StoryLearning Podcast
Episodes
262: Olly and Gabe Wyner discuss learning Italian through opera
25 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly and Gabriel Wyner discuss the ins and outs of learning Italian through opera. NOTE: The full show notes to this episode are here...
261: Learning languages in the car
17 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ron asks: "How can I make the most of my commuting time?" In Today's Episode: Driving is not an ideal language learning environment because your focu...
260: Take the leap and start speaking
15 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, Olly talks about why it's so important to start speaking. In Today's Episode: If you feel you're ready to start speaking... do ...
259: How should I organise my flashcard decks?
11 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ian asks: "How should I organise my flashcard decks?" The Rules: The biggest danger with flashcards is getting behind in your review If that happens,...
258: Coping with jealousy in language learning
09 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Yuna asks: "How can I deal with jealousy in language learning?" The Rules: Olly's recent experience with some fluent Japanese speakers Jealousy at ot...
257: The Rules of Language Learning (Part 1)
26 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly begins a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. The Rules: 1. Study at your des...
249: What do you think of Memrise?
23 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Nick asks: "What do you think of Memrise?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and sta...
247: People criticise my accent goals
07 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Mattias asks: “How should you react to criticism from your peers in trying to perfect your accent?” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank ita...
246: Why do gurus advise against learning multiple languages?
28 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Paul asks: “Why do gurus advise against learning multiple languages at the same time?” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for suppor...
245: Whats the use of passive listening?
23 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Owain asks: “What is the value of passive, unfocused listening?” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To clai...
244: I go blank when I talk on Skype
20 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, Olly talks about how to get over your fear of Skype lessons Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the ...
243: Is translation a BAD thing?
18 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, Olly talks about translation and its implications in language learning. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for sup...
242: What to expect from me in 2018
13 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Olly reflects on the past year and speaks about what you should expect from him in 2018. Start speaking today: I’d like to thank it...
241: Are subtitles really that bad?
06 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Edward asks, "Are subtitles really that bad?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and ...
240: 9 ways to start an argument about language learning (Part 2)
02 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In the second of a two-part episode, I continue revealing the 9 easiest ways to start an argument about language learning. Resources Mentioned in Tod...
239: 9 ways to start an argument about language learning (Part 1)
30 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of a two-part episode, Olly reveals the 9 easiest ways to start an argument about language learning. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to...
238: How often should my teacher correct my mistakes?
26 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
237: Do we need vacations from language learning?
09 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Nicolás asks: "Do we need vacations from language learning?" Episode Summary: My life is full of examples of doing things better after a long brea...
236: How can I create my own study material?
05 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Louise asks: "How can I make my own learning material?" Episode Summary: I have a long history of making my own material I want to study with thing...
234: How to resolve your language dilemmas
27 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Massoud ask: "I'm worried about what will happen if I learn German. What should I do?" Episode Summary: You may have a language learning dilemma an...
233: The dubious benefits of immersion
19 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, Olly discusses whether immersion is all it's cracked up to be. Episode Summary: Immersion is always held up as the "holy grai...
232: Why you shouldn't listen to "slow audio"
16 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, Olly discusses whether listening to "slow audio" is useful. Episode Summary: News in Slow Spanish-type sites are becoming inc...
231: Should I be concerned about my accent?
12 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Raffy asks: "Should I be concerned about my accent?" Episode Summary: Accents are a highly personal topic I inhabit a world in London where virtual...
230: My strategy for learning a language from scratch
08 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Mark asks: "How should I start learning Mongolian from scratch?" Episode Summary: Get a strong foundation in the basics first Work your way through...
229: Does alcohol make you more fluent in a foreign language?
01 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Dave and Anja ask: "Does alcohol help you become more fluent?" Episode Summary: You often drink alcohol in social situations Social situations are be...
228: In what ways do polyglots become better language learners?
29 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Tom asks: "How does learning multiple languages make you a better language learner? Episode Summary: I discuss three ways in which you improve as a la...
227: Personal reflections on Conversations
25 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I give some thoughts about the reaction to Conversations. Episode Summary: Reaction from you guys to Conversations How this reaction...
226: Introducing Conversations
17 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I introduce my new Conversations product, in a conversation with IWTYAL team-member James. Episode Summary: In this episode you'll le...
225: Listening Skills 3 - Real Conversations Are Nothing Like My Textbook!
14 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 3 of a new series about improving your listening skills! Episode Summary: In this episode you'll learn: The difficult of jumping from "t...
224: Listening Skills 2: I Can't Tell Words Apart!
12 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 2 of a new series about improving your listening skills! Episode Summary: In this episode you'll learn: Why 5 words can all appear as 1 ...
223: Listening Skills 1 - People talk too fast!
09 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 1 of a new series about improving your listening skills! Episode Summary: In this episode you'll learn: Why speed is NOT the reason you ...
222: How can I integrate grammar & writing into my routine?
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Nicolás asks: "How can I integrate grammar and writing skills into my routine?" Episode Summary: Its common for speaking to outpace other skills Man...
221: How can I help my child learn a language?
03 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Holly asks: How can I best help my child with language learning? Episode Summary: Language learning for children is a very different process than for...
220: Interview with Stephen Krashen
26 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Stephen Krashen about language learning and the polyglot community. For the full show notes, please click here. Start ...
219: How to help students with fossilisation
23 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Matthias asks: "How can I help my students deal with fossilisation?" Episode Summary: Fossilisation is when a mistake becomes deeply embedded in a le...
218: Is it time to change your study method?
12 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I discuss how changing your study method can have a dramatic effect. Episode Summary: My friend Jeremy and his struggles with S...
217: Listening comprehension in a bilingual country
09 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Episode Summary: Living in bilingual areas Relationships with heritage languages How to take your listening and speaking skills from...
216: Alex Rawlings on How To Speak Any Language Fluently
25 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Alex Rawlings about his new book: How To Speak Any Language Fluently. Episode Summary: Alex's upbringing with languages...
215: What's the deal with "triangulating" languages?
21 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Neil asks: "Should I use triangulation to learn French?" Episode Summary: On today's podcast: Episode 014: Can you use one language to learn another?...
214: Should I create monolingual flashcards?
19 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Max asks: "What are the benefits of monolingual flashcards?" Episode Summary: Today's podcast: Monolingual flashcards at the beginner / intermediate ...
213: Gabriel Wyner on Becoming Fluent Forever
15 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with Gabriel Wyner about his language learning background and new Kickstarter project. Episode Summary: Gabe's linguistic back...
212: How should I use all my free time?
12 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Olga asks: "How should I use all my free time this summer?" Episode Summary: Managing 3-4 foreign languages Why focusing on one is a good idea How to...
211: Best practice for vocabulary notebooks
07 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Aral asks: "What's the best way to organise my vocabulary notebook?" Episode Summary: Housekeeping: Upcoming guests New French Book Conversations Bri...
210: How was the Montreal Language Festival?
29 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend, I was in Montreal for LangFest 2017. Since then, many friends have been asking me how it was. So, in this episode, I answer that questio...
208: How can I listen to older podcast episodes?
17 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Michael asks: "How can I listen to older podcast episodes?" Episode Summary: I've recently changed the settings in my podcast feed to display the max...
209: What's it like with so many languages in your head?
14 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jane asks: "What's it like having so many languages in your head?" Episode Summary: Mostly, I focus on learning only one language at a time To that e...
207: The best language learning method
07 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I describe what I consider to be the most effective approach to learning a language. Episode Summary: Begin by getting a thorou...
206: How I designed my new Spanish course
31 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode I discuss the design and creation of my new Spanish course for beginners. Episode Summary: Why I created a Spanish Beginner cour...
205: Should I learn Mandarin or Cantonese?
27 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Daco asks: "Should I learn Mandarin or Cantonese?" Episode Summary: Mandarin is the main international Chinese language, with around 1bn speakers Can...
204: Experimenting with subtitles in English movies
24 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal asks: "What do you think about watching English movies with foreign language subtitles" Episode Summary: If studying in a way that's helping,...
203: Where to find audio with transcripts
20 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Myles asks: "Where can I find audio with transcripts?" Episode Summary: Why listening is important, and why transcripts matter Considerations for beg...
202: Barbara Oakley on Learning How To Learn
13 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Dr Barbara Oakley about her fascinating career in languages and learning. Episode Summary: For the full notes accompanyi...
201: What are some good careers with languages?
07 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Kyle asks: "What are some good careers using languages?" Episode Summary: My experience using languages abroad Careers where you're likely to have op...
200: A Fireside Chat With Three Language Podcasters
04 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 200 of the podcast! For this landmark episode, I decided to invite two of my favourite language podcasters to come together for a c...
199: Interview with Michel Thomas Publisher Sue Hart
29 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode, I speak with Sue Hart, the publisher who persuaded Michel Thomas to release his famous language courses to the world. Episod...
198: The Truth About Language Immersion Abroad
23 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Olly and Jan discuss the naked truth about traveling abroad for language immersion. Episode Summary: Why it's important to travel...
197: How to make great travel videos
19 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Olly and Jan discuss how we make our travel videos. Use these tips to improve your own holiday films! Episode Summary: The import...
196: Hello from Mexico!
15 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode comes from Playa del Carmen in Mexico! Episode Summary: We chat about our mission to Mexico and what we're up to Follow along the adv...
194: How do you remember the gender of nouns?
02 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ali asks: "How do you remember the gender of nouns?" Episode Summary: Unfortunately, noun genders just have to be remembered At first it seems like ...
195: I study too much!
31 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Joe asks: "I study so much, I worry that I'm being inefficient." Episode Summary: It's important to make a distinction between "study" and "practice...
193: What do you think of the ESL industry?
29 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Paul asks: "What do you think of the ESL industry?" Episode Summary: I taught English as a foreign language for year, and enjoyed it immensely CELTA ...
192: Giving a presentation in a foreign language
26 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Syawal asks: "How can I give better presentations in a foreign language?" Episode Summary: With public speaking, you have to detangle the challenge...
191: Do you use apps for language learning?
22 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Saud asks: "Do you use apps for language learning?" Episode Summary: Because technology is always being promoted as making our lives more efficient,...
190: Tips for new teachers on iTalki
19 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Miki asks: "How should I teach Japanese on iTalki?" Episode Summary: Firstly, be honest about what you are offering and your experience level If you...
189: Should I learn Spanish or Japanese?
16 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Begum asks: "Should I learn Spanish or Japanese?" Episode Summary: What's your criteria for learning a new language? Always choose the language you'...
188: What are the benefits of monolingual flashcards?
12 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Charlotte asks: "What's your opinion on removing English from flashcards altogether? Episode Summary: Arguments for having flashcards entirely in the...
187: Saturday night at the podcast awards with Coffee Break Italian
09 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Mark Pentleton from Coffee Break Italian about the UK podcast awards! Episode Summary: The UK podcast awards Coffee Brea...
186: How to prepare for a trip to China
05 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Quinton asks: "How can I prepare for my trip to China?" Episode Summary: What's the unique opportunity you'll have on your trip? Most likely, it's s...
185: How to make your sentences less English
03 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Meg asks: "How can I make my Russian sentences less English?" Episode Summary: The challenge you're facing is learning to express ideas the way a Ru...
151: Why am I still a beginner?
01 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Andy asks: "Why am I still a beginner?" In this episode: Asian languages can take a long time to get used to 6 months seems to be the length of time...
150: Expressing time in Chinese
25 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tadeusz asks: "Do Chinese concepts of time differ from English?" In this episode: In this episode, I'm joined by Chris Parker. We discuss... How to e...
149: Looking back on 3 months of Thai
22 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I look back on the last 3 months of learning Thai. In this episode: What I've done since returning from Thailand Is one lesson a wee...
148: How to learn a language from home
10 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Rana asks: "How can you learn a language without traveling abroad?" In this episode: Traveling abroad isn't necessarily a good thing You can easily ...
147: Are word frequency lists useful?
08 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Dave asks: "How useful are word frequency lists?" In this episode: A small number of words account for a disproportionate amount of use in spoken la...
146: How to enrich your vocabulary
03 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Syawal asks: "How can I enrich my vocabulary when speaking?" In this episode: Why we tend to use the same limited vocabulary when we speak Syawal'...
145: Staying safe in language exchanges
01 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ashley asks: "How do you stay safe when doing language exchanges?" In this episode: Making connections is the real joy of language learning My persp...
144: Learning Japanese Kanji with Star Wars
28 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with Kevin about his fascinating journey to learn to read and write Japanese. Find Kevin's blog here. In this episode: How K...
143: Master Your Memory Part 3
20 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. If you haven't heard Parts 1&2 yet, please do that...
142: Master Your Memory Part 2
14 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, click here to lis...
141: Master Your Memory Part 1
11 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. In this episode: Is your memory as bad as you thi...
140: I'm in the wrong class!
06 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Denise asks: "My class in the local English school isn't right for me. Help!" In this episode: Self-taught learners and language schools don't alway...
139: I'm overwhelmed with study options
04 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Class asks: "How can I put together a study plan that works for me in Italian?" In this episode: Too much advice can lead to paralysis by analysis S...
138: Making the most of iTalki lessons
29 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Kento asks: "How can I make the most out of iTalki lessons?" In this episode: Decide what you're looking for in a teacher Avoid the trap of "just ta...
137: Love and language learning
27 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joy asks: "My boyfriend wants me to speak German, what should I do?" In this episode: Language and emotions are inextricably linked Friendships that...
136: Learning English grammar with Shayna
23 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by Shayna from Espresso English to talk about learning English grammar! In this episode: Does grammar matter? Why do stud...
135: What inspired you to learn so many languages?
21 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Anna asks: "What inspired you to learn so many languages?" In this episode: How I started learning languages My inspiration for learning more than o...
134: Dealing with frustration in Chinese
15 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Nicolas asks: "I'm getting frustrated with my Chinese. What should I do?" In this episode: Chinese is a difficult language that takes time and patie...
133: Advanced English without speaking more
13 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Angel asks: "How can I improve my advanced English even more?" In this episode: At the advanced level, you have so many options for studying Even na...
132: A critique of FSI methodology
08 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Innes asks: "I'm studying German with FSI. What are your thoughts?" In this episode: FSA and the audiolingual method Pros and Cons of the FSI method...
131: Switching Portuguese from European to Brazilian
06 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Nicolas asks: "I've learnt European Portuguese. Can I switch to Brazilian?" In this episode: Comparison between European and Brazilian Portuguese Swi...
130: Do native speakers use technical terms?
01 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Della asks: "Do native speakers use a lot of technical terms in their daily language?" In this episode: Why exams can be problematic Are exams relev...
129: How to facilitate language exchanges
30 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Vremita asks: "How do you facilitate a good language exchange?" In this episode: Why language exchanges can be challenging What makes a perfect langu...
128: Benny Lewis on Designing Language Courses
25 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Benny Lewis about his new series of language courses! Click the image below to check out the guides... Or visit: http:/...
127: Behind the scenes in Thailand
16 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
I'm in Thailand learning Thai with my friend Jan. In this episode we talk about how we're studying and what we're up to. In this episode: What we're ...
126: What do you think of Esperanto?
09 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Juan Pablo asks: "Does it make sense for me to learn Esperanto?" In this episode: What are constructed languages? Does it make sense to learn them?...
125: Advanced grammar without studying
05 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sabine asks: "How can I learn the last 1% of grammar I need in English without studying?" In this episode: Advanced grammar Why a holistic approach ...
124: Shadowing and self-talk
03 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sebatstian says: "I'm a big fan of shadowing and self-talk." In this episode: Why self-talk is helpful (even if it makes you look crazy!) How you ca...
123: How can we change language education in schools?
29 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin asks: "School put me off languages. How can we make sure that doesn't happen to other kids?" In this episode: I'm joined by special guest Lind...
122: Pronunciation in difficult languages
26 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tony asks: "I'm learning Danish, how can I better understand their pronunciation?" In this episode: It's vital to learn the basic phonetics of a new ...
121: I'm not motivated to speak, but...
21 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Juliano asks: "I'm not motivated to speak, but I still need to improve!" In this episode: Speaking is a muscle, you need to practise! How I have str...