
How to Learn a Language
How to Learn a Language is the podcast with the very self-explanatory name!
We’ll cover all aspects of language learning, especially focusing on learning how to learn languages better. From time to time guests might pop by to share how they learn languages, but mostly it’ll be me and you hanging out so hey, get comfy and let's learn how to learn a language.
Follow for more at https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/podcast
Got a question? A topic you'd like covered or a guest you'd like to hear from? Email me at lindsay[at]doeslanguages[dot]com.
Latest episodes

Jul 7, 2025 • 14min
How We Track Progress in Language Life (And Why It Matters)
What’s the best way to track your progress when learning a language? In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how we do it inside Language Life - my signature language coaching program - and why it matters more than you might think.From measuring what really counts (hint: it’s not just vocab lists and grammar drills!) to staying motivated for the long haul, you’ll discover practical tips you can use in your own language learning.If you’ve ever wondered “Am I actually improving?”, this episode is for you.🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 💛 Join Language Life to learn languages better with expert coaching + tailored progress reviews: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll 💌 Get my Language Sparks emails for fresh ideas multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme 👩💻 Explore the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/Timestamps:00:00 🎙️ Intro00:55 📝 Intake Form: your starting point02:31 🌟 Weekly Wins: small steps, big motivation03:11 📅 Monthly Review: reflect + get private feedback04:21 📚 End of Chapter Check-In: pause + earn bonuses05:25 🎯 Milestones: guide your way to big goals07:35 🔍 What we track together: feelings, 3 F’s, ratings + more11:19 🔧 What I’m working on now: future improvements12:24 🚀 Outro + invitation to join Language Life🗣 #languagelearning #languageprogress #languagecoach #focusandmotivation #personaldevelopment

Jun 30, 2025 • 13min
Eye-Opening Lessons Travelling in India Taught Me About Language Learning
What does it really look like when 23+ languages share space in daily life? During my travels in India from September 2024 to February 2025, I saw just how multilingual life can be - and how well it all works.In this episode, I’m sharing the surprising, eye-opening lessons travelling in India taught me about language learning. From real-life code-switching to the unexpected power of saying “thank you” in the local language, these stories and insights will have you heading to Sky Scanner!Here’s the best ways to stay in the loop: 💛 Join Language Life to learn languages better: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll 💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme 👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:06 🗣️ Multiple languages can co-exist and things get done04:32 🌍 Necessity to learn a language isn't always geography05:43 🙏 It never hurts to learn thank you in a local language07:12 🧠 You never fully know your own language10:39 🔁 Code-switching is life!11:38 Outro & how we can work together#languagelearning#focusandmotivation#personaldevelopment#languagecoach

Jun 16, 2025 • 16min
Why You’re Bored, Frustrated, or Stuck With Your Language Learning
Ever feel bored, frustrated, or just… flat when you're learning a language? You’re not alone — and it might be your attention that's the issue.In this episode, I’m sharing a theory I stumbled upon while prepping for Grace & Space 2024 that’s completely changed how I think about language learning. It’s all about the 4 types of attention — Focused, Rote, Frustrated, and Bored — and how understanding them can help you tweak your study sessions to stay engaged, challenged, and actually enjoy the process more.If you’ve ever pushed through a boring textbook just because you started it, or rage-quit an app after losing your last “heart”…this one’s for you.Here’s the best ways to stay in the loop:💛 Join Language Life to learn languages better: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:53 Attention and Distractions in Language Learning04:23 Focused Attention05:27 Rote Attention09:15 Frustration12:30 Boredom15:19 Outro & how we can work together#languagelearning#focusandmotivation#personaldevelopment#languagecoach

Mar 16, 2025 • 21min
How to Use Clozemaster (& Get The Most From It)
Discover the underrated potential of Clozemaster for intermediate and advanced language learners. Learn how to enhance your skills with listening and speaking tips, custom collections, and offline access. Explore features that allow you to adjust review settings and engage in cloze reading for vocabulary retention. Get expert advice on utilizing the app to create a personalized and effective learning experience. Whether you need to set specific goals or find shared collections, this podcast has all the hacks you need to boost your language journey!

Mar 11, 2025 • 19min
10 Guaraní Words Every Traveller Needs for Paraguay
Learn Guaraní for your next trip to Paraguay! In this video, we're covering 10 essential Guaraní words every traveller needs to know. Get ready to enhance your adventure with phrases that will make interactions smoother and more meaningful!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction0:36 - Essential Greeting: Mba'eichapa2:44 - Understanding Jopara4:22 - Pronouns in Guaraní: Che7:06 - House/home: Óga, hóga, róga8:41 - Expressing Love: Che rohayhu10:58 - Thank you: Aguyje11:39 - Paraguay: country or city?14:45 - Understanding terere lingo!15:20 - Dog or...a word you already know?16:10 - Very/much/many: hetaJoin me, Lindsay, as I share my passion for languages and my expertise in helping you communicate better while traveling. Don't forget to hit the like button and subscribe for more language tips!#Guarani #ParaguayTravel #LanguageLearning #LindsayDoesLanguages #TravelTipsHere's the best ways to stay in the loop:💛 Join Language Life to become fluent in any language on demand: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll🔡 Join Vibrant Vocab: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/#languagelearning #learnalanguage #personaldevelopment

Feb 25, 2025 • 13min
9 Must-Watch Films for Spanish Learners
Looking for the best films to learn Spanish? In this video, I share 9 must-watch films for Spanish learners that will boost your language skills while keeping you entertained! Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Spanish-language films 01:13 - Film #1: Bad Education02:54 - Film #2: Rec03:34 - Film #3: Rotting in the Sun04:17 - Film #4: Language Lessons05:15 - Film #5: Roma06:00 - Film #6: The Orphanage06:36 - Film #7: María Full of Grace08:14 - Film #8: The Heiress09:44 - Film #9: Lopez StreetThese films will not only improve your vocabulary but also deepen your understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.Here's the best ways to stay in the loop:💛 Join Language Life to become fluent in any language on demand: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll📺 Join Watch & Learn: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watchandlearn💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/#languagelearning #learnalanguage #personaldevelopment #LearnSpanish #SpanishFilms #LanguageLearning

Feb 16, 2025 • 21min
9 Signs Your Vocab Routine Isn't Working (& How to Fix It)
🚀 Struggling to remember new vocabulary? If your vocab routine isn’t working, you might be making some common mistakes! In this episode, I’ll share 9 signs your vocabulary practice is failing—and, more importantly, how to fix them to boost your language learning.Whether you're learning Spanish, French, Japanese, or any language, these tips will help you improve your memory, make words stick, and enjoy learning more!🔹 Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:51 Sign #1 – You don't remember words3:09 Sign #2 – You're bored!4:38 Sign #3 - You put off review7:21 Sign #4 - You put off learning new vocab9:19 Sign #5 - The effort doesn't equal the reward10:44 Sign #6 - You can't take a break12:11 Sign #7 - You talk yourself down14:08 Sign #8 - You have nothing to say in conversation16:03 Sign #9 - You don't understand others💡 Want more language learning tips? Subscribe for new episodes every week!Get the free Essential Vocab List here: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocablistJoin Vibrant Vocab here: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocabHere's the best ways to stay in the loop:💛 Join Language Life to become fluent in any language on demand: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/#languagelearning #learnalanguage #personaldevelopment

Feb 2, 2025 • 57min
Portuguese Pronunciation 101: Everything You Need to Know to Speak Better (with Portuguesepedia)
Portuguese pronunciation will be much easier when Pedro has explained everything for you! Here's everything you need to know to speak better in European Portuguese.
Portuguesepedia: https://portuguesepedia.com/
Lessons on Portuguesepedia on pronunciation: https://portuguesepedia.com/?s=pronunciation&ct_post_type=post%3Areads%3Acourses%3Adips%3Alisten%3Alessons
Here's the best ways to stay in the loop:
💛 Join Language Life to become fluent in any language on demand: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll
🌈 Join Dabblers' Den to learn a language every month with me: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/dabblersden
💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme
👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/
#languagelearning #learnalanguage #personaldevelopment

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
How to Really Learn Languages with VR
Katie Pascoe, founder of Dynamic Languages, creates immersive VR experiences that revolutionize language learning. She shares her journey from traditional education to utilizing VR for practical communication skills. The conversation highlights the affordability of VR headsets, the transformative role of technology in language acquisition, and the significance of cultural appreciation. Pascoe discusses innovative applications, including interactive deep dives into languages like Japanese, and emphasizes expanding learning opportunities through dynamic tours and user-driven content.

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Changing Your Mind About How to Learn Languages with Álvaro of Natural Languages
You don't often get to hear people talk honestly about changing their mind about how to learn languages. That's why you'll love this conversation with Álvaro of Natural Languages.
Álvaro interviewing me about learning Spanish: https://youtu.be/lpNw7SitWnY?si=__c9bsf8lg8aa23L
Here's the best ways to stay in the loop:
💛 Join Language Life to become fluent in any language on demand: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll
🌈 Join Dabblers' Den to learn a language every month with me: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/dabblersden
💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme
👩💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/
#languagelearning #learnalanguage #personaldevelopment