Language & Travel Hacking

Benny, language learning expert, discusses different approaches to speaking sessions based on your level. Beginners can start with 'Speak from Day One', while intermediate learners should focus on improvement and challenges. Benny shares tips on when and how to correct mistakes and use homework assignments effectively for progress.

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 ResourcesSpeak from Day 1Language Hacking SpanishMentioned in this EpisodeSpeak from Day 1Language Hacking SpanishMemriseStop Making ExcusesJeremy Bardo’s YoutubeLas Flores Se AbriránJeremy’s WebsiteEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:The myth of the “language gene”Overcoming perfectionism by finding joy in embarrassing momentsFinding balance in your language studiesThe power of technology in language learningCognates and how they can help youUsing a Spanish phrase book as a conversation starterHow learning languages helps you become a more compassionate language teacherImportant qualities language teachers should haveIdentifying when an error is important and deserves feedback with your studentsUsing your interests to learn languagesRecording music and going viral in your non-native languageFinding a foothold in a new language with just a few wordsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

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 ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiJapanesePod101Mentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiJapanesePod101MemrisePimsleurWanikaniEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How the Challenge helped Brittany become an effective, independent language learnerHow and why the Speak from Day 1 approach worksWays to stay engaged in your language learningThe power of scripting as a language learning toolThe impact of community in language learningBuilding confidence through consistencyHow the Challenge helped Brittany become a better English tutorStrategies for overcoming perfectionismJapanese resources for independent studyWhy it’s important to understand the culture of your 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.

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

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 ResourcesHerr ProfessorMentioned in this EpisodeTiny HabitsStephen Krashen’s Comprehensible InputHerr ProfessorHerr Professor CoursesHerr Professor PodcastJames Asher’s Total Physical ResponseEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How Manuel used his technical background to learn new languagesHow to turn language input into outputWhy speaking is one of the biggest challenges for language learnersWhat makes input useful and how to avoid passive listeningWhat to do when you have trouble focusing on your language learning toolsHow to find compelling, comprehensible input at your language levelWhy building habits is so important in language learningThe importance of being able to drop things that don’t work and focus on the things that doPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Sara Maria Hasbun, founder of Meridian Linguistics, shares about psycholinguistics, working in the language industry, and “extreme” language learning.Featured ResourcesMeridian LanguagesGlossikaMentioned in this EpisodeMeridian LanguagesGlossikaTempo App on iOSTempo App on AndroidSara’s WebsiteSara on InstagramSara on TwitterEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Choosing which language to learnLearning languages in diverse language familiesStudying psycholinguisticsDialect and accent in sign languagesLiving in different countries and learning the languagesDifferences between a polyglot and a linguistLearning a language with few resourcesWhy fluency doesn’t need to be the end goal for learning a languageDeciding when to learn a new language and when to focus on past languagesTechnology and languageBalancing entrepreneurship in languages with language learningUsing accountability systems for motivationRote learning and its benefitsCombatting the boring aspects of language learning with tricks and bribesLessons from living abroad“Extreme” language learningPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Reading in your new language can be a daunting task, but Benny has some great advice this week for taking it one step at a time. By starting small and building up gradually, you'll make steady progress. There are so many brilliant resources out there that you can use, and reading isn't just a solo activity, so make sure it's something you practise with your teacher or exchange partner.To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.comJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

“Warrior of the mind” Anthony Metivier chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about his Brain Exercise Bootcamp and memory strategies for language learners.Featured ResourcesBrain Exercise BootcampMentioned in this EpisodeBrain Exercise BootcampLanguage Death by David CrystalAnthony MetivierEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Memory methods for language learnersWhy personalization is necessary for language learningLearning German and Mandarin with memory techniquesWhy language learning is more than just memorizingHow it’s easy to cheat your learning with SRSHow to get better at building mnemonicsWays to speed up your memorizingHow memory exercises can benefit your mental healthTips for learning “dead” languagesPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Polyglot Mari Salvestrini shares how she uses Instagram for accountability in her language learning, how to develop language routines based on energy, and why breaks are important in this episode with hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy.Featured ResourcesMemriseMentioned in this EpisodeMemriseMari’s websiteMari on TwitterMari on YoutubeMari on InstagramMari on FacebookMari’s PodcastEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Using Instagram for accountabilityGetting momentum in language learning when in low spiritsThe online community and finding supportDeveloping a language learning routine based on energy levelsTricks for focusing betterMari on helping her mom relearn her native languageMari on gaining the confidence to share her story on YoutubeTips for becoming a more confident language learnerSlow learning and why it might be the right language learning strategy for youOvercoming challenges in language learningWhy breaks are importantFighting perfectionism in language learningHow to learn multiple languages at the same timePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Grammar getting you down? Benny's here to help! This week he takes the pressure off by explaining how he approaches (or ignores!) grammar, particularly verb conjugations, when he starts a new language. Making mistakes is an important part of the learning process, especially in the early days, and the most important thing is to be understood. Leaving the grammar to one side for a while and focussing on communication can really help you progress at the beginning of your language journey.To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.comJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.