Language & Travel Hacking

Peter Galante, the founder of Innovative Languages, shares how he went from creating a Japanese podcast to running a company that teaches more than 30 languages. He also discusses running a language learning business and his personal tips for learning a new language.Featured ResourcesInnovative LanguagesMentioned in this EpisodeJapanesePod101Innovative LanguagesFluent in 3 MonthsBringing back a dead language - Benny’s Hungarian projectEurolinguisteEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:The story behind how Peter Galante started Innovative LanguagesHow to find the best people for your teamHow to start a language learning businessTips for creating a language learning systemHow to find a job where you can use your language skillsDeveloping a language learning businessHow Peter got started with Japanese3 ways to think about learning languages - language profile, routine, anchor pointsThe future of Innovative LanguagesHow to be self-motivated and goal-orientedHow a teacher or advisor can help you stay on or get back on trackPodcast 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 Louisa, 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 this episode, Shannon and Benny talk to Louisa about how creating a system for self-learning Chinese helped her find success in her language learning after failing to make significant progress in a night class. She also shares the role community and the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge have played in her methods for learning Chinese.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeitalkiMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeGoldlistingitalkiLydia Machova’s Goldlisting explanationGoogle TranslateEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Why language learning in night classes isn’t right for everyoneThe best thing about the Fluent in 3 Month ChallengeStrategies for incorporating language studies into your family lifeBuilding a system to learn ChineseThe Goldlist MethodOvercoming challenges with language learningLouisa’s progress made during the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeLouisa’s favorite resources for learning languagesLessons learned from participating in the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeLouisa’s biggest surprise from learning a new languageIs learning Chinese difficult?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.

This episode features Fluent in 3 Months team member Caitlin Sacasas sharing her story of when she took part in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. The Fi3M Challenge is a 90-day language learning challenge where participants aim to have a 15-minute conversation in their new language as a part of a supportive community. It can help you start conversing a new language while providing you with accountability and guidelines to make huge strides in your language in just three months. Learn more and get notified when the next Challenge opens for enrollment by signing up here.Caitlin shares how she’s made drinking coffee part of her routine for learning Japanese and how meditation helps her be more productive in her studies. She also shares tips for learning Japanese and the importance of making learning fun.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeJLPTCaitlin’s Makeup Tutorial in JapaneseTerrace HouseHow Caitlin found her language exchange partnerFluent in 3 Months ChallengeStudying in the BathroomCasa de FloresBilingirl ChicaAbroad in JapanRebel Heart BeautyCaitlin’s InstagramCaitlin’s Articles on Fi3MEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:Sharing a language with your childrenThe importance of finding a long-term language exchange partnerHow watching TV helps you pick up more natural language patternsHow important it is to study during your peak times during the dayTips for pairing your language learning with another activity like drinking coffeeHow meditating to clear your mind before your learning benefits your memoryWhy you should start small when starting a new habitWhy you should learn Japanese kana early onFitting in your language studies by breaking up your learning throughout the dayWhy you should enjoy your language and not get bogged down with the technical aspectsPrioritizing your time with 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 and Shannon Kennedy answer listener questions about language learning as a part of a special live episode of the Language Hacking Podcast.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeak in a WeekDropsAnkiMentioned in this EpisodeLivestream on YoutubeMemriseSpaced repetitionFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeaking without ConversingHelloTalkSpeechlingAll Benny’s Language MissionsDefense Institute of Languages CategoriesLanguage learning in hours and not yearsShannon’s post on picking up a language after a breakFi3M’s post on picking up a language after a breakShannon’s Italian refresh projectDark - German TV SeriesPomodoro TechniqueEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How often should I review what I’ve already learned in my target language? - DanniAm I alone in thinking: I can’t learn Past , Present and Future? - BrianWhat’s the best routine to learn a new target language? - TonyWhat’s the best way to get full immersion in a new language? - DennisHow can you pick up a language even if you can’t practice speaking it very often? - KTIs it possible to learn a new language fluently in three months? - MayaI took a three-year break from learning Spanish. Do you have any tips for getting back into studying a language after a long break? - JeanWhat do you recommend to maintain languages you have previously worked on? - LedysCan someone learn a second language for the first time in their mid-40s and be fluent? - CarolineDo you have any suggestions about study methods for a stay at home parent with three young children, as well as ADHD? - AndyPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Language educator and author Olly Richards joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy in this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast. He shares about his “Story Learning” method and how his experience learning languages led him to develop this approach.Featured ResourcesSpanish UncoveredGerman UncoveredFrench UncoveredItalian UncoveredJapanese UncoveredLanguage Hacking BooksOlly’s Uncovered CoursesMentioned in this EpisodeI Will Teach You a LanguageI Will Teach You a Language PodcastLanguage Hacking BooksOlly’s Italian MissionOlly’s Thai MissionEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are:How motivation is the most important ingredient in language learningMusic and language learningAdvice for new language learnersComprehensible Input - Listening and Reading above your current levelHow Olly chose “Story Learning” as his method of teachingHow to use comprehensible input and reading materials when learning a languageHow Olly studies languages, from beginner to advanced - DirectnessHow Olly stays motivated when learning languagesOlly's language challenges and how he overcame themOlly's latest language teaching projectsQuote: “Do what makes you happy.” - Olly RichardsPodcast 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 of The Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis interviews his co-host, Shannon Kennedy about how she made the transition from music to languages, raising multilingual children, and what it’s like speaking another language when you identify as a shy introvert. Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeak in a WeekLingQMentioned in this EpisodeEurolinguisteFluent in 3 Months ChallengeSpeak in a WeekDropsPimsleurLingQWomen in LanguageShannon’s musicShannon on TwitterShannon on FacebookShannon on InstagramShannon on YoutubeEpisode OverviewHow Shannon went from music to languages and how she connects themWhat skills in learning music she has been able to transfer over to language learningLanguage journallingHow foreign languages help you become a better musicianHow to get comfortable speaking languages as a shy introvertScriptingHow to use language islands to steer conversations into topics you’re comfortable withHow to pick up language learning after a breakTime management and energy management strategiesTips for raising multilingual kidsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Mentioned in this EpisodeitalkiFluent in 3 Months BlogFluent in 3 Months ChallengeLingQFathers and SonsEpisode OverviewLearning languages at universityHow to overcome language learning failures and keep learningHow to build confidence in your language skillsFinding accountability with the Fluent in 3 Months ChallengeHaving fun while learning languagesHow to best use your time when learning a languageLearning French while battling cancerStaying motivated using emotional connectionsPeaks and valleys of motivationSelf-awareness and self-compassion when studying languagesBeing a renaissance womanComing to peace with the space-time continuumPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Meet Benny Lewis, the creator of Fluent in 3 Months and the Language Hacking Method. In this episode, Benny shares how he got started in languages, why “fluent” in 3 months, and he offers some universal language hacks.Mentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months BlogBenny’s Language MissionsFluent in 3 Months ChallengeInnovative ProductsSpeak in a WeekBenny on TwitterFi3M on TwitterBenny on FacebookFi3M on FacebookBenny on InstagramFi3M on InstagramBenny on YouTubeFi3M on YoutubeEpisode OverviewWhat does “fluent” mean to Benny?What are Benny’s goals for a 3-month mission?How many languages does Benny Lewis speak?Benny’s take on the evolution of the Fi3M challenge.What is “language hacking”?What are some universal language hacks?Advice on “not having time” to learn 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.

Scott Young shares his experience going a year without English and why immersion is the path to least resistance in language learning in this episode of The Language Hacking Podcast. Benny and Shannon also ask Scott about ultralearning and how it relates to language learning. Mentioned in this EpisodeScott's Rapid Learner courseScott’s book “Ultralearning” The Year Without EnglishPimsleurScott’s Macedonian projectMIT ChallengeHSK ExamScott’s blogScott’s podcastScott on TwitterScott on YoutubeEpisode OverviewWhat is ultralearning?The effectiveness of total immersionHow to gain language proficiency quicklyLearning through social interactionHow did you approach languages with different writing systems and more distance from your native language?How do you get to a level where you can give presentations in a language?Why other people switching to English doesn’t happen as often as you worry it will and how to keep the conversation in the language you’re learning if it doesThe importance of immersion and why it removes anxiety around speaking a languageHow to maintain your motivation for language learningHow to prioritize what you work on How to approach language learning for an examPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon KennedyJoin Our PatreonEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.