Language & Travel Hacking

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 ResourcesSpeak in a WeekFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMentioned in this EpisodeElizabeth’s failed attempts at learning languagesBenny’s Rosetta Stone reviewSpeak in a WeekFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiAssimilAnkiMichel ThomasGoldlist MethodElizabeth’s InstagramElizabeth’s acupuncture practiceEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Learning languages later in lifeFinding the desire to learn languagesUsing neuroscience to help with learningHow to stop making emotional excuses and finally learn a languageThe biggest language learning gremlins to overcomeThe importance of community in language learningCreating systems and paths to push you towards your language learningAn inside look at coaching in the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeAdvice for the most common stumbling blocks for language learnersFinding language giantsWhy there’s no one path to learning a languagePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesMondlyIntrepid SpanishIntrepid ItalianIntrepid FrenchMentioned in this EpisodeMondlyMichel ThomasUTalkMichele’s siteMichele’s InstagramMichele’s YouTubeMichele’s FacebookMichele’s TwitterNetflixEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Michele’s experience with her heritage language and its impact on finally learning ItalianMoving to Rome and living the Italian lifeThe power of modal verbsLearning with pen and paperHer challenges with learning NorwegianThe origins of her blog, the Intrepid GuideLeaning into the fear of language learningMaking friends with her languagesTips on finding jobs in foreign countriesLearning a language to live in a country that speaks itPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesLingQMentioned in this EpisodeLingQComprehensible InputSteve’s YouTubeSteve’s InstagramSteve’s TwitterSteve’s websiteEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Steve’s background with his many languages and his “allergy” to his heritage languagesThe story behind creating LingQ, one of the most popular language learning appsSteve’s job experience with languages and why he believes languages can be tied into any jobConsuming massive amounts of input as a method to learn languagesBenny and Steve’s early disagreements on language learningThe importance of keeping a positive attitude when learningLearning languages after age 60 and why you learn better the older you getComprehensible input versus compelling inputWhat language hacking is to Steve KaufmannPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:“Forgetting” French as a childWhat it was like learning English as a foreign language in IsraelFiguring out how to learn a language through self-studyWhat it’s like being Shannon’s language exchange partnerUsing poetry, recipes, and martial arts to learn languagesAvi’s amazing progress with Mandarin in the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeComing to the self-realization she is a polyglot and falling back in love with languagesLearning how to maintain multiple languagesPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 EpisodeFrançais AuthentiqueGetting Things Done by David AllenEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How Johan learned German for his job as an engineerCreating systems to learn languagesMaking use of “dead time” in language learningFocusing on interesting and compelling content in your target language - not just material that’s availableThe 7 rules of Français AuthentiqueWhat is “Kaizen” and how does it apply to language learning?How Johann built his own language company a little bit at a timeSimplifying and de-stressing the language learning processCommon roadblocks faced by language learnersHow to attach rewards to language learning to boost motivationPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQFrench UncoveredMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQFrench UncoveredWorkawayFabulinguaFable CottageThe Spanish ExperimentRadio AmbulanteScott Young’s Year Without EnglishEpisode OverviewSome 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 againHow Turia is teaching her three kids to speak fluent SpanishMoving to Spain for immersion and learning about the cultureIncorporating Spanish into a homeschooling curriculumNavigating tricky or nightmare situations in another languageWhat it’s like traveling alone with kidsTuria’s favorite rituals and resources for learning SpanishMaking friends and building relationships in SpanishLetting kids’ language studies be child-ledMore ResourcesAfter 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 KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesYour Solid Vocab MemoryGerman UncoveredMentioned in this EpisodeThe Fluent ShowThe Four Tendencies by Gretchen RubinGerman UncoveredDuolingoFluentlanguage.co.ukKerstin’s InstagramKerstin’s Youtube channelKerstin’s Twitter accountEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How the bigness of our world inspired Kerstin to learn languagesLearning English using 90s Brit-popKerstin’s curiosity and excitement for learning WelshKerstin’s biggest challenges learning MandarinUsing mnemonics and visual images to learn new vocabularyHow to find your language learning personality so you can find the right approaches and resources for youHow Kerstin takes language learning slow, studying only 2-3 hours a weekKerstin’s top tips for language learners from her experience as a one-to-one language coachHow to choose the best language learning resources for youUsing handwriting in vocab notebooks as a memory strategyHow teaching German helps Kerstin feel like she knows the language better than everKerstin’s German student immersion retreats“Your solid vocab memory” - Kerstin’s method of acquiring, memorizing, and reviewing vocabularyPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiLingQMentioned in this EpisodeJane’s blogEpisode OverviewSome 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 wayHow traveling in a motorhome gives Jane and her husband the freedom to travel affordably while always having their home with themHow the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped Jane get through the false starter phase of language learningThe power of accountability and communityHow to learn languages with an unpredictable schedule and unreliable InternetThe Comprehensible Input approach to language learningTalking to yourself in a language to get both practice and build your confidenceHow to overcome self-limiting beliefsCommon language learning roadblocks and tips for getting through themHow to filter what you’re learning to what’s relevant to youPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesMuzzy in GondolandMentioned in this EpisodeMuzzy in GondolandGoluremiGoluremi on YoutubeGoluremi on Youtube in SpanishThe Way of Will JohnWill John’s Instagram11th Commandment YouTubeForeign footballers speaking Finnish videoEpisode OverviewSome 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 DenmarkTips for learning a language with immersion and with immersion.The power of rehearsal in language learningHow to avoid the “English bubble” when living abroadJob opportunities that open up when you’ve got language skillsHow Will mixes his languages and football skills, and applies his football training methods to language learningFacing fears and creating online videos in other languagesWhy reading matters in language learningFeeling “ok” in the danger zone - and why that matters for language learnersPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeThe Courage to SpeakMentioned in this EpisodeDuolingoFluent in 3 Months, the bookFluent in 3 Months ChallengeThe Courage to SpeakDropsEpisode OverviewSome 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 KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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-languageFeatured ResourcesWomen in LanguageMentioned in this EpisodeWomen in LanguageWomen in Language InstagramWomen in Language FacebookEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:The story behind Women in LanguagePast events and stories from attendeesElizabeth’s Women in Language workshop about language exchangesWhy it’s important to amplify and champion lesser heard voicesHow Women in Language’s speaker selection process brings new speakers to the conversationHow you can attend the 2020 Women in Language eventPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesThe Mimic MethodEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How Idahosa developed the Mimic Method by learning multiple languagesFreestyle rapping as a language toolMouth and tongue training to form sounds in a new languageLearning to tune your ear to a new languageHow to sound like a native and integrate into other culturesHow to overcome perfectionism by getting into the flowPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesThe Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeMeet UpRadio AmbulanteEl Washington Post PodcastEl PaisNews in Slow GermanCoffee BreakInner FrenchFrancais AuthentiqueEl Ministerio del TiempoGran HotelWhy Hungarian is EasySuzanne’s InstagramEpisode OverviewSome 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 KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesHow to Travel the World on $50 a DayMentioned in this EpisodeNomadic MattCoffee Break FrenchCoffee Break SpanishMatt’s PatreonThe Nomadic NetworkEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Traveling on a budgetMatt’s experience learning French in ParisThe importance of getting private tutors for your languageMatt’s experience learning ThaiUsing hand signals to aid your communication in a new languageAdvice on traveling after the pandemicTop tips for budget travel and local travelPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 EpisodeSpeak at Home TonightMaster ChefTop ModelNikki’s InstagramNikki’s FacebookNikki’s TwitterEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Nikki’s experience speaking Polish at home while growing up in the USNikki’s experience moving to Germany with a host family at 15 years oldHow travel has helped Nikki become better at immersing herself in a language even when not abroadHow important it is to have a teacher you can trustWhat inspired Nikki to start Speak at Home TonightLearning Croatian and traveling in the BalkansWhy it’s important to even do just a little bit each dayTeaching your child multiple languagesFocusing on accent and pronunciationHow to keep from mixing up languages when studying multiple languages at the same timeLearning languages with prayerFinding the best approach in language learningPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesInnovative LanguagesMentioned in this EpisodeJapanesePod101Innovative LanguagesFluent in 3 MonthsBringing back a dead language - Benny’s Hungarian projectEurolinguisteEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:The story behind how Peter Galante started Innovative LanguagesHow to find the best people for your teamHow to start a language learning businessTips for creating a language learning systemHow to find a job where you can use your language skillsDeveloping a language learning businessHow Peter got started with Japanese3 ways to think about learning languages - language profile, routine, anchor pointsThe future of Innovative LanguagesHow to be self-motivated and goal-orientedHow a teacher or advisor can help you stay on or get back on trackPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeGoldlistingitalkiLydia Machova’s Goldlisting explanationGoogle TranslateEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Why language learning in night classes isn’t right for everyoneThe best thing about the Fluent in 3 Month ChallengeStrategies for incorporating language studies into your family lifeBuilding a system to learn ChineseThe Goldlist MethodOvercoming challenges with language learningLouisa’s progress made during the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeLouisa’s favorite resources for learning languagesLessons learned from participating in the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeLouisa’s biggest surprise from learning a new languageIs learning Chinese difficult?Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeJLPTCaitlin’s Makeup Tutorial in JapaneseTerrace HouseHow Caitlin found her language exchange partnerFluent in 3 Months ChallengeStudying in the BathroomCasa de FloresBilingirl ChicaAbroad in JapanRebel Heart BeautyCaitlin’s InstagramCaitlin’s Articles on Fi3MEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Sharing a language with your childrenThe importance of finding a long-term language exchange partnerHow watching TV helps you pick up more natural language patternsHow important it is to study during your peak times during the dayTips for pairing your language learning with another activity like drinking coffeeHow meditating to clear your mind before your learning benefits your memoryWhy you should start small when starting a new habitWhy you should learn Japanese kana early onFitting in your language studies by breaking up your learning throughout the dayWhy you should enjoy your language and not get bogged down with the technical aspectsPrioritizing your time with languagesPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeak in a WeekDropsAnkiMentioned in this EpisodeLivestream on YoutubeMemriseSpaced repetitionFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeaking without ConversingHelloTalkSpeechlingAll Benny’s Language MissionsDefense Institute of Languages CategoriesLanguage learning in hours and not yearsShannon’s post on picking up a language after a breakFi3M’s post on picking up a language after a breakShannon’s Italian refresh projectDark - German TV SeriesPomodoro TechniqueEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How often should I review what I’ve already learned in my target language? - DanniAm I alone in thinking: I can’t learn Past , Present and Future? - BrianWhat’s the best routine to learn a new target language? - TonyWhat’s the best way to get full immersion in a new language? - DennisHow can you pick up a language even if you can’t practice speaking it very often? - KTIs it possible to learn a new language fluently in three months? - MayaI took a three-year break from learning Spanish. Do you have any tips for getting back into studying a language after a long break? - JeanWhat do you recommend to maintain languages you have previously worked on? - LedysCan someone learn a second language for the first time in their mid-40s and be fluent? - CarolineDo you have any suggestions about study methods for a stay at home parent with three young children, as well as ADHD? - AndyPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesSpanish UncoveredGerman UncoveredFrench UncoveredItalian UncoveredJapanese UncoveredLanguage Hacking BooksOlly’s Uncovered CoursesMentioned in this EpisodeI Will Teach You a LanguageI Will Teach You a Language PodcastLanguage Hacking BooksOlly’s Italian MissionOlly’s Thai MissionEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How motivation is the most important ingredient in language learningMusic and language learningAdvice for new language learnersComprehensible Input - Listening and Reading above your current levelHow Olly chose “Story Learning” as his method of teachingHow to use comprehensible input and reading materials when learning a languageHow Olly studies languages, from beginner to advanced - DirectnessHow Olly stays motivated when learning languagesOlly's language challenges and how he overcame themOlly's latest language teaching projectsQuote: “Do what makes you happy.” - Olly RichardsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeak in a WeekLingQMentioned in this EpisodeEurolinguisteFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeak in a WeekDropsPimsleurLingQWomen in LanguageShannon’s musicShannon on TwitterShannon on FacebookShannon on InstagramShannon on YoutubeEpisode OverviewHow Shannon went from music to languages and how she connects themWhat skills in learning music she has been able to transfer over to language learningLanguage journallingHow foreign languages help you become a better musicianHow to get comfortable speaking languages as a shy introvertScriptingHow to use language islands to steer conversations into topics you’re comfortable withHow to pick up language learning after a breakTime management and energy management strategiesTips for raising multilingual kidsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Mentioned in this EpisodeitalkiFluent in 3 Months BlogFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQFathers and SonsEpisode OverviewLearning languages at universityHow to overcome language learning failures and keep learningHow to build confidence in your language skillsFinding accountability with the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeHaving fun while learning languagesHow to best use your time when learning a languageLearning French while battling cancerStaying motivated using emotional connectionsPeaks and valleys of motivationSelf-awareness and self-compassion when studying languagesBeing a renaissance womanComing to peace with the space-time continuumPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 EpisodeFluent in 3 Months BlogBenny’s Language MissionsFluent in 3 Months ChallengeInnovative ProductsSpeak in a WeekBenny on TwitterFi3M on TwitterBenny on FacebookFi3M on FacebookBenny on InstagramFi3M on InstagramBenny on YouTubeFi3M on YoutubeEpisode OverviewWhat 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 languagePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 EpisodeScott's Rapid Learner courseScott’s book “Ultralearning” The Year Without EnglishPimsleurScott’s Macedonian projectMIT ChallengeHSK ExamScott’s blogScott’s podcastScott on TwitterScott on YoutubeEpisode OverviewWhat is ultralearning?The effectiveness of total immersionHow to gain language proficiency quicklyLearning through social interactionHow 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 doesThe importance of immersion and why it removes anxiety around speaking a languageHow to maintain your motivation for language learningHow to prioritize what you work on How to approach language learning for an examPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.