Language & Travel Hacking
Episodes
#129 Philippa Wentzel on Lingoda and Language Technology
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Will technological advances keep impacting language learning positively?This is a question that Philippa Wentzel, Curriculum Team Lead of the popular ...
#128 Greg on “To-Do” Lists to Learn Czech
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to learn a language better from home than in a foreign country?Fluent in 3 Months student and Czech learner, Greg, explained to Benny a...
New Year's Special: Reflections and Resolutions
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New year, new goals! In this special episode, Benny is joined by four other Fluent in 3 Months team members—David, Alice, Elizabeth, and Ashley...
#127 Honorée on Learning Languages Through Passion and Asking for Help
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly do you need to learn a language?Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Honorée, chats about taking part in the Cha...
Ask Benny: What is Christmas like for a solo traveller?
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny shares his plan of flying back to Ireland this year for the winter holidays. As a solo traveller, he appreciates this occasion to spend time wit...
#126 Miguel on Community and Connection in Language Learning
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Can anyone join the active polyglot community?If you’re hesitant to join the active polyglot community, polyglot and language mentor Miguel, also fo...
#125 Michael Campbell on the Power of “Reps” for Language Learners
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How closely does improving your body impact improving your memory?Michael Campbell, founder and CEO of Glossika, one of the most popular language reso...
Ask Benny: How do language exchange events work?
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny explains how language exchanges work by describing his own experience with the MundoLingo events. He covers how events are organised to make lan...
#124 Olly Richards on Creating the StoryLearning Method
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes a Black Friday promotion. Follow this link to get the Black Friday price.Check out all our Black Friday deals on 50+ languages h...
#123 Kelsey Lechner on Speaking 6 Very Different Languages
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How much does living in different countries shape your personality and influence your personal development?In an episode packed with cultural explorat...
#122 Brian Powell on How Learning a Dead Language Changed His Perspective
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are dead languages worth learning?Latin learner, polyglot, and professional translator Brian Powell answers this question by explaining his experience...
Ask Benny: How Do I Create a Language Immersion Environment at Home?
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny starts off this episode with a personal case study related to language immersion at home: studying Egyptian Arabic while still living in Brasil ...
#121 Nina on How to Break the Intermediate Plateau
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Greek learner, Nina, shares her experience taking part in the Challenge and connecting with her husband, ...
#120 Melanie on Learning French With Her 7 Kids
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Melanie, discusses taking part in the Challenge and connecting with her kids through Fren...
Ask Benny: New Language Goals Plans! Focusing on 5 Languages From Now On
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The life of a polyglot globe-trotter only knows one constant: change! In this new update, Benny explains why his decision to postpone his trip to Thai...
#118 Joaquin on the Bilingual-Trilingual Journey
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Joaquin, explains how deciding to study in France helped him become serious about his goa...
Ask Benny: How do you learn vocabulary while traveling?
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Since Benny started travelling again, he has had to adapt his learning to his new schedule and route. In this episode, he shares his tips on how to ma...
#117 Dr. Barbara Oakley on Learning How to Learn
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Featured ResourcesRebel with a ClausePatreon Extended EpisodeEnjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to extended episodes and loads ...
#116 Hez on What to Do When You Want to Learn Everything at Once
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Spanish learner, Hez, chats with Benny and Shannon about fighting perfectionism and practicing patience i...
Benny's Next Language Project - Next Stop: Another Continent
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Ask Benny episode, Benny discusses his next language project. Benny will rediscover a language he already studied back in 2010 by flying from ...
#115 Gabby Wallace on How Language Teachers Learn a Language
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gabby Wallace, creator of Go Natural English, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about teaching English online, how renovating houses is li...
Benny's Language Project Update (+ Mini Discovery Related to Learning Vocabulary)
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Ask Benny episode, Benny gives an update on his current language mission in Jericoacoara, Brazil, and the new hacks and strategies he has work...
#114 Luca Sadurny on Mosalingua and Ikigai
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Luca Sadurny, co-founder of Mosalingua, talks about how learning French helped him discover that everyone can learn a language when using the right me...
#113 Elena Mutonono on Tutoring in Ukraine and Creating an Online Business
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Elena Mutonono, former ESL teacher and now coach for language teachers, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about language teaching, the eth...
#112 Damian on Surprising His Friend by Learning Bosnian
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Bosnian learner, Damian, chats with Benny and Shannon about finding connection with friends and family th...
Ask Benny: How Can My Tutor Help Me Make Flashcards?
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This Ask Benny episode is about flashcards, and how you can use your lessons or conversations with a tutor to create your vocabulary list. Benny expla...
#111 Steve Kaufmann on the Evolution of LingQ
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Kaufmann, renowned polyglot and founder of LingQ rejoins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about the LingQ language learning app, how inte...
#110 Kittichai Boonthong on Learning English and Japanese, and Cultural Differences
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy, bring on Kittichai, known as “The Duke” to talk about his role at Fluent in 3 ...
Ask Benny: How Can I Use Social Media to Learn Languages?
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny is a big fan of using social media to practise his languages, and in this Ask Benny episode, he shares tips and tricks for getting the most out ...
#109 Ellen Jovin on “The Grammar Table”
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Creator and proprietor of The Grammar Table, Ellen Jovin, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about traveling the country to discuss grammar...
Ask Benny: How Do I Make A Personalised Phrasebook?
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Ask Benny episode, Benny explains how he goes about making a personalised phrasebook. He shares examples of useful sentences that he knows he ...
#107 Paul Jorgenson on How to Make Difficult Languages Easy
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Creator of the immensely popular YouTube channel LangFocus, Paul Jorgenson, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about building a Youtube cha...
#106 Zsuzsanna on Learning Languages as a Family
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Spanish learner, Zsuzsanna, chats with Benny and Shannon about finally finding success in language learni...
Ask Benny: What is the 80/20 Rule?
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny explains how to apply the Pareto Principle (aka the 80/20 rule) to language learning. Benny shares how to go about focusing on 20% of a language...
#105 Fiel Sahir on Learning a Language Without “Studying”
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Enthusiastic learner, New York resident, musician, and polyglot, Fiel Sahir, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about finding mentors, lear...
#104 Corentin on How to Reinvent Yourself as a Language Learner
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Dutch learner, Corentin, chats with Benny and Shannon about “redefining” yourself as a language learn...
Ask Benny: Why Learn Esperanto?
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny shares the reasons he learned Esperanto and why it's so useful, despite it not being an officially recognized language. The international Espera...
#103 Simon Ager on Creating an Encyclopedia of Languages
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Linguistics expert and language enthusiast, Simon Ager, talks with Benny and Elizabeth about creating one of the internet’s biggest (and first) ency...
#102 Professor Argüelles on Learning a Language in 15 Minutes a Day
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Professor, polyglot and all-round language expert, Alexander Argüelles, talks with Benny and Elizabeth about his routines, methods, favourite activit...
Ask Benny: Two Big Announcements!
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Benny shares some exciting news in a special Ask Benny episode. Benny is heading back out on the road, to live the nomadic life he loves. Th...
#101 Scott Brills on World Travel & Language Survival Basics
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
World traveler, tour coordinator, and language learner, Scott Brills, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to chat about “faking” comprehension, ...
#100 Celebrating 100 Episodes with Scott Young
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our first ever Language Hacking Podcast guest, author, and course creator, Scott Young, revisits the show to catch up with Benny and Shannon and share...
#99 Shannon and Elizabeth on Self-Compassion in Language Learning
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts, Shannon Kennedy and Elizabeth Bruckner catch up and talk about how this last year has been a time of learning, and ...
Ask Benny: What are Language Islands?
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This new episode is all about language islands. Benny explains how creating these specific areas of language knowledge, based on your personal needs o...
#98 Benny and Shannon on Language Learning When Life Happens
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy catch up and share what their own recent language learning projects, takeaways, and ...
#97 Louisa on Learning About Herself Through Italian
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Italian learner, Louisa, speaks to Benny and Shannon about how she learned as much about herself, as she ...
Ask Benny: What is the Pomodoro Technique?
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny shares how he uses the "Pomodoro Technique" in his language missions,, and explains how you can use it to work or study for longer periods of ti...
#96 Fiona’s 90-Day Italian Challenge
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge winner, Fiona, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her progress learning Italian, the myth of “natural talent”, a...
#95 Jeremy Ginsburg on "Beginner's Mind"
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Business coach and self-proclaimed “VietNomad”, Jeremy Ginsbury, talks with Benny Lewis about his experiences living in Israel, Ghana and Vietnam,...
Ask Benny: What's Your Favourite Language App?
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Benny talks about why, after many years of using it, Anki is still his favourite app for language learning. Anki is a free flashcard ...
#94 Sam on Comedy and Humor in Language Learning
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant, Sam, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about how the Challenge changed the way he learned languages and helped...
#93 Laetitia on How to Find a Great Language Tutor
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge coach, Laetitia, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her varied experience learning or dabbling in many languages: En...
Ask Benny: Does Daily Duolingo Really Help?
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode, Benny shares his opinions and experience of the Duolingo app. Getting points and maintaining a streak may be great motivators, but d...
#92 Tom O’Neill on Language Learning for Introverts
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and coach, Tom, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his building confidence and courage as an introverted l...
#91 Manish on Juggling Multiple Languages
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Long-time participant in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Manish, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his experience learning a wide variety of lan...
Ask Benny: St Patrick's Day / Seachtain na Gaeilge Special
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s Ask Benny is a celebration of the Irish language. Benny talks about some of his favourite websites for learning Irish, including diction...
#90 St. Patrick’s Day Special: Sadelle’s Irish Journey
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Community Coach for the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Sadelle Wiltshire, talks with Elizabeth an...
#89 Elena Guillén on Going from Dabbler to Consistent Learner
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Language dabbler and native Spanish speaker, Elena Guillén, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning Hindi during the pandemic, as a part of the ...
Ask Benny: How Do You Gather the Courage to Speak?
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Benny gives a pep-talk to help you find motivation and courage to start a conversation in your target language. It can be so tempting ...
#88 Cara Leopold on Fast-Talking Native Speakers
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listening expert, Cara Leopold, talks with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about how she helps people improve their ability to understand fast-talking...
#87 John Fotheringham on “Anywhere Immersion”
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Language Mastery creator and author, John Fotheringham, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss “anywhere immersion”, learning difficult ...
Ask Benny: How Can I Find Content in a Less Common Language?
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's "Ask Benny" episode, Benny addresses the problem of finding content in a less commonly spoken (or learned) language, and shares how he ...
#86 Andrew Hamerlinck on What Sports Coaches Can Teach Language Learners
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Soccer coach and fitness trainer, Andrew Hamerlinck, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning German and Spanish to chat with his fellow soccer pl...
#85 Alicya on Wine Tasting to Learn French
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and long-term expat, Alicya, speaks with Benny and Elizabeth about learning French through the lens of another passion - wine tasting.This epis...
Ask Benny: New "Language Hacking Mandarin" Book Release
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Benny talks about his experience with Mandarin, and why it doesn't deserve its reputation of being a difficult language for native English s...
#84 Dr. Gu on Co-Writing ‘Language Hacking Mandarin’
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Northwestern University Professor and author, Dr. LiCheng Gu, has a conversation with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about co-authoring Language Hack...
#83 Hugo Cotton on Learning Through Topics that Matter
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inner French podcast creator and host, Hugo Cotton, chats with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about using languages as tools to learn about other thi...
Ask Benny: How Can I Incorporate the 4 Pillars of Language Learning into My Routine?
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Benny looks at the four pillars of language - reading, writing, speaking, and listening - and talks about his approach to each of them. He ...
#82 Liz of “Talk the Streets” on How to Get Started with Portuguese
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Liz from Talk the Streets chats with Benny Lewis about her passion for speaking Portuguese, living in Portugal, and helping others learn the language ...
#81 Carine Lemaire on Fearless Language Practice
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Language coach and French teacher, Carine Lemaire, shares about her experience growing up trilingual, being a language learner with ADHD, watching 300...
Ask Benny: Benny's 2022 Language Learning Plans
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After several years living in the USA, Benny is finally returning to a life of full-time travel. This means he'll have a lot more opportunities to use...
Ask Benny: How to Get Started with a New Language in 2022
01 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Benny loves helping people start their language learning journey. Whether it's your first new language or your tenth, it's important to consider how y...
Ask Benny: How to Make New Year's Resolutions that Actually Stick
31 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny looks towards the New Year and shares ways you can make your New Year's Resolutions more effective. More often than not, vague goals fizzle out ...
#80 Yawhann’s 90 Day Language Challenge
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Yawhann, who learned conversational Cantonese and Mandarin in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually gua...
Ask Benny: Mental Health and Language Learning
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny is getting stuck back into some language projects, which have recently included Irish, Spanish, Chinese, and Catalan. As he's doing this, he's t...
#79 Lina Vasquez on Holistic Language Coaching
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Holistic language coach, Lina Vasquez, talks to Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about growing up multilingual, holistic language learning, and how per...
Ask Benny: Reactivating My Catalan After 15 Years
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week Benny gives an update about his own language learning progress and shares his method for jump-starting a dormant language. In 2006 Benny spe...
#78 Christmas Special: Top Gifts for Language Learners
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny, Elizabeth, and team members from Fluent in 3 Months share their favourite gifts for language learners. Use this to get ideas for your festive s...
#77 Gabriel Silva on Learning Two Languages at the Same Time
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Polyglot and language coach, Gabriel Silva, talks with Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his method for learning two languages at the same time...
Ask Benny: What if I Can't Prepare Before a Lesson?
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny shares how he manages lessons when he is particularly busy. We all have weeks that are busier than usual. Benny recommends that you resist the t...
#76 Ben Phillips on How to Live and Study Abroad for Free
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
19-year-old student, Ben Phillips, talks to Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his experience of doing a highschool German exchange programme, a...
#75 Doree Huneven on Worldwide Travel, Reward Systems and Sleeping Languages
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Polyglot and avid traveller, Doree Huneven, joins Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner to talk about her experience learning multiple languages, travell...
Ask Benny: What's the Best Way to Prep for a Language Class?
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny shares his advice about how to prepare for a 1-1 language lesson, and his method for note taking before, during, and after lessons. To ask Benny...
#74 Stephen Krashen on the Comprehensible Input Method
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Linguist and professional researcher joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss comprehensible input, compelling input, and language acquisition...
#73 Juliana Russell on “Do Kids Learn Languages Better than Adults?”
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with Juliana Russell of Language Mindset about supporting kids learning languages, resilience in language learnin...
Ask Benny: What Should I Do Differently in Speaking Lessons at Different Levels?
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week Benny talks about how to approach speaking sessions with a teacher differently, depending on your level. The "Speak from Day One" approach i...
#72 Jeremy Bardo on Going Viral in Another Language
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with musician and translator Jeremy Bardo about his experience going viral with a Spanish language music video. W...
#71 Brittany Williams’ 90 Day Japanese Challenge
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Brittany, who learned conversational Japanese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that a...
Ask Benny: How Can I Speak Zero English in a Language Lesson?
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a beginner, the idea of having a lesson where you only speak your target language can seem impossible. Benny shares some great ideas and resources ...
#70 Herr Professor on How Engineers Approach Language Learning
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Manuel of “Herr Professor” about growing up multilingual,...
#69 Sara Maria Hasbun on the Psychology of Language Learning
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Maria Hasbun, founder of Meridian Linguistics, shares about psycholinguistics, working in the language industry, and “extreme” language learn...
Ask Benny: How Can I Start Reading in My Target Language?
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Reading in your new language can be a daunting task, but Benny has some great advice this week for taking it one step at a time. By starting small and...
#68 Anthony Metivier on Building a Magnetic Memory
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Warrior of the mind” Anthony Metivier chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about his Brain Exercise Bootcamp and memory strategies for lang...
#67 Mari Silvestrini on Energy and Momentum in Language Learning
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Polyglot Mari Salvestrini shares how she uses Instagram for accountability in her language learning, how to develop language routines based on energy,...
Ask Benny: Should I Learn Verb Conjugations Before Trying to Speak?
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grammar getting you down? Benny's here to help! This week he takes the pressure off by explaining how he approaches (or ignores!) grammar, particularl...
#66 Anja Spilker on Creating a Language School in Mexico
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Anja Spilker about learning Nahuatl, combating negative feedback as a language learning, and running a languag...
#65 Alice Cimino on Learning With Downton Abbey
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alice Cimino, a 19 year old third culture kid, chats with Benny Lewis about growing up bilingual, being homeschooled, learning languages as a teenager...
Ask Benny: How Can I Find the Right Teacher?
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever struggled to find a language teacher who feels like a good fit for your learning style? You're not alone! What works for one person migh...
#64 Shahidah Foster on Starting Black Girls Learn Languages
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shahidah Foster, founder of Black Girls Learn Languages, chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about learning languages as a black woman and insp...
#63 How to Become a Fearless Language Learner with Halima Salim
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Halima Salim, founder of Blackboard English and the Fearless English Podcast, discusses empowering women language learners, overcoming negative self-t...