StoryLearning Podcast
Episodes
527: Why you can't stop translating in your head (and how to fix it)
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Grammar and Vocabulary Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/learn-vocab In this episode I'm going to tackle the second m...
526: How to learn a language you hate (and actually enjoy it)
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/set-goalsWhat do you do if you hate the language you're learning? Is this e...
525: The lazy language habit that actually builds fluency
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE StoryLearning Blueprint: https://l.storylearning.com/free_storyIn this episode of the StoryLearning podcast, I reconnect with long...
524: 3 things I wish I knew when I started learning languages
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/free_plannerThere are all kinds of techniques and tricks and that you can use to learn a...
523: How to learn 2 languages without breaking your brain
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Difficulty Guide: https://l.storylearning.com/free_difficultyToday's question is about the most asked about topic in ...
522: Can you really get fluent just by reading?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Grammar and Vocabulary Study Sheet : https://l.storylearning.com/read_sheetI'm always going on about why it's so important...
521: Why people can't understand you (and how to fix it)
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE StoryLearning Blueprint: https://l.storylearning.com/free_fluencyIn this episode of the StoryLearning podcast I chat to my good fr...
520: How to learn a language at any age (7 tips)
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/lang_goals Can you be too old to learn a language? What about kids? They soak...
519: How to learn kanji FAST (do this or keep struggling)
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get your FREE Grammar and Vocab Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/study_kanjiIn this episode, I tackle a question from four years ago, but...
518: NEVER use flashcards - learn vocabulary this way instead
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get your FREE Grammar and Vocab Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/free_vocabIn this episode, we're revisiting a topic that I feel w...
517: How to learn a language without sacrificing your life
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get your FREE StoryLearning Blueprint: https://l.storylearning.com/learn_storiesIn this episode of the StoryLearning podcast I chat to my good fr...
516: Should I test my language level?
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/test_goalsShould you bother taking language proficiency tests like IELTS ( In...
515: The easiest way to remember new words when speaking
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Grammar and Vocabulary Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/vocab_sheet Today we've got a question that is going to stri...
514: This simple reading habit will 10x your vocabulary
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/reading-goalsWant to pick up vocabulary naturally while exploring topics that in...
513: The harsh truth about advanced fluency
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 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...
512: The ONE language rule you should ALWAYS break
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources: https://l.storylearning.com/binge-resourcesCan you really perfect your accent to the point where no-one kno...
511: The ONLY study habit that actually makes you fluent
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/set_goalsSuccess in language learning almost always comes down to a very small ...
510: Why you can understand a language but can't speak
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/goal-plannerStruggling to bridge the gap between understanding and speaking? Yo...
$200 Off StoryLearning Courses | 24 Hours Left!
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get $200 off my courses: https://storylearning.com/friday25The StoryLearning Black Friday sale ends in 24 hours. This is your last chance to get ...
509: The hidden danger of AI language learning
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get $200 off my courses: https://storylearning.com/friday25 👉 Grab your FREE Tips for Learning a Language with AI (inside the Bonus section of...
$200 Off StoryLearning Courses | Black Friday Deal
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get $200 off my courses: https://storylearning.com/friday25 Our biggest sale of the year starts right now. From now until December 2nd at midnigh...
508: How to actually learn a language in 12 months
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Language Difficulty Guide: https://l.storylearning.com/difficulty Can you really learn a language in 12 months? Definitely, with t...
507: I don't maintain my languages...and you shouldn't either
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources for Fluency: https://l.storylearning.com/bingeI’ve learned eight languages - so how on earth do I maintai...
506: Spanish vs Italian - which is easier to learn?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty_ES_ITSpanish vs Italian: which is easier to learn for native English speaker...
505: Are hard languages even worth it?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty-guide-super-hard👉 Get your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://storylear...
504: How I learn languages fast without studying
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_CIWhat if you could learn a language without studying? Discover how to learn ...
503: You don't ACTUALLY need grammar
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Study Sheet: https://storylearning.com/free_grammar_vocab_sheetStop obsessing over grammar rules! Discover why grammar study shoul...
502: The hidden cost of learning two languages at once
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_2_languagesWant to learn multiple languages? Here's the truth nobody tell...
501: The real reason I wrote my language story books
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Get your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/fluency_blueprintI've sold over 1.5 million copies of my short story books for lan...
500: Meet the viral brain scan guy who speaks 26 languages
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👉 Grab your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/freefluencyblueprintVaughn Smith is a 26-language polyglot who had his brain scanned ...
426: Which language should I think in?
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Juan asks: “I’m learning Portuguese. Which language should I think in - English or Spanish?“ Find a 5* language tutor! We're pr...
425: The anatomy of a language learning "masterplan"
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Olly speaks with Sam Hendry, who lives in Dubai, about his amazing journey learning Spanish in one year. Here's where you ca...
424 - Behind the scenes at the StoryLearning team retreat in Turkey
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you’ll drop in on the StoryLearning team retreat in Bodrum, Turkey. 14 of us descended on a hilltop villa for an entire week to spen...
Announcement: New intermediate StoryLearning courses!
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're about to release a special new range of intermediate StoryLearning programmes, and I'm sooo excited! And as a loyal listener, I'd like to offer ...
423: Lessons on Languages, Life & Leadership with Mike Shangkuan (CEO, Lingoda)
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly speaks with Mike Shangkuan, CEO of Lingoda. In a wide-ranging discussion, you'll hear about: Growing up as a Chinese-American ...
422 - I'mmmm back!
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you'll hear from Olly about plans for StoryLearning in 2022! Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learni...
421 - Are Most YouTube Polyglots Lying?
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
🤥 From people claiming to learn a language in 24 hours to those shouting that "all YouTube polyglots are FAKE!", the online language learning world...
420 - JJsays (雪莲说) on How to Learn Chinese, Conquer Insecurities & Figure Out What Methods Work For You
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Julian (a.k.a. "JJ") is the woman behind two popular YouTube channels: 1) JJsays - 雪莲说 (where she shares Chinese language learning tips and vide...
419 - Shocking your best friend with AMAZING language skills
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m speaking with Jannah Hossain, who learned to speak Japanese in 6 months to surprise her best friend. Here’s her original video: https://...
I'm releasing 3 new Uncovered courses!
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I'm thrilled to be released three new StoryLearning courses: Russian Uncovered Chinese Uncovered Turkish Uncovered Only those on the mailing lis...
418 - How I Learned Spanish
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I love the Spanish language and the many cultures who speak it, but my journey to learn the language was anything but easy. There was pain, struggle, ...
417 - How I Learned French
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Learning French completely changed my life. It set the stage for learning 7 more foreign languages, writing dozens of language learning books, and sta...
416 - How Can I Prepare To Travel Abroad In 1 Month?
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this live episode of the podcast, I answer YouTube user Kay Koopmans' excellent question: "I have a month before I go to Germany for a 10-month for...
415 - Can you get fluent just by reading?
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you've listened to this podcast or watched some of my videos, you may be thinking to yourself: "Wait a minute... Olly's method seems to be ALL ABOU...
414 - How this Mormon Missionary Learned AMAZING Korean
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine that you got a letter in the post announcing that you will be put on a plane to Korea in just 9 weeks, where you will stand on a street corner...
413 - Can you learn two new languages at the same time?
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this LIVE recording of the I Will Teach You A Language Podcast on YouTube, I answer YouTuber user @Bash Fakosh's question: "Do you think learning 2...
412 - How can you read when you're still a beginner?
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this LIVE recording of the I Will Teach You A Language Podcast on YouTube, I answer the question: "I'm a complete beginner. How can I possibly star...
411 - Should you look up words as you read?
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this live recording of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast on YouTube, I answer a question from @rightinfrontofmysalad! about whether you shoul...
410 - When's the right time to start speaking?
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this live recording of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast on YouTube, I answer the question: "When is the right time to start speaking a forei...
409 - How To Learn a Language by Watching TV With Ethan Wanger
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ethan Wanger is an English teacher, world traveler, and the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of RealLife English, a popular site, YouTube channe...
Introducing July’s StoryLearning Challenges!
26 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our newest 30-Day StoryLearning Challenges begin on Thursday 1st July! Here are the topics: SPANISH - Real Good Reflexives FRENCH - 101 Essentia...
408 - How to develop TRUE spoken fluency in a foreign language
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been learning a language for a while but still can't speak it? Do you believe that there is a secret, hack, or ultimate method waiting to be ...
407 - Two polyglots geek out on teaching methods (with Lukas Van Vyve)
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lukas van Vyve is the founder of Effortless Conversations and the co-founder of Spring Spanish, a new site and YouTube channel that uses the power of ...
406 - How Aletta Mazlin built storytelling websites for language learners
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Like me, Aletta Mazlin is a big believer in learning languages through stories. Her passion for story-telling has led to the creation of a n...
405: How to start a new life abroad as an expat with Mikkel Thorup
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm joined by Mikkel Thorup, host of the Expat Money Show podcast. ExpatMoneyShow.com Have you ever dreamt of living abroad? Well today, y...
404 - How to get started in a brand-new language with Mari Polyglot
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Mari Salvestrini, a polyglot based in the Netherlands who has had language learning adventures all over the world, inclu...
403 - Is this the smartest way to learn German? With Michael Schmitz
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Michael Schmitz, the man behind the site Smarter German and the author of How to Learn German Faster. He holds a master'...
402 - Is it a good idea to copy entire books by hand???
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Carmela asks: "My professor likes to choose a random book and copy it out by hand. Is this a good method?" Do You Have A Question? This show exists to...
401 - The 3 secrets of adult language learning with Elisa Polese
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Elisa Polese, a professional language teacher, coach, and author well-known for teaching multiple languages at once in t...
400 - How to start a new life in a tiny Spanish village with Casie Tennin
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Casie Tennin, a blogger and avid world traveler from New York City. Her international adventures began with a one-way ti...
399 - How to make a gringo fluent in Spanish! With Jim & May from Spanish and Go
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly chats with the dynamic duo behind Spanish and Go, Jim Fricker II, a self-proclaimed 'gringo from Minnesota', and May Larios Garc...
398 - Chasing dreams & mastering languages with Dustin Luke and Ruben Adery
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Ruben Adery, a linguist, polyglot, dialect coach, and Fulbright Scholar, and Dustin Luke, a content creator, travel show...
397 - How to get booked solid as an online language teacher
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly speaks with Wesley Swanson about becoming a successful online language teacher. Wes decided he wanted to move to China, an...
396 - The music-lover's guide to becoming fluent in Spanish with Tamara Marie
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Tamara Marie, the founder of Spanish con Salsa, where Spanish learners can get fluent faster through the fun of Latin mu...
395 - Read, read, read... NOT listen, listen, listen?
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mohamed asks: "You advise read, read, read... but why not listen, listen, listen?" Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language le...
394 - Learning & teaching German with Deutsch mit Marija
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly speaks with Marija Dobrovolska from the popular YouTube channel Deutsch mit Marija. Topics we cover: How did Marij...
393 - How can I find StoryLearning material in less common languages?
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben asks: "I want to learn Polish, but there isn't much material out there for StoryLearning. What should I do?" Do You Have A Question? This show exi...
392 - Strategies for Learning Mandarin Chinese with Luke & Phil from Mandarin Blueprint
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Olly is joined by Luke and Phil from mandarinblueprint.com to discuss learning Chinese. We cover: What gets people so hot and bothered about learnin...
391 - How Lucy Bella Earl learned fluent Spanish
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy Bella Earl runs the YouTube channel English With Lucy. She also speaks fantastic Spanish! In this episode, Olly asks Lucy about how she lea...
390 - How to fall in love with a language with Shannon Kennedy and Caitlin Sacasas
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly speaks with Shannon Kennedy and Caitlin Sacasas from www.LanguageConqueror.com. You'll learn: How to fall (and stay!) in love ...
389 - How many times should I read each chapter of a book?
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mohammed asks: "How many times should I read each chapter of your short stories?" I've written a huge article explaining how StoryLearning works. ...
388 - Responding to closed-minded trolls on YouTube
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly gives some thoughts on some closed-minded comments on YouTube. Here's the link to the video in question: https://youtu.be/dMSxPv...
387 - How can I find my dream job in China?
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Wes asks: "How would you go about living and working in China?" Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! S...
386 - What to expect from Olly in 2021
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's become a tradition at the start of every year to let you know what to expect from me in the coming year! So, here's 2021! Language-wise: YouTub...
385 - The strange process of publishing a language book
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Paul asks: “where on earth are your intermediate books?” Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Sen...
384 - 8 ways schools should teach languages
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly talks about how he would change the education system for languages! Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer you...
383 - 7 reasons you’re never too old to learn a language
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I respond to the common misconception that you can’t learn a language when you get older. Mentioned today: ¿Pero Por Qué? - Be...
382 - My 8 coolest ever language learning moments
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I walk you through my 8 favourite language learning moment from the last 20 years. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank it...
381 - 7 big regrets about my language learning
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I tell you about 7 of my biggest regrets in language learning. Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learn...
380 - 6 steps to read effectively in a foreign language
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly describes a powerful 6-step process to read effectively in a foreign language. Do You Have A Question? This show exists to...
379: 6 things every extrovert needs to know about language learning
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Following last week's show about introverts, now it's the extroverts' turn! Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language lea...
378 - 8 things every introvert needs to know about language learning
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you're an introvert, here are eight ways that it could impact on your language learning. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for...
377: Dangerous developments & naked truths in language learning (with Lamont)
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Olly speaks with Lamont, the host of the Days of French & Swedish YouTube channel. Here's what you'll learn: Are you doom...
376: What’s the secret to learning Cantonese tones?
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Leo asks: “I’m struggling to learn tones in Cantonese. Any tips?” Start Speaking Today: Italki - our sponsor - have a special s...
375: Announcing the StoryLearning Spanish podcast!
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m thrilled to announce our new StoryLearning Spanish podcast. Find it on your favourite podcast app or click here to view it on Apple podcasts: ht...
374: Can I learn French along with C2 English?
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Mike asks: “Is it okay to learn another language if my English is already advanced?” Start Speaking Today: Italki - our sponsor -...
373: 8 ways to spot a GREAT language tutor
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Here are 8 ways to know if you have a great language tutor. Start Speaking Today: Italki - our sponsor - have a special summer offer ...
372: 10 ways to practise speaking every day
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Olly gives you 10 ways to practise speaking your target language every day. Start Speaking Today: Italki - our sponsor - have a speci...
371: All change - New books, teacher’s guides and leaving London?
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Olly gives an update on his various activities – books, teachers guides, ideas for new languages and maybe even a big move himself!...
370: I’m advanced... but I want more!
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Adwaite asks: “ i’ve spent four years learning French but there’s so much I still can’t talk about. What should I do?” Star...
369: I’m confused by Japanese sentence structure
21 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Lizzie asks: “Can you help me with word order and sentence structure in Japanese.” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank ital...
368: My little upset story
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Today’s question is entitled: “My little upset story.” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show...
367: On the road #6 - Help, I cant speak proper!
29 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Christine asks: "Help, I can’t speak with proper grammar!" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show...
366: Xiaoma on learning Chinese vs Spanish
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Today I’m speaking with Xiaoma, famous YouTuber who speaks sensational Mandarin Chinese. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank...
365: On the road #5 - How to run a good language exchange.
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Hassan asks: "What’s the best way to run a language exchange?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the ...
364: On the road #4 - When your speaking practice stops working
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Jonathan asks: "What happens when your speaking practice stops working?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for support...
363: On the road #3 - Goals vs Habits (Inspired by James Clear)
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Olly discusses the interplay between goals and habits. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show...
362: On the road #2 - What do you think of language schools?
08 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Barnardo asks, what do you think of language schools? Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To cl...
361: On the road #1 - What to do after 4 years of Arabic?
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Peter asks: I’ve been learning Arabic for four years. How do I keep my motivation alive? Start Speaking Today: I’d like to ...
360: Why do you think it's good to start speaking early?
24 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In This Episode: Luca asks: "Dear Olly, in 2018, shortly before your Italian project, I asked you whether you would become a full-on Krashenite. Now, ...