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Explore every episode of the podcast Language & Travel Hacking

Dive into the complete episode list for Language & Travel Hacking. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Improving language skills through learning other new things04 Nov 202400:08:45

In this episode, Benny shares a unique approach to language learning while traveling: enrolling in local classes for non-language subjects. Benny explains that by taking lessons in activities like dancing, cooking, or even martial arts, he gets valuable language exposure in real-world settings. He has experienced this firsthand, having learned salsa in Colombia, tango in Argentina, and hip-hop in the U.S., often entirely in the local language. 

Benny points out that even beginners can participate, as physical activities allow for easy mimicry, so understanding every word isn’t necessary to keep up. He recommends finding classes through Google Maps, university bulletin boards, or by asking locals, as these methods often lead to more affordable, authentic experiences.

Group lessons are also an excellent way to connect with others naturally, building friendships and social circles in an informal setting. By adding this extra dimension to his travels, he combines language practice with personal interests, making for a truly enriching experience. Benny encourages listeners to try this approach on their next trip – it just might become a highlight of their language journey!

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.

Several tools to share your travel itinerary28 Oct 202400:12:39

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny dives into tools for sharing travel itineraries, inspired by his friend Derek Sivers. Benny discusses why sharing travel plans can be useful for friends and followers who want to stay updated on your whereabouts. He highlights simple tools like Google Docs for basic details and more advanced platforms, such as Nomads for city lists, and TripIt for detailed itineraries synced to Google Calendar, which he uses for real-time updates and for coordinating with trusted contacts.

Benny also shares his approach to displaying current and upcoming travel plans on his website, leveraging a Notion database that updates automatically to show his latest location and future destinations. You can visit bennylewis.com to see his full travel map and links to his social profiles, or even book a consultation call for travel or language-learning tips. Tune in to get inspired on how to keep your friends and followers in the loop during your next travel adventure!

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.

Benny's travel update: 3 huge South American travel projects for 202411 Mar 202400:10:25

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, host Benny shares his travel plans and projects for the year, all centered around South America. He discusses three major travel projects: visiting all Brazilian states, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean entirely by bus, and navigating the entire Amazon River by boat.

Benny explains his motivations for these journeys, emphasizing his desire to explore new places with minimal carbon footprint. Benny also mentions the linguistic challenges he faces, including adapting to different dialects of Portuguese and Spanish along the way. Despite the rough conditions of some of his travels, he expresses excitement for the adventure ahead. 

Click here to check out Teacher AI as mentioned in this episode.

Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

#95 Jeremy Ginsburg on "Beginner's Mind"18 Apr 202200:30:33

Business coach and self-proclaimed “VietNomad”, Jeremy Ginsbury, talks with Benny Lewis about his experiences living in Israel, Ghana and Vietnam, and being on reality TV in another language.

Ready to get back into more serious language learning, Jeremy reflects on the bits and pieces of different languages he has picked up throughout his life, and how the positive feedback he has received by locals has been a great source of motivation.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:

  • The impact of using the foreign version of your name when travelling
  • Studying abroad in Israel and Ghana
  • Facing depression when living and working abroad
  • Ways personalities change in different languages and countries
  • “Beginner’s mind” and the power of naivety
  • Failing fast and failing often
  • Knowing yourself being very important for learning
  • Jeremy’s experience on a Vietnamese reality TV show
  • Integrating your interests into your language learning - yoga, music, ice bathing
  • Using communities you’re part of through hobbies, as a way to practise language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: What's Your Favourite Language App?13 Apr 202200:08:28

In this episode, Benny talks about why, after many years of using it, Anki is still his favourite app for language learning. Anki is a free flashcard app that utilises spaced repetition theory to help you learn vocabulary that you input yourself. While some people may find Anki a bit bland, Benny explains how the simplicity of the software not only makes learning more efficient and focussed, but also has a lot of specific benefits for someone with ADHD.

Benny guides you through the key features of Anki and the process of importing your own vocabulary lists, so you can make sure you're learning words that are relevant to you.

You can find a more detailed guide to using Anki here: https://www.fluentin3months.com/anki-cards/

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

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#94 Sam on Comedy and Humor in Language Learning11 Apr 202200:33:07

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant, Sam, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about how the Challenge changed the way he learned languages and helped him find consistency and discover new language learning methods.

This episode features Sam, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:

  • Hating languages in school and going on to love them later in life
  • Discovering your learning style and how it leads to success
  • How the Challenge changed the way Sam learned languages
  • How to work through roadblocks in your learning
  • Why “done” is better than perfect
  • Using comedy as a language learning tool
  • Combining writing with shadowing as a learning method
  • How novelty and newness can keep you engaged and excited about your languages
  • Stick-with-it-ness and the power of consistency

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#93 Laetitia on How to Find a Great Language Tutor04 Apr 202200:52:57

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge coach, Laetitia, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her varied experience learning or dabbling in many languages: English, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch and Vietnamese.

This episode features Laetitia, who made significant progress with several language in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The importance of having an inspirational tutor
  • Things to consider when looking for a tutor
  • Finding your tribe with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • The pitfall of expecting learning to be passive
  • Why you should take the time to find out which methods and resources work for you
  • Being as nice to yourself as you would be to a friend
  • The pointlessness and dangers of comparisons and perfectionism
  • Remember, you don’t know every word in your native language!
  • How technology can be a great tool for learning, so don’t be scared of it
  • Reading to maintain languages and being happy to understand 60%
  • Culture shock and learning “on the job” in Japan - a little goes a long way
  • How to create an effective language exchange

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: Does Daily Duolingo Really Help?30 Mar 202200:07:37

For this episode, Benny shares his opinions and experience of the Duolingo app. Getting points and maintaining a streak may be great motivators, but does it really work if you want to speak the language? Benny explains how gamified apps can be a valuable part of your language learning, but to be successful, there is another important element that should be central to your practise.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

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#92 Tom O’Neill on Language Learning for Introverts28 Mar 202200:38:20

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and coach, Tom, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his building confidence and courage as an introverted language learner as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

This episode features Tom, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:

  • Learning new writing systems and Asian languages
  • Using scripts to get ahead in your conversations in another language
  • Why you sometimes need to do things that are outside your comfort zone, like videos, to get ahead in your learning
  • How introversion impacts your language studies - both good and bad
  • How to pick the right language tutor
  • How to build confidence and courage in yourself and your language skills
  • Maintaining motivation when life throws curveballs at you
  • Tips for avoiding the comparison trap
  • Choosing things to talk about in another language
  • How to get through moments in conversations where you don’t understand
  • Why it’s important to celebrate success - whether big or small
  • Juggling multiple languages as a hobbyist

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#91 Manish on Juggling Multiple Languages21 Mar 202200:40:56

Long-time participant in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Manish, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his experience learning a wide variety of languages through many different methods.

This episode features Manish, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Finding the confidence to talk to strangers in another language
  • What to do if someone close to you doesn’t support your language goals
  • Moving from in-person to online learning
  • Juggling multiple languages from diverse language families
  • The value of community and support
  • Manish’s many years of experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Strategies for reviewing languages and notes
  • Paying it forward and sharing your experience with new learners
  • The importance of learning colloquial language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Ask Benny: St Patrick's Day / Seachtain na Gaeilge Special16 Mar 202200:09:54

This week’s Ask Benny is a celebration of the Irish language. Benny talks about some of his favourite websites for learning Irish, including dictionaries, media sites, and other useful resources. This special episode is essential listening for anyone learning, or wanting to learn, Gaeilge (the Irish language). Links to all of the resources Benny mentions in this episode can be found below.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

Featured Resources

Join Our Patreon

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#90 St. Patrick’s Day Special: Sadelle’s Irish Journey14 Mar 202200:46:55

In this week’s special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Community Coach for the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Sadelle Wiltshire, talks with Elizabeth and Benny about learning Irish and joining the Challenge at an upper-beginner level.

This episode features Sadelle, who made significant progress with her Irish speaking abilities in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Additional Recommended Resources

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Joining the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge at an A2 level
  • Humor as a motivator when learning
  • Music and singing when learning Irish
  • Getting your head around Irish pronunciation
  • How to deal with the different Irish dialects
  • Gaelic vs Irish
  • How to build a community in your target language
  • First steps and resources for Irish
  • The secret to having fun in your target language
  • Overcoming shyness, perfectionism and fear of speaking

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#89 Elena Guillén on Going from Dabbler to Consistent Learner07 Mar 202200:36:06

Language dabbler and native Spanish speaker, Elena Guillén, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning Hindi during the pandemic, as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

This episode features Elena, who found the routine and structure of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped her make significant progress with Hindi in just 90 days.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The pros of being an introverted language learner
  • Learning languages with ADD and finding focus
  • Using structures vs frameworks
  • Overcoming perfectionism and distraction
  • Tips for studying lesser-learned and ancient languages
  • Finding commonalities between languages
  • Advantages and disadvantages of knowing multiple languages
  • Learning through music, songs and films
  • Learning vocabulary with the “goldlisting” method
  • The power of community and accountability
  • The fun of learning different writing systems

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Benny shares his optimism and enthusiasm about his favourite AI language tool04 Mar 202400:13:28

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny explores the game-changing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into language learning. Breaking away from his previous skepticism, Benny unveils a cutting-edge tool where users can engage with an AI teacher for unlimited language practice at a fraction of the cost of traditional lessons.

Highlighting benefits such as affordability and personalized learning, Benny invites listeners to join the exciting journey into the future of language acquisition. Don't miss out on this transformative opportunity—tune in now and revolutionize your language learning experience!

Click here to check out Teacher AI as mentioned in this episode.

Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Ask Benny: How Do You Gather the Courage to Speak?02 Mar 202200:05:05

In this episode Benny gives a pep-talk to help you find motivation and courage to start a conversation in your target language. It can be so tempting to avoid speaking, whether it's because you're shy, embarrassed, or scared of making mistakes. But if you can bite the bullet and take the leap, you'll be surprised by just how much you can achieve. Listen to this episode if you need a bit of a confidence boost!

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

#88 Cara Leopold on Fast-Talking Native Speakers28 Feb 202200:49:19

Listening expert, Cara Leopold, talks with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about how she helps people improve their ability to understand fast-talking native speakers.

For the majority of people, listening is the first language skill we develop - it actually starts before we’re born! Cara explains how visual context, transcripts, and relevant content are all crucial for effective listening development. She also talks about how English changes when it’s spoken quickly, and gives advice for using subtitles effectively to learn a language by watching movies.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The stress of classroom listening activities at school
  • Why our listening ability may be behind our other language skills
  • Overcoming the fear that comes with not understanding when someone speaks
  • Visual clues playing an important role in listening
  • How to improve your listening comprehension
  • Ways to use TV and movies as tools to improve listening
  • Different ways to use subtitles effectively
  • Being an eco-friendly language learner

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

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#87 John Fotheringham on “Anywhere Immersion”21 Feb 202200:55:31

Language Mastery creator and author, John Fotheringham, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss “anywhere immersion”, learning difficult languages, and finding the fun in language learning.

John has a wealth of experience learning Japanese and Mandarin, which he shares with us in this episode. If you’re interested in learning either of these, or any other “difficult” language, this is the episode for you.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Learning “difficult” languages like Japanese and Mandarin
  • How to immerse yourself in a language at home
  • Practising your language with Alexa
  • Learning languages through activities that you love
  • Living abroad and creating memories in the local languages
  • How to choose language learning tools and methods suited to you personally
  • Fun ways to learn languages
  • Experiencing languages as a learner, teacher, and mentor
  • Recommended books for language learners

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

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Ask Benny: How Can I Find Content in a Less Common Language?16 Feb 202200:11:54

In this week's "Ask Benny" episode, Benny addresses the problem of finding content in a less commonly spoken (or learned) language, and shares how he "trains" online algorithms to find the content he wants. He also reveals his method for finding good radio stations in your target language, and who he likes to ask for recommendations.

Benny put together this episode based on his recent experience seeking out engaging content in Catalan, Irish, and American Sign Language (ASL).

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

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#86 Andrew Hamerlinck on What Sports Coaches Can Teach Language Learners14 Feb 202200:31:57

Soccer coach and fitness trainer, Andrew Hamerlinck, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning German and Spanish to chat with his fellow soccer players in their native languages.

This episode features Andrew, who made significant progress with his German and Spanish speaking abilities in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How language and sports intersect
  • Using mini milestones or missions to say motivated
  • The importance of discipline, accountability, and community
  • Habit-stacking fitness and language learning
  • Building scripts
  • Language islands
  • Using “dials” to assess your workload

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

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#85 Alicya on Wine Tasting to Learn French07 Feb 202200:48:29

Writer and long-term expat, Alicya, speaks with Benny and Elizabeth about learning French through the lens of another passion - wine tasting.

This episode features Alicya, who made significant progress with her French speaking ability in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Arriving in France with zero French
  • Why the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge is so good, even for a shy or introverted person
  • What it’s like living in France as an American
  • Why Alicya had a harder time with French than Spanish and Italian
  • How to make the most of a language exchange opportunity
  • Raising a bilingual child
  • Learning to read, and reading to learn
  • Wine as a gateway to learning about French culture and history
  • Developing a French “wine language island”
  • Learning to do things using your target language
  • How to tackle a polyglot Challenge

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

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Ask Benny: New "Language Hacking Mandarin" Book Release02 Feb 202200:09:21

This week Benny talks about his experience with Mandarin, and why it doesn't deserve its reputation of being a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. He explains that if you focus on speaking, and leave the Chinese characters to one side, there are actually a lot of things that make Mandarin less complicated than many other languages.

Benny discusses learning and teaching Mandarin with Northwestern University professor, Dr. LiCheng Gu in more detail in episode 85. Benny, Shannon Kennedy, and Dr Gu worked together to write the new "Language Hacking Mandarin" book, which is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to make quick and effective progress speaking Chinese.

You can get a copy of "Language Hacking Mandarin" here.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

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#84 Dr. Gu on Co-Writing ‘Language Hacking Mandarin’01 Feb 202200:44:18

Northwestern University Professor and author, Dr. LiCheng Gu, has a conversation with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about co-authoring Language Hacking Mandarin, how language education has changed over the last 30 years, and why Chinese is easier than you think.

Language Hacking Mandarin is available now. You can order it from your preferred retailer, online or in stores.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Teaching foreign languages at the university level
  • How language education has changed over the last 30 years
  • Learning Chinese characters
  • Why Chinese is easier than you think
  • Common challenges Chinese learners face and how to overcome them
  • Creating language courses and books
  • Working on the Language Hacking Mandarin book, and how its approach to language teaching is vastly different from traditional language learning
  • The conversational approach to language learning and how it “sits” in academia
  • Advice for getting started with Chinese
  • Using pinyin when learning Chinese
  • How languages are taught and learned in China versus the US

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#83 Hugo Cotton on Learning Through Topics that Matter24 Jan 202200:45:26

Inner French podcast creator and host, Hugo Cotton, chats with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about using languages as tools to learn about other things, choosing compelling language content, and how to use what you’re hearing in another language in conversations.

Hugo knows how to both choose and create compelling comprehensible input for language learners. He uses this strength to host the popular language podcast, Inner French.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The story behind the creation of Inner French
  • Using languages as a tool to learn about other things
  • What Hugo likes about certain language learning podcasts
  • Good resources for learning a language in this way, without being too complicated
  • Tricks for finding good resources in another language
  • Choosing compelling content as a language teacher
  • Using controversial conversation topics to spark interest and passion
  • Biggest struggles French learners face
  • How to use what you’re hearing and learning in another language, in conversations

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: How Can I Incorporate the 4 Pillars of Language Learning into My Routine?19 Jan 202200:09:40

This week, Benny looks at the four pillars of language - reading, writing, speaking, and listening - and talks about his approach to each of them. He also shares his favourite online resources for working on each skill. For beginner learners who want to speak a new language, Benny's advice is to focus almost all your efforts on speaking and listening. If speaking is your goal, it should be your main focus.

Using graded materials such as podcasts is a great way to practise listening, and later, short texts like Twitter posts or online articles will help you make reading progress without getting overwhelmed. Writing is a low priority for most learners until the advanced stages, unless you need it for your job.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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Ask Benny: Benny Shares His Skepticism About AI's Role in Language Learning26 Feb 202400:10:33

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning. He acknowledges the potential of AI to revolutionize language education, including the possibility of replacing human teachers with AI-powered systems. However, Benny expresses skepticism about the current effectiveness of such systems, citing limitations in conversation depth and the tendency for some to exaggerate their AI capabilities.

Despite recognizing the benefits of AI for providing affordable and comfortable speaking practice, Benny emphasizes the importance of human interaction in developing authentic communication skills. He warns against over-reliance on AI, which may hinder the development of interpersonal skills crucial for real-world conversations. Benny plans to explore both the advantages and drawbacks of AI in future episodes and invites listeners to join the conversation and share their experiences with language learning.

Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

#82 Liz of “Talk the Streets” on How to Get Started with Portuguese 17 Jan 202200:28:02

Liz from Talk the Streets chats with Benny Lewis about her passion for speaking Portuguese, living in Portugal, and helping others learn the language so that they can enrich their experiences in the country.

Liz made it her mission to introduce more people to the Portuguese language and culture, after being shocked to find her university textbooks in the “Miscellaneous Languages” section of the library. She tells Benny about her experience moving to live permanently in Lisbon, and how she’s expanding opportunities to learn European Portuguese, rather than the more prevalent Brazilian dialect.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Learning Spanish at school and adding Portuguese at university
  • Why Portugal is a good place for entrepreneurs to live
  • The biggest differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese
  • Learning about culture through language and music
  • Why Liz chose to focus on learning European Portuguese
  • Resources specific to learning European Portuguese
  • Culture shock when moving to Portugal
  • Liz’s “eureka!” moment with her Portuguese level
  • Techniques and methods for getting started learning Portuguese
  • How intermediate speakers can improve their pronunciation

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#81 Carine Lemaire on Fearless Language Practice10 Jan 202200:37:02

Language coach and French teacher, Carine Lemaire, shares about her experience growing up trilingual, being a language learner with ADHD, watching 300 hours of TV, and the pitfalls of language apps.

Carine’s approach to teaching is very student-led, and she has a great understanding of how important it is to learn in a way that suits you and your personality. She talks about how her ADHD impacts her study routine, and ways to manage “type A” students’ expectations.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Growing up trilingual (French, Italian and Swahili), and losing a language when you stop practising it
  • David Bowie and other British music as a motivation to learn English
  • Pros and cons of teaching groups and one-to-one
  • How to solve language learning “emergencies”
  • Watching 300 hours of TV to improve listening skills
  • The importance of trust between teacher and student
  • How to learn languages as a “type A” person
  • Benny’s daily language learning routine (or lack thereof)
  • Working with, and around, ADHD
  • The pitfalls of gamified learning apps
  • Becoming a writer in a non-native language, and learning by making mistakes
  • Differences between French in France and Belgium
  • Carine’s French Chatter podcast, and learning from intermediate French speakers
  • Persistence, variety, and being fearless in your language practise

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: Benny's 2022 Language Learning Plans03 Jan 202200:09:57

After several years living in the USA, Benny is finally returning to a life of full-time travel. This means he'll have a lot more opportunities to use his languages and build new language skills. In terms of language learning, the plan is to spend the first half of the year working hard to push his main languages to their best. As for the second half of the year... that's a story still to unfold.
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Ask Benny: How to Get Started with a New Language in 202201 Jan 202200:07:15

Benny loves helping people start their language learning journey. Whether it's your first new language or your tenth, it's important to consider how you start, so you can build confidence quickly. In this episode Benny talks about how to get set up with spoken lessons and how to find course recommendations. And of course, having friends who support you is key - whether you join the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, or build your own community, it's the most important way to ensure continued success.
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Ask Benny: How to Make New Year's Resolutions that Actually Stick31 Dec 202100:09:41

Benny looks towards the New Year and shares ways you can make your New Year's Resolutions more effective. More often than not, vague goals fizzle out over time, but you'll have much more success if you're SMART in setting your resolutions.
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#80 Yawhann’s 90 Day Language Challenge27 Dec 202100:33:31

This episode features Yawhann, who learned conversational Cantonese and Mandarin in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How parents can encourage their kids to embrace their heritage languages
  • Why “I don’t have enough time” is usually an excuse rather than a good reason
  • Strategies for keeping conversations with natives in your target language
  • Using your technical skills in learning languages
  • The ways language creates cultural connections
  • Hann’s experience in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and the importance of accountability
  • Learning similar languages
  • When it’s the right time to learn your second, second language
  • Reframing your language learning progress as successes rather than small steps

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: Mental Health and Language Learning22 Dec 202100:13:48

Benny is getting stuck back into some language projects, which have recently included Irish, Spanish, Chinese, and Catalan. As he's doing this, he's taken the opportunity to reflect on how difficult life events and mental health challenges have impacted his language learning. It has been challenging, with some very hard times leading to Benny making his mental health recovery a priority.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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#79 Lina Vasquez on Holistic Language Coaching20 Dec 202100:43:27

Holistic language coach, Lina Vasquez, talks to Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about growing up multilingual, holistic language learning, and how personal development impacts how you learn languages.

Lina really understands herself as a learner, and knows how to play to her strengths. She uses her knowledge of psychotherapy and positive psychology to help people understand themselves better, so they can approach learning in a way that will be both effective and enjoyable.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Growing up bilingual
  • Deciding when to dabble and when to deep dive with a language
  • What holistic learning is and what holistic language coaching looks like
  • Incorporating meditation into language learning
  • Quick tips for implementing a more holistic language learning approach
  • Mindfulness practices for language learners
  • Using your strengths and personality to design your language learning routine
  • Building your self-esteem and confidence by getting to know yourself
  • Indirect ways personal development impacts your language learning
  • Mental blocks that get in our way of our overall development and how to break through them
  • Lina’s personal strategies for learning languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: Reactivating My Catalan After 15 Years15 Dec 202100:08:32

This week Benny gives an update about his own language learning progress and shares his method for jump-starting a dormant language. In 2006 Benny spent the summer intensively learning Catalan, but hasn't maintained it since. After 15 years of letting this language lie dormant, it's time to get it back ahead of his upcoming trip to Mallorca.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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#78 Christmas Special: Top Gifts for Language Learners13 Dec 202100:38:58

Benny, Elizabeth, and team members from Fluent in 3 Months share their favourite gifts for language learners. Use this to get ideas for your festive shopping this year, or pass this wishlist on to your friends, family, and Santa Claus!

Whether you’re thinking about what to buy or what you’d like to receive, this episode is packed with ideas that will help make this a perfect polyglot Christmas. We’ve got suggestions for all budgets, all language levels, and all ages, so you’re bound to find something that will put a smile on a language learner’s face this festive season.

Featured Gifts

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the gift ideas mentioned during the episode are:

  • A bullet journal, colourful pens, and sticky notes
  • A ringbinder, plastic pockets, paper, and hole puncher
  • Books, and graphic novels
  • The Harry Potter series, Marc Levy, and Edward Rutherford books
  • Recipe books, and cooking a traditional Christmas dish
  • A magazine subscription
  • Making a playlist of target language songs
  • Giving someone the gift of time so they can study
  • A board game, and children’s activity books
  • Gift cards for books or online lessons, and coupons for tech support
  • Keyboard cover/skin, and wireless or waterproof headphones

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy


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Ask Benny: Other ways to avoid being an obvious foreigner05 Feb 202400:08:00

Benny Lewis discusses strategies to avoid standing out as an obvious foreigner when speaking a new language, drawing from his experiences in Brazil. Academic choices of written words, like or simply saying things that are just illogical, can make you stand out more.

Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

#77 Gabriel Silva on Learning Two Languages at the Same Time06 Dec 202100:40:29

Polyglot and language coach, Gabriel Silva, talks with Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his method for learning two languages at the same time, and the joy of random interactions in your target language.

Gabriel is very active on YouTube and Instagram, and his popular #1SentenceChallenge inspires learners around the world to share videos of their progress. Gabriel helps his students to manage their expectations when it comes to learning, and is very transparent about how long it has taken him to reach milestones in his languages.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Fluctuations in motivation and how to “ride the wave”
  • The pitfalls of grammar-based languages courses
  • Finding the fun and pleasure in language learning
  • The joy of interactions with random people in your target language
  • Matching your learning activities to your energy levels
  • An 80/20 approach to learning two languages at once
  • Managing frustration and not giving up
  • The benefit of walking away from a problem for a while, and adding variety to your learning
  • Gabriel’s #1SentenceChallenge
  • Consistency as the key to progress
  • How recording yourself speaking, even just for yourself, can be so helpful
  • How to manage expectations, and how being part of a community can really help

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: What if I Can't Prepare Before a Lesson?01 Dec 202100:07:12

Benny shares how he manages lessons when he is particularly busy. We all have weeks that are busier than usual. Benny recommends that you resist the temptation to cancel your lessons! It's not ideal to skip the prep, but the lesson can still be really valuable if you follow Benny's advice.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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#76 Ben Phillips on How to Live and Study Abroad for Free29 Nov 202100:50:09

19-year-old student, Ben Phillips, talks to Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his experience of doing a highschool German exchange programme, and how he stayed focussed and motivated enough to reach C1 level after just a year.

Ben explains how, after unsuccessfully dabbling in Japanese, Greek and Mandarin, he was able to excel at German in such a short period of time, how and why reading is so integral to his learning, and the ways he has been able to travel and live abroad more or less for free.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • High school language exchanges and language camp with the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange
  • Attending a German school and the joy of finally being able to participate in a class discussion
  • Taking and passing the C1 test in German after only a year of learning
  • How to make the most of opportunities to learn a language while living abroad
  • The importance of keeping your goal in mind
  • How speaking with people and learning about a culture in your target language is its own reward
  • Overcoming the temptation to slip back into English while living abroad
  • How to set monthly goals and why they’re useful
  • How to find time to study and still do the things you enjoy in your free time
  • Tracking your accomplishments, like finishing a book in your target language
  • Reading as a key part of your language practice - novels, Twitter, and using LingQ
  • Finding motivation to study when you don’t have the pressure of being in the country
  • Scholarships and work exchanges as ways to travel and have enriching experiences abroad for free

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#75 Doree Huneven on Worldwide Travel, Reward Systems and Sleeping Languages15 Nov 202100:36:01

Polyglot and avid traveller, Doree Huneven, joins Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner to talk about her experience learning multiple languages, travelling the world, and how the violin has made her a better learner.

Doree shares why she thinks discipline is the key to being a successful language learner and having fun, and why the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge is so appealing, even to an experienced language learner. We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How a family camping trip to Mexico sparked her love of languages
  • Teaching English in Egypt and learning Arabic
  • How studying and teaching the violin help with language learning
  • Why discipline is an invaluable asset
  • The value of being active in the Fi3M Challenge community
  • Why, as an experienced language learner, she still joined the Fi3M Challenge
  • Developing communities as you travel
  • The desire to connect with people as a driving force for learning
  • How language resources have changed over the last 50 years
  • Mimicking phrases, copying body language, and blending in with locals when you travel
  • Saving money, cutting costs, and making travel more financially accessible
  • The “Doree Huneven Reward System”
  • What Doree does with her “sleeping” languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: What's the Best Way to Prep for a Language Class?08 Nov 202100:05:32

Benny shares his advice about how to prepare for a 1-1 language lesson, and his method for note taking before, during, and after lessons.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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#74 Stephen Krashen on the Comprehensible Input Method01 Nov 202101:00:54

Linguist and professional researcher joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss comprehensible input, compelling input, and language acquisition.

Stephen Krashen is a professor emeritus who is well-known for his work and research into comprehensible input. He has hundreds of publications to his name and has greatly contributed to the field of language acquisition.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How a trip to Ethiopia led to Stephen Krashen’s career in linguistics
  • How adults go through a predictable language acquisition pattern
  • Why we know grammar but struggle to use it correctly, and how to bridge this gap
  • What comprehensible input is and why it works
  • How comprehensible input differs from compelling input
  • Why graded readers are effective resources for language learners
  • The power of reading fiction
  • How the speaking approach is still a mostly input approach
  • Making the shift from input to output
  • Accents, and how we’re better at them than we think
  • Managing your time with multiple languages
  • Romanization and its role in language acquisition

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#73 Juliana Russell on “Do Kids Learn Languages Better than Adults?”25 Oct 202100:35:28

Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with Juliana Russell of Language Mindset about supporting kids learning languages, resilience in language learning, and if kids really are better language learners than adults

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Developing a passion for languages through failure
  • Building a language business
  • Strategies for teaching children languages
  • Are kids really better language learners than adults?
  • Advantages and disadvantages for kids learning languages
  • How parents can support their children learning another language even if they’re not a native speaker
  • How to be a more resilient language learner
  • How to support a child who is resisting learning a new language
  • Ways to practice language with your kids outside of the classroom
  • How to maintain your languages when you can’t travel

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: What Should I Do Differently in Speaking Lessons at Different Levels?20 Oct 202100:07:22

This week Benny talks about how to approach speaking sessions with a teacher differently, depending on your level. The "Speak from Day One" approach is an excellent starting point for beginners, but it's important to make sure you're improving and being challenged as you move into intermediate and beyond. Benny describes how and when he likes a teacher to correct mistakes, and how you can use homework assignments to really drive improvement.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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#72 Jeremy Bardo on Going Viral in Another Language18 Oct 202100:53:13

Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with musician and translator Jeremy Bardo about his experience going viral with a Spanish language music video. We also discuss the myth of the language gene and finding joy in embarrassing moments.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The myth of the “language gene”
  • Overcoming perfectionism by finding joy in embarrassing moments
  • Finding balance in your language studies
  • The power of technology in language learning
  • Cognates and how they can help you
  • Using a Spanish phrase book as a conversation starter
  • How learning languages helps you become a more compassionate language teacher
  • Important qualities language teachers should have
  • Identifying when an error is important and deserves feedback with your students
  • Using your interests to learn languages
  • Recording music and going viral in your non-native language
  • Finding a foothold in a new language with just a few words

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#71 Brittany Williams’ 90 Day Japanese Challenge11 Oct 202100:44:12

This episode features Brittany, who learned conversational Japanese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How the Challenge helped Brittany become an effective, independent language learner
  • How and why the Speak from Day 1 approach works
  • Ways to stay engaged in your language learning
  • The power of scripting as a language learning tool
  • The impact of community in language learning
  • Building confidence through consistency
  • How the Challenge helped Brittany become a better English tutor
  • Strategies for overcoming perfectionism
  • Japanese resources for independent study
  • Why it’s important to understand the culture of your language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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Ask Benny: The interesting trick; teaching people other info so they´ll put up with my bad language skills29 Jan 202400:06:08

Benny shares his insights on how to engage in conversations as a beginner or intermediate language learner. He emphasizes the importance of having interesting things to say, such as sharing personal skills, stories, or tricks, to keep the other person engaged and patient.

Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Ask Benny: How Can I Speak Zero English in a Language Lesson?06 Oct 202100:08:25

As a beginner, the idea of having a lesson where you only speak your target language can seem impossible. Benny shares some great ideas and resources that you can use to avoid your native language and start as you mean to go on. Speaking from day one is a daunting prospect, but with a bit of preparation and planning, it's absolutely achievable.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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#70 Herr Professor on How Engineers Approach Language Learning04 Oct 202100:40:48

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Manuel of “Herr Professor” about growing up multilingual, teaching German, and how engineers approach language learning.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How Manuel used his technical background to learn new languages
  • How to turn language input into output
  • Why speaking is one of the biggest challenges for language learners
  • What makes input useful and how to avoid passive listening
  • What to do when you have trouble focusing on your language learning tools
  • How to find compelling, comprehensible input at your language level
  • Why building habits is so important in language learning
  • The importance of being able to drop things that don’t work and focus on the things that do

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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#69 Sara Maria Hasbun on the Psychology of Language Learning27 Sep 202100:50:02

Sara Maria Hasbun, founder of Meridian Linguistics, shares about psycholinguistics, working in the language industry, and “extreme” language learning.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Choosing which language to learn
  • Learning languages in diverse language families
  • Studying psycholinguistics
  • Dialect and accent in sign languages
  • Living in different countries and learning the languages
  • Differences between a polyglot and a linguist
  • Learning a language with few resources
  • Why fluency doesn’t need to be the end goal for learning a language
  • Deciding when to learn a new language and when to focus on past languages
  • Technology and language
  • Balancing entrepreneurship in languages with language learning
  • Using accountability systems for motivation
  • Rote learning and its benefits
  • Combatting the boring aspects of language learning with tricks and bribes
  • Lessons from living abroad
  • “Extreme” language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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