

StoryLearning Podcast
Olly Richards
Got a burning language learning question? I’m Olly Richards and I've learned 8 languages through stories. Every Wednesday, I answer your questions and chat to world-class language experts. Whether you're learning Spanish, German, Japanese, or something else, tune in for insider tips and practical strategies to get fluent fast.
Each week you get:
- Answers to your biggest language learning challenges
- Story-based techniques to accelerate your progress
- Tried and tested tips from my 25+ years of experience
No flashcards or memorisation. Just story-based learning that actually works.
Each week you get:
- Answers to your biggest language learning challenges
- Story-based techniques to accelerate your progress
- Tried and tested tips from my 25+ years of experience
No flashcards or memorisation. Just story-based learning that actually works.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 24, 2025 • 17min
513: The harsh truth about advanced fluency
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/free-goalsI don't aim for C2 in the languages I'm learning and I don't think you should either. But it is possible to get there with a lot, and I mean a lot, of time and effort. So, the real question is, is it worth it? 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

Dec 17, 2025 • 15min
512: The ONE language rule you should ALWAYS break
👉Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources: https://l.storylearning.com/binge-resourcesCan you really perfect your accent to the point where no-one knows you're not a native speaker? You can get close, even as an adult, but the real question is - is it actually worth the time and effort? Link mentioned in this episode: Speaking Accent-Free in L2 Beyond the Critical Period: The Compensatory Role of Individual Abilities and Opportunity Structures (Applied Linguistics, Volume 41, Issue 5, October 2020, Pages 787–809, https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amz029)👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

Dec 10, 2025 • 12min
511: The ONLY study habit that actually makes you fluent
Success in language learning hinges on a few key practices done consistently. Choosing a language that resonates with you fuels motivation. Daily study is crucial; many learners stumble due to inconsistency. An effective routine should be small and manageable, making it easy to start. Focus is vital—one hour of deep study beats multitasking. Understanding the difference between active and passive learning can enhance retention. Setting clear goals and tracking progress is essential for growth.

Dec 3, 2025 • 13min
510: Why you can understand a language but can't speak
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/goal-plannerStruggling to bridge the gap between understanding and speaking? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too, specifically when I learned Japanese. Discover the exact steps I took to go from silent to confident Japanese speaker. Links mentioned in this episode: 🗣️ LanguaTalk: https://l.storylearning.com/LanguaTalk💬 Langua: https://l.storylearning.com/langua📢 TeacherAI: https://l.storylearning.com/teacherAI❓Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

8 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 17min
509: The hidden danger of AI language learning
The discussion dives into the transformative role of AI in language learning, especially for speaking practice. Experts argue that while AI offers convenient access to practice opportunities, it can't fully replace human interaction. Personal stories reflect on how AI can boost confidence in speaking a new language. The potential future of AI in translation is exciting yet raises concerns about losing the nuances of human connection. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that AI should enhance, not replace, the rich dynamics of language learning.

Nov 19, 2025 • 12min
508: How to actually learn a language in 12 months
👉 Grab your FREE Language Difficulty Guide: https://l.storylearning.com/difficulty Can you really learn a language in 12 months? Definitely, with the right mindset, approach and effort. To give you inspiration for and insight into fast language learning, I look back on two of my wildest language learning challenges: Thai in 2 weeks and Italian in 3 months. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_InfoVideos mentioned in this episode: 🇹🇭 Thai project playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqoRsDX67Qg&list=PLQJscr8iS4eEA0CRSgEhNJ6sM0p-Y2Im2🇹🇭 Olly speaking Thai after 2 weeks: https://youtu.be/K4tAwFRzAWc?si=YeR-NLpXOl5uZ3VS 🇮🇹 Italian project playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9F81zlDaaE&list=PLQJscr8iS4eEuHPHQerHMBxZ68O8jiq12🇮🇹 Italian project finale in Venice: https://youtu.be/irHzPRySKU0?si=SqLbs7bJBzBQ-0Kg #storylearning #learnthroughstories

Nov 12, 2025 • 10min
507: I don't maintain my languages...and you shouldn't either
Explore the unconventional approach to language learning as the host reveals why he deliberately doesn't maintain all his languages. He shares personal anecdotes, including his experience with Arabic and how life purpose influences language choice. Discover research on language retention and the surprising ease of reactivating skills after a break. Instead of memorizing, he suggests using older languages casually through films and conversations. With a focus on depth over breadth, learn how to strike a balance for effective language learning.

Nov 5, 2025 • 14min
506: Spanish vs Italian - which is easier to learn?
Discover the debate on whether Spanish or Italian is easier for English speakers. Learn how motivation plays a crucial role in mastering these languages. Hear tips on reaching B2 fluency in just six months with intensive study. Find out how knowing one Romance language can simplify learning another, and explore the importance of cognates and pronunciation. Plus, Olly introduces his unique 'pub test' for assessing fluency in real-life conversations. Tune in for practical advice on conquering grammar and enhancing listening skills!

Oct 29, 2025 • 16min
505: Are hard languages even worth it?
👉 Grab your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty-guide-super-hard👉 Get your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal-planner-super-hardAre super hard languages like Japanese or Mandarin worth learning? I've learned three of the world's hardest languages, Japanese, Cantonese and Arabic. These category five languages were worth it for me, but what about you? Let's get philosophical about whether it's "worth it" and answer the practical question of how to learn very difficult languages. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

Oct 22, 2025 • 17min
504: How I learn languages fast without studying
👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_CIWhat if you could learn a language without studying? Discover how to learn a language through reading and listening instead of memorising and drilling. Find out where to find the right materials as a beginner, why children's books don't work, and the 6-step process for learning naturally. No flashcards required.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info


