Language & Travel Hacking

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.

Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Anja Spilker about learning Nahuatl, combating negative feedback as a language learning, and running a language business.Featured ResourcesZALOA LanguagesMentioned in this EpisodeZALOA LanguagesAnja on InstagramAnja on FacebookAnja on TwitterZALOA Languages on InstagramZALOA Languages on FacebookEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Living in Mexico in a second languageOpening a language schoolUsing social gatherings to gain conversation skills in a new languageCombining fitness with language learningBuilding a business in another countryLearning Nahuatl and discovering a passion for indigenous languagesHelping create resources to support others with lesser learned languagesCombating negative feedback as a language learnerStrategies for keeping your conversations in the target languageLearning languages for travelTransitioning from brick-and-mortar to an online businessPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Alice Cimino, a 19 year old third culture kid, chats with Benny Lewis about growing up bilingual, being homeschooled, learning languages as a teenager, and much more.Featured ResourcesHow I Learned Fluent Spanish and English the Hard Way (It’s Also the Best Way!Mentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ArticlesAlice Cimino’s Medium ArticlesAlice’s InstagramEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Growing up in Guadeloupe and integrating Italian into her lifeMoving as a teenager to the Dominican Republic with no SpanishHomeschooling and the associated strengths and pitfallsLearning English by reading Harry PotterImproving her British accent with Downton Abbey and Love IslandWriting articles and learning to be creative in her non-native languageWhy learning language number five isn’t as easy as it soundsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Have you ever struggled to find a language teacher who feels like a good fit for your learning style? You're not alone! What works for one person might not work for you, and Benny has some great tips this week for finding someone you can work well with. Knowing what you want from a teacher is an important starting point, and trying out a few people and reflecting on the experiences is crucial to finding a successful working relationship.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.

Shahidah Foster, founder of Black Girls Learn Languages, chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about learning languages as a black woman and inspiring black voices in the language community.Featured ResourcesSisters Only Language SummitMentioned in this EpisodeSisters Only Language SummitBlack Girls Learn LanguagesBlack Girls Learn Languages MerchBlack Girls Learn Languages FacebookBlack Girls Learn Languages TwitterBlack Girls Learn Languages InstagramBlack Girls Learn Languages YouTubeGet Featured on Black Girls Learn LanguagesEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Starting your own language learning business and eventChallenges learning languages as a woman of colorImposter syndrome in language learningLiving and learning languages abroadInspiring black voices in the language communityPushing yourself to your limitsUsing wordplay as an entrepreneurFinding your connection and why in 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.

Halima Salim, founder of Blackboard English and the Fearless English Podcast, discusses empowering women language learners, overcoming negative self-talk and changing ideologies in the ESL community with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis.Featured ResourcesBlackboard EnglishMentioned in this EpisodeBlackboard EnglishFearless English PodcastFearless English CourseBlackboard English FacebookBlackboard English YoutubeBlackboard English InstagramEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Living in Saudi Arabia as an illegal immigrant and its impact on educationMoving to the UK and learning EnglishBecoming a fearless language learnerShutting down negative self-talkFacing your greatest fearsLearning to read and write at a later ageCreating opportunities for women through EnglishChanging ideologies in the ESL communitySupporting your children learning another languageCreating a supportive Instagram communityGaining confidence “being yourself”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.

Benny answers the question of how to start speaking a language before you know any words. He shares a couple of language hacks - like becoming familiar with cognates - that you can use ahead of your first conversation. His advice will help you feel prepared enough to dive in and speak from day one.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.

This episode features Marissa Blaszko who joins Benny and Elizabeth to discuss their language learning journey as a polyglot and keen heritage language learner! Marissa is the creator of Relearn a Language, a website that aims to popularize understandings of heritage language while sharing fun language learning resources.Featured ResourcesRelearn A Language YouTube ChannelWho are Language Learners - 2021 study of dabblers, polyglots, hyperglotsMentioned in this EpisodeRelearn A Language YouTube ChannelWho are Language Learners - 2021 study of dabblers, polyglots, hyperglotsMarissa’s InstagramEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Creating viral memes around language learningCelebrating diversity and inclusion in the language learning communityAnalysing data across the online language learning communityHow to identify in the language learning communitySelf care, therapy, and shameLearning their heritage language and speaking with their grandparentsPodcast 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 Svenja, who learned conversational Russian and Arabic 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.Benny and Shannon have a conversation with Svenja about her experience of learning several languages as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMimic MethodEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How the Challenge helped Svenja make a breakthrough with her Arabic studiesDifferences between learning a language in school versus on your ownBuilding language islandsLanguage learning struggles with grammar, pronunciation, and time managementMaintaining multiple languagesWhat a polyglot’s daily learning routine looks likeHow to gain confidence as a language learnerWhy it’s difficult to learn a language alonePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.