
Language & Travel Hacking
International best-selling author and nomadic polyglot Benny Lewis shares his real experiences and advice while on-the-road about travel and language learning. Learn more at: https://www.fluentin3months.com/podcast/
Latest episodes

Sep 20, 2024 • 11min
Area codes around the world to help with your travels
Discover how area codes can elevate your travel experiences and enrich social interactions. Learn why recognizing phone numbers based on area codes enhances conversations on apps like WhatsApp. Benny shares personal hacks to dodge spam calls and highlights the logical patterns in area codes from countries like Brazil. Find out how a simple detail can connect you more deeply with local cultures while exploring the world.

Sep 12, 2024 • 22min
21 years a nomad: What's changed since 2003?
Benny dives into how travel has changed over his 21 years as a digital nomad. Reflecting on his early travels in the 2000s, Benny shares how meeting people and finding affordable accommodation used to be easier, with tools like Orkut and Couchsurfing at their prime, and the days of finding hidden gems through newspaper ads. Today, platforms like Airbnb have driven up prices, and connecting with others on the road has become more challenging.Despite the changes, Benny remains optimistic, encouraging listeners to venture off the beaten path to rediscover the authenticity of travel. This episode is full of personal stories and practical insights from someone who has seen the world evolve. Tune in to hear how Benny balances the highs and lows of modern travel.Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chatAlso, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.

Aug 7, 2024 • 12min
Benny Travel Update: 3 Months in the Amazon
Join Benny as he shares thrilling adventures along the Amazon River and the beauty of Brazil. He navigates the challenges of last-minute travel plans while soaking in stunning views on a three-day boat ride. Amusing anecdotes and local connections make for memorable storytelling. Plus, he offers insights into language learning and consultation opportunities for aspiring travelers. Don't miss his reflections on exploring all 26 Brazilian states and his journey through the triple border of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil!

Mar 11, 2024 • 10min
Benny's travel update: 3 huge South American travel projects for 2024
In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, host Benny shares his travel plans and projects for the year, all centered around South America. He discusses three major travel projects: visiting all Brazilian states, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean entirely by bus, and navigating the entire Amazon River by boat. Benny explains his motivations for these journeys, emphasizing his desire to explore new places with minimal carbon footprint. Benny also mentions the linguistic challenges he faces, including adapting to different dialects of Portuguese and Spanish along the way. Despite the rough conditions of some of his travels, he expresses excitement for the adventure ahead. Click here to check out Teacher AI as mentioned in this episode.Also, follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Mar 4, 2024 • 13min
Benny shares his optimism and enthusiasm about his favourite AI language tool
A groundbreaking AI tool is revolutionizing language learning, making it more accessible and affordable. Benny shares his journey from skepticism to enthusiasm about using an AI teacher for unlimited practice. This innovative approach reduces anxiety and offers personalized learning experiences. Listeners are encouraged to explore the future of language education through this exciting technology that blends convenience with effective learning.

Feb 26, 2024 • 11min
Ask Benny: Benny Shares His Skepticism About AI's Role in Language Learning
The growing influence of artificial intelligence in language learning sparks a lively discussion. While AI offers affordable speaking practice, it can't replace the depth of human interaction essential for mastering a language. Skepticism arises over the effectiveness of AI, particularly in fostering authentic communication skills. Concerns about over-reliance on technology highlight the need for real-world conversations. Benny intends to further explore these themes, encouraging listeners to share their own experiences with AI in language learning.

Feb 5, 2024 • 8min
Ask Benny: Other ways to avoid being an obvious foreigner
Discover practical tips to blend in while speaking Portuguese in Brazil, focusing on the nuances between spoken and written language. Learn how awkward formal expressions can lead to social faux pas, illustrated by a personal anecdote about a toll mishap. Dive into the essential elements of pronunciation and rhythm that can help you sound more natural. Engaging with native speakers is emphasized as a key strategy for overcoming cultural barriers and enhancing social integration.

Jan 29, 2024 • 6min
Ask Benny: The interesting trick; teaching people other info so they´ll put up with my bad language skills
Benny shares his insights on how to engage in conversations as a beginner or intermediate language learner. He emphasizes the importance of having interesting things to say, such as sharing personal skills, stories, or tricks, to keep the other person engaged and patient.Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Jan 22, 2024 • 6min
Ask Benny: How to be the 1st ever
Benny Lewis expresses his enthusiasm for the unique opportunity of being the first foreigner many Brazilians will ever meet during his travels off the beaten path. He encourages language learners to explore less touristy areas, underlining the special privilege of representing the world to those he encounters. Benny highlights the crucial role of language skills, specifically speaking the local language, in creating these one-of-a-kind connections. He reflects on the significance of leaving a lasting positive impression, mentioning how he brings souvenirs to make these encounters memorable.Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Jan 15, 2024 • 12min
Ask Benny: Mental health struggles and being a language learner
Benny Lewis shares his experience with a recent intensive Korean language project after a 10-year gap. He reflects on personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of considering mental health during language learning. Benny encourages listeners to go easy on themselves, focus on progress, and find a balance between ambition and self-care.Watch the full uncut video of Benny speaking Korean after his language mission here: Benny's Korean: Final conversation to demonstrate basic conversational levelFollow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking), X (@fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.