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 ...
Feb 08, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 36
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 ...
Feb 01, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 35
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 N...
Jan 25, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 34
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 F...
Jan 18, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 33
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 Mo...
Jan 11, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 32
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 langua...
Jan 04, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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 i...
Dec 28, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 30
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 ...
Dec 21, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 29
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...
Dec 14, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 28
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...
Dec 07, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 27
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 routi...
Nov 30, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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 Italia...
Nov 23, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 25
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 l...
Nov 16, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 24
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 lang...
Nov 09, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 23
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 backg...
Nov 02, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 22
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 learn...
Oct 26, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 21
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...
Oct 19, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 20
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 actu...
Oct 12, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 Overvi...
Oct 05, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 anyo...
Sep 28, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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 Yo...
Sep 21, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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 a...
Sep 14, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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...
Sep 07, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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 ...
Aug 31, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 sh...
Aug 24, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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: Tr...
Aug 17, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 ...
Aug 10, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 bro...
Aug 03, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 significan...
Jul 27, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 g...
Jul 20, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7
