Anthony Metivier's Magnetic Memory Method Podcast

In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, you’ll learn about the amazing connection between location-based memory strategies, serial killers, graffiti and bumble-bees. You’ll also learn: * The reason why Memory Palaces may have originated in ancient China and not ancient Greece. * An introduction to the Person Action Object system … and why I don’t use it! More on that topic on this episode of Magnetic Memory Method Live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_r-RqUsbRKI   The video was inspired, in part, by the following email: I’d love to ask for your advice on a PAO system I am working on for my family to use: Background: I have thought about encoding 8 to 12 digits along a journey in each location by using an enhanced PAO system from 0-99, I call PACO (Person, Action, Object + a Container) The container is a different kind of object that only works because I ensure the types are mutually exclusive. I plan to later add a discrete food object and a discrete pet to each double digit as well. See the list below for example. The rationale for this is that I work in a data intensive industry (valuing and helping to buy/sell companies), where memorizing many figures, stats, and historical charts would be of great use. I’m not as interested in rapidly memorizing a deck of cards, though I wouldn’t mind spending some time on that later… To support this system, I follow certain restrictions: The Person can’t be a pet/animal type The Object is usually a small thing done with a verb The Container is a large thing that houses people/animals. I’m trying to make this a kid friendly system for my family and thus I stay away from the R-rated options My long term thought is that I can have a person doing an action on an object frozen in my mind inside of a container. Each of these PACOs could be eating a food and own a pet. Thus, in one loci, if it is graphic and memorable enough, I can encode up to 6 double digit items. I’m just wondering if this is overkill and what may be the best way to get my brain to internalize the PACOs. My question is, should I develop a separate journey of 110 location (perhaps 11 rooms of 10 loci), which I use to memorize the PACOs? Also, if I start with just the traditional PAO and add the additional C later, will that be counterproductive to just memorizing all the options up front? Do you have any other advice on how I can most effectively internalize the system, so that I just about think of pictures in place of double digits? Thank you for any thoughts on this topic! Thanks for the question. You’re doing some great concrete thinking on the topic. In terms of an answer, everything is covered in this episode of the podcast and this YouTube Live. Here’s a list of everything I covered for you: * Why you really aren’t using memory techniques at all if you don’t have a location-based strategy involved in the mix. * How to use Magnetic Bridging Figures and Word Division to maximize your use of mnemonic locations in your Memory Palace network. * Why you must always use a Memory Palace whenever exploring the possibilities of memory techniques. * Why competing in memory competitions isn’t for everyone (memory champions still make mistakes, after all!). * Why you need a method – not necessarily a system – that will work for you with respect to the specific memory goals you are trying to pursue. * Why the Magnetic Memory Method is a way of thinking about information storage and retrieval as a kind of way of life. * Why location-based memory strategies are the best for easing information into long term memory. * Why you don’t need to memorize long string digits of numbers in order to “prove” that you are succeeding with memory skills. * Why you need to join the mnemotechnics.org community immediately – but only if you’re going to apply what you learn from the community. * Why YOU are the best person to teach memory techniques to the young people in your life. See also Tap the Mind of a 10-Year Old Memory Palace Master. * Two amazing resources for introducing young people to mnemonics. * The unbelievable connection between bumblebees, serial killers, graffiti and location-based memory techniques. * … and much, much more! Thanks as always for your interest in the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, videos and the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass. I appreciate your interest in the PAO very much and look forward to further interesting questions about it. In the meantime, if you struggle with it or find that it’s simply not for you, check out the Major Method. It might work better for you. As an alternative, you can also try number rhymes.

In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, Sam Gendreau talks about how to get “addicted” to language learning without getting hung up on grammar or building the internal, psychological barriers that get in the way of living a life of language learning, fun and new experiences. Listen now and you’ll learn: * The precise connection between language learning and addiction so that you can use the highs to accomplish all of your fluency goals and the secret origins of why Sam named his site directly from the influece of Konglish. * How to get “addicted” to language learning even if you don’t like to study or think language learning is too hard. * How to get to know yourself before you start learning a new language. * The three most important questions you need to ask every time you come up against a language learning barrier. * Why being born bilingual is not always useful when it comes to further language study. * Why you should never try to go it alone with just grammar guides and traditional textbooks. * The important role of curiosity in all language learning and how to develop it so that you can zoom through some of the harder aspects of language learning. * How language learning can lead to finding new friends and even the love of your life. * Sam’s insightful approach to David Mansaray’s distinction between learning a language on your own and being a self-directed learner. * Exactly what to do to learn a language without having to rely on teachers, classrooms and dusty old textbooks (though you’ll still want at least some kind of textbook and Sam has great recommendations for how to choose them). * How to build your confidence by using the right incentives so that you can blast into success. * How to avoid burnout and still maintain consistency. * Sam’s amazing Mount Fluency metaphor and how to use it as a “point” of inspiration in your climb towards the top of your target language. * What to do when you reach an intermediate level and need extra motivation to keep going. * Sam’s favorite spice in the kitchen of language learning. * The power of using multiple news media channels to experience massive boosts in fluency. * Why you need to realize that you can easily become more fluent than a five year old in his or her mother tongue and why you should never get stuck in thinking less of yourself if you can’t immediately talk about world events such as what’s going on in Ukraine. * Why language and culture are really inseparable and how to exploit this fact in order to learn more about your target language and start using it quickly. * Sam’s response to Luca Lampariello’s “ephiphany moment” concept. * How to avoid getting bogged down in the words of the language by focusing on the message of each and every sentence you speak. * How to assess the strengths of different language learning programs and mix and match them to maximize the language learning benefits they offer (or should offer before you invest your precious time and money!) * When you should absolutely never use spaced-repetition software. * How to use the powers of inductive language learning as you are working towards what Sam calls a “rule-based” approach if you want to get to a very high level in your foreign language studies. * Precise ways to reward yourself every time you reach a language goal so that you feel refreshed, renewed and ready for the next level. * How to record yourself for maximum exposure to your own use of the foreign language so that you can analyze your progress and go even further and deeper into the language learning process and literally “mold” your ears as you fine tune your approach. * How to avoid learning the rules for things you haven’t been exposed to yet so that you don’t get frustrated and quit. * Why you should never approach language learning as homework. * How to avoid rigid thinking when it comes to language learning. * … and much, much more.

In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, renowned polyglot and language learning expert David Mansaray talks about how to make sure that you’re smarter tomorrow than you are today by using positivity, writing, observation and many more simple ideas you can start applying to your life immediately. Listen to this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast right now to learn: * The difference between self-education and self-directed learning and how to be proactive about your own education so that you can grow in the direction you want without hassle. * The best way to use writing to refine your language skills so that you can experience boosts in fluency faster and with greater ease. * Why you should avoid word frequency lists when learning a foreign language and what to do instead to build a massive (but targeted) vocabulary. * How to learn to communicate at a deeper, conceptual level in your target language (as well as in your own mother tongue!) * The real secrets to becoming a “hyper-polyglot”. * Why observation is just as important as taking instructions when learning from other people. * Exactly what a mentor is and why you need one to help you clarify your thinking and decisions so that you can live an informed and positive life. * How to deal with negativity and fear so that you can pursue your goals with an open mind and daring spirit. * The importance of emotions and excitement in learning and how to generate them immediately. * David’s thoughts on the uses of Memory Palaces, Moonwalking with Einstein and other memory techniques, including a unique way to use streets as Memory Palaces when learning a new language. * … and much, much more. Got questions about David Mansaray, the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast or memory in general? Get in contact, subscribe to the Magnetic Memory Newsletter.

For Episode 009 of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I’ve created an audio presentation of my Memory Training Consumer Awareness Guide, which is also available as a PDF. Mnemonics are fantastic, but many consumers have questions about the products available on the market, so if you’re hunting for a Memory Palace book, audio program or video course, be sure to listen to this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast in order to make the right decision. You’ll hear: * 3 costly misconceptions about your memory and memory training products. * 3 recommendations to consider before investing any time or money in a memory training product. * 14 questions you should ask each and every time you lay out your hard-earned cash. Enjoy this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, and get in contact if you have any questions.

What if your child could memorize all of Shakespeare’s plays… in historical order? And have fun while doing it? That’s exactly what Alicia Crosby did at age ten after reading just one memory improvement book. In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I speak with Alicia and her father John Crosby to talk about how she accomplished this feat after reading Lewis Smile’s The Memory Palace. Alicia used Smile’s book to memorize all of Shakespeare’s plays in historical order. She’s now exploring ways to use Memory Palace techniques to memorize other information, such as the Periodic Table of The Elements. In this inspiring episode, you’ll also discover: How walking, cycling and even motorcycle rides can make a world of difference when it comes to building Memory Palace journeys. Why the Memory Palace examples in Smile’s book worked so well for Alicia (and will probably work well for you too). Why using the journey method means you never have to “manually” memorize locations. Why Memory Palaces are essentially a “free resource” just waiting in your mind to be utilized to memorize just about anything. The number one thing Alicia loves about using her memory. The confidence that having an improved memory can bring – at any age. Why memory is a catalyst to developing an interest in boring topics that young people might not otherwise care about. Exactly how using a Memory Palace feels, the absolute joy and creativity of using memory techniques … … and much, much more. Follow in Alicia’s Footsteps By Trying the Memory Palace Technique Yourself If you found Alicia’s experiences inspiring, try developing your own Memory Palace. The steps are simple: Select a familiar location Map it out Choose a learning goal Encode each piece of information in your Memory Palace Use spaced repetition to ease the information into long-term memory Take the Next Step Ready for more ways to unlock the power of your memory? Grab my free course on using the Memory Palace technique. Just register by clicking the image below: This course teaches you more about: How to create effective Memory Palaces. The five key mnemonic systems that work together to produce lasting recall. Ways to apply a variety of memory techniques to real-life learning goals like passing exams, delivering speeches and improving how you read. Stay mentally sharp as learning becomes more and more fun. Related Kid-Friendly Episodes of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast For more interviews like this, please check out Memory Improvement for Kids with Kevin Aires and his daughter Imogen. You may also like to learn about how to remember the planets with a Memory Palace. It’s a simple memory mission for both kids and parents to enjoy.

Are you learning a language and struggling to pick which words and phrases to learn? In Episode Six of The Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, you’ll learn the number one way to discover the words you’ll need to experience boosts in fluency quickly. That way you can enjoy targeted conversations in your dream language when using mnemonics. Not just any mnemonics, mind you. There is a specific way to use the Memory Palace technique for language learning. Plus, you need to know how to pick the right vocabulary to memorize. This is such a critical skill because so many people overwhelm themselves by focusing on words they don’t actually need to know. Or they overwhelm themselves by turning language learning into some kind of numbers game. Neither strategy works, and the reason they can’t work is simple: If you memorize vocabulary you don’t need to use, you’re sure to forget it If you constantly tell yourself about how many thousands of words you need to learn, you’ll frustrate yourself But if you really want to become fluent in a language, you have to change how you think. You need to create targeted learning “missions” and focus on the vocabulary you’re actually going to use immediately. You need to use numbers in your favor, and not against yourself. For example, you can use the power of small numbers to create a simple Memory Palace. Focus just on filling one Memory Palace and before you know it, you’ll have ten new words, then twenty, thirty, etc. Rest assured, frequency lists can be helpful along the way. But they are not the holy grail when it comes to learning new languages fast. Just ask my friend, the world famous polyglot, Olly Richards. The real magic happens when you get deeply involved in the planning and consistent execution. I hope this episode of the show helps you out and I look forward to hearing from you with questions for future episodes of the show!

Can memory techniques help people recover from traumatic brain injury? Obviously, you need to consult with a doctor first, but you might find the Michael Gusman’s brain trauma experience inspiring – and something you want to share with your medical professional. In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, you’ll hear directly from him. Why should you care? Because Michael’s a memory enthusiast who was t-boned by an SUV at 55 miles per hour. As a result, Michael suffered multiple injuries and a brain hemorrhage that left him with short term memory loss. In this interview you’ll learn Michael’s personalized Memory Palace methods and wound up healing his memory. He’s not the only one to experience memory improvement following brain injury. Matt Barclay not only recovered his memory, but gone on to give an incredible memory demonstration. That means if you’re having memory issues from an accident, you stand a chance at great recovery too. Plus, when you listen to this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast: You’ll learn what the journey method is and how it can help you recall information without any effort. You’ll learn how having a dedicated memory strategy helped him deal with the fear and confusion of memory loss following his accident. You’ll hear about exactly how much of his recovery he attributes to the use of memory techniques. You’ll learn how to directly place information into your long term memory so that when you want to recall it, it’s just like turning on a faucet. You’ll learn about number rhymes and wax tablets, key techniques that anyone can get started using right away. You’ll learn why memory techniques are a lot easier than they seem and how to use exotic action, images and even smells to help you memorize information. You’ll learn Michael’s biggest mistakes as he was first learning memory techniques and building Memory Palaces so that you don’t have to make them yourself. … and much, much more. Enjoy this interview and let both Michael and I know if you have any questions. And before you go, it’s not just car-crash induced brain trauma that mnemonics can help you recover from. Check out this TEDTalk for some very interesting research into the use of Memory Palaces to help Alzheimer’s patients remember the names of their loved ones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMcduh1HEHA I’ve also run across an interesting report about people using Memory Palaces to stave off the effects of so-called “chemo brain.” That will be fantastic news if it really helps people cope with the terrible suffering of the cancer itself and the side effects of the medicines used to treat it. So as you can see, even if you’ve experienced memory loss from brain trauma, there’s hope. If you can see in your mind or even just think about where your kitchen is in relation to your bedroom, you’re halfway there. (And if you can’t, look up my video on aphantasia. Believe me, you can still use a Memory Palace and memory techniques.) And if you can get an image or thought about your favorite actor or cartoon character in your mind, then chances are, you can learn to memorize just about anything. You just need to work at it a little bit every day and have something you want to memorize. Make it something that will make a meaningful difference in your life, like Michael did. He skipped memorizing shopping lists and went straight for scripture with great personal meaning for him. And if you’re worried that you don’t have any locations you can use to base a Memory Palace on, just have a listen to this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast. It will help you out a great deal. 🙂 Further Resources St. Aquinas’ Summa Theologica Rhetorica Ad Herennium Jim Samuels on how to use mnemonics to reduce stress. Traumatic Brain Injury article in Wikipedia. If you’ve experienced memory loss from brain trauma or illness, let me know in the comments below. I’m always searching for ways to help! 🙂

In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, you’ll discover how to use a Memory Palace to store mnemonic associative imagery for numbers and formulas. Why? Because that will enable you to recall any mathematical term of formula you could possible desire. You’ll also hear some fun and interesting mnemonic examples featuring nuns, pyramids and Pythagoras’s abs! Why would you want to use such weird associations? It has to do with the power of elaborative rehearsal and spaced repetition paired with the Major System. The Skills You Need To Memorize Any Formula Once you’ve mastered those memory techniques, it’s important to make sure that you are memorizing the right formula. For example, in how to memorize a textbook, I gave a perfectly good mnemonic example, but the formula I was given was incorrect. I’m mentioning this because paying attention is the number one skill, a point memory expert Harry Lorayne has drilled his readers on for decades. Assuming you’re memorizing the correct formulas in the right configuration, you can also explore techniques that will help you deal with symbols and letters. These include: Dominic System PAO System Pegword System Number Rhymes Then, if you’re interested in learning more, check out my full course on how to memorize everything related to math. So what do you say? Has this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast helped inspire and educate you about memorizing formulas?  

In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I talk about a cool dice game you can use to put a little variety into you language learning efforts. If you’d like to learn more about applying these techniques to your personal learning goals, here’s what I suggest. Check out either How to Learn and Memorize the Vocabulary of Any Language or How to Memorize Names and Faces. Why Use Dice In Your Memory Palace Networks? As I discussed in the episode on memorizing backwards, all proper memory techniques involve spaced repetition and elaborative rehearsal. You’ll also want an element of what is called active recall. You use personalization and variety along with a bit of stretching to help form memories faster with these approaches. Throwing dice allows you to add a random element that optimizes the primacy and recency effect that make the Memory Palace technique tick. How To Perform This Memory Improvement Drill Using Dice The steps are simple: Have a Memory Palace Have a list of items you want to memorize Memorize the items Use Recall Rehearsal to start forming long term memories Get some dice Roll the dice Pop into that exact station in your Memory Palace and recall the information encoded there Repeat More Ways To Use Dice Drills To Experience Rapid Memory Improvement If you’re willing to get a 100-sided die (fun fact: it’s called a Zocchihedron), you can use it to help you master your PAO System. What’s that? It’s a means of memorizing numbers quickly. It’s a web of mnemonic images typically based on either the Major Method or the Dominic System. Here are the steps involved in using dice for practice drills to practice your number systems: Develop your first PAO System Roll your Zocchihedron Rapidly recall your image for the number you see Repeat as often as desired Can you use an online number generator to achieve the exact same effect? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Once reason many of us love to use physical dice is that it helps us avoid digital amnesia. I even use poker dice to help me practice my memdeck work after memorizing a pack of cards. I’m sure there are more ways to involve dice in your memory improvement drills. Please post any you think of in the comments below. And thank you for listening to this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast!

Memorizing the Greek alphabet is not that difficult. In fact, one of my students, Kevin Wax, wrote to me that: With your incredible help, I’ve been able to memorize the Greek alphabet (words and symbols) front words and backwards in about 3 or 4 total hours of work. I was very worried as I tackled this project, but your techniques were so very helpful. That’s right. He did it in just 3-4 hours. Personally, I wouldn’t call the process “work,” but I’m just glad that Kevin got it done. If memory serves, he was memorizing scripture at the time, something many of my students want to do. And the Magnetic Memory Method is proven to help with that. Just check out what Jeannie Koh had to say in her testimonial after taking my course: So that you can experience similar results, here’s what’s very new: I went a little hog wild this time, creating both an audio and video version of the same suggestions I gave both Kevin and Jeannie. You can download the Mp3 above or watch as we wind our way through my Memory Palace and the mnemonic imagery I used to memorize each letter of the Greek alphabet. Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/-V4tc-5Kuh4 Want more on how to master the alphabet in any language? This online memory improvement course will show you how. The key is to develop your mnemonic systems and use a bit of abstract thinking along with the best possible memory techniques. For example, for the letter aleph, consider using a famous person named Al, such as Weird Al Yankovich or Al Gore. You’ll also want to read Greek as often as possible. As you do, memorize interesting vocabulary. Spell the words out after you’ve memorized them and mentally rotate each Greek letter in your mind. This process is as useful with Greek as it is with Hindi. To take things to the next level, consider learning the pegword method. This mnemonic technique will give you an image for each letter of the alphabet, making memorizing new words in Greek easier yet. If you ever have questions, feel free to post them below, or get in touch using the contact page.

In this first session of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I talk about the 5 ways we ruin our Memory Palace efforts when working with mnemonics. You will learn: How to create solid Memory Palace locations How to create vivid imagery How to include zany action How to “rehearse the information you’ve memorized How to use relaxation throughout the process for maximum success   https://youtu.be/ZhjaNuzBhOE The mistakes talked about in this episode of the podcast simply aren’t necessary. Please take this information about using a Memory Palace in the most sophisticated manner possible and put it to use. Of the many mistakes, not picking a place for the information you want to memorize is amongst the deadliest you can make. You simply must use some kind of location-based memorization strategy if you want true success. The only problem is that so many people struggle with identifying Memory Palaces. That’s why I created the podcast episode How to Find Memory Palaces. It will help you find more Memory Palaces than you can shake a Magnetic stick at. And then there are people who want to make changes to existing Palaces they’ve built. That’s not entirely recommended, but you can give renovating a Memory Palace a try and see how it works for you. At the end of the day, a solid, unchanging Memory Palace will serve you best because it allows you to “magnetize” your properly created associative-imagery to the “roller coaster rails” of the MP journey. Without that certainty, you’ll wind up constantly second-guessing your Memory Palaces. And doubt is a recipe for disaster. Why? Because you want all of your focus to land squarely on quickly finding and decoding the target information – the information you need. The information you used all of this beautiful mental architecture and imagery to help you remember in the first place. Then you need to make sure that imagery is big, bright, bold and bursting with vibrant color. You really want the images to pop into your awareness as you journey through your mind. If you struggle with mental imagery that grabs your attention, give these visualization exercises a try. Never forget: they call it the art of memory for a reason (ars memorativa). You’re literally “crafting” memories when you use mnemonics. And you get to create the rules of play, meaning that you can memorize as much information as you want for as long as you want to hold it in accessible memory. You just need to know – not just what to do – but what mistakes to avoid. I hope this episode of the podcast helps! 🙂