What’s it like attending an in-person language exchange event? Victoria Galmarini, Lead Manager for MundoLingo, an in-person language exchange organization, shares how to run a language exchange event, ways exchanges differ in different countries, and what a successful language exchange event looks like. (PS: Learn a little about Benny’s experience at language exchange events by listening to this episode!) Mentioned in this Episode Mundo Lingo Apply to be a Mundo Lingo Manager Join Our Patreon E...
Apr 17, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 137
Benny answers the big questions that a lot of skeptics asking him: Why 3 months? Listen to this episode to hear the founder of world-famous Fluent in 3 Months language brand explain how setting himself a deadline of three months motivates him to actually learn a new language. Benny reflects on his “learning drought” over the last 10 years, his new mission, and the work and sacrifices he has put in to lay the ground for his Korean mission this time. Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission o...
Apr 10, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 51
How can you make grammar “less boring” to learn? Mignon Fogarty, founder of the platform Quick and Dirty Tips and of the beloved Grammar Girl podcast, comes onto the Language Hacking podcast to help answer this question. She tells Benny how Grammar Girl was born from having to look up grammar rules often as part of her job, and how she grew her podcast into a successful business. Mignon then explains how language evolution tends to emerge primarily from younger people, hence why using social med...
Apr 03, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 136
How can you find good resources to learn uncommon or less popular languages? Azren grew up multilingual and made a career out of his passion for languages. He currently speaks English, French, Spanish, Gujarati, and Mandarin, but his online tutoring business covers 11 more… Some of which are not widely spoken worldwide. In his interview with Benny, Azren explains how he went from working for a window-cleaning franchise during his university studies to developing his own language-tutoring team. H...
Mar 27, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Join Benny as he explains how he has started his Korean mission from absolute scratch—and how you can do the same! The steps are simple: Avoiding English at all costs—so no English conversation, even with your tutor. Cheating your way through your first conversation (with Benny’s very own cheating technique). Throwing yourself into the project without fear or objections holding you back! Follow Benny’s progress on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcam...
Mar 20, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Can introverts and shy learners also benefit from joining learner communities? Fluent in 3 Months Challenge (now Bootcamp) participant and Norwegian learner, Pierre, tells Benny and Shannon how the joining the Fluent in 3 Months community helped him overcome his fear of speaking another language, and how he was able to learn more quickly than with any other methods. Pierre also chats about learning a lesser studied language like Norwegian, how speaking German helped him along the way, and lists ...
Mar 13, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Can music help you learn languages? Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp participant and Spanish learner, Zac, discusses: How his learning approach changed in the Bootcamp (formerly the Challenge) The power of music when learning a new language How to pick up your studies when you’ve gone off track Zac also explains how he picks a language to focus on. He gives his favorite tips for choosing a language tutor, and discusses how self-talk can support language learning. We guarantee that anyone who complete...
Mar 06, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Did you hear about Benny’s new project? He’s learning a new language, and to keep in style, he will treat his new mission as a full-time job! Having relocated to Bali for this, he has until May to get “fluent” in this new language. So which one is he learning? Drum roll… The reveal is in the episode! PS: He also explains what he means by “fluent”. This one is for the skeptics! Follow Benny’s progress on our YouTube channel , and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp . To ask ...
Feb 27, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 49
How can tutors help their students avoid anxiety and the feeling of “stage fright” when speaking a new language? Emanuel Vasconcelos is one of the favorite Spanish teachers among the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp community, and Elizabeth’s primary Spanish tutor. In this interview, they discuss Emanuel’s journey to becoming a Spanish language teacher and the methods he uses to help his students improve their language learning effectively. Emanuel explains how his focus is working with students usin...
Feb 20, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 132
What does it feel like to learn the language you have always wanted to learn? Fluent in 3 Months student and Italian learner, Deanna, talks about the power of accountability, finding the right resources, and what it feels like to finally learn the language you always wanted to learn. In this interview, Deanna, Benny, and Shannon discuss how to figure out whether a tool isn’t working for you or if you’re just not ready for the tool and to choose which language learning tools you’re going to use. ...
Feb 13, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 133
In this episode, Benny pulls back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes when he prepares for a new 3 months challenge, and how this helps him get the most out of the learning period. Between clearing his schedule, dealing with the logistics of his new move, and preparing updates for followers, there is a lot to do beforehand! PS: All is fair in language learning: going for a retreat before getting started is a great idea to relax ;) To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram ( @lang...
Feb 06, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Benny is ready for a new Fluent in 3 Months project, during which he will focus for 90 days on becoming conversational in a new language! In this episode, Benny revisits his past projects and reflects on what he can take from his experience onto this new adventure. Tune in to Benny’s YouTube channel and the Fluent in 3 Months YouTube channel in the month of February to follow Benny’s progress! PS: Benny will announce the language for his new project very soon in a new Language Hacking Podcast ep...
Jan 30, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Is it easier to learn a language when it’s fun? Fluent in 3 Months student and French learner, TY, discusses taking part in Fluent in 3 Months programs and finding the fun in language learning with hosts Benny and Shannon. A language teacher herself, TY discusses her experience creating a program for kids to create their own languages and how recording videos of yourself speaking your language can be used as an effective learning tool. Listen to this episode if you wonder how you can creatively ...
Jan 23, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Will technological advances keep impacting language learning positively? This is a question that Philippa Wentzel, Curriculum Team Lead of the popular online language resource Lingoda, attempts to answer in her discussion with Benny. In this interview, Philippa explores topics such as how academic learning can be unsatisfying, how Lingoda relies on UX analysis to make sure they stay on track with learners’ needs, and the pros and cons of using technology in language learning. Philippa also expla...
Jan 16, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Is it possible to learn a language better from home than in a foreign country? Fluent in 3 Months student and Czech learner, Greg, explained to Benny and Shannon how he spoke more Czech in 90 days of learning with Fluent in 3 Months than while living in the Czech Republic. In this interview, he also talks about ditching the perfectionist mindset and using to-do lists to improve his learning, as well as finding a connection between project management and language learning. This episode is for you...
Jan 09, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 128
New year, new goals! In this special episode, Benny is joined by four other Fluent in 3 Months team members—David, Alice, Elizabeth, and Ashley—to reflect on their language learning in 2022 and discuss their 2023 learning goals. Techniques that haven't worked, exciting new launches, tips and tricks to achieve new goals... Hear all about what the Fluent in 3 Months team has to say about these topics and get inspired to stick to your language learning resolutions in 2023. Mentioned in this Episo...
Jan 02, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 46
What exactly do you need to learn a language? Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Honorée, chats about taking part in the Challenge, her plan to learn 5 languages in 10 years, and the importance of consistency and accountability in language learning. Honorée’s advice ranges from how to identify your weak points so you can focus on where your efforts will have the most impact to how building confidence is important and how to do it. She also discusses time management, lan...
Dec 26, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Benny shares his plan of flying back to Ireland this year for the winter holidays. As a solo traveller, he appreciates this occasion to spend time with his family. Benny also shares his experience on how the weeks leading up to Christmas are different in the various countries he has visited or lived in during the period. To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com
Dec 19, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Can anyone join the active polyglot community? If you’re hesitant to join the active polyglot community, polyglot and language mentor Miguel, also founder of the blog The Multilingual Bronxite, shares about what he’s discovered from taking part in these communities. In this interview with Benny, Miguel shares his perspective on the usefulness of the polyglot community. As a regular participant and speaker himself at international polyglot events such as Polyglotar, Miguel explains how the commun...
Dec 12, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 125
How closely does improving your body impact improving your memory? Michael Campbell, founder and CEO of Glossika, one of the most popular language resources on the Internet, shares how he has improved his physical and mental abilities by making important changes in his life. In this unusual episode (which focuses more on self-improvement than languages), Micheal and Benny discuss the benefits of changing diets and switching mindsets to achieve a healthier personal health. Michael also compared u...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 125
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
Nov 28, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 44
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 le...
Nov 21, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 124
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 strateg...
Nov 14, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 123
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...
Nov 07, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 122
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
Oct 31, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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 ou...
Oct 17, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 121
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 c...
Oct 10, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 120
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
Oct 06, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 42
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 Enjo...
Sep 26, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 118
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
Sep 21, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 41
