StoryLearning Podcast

359: Matt vs Japan talks hardcore language learning

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: When I first discovered the world of online language learning, I spent hours watching videos from different polyglots online. It was ...

Special: Brand new intermediate books out now - only $0.99!

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Special Announcement: I'm delighted to announce that I've just released a new series of books: 101 Conversations in Intermediate Spanish, French, Ital...

358: Was my 2011 disaster experience worse than coronavirus?

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: In 2011, I lived through the Great Japan Earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster. So how does that compare to the coronav...

357: What was it like as an IELTS examiner?

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Philipp asks: "Why did you stop being an IELTS examiner?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. T...

356: Should I learn Japanese kanji from lists or from context?

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Amanda asks: "Should I learn Japanese kanji from lists or from context?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for support...

355: What will happen to my Spanish when I move to Germany?

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Hope asks: "I'm moving to Germany with my husband's job. What will happen to my Spanish?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank i...

354: Help! My speaking progress has stalled!

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Mia asks: "My speaking has stopped improving. How can I keep making progress?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for s...

353: What can musicians learn from language learning?

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: John asks: "What can language learning teach you about being a musician?" Links: Blog post: 3 Hidden Links Between Music And Langua...

352: Can I learn a living & dead language at the same time?

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Hank asks: "Does your advice about not learning two languages at the same time apply to dead languages too? Links: Grammar Hero - M...

351: Can I apply "periodisation" from athletics to language learning?

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Elliot asks: "Does the concept of periodisation from athletics apply to language learning?" Blog post: When is taking a break from ...

350: What to expect from Olly in 2020

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: What you can expect from Olly Richards in 2020! Key links: Spanish Experience Summit Language Business workshop with Olly Browse ...

349: How can I help foreigners in Japan learn Japanese?

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Yuka, a high school student from Japan, asks how she can help foreigners in Japan who are struggling to learn Japanese.  Start S...

348: How to reach "flow" in my speaking?

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In This Episode: Denise asks: "How can improve my flow when I'm speaking?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. T...

347: Don't learn two languages at the same time | TROLL025

09 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

346: Olly chats with a TEFL teacher about language learning

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://iwilltea...

345: Take responsibility for your own speaking practice | TROLL024

26 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these...

344: Keep your language learning outside the home | TROLL023

19 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

343: Learn the script from the start | TROLL022

12 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In thes...

Special - Japanese Uncovered is out now!

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

342: Don't move abroad to learn a new language | TROLL 021

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these ...

341: My teachers just don't get it...

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Phil asks a really tricky question: "I am feeling extremely frustrated with the Chinese teachers I've found on there. They don't seem to understand ...

340: Language teachers must be language learners | TROLL 020

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these ...

339: Is daily journaling in a foreign language effective?

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Andrew asks: "I'm learning Lao. Is there a benefit to daily journaling?" In This Episode: Writing in your target language is a fantastic activity, e...

337: Should I take a language immersion programme?

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Eric asks: "I'm considering spending next summer in Russia. Should I take a language immersion programme?" In This Episode: What is the real purpos...

338: Quantity, not quality | TROLL 019

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these ...

336: Make More Mistakes | TROLL 018

14 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these ...

335: Behind the scenes of Japanese Uncovered

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, Olly takes you behind the scenes of Japanese Uncovered, his new Japanese programme for beginners. He's joined by Nick Godwin, who h...

334: First learn it, then use it | TROLL 017

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In thes...

333: What has Olly been up to?

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, Olly talks about what he has been up to this summer. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To ...

332 - Ultralearning with Scott Young (Part 2)

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, I interview writer, blogger and learning expert Scott Young. Scott is a writer who undertakes interesting self-education projects, ...

331 - Ultralearning with Scott Young (Part 1)

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, I interview writer, blogger and learning expert Scott Young. Scott is a writer who undertakes interesting self-education projects, ...

330: Learn phrases, not words | TROLL 016

24 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

329: You Don't Have To Be Fluent! | TROLL015

17 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

328: Read, Read, Read (for Krashen) | TROLL014

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

327: Nobody Cares About Your Language Skills | TROLL013

03 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

326: The Secret To Speaking Fluently Is... | TROLL012

27 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

325: Don't Worry About Language Problems In Advance! | TROLL 011

20 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

324: Study Languages The Same Way Every Day! | TROLL 010

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In these videos, you'll learn my best tips and ideas for learning foreign languages... ...

323: How to learn a language on a budget

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ashlin asks: "How can I learn Mandarin on a budget?" In Today's Episode: It's not always the case that "free" is good... some people only commit to s...

322: Don't Learn It Just Because It's In Your Textbook! | TROLL 009

05 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

321: Social Activism - A case study in language learning

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly speaks with Simon Robinson about his social activism projects and their impact on his language learning. In Today's Episode: Sim...

320: Move Heaven & Earth to Find Compelling Input | TROLL 008

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

319: Is it useful to learn songs?

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hilina asks. "Is it useful to learn songs?" In Today's Episode: The links between musical ability and language ability are sketchy at best... However...

318: Always Listen With The Transcript | TROLL007

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

317: Why do I have random bad language days?

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Maya asks. "Why do I have random bad days in my language learning?" In Today's Episode: It's totally normal to have "slow days" in your language lear...

316: Do Something With Your Languages Every Day | TROLL006

16 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

315: How to pass the IELTS exam with Ben Worthington

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly speaks to Ben Worthington of the IELTSpodcast, about how to pass the IELTS exam. In Today's Episode: How did Ben get into teach...

314: Review, Review, Review | TROLL 005

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In thes...

313: Can I learn Italian in 4 weeks?

05 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jorg asks: "Can I learn Italian in 4 weeks?" In Today's Episode: Yes, you can! But you approach will change depending on your goals If you're just lo...

Special Episode - French Uncovered is out now!

03 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To find out more about French Uncovered and claim your special launch bonuses, click here: FrenchUncovered.com

312: Don't Learn Grammar Before You Really Need It | TROLL 004

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

311: Will I remember my childhood language?

22 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Adriana asks: "Do I have an advantage in language learning from my Italian as a child?" In Today's Episode: Yes! Your brain formed in Italian, so th...

310: Study At Your Desk With The Door Closed | TROLL 003

17 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In thes...

309: Any tips for learning sign language?

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alex asks: "Do you have any tips for learning sign language?" In Today's Episode: Some principles from spoken languages should transfer to sign langua...

308: Look For Big Dominos, Not New Gimmicks | TROLL 002

10 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Click here to see the Full Blog Post Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the my new series "The Rules Of Language Learning". In the...

307: What do you think of cultural appropriation in language learning?

08 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

William asks: "What do you think of cultural appropriation in language learning?" In Today's Episode: Olly speaks his mind about cultural appropriati...

306: Don't Take Language Learning Advice From Native Speakers | TROLL 001

03 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

 Full Blog Post: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/blog/language-advice-native-speakers Click here to see the full YouTube video Welcome to the...

305: The "Overwhelming Ocean" of Language Learning

01 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kristin asks: "How do you overcome the overwhelming ocean of language learning?" In Today's Episode: How I most relate to this: Cantonese 3 months is...

304: How to maintain language partners

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Silvia asks: "What's the best way to meet and maintain language partners?" In Today's Episode: Be specific about what you're looking for from a partn...

303: How can I learn to read Chinese?

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jon asks: "What's the best way to learn to read Chinese?" In Today's Episode: Don't make the assumption that you need to learn to write Chinese chara...

302: Is there value in maintaining your languages?

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lucia asks: "Should I give up Russian to focus on Chinese? In Today's Episode: In general, the best advice around learning two languages at the same ...

301: Creativity in Language Learning with Lindsay Williams

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly chats with Lindsay Williams about creativity in language learning In Today's Episode: What is creativity in language learning? ...

300: How can I work on my pronunciation?

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lewis asks: "How can I improve my Italian pronunciation? In Today's Episode: Pronunciation begins with awareness Spend a long time listening English ...

299: Studying Spanish through another foreign language

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Andriy asks: “Is it ok for me to study Spanish through English?” In Today's Episode: Given that your English is so strong, you shouldn’t have a...

298: How to ride the wave of post-travel motivation

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Innes asks: “How can I keep my motivation up after returning from a trip abroad?” In Today's Episode: It’s a great feeling coming back home afte...

297: What to expect from Olly in 2019

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Olly reveals his plans for 2019 In Today's Episode: New Uncovered courses - learn a new language through the power of story: Italian French Japanese ...

296: Principles of Language Learning with Lydia Machova | Part 5

14 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome part 5 of my conversation with Lydia Machova, from LanguageMentoring.com In Today's Episode: Make a Success of Long-Term Learning: I estimate...

295: Principles of Language Learning with Lydia Machova | Part 4

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome part 4 of my conversation with Lydia Machovha, from LanguageMentoring.com In Today's Episode: To speak from day 1... or not? Start with self-...

294: Principles of Language Learning with Lydia Machova | Part 3

27 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome part 3 of my conversation with Lydia Machovha, from LanguageMentoring.com In Today's Episode: Start with lots of input: Listening and Reading ...

293: Principles of Language Learning with Lydia Machova | Part 2

20 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome part 2 of my conversation with Lydia Machovha, from LanguageMentoring.com In Today's Episode: Create time, don't wait till you have it.... Wh...

292: Principles of Language Learning with Lydia Machova | Part 1

15 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this 5-part series, where I'm joined by my friend Lydia Machovha, from LanguageMentoring.com We'll be discussing the fundamentals of langua...

291: How do I decide what to study every day?

04 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Kausalya asks: "How do you decide what to do every day in your core study time? In Today's Episode: My "Core Study Time" is quiet, focused time that ...

290: Is there a place for romanisation in language learning?

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan asks: "Is there a place for romanisation in language learning? In Today's Episode: What is romanisation? Considerations for romanisation in d...

289: Should you use translations when reading?

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly discusses whether you should use translations when reading. In Today's Episode: Should you use translations when reading? Trans...

288: Announcing... Grammar Hero!

10 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly announces a new programme to help you master grammar in your target language. In Today's Episode: What is Grammar Hero? The vi...

287: How to Become a Grammar Hero (Part 3)

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this Part 3 of this series, Olly finishes the deep dive into learning grammar. In Today's Episode: The students who come top in grammar tests (wit...

286: How to Become a Grammar Hero (Part 2)

06 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this Part 2 of this new series, Olly continues the deep dive into learning grammar. In Today's Episode: How to learn new grammar The grammar point...

285: How to Become a Grammar Hero (Part 1)

01 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this Part 1 of this new series, Olly takes you on a deep dive into learning grammar the natural way. In Today's Episode: Why we struggle with gram...

284: How to learn colloquial Arabic with limited resources

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ron asks: "How do you learn colloquial language with limited resources?" In Today's Episode: There's a perennial problem with materials in minority l...

283: Has your approach to learning vocabulary changed?

24 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Fletcher asks: "Have your views on flashcards changed?" In Today's Episode: I've been using input-based methods to learn languages recently But does ...

282: How important is it to review notes after lessons?

19 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Johanna asks: "How important is it to review your lesson notes?" In Today's Episode: The principle of review is super important In the past, I've spe...

281: October Update from Olly

17 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo episode, Olly gives you some updates on what's been going on. In Today's Episode: Update on the Short Story Book launch, worldwide and i...

280: Interview with Olly from the Reaching for Words podcast

02 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you're going to hear an interview I did on another podcast, the newly-released Reaching for Words show. The reason I wanted to share ...

279: Learning a new language as a couple

27 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Austin asks: "Any tips for learning French together with my wife?" In Today's Episode: Learning your partner's language can be fraught with problems ...

278: How to make revision effective & fun

25 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Maria asks: How can I integrate revision into my schedule? In Today's Episode: Revision needs to be meaningful and you need to know it works It's pos...

277: How to supplement university language courses

21 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ellen asks: How should I supplement my university language course? In Today's Episode: It's good to think about how you want your language skills to...

276: I'm losing my motivation to keep learning

19 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Terry asks: What should I do when I lose my motivation? In Today's Episode: Motivation to learn makes or breaks your learning project Sunk cost falla...

275: The big announcement!

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I finally reveal the "big news" I've been teasing you with for over 2 years! In Today's Episode: For complete information on today's ...

274: The nonsense of reading children's books to learn a language

14 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I react to the never-ending belief that children's book are good for language learning. In Today's Episode: Why I'll never recommend ...

273: The Rules of Language Learning (Part 3)

07 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly continues a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. Click here to listen to part...

272: The Rules of Language Learning (Part 2)

02 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly continues a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. Click here to listen to part ...

271: How to learn vocabulary from reading?

31 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Kristin asks: "How can I learn vocabulary from reading without stopping every 5 seconds?" In Today's Episode: Consider this analogy: When you're pushi...

270: How to use storytelling in the classroom

26 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Simon asks: "How can I use storytelling with my students?" In Today's Episode: Anecdotes are stories... Providing continuity between those anecdotes ...

269: How many words can you learn per day?

24 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

David asks: "How many words can you learn per day?" In Today's Episode: In language teaching theory, 8-12 new words a day is often used as a rule of ...

268: 3 tips for learning verb conjugations

16 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ron asks: "What's the best way to learn verb conjugations?" In Today's Episode: Here are what are the big-picture principles for learning and memorisi...

267: Introducing my project to learn Italian

29 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly introduces his new project to learn Italian! In Today's Episode: Note: For full show notes, please visit the main blog post int...

266: Introversion & minimalism in languages with Shannon Kennedy

26 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Olly speaks with Shannon Kennedy from Eurolinguiste.com. In Today's Episode: Minimalism in the language sphere Introversion and shyn...

265: Are you changing your view on language learning?

12 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Luca asks: "Are you changing your view on the best way to learn a language?" In Today's Episode: Luca's noticed an evolution in the way I've been tal...

264: So many words, so little conversation

07 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Christy asks: "How can I get better in English conversation?" In Today's Episode: Studying and acquiring vocabulary is just the beginning You learn t...

263: Tips for learning Spanish in my salsa class

05 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

David asks: "How can I understand more of what's said in my salsa class?" In Today's Episode: Taking classes in your target language is a great way t...