

StoryLearning Podcast
Olly Richards
Learning a new language? Get your language learning questions answered by polyglot Olly Richards, who speaks 8 languages and is the founder of the StoryLearning® method.
Whatever's holding you back on the path to fluency, tune in twice a week to get your regular dose of language learning motivation, with Olly and other polyglot guests, such as Benny Lewis, Luca Lampariello, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings.
Learn Spanish, Learn French, Learn German, Learn Italian, Learn Portuguese, Learn Arabic, Learn Japanese, Learn Chinese
Whatever's holding you back on the path to fluency, tune in twice a week to get your regular dose of language learning motivation, with Olly and other polyglot guests, such as Benny Lewis, Luca Lampariello, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings.
Learn Spanish, Learn French, Learn German, Learn Italian, Learn Portuguese, Learn Arabic, Learn Japanese, Learn Chinese
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Oct 15, 2025 • 20min
503: You don't ACTUALLY need grammar
👉 Grab your FREE Study Sheet: https://storylearning.com/free_grammar_vocab_sheetStop obsessing over grammar rules! Discover why grammar study shouldn't be your focus, especially as a beginner language learner. Find out where to put your time and energy instead. 👉 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

Oct 13, 2025 • 16min
502: The hidden cost of learning two languages at once
👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_2_languagesWant to learn multiple languages? Here's the truth nobody tells you: there's a specific level you need to reach in your first language before starting another. Miss this, and you'll stay stuck at beginner level in both.👉 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

8 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 19min
501: The real reason I wrote my language story books
Discover the inspiring journey of creating captivating short stories for language learners, starting from a kitchen table to selling over 1.5 million copies. Olly shares his belief in the power of reading for language acquisition and criticizes traditional graded readers for being dull. Learn about the thoughtful design behind his stories aimed at engaging beginners and the excitement of including underrepresented languages. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming titles, including Ukrainian and Latin!


