Language & Travel Hacking

Benny and Shannon discuss dual identities, language learning, and strategies for reviving a language with Alex Rawlings, who was once named Britain’s most multilingual student.Featured ResourcesHow to Speak Any Language FluentlyAssimilTeach YourselfRoutledgeMentioned in this EpisodeThird Year Abroad, now Global GraduatesHow to Speak Any Language FluentlyAssimilTeach YourselfRoutledgeAlex RawlingsAlex’s TwitterAlex’s InstagramMore Than Words PodcastEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How Alex became Britain’s most Multilingual StudentHow a polyglot keeps their languages active and prioritizes what to work onDealing with dual identities as someone who’s biculturalTaking language learning from hobby to careerLiving in South Africa and learning AfrikaansExtensive reading as a language learning strategyStrategies for reviving a language you’ve studied in the pastUsing courses at the beginner stage of learningWhy you should adopt the philosophy of a “non-perfectionist”Learning strategies for advanced language learnersFinding your voice in another languageDiscovering stories in other 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.

When it comes to learning vocabulary, is it best to learn individual words, or phrases with the words in context? Benny gives his opinion, talks about his insights and explains how he likes to use flashcards and other techniques to learn vocabulary both as standalone words and in context. 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 Sarah Gillespie, who learned conversational Hiligaynon 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 Elizabeth have a conversation with Sarah Gillespie about her experience of learning a heritage language with few resources as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiSarah’s WebsiteSarah’s Article on Fluent in 3 MonthsTogglAudacityPaul SoderquistIllonggo BoyzEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Learning Hiligaynon in 3 months with the ChallengeLearning heritage languagesEnjoying the learning process with songsUsing trends to learn languagesFinding resources for more obscure languagesUsing lots of apps, software, and habit forming techniques like habit stackingHow to use your target language with family and getting to know them betterPodcast 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 and Shannon chat with Luca Lampariello, a well-known polyglot and language coach, about learning “useful” languages, breaking through limiting beliefs, and the most important thing when learning another language.Featured ResourcesLuca’s CoachingCommunities of PracticeAtomic HabitsMentioned in this EpisodeLuca’s CoachingCommunities of PracticeAtomic HabitsLuca’s TwitterLuca’s FacebookLuca’s InstagramLuca’s YoutubeEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How languages can change your lifeLearning “useful” vs “useless” languagesGoing into language learning when coming from a technical backgroundBreaking through limiting beliefsHow Luca started his career in languagesCommon mental blocks for language learnersHow to speak with a native-like accentBidirectional translationThe most important thing when learning another languageHow the desire to be a part of a community can be powerful motivationHow to juggle 14 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.

This week Benny gives some advice about how to watch movies and TV in your target language, especially when it comes to subtitles. Watching media is a fantastic way to improve your language skills, but you need to do it the right way if you want to get the most out of it. 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 Ashton Bitten, who learned conversational Spanish 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.In this episode, Benny and Shannon talk to Ashton about her experience of going from intermediate (B1) to advanced (C1) Spanish in 48 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeGenkiTandemBenny’s Ted TalkEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Being a language dabblerGoing on a trip to Rwanda, learning the language, and getting inspired to learn more languagesHow failing a language proficiency exam led Ashton to focus on speakingDiscovering the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and going from B1 to C1 in Spanish in 3 monthsUsing materials for native speakers to learn SpanishBreaking down the CEFR language levelsLearning completely new languages after learning your first second languageGoing from theory to speaking the languageOvercoming nervousness about speaking another languageOn changing personalities with each languageFinding the “right” time to learn a language and time managementHow COVID has impacted her language learning and dealing with those guilty feelingsPodcast 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 and Shannon talk to Damon Dominique, a French educator who got his start online as part of Damon and Jo, about learning languages to build connection, teaching without lecturing, and how to find confidence teaching online.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeFluentCityDamon and JoShut up and goDamon’s YoutubeDamon’s InstagramDamon’s TwitterEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Going from traveler to travel vloggerBeing excited by learning languages through travel and creating connectionsHow reality tv inspired Damon to travel and learn languagesCreating entertaining language learning content on YouTubeTips for building confidence and getting comfortable in front of the cameraHumor in language learningDating and navigating relationships in other languagesBeing honest when sharing content onlineHaving different personas in different languagesHow languages offer you a new perspective and shape who you arePodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

The answer to this week's question may surprise you. People often assume that polyglots learn multiple languages at the same time, but as Benny explains, this isn't as common as you might think. Listen to find out why learning more than one language at a time isn't necessarily the best tactic.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, Benny and Elizabeth get the inside scoop on how to become a French cultural insider with Lizzy Rimington who has lived in France for the past 30 years.Mentioned in this EpisodeBenny’s Spanish ChallengeEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Studying French at school and not actually learning the languageHow living as an au pair kicked off Lizzy’s French understandingHow to integrate into French culture and build friendshipsWhy French etiquette is so importantHumor and how it can help you build relationships inner languagesThe ways customer service is different in France than in other countriesWhat it’s like being vegetarian in FranceWhat to do when the French insist on speaking EnglishWhen to use formal speech vs informal speech in FrenchTips for getting French practice when you aren’t ready for a native speakerTricks you can use when you’re a beginner in a 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.

Benny and Shannon chat with Hollywood Accent Training Coach to the stars, Eliza Simpson, on finding your voice in another language through accent and pronunciation.Featured ResourcesDialects NowAccent GymMentioned in this EpisodeKnight-Thompson SpeechworksDialects NowAccent GymEliza’s TwitterEliza’s YouTubeEliza’s InstagramEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Techniques and mechanics you learn to pick up accentsVisual aspects of learning the sounds of a languageWhat does vocal coaching look like?Difference between dialect and accentDealing with difficult sounds in a languageHow learning the accent of the language you’re learning in your native language helps you speak and other techniques you can use to learn accentTips for improving accent and pronunciationUsing comedy as a tool for 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.