

Language & Travel Hacking
Fluent in 3 Months
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/
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Jan 8, 2024 • 15min
How to dive deep into dialects (Benny's 2024 language plan)
Explore the fascinating world of Brazilian dialects as the host shares his 2024 language plans. Practical tips are provided for mastering dialects by first grasping the standard language. Discover the benefits of connecting with native speakers through social media and the power of immersing yourself in cultural elements like music. Join a language learning bootcamp for a deeper connection and support in your journey. Get ready to enrich your travel experiences through language!

Jan 1, 2024 • 11min
Ask Benny: How to learn a language in 2024: Taking a resolution and turning it into a true project
Benny discusses effective language learning strategies for New Year's resolutions, emphasizing SMART goals, public accountability, and community involvement. He also talks about aligning methods with language goals and the benefits of intensive learning projects and language boot camps. The chapter ends with gratitude for listener support and a reminder to subscribe.

Dec 25, 2023 • 12min
Ask Benny: Geoguessr, Geography, country studies (How Benny relaxes)
In this festive episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis brings a unique twist, stepping away from traditional language learning to share an exhilarating passion – geography. As the world celebrates Christmas, Benny takes you on an exciting journey into his downtime adventures, fueled by a fascination with countries, capitals, and flags. Forget stamp collecting or video games – Benny introduces you to the thrill of Geoguesser, a game that transports you to random locations worldwide through Google Street View, challenging you to guess your whereabouts.Join Benny on his live-streamed Geoguesser sessions on Twitch, where he not only unravels the mysteries of diverse locations but also showcases his knack for identifying language signs and cultural nuances. Dive into Benny's world of virtual travel, where every street sign, script, and cultural cue becomes a clue to unravel the geographical puzzle. Feel the excitement as Benny shares how he enhances his global awareness through Anki decks and various online resources.Resource Mentioned in this Episode:- AnkiJoin Benny's live stream on Twitch at @polyglot Twitch channelFollow 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.

Dec 18, 2023 • 10min
Ask Benny: When should I move on to the next language, if I want to be a polyglot?
Benny Lewis, a language enthusiast and polyglot, shares insights on when to move on to a new language. He advises focusing on one language until reaching a B2 proficiency level to avoid interference and lack of focus. Taking breaks from languages once they're more advanced is also beneficial for fortifying linguistic skills. Learn about the advantages of concentrating on one language at a time and the resources available for newcomers aspiring to be polyglots.

Dec 11, 2023 • 12min
Ask Benny: What are the resident logistics of a nomad? Benny's Travel update and long-term travel plan
In this podcast episode, Benny Lewis offers a practical glimpse into the workings of his nomadic lifestyle. Navigating the realms of an Irish passport, British citizenship, and a U.S. green card, Benny shares insights into the pragmatic use of multiple passports for streamlined travel experiences. He breaks down the intricacies of sustaining U.S. residency through a specialized travel permit, all while efficiently operating his company from the heart of Texas.With plans to sustain this nomadic lifestyle for a minimum of two more years, Benny reflects on the joy of exploring the world and immersing himself in diverse cultures. He provides a straightforward and grounded discussion on the practical aspects of managing residencies, multiple citizenships, and the intricacies of tax considerations for those living a nomadic life.Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission 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.

Dec 4, 2023 • 5min
Ask Benny: Melting ice: Constant work to push through a plateau
Benny Lewis opens this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast with a brief but impactful message for language learners who might be feeling stuck in the intermediate stage. Drawing on an analogy from other fields, Benny likens the language learning journey to melting ice. He highlights the challenge of not seeing immediate results despite putting in months or years of effort.Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission 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.


