Language & Travel Hacking

This new episode is all about language islands. Benny explains how creating these specific areas of language knowledge, based on your personal needs or interests, is a solid way to build confidence and get speaking when you start learning a language. And using these topics as a focus will help you reach fluency quicker, as you're able to talk about your islands in depth, and with confidence.To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.comJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy catch up and share what their own recent language learning projects, takeaways, and milestones have been, as they approach the 100th episode of the podcast.Mentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeBenny’s InstagramBenny’s FacebookBenny’s TwitterShannon’s InstagramShannon’s WebsiteEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:What Shannon and Benny have been working on in the last yearShannon’s thoughts on consolidation and consistency in language learningWhy Benny needs projects and urgency to find success in language learningPersonal challenges Benny and Shannon have faced and how they worked through themShannon and Benny’s plans over the next yearPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Italian learner, Louisa, speaks to Benny and Shannon about how she learned as much about herself, as she did about languages, while taking part in the Challenge.Louisa found as many opportunities to personally develop in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge as she did as learned Italian.We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeInnovative LanguagesMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeInnovative LanguagesLanguage TransferNotionEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Language learning goalsLearning about yourself while learning languagesStarting over with language learning as an adultUsing role play to learn languagesTraveling to Italy and getting to use the languageThe struggles and rewards of using a speaking-based approach to learning languagesThe importance of breaksWhy language learning apps become “busy work”Language learning routines during intensive study periods and around everyday lifeHow to get through moments of self-doubtBuilding language islandsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Benny shares how he uses the "Pomodoro Technique" in his language missions,, and explains how you can use it to work or study for longer periods of time. The Pomodoro Technique is a very accessible system of working that requires nothing more than a timer and a little bit of self discipline (but not that much!). Benny has found it really helps him to manage his ADHD, maintain focus, and not give into distractions.To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.comJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge winner, Fiona, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her progress learning Italian, the myth of “natural talent”, and how excited she is to speak to family, friends and Italian locals without the need of a translator.This episode features Fiona, who made significant progress with 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.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeBenny’s Mt. Kilimanjaro StoryBenny’s InstagramBenny’s TwitterEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Busting the myth of “natural talent”Getting help with you’re a technophobeThe two-way street of the Challenge communityOvercoming reluctance to create videosDifferences between learning in school and learning with the ChallengeHow Fiona learns Italian from her daughter and practises with her husbandTips for new language learners and first time ChallengersFinding every opportunity you can to talk in your target languageCombining language practise with exercise and building routinesPerseverance as the key to success and parallels with climbing a mountainBenny’s approach to learning and maintaining multiple languagesHow to mindfully approach strangers in their native languageMemorising ice-breaker phrases for striking up conversation, or just barging in!Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesSpeak in a WeekMentioned in this EpisodeJeremy’s websiteJeremy’s FacebookJeremy’s InstagramSpeak in a Week courseJeremy’s Fluent in 3 Months articlesWim Hof and ice bathsEpisode OverviewSome of the topics discussed in the interview are:The impact of using the foreign version of your name when travellingStudying abroad in Israel and GhanaFacing depression when living and working abroadWays personalities change in different languages and countries“Beginner’s mind” and the power of naivetyFailing fast and failing oftenKnowing yourself being very important for learningJeremy’s experience on a Vietnamese reality TV showIntegrating your interests into your language learning - yoga, music, ice bathingUsing communities you’re part of through hobbies, as a way to practise languagePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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.comJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQGlossikaMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQGlossikaDaily ShowQuizletEpisode OverviewSome of the topics discussed in the interview are:Hating languages in school and going on to love them later in lifeDiscovering your learning style and how it leads to successHow the Challenge changed the way Sam learned languagesHow to work through roadblocks in your learningWhy “done” is better than perfectUsing comedy as a language learning toolCombining writing with shadowing as a learning methodHow novelty and newness can keep you engaged and excited about your languagesStick-with-it-ness and the power of consistencyPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiDuolingoMentioned in this EpisodeitalkiDuolingoDiscordLearning with TextsEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:The importance of having an inspirational tutorThings to consider when looking for a tutorFinding your tribe with the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeThe pitfall of expecting learning to be passiveWhy you should take the time to find out which methods and resources work for youBeing as nice to yourself as you would be to a friendThe pointlessness and dangers of comparisons and perfectionismRemember, 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 itReading to maintain languages and being happy to understand 60%Culture shock and learning “on the job” in Japan - a little goes a long wayHow to create an effective language exchangePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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.comJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.