersion at home: studying Egyptian Arabic while still living in Brasil back in 2012. He then gives his favorite tips for home immersion.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Greek learner, Nina, shares her experience taking part in the Challenge and connecting with her husband, in-laws, and daughter through Greek with hosts Benny and Shannon.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- LingQ
- Glossika
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Figuring out how much you want your language teachers to correct you
- How to get through the intermediate plateau
- Learning multiple languages simultaneously
- Reading to learn languages
- Coming back to languages after a break
- Becoming more direct with your language tutors in order to get the most out of your lessons
- Balancing your energy and being more aware of your energy levels
- Learning languages with the unpredictable schedule of having a new baby
- Learning your partner’s native language
- How Nina supports her daughter’s language learning and multilingualism
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Melanie, discusses taking part in the Challenge and connecting with her kids through French with hosts Benny and Shannon
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning French in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- How language helped Melanie find new ways to connect with her kids
- Learning a language alongside her kids and how supporting one another goes both ways
- Creating a language learning environment with 7 kids
- Learning a heritage language
- Ways to support your kids’ language learning
- How being a part of her kids’ language learning journeys has helped Melanie improve her own learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
The life of a polyglot globe-trotter only knows one constant: change! In this new update, Benny explains why his decision to postpone his trip to Thailand is the best for his goals in Thai. In fact, he will be focusing on including five languages in his daily life in the next few months.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Joaquin, explains how deciding to study in France helped him become serious about his goal to learn French, and how he kept his progress up by working hard to keep himself accountable.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Language Hacking French
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How to stay accountable when learning a new language
- Why being bilingual doesn’t mean it’s always easy learning new languages
- Joaquin, Elizabeth, and Benny’s ways to includes some fun language days to their learning schedule
- Mini-missions and how they make learning languages seem more approachable
- Joaquin’s experience with Language Hacking French
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Since Benny started travelling again, he has had to adapt his learning to his new schedule and route. In this episode, he shares his tips on how to make the most of a little-known WordReference feature, using flashcards in the best way, and keeping working on the languages you know even while traveling abroad.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Featured Resources
- Rebel with a Clause
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- Motivation around learning and how to make progress when you feel like you’re bad at something
- Dr. Oakley’s 3 language survival tools
- Advice Dr. Oakley would have given herself when she was starting out with language learning
- How to get back into a language you stopped learning
- How Dr. Oakley would start learning a new language today
- Dr. Oakley asks Benny what to do when a teacher assigns you things that just don’t make sense for you personally
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Featured in This Episode
- Learning How to Learn MOOC
- A Mind for Numbers
- Mindshift
- Benny’s Speak from Day 1 Method
Mentioned in this Episode
- Learning How to Learn MOOC
- A Mind for Numbers
- Mindshift
- Dr. Oakley’s website
- Evil Genes
- Benny’s Speak from Day 1 Method
- Kumon
- Smartick
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Dr. Oakley got into learning how to learn
- Joining the military to learn a new language at the Defense Language Institute
- Using the Speak from Day 1 Approach
- How Dr. Oakley’s philosophies around language learning influenced her learning in other fields
- Working as a Russian translator on Soviet trawlers, teaching in China, being an Army Captain in Germany, working as a radio operator at the South Pole Station and how these things shaped Dr Oakley’s perspectives
- How teaching makes you a better learner through retrieval practice
- The story behind the MOOC “Learning How to Learn”
- Tricks for encouraging your kids to love learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Spanish learner, Hez, chats with Benny and Shannon about fighting perfectionism and practicing patience in language learning.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Pimsleur
- Duolingo
- Benny’s Fluent in 3 Months book
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What to do when you’re impatient and you want to learn everything all at once
- Fighting perfectionism and being kind to yourself in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- The Buddhist idea of a Beginner’s Mind
- Keeping up your language learning during stressful periods in your life
- Ways to have fun with your language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this Ask Benny episode, Benny discusses his next language project. Benny will rediscover a language he already studied back in 2010 by flying from Brazil to a new surprise destination. He discusses his new approach to learning the language and his plans for preparing himself ahead of landing. Discover Benny’s next language project in this episode!
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.
Gabby Wallace, creator of Go Natural English, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about teaching English online, how renovating houses is like learning languages, and what it was like to live in a favela in Brazil.
Featured Resources
- italki
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- Building a language teaching business online
- Learning languages to travel - how to prepare and what to do with the language after travel is over
- Shannon and Benny’s tips for avoiding language interference with similar languages
- Gabby’s ideal day of language learning
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- TuneIn Radio
- Go Natural English Website
- Go Natural English on Youtube
- Go Natural English on Twitter
- Go Natural English on Instagram
- Go Natural English on Facebook
- Go Natural English Podcast
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What inspired Gabby to begin teaching English
- How being a language learner makes you a better language teacher
- Ways renovating houses and real estate connects to language learning
- How to balance really diverse projects
- Living in a favela in Brazil
- How to choose topics for online content as a language teacher
- Corporate language training
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this Ask Benny episode, Benny gives an update on his current language mission in Jericoacoara, Brazil, and the new hacks and strategies he has worked on and used. If you're looking into vocabulary-learning tips specifically, this episode is for you.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.
Luca Sadurny, co-founder of Mosalingua, talks about how learning French helped him discover that everyone can learn a language when using the right method. A discovery that later led to the foundation of the popular language learning resource Mosalingua.
Featured Resources
- Mosalingua
Join Our Patreon
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Mosalingua
- Luca’s website
Episode Overview
Some of the topics discussed in this episode include:
- Luca’s background and the background and development of Mosalingua
- Ikigai, a concept which motivates you to learn languages in the right way
- How everyone can learn languages if they have the right method
- How to raise trilingual children and the one-parent-one-language approach
- Time management techniques and how to find time for yourself
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Elena Motunono, former ESL teacher and now coach for language teachers, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about language teaching, the ethics of the online language teaching space, and sustainable language teaching.
Featured Resources
- Online Bound Podcast
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- Redefining what a “good” language teacher is
- Things language students should be aware of when choosing a teacher
- Our roles as thought leaders in the language space
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Online Bound Podcast
- Elena’s Instagram
- Elena’s Facebook
- Elena’s website
- Language Lessons film
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Going from in-person tutoring in Ukraine to teaching online
- Facing burnout as a language teacher and figuring out how to teach in a sustainable way
- Finding balance by saying no to many things as a language teacher and what to say no to
- Differences between online and offline teaching and setting realistic expectations for both
- How choosing one focus can help you feel more fulfilled in your teaching career
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Bosnian learner, Damian, chats with Benny and Shannon about finding connection with friends and family through languages.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus questions and loads more exclusive content.
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- uTalk
- italki
- Duolingo
- Memrise
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Why Damian learned Bosnian
- How Damian’s language learning changed when he joined the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Learning languages and music to set an example for his kids
- How to stay invested and motivated in your languages
- Connections between music and language
- Using scripts to prepare for conversations in another language
- Learning with more than one tutor and balancing the right number of lessons
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This Ask Benny episode is about flashcards, and how you can use your lessons or conversations with a tutor to create your vocabulary list. Benny explains how his tutor helps him make lists of words and phrases during lessons, and then what he does to turn this into flashcards using Anki.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Steve Kaufmann, renowned polyglot and founder of LingQ rejoins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about the LingQ language learning app, how intensive your language learning really needs to be and more.
Featured Resources
- LingQ
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- The origin story behind LingQ
- Steve’s philosophies and practices in motivation and habits
- Steve’s 3 survival language resources
- Steve’s ideal day of language learning
- Advice to those experiencing the intermediate plateau
- The importance of being active physically and comparisons between sports and language
- Feedback Benny and Shannon have received from language learners
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- LingQ
- Comprehensible Input
- Steve’s YouTube
- Steve’s Instagram
- Steve’s Twitter
- Steve’s website
- Steve’s first episode on the Language Hacking Podcast
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- LingQ and the journey to creating one of the most popular language learning tools
- How Steve’s son Mark went from hockey player to key player at LingQ
- How people read more than they may realize
- Expanding LingQ from a reading and listening app to a tool integrated with Youtube, Netflix and other platforms
- New features in LingQ
- How Steve’s own learning in LingQ has changed as new features are added
- Parallels between running a business and language learning
- How Steve’s beliefs around the intensity of language learning have changed
- Why language learners need to be okay with uncertainty
- How LingQ has impacted the lives of people all over the world
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy, bring on Kittichai, known as “The Duke” to talk about his role at Fluent in 3 Months, learning English and Japanese, and becoming a travel vlogger.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Kittichai’s Youtube Channel
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning Japanese using the Speak from Day 1 approach
- How Kittichai learned English and how it differed from his experience learning Japanese
- Working at an international company and adapting to the cultural differences
- How Fluent in 3 Months has influenced Kittichai’s language journey
- Being inspired by Benny’s travels and becoming a travel vlogger in Thailand
- Kittichai’s perspective on foreigners learning Thai
- The biggest struggles Thai learners face
- Why foreigners in Thailand often don’t learn Thai
- Using video games as a tool for learning languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny is a big fan of using social media to practise his languages, and in this Ask Benny episode, he shares tips and tricks for getting the most out of each social media platform. From making multiple profiles and choosing who to follow, to training the algorithm, Benny has figured out how to make Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok work for him.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Creator and proprietor of The Grammar Table, Ellen Jovin, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about traveling the country to discuss grammar, learning the languages of New York, and finding joy in learning grammar.
Featured Resources
- Rebel with a Clause
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- The most common grammar questions Ellen encountered on the road with The Grammar Table
- How knowing more grammar frees you from the confines of grammar
- Ellen’s ideal day with languages
- Ellen’s advice for someone who dreads learning grammar
- Ways to make learning grammar easier and how to remember it better
- Ellen’s grammar pet peeves
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Rebel with a Clause
- Essential Grammar for Business
- Ellen’s Twitter
- Ellen’s Instagram
- Ellen’s Facebook
- Ellen’s website
- Pimsleur
- Vocabulearn
- Michel Thomas
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Words and Worlds of New York and learning the languages of the city
- Why many people hate grammar and why Ellen doesn’t
- The positives of getting outside and pairing language learning with walking
- The story behind “The Grammar Table”
- Setting boundaries around grammar and common misconceptions
- Ways grammar rules are actually somewhat arbitrary
- Regional uses of languages and loving our linguistic diversity
- How The Grammar Table has also been an opportunity for Ellen to learn about other languages
- The power of humility in all things
- Playing with language and loving grammar and how things are put together
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this Ask Benny episode, Benny explains how he goes about making a personalised phrasebook. He shares examples of useful sentences that he knows he needs to use when introducing himself, as well as phrases for talking about his interests and work. Benny then explains how he compiles a vocab database, how he makes flashcards, and what other resources he uses during the process.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Creator of the immensely popular YouTube channel LangFocus, Paul Jorgenson, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about building a Youtube channel around a passion for languages, living abroad, and language dabbling.
Paul also shares his secrets for effective time management as he balances family life with his life as a creator and language learner by using non-negotiable routines.
Featured Resources
- italki
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- How to learn languages with different writing systems without apps
- Tips for overcoming stress and burnout
- Benny and Shannon’s strategies for speaking multiple languages without mixing them up
- Paul’s language survival resources
- Paul’s ideal day of language learning
- Advice for a complete beginner to language learning
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Living Languages Hebrew
- italki
- Arabic with Maha
- LangFocus Website
- LangFocus on YouTube
- LangFocus on Twitter
- LangFocus on Instagram
- LangFocus on Facebook
- GeoFocus on YouTube
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Learning languages with few accessible resources
- Strategies for making “difficult” languages easy to learn
- Moving to Japan and living in Japanese
- Dabbling in dozens of languages as a Youtube creator in order to create content
- Building a YouTube channel around an interest in languages
- Crowdsourcing audio samples of different languages
- How Paul’s language learning strategies have changed as tech has improved
- Being a public figure as an introvert
- Time management and the importance of non-negotiable routines as a content creator, language learner, and parent
- Being a role model and inspiration in the language community
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Spanish learner, Zsuzsanna, chats with Benny and Shannon about finally finding success in language learning, the importance of friendship and connections in language, and being a gregarious introvert.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning Spanish in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and finally finding success in language learning
- How friendships and connections can make learning languages a positive experience
- Being a gregarious introvert and what that means for language learning
- The importance of consistency
- Raising a bilingual son
- Learning Spanish through a non-native language
- Why Office Hours are one of the best parts of the Challenge
- How accountability can impact your success
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny explains how to apply the Pareto Principle (aka the 80/20 rule) to language learning. Benny shares how to go about focusing on 20% of a language to get you 80% of the results. He explains his ideas for what you can save until later, and what you should prioritise, so that you can keep your learning as efficient as possible, and make as much progress as you can without wasting time and effort on non-essential elements.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Enthusiastic learner, New York resident, musician, and polyglot, Fiel Sahir, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about finding mentors, learning heritage languages, studying Chinese with the Language Hacking Mandarin book, and using languages in a non-language-related field.
Fiel, in his own words, says one of his greatest strengths is his endless curiosity. It’s led to him making incredible connections, learning lots of languages, finding community, and a life of learning. If you’re interested in learning a heritage language, learning without strictly “studying” or how music influences your language learning, this is the episode for you.
Featured Resources
- Language Hacking Mandarin
- italki
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- How to learn languages without “studying”
- The influence music has on language learning
- How Benny and Shannon’s language learning philosophies have developed over years of learning
- Fiel’s future language learning plans
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Language Hacking Mandarin
- italki
- Polyglot Gathering
- Glossika
- Anki
- Easy Languages
- Olly Richard’s Books
- XiaoManNYC
- Speak from Day 1
- How to Use Chunking to Fire Up Your Language Learning
- Fiel’s Chat with Olly Richards
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How a long car ride led to Fiel’s passion for language learning
- Finding mentors and the role a good mentor can play in your growth
- The power of curiosity
- Studying music at a German university
- Learning a heritage language and connecting with culture
- What it’s like living in one of the most multilingual cities in the world
- The powerful influence of community in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Dutch learner, Corentin, chats with Benny and Shannon about “redefining” yourself as a language learner and finding success in your new identity.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Paul Nation
- Microsoft To Do
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Living in Brussels and needing to learn Dutch
- How to help your production in a language catch up to your comprehension
- When to focus on one language learning skill and when to focus on the four core skills
- “Redefining” yourself as a language learner
- Why the Challenge helped Corentin more than traditional language classes
- Taking control of your own language learning for success
- Using a to-do app to coordinate with a team while language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny shares the reasons he learned Esperanto and why it's so useful, despite it not being an officially recognized language. The international Esperanto community is one that Benny loves being a part of, not least because they know how to throw a good party! And learning this as one of your first languages has been shown to have significant benefits for learning subsequent languages, giving you momentum, confidence, and skills that are highly transferable.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Linguistics expert and language enthusiast, Simon Ager, talks with Benny and Elizabeth about creating one of the internet’s biggest (and first) encyclopedias of languages and writing systems.
On his website, omniglot.com, Simon has cataloged over 340 writing systems and collated information about more than 1,600 languages. Simon has studied a wide range of languages including Chinese, Japanese, French, German, and he has a particular interest in Celtic languages.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Simon’s Website
- Simon’s Twitter
- Radio Omniglot
- Omniglot on Facebook
- Duolingo
- Memrise
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- Comparing learning music and languages
- Singing as pronunciation practice
- Metaskills: The skill of learning a new skill
- Benny and Elizabeth’s best languages
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Making the most of immersion experiences
- Simon’s favourite resources, including Duolingo and Memrise
- A typical day of language learning
- First steps for using Omniglot.com
- Using your languages to aid research on Wikipedia
- Getting a Masters in Linguistics, and where it can take you
- Celtic languages and their revival
- Responding to “why bother?” criticism
- Integrating the four pillars of language into daily life
- People-watching in your target language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Professor, polyglot and all-round language expert, Alexander Argüelles, talks with Benny and Elizabeth about his routines, methods, favourite activities and language learning interests.
Professor Argüelles employs his vast experience to help people learn languages through a variety of methods, including reading circles and videos on his YouTube channel, and he shares a lot of advice and inspiration during this conversation.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Professor Argüelles‘ website
- Professor Argüelles‘ Q&A page
- Professor Argüelles‘ YouTube channel
- The Assimil Method
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What it’s like to be inside the brain of someone who speaks numerous languages
- Learning a language in 15 minutes a day
- Doing what you love in your language
- Reading in target languages
- A daily language learning routine
- How to learn a language through reading circles
- What shadowing is
- The “scriptorium” method
- Mythology, religion and language
- Digital detox and screen-free time
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week Benny shares some exciting news in a special Ask Benny episode. Benny is heading back out on the road, to live the nomadic life he loves. This means new language challenges and lots of interesting updates from his travels.
Things are also changing for the podcast, as this week we launch the option to support us on Patreon. The podcast is still continuing as normal on the usual channels, and if you sign up to Patreon at https://languagehacking.com/patreon you'll now get access to extended interviews, exclusive content from our hosts, discounts on Fi3M products and lots of other valuable language learning content.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
World traveler, tour coordinator, and language learner, Scott Brills, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to chat about “faking” comprehension, deep-diving into cultural experiences, and cross-country adventures around the world.
Scott has an impressive travel résumé having taken part in the Mongol Rally, traversing India in a rickshaw, and building a business that provides travelers with rich cultural immersion experiences. If you’re interested in travel, living abroad, or multicultural entrepreneurship, this is the episode for you.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Scott’s Website
- Scott’s Facebook
- Scott’s Twitter
- Scott’s Instagram
- Mongol Rally
- Rickshaw Run
- Pamoja Safaris
- Benny’s Mt. Kilimanjaro Story
Patreon Extended Episode
Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads more content. Here’s what you’ll hear in the long-form episode:
- Dealing with the logistics of building work and making a living in other countries
- Scott’s ideal language learning routine
- Scott’s 3 Language Survival Resources
- How to fit in language learning as a busy entrepreneur
- What the hosts’ favorite languages are
- What languages the hosts struggled with most
- Memorable gaffs the hosts made in their languages
Learn more and access this bonus content on Patreon.
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Living abroad at a young age in Japan
- Combatting loneliness and fear of living alone in another country
- How to get through the roadblocks along the path to fluency
- Why you sometimes just need to be thrown into the deep end
- Running culinary tours in Japan and safaris in Tanzania
- Taking part in the Mongol Rally, driving through 16 countries for charity and learning to rely on the support of strangers
- Traveling across India in a rickshaw on three different occasions
- Learning a language by “faking” comprehension
- Gaining the confidence to approach complete strangers in another language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Our first ever Language Hacking Podcast guest, author, and course creator, Scott Young, revisits the show to catch up with Benny and Shannon and share what’s changed for him over the last two years with his language learning and projects.
Scott is an expert on learning and how to work better. He’s a best-selling author who took on the MIT Challenge, A Year Without English, and many more intensive learning projects. In this episode, he shares many of his thoughts on momentum, confidence, and balancing life with other pursuits.
Featured Resources
- Ultralearning
- Rapid Learner
Mentioned in this Episode
- Ultralearning
- Rapid Learner
- Scott’s Website
- Scott’s Twitter
- Scott’s Facebook
- Scott’s Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Scott’s life has changed over the past two years
- Building a multilingual family and learning Macedonian
- How to stay engaged in learning
- Dealing with the long-term maintenance work of learning languages
- How to get back into learning after losing momentum and confidence
- Time and energy management for intensive learning projects
- Setting concrete learning goals
- Top 5 things Scott learned since our last discussion with him
- How to prioritize personal projects
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts, Shannon Kennedy and Elizabeth Bruckner catch up and talk about how this last year has been a time of learning, and building self-compassion and resilience in both language learning and life.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Pimsleur
- Shannon’s Spotify
- French Sunnyside
- Language Conqueror: Mindfulness
- Power of Now
- When Good Things Happen to Bad People
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Al-Anon
- Overeaters Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Debtors Anonymous
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Moving your body and language learning to help with anxiety and other negative emotions
- Putting yourself out there with positive energy and being open to connection
- The power of being quiet and observation before jumping in
- The art of being interested in other people and being of service to others
- Touch and tactile learning
- Sneaking in language learning in unexpected situations
- Keeping an index card with a list of tools and an action plan for difficult moments
- Mindfulness practices and language learning
- Re-reading your favorite books in another language
- 12-step meetings and using them for language learning
- Art and music therapy
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This new episode is all about language islands. Benny explains how creating these specific areas of language knowledge, based on your personal needs or interests, is a solid way to build confidence and get speaking when you start learning a language. And using these topics as a focus will help you reach fluency quicker, as you're able to talk about your islands in depth, and with confidence.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy catch up and share what their own recent language learning projects, takeaways, and milestones have been, as they approach the 100th episode of the podcast.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Benny’s Instagram
- Benny’s Facebook
- Benny’s Twitter
- Shannon’s Instagram
- Shannon’s Website
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What Shannon and Benny have been working on in the last year
- Shannon’s thoughts on consolidation and consistency in language learning
- Why Benny needs projects and urgency to find success in language learning
- Personal challenges Benny and Shannon have faced and how they worked through them
- Shannon and Benny’s plans over the next year
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Italian learner, Louisa, speaks to Benny and Shannon about how she learned as much about herself, as she did about languages, while taking part in the Challenge.
Louisa found as many opportunities to personally develop in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge as she did as learned Italian.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Innovative Languages
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Innovative Languages
- Language Transfer
- Notion
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Language learning goals
- Learning about yourself while learning languages
- Starting over with language learning as an adult
- Using role play to learn languages
- Traveling to Italy and getting to use the language
- The struggles and rewards of using a speaking-based approach to learning languages
- The importance of breaks
- Why language learning apps become “busy work”
- Language learning routines during intensive study periods and around everyday life
- How to get through moments of self-doubt
- Building language islands
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny shares how he uses the "Pomodoro Technique" in his language missions,, and explains how you can use it to work or study for longer periods of time. The Pomodoro Technique is a very accessible system of working that requires nothing more than a timer and a little bit of self discipline (but not that much!). Benny has found it really helps him to manage his ADHD, maintain focus, and not give into distractions.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge winner, Fiona, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her progress learning Italian, the myth of “natural talent”, and how excited she is to speak to family, friends and Italian locals without the need of a translator.
This episode features Fiona, who made significant progress with Italian in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Benny’s Mt. Kilimanjaro Story
- Benny’s Instagram
- Benny’s Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Busting the myth of “natural talent”
- Getting help with you’re a technophobe
- The two-way street of the Challenge community
- Overcoming reluctance to create videos
- Differences between learning in school and learning with the Challenge
- How Fiona learns Italian from her daughter and practises with her husband
- Tips for new language learners and first time Challengers
- Finding every opportunity you can to talk in your target language
- Combining language practise with exercise and building routines
- Perseverance as the key to success and parallels with climbing a mountain
- Benny’s approach to learning and maintaining multiple languages
- How to mindfully approach strangers in their native language
- Memorising ice-breaker phrases for striking up conversation, or just barging in!
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Business coach and self-proclaimed “VietNomad”, Jeremy Ginsbury, talks with Benny Lewis about his experiences living in Israel, Ghana and Vietnam, and being on reality TV in another language.
Ready to get back into more serious language learning, Jeremy reflects on the bits and pieces of different languages he has picked up throughout his life, and how the positive feedback he has received by locals has been a great source of motivation.
Featured Resources
- Speak in a Week
Mentioned in this Episode
- Jeremy’s website
- Jeremy’s Facebook
- Jeremy’s Instagram
- Speak in a Week course
Jeremy’s Fluent in 3 Months articles - Wim Hof and ice baths
Episode Overview
Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:
- The impact of using the foreign version of your name when travelling
- Studying abroad in Israel and Ghana
- Facing depression when living and working abroad
- Ways personalities change in different languages and countries
- “Beginner’s mind” and the power of naivety
- Failing fast and failing often
- Knowing yourself being very important for learning
- Jeremy’s experience on a Vietnamese reality TV show
- Integrating your interests into your language learning - yoga, music, ice bathing
- Using communities you’re part of through hobbies, as a way to practise language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode, Benny talks about why, after many years of using it, Anki is still his favourite app for language learning. Anki is a free flashcard app that utilises spaced repetition theory to help you learn vocabulary that you input yourself. While some people may find Anki a bit bland, Benny explains how the simplicity of the software not only makes learning more efficient and focussed, but also has a lot of specific benefits for someone with ADHD.
Benny guides you through the key features of Anki and the process of importing your own vocabulary lists, so you can make sure you're learning words that are relevant to you.
You can find a more detailed guide to using Anki here: https://www.fluentin3months.com/anki-cards/
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant, Sam, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about how the Challenge changed the way he learned languages and helped him find consistency and discover new language learning methods.
This episode features Sam, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
- Glossika
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
- Glossika
- Daily Show
- Quizlet
Episode Overview
Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:
- Hating languages in school and going on to love them later in life
- Discovering your learning style and how it leads to success
- How the Challenge changed the way Sam learned languages
- How to work through roadblocks in your learning
- Why “done” is better than perfect
- Using comedy as a language learning tool
- Combining writing with shadowing as a learning method
- How novelty and newness can keep you engaged and excited about your languages
- Stick-with-it-ness and the power of consistency
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge coach, Laetitia, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her varied experience learning or dabbling in many languages: English, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch and Vietnamese.
This episode features Laetitia, who made significant progress with several language in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Duolingo
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Duolingo
- Discord
- Learning with Texts
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The importance of having an inspirational tutor
- Things to consider when looking for a tutor
- Finding your tribe with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- The pitfall of expecting learning to be passive
- Why you should take the time to find out which methods and resources work for you
- Being as nice to yourself as you would be to a friend
- The pointlessness and dangers of comparisons and perfectionism
- Remember, you don’t know every word in your native language!
- How technology can be a great tool for learning, so don’t be scared of it
- Reading to maintain languages and being happy to understand 60%
- Culture shock and learning “on the job” in Japan - a little goes a long way
- How to create an effective language exchange
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
For this episode, Benny shares his opinions and experience of the Duolingo app. Getting points and maintaining a streak may be great motivators, but does it really work if you want to speak the language? Benny explains how gamified apps can be a valuable part of your language learning, but to be successful, there is another important element that should be central to your practise.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and coach, Tom, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his building confidence and courage as an introverted language learner as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
This episode features Tom, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Duolingo
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Duolingo
- Mel Robbins
- Todoist
Episode Overview
Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:
- Learning new writing systems and Asian languages
- Using scripts to get ahead in your conversations in another language
- Why you sometimes need to do things that are outside your comfort zone, like videos, to get ahead in your learning
- How introversion impacts your language studies - both good and bad
- How to pick the right language tutor
- How to build confidence and courage in yourself and your language skills
- Maintaining motivation when life throws curveballs at you
- Tips for avoiding the comparison trap
- Choosing things to talk about in another language
- How to get through moments in conversations where you don’t understand
- Why it’s important to celebrate success - whether big or small
- Juggling multiple languages as a hobbyist
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Long-time participant in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Manish, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his experience learning a wide variety of languages through many different methods.
This episode features Manish, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Pimsleur
- italki
- Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Goldlist Method
- Spanish Speaking Hacks
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Finding the confidence to talk to strangers in another language
- What to do if someone close to you doesn’t support your language goals
- Moving from in-person to online learning
- Juggling multiple languages from diverse language families
- The value of community and support
- Manish’s many years of experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Strategies for reviewing languages and notes
- Paying it forward and sharing your experience with new learners
- The importance of learning colloquial language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week’s Ask Benny is a celebration of the Irish language. Benny talks about some of his favourite websites for learning Irish, including dictionaries, media sites, and other useful resources. This special episode is essential listening for anyone learning, or wanting to learn, Gaeilge (the Irish language). Links to all of the resources Benny mentions in this episode can be found below.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Featured Resources
- Teanglann dictionary
- TG4
- Mol Scéal news site
- Gaeilge Amháin Facebook group
- Gaeilge Subreddit
- MemesAsGaeilge Subreddit
- Tuairisc news site
- Nós news site
- Learning with Texts
- GaelGram grammar checker
- Foclach - Irish Wordle
- Benny’s Irish Twitter
- Benny’s Irish Instagram
- Benny’s Irish Tiktok
In this week’s special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Community Coach for the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Sadelle Wiltshire, talks with Elizabeth and Benny about learning Irish and joining the Challenge at an upper-beginner level.
This episode features Sadelle, who made significant progress with her Irish speaking abilities in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Clozemaster
- italki
- Benny’s top Irish resources
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Benny’s Irish Instagram
- Benny’s Irish TikTok
- Benny’s Irish Twitter
- Teanglann dictionary
- Focloir dictionary
- Tearma dictionary
- Potafocal dictionary
- Futurelearn Irish from Dublin City University
- Gaeilge Gan Stró beginner textbook
- Ranganna beginner course
- Free Zoom classes from Philo-Celtic Society
- Let’s Learn Irish
- Tuairisc news site with learner content
- Nós online magazine
- Childrens’ stories
- Craic le Gaeilge Discord server
- Irish Wordle
- TG4 streaming TV shows in Irish
- Raidió na Gaeltachta
- Seachtain na Gaeilge
Additional Recommended Resources
- Conradh na Gaeilge Los Angeles
- Daltaí na Gaeilge
- Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir / The North American Gaeltacht
- Irish language book club
- Video news clips and transcripts from Maynooth University - intermediate
- Children’s newsletter from Maynooth University - beginner
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Joining the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge at an A2 level
- Humor as a motivator when learning
- Music and singing when learning Irish
- Getting your head around Irish pronunciation
- How to deal with the different Irish dialects
- Gaelic vs Irish
- How to build a community in your target language
- First steps and resources for Irish
- The secret to having fun in your target language
- Overcoming shyness, perfectionism and fear of speaking
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language dabbler and native Spanish speaker, Elena Guillén, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning Hindi during the pandemic, as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
This episode features Elena, who found the routine and structure of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped her make significant progress with Hindi in just 90 days.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The pros of being an introverted language learner
- Learning languages with ADD and finding focus
- Using structures vs frameworks
- Overcoming perfectionism and distraction
- Tips for studying lesser-learned and ancient languages
- Finding commonalities between languages
- Advantages and disadvantages of knowing multiple languages
- Learning through music, songs and films
- Learning vocabulary with the “goldlisting” method
- The power of community and accountability
- The fun of learning different writing systems
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode Benny gives a pep-talk to help you find motivation and courage to start a conversation in your target language. It can be so tempting to avoid speaking, whether it's because you're shy, embarrassed, or scared of making mistakes. But if you can bite the bullet and take the leap, you'll be surprised by just how much you can achieve. Listen to this episode if you need a bit of a confidence boost!
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Listening expert, Cara Leopold, talks with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about how she helps people improve their ability to understand fast-talking native speakers.
For the majority of people, listening is the first language skill we develop - it actually starts before we’re born! Cara explains how visual context, transcripts, and relevant content are all crucial for effective listening development. She also talks about how English changes when it’s spoken quickly, and gives advice for using subtitles effectively to learn a language by watching movies.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Leo Listening
- ANV Cop 21
- Alternatiba
- L’Affaire du Siècle
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The stress of classroom listening activities at school
- Why our listening ability may be behind our other language skills
- Overcoming the fear that comes with not understanding when someone speaks
- Visual clues playing an important role in listening
- How to improve your listening comprehension
- Ways to use TV and movies as tools to improve listening
- Different ways to use subtitles effectively
- Being an eco-friendly language learner
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language Mastery creator and author, John Fotheringham, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss “anywhere immersion”, learning difficult languages, and finding the fun in language learning.
John has a wealth of experience learning Japanese and Mandarin, which he shares with us in this episode. If you’re interested in learning either of these, or any other “difficult” language, this is the episode for you.
Featured Resources
- Master Japanese
- Master Chinese
Mentioned in this Episode
- Master Japanese
- Master Chinese
- Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies
- Total Physical Response
- Is Japanese Hard to Learn?
- 5 Steps to Learn Japanese Anywhere in the World
- Gabriel Wyner
- The Power of When
- Atomic Habits
- Four Tendencies Book
- Better Than Before
- Goodreads
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning “difficult” languages like Japanese and Mandarin
- How to immerse yourself in a language at home
- Practising your language with Alexa
- Learning languages through activities that you love
- Living abroad and creating memories in the local languages
- How to choose language learning tools and methods suited to you personally
- Fun ways to learn languages
- Experiencing languages as a learner, teacher, and mentor
- Recommended books for language learners
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this week's "Ask Benny" episode, Benny addresses the problem of finding content in a less commonly spoken (or learned) language, and shares how he "trains" online algorithms to find the content he wants. He also reveals his method for finding good radio stations in your target language, and who he likes to ask for recommendations.
Benny put together this episode based on his recent experience seeking out engaging content in Catalan, Irish, and American Sign Language (ASL).
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Soccer coach and fitness trainer, Andrew Hamerlinck, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning German and Spanish to chat with his fellow soccer players in their native languages.
This episode features Andrew, who made significant progress with his German and Spanish speaking abilities in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Language Hacking Spanish
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How language and sports intersect
- Using mini milestones or missions to say motivated
- The importance of discipline, accountability, and community
- Habit-stacking fitness and language learning
- Building scripts
- Language islands
- Using “dials” to assess your workload
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Writer and long-term expat, Alicya, speaks with Benny and Elizabeth about learning French through the lens of another passion - wine tasting.
This episode features Alicya, who made significant progress with her French speaking ability in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Wine Tasting Course
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Arriving in France with zero French
- Why the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge is so good, even for a shy or introverted person
- What it’s like living in France as an American
- Why Alicya had a harder time with French than Spanish and Italian
- How to make the most of a language exchange opportunity
- Raising a bilingual child
- Learning to read, and reading to learn
- Wine as a gateway to learning about French culture and history
- Developing a French “wine language island”
- Learning to do things using your target language
- How to tackle a polyglot Challenge
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week Benny talks about his experience with Mandarin, and why it doesn't deserve its reputation of being a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. He explains that if you focus on speaking, and leave the Chinese characters to one side, there are actually a lot of things that make Mandarin less complicated than many other languages.
Benny discusses learning and teaching Mandarin with Northwestern University professor, Dr. LiCheng Gu in more detail in episode 85. Benny, Shannon Kennedy, and Dr Gu worked together to write the new "Language Hacking Mandarin" book, which is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to make quick and effective progress speaking Chinese.
You can get a copy of "Language Hacking Mandarin" here.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Northwestern University Professor and author, Dr. LiCheng Gu, has a conversation with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about co-authoring Language Hacking Mandarin, how language education has changed over the last 30 years, and why Chinese is easier than you think.
Language Hacking Mandarin is available now. You can order it from your preferred retailer, online or in stores.
Featured Resources
- Language Hacking Mandarin
Mentioned in this Episode
- Language Hacking Mandarin
- Chinese for Heritage Learners
- Picture Characters
- Chinese with Lulu and Maomao
- Integrated Chinese
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Teaching foreign languages at the university level
- How language education has changed over the last 30 years
- Learning Chinese characters
- Why Chinese is easier than you think
- Common challenges Chinese learners face and how to overcome them
- Creating language courses and books
- Working on the Language Hacking Mandarin book, and how its approach to language teaching is vastly different from traditional language learning
- The conversational approach to language learning and how it “sits” in academia
- Advice for getting started with Chinese
- Using pinyin when learning Chinese
- How languages are taught and learned in China versus the US
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Inner French podcast creator and host, Hugo Cotton, chats with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about using languages as tools to learn about other things, choosing compelling language content, and how to use what you’re hearing in another language in conversations.
Hugo knows how to both choose and create compelling comprehensible input for language learners. He uses this strength to host the popular language podcast, Inner French.
Featured Resources
- Inner French
Mentioned in this Episode
- Inner French
- Real Polish podcast
- Inner French Apple Podcasts
- Inner French Spotify
- Inner French Youtube
- Language Hacking podcast episode with Anja Winter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The story behind the creation of Inner French
- Using languages as a tool to learn about other things
- What Hugo likes about certain language learning podcasts
- Good resources for learning a language in this way, without being too complicated
- Tricks for finding good resources in another language
- Choosing compelling content as a language teacher
- Using controversial conversation topics to spark interest and passion
- Biggest struggles French learners face
- How to use what you’re hearing and learning in another language, in conversations
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week, Benny looks at the four pillars of language - reading, writing, speaking, and listening - and talks about his approach to each of them. He also shares his favourite online resources for working on each skill. For beginner learners who want to speak a new language, Benny's advice is to focus almost all your efforts on speaking and listening. If speaking is your goal, it should be your main focus.
Using graded materials such as podcasts is a great way to practise listening, and later, short texts like Twitter posts or online articles will help you make reading progress without getting overwhelmed. Writing is a low priority for most learners until the advanced stages, unless you need it for your job.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Liz from Talk the Streets chats with Benny Lewis about her passion for speaking Portuguese, living in Portugal, and helping others learn the language so that they can enrich their experiences in the country.
Liz made it her mission to introduce more people to the Portuguese language and culture, after being shocked to find her university textbooks in the “Miscellaneous Languages” section of the library. She tells Benny about her experience moving to live permanently in Lisbon, and how she’s expanding opportunities to learn European Portuguese, rather than the more prevalent Brazilian dialect.
Featured Resources
- Drops
Mentioned in this Episode
- Liz’s YouTube
- Talk the Streets website
- Liz’s Instagram
- Liz’s Facebook
- Memrise
- Drops
- Lyrics Training
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning Spanish at school and adding Portuguese at university
- Why Portugal is a good place for entrepreneurs to live
- The biggest differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese
- Learning about culture through language and music
- Why Liz chose to focus on learning European Portuguese
- Resources specific to learning European Portuguese
- Culture shock when moving to Portugal
- Liz’s “eureka!” moment with her Portuguese level
- Techniques and methods for getting started learning Portuguese
- How intermediate speakers can improve their pronunciation
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language coach and French teacher, Carine Lemaire, shares about her experience growing up trilingual, being a language learner with ADHD, watching 300 hours of TV, and the pitfalls of language apps.
Carine’s approach to teaching is very student-led, and she has a great understanding of how important it is to learn in a way that suits you and your personality. She talks about how her ADHD impacts her study routine, and ways to manage “type A” students’ expectations.
Featured Resources
- italki
- LingQ
Mentioned in this Episode
- Carine’s website
- French Chatter podcast
- Carine’s italki profile
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Growing up trilingual (French, Italian and Swahili), and losing a language when you stop practising it
- David Bowie and other British music as a motivation to learn English
- Pros and cons of teaching groups and one-to-one
- How to solve language learning “emergencies”
- Watching 300 hours of TV to improve listening skills
- The importance of trust between teacher and student
- How to learn languages as a “type A” person
- Benny’s daily language learning routine (or lack thereof)
- Working with, and around, ADHD
- The pitfalls of gamified learning apps
- Becoming a writer in a non-native language, and learning by making mistakes
- Differences between French in France and Belgium
- Carine’s French Chatter podcast, and learning from intermediate French speakers
- Persistence, variety, and being fearless in your language practise
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
After several years living in the USA, Benny is finally returning to a life of full-time travel. This means he'll have a lot more opportunities to use his languages and build new language skills. In terms of language learning, the plan is to spend the first half of the year working hard to push his main languages to their best. As for the second half of the year... that's a story still to unfold.
To access our New Year deals visit languagehacking.com/deals.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny loves helping people start their language learning journey. Whether it's your first new language or your tenth, it's important to consider how you start, so you can build confidence quickly. In this episode Benny talks about how to get set up with spoken lessons and how to find course recommendations. And of course, having friends who support you is key - whether you join the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, or build your own community, it's the most important way to ensure continued success.
To access our New Year deals visit languagehacking.com/deals.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny looks towards the New Year and shares ways you can make your New Year's Resolutions more effective. More often than not, vague goals fizzle out over time, but you'll have much more success if you're SMART in setting your resolutions.
To access our New Year deals visit languagehacking.com/deals.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode features Yawhann, who learned conversational Cantonese and Mandarin in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Ramit Sethi
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How parents can encourage their kids to embrace their heritage languages
- Why “I don’t have enough time” is usually an excuse rather than a good reason
- Strategies for keeping conversations with natives in your target language
- Using your technical skills in learning languages
- The ways language creates cultural connections
- Hann’s experience in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and the importance of accountability
- Learning similar languages
- When it’s the right time to learn your second, second language
- Reframing your language learning progress as successes rather than small steps
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny is getting stuck back into some language projects, which have recently included Irish, Spanish, Chinese, and Catalan. As he's doing this, he's taken the opportunity to reflect on how difficult life events and mental health challenges have impacted his language learning. It has been challenging, with some very hard times leading to Benny making his mental health recovery a priority.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Holistic language coach, Lina Vasquez, talks to Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about growing up multilingual, holistic language learning, and how personal development impacts how you learn languages.
Lina really understands herself as a learner, and knows how to play to her strengths. She uses her knowledge of psychotherapy and positive psychology to help people understand themselves better, so they can approach learning in a way that will be both effective and enjoyable.
Featured Resources
- Lina’s Coaching
Mentioned in this Episode
- Lina’s Coaching
- Lina Vasquez
- Lina’s Facebook
- Lina’s Instagram
- Lina’s Youtube
- Lina’s Clubhouse
- Lina’s LinkedIn
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Growing up bilingual
- Deciding when to dabble and when to deep dive with a language
- What holistic learning is and what holistic language coaching looks like
- Incorporating meditation into language learning
- Quick tips for implementing a more holistic language learning approach
- Mindfulness practices for language learners
- Using your strengths and personality to design your language learning routine
- Building your self-esteem and confidence by getting to know yourself
- Indirect ways personal development impacts your language learning
- Mental blocks that get in our way of our overall development and how to break through them
- Lina’s personal strategies for learning languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week Benny gives an update about his own language learning progress and shares his method for jump-starting a dormant language. In 2006 Benny spent the summer intensively learning Catalan, but hasn't maintained it since. After 15 years of letting this language lie dormant, it's time to get it back ahead of his upcoming trip to Mallorca.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny, Elizabeth, and team members from Fluent in 3 Months share their favourite gifts for language learners. Use this to get ideas for your festive shopping this year, or pass this wishlist on to your friends, family, and Santa Claus!
Whether you’re thinking about what to buy or what you’d like to receive, this episode is packed with ideas that will help make this a perfect polyglot Christmas. We’ve got suggestions for all budgets, all language levels, and all ages, so you’re bound to find something that will put a smile on a language learner’s face this festive season.
Featured Gifts
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Language Hacking books
- Preply
- The Bullet Journal Method
- Panda Planner
- Time Timer
- Dabble Spanish course
- Script Hacking books
- Olly Richards’ Short Stories
- Urbion Card Game
- Kindle Fire tablet
Mentioned in this Episode
- Christmas food traditions around the world
- Book Depository
Episode Overview
Some of the gift ideas mentioned during the episode are:
- A bullet journal, colourful pens, and sticky notes
- A ringbinder, plastic pockets, paper, and hole puncher
- Books, and graphic novels
- The Harry Potter series, Marc Levy, and Edward Rutherford books
- Recipe books, and cooking a traditional Christmas dish
- A magazine subscription
- Making a playlist of target language songs
- Giving someone the gift of time so they can study
- A board game, and children’s activity books
- Gift cards for books or online lessons, and coupons for tech support
- Keyboard cover/skin, and wireless or waterproof headphones
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Polyglot and language coach, Gabriel Silva, talks with Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his method for learning two languages at the same time, and the joy of random interactions in your target language.
Gabriel is very active on YouTube and Instagram, and his popular #1SentenceChallenge inspires learners around the world to share videos of their progress. Gabriel helps his students to manage their expectations when it comes to learning, and is very transparent about how long it has taken him to reach milestones in his languages.
Featured Resources
- Gabriel’s Book “Terrible at Learning Languages: No More!”
- Pimsleur
Mentioned in this Episode
- Gabriel’s Book “Terrible at Learning Languages: No More!”
- Gabriel’s YouTube
- Gabriel’s Instagram
- Pimsleur
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Fluctuations in motivation and how to “ride the wave”
- The pitfalls of grammar-based languages courses
- Finding the fun and pleasure in language learning
- The joy of interactions with random people in your target language
- Matching your learning activities to your energy levels
- An 80/20 approach to learning two languages at once
- Managing frustration and not giving up
- The benefit of walking away from a problem for a while, and adding variety to your learning
- Gabriel’s #1SentenceChallenge
- Consistency as the key to progress
- How recording yourself speaking, even just for yourself, can be so helpful
- How to manage expectations, and how being part of a community can really help
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny shares how he manages lessons when he is particularly busy. We all have weeks that are busier than usual. Benny recommends that you resist the temptation to cancel your lessons! It's not ideal to skip the prep, but the lesson can still be really valuable if you follow Benny's advice.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
19-year-old student, Ben Phillips, talks to Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his experience of doing a highschool German exchange programme, and how he stayed focussed and motivated enough to reach C1 level after just a year.
Ben explains how, after unsuccessfully dabbling in Japanese, Greek and Mandarin, he was able to excel at German in such a short period of time, how and why reading is so integral to his learning, and the ways he has been able to travel and live abroad more or less for free.
Featured Resources
- Anki
- italki
- LingQ
Mentioned in this Episode
- Ben’s article on the Fluent in 3 Months blog
- Anki
- italki
- LingQ
- Memrise
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)
- Workaway
- Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- High school language exchanges and language camp with the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange
- Attending a German school and the joy of finally being able to participate in a class discussion
- Taking and passing the C1 test in German after only a year of learning
- How to make the most of opportunities to learn a language while living abroad
- The importance of keeping your goal in mind
- How speaking with people and learning about a culture in your target language is its own reward
- Overcoming the temptation to slip back into English while living abroad
- How to set monthly goals and why they’re useful
- How to find time to study and still do the things you enjoy in your free time
- Tracking your accomplishments, like finishing a book in your target language
- Reading as a key part of your language practice - novels, Twitter, and using LingQ
- Finding motivation to study when you don’t have the pressure of being in the country
- Scholarships and work exchanges as ways to travel and have enriching experiences abroad for free
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Polyglot and avid traveller, Doree Huneven, joins Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner to talk about her experience learning multiple languages, travelling the world, and how the violin has made her a better learner.
Doree shares why she thinks discipline is the key to being a successful language learner and having fun, and why the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge is so appealing, even to an experienced language learner. We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Linguaphone
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How a family camping trip to Mexico sparked her love of languages
- Teaching English in Egypt and learning Arabic
- How studying and teaching the violin help with language learning
- Why discipline is an invaluable asset
- The value of being active in the Fi3M Challenge community
- Why, as an experienced language learner, she still joined the Fi3M Challenge
- Developing communities as you travel
- The desire to connect with people as a driving force for learning
- How language resources have changed over the last 50 years
- Mimicking phrases, copying body language, and blending in with locals when you travel
- Saving money, cutting costs, and making travel more financially accessible
- The “Doree Huneven Reward System”
- What Doree does with her “sleeping” languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny shares his advice about how to prepare for a 1-1 language lesson, and his method for note taking before, during, and after lessons.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Linguist and professional researcher joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss comprehensible input, compelling input, and language acquisition.
Stephen Krashen is a professor emeritus who is well-known for his work and research into comprehensible input. He has hundreds of publications to his name and has greatly contributed to the field of language acquisition.
Featured Resources
- Stephen Krashen
Mentioned in this Episode
- Stephen Krashen’s Website
- Stephen Krashen on Twitter
- Steve Kaufmann
- Noam Chomsky
- Tracy Terrell
- Biological Foundations of Language
- TPRS
- Beniko Mason
- Bill VanPatten
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How a trip to Ethiopia led to Stephen Krashen’s career in linguistics
- How adults go through a predictable language acquisition pattern
- Why we know grammar but struggle to use it correctly, and how to bridge this gap
- What comprehensible input is and why it works
- How comprehensible input differs from compelling input
- Why graded readers are effective resources for language learners
- The power of reading fiction
- How the speaking approach is still a mostly input approach
- Making the shift from input to output
- Accents, and how we’re better at them than we think
- Managing your time with multiple languages
- Romanization and its role in language acquisition
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with Juliana Russell of Language Mindset about supporting kids learning languages, resilience in language learning, and if kids really are better language learners than adults
Featured Resources
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Gus on the Go
- Duolingo
- The Language Mindset
- Juliana’s Instagram
- Juliana’s Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Developing a passion for languages through failure
- Building a language business
- Strategies for teaching children languages
- Are kids really better language learners than adults?
- Advantages and disadvantages for kids learning languages
- How parents can support their children learning another language even if they’re not a native speaker
- How to be a more resilient language learner
- How to support a child who is resisting learning a new language
- Ways to practice language with your kids outside of the classroom
- How to maintain your languages when you can’t travel
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week Benny talks about how to approach speaking sessions with a teacher differently, depending on your level. The "Speak from Day One" approach is an excellent starting point for beginners, but it's important to make sure you're improving and being challenged as you move into intermediate and beyond. Benny describes how and when he likes a teacher to correct mistakes, and how you can use homework assignments to really drive improvement.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with musician and translator Jeremy Bardo about his experience going viral with a Spanish language music video. We also discuss the myth of the language gene and finding joy in embarrassing moments.
Featured Resources
- Speak from Day 1
- Language Hacking Spanish
Mentioned in this Episode
- Speak from Day 1
- Language Hacking Spanish
- Memrise
- Stop Making Excuses
- Jeremy Bardo’s Youtube
- Las Flores Se Abrirán
- Jeremy’s Website
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The myth of the “language gene”
- Overcoming perfectionism by finding joy in embarrassing moments
- Finding balance in your language studies
- The power of technology in language learning
- Cognates and how they can help you
- Using a Spanish phrase book as a conversation starter
- How learning languages helps you become a more compassionate language teacher
- Important qualities language teachers should have
- Identifying when an error is important and deserves feedback with your students
- Using your interests to learn languages
- Recording music and going viral in your non-native language
- Finding a foothold in a new language with just a few words
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Brittany, who learned conversational Japanese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- JapanesePod101
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- JapanesePod101
- Memrise
- Pimsleur
- Wanikani
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How the Challenge helped Brittany become an effective, independent language learner
- How and why the Speak from Day 1 approach works
- Ways to stay engaged in your language learning
- The power of scripting as a language learning tool
- The impact of community in language learning
- Building confidence through consistency
- How the Challenge helped Brittany become a better English tutor
- Strategies for overcoming perfectionism
- Japanese resources for independent study
- Why it’s important to understand the culture of your language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
As a beginner, the idea of having a lesson where you only speak your target language can seem impossible. Benny shares some great ideas and resources that you can use to avoid your native language and start as you mean to go on. Speaking from day one is a daunting prospect, but with a bit of preparation and planning, it's absolutely achievable.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Manuel of “Herr Professor” about growing up multilingual, teaching German, and how engineers approach language learning.
Featured Resources
- Herr Professor
Mentioned in this Episode
- Tiny Habits
- Stephen Krashen’s Comprehensible Input
- Herr Professor
- Herr Professor Courses
- Herr Professor Podcast
- James Asher’s Total Physical Response
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Manuel used his technical background to learn new languages
- How to turn language input into output
- Why speaking is one of the biggest challenges for language learners
- What makes input useful and how to avoid passive listening
- What to do when you have trouble focusing on your language learning tools
- How to find compelling, comprehensible input at your language level
- Why building habits is so important in language learning
- The importance of being able to drop things that don’t work and focus on the things that do
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Sara Maria Hasbun, founder of Meridian Linguistics, shares about psycholinguistics, working in the language industry, and “extreme” language learning.
Featured Resources
- Meridian Languages
- Glossika
Mentioned in this Episode
- Meridian Languages
- Glossika
- Tempo App on iOS
- Tempo App on Android
- Sara’s Website
- Sara on Instagram
- Sara on Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Choosing which language to learn
- Learning languages in diverse language families
- Studying psycholinguistics
- Dialect and accent in sign languages
- Living in different countries and learning the languages
- Differences between a polyglot and a linguist
- Learning a language with few resources
- Why fluency doesn’t need to be the end goal for learning a language
- Deciding when to learn a new language and when to focus on past languages
- Technology and language
- Balancing entrepreneurship in languages with language learning
- Using accountability systems for motivation
- Rote learning and its benefits
- Combatting the boring aspects of language learning with tricks and bribes
- Lessons from living abroad
- “Extreme” language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Reading in your new language can be a daunting task, but Benny has some great advice this week for taking it one step at a time. By starting small and building up gradually, you'll make steady progress. There are so many brilliant resources out there that you can use, and reading isn't just a solo activity, so make sure it's something you practise with your teacher or exchange partner.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
“Warrior of the mind” Anthony Metivier chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about his Brain Exercise Bootcamp and memory strategies for language learners.
Featured Resources
- Brain Exercise Bootcamp
Mentioned in this Episode
- Brain Exercise Bootcamp
- Language Death by David Crystal
- Anthony Metivier
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Memory methods for language learners
- Why personalization is necessary for language learning
- Learning German and Mandarin with memory techniques
- Why language learning is more than just memorizing
- How it’s easy to cheat your learning with SRS
- How to get better at building mnemonics
- Ways to speed up your memorizing
- How memory exercises can benefit your mental health
- Tips for learning “dead” languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Polyglot Mari Salvestrini shares how she uses Instagram for accountability in her language learning, how to develop language routines based on energy, and why breaks are important in this episode with hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy.
Featured Resources
- Memrise
Mentioned in this Episode
- Memrise
- Mari’s website
- Mari on Twitter
- Mari on Youtube
- Mari on Instagram
- Mari on Facebook
- Mari’s Podcast
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Using Instagram for accountability
- Getting momentum in language learning when in low spirits
- The online community and finding support
- Developing a language learning routine based on energy levels
- Tricks for focusing better
- Mari on helping her mom relearn her native language
- Mari on gaining the confidence to share her story on Youtube
- Tips for becoming a more confident language learner
- Slow learning and why it might be the right language learning strategy for you
- Overcoming challenges in language learning
- Why breaks are important
- Fighting perfectionism in language learning
- How to learn multiple languages at the same time
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Grammar getting you down? Benny's here to help! This week he takes the pressure off by explaining how he approaches (or ignores!) grammar, particularly verb conjugations, when he starts a new language. Making mistakes is an important part of the learning process, especially in the early days, and the most important thing is to be understood. Leaving the grammar to one side for a while and focussing on communication can really help you progress at the beginning of your language journey.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Anja Spilker about learning Nahuatl, combating negative feedback as a language learning, and running a language business.
Featured Resources
- ZALOA Languages
Mentioned in this Episode
- ZALOA Languages
- Anja on Instagram
- Anja on Facebook
- Anja on Twitter
- ZALOA Languages on Instagram
- ZALOA Languages on Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Living in Mexico in a second language
- Opening a language school
- Using social gatherings to gain conversation skills in a new language
- Combining fitness with language learning
- Building a business in another country
- Learning Nahuatl and discovering a passion for indigenous languages
- Helping create resources to support others with lesser learned languages
- Combating negative feedback as a language learner
- Strategies for keeping your conversations in the target language
- Learning languages for travel
- Transitioning from brick-and-mortar to an online business
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Alice Cimino, a 19 year old third culture kid, chats with Benny Lewis about growing up bilingual, being homeschooled, learning languages as a teenager, and much more.
Featured Resources
- How I Learned Fluent Spanish and English the Hard Way (It’s Also the Best Way!
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Articles
- Alice Cimino’s Medium Articles
- Alice’s Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Growing up in Guadeloupe and integrating Italian into her life
- Moving as a teenager to the Dominican Republic with no Spanish
- Homeschooling and the associated strengths and pitfalls
- Learning English by reading Harry Potter
- Improving her British accent with Downton Abbey and Love Island
- Writing articles and learning to be creative in her non-native language
- Why learning language number five isn’t as easy as it sounds
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Have you ever struggled to find a language teacher who feels like a good fit for your learning style? You're not alone! What works for one person might not work for you, and Benny has some great tips this week for finding someone you can work well with. Knowing what you want from a teacher is an important starting point, and trying out a few people and reflecting on the experiences is crucial to finding a successful working relationship.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Shahidah Foster, founder of Black Girls Learn Languages, chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about learning languages as a black woman and inspiring black voices in the language community.
Featured Resources
- Sisters Only Language Summit
Mentioned in this Episode
- Sisters Only Language Summit
- Black Girls Learn Languages
- Black Girls Learn Languages Merch
- Black Girls Learn Languages Facebook
- Black Girls Learn Languages Twitter
- Black Girls Learn Languages Instagram
- Black Girls Learn Languages YouTube
- Get Featured on Black Girls Learn Languages
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Starting your own language learning business and event
- Challenges learning languages as a woman of color
- Imposter syndrome in language learning
- Living and learning languages abroad
- Inspiring black voices in the language community
- Pushing yourself to your limits
- Using wordplay as an entrepreneur
- Finding your connection and why in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Halima Salim, founder of Blackboard English and the Fearless English Podcast, discusses empowering women language learners, overcoming negative self-talk and changing ideologies in the ESL community with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis.
Featured Resources
- Blackboard English
Mentioned in this Episode
- Blackboard English
- Fearless English Podcast
- Fearless English Course
- Blackboard English Facebook
- Blackboard English Youtube
- Blackboard English Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Living in Saudi Arabia as an illegal immigrant and its impact on education
- Moving to the UK and learning English
- Becoming a fearless language learner
- Shutting down negative self-talk
- Facing your greatest fears
- Learning to read and write at a later age
- Creating opportunities for women through English
- Changing ideologies in the ESL community
- Supporting your children learning another language
- Creating a supportive Instagram community
- Gaining confidence “being yourself”
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny answers the question of how to start speaking a language before you know any words. He shares a couple of language hacks - like becoming familiar with cognates - that you can use ahead of your first conversation. His advice will help you feel prepared enough to dive in and speak from day one.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode features Marissa Blaszko who joins Benny and Elizabeth to discuss their language learning journey as a polyglot and keen heritage language learner! Marissa is the creator of Relearn a Language, a website that aims to popularize understandings of heritage language while sharing fun language learning resources.
Featured Resources
- Relearn A Language YouTube Channel
- Who are Language Learners - 2021 study of dabblers, polyglots, hyperglots
Mentioned in this Episode
- Relearn A Language YouTube Channel
- Who are Language Learners - 2021 study of dabblers, polyglots, hyperglots
- Marissa’s Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Creating viral memes around language learning
- Celebrating diversity and inclusion in the language learning community
- Analysing data across the online language learning community
- How to identify in the language learning community
- Self care, therapy, and shame
- Learning their heritage language and speaking with their grandparents
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Svenja, who learned conversational Russian and Arabic in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Benny and Shannon have a conversation with Svenja about her experience of learning several languages as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Mimic Method
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How the Challenge helped Svenja make a breakthrough with her Arabic studies
- Differences between learning a language in school versus on your own
- Building language islands
- Language learning struggles with grammar, pronunciation, and time management
- Maintaining multiple languages
- What a polyglot’s daily learning routine looks like
- How to gain confidence as a language learner
- Why it’s difficult to learn a language alone
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny discusses languages with different writing systems, and when he starts learning to read and write. Depending on the language and writing system, it can be a few weeks or sometimes several months into the process before he tackles the writing system of a new language.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode features Katie Pascoe, editor of the Language Hacking podcast. Katie also co-founded VR Languages and helped create Dynamic Spanish.
Dynamic Spanish gets you speaking Spanish confidently in VR with the Starter Pack for beginners. More advanced learners can explore Spain in 360 guided tours with Dynamic Spanish Trips.
Katie also discusses her recent experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Dynamic Spanish
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Dynamic Spanish
- Dynamic Spanish Instagram
- Dynamic Spanish Facebook
- VR Languages Youtube
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Getting an ear for languages by eavesdropping on family conversations in Punjabi
- Living in, and learning languages in Korea, Brazil and Spain
- The dynamic of learning languages as a couple
- Creating VR Languages and a virtual reality Spanish course, Dynamic Spanish, for beginners and more advanced speakers
- The immersion and experiential learning of language courses in virtual reality
- How to use VR with a phone or an Oculus Quest
- How Katie improved her past tense and subjunctive with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Poet, artist and polyglot Maria Ortega Garcia talks to Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about mindfulness, language learning as an introvert, and the power of using art and poetry as language learning tools.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Maria Ortega Garcia
- Maria’s Instagram
- Maria’s Facebook
- Maria’s Youtube
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning languages as an introvert
- Mindfulness in language learning
- Using poetry as a tool for languages
- The biggest struggles students face trying to learn languages with poems
- How artistic expression and creativity fit into language learning
- Exploring identity through languages
- Using art as an inspiration for language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language teacher and expat Janina Klimas shares how to create compelling language lessons for students, how acting is like language learning, and why recording yourself speaking your target language is so important.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Real Life Language
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Netflix
- Yabla
- Real Life Language
- Real Life Language Podcast
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Language acquisition vs language learning
- How acting can boost your language learning and teaching
- Building excitement around languages for your students as a teacher
- What being a “reading specialist” means
- Teaching and studying abroad
- Figuring out your proficiency and levels in a language
- Why recording yourself speaking is so important
- Independent vs academic language learning success
- Games you can play to learn languages
- Language, culture, racism, and bias
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Elizabeth speak with French YouTube superstar Géraldine Lepère about the importance of understanding culture when learning a language.
Featured Resources
- Comme une Française
- MY STORY: How Culture Shock Inspired Me To Create Comme une Française
Mentioned in this Episode
- Comme une Française
- MY STORY: How Culture Shock Inspired Me To Create Comme une Française
- Géraldine Lepère Facebook
- Géraldine Lepère Instagram
- Géraldine Lepère YouTube
- Géraldine Lepère Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What to say to sound more French
- Differences between French and Mexican culture
- Adjusting to French culture
- How to connect with French people
- Reading French literature
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon dive deep with Netflix star, YouTube influencer and polyglot Jo Franco about growing up bilingual, developing a love of travel and language learning, and building connection through language.
Featured Resources
- JoClub
- The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
Mentioned in this Episode
- JoClub
- The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
- The Circle
- Shut Up and Go Travel Show
- Jo Franco Twitter
- Jo Franco Instagram
- Jo Franco YouTube
- How Jo Franco Bought a House in Cash
- Jo Franco Reveals She Was Shot in Brazil
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Immigrating to the US and learning English in an ESL camp
- Living between cultures and finding your identity
- The language learning “spark”
- Overcoming the fear of making mistakes
- Jo’s travel show on Netflix
- Building connections through language
- Negative travel experiences and why they don’t stop Jo from traveling
- Finding joy in challenges
- Journaling as a language learning tool
- Why the Circle is the best show for language learners
- The importance of mindset in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Native Italian speaker and teacher Elfin Waters shares with Benny and Shannon about falling in love with languages as an escape, using Instagram as a language learning resource, and building Italian language content for language learners.
Featured Resources
- Women in Language
- All About Italian
Mentioned in this Episode
- Women in Language
- All About Italian
- All About Italian Retreats
- All About Italian Instagram
- Con Parole Noste - Italian Conversations
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Growing up in a family that prioritizes language learning
- Shifting from language learner to language teacher
- Getting in touch with the country with the language
- Using Instagram as a learning tool
- The power of compounding lots of small tasks
- Slow learning and having fun with creativity
- Finding joy in language learning
- What language retreats are and finding the right one
- Learning specific Italian dialects
- Using food for language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Elizabeth chat with Jim and May of Spanish and Go about meeting to exchange Spanish and English, falling in love, and creating a language business together. Jim and May are the founders of Spanish and Go, language podcasters, content creators, and language teachers.
Featured Resources
- italki
- Spanish and Go
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Spanish and Go
- Spanish and Go Podcast
- How to Order Food in Spanish (Ordering a Meal at a Restaurant)
- Day of Dead Children’s Book
- Day of Dead video
- Spanish and Go Youtube
- Spanish and Go Instagram
- Spanish and Go Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Combining love, travel, languages, and content creation
- Developing content for language learners based on their greatest needs
- Creating projects when you travel
- Switching from English to Spanish in a relationship
- Adjusting to Puerto Rican Spanish from Mexican Spanish
- Cultural immersion
- Day of the Dead
- Immersion retreats in Mexico
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon have a discussion with Anja Winter about creating an online business and developing interesting, compelling lesson content to help students with language learning motivation.
Featured Resources
- italki
- LingQ
- Language Hacking books
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- LingQ
- Anja’s Academy
- Language Hacking books
- Anja’s Instagram
- Anja’s Youtube
- Learn German with Anja
- Learn German with Anja on Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Being a German language YouTuber and a digital nomad
- Incorporating body movement into language learning
- The importance of asking for help
- Finding inspiration for lesson material as a language teacher
- Advice for language teachers for creating an online business
- Limiting the amount of resources you use
- Making grammar fun with dialogues and phrases
- Helping students overcome their biggest challenges
- Studying abroad and immersion in languages
- Using dialogues to learn languages
- Maintaining motivation
- Using Netflix and movies to learn
- Student-teacher relationships and building connections
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week Benny gives a brief update about his current language projects, and how he's easing himself back into good routines. After a significant period away from language learning, it's important to take the time to figure out your methods and rebuild your study habits. The goal is to return to a place of consistent progress.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny and Elizabeth chat with Mark Pentleton about how he started the Coffee Break language podcasts and how his role shifted from language teacher to language learner.
Featured Resources
- Coffee Break
Mentioned in this Episode
- Coffee Break
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Starting and developing Coffee Break language podcasts
- Moving from teacher to learner on the podcast
- Helping his children learn languages at home
- How students can overcome the intermediate plateau
- Having patience and avoiding comparison with others
- The opportunities that come from speaking languages
- How to view mistakes and be resilient
- How Mark found and built the Coffee Break team
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon chat with Dustin Luke and Ruben Adery about how to develop an authentic Spanish accent by using rhythm, musicality, body language, and other local insider information.
Featured Resources
- English Speaking Hacks
- Spanish Speaking Hacks
Mentioned in this Episode
- Cosas Que Dicen Los Argentinos Hecho Por Un Yanqui
- English Speaking Hacks
- Spanish Speaking Hacks
- Spanish Speaking Hacks Instagram
- English Speaking Hacks Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What happens when a language scientist and a casual learner team up
- Tips for rolling your r’s
- Having an authentic accent beyond pronunciation
- Rhythm and musicality of pronunciation
- Learning colloquial phrases and chunking phrases
- Mindset and “getting into character” in a language
- Body language and other local insider tips for learning languages
- Getting local, native speakers to open up and use the language with you
- Learning a specific dialect without moving to the country with the Five I’s
- The sounds with the most variance in Spanish
- Finding viral videos in your target language
- How learning another language is like living another life
- Teaching your nonnative language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Have you ever been trying to learn one language, but found yourself tempted by a new one and distracted from your original goal? Benny is here to help! He shares ideas for staying engaged and interested in the language you're learning, which will help stop your eye from wandering.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny and Shannon chat with Dayna Brockbank about learning languages on a budget with Duolingo, italki and Anki by building systems for motivation.
Featured Resources
- italki
- Atomic Habits
- Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Atomic Habits
- Anki
- Fluent in 3 Months blog
- Duolingo
- Happily Ever Travels
- VIP Kid
- Universe of Memory
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning Spanish while living in Chile in complete immersion
- What makes language immersion work
- How language learners waste time to try to be more effective
- Tips for budget traveling
- Building a career you can take traveling
- Finding motivation with systems
- How to choose which languages you learn
- Building conversation skills in a new language
- Learning for the sake of learning
- Common struggles amongst English language learners
- Something is better than nothing in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon discuss dual identities, language learning, and strategies for reviving a language with Alex Rawlings, who was once named Britain’s most multilingual student.
Featured Resources
- How to Speak Any Language Fluently
- Assimil
- Teach Yourself
- Routledge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Third Year Abroad, now Global Graduates
- How to Speak Any Language Fluently
- Assimil
- Teach Yourself
- Routledge
- Alex Rawlings
- Alex’s Twitter
- Alex’s Instagram
- More Than Words Podcast
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Alex became Britain’s most Multilingual Student
- How a polyglot keeps their languages active and prioritizes what to work on
- Dealing with dual identities as someone who’s bicultural
- Taking language learning from hobby to career
- Living in South Africa and learning Afrikaans
- Extensive reading as a language learning strategy
- Strategies for reviving a language you’ve studied in the past
- Using courses at the beginner stage of learning
- Why you should adopt the philosophy of a “non-perfectionist”
- Learning strategies for advanced language learners
- Finding your voice in another language
- Discovering stories in other languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
When it comes to learning vocabulary, is it best to learn individual words, or phrases with the words in context? Benny gives his opinion, talks about his insights and explains how he likes to use flashcards and other techniques to learn vocabulary both as standalone words and in context.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode features Sarah Gillespie, who learned conversational Hiligaynon in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Benny and Elizabeth have a conversation with Sarah Gillespie about her experience of learning a heritage language with few resources as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Sarah’s Website
- Sarah’s Article on Fluent in 3 Months
- Toggl
- Audacity
- Paul Soderquist
- Illonggo Boyz
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning Hiligaynon in 3 months with the Challenge
- Learning heritage languages
- Enjoying the learning process with songs
- Using trends to learn languages
- Finding resources for more obscure languages
- Using lots of apps, software, and habit forming techniques like habit stacking
- How to use your target language with family and getting to know them better
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon chat with Luca Lampariello, a well-known polyglot and language coach, about learning “useful” languages, breaking through limiting beliefs, and the most important thing when learning another language.
Featured Resources
- Luca’s Coaching
- Communities of Practice
- Atomic Habits
Mentioned in this Episode
- Luca’s Coaching
- Communities of Practice
- Atomic Habits
- Luca’s Twitter
- Luca’s Facebook
- Luca’s Instagram
- Luca’s Youtube
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How languages can change your life
- Learning “useful” vs “useless” languages
- Going into language learning when coming from a technical background
- Breaking through limiting beliefs
- How Luca started his career in languages
- Common mental blocks for language learners
- How to speak with a native-like accent
- Bidirectional translation
- The most important thing when learning another language
- How the desire to be a part of a community can be powerful motivation
- How to juggle 14 languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This week Benny gives some advice about how to watch movies and TV in your target language, especially when it comes to subtitles. Watching media is a fantastic way to improve your language skills, but you need to do it the right way if you want to get the most out of it.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode features Ashton Bitten, who learned conversational Spanish in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In this episode, Benny and Shannon talk to Ashton about her experience of going from intermediate (B1) to advanced (C1) Spanish in 48 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Genki
- Tandem
- Benny’s Ted Talk
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Being a language dabbler
- Going on a trip to Rwanda, learning the language, and getting inspired to learn more languages
- How failing a language proficiency exam led Ashton to focus on speaking
- Discovering the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and going from B1 to C1 in Spanish in 3 months
- Using materials for native speakers to learn Spanish
- Breaking down the CEFR language levels
- Learning completely new languages after learning your first second language
- Going from theory to speaking the language
- Overcoming nervousness about speaking another language
- On changing personalities with each language
- Finding the “right” time to learn a language and time management
- How COVID has impacted her language learning and dealing with those guilty feelings
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon talk to Damon Dominique, a French educator who got his start online as part of Damon and Jo, about learning languages to build connection, teaching without lecturing, and how to find confidence teaching online.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- FluentCity
- Damon and Jo
- Shut up and go
- Damon’s Youtube
- Damon’s Instagram
- Damon’s Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Going from traveler to travel vlogger
- Being excited by learning languages through travel and creating connections
- How reality tv inspired Damon to travel and learn languages
- Creating entertaining language learning content on YouTube
- Tips for building confidence and getting comfortable in front of the camera
- Humor in language learning
- Dating and navigating relationships in other languages
- Being honest when sharing content online
- Having different personas in different languages
- How languages offer you a new perspective and shape who you are
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
The answer to this week's question may surprise you. People often assume that polyglots learn multiple languages at the same time, but as Benny explains, this isn't as common as you might think. Listen to find out why learning more than one language at a time isn't necessarily the best tactic.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
In this episode, Benny and Elizabeth get the inside scoop on how to become a French cultural insider with Lizzy Rimington who has lived in France for the past 30 years.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Benny’s Spanish Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Studying French at school and not actually learning the language
- How living as an au pair kicked off Lizzy’s French understanding
- How to integrate into French culture and build friendships
- Why French etiquette is so important
- Humor and how it can help you build relationships inner languages
- The ways customer service is different in France than in other countries
- What it’s like being vegetarian in France
- What to do when the French insist on speaking English
- When to use formal speech vs informal speech in French
- Tips for getting French practice when you aren’t ready for a native speaker
- Tricks you can use when you’re a beginner in a language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny and Shannon chat with Hollywood Accent Training Coach to the stars, Eliza Simpson, on finding your voice in another language through accent and pronunciation.
Featured Resources
- Dialects Now
- Accent Gym
Mentioned in this Episode
- Knight-Thompson Speechworks
- Dialects Now
- Accent Gym
- Eliza’s Twitter
- Eliza’s YouTube
- Eliza’s Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Techniques and mechanics you learn to pick up accents
- Visual aspects of learning the sounds of a language
- What does vocal coaching look like?
- Difference between dialect and accent
- Dealing with difficult sounds in a language
- How learning the accent of the language you’re learning in your native language helps you speak and other techniques you can use to learn accent
- Tips for improving accent and pronunciation
- Using comedy as a tool for language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
You asked, and Benny is here to answer! In this short episode he talks about why he thinks tackling grammar shouldn't be your top priority when learning a new language - phew, what a relief!
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
This episode features Jessie, who learned conversational Catalan in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In this episode, Benny and Shannon speak to Jessie who learned her partner Kike’s native language as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Anki
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Tackling a language like Catalan with few resources
- What it’s like to have your partner learn your native language
- Helping your partner learn your language
- The benefits of doing more than one Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- How Jessie’s language learning progress inspired Kike to learn a language too
- Why it’s a myth that you need to live in a country to learn the language
- Learning a very specific dialect like Menorquin
- The power of community in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Elizabeth interviews Benny about his experience climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and how it parallels learning a language.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and achieving a travel dream
- Giving up on language learning
- The compare and despair trap
- Being okay with mistakes
- Letting go of other people’s judgements
- Finding the silver lining
- How focusing on the end goal blinds you to the day to day progress
- The importance of asking questions and getting an outside perspective
- Why you make sure you have good people behind you
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
You wanted advice for memorising vocabulary, and Benny is happy to deliver. Benny explains that it’s not about having a particularly great memory, but instead, using specific tactics to make things stick.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny and Elizabeth talk to Kris Broholm from Actual Fluency about language learning with depression, the language community, and the power of finding support.
This episode discusses depression. If you are currently experiencing depression, we recommend speaking with a professional. You can call Safe Help Line at (888) 379-6507 or any other support hotline
Featured Resources
- Lost Connections
- Actual Fluency Podcast
Mentioned in this Episode
- Lost Connections
- Polyglot Gathering
- Actual Fluency Podcast
- Actual Fluency
- Kris’s Email
- Cortisol relief in nature
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Challenges of living abroad and why it’s not the secret to language learning
- Learning languages with depression
- How language learning can counter the effects of depression
- The benefits of support and accountability from other people
- Creating wins in language learning
- Avoiding the comparison trap
- Anti-goals
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, we talk to Julie Ferguson who has learned five languages and is getting ready to learn her sixth – Scots Gaelic. She’s severely deaf and legally blind and has come up with loads of creative strategies for learning languages which she shares in this podcast as well as accessibility for both language resources and travel.
Featured Resources
- Julie’s articles on Fluent in 3 Months
Mentioned in this Episode
- Julie’s articles on Fluent in 3 Months
- Satori Reader
- Transcript for this episode
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Overcoming physical challenges to learn languages
- Being a visual learner while legally blind
- Getting help from a tutor and not solely relying on self-study
- Creative strategies for improving the accessibility of language learning resources
- How the accountability of the classroom helps Julie keep on top of her studies
- What it was like learning Swedish in Sweden
- Getting over the frustration of asking people for help
- How to keep conversations in the local language
- Traveling and accessibility
- Tips for avoiding language interference
- Building resilience in your language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
We continue our new "Ask Benny" series with one of your most common questions. This week Benny talks about why he thinks speaking from day one is the key, and how you can do this even when travel is not an option.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
Benny and Shannon talk to Chuck Smith, a notable figure in the language learning and Esperanto communities about Esperanto and its culture, and why Esperanto should be your next language.
Featured Resources
- Amikumu
- Innovative Languages
Mentioned in this Episode
- Polyglot Gathering
- Amikumu
- Innovative Languages
- Chuck Smith
- Chuck’s Twitter
- Chuck’s Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What Esperanto is and its history
- Why learn Esperanto?
- Does Esperanto really help you learn other languages?
- The lack of irregular verbs in Esperanto
- The lack of taboos and exclusivity in Esperanto
- The empowering nature of Esperanto conversations
- The unique aspects of Esperanto culture
- Going to Esperanto events in Europe
- Founding Amikumu
- Why grammar books may not be the best way to reach your language learning goals
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Bryce, who learned conversational Portuguese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In this episode, Benny and Shannon talk with two Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participants, Bryce and Michele, who are husband and wife learning their native languages with help from one another.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Connecting with your partner and their family through their native language
- Speaking Portuguese for an hour during the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Language learning milestones and building confidence
- Learning English while living in Kansas and dealing with culture shock
- Having patience with your partner
- Falling in love as a motivation
- Raising multilingual children and connecting with them through language
- How to practice a language with your partner
- Approaching language learning like an air infantryman
- Using Dream Teams in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Bringing Brazilian culture into the American home
- Advice for when you and your partner don’t speak the same language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This is the first episode of our new "Ask Benny" series where Benny answers listener questions. In this episode, Benny gives an update on where he is with his own language learning projects.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com
In this episode, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy discuss everything from language interpreting to language coaching, the Goldlist Method to novelty in language learning with Lýdia Machová.
In our chat with Lýdia, we also cover how to become more than a passive language learner, finding ways to enjoy your language learning, why you should focus on one specific language skill at a time, why Lýdia focuses on a language for two years, and how to be okay with giving up a language.
Featured Resources
- Goldlist Method
- Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Polyglot Gathering
- Goldlist Method
- Anki
- SRS
- Lýdia Machová
- Lýdia’s Facebook
- Lýdia’s Instagram
- Lýdia’s YouTube
- Lýdia’s Ted Talk
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What’s involved in working as a language interpreter
- How to become more than a passive language learner
- Finding ways to enjoy your language learning
- Making language learning fun, systematic, intensive, and effective
- The importance of novelty in language learning
- Using the Goldlist method
- Why you should focus on one specific language skill at a time
- Why Lýdia focuses on a language for two years
- How to be okay with giving up a language
- How many languages polyglots actually speak
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode, we talk to renowned polyglot Richard Simcott about learning languages at university, raising a multilingual child, and finding motivation to learn languages through human connection.
Featured Resources
- Assimil
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Polyglot Conference
- Richard’s Polyglot Video
- Korean Script Hacking
- Assimil
- Teach Yourself Complete Korean
- Michel Thomas
- Go Billy Korean
- TTMIK
- italki
- Richard Simcott
- Richard’s Youtube
- Richard’s Twitter
- Richard’s Instagram
- Richard’s Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Studying language at university
- Secrets to working on more than one language at a time
- How to maintain languages with anchor languages
- Reactivating, improving and learning languages
- Finding motivation to learn languages through human connection
- Uploading videos and becoming a part of the polyglot community
- The origins of the Polyglot Conference and shifting to the online space
- What language learning resources and methods Richard Simcott uses
- How Richard is learning Korean with his daughter
- Criteria for choosing a language tutor
- Raising multilingual children
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy have a conversation with Lindie Botes about learning multiple languages, growing up as a third culture kid, and what it’s like growing up bilingual.
In our chat with Lindie, we discuss transitioning from language learner to language mentor, gaining the confidence you need to put yourself out there, and different systems and processes for keeping track of your language learning.
Featured Resources
- italki
- Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Anki
- Notion
- Lindie’s viral Korean video
- Women in Language
- Lindie Botes
- Lindie’s Instagram
- Lindie’s YouTube
- Lindie’s Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Transitioning from language learner to language mentor
- Gaining the confidence to put yourself out there as a language learner
- How to deal with criticism and ignore trolls as a polyglot YouTuber
- Getting inspiration from a parent language learner
- Being a “third culture kid”
- How a polyglot chooses the languages they learn
- Learning Japanese from Korean with language laddering
- Learning multiple languages at once
- How to learn other writing systems
- Systems and processes for keeping track of your language progress
- How design influences Lindie’s language learning
- How the online language community has influenced Lindie
- Growing up bilingual and whether or not it gives you an advantage learning other languages
- Do you have a different personality in different languages?
- Journaling in another language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode, we chat with Katie Harris, the founder of Joy of Languages, host of Easy Languages Italian and the creator of the #languagediarychallenge. Katie is also a previous student in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- italki
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Joy of Languages
- Five Minute Italian Podcast
- Easy Languages
- Katie’s Instagram
- Katie’s YouTube
- Jessica’s Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Moving to Italy, living in Italy and avoiding the English bubble
- Finding joy when learning languages and motivating yourself with cocktails!
- Doing something you love in another language vs doing something you love while learning another language
- How to feel calm before a video conversation
- Katie’s experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- What to do when the novelty wears off in language learning
- The importance of language learning communities
- Journaling in a foreign language on Instagram
- Katie’s experience as a host of Easy Languages and overcoming the nerves around approaching strangers in another language
- Watching hours of French reality TV
- Learning multiple languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Evelyn, who learned conversational Korean in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In our chat with Evelyn shares how she made huge leaps forward in her Korean learning with the support of community in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months book
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months book
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
- Anki
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How to maintain motivation through community
- Fighting perfectionism when learning a very different language
- Why the resources you use don’t matter as much as the time you’re putting in
- Having success during lockdown with the Fluent in 3 Months challenge
- Keys to her success with the Korean language and what makes Korean easy
- How the community helped her overcome learning plateaus
- Using drills to learn Korean
- Thinking differently because of Korean
- Understanding Gangnam Style
- How to deal with bad days in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode, we talk to US memory champion Nelson Dellis about learning a heritage language, teaching his kids new languages, and memory hacks used by the champions.
Featured Resources
- Preply
- Drops
- Memory Superpowers
Mentioned in this Episode
- Preply
- Drops
- Memory Superpowers
- Nelson’s Dutch Words Video
- Nelson Dellis
- Nelson’s Instagram
- Nelson’s YouTube
- Nelson’s Facebook
- Nelson’s Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Going from memory champion to language learner
- Learning Flemish to get closer to his family
- Memory champion techniques to learning languages
- Using images to remember words
- Breaking down words for easier recall
- Enhancing your memory in a short space of time
- The power of speaking and language exposure
- Multigenerational learning: learning with his mom and teaching his son
- Fixing fossilized errors
- Using Drops to learn words when starting a language
- Balancing revision vs learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Nissa, who learned conversational Bengali in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Nissa shares about learning a less-commonly-taught language, and coming to understand herself through languages.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Understanding the world and herself better through languages
- Studying French in high school as a good student but still not being able to speak the language
- Breaking through the comprehension wall
- Learning Bengali with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Learning a language with few or no resources
- Making real progress in a short period of time by focusing on processes
- Overcoming perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
- How to best undertake a 90 Day Challenge and Dream Teams
- Learning with a nonnative speaker
- Best ways to utilize a language tutor
- Learning Yupik, an Eskimo language
- Giving up on languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Judith Meyer is the writer behind Teach Yourself’s Script Hacking series, creator of LearnYu, and several other language learning resources and tools.
In this episode, Judith Meyer, renowned polyglot and language educator shares how she uses unique, specialized language goals to make progress in her languages quickly. She also discusses her involvement in the creation and development of several language courses and resources.
Featured Resources
- Complete Esperanto
- Script Hacking Series
Mentioned in this Episode
- Learnyu
- Complete Esperanto
- Script Hacking Series
- Learnlangs
- Judith’s YouTube
- Judith’s Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Judith learned Esperanto online
- How she uses specific language goals to motivate herself
- How she prepared to give a speech in Indonesian
- How to get comfortable learning a language outside of the European language family
- How she manages to maintain multiple languages
- Motivation in language learning and her struggles learning Arabic
- How learning languages has opened up so many opportunities
- Picking resources based on your needs as a learner
- Her work developing language learning books and courses
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Lindsay Williams of Lindsay Does Languages is a co-founder of Women in Language, the creator of Language Stories, and is passionate about language learning.
In this episode, Lindsay Williams joins us to discuss traveling around the world while learning languages, recording her docuseries and podcast Language Stories, and what it’s like being a “language dabbler”.
Featured Resources
- Not a Year Off
- Language Planner
- 100 Creative Ideas for Solo Language Learners
- Successful Self Study
- Online Teachers Starter Kit
Mentioned in this Episode
- Lanugage Stories
- LiveLingua
- Essential Vocabulary
- Not a Year Off
- Language Planner
- 100 Creative Ideas for Solo Language Learners
- Successful Self Study
- Online Teachers Starter Kit
- Lindsay’s Instagram
- Lindsay’s YouTube
- Lindsay’s Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Moving to Costa Rica for three months at 18 years old
- Her experience traveling around the world with her husband Ashley creating Language Stories
- Advice for learning indigenous languages (Guarani)
- Keeping up language learning while backpacking around Latin America
- Maximizing immersion experiences
- Plan of action for learning a language before a big trip
- Being a “language dabbler”
- Habit stacking, habit chaining, and time management
- Language learning systems, goals, and routines
- How to teach and be taught languages
Jessica Tefenkgi Ruelle of French Sunnyside teaches mindfulness to language learners. She helps learners discover their authentic selves through self-awareness, journaling, and other coaching techniques.
In this episode, Jessica shares how to be more mindful in language learning and improve your self-awareness, how to create a new identity in another language, and tips for journaling in another language.
Featured Resources
- French Sunnyside Membership
- French Sunnyside Journaling Program
Mentioned in this Episode
- French Sunnyside Membership
- French Sunnyside Journaling Program
- French Sunnyside
- Jessica’s Instagram
- Jessica’s YouTube
- Jessica’s Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Blending mindfulness, self-awareness, and languages
- Discovering yourself through the language
- Creating a new identity in a different language
- Overcoming fear using mindfulness
- Importance of knowing your why and how it’s particular helpful when you hit the intermediate plateau
- Journaling in a foreign language
- Going on retreats in a foreign language
- How to help language learners work through personal stories and open themselves up
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Jonathan Huggins first discovered his love for learning languages when he started diving into his father’s language learning library. That passion brought him to France to study music and continues to be a part of his life as he teaches English online while living abroad and raising his kids to speak multiple languages.
In this episode, we chat with Jonathan about why classroom learning worked for him, how to learn languages in the age of distraction, and how to create sustainable language routines.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- 30 Day Speaking Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- French in Action
- Pimsleur
- Toefl
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- 30 Day Speaking Challenge
- Jonathan’s site
- Jonathan’s Instagram
- Jonathan’s YouTube
- Jonathan’s Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How he excelled at classroom learning
- Learning in the age of distraction
- Sticking to one method and system
- Raising multilingual children
- Studying music abroad and in another language
- Creating sustainable language routines
- Recommendations for the first few months of language learning
- Common misconceptions and stereotypes about language learning
- Parallels between learning languages and learning music
- Using Instagram and social media to learn languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny Lewis chats with Shannon Kennedy and Caitlin Sacasas about how they use the language app Drops. Drops is a visual, vocabulary language learning game that helps you build your foundation in a new language in 5-minute sessions.
Shannon and Caitlin share why they love Drops, how they use the app, and how Drops teaches vocab without translation.
Featured Links
- Fluent in 3 Months Black Friday Deals
- Drops
Mentioned in this Episode
- Drops
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Terrace House
- Shannon’s Italian Refresh
- Holly’s Mosalingua Review
- Shannon’s Instagram
- Language Hacking Interview with Will John
- Gus on the Go
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The history of Drops and its multinational background
- Why Drops focuses on helping learners with just one thing
- How Drops pays special attention to teaching a language through games
- Learning a language without translation
- Keeping up your language learning motivation and how Drops’ 2-Day Rule
- How 5 minutes a day adds up to a language learning habit and lots of learned words
- Why learning vocabulary is so important
- The difference between the free version of Drops and Drops Premium
- How Drops decides on what new content gets added
- Learning travel essentials with Drops’ “Travel Talk” feature
- Drops partnership with K-pop star and artist Amber Liu
- Language laddering with Drops
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Elizabeth Bruckner failed ten times to learn French. It wasn’t until she began exploring the online language community that she finally learned French… in her 40s. She’s since gone on to successfully learn German and Spanish and is now one of the coaches of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
In this episode, we chat with Elizabeth about her experiences learning a language in her 40s, the brain and language learning, how to overcome our inner gremlins and Elizabeth gives you a taste of what it’s like to get coached in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Speak in a Week
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Elizabeth’s failed attempts at learning languages
- Benny’s Rosetta Stone review
- Speak in a Week
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- Assimil
- Anki
- Michel Thomas
- Goldlist Method
- Elizabeth’s Instagram
- Elizabeth’s acupuncture practice
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Learning languages later in life
- Finding the desire to learn languages
- Using neuroscience to help with learning
- How to stop making emotional excuses and finally learn a language
- The biggest language learning gremlins to overcome
- The importance of community in language learning
- Creating systems and paths to push you towards your language learning
- An inside look at coaching in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Advice for the most common stumbling blocks for language learners
- Finding language giants
- Why there’s no one path to learning a language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Michele Frolla grew up hearing Italian, but didn’t learn to speak it until she was a bit older. After picking up her heritage language, she went on to live and work in Italy, fully immersing herself in the language. She then went on to create the Intrepid Guide where she shares her experience and tips for learning languages and living abroad.
In this episode, we chat with Michele about her experiences learning, living and working in another language and how this lead to her creating her own language business.
Featured Resources
- Mondly
- Intrepid Spanish
- Intrepid Italian
- Intrepid French
Mentioned in this Episode
- Mondly
- Michel Thomas
- UTalk
- Michele’s site
- Michele’s Instagram
- Michele’s YouTube
- Michele’s Facebook
- Michele’s Twitter
- Netflix
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Michele’s experience with her heritage language and its impact on finally learning Italian
- Moving to Rome and living the Italian life
- The power of modal verbs
- Learning with pen and paper
- Her challenges with learning Norwegian
- The origins of her blog, the Intrepid Guide
- Leaning into the fear of language learning
- Making friends with her languages
- Tips on finding jobs in foreign countries
- Learning a language to live in a country that speaks it
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Famous polyglot Steve Kaufmann joins us in this inspiring episode of the language hacking podcast. In our chat with Steve, we discuss comprehensible input and compelling input, what LingQ is and why Steve created it, and the early disagreements between Benny and Steve.
Featured Resources
- LingQ
Mentioned in this Episode
- LingQ
- Comprehensible Input
- Steve’s YouTube
- Steve’s Instagram
- Steve’s Twitter
- Steve’s website
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Steve’s background with his many languages and his “allergy” to his heritage languages
- The story behind creating LingQ, one of the most popular language learning apps
- Steve’s job experience with languages and why he believes languages can be tied into any job
- Consuming massive amounts of input as a method to learn languages
- Benny and Steve’s early disagreements on language learning
- The importance of keeping a positive attitude when learning
- Learning languages after age 60 and why you learn better the older you get
- Comprehensible input versus compelling input
- What language hacking is to Steve Kaufmann
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Avi, who learned conversational Chinese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In our chat with Avi, a Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and coach, she shares how rediscovered her love of languages and came to the realization that she is a polyglot while learning Chinese in the Challenge.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- “Forgetting” French as a child
- What it was like learning English as a foreign language in Israel
- Figuring out how to learn a language through self-study
- What it’s like being Shannon’s language exchange partner
- Using poetry, recipes, and martial arts to learn languages
- Avi’s amazing progress with Mandarin in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Coming to the self-realization she is a polyglot and falling back in love with languages
- Learning how to maintain multiple languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Johan Tekfak, creator of Français Authentique, shares how he uses Kaizen and other productivity systems to build his language business and improve his language skills each and every day.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Français Authentique
- Getting Things Done by David Allen
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Johan learned German for his job as an engineer
- Creating systems to learn languages
- Making use of “dead time” in language learning
- Focusing on interesting and compelling content in your target language - not just material that’s available
- The 7 rules of Français Authentique
- What is “Kaizen” and how does it apply to language learning?
- How Johann built his own language company a little bit at a time
- Simplifying and de-stressing the language learning process
- Common roadblocks faced by language learners
- How to attach rewards to language learning to boost motivation
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Turia, who learned Spanish to the conversational level in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Turia shares her experience going from an on-again-off-again Spanish learner to a confident Spanish speaker with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. She also shares how she travels alone with her children in Spanish-speaking countries, developing a homeschooling curriculum for Spanish for her children, and how she responded to emergency situations in Spanish.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
- French Uncovered
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
- French Uncovered
- Workaway
- Fabulingua
- Fable Cottage
- The Spanish Experiment
- Radio Ambulante
- Scott Young’s Year Without English
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped Turia become a confident learner after 20 years of learning on and off again
- How Turia is teaching her three kids to speak fluent Spanish
- Moving to Spain for immersion and learning about the culture
- Incorporating Spanish into a homeschooling curriculum
- Navigating tricky or nightmare situations in another language
- What it’s like traveling alone with kids
- Turia’s favorite rituals and resources for learning Spanish
- Making friends and building relationships in Spanish
- Letting kids’ language studies be child-led
More Resources
After we recorded this episode, Turia was kind enough to share more specific resources with us.
- Spanish champs - a program that includes a script and is song/activity based. It also includes a dvd with clips incorporating the songs taught.
- Talkbox Mom - a subscription service that offers resources to help you switch your day to day interactions into your new language.
- Whistlefritz - a foreign language show for kids by kids available on Amazon prime.
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Kerstin Cable from the Fluent Language Blog shares her experience learning English to full fluency as a native German speaker, her method for acquiring new vocabulary and her long-term, slow approach to learning new languages.
Featured Resources
- Your Solid Vocab Memory
- German Uncovered
Mentioned in this Episode
- The Fluent Show
- The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
- German Uncovered
- Duolingo
- Fluentlanguage.co.uk
- Kerstin’s Instagram
- Kerstin’s Youtube channel
- Kerstin’s Twitter account
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How the bigness of our world inspired Kerstin to learn languages
- Learning English using 90s Brit-pop
- Kerstin’s curiosity and excitement for learning Welsh
- Kerstin’s biggest challenges learning Mandarin
- Using mnemonics and visual images to learn new vocabulary
- How to find your language learning personality so you can find the right approaches and resources for you
- How Kerstin takes language learning slow, studying only 2-3 hours a week
- Kerstin’s top tips for language learners from her experience as a one-to-one language coach
- How to choose the best language learning resources for you
- Using handwriting in vocab notebooks as a memory strategy
- How teaching German helps Kerstin feel like she knows the language better than ever
- Kerstin’s German student immersion retreats
- “Your solid vocab memory” - Kerstin’s method of acquiring, memorizing, and reviewing vocabulary
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Jane T, who learned several languages to the conversational level in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
Jane quit her job after her husband retired to start traveling around Europe in a motorhome, learning languages along the way. Shannon and Benny talk with Jane about her motorhome journeys and how she learns languages while she travels. Jane also shares how community helps with overcoming limiting self beliefs in language learning.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
- LingQ
Mentioned in this Episode
- Jane’s blog
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How Jane quit her job after her husband retired to start traveling around Europe, learning languages along the way
- How traveling in a motorhome gives Jane and her husband the freedom to travel affordably while always having their home with them
- How the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped Jane get through the false starter phase of language learning
- The power of accountability and community
- How to learn languages with an unpredictable schedule and unreliable Internet
- The Comprehensible Input approach to language learning
- Talking to yourself in a language to get both practice and build your confidence
- How to overcome self-limiting beliefs
- Common language learning roadblocks and tips for getting through them
- How to filter what you’re learning to what’s relevant to you
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Will John, a professional soccer player from the US who has played for teams in many different countries, including Denmark, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Morocco and Georgia. Will shares his top tips from his experience learning languages as he travels the world…
Featured Resources
- Muzzy in Gondoland
Mentioned in this Episode
- Muzzy in Gondoland
- Goluremi
- Goluremi on Youtube
- Goluremi on Youtube in Spanish
- The Way of Will John
- Will John’s Instagram
- 11th Commandment YouTube
- Foreign footballers speaking Finnish video
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Will’s first foreign language: learning Spanish as a kid by watching Spanish-language TV shows.
- The strategies Will used to learn Danish when he moved to Denmark
- Tips for learning a language with immersion and with immersion.
- The power of rehearsal in language learning
- How to avoid the “English bubble” when living abroad
- Job opportunities that open up when you’ve got language skills
- How Will mixes his languages and football skills, and applies his football training methods to language learning
- Facing fears and creating online videos in other languages
- Why reading matters in language learning
- Feeling “ok” in the danger zone - and why that matters for language learners
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Deb Bensauls, an enthusiastic language learner who learned conversational French AND Italian in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Debs shares about travelling on her own using her French skills, using the language at work to create a better experience for her clients. She also discusses the power of friendship in language learning, and how being in a learning community changed her approach to French and gave her the confidence to learn Italian.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- The Courage to Speak
Mentioned in this Episode
- Duolingo
- Fluent in 3 Months, the book
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- The Courage to Speak
- Drops
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The power of learning a language with friends and community.
- Why being the quiet one in the back makes the language classroom ineffective.
- How to build confidence in your languages and speaking.
- How the online language community helped Debs become the polyglot she was always meant to be.
- Why it’s important to share both the ups and downs of language learning.
- The dangers of comparison and how to overcome them.
- Strategies for overcoming overwhelm when it comes to learning resources.
- How learning your second language is different than your first.
- How Debs has been able to use her language skills at work in the medical field.
- What happens when a giant spider interrupts your language exchange.
- Debs favorite language learning rituals including mindmaps and sticky notes.
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Shannon joins the co-founders of the Women in Language conference, Lindsay Williams and Kerstin Cable. Together with Elizabeth Bruckner they share the story behind the Women in Language online event and what’s in store for this year’s conference.
Register for the Women in Language conference at: https://fluentin3months.com/women-in-language
Featured Resources
- Women in Language
Mentioned in this Episode
- Women in Language
- Women in Language Instagram
- Women in Language Facebook
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The story behind Women in Language
- Past events and stories from attendees
- Elizabeth’s Women in Language workshop about language exchanges
- Why it’s important to amplify and champion lesser heard voices
- How Women in Language’s speaker selection process brings new speakers to the conversation
- How you can attend the 2020 Women in Language event
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy have a conversation with Idahosa Ness, founder of the Mimic Method. In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Idahosa details his language learning strategies, employing music, rapping, mimicry and deliberate practice.
Featured Resources
- The Mimic Method
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
How Idahosa developed the Mimic Method by learning multiple languages
- Freestyle rapping as a language tool
- Mouth and tongue training to form sounds in a new language
- Learning to tune your ear to a new language
- How to sound like a native and integrate into other cultures
- How to overcome perfectionism by getting into the flow
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Suzanne, who learned several languages to the conversational level in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In this episode, Shannon and Benny chat with Suzanne about how learning in community built confidence in her language skills and provided her with the support she needed to “lean in” on the parts of language learning that made her uncomfortable. She also talks about how the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge provided her with the support and nurturing environment to make doing those things possible.
Featured Resources
- The Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- Meet Up
- Radio Ambulante
- El Washington Post Podcast
- El Pais
- News in Slow German
- Coffee Break
- Inner French
- Francais Authentique
- El Ministerio del Tiempo
- Gran Hotel
- Why Hungarian is Easy
- Suzanne’s Instagram
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- What it was like being in Madrid after years of Spanish study, unable to speak Spanish.
- Why it’s important to find the right tutor and not use English in your lessons.
- The difference between learning languages at university and learning in community with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
- Learning languages as a shy person and why it’s important to lean into your discomfort.
- How to choose your first words in a new language.
- Overcoming obstacles in language learning and building confidence.
- Combining language learning with other activities, including self-care.
- Suzanne’s favorite language learning rituals and how she incorporates language learning into her day.
- Learning multiple languages and managing notes with different colored notebooks.
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with Matt Kepnes, also known as Nomadic Matt. Matt shares his experiences learning languages as he travels the world on a budget as well as his best budget travel tips in this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast.
Featured Resources
- How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
Mentioned in this Episode
- Nomadic Matt
- Coffee Break French
Coffee Break Spanish - Matt’s Patreon
- The Nomadic Network
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Traveling on a budget
- Matt’s experience learning French in Paris
- The importance of getting private tutors for your language
- Matt’s experience learning Thai
- Using hand signals to aid your communication in a new language
- Advice on traveling after the pandemic
- Top tips for budget travel and local travel
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Polish-American language learner and educator Nikki Prsa shares what it was like growing up as a native Polish speaker in the US and what inspired her to go on to study languages abroad. Benny and Shannon also chat with her about her linguistics studies at university, what it’s like teaching languages online, and her experience teaching her son new languages.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Speak at Home Tonight
- Master Chef
- Top Model
- Nikki’s Instagram
- Nikki’s Facebook
- Nikki’s Twitter
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Nikki’s experience speaking Polish at home while growing up in the US
- Nikki’s experience moving to Germany with a host family at 15 years old
- How travel has helped Nikki become better at immersing herself in a language even when not abroad
- How important it is to have a teacher you can trust
- What inspired Nikki to start Speak at Home Tonight
- Learning Croatian and traveling in the Balkans
- Why it’s important to even do just a little bit each day
- Teaching your child multiple languages
- Focusing on accent and pronunciation
- How to keep from mixing up languages when studying multiple languages at the same time
- Learning languages with prayer
- Finding the best approach in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Peter Galante, the founder of Innovative Languages, shares how he went from creating a Japanese podcast to running a company that teaches more than 30 languages. He also discusses running a language learning business and his personal tips for learning a new language.
Featured Resources
- Innovative Languages
Mentioned in this Episode
- JapanesePod101
- Innovative Languages
- Fluent in 3 Months
- Bringing back a dead language - Benny’s Hungarian project
- Eurolinguiste
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- The story behind how Peter Galante started Innovative Languages
- How to find the best people for your team
- How to start a language learning business
- Tips for creating a language learning system
- How to find a job where you can use your language skills
- Developing a language learning business
- How Peter got started with Japanese
- 3 ways to think about learning languages - language profile, routine, anchor points
- The future of Innovative Languages
- How to be self-motivated and goal-oriented
- How a teacher or advisor can help you stay on or get back on track
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Louisa, who learned conversational Chinese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
In this episode, Shannon and Benny talk to Louisa about how creating a system for self-learning Chinese helped her find success in her language learning after failing to make significant progress in a night class. She also shares the role community and the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge have played in her methods for learning Chinese.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- italki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Goldlisting
- italki
- Lydia Machova’s Goldlisting explanation
- Google Translate
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Why language learning in night classes isn’t right for everyone
- The best thing about the Fluent in 3 Month Challenge
- Strategies for incorporating language studies into your family life
- Building a system to learn Chinese
- The Goldlist Method
- Overcoming challenges with language learning
- Louisa’s progress made during the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Louisa’s favorite resources for learning languages
- Lessons learned from participating in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Louisa’s biggest surprise from learning a new language
- Is learning Chinese difficult?
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
This episode features Fluent in 3 Months team member Caitlin Sacasas sharing her story of when she took part in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. The Fi3M Challenge is a 90-day language learning challenge where participants aim to have a 15-minute conversation in their new language as a part of a supportive community. It can help you start conversing a new language while providing you with accountability and guidelines to make huge strides in your language in just three months. Learn more and get notified when the next Challenge opens for enrollment by signing up here.
Caitlin shares how she’s made drinking coffee part of her routine for learning Japanese and how meditation helps her be more productive in her studies. She also shares tips for learning Japanese and the importance of making learning fun.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Mentioned in this Episode
- JLPT
- Caitlin’s Makeup Tutorial in Japanese
- Terrace House
- How Caitlin found her language exchange partner
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Studying in the Bathroom
- Casa de Flores
- Bilingirl Chica
- Abroad in Japan
- Rebel Heart Beauty
- Caitlin’s Instagram
- Caitlin’s Articles on Fi3M
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- Sharing a language with your children
- The importance of finding a long-term language exchange partner
- How watching TV helps you pick up more natural language patterns
- How important it is to study during your peak times during the day
- Tips for pairing your language learning with another activity like drinking coffee
- How meditating to clear your mind before your learning benefits your memory
- Why you should start small when starting a new habit
- Why you should learn Japanese kana early on
- Fitting in your language studies by breaking up your learning throughout the day
- Why you should enjoy your language and not get bogged down with the technical aspects
- Prioritizing your time with languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy answer listener questions about language learning as a part of a special live episode of the Language Hacking Podcast.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Speak in a Week
- Drops
- Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
- Livestream on Youtube
- Memrise
- Spaced repetition
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Speaking without Conversing
- HelloTalk
- Speechling
- All Benny’s Language Missions
- Defense Institute of Languages Categories
- Language learning in hours and not years
- Shannon’s post on picking up a language after a break
- Fi3M’s post on picking up a language after a break
- Shannon’s Italian refresh project
- Dark - German TV Series
- Pomodoro Technique
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How often should I review what I’ve already learned in my target language? - Danni
- Am I alone in thinking: I can’t learn Past , Present and Future? - Brian
- What’s the best routine to learn a new target language? - Tony
- What’s the best way to get full immersion in a new language? - Dennis
- How can you pick up a language even if you can’t practice speaking it very often? - KT
- Is it possible to learn a new language fluently in three months? - Maya
- I took a three-year break from learning Spanish. Do you have any tips for getting back into studying a language after a long break? - Jean
- What do you recommend to maintain languages you have previously worked on? - Ledys
- Can someone learn a second language for the first time in their mid-40s and be fluent? - Caroline
- Do you have any suggestions about study methods for a stay at home parent with three young children, as well as ADHD? - Andy
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Language educator and author Olly Richards joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy in this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast. He shares about his “Story Learning” method and how his experience learning languages led him to develop this approach.
Featured Resources
- Spanish Uncovered
- German Uncovered
- French Uncovered
- Italian Uncovered
- Japanese Uncovered
- Language Hacking Books
- Olly’s Uncovered Courses
Mentioned in this Episode
- I Will Teach You a Language
- I Will Teach You a Language Podcast
- Language Hacking Books
- Olly’s Italian Mission
- Olly’s Thai Mission
Episode Overview
Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
- How motivation is the most important ingredient in language learning
- Music and language learning
- Advice for new language learners
- Comprehensible Input - Listening and Reading above your current level
- How Olly chose “Story Learning” as his method of teaching
- How to use comprehensible input and reading materials when learning a language
- How Olly studies languages, from beginner to advanced - Directness
- How Olly stays motivated when learning languages
- Olly's language challenges and how he overcame them
- Olly's latest language teaching projects
Quote: “Do what makes you happy.” - Olly Richards
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
In this episode of The Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis interviews his co-host, Shannon Kennedy about how she made the transition from music to languages, raising multilingual children, and what it’s like speaking another language when you identify as a shy introvert.
Featured Resources
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Speak in a Week
- LingQ
Mentioned in this Episode
- Eurolinguiste
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Speak in a Week
- Drops
- Pimsleur
- LingQ
- Women in Language
- Shannon’s music
- Shannon on Twitter
- Shannon on Facebook
- Shannon on Instagram
- Shannon on Youtube
Episode Overview
- How Shannon went from music to languages and how she connects them
- What skills in learning music she has been able to transfer over to language learning
- Language journalling
- How foreign languages help you become a better musician
- How to get comfortable speaking languages as a shy introvert
- Scripting
- How to use language islands to steer conversations into topics you’re comfortable with
- How to pick up language learning after a break
- Time management and energy management strategies
- Tips for raising multilingual kids
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Mentioned in this Episode
- italki
- Fluent in 3 Months Blog
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- LingQ
- Fathers and Sons
Episode Overview
- Learning languages at university
- How to overcome language learning failures and keep learning
- How to build confidence in your language skills
- Finding accountability with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Having fun while learning languages
- How to best use your time when learning a language
- Learning French while battling cancer
- Staying motivated using emotional connections
- Peaks and valleys of motivation
- Self-awareness and self-compassion when studying languages
- Being a renaissance woman
- Coming to peace with the space-time continuum
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Meet Benny Lewis, the creator of Fluent in 3 Months and the Language Hacking Method. In this episode, Benny shares how he got started in languages, why “fluent” in 3 months, and he offers some universal language hacks.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Fluent in 3 Months Blog
- Benny’s Language Missions
- Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
- Innovative Products
- Speak in a Week
- Benny on Twitter
- Fi3M on Twitter
- Benny on Facebook
- Fi3M on Facebook
- Benny on Instagram
- Fi3M on Instagram
- Benny on YouTube
- Fi3M on Youtube
Episode Overview
- What does “fluent” mean to Benny?
- What are Benny’s goals for a 3-month mission?
- How many languages does Benny Lewis speak?
- Benny’s take on the evolution of the Fi3M challenge.
- What is “language hacking”?
- What are some universal language hacks?
- Advice on “not having time” to learn a language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
Scott Young shares his experience going a year without English and why immersion is the path to least resistance in language learning in this episode of The Language Hacking Podcast. Benny and Shannon also ask Scott about ultralearning and how it relates to language learning.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Scott's Rapid Learner course
- Scott’s book “Ultralearning”
- The Year Without English
- Pimsleur
- Scott’s Macedonian project
- MIT Challenge
- HSK Exam
- Scott’s blog
- Scott’s podcast
- Scott on Twitter
- Scott on Youtube
Episode Overview
- What is ultralearning?
- The effectiveness of total immersion
- How to gain language proficiency quickly
- Learning through social interaction
- How did you approach languages with different writing systems and more distance from your native language?
- How do you get to a level where you can give presentations in a language?
- Why other people switching to English doesn’t happen as often as you worry it will and how to keep the conversation in the language you’re learning if it does
- The importance of immersion and why it removes anxiety around speaking a language
- How to maintain your motivation for language learning
- How to prioritize what you work on
- How to approach language learning for an exam
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy