Language & Travel Hacking

Judith Meyer is the writer behind Teach Yourself’s Script Hacking series, creator of LearnYu, and several other language learning resources and tools.In this episode, Judith Meyer, renowned polyglot and language educator shares how she uses unique, specialized language goals to make progress in her languages quickly. She also discusses her involvement in the creation and development of several language courses and resources.Featured ResourcesComplete EsperantoScript Hacking SeriesMentioned in this EpisodeLearnyuComplete EsperantoScript Hacking SeriesLearnlangsJudith’s YouTubeJudith’s TwitterEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How Judith learned Esperanto onlineHow she uses specific language goals to motivate herselfHow she prepared to give a speech in IndonesianHow to get comfortable learning a language outside of the European language familyHow she manages to maintain multiple languagesMotivation in language learning and her struggles learning ArabicHow learning languages has opened up so many opportunitiesPicking resources based on your needs as a learnerHer work developing language learning books and coursesPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Lindsay Williams of Lindsay Does Languages is a co-founder of Women in Language, the creator of Language Stories, and is passionate about language learning.In this episode, Lindsay Williams joins us to discuss traveling around the world while learning languages, recording her docuseries and podcast Language Stories, and what it’s like being a “language dabbler”.Featured ResourcesNot a Year OffLanguage Planner100 Creative Ideas for Solo Language LearnersSuccessful Self StudyOnline Teachers Starter KitMentioned in this EpisodeLanugage StoriesLiveLinguaEssential VocabularyNot a Year OffLanguage Planner100 Creative Ideas for Solo Language LearnersSuccessful Self StudyOnline Teachers Starter KitLindsay’s InstagramLindsay’s YouTubeLindsay’s FacebookEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Moving to Costa Rica for three months at 18 years oldHer experience traveling around the world with her husband Ashley creating Language StoriesAdvice for learning indigenous languages (Guarani)Keeping up language learning while backpacking around Latin AmericaMaximizing immersion experiencesPlan of action for learning a language before a big tripBeing a “language dabbler”Habit stacking, habit chaining, and time managementLanguage learning systems, goals, and routinesHow to teach and be taught languagesJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Jessica Tefenkgi Ruelle of French Sunnyside teaches mindfulness to language learners. She helps learners discover their authentic selves through self-awareness, journaling, and other coaching techniques.In this episode, Jessica shares how to be more mindful in language learning and improve your self-awareness, how to create a new identity in another language, and tips for journaling in another language.Featured ResourcesFrench Sunnyside MembershipFrench Sunnyside Journaling ProgramMentioned in this EpisodeFrench Sunnyside MembershipFrench Sunnyside Journaling ProgramFrench SunnysideJessica’s InstagramJessica’s YouTubeJessica’s FacebookEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Blending mindfulness, self-awareness, and languagesDiscovering yourself through the languageCreating a new identity in a different languageOvercoming fear using mindfulnessImportance of knowing your why and how it’s particular helpful when you hit the intermediate plateauJournaling in a foreign languageGoing on retreats in a foreign languageHow to help language learners work through personal stories and open themselves upPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Jonathan Huggins first discovered his love for learning languages when he started diving into his father’s language learning library. That passion brought him to France to study music and continues to be a part of his life as he teaches English online while living abroad and raising his kids to speak multiple languages.In this episode, we chat with Jonathan about why classroom learning worked for him, how to learn languages in the age of distraction, and how to create sustainable language routines.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months Challenge30 Day Speaking ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeFrench in ActionPimsleurToeflFluent in 3 Months Challenge30 Day Speaking ChallengeJonathan’s siteJonathan’s InstagramJonathan’s YouTubeJonathan’s FacebookEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How he excelled at classroom learningLearning in the age of distractionSticking to one method and systemRaising multilingual childrenStudying music abroad and in another languageCreating sustainable language routinesRecommendations for the first few months of language learningCommon misconceptions and stereotypes about language learningParallels between learning languages and learning musicUsing Instagram and social media to learn 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.

Benny Lewis chats with Shannon Kennedy and Caitlin Sacasas about how they use the language app Drops. Drops is a visual, vocabulary language learning game that helps you build your foundation in a new language in 5-minute sessions.Shannon and Caitlin share why they love Drops, how they use the app, and how Drops teaches vocab without translation.Featured LinksFluent in 3 Months Black Friday DealsDropsMentioned in this EpisodeDropsFluent in 3 Months ChallengeTerrace HouseShannon’s Italian RefreshHolly’s Mosalingua ReviewShannon’s InstagramLanguage Hacking Interview with Will JohnGus on the GoEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:The history of Drops and its multinational backgroundWhy Drops focuses on helping learners with just one thingHow Drops pays special attention to teaching a language through gamesLearning a language without translationKeeping up your language learning motivation and how Drops’ 2-Day RuleHow 5 minutes a day adds up to a language learning habit and lots of learned wordsWhy learning vocabulary is so importantThe difference between the free version of Drops and Drops PremiumHow Drops decides on what new content gets addedLearning travel essentials with Drops’ “Travel Talk” featureDrops partnership with K-pop star and artist Amber LiuLanguage laddering with DropsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Elizabeth Bruckner shares her journey of learning multiple languages in her 40s. Topics include using neuroscience in learning, overcoming emotional excuses, and the importance of community. She also discusses coaching in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, offering insights on language learning gremlins and creating systems for success.

Michele Frolla grew up hearing Italian, but didn’t learn to speak it until she was a bit older. After picking up her heritage language, she went on to live and work in Italy, fully immersing herself in the language. She then went on to create the Intrepid Guide where she shares her experience and tips for learning languages and living abroad.In this episode, we chat with Michele about her experiences learning, living and working in another language and how this lead to her creating her own language business.Featured ResourcesMondlyIntrepid SpanishIntrepid ItalianIntrepid FrenchMentioned in this EpisodeMondlyMichel ThomasUTalkMichele’s siteMichele’s InstagramMichele’s YouTubeMichele’s FacebookMichele’s TwitterNetflixEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Michele’s experience with her heritage language and its impact on finally learning ItalianMoving to Rome and living the Italian lifeThe power of modal verbsLearning with pen and paperHer challenges with learning NorwegianThe origins of her blog, the Intrepid GuideLeaning into the fear of language learningMaking friends with her languagesTips on finding jobs in foreign countriesLearning a language to live in a country that speaks itPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Famous polyglot Steve Kaufmann joins us in this inspiring episode of the language hacking podcast. In our chat with Steve, we discuss comprehensible input and compelling input, what LingQ is and why Steve created it, and the early disagreements between Benny and Steve.Featured ResourcesLingQMentioned in this EpisodeLingQComprehensible InputSteve’s YouTubeSteve’s InstagramSteve’s TwitterSteve’s websiteEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Steve’s background with his many languages and his “allergy” to his heritage languagesThe story behind creating LingQ, one of the most popular language learning appsSteve’s job experience with languages and why he believes languages can be tied into any jobConsuming massive amounts of input as a method to learn languagesBenny and Steve’s early disagreements on language learningThe importance of keeping a positive attitude when learningLearning languages after age 60 and why you learn better the older you getComprehensible input versus compelling inputWhat language hacking is to Steve KaufmannPodcast 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 Avi, who learned conversational Chinese 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 our chat with Avi, a Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and coach, she shares how rediscovered her love of languages and came to the realization that she is a polyglot while learning Chinese in the Challenge.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:“Forgetting” French as a childWhat it was like learning English as a foreign language in IsraelFiguring out how to learn a language through self-studyWhat it’s like being Shannon’s language exchange partnerUsing poetry, recipes, and martial arts to learn languagesAvi’s amazing progress with Mandarin in the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeComing to the self-realization she is a polyglot and falling back in love with languagesLearning how to maintain multiple 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.

Johan Tekfak, creator of Français Authentique, shares how he uses Kaizen and other productivity systems to build his language business and improve his language skills each and every day.Mentioned in this EpisodeFrançais AuthentiqueGetting Things Done by David AllenEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How Johan learned German for his job as an engineerCreating systems to learn languagesMaking use of “dead time” in language learningFocusing on interesting and compelling content in your target language - not just material that’s availableThe 7 rules of Français AuthentiqueWhat is “Kaizen” and how does it apply to language learning?How Johann built his own language company a little bit at a timeSimplifying and de-stressing the language learning processCommon roadblocks faced by language learnersHow to attach rewards to language learning to boost motivationPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.