Connected By Language: Polyglot Interviews

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

Can a non-native teacher actually be more effective than a native speaker? In this episode, we sit down with Una, a Serbian-native who built a successful career teaching Swedish. We dive into her "superpower": the ability to explain the language from the perspective of someone who actually had to "survive" the learning process from scratch.

Una explains the "secret advantage" that Balkan speakers have when it comes to perfect pronunciation , the "death of formality" in Swedish culture where an 80-year-old is treated like a friend , and why your face might actually hurt after trying to master the Swedish melody. From the daily ritual of "Fika" to the "trap" of Swedish grammar books, this episode is a deep dive into the unique bridge between Balkan and Nordic cultures.

The guest: https://www.instagram.com/naucimo_svedski_engleski/

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

4:21 Growing Up in Serbia and Falling in Love With Languages

12:12 Why Swedish

42:25 Teaching Swedish Online

56:25 Content Creation in Serbian About Swedish

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

Guilherme, aka BrazilianPortugui, had a very interesting English learning journey. From crashing into body-language barriers as an au pair in New York to building a thriving online brand from scratch, he shares how teaching Brazilian Portuguese became a global mission rooted in culture, music, and identity.

In this episode, Guilherme joins us from Bangkok to explore what makes Portuguese so expressive, why learning a language is like going to the gym, and why you should always learn a bit of the culture before opening your textbook. From pronunciation hacks to awkward double-meaning words, we get into the fun, the struggles, and the surprises of one of the world’s most musical languages.

He also tells the origin story of BrazilianPortugui — his platform that started with one curious student and a single lesson idea. Today, it's helped thousands connect with Portuguese through real-world conversation and joyful cultural insights.

The guest: https://www.instagram.com/brazilianportugui/

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

4:15 Growing Up Trilingual

17:31 Cuban Spanish & Linguistic Contrasts

42:04 Unique Learning Methods & Strategies

1:03:00 Outro

🌟 What topics/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

What’s it like to grow up speaking three languages—and then add several more? In this episode, we’re joined by Guglielmo, a Cuban-born polyglot raised in Germany, who shares how he navigates his multicultural identity while mastering languages like French, German, Italian, and even Mandarin.

From preserving his Cuban accent to rapping in French to learn grammar, Guglielmo brings a powerful mix of experience, culture, and creativity. He also unpacks why learning a language is a lot like dancing—and why letting go of perfection might just be the secret to fluency.

Whether you’re a beginner or on your fifth language, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights to help you stay consistent, think in new languages, and embrace the flow.

The guest:  https://www.languagesthroughmusic.com/

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

4:15 Growing Up Trilingual

17:31 Cuban Spanish & Linguistic Contrasts

42:04 Unique Learning Methods & Strategies

1:03:00 Outro

🌟 What topics/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #cuba #podcast

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

How do you go from speaking only Portuguese to mastering English, Spanish, and German — all while juggling work, university, and moving across countries? In this episode, we sit down with a Brazilian software engineer Elzo who built his own language learning system from scratch and used it to unlock new careers, friendships, and global opportunities. From his first English lesson at age 22 to working in Germany and navigating the workplace in a foreign tongue, he shares how “one hour a day” became a life-changing habit. We also dive into his methods, motivation, daily routine, and how language learning is more like physical training than academic study. If you’re a busy professional dreaming of becoming multilingual, this conversation is packed with real, practical insight and inspiration.

The guest: none this time…

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms.

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

3:49 Growing Up & First Steps in Languages

9:18 Self-Taught Fluency

30:54 Working & Living Multilingually

42:13 Reflections & Advice for Learners

49:47 Outro

🌟 What topics/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #busylife #grindset #podcast

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

Can you be funny in a language you barely speak? In this hilarious and eye-opening episode, Neeraj (Nee Ridge) shares how stand-up comedy became his gateway to mastering over 10 languages. 

From bombing on stage in Mandarin to testing punchlines with strangers on Tandem, he proves that making mistakes—and laughing through them—is one of the best ways to connect through language. You’ll hear wild stories from open mics around the world, insights on how humor changes across cultures, and why being bad at something publicly can lead to major growth.

You'll learn how comedy can speed up language learning, how to overcome the fear of speaking imperfectly, and why some jokes only work in certain cultures. Neeraj shows that with curiosity, courage, and a sense of humor, anyone can break language barriers—and maybe even get a few laughs while doing it.

The guest: https://www.tiktok.com/@neeridge?lang=en

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

4:32 Multilingual Comedy

38:13 Language Learning Techniques

1:06:00 Outro

🌟 What topics/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #Comedy #podcast #storytelling

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

Michele and Michelle explore the Netherlands through its language, culture, and famously direct way of life — from gezelligheid and King’s Day to cycling cities and quiet Sunday towns. Later, they’re joined by Maryna, a German polyglot living in Amsterdam, who shares her experiences learning Dutch, embracing honesty, and finding beauty in everyday Dutch life.

The guest: https://www.instagram.com/metamorfinia

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

2:04 What to do in Utrecht

6:03 Small towns Netherlands

10:54 King’s Day in the Netherlands

13:56 Sinterklaas, More Chaos Than Christmas

17:05 Other Butch holiday traditions 

19:49 What Makes Dutch Culture So Unique?

23:36 What is Gezelligheid?

28:57 Guest interview

🌟 What topics/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #Netherlands #podcast #storytelling

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

🌐 Join Expolingua 2025: https://www.expolingua.com/EN/

📅 November 14 – 15, 2025 

📍 Tagungswerk, Lindenstraße 85, 10969 Berlin

Discover how storytelling is revolutionising the way people learn Norwegian (and languages in general) in this episode of the Connected By Language podcast.. Our guest, Werner, co-founder of Skapago, shares how his immersive, story-first approach is helping learners overcome grammar blocks, pronunciation struggles, and the confusion of Norway’s dual written systems, Bokmål and Nynorsk. We also explore his experience hosting Tandem Parties, live group language exchanges hosted by the Tandem app. The perfect way to create spaces for practicing real conversation in a low-pressure, story-rich environment. From playful language games to deep cultural discussions.

From the power of dialect exposure to the unexpected challenges of learning Norwegian as a foreigner, this episode explores why stories are more than entertainment—they’re a neuroscience-backed tool for fluency. Whether you’re a curious polyglot or just starting out, this conversation will shift the way you think about language learning forever.

Learn about Skapago: https://www.skapago.eu/en/

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

2:45 Norwegian Language: Journey, Tips & Experiences

27:14 Storytelling & Digital Learning Methods

36:02 Tandem & Language Parties

53:34 Reflections for Learners

56:36 Outro

🌟 What topics/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #Norway #podcast #storytelling

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

In this episode of Connected by Language, we travel to the heart of Taiwan 🇹🇼, a place where skyscrapers meet sacred temples and neon night markets blend with lush mountain gorges. From Taipei’s 101 Tower and the famous Shilin Night Market to natural wonders like Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, explore an island that captures all of Asia in miniature.

Discover Taiwan’s most vibrant celebrations — Lunar New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival — and learn how food, folklore, and family traditions reveal the island’s unique cultural identity. Plus, dive into the world of Taiwanese Hokkien, indigenous languages, and the local passion for multilingualism.

Special guest Terry from Polyglot.tw joins us to share his story as a Taiwanese polyglot and activist, speaking over 50 languages and working to preserve Taiwan’s indigenous linguistic heritage. From learning Latin in Taipei to hosting the Polyglot Conference 2025, Terry takes us on an inspiring journey through languages, identity, and human connection.

Join the Polyglot Conference 2025: https://taipei.polyglotconference.com/

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

1:58 Travelling in Taipei

3:22 Night Markets

3:40 Taipei 101 Tower

4:35 Taroko Gorge

5:49 Sun Moon Lake

7:54 Taiwanese Lunar New Year

11:39 Dragon Boat Festival

14:10 Taiwan Culture at a glance and fun facts

16:19 Taiwanese Hokkien Language Explained

18:21 Chinese vs. Taiwanese Language

19:52 Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples

21:35 Guest Interview Intro

23:34 Growing Up in Taiwan & Multilingual Reality

26:35 Polyglot Journey & Inspirations

38:39 Polyglot.tw: Activism & Taiwan’s Indigenous Languages

44:30 Travels & Cross-Cultural Experiences

🌟 What country/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #Taiwan #podcast

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

In this episode of Connected by Language, we dive into the Land of Smiles — Thailand 🇹🇭. Discover the magic of Bangkok, sacred Buddhist temples, and the mystery of the white elephants. Learn about everyday customs, Songkran water fights, the Loi Krathong Festival of Lights, and the role of food, colors, and traditions in Thai culture.

Special guest Layla from Pastel Thai shares her experience teaching the Thai language and living between Thai and German culture, offering tips, fun facts, and insights for travelers and language learners alike.

The Guest: https://www.youtube.com/@PastelThai/videos

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

4:41 Bangkok: Chaos, Spirituality & Sanuk

10:27 Temples in Thailand (Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew)

11:32 Best Spots in Thailand (Chiang Mai, Pai, Ayutthaya)

14:40 Thai Greetings & the Wai Gesture

16:07 Thai Customs & Everyday Etiquette

17:26 Thai Traditions, Smiles & Taboos

19:50 Thai Royal Family & Colors of the Week

22:57 Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year)

23:16 Loy Krathong: Festival of Lights

27:57 Thai Holidays & Monarchy Connections

30:12 Interview with Layla from Pastel Thai

🌟 What country/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #Thailand #podcast

🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH

Stepping outside Hong Kong for the first time is unforgettable. The city’s feng shui-inspired skyline, towering statues and temples, and the breathtaking Victoria Harbour light show create an experience like no other. But beyond the views, could learning Cantonese unlock an even deeper connection to this vibrant culture shaped by centuries of history?

In this episode of the Tandem Podcast, we dive into what makes Hong Kong culture so unique. Our guest, Hong Kong native Cox, shares a different perspective: his first journey to Europe. How does someone deeply rooted in Hong Kong traditions navigate the unfamiliar rules, customs, and culture of a foreign land?

What is Tandem - Language exchange?

Tandem is a global language exchange app on a mission to connect the world through languages. Members build confidence and improve their language skills through real life conversations with native speakers in 1:1 chats or live audio rooms. 

🔗 Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/Tandem_App

0:00 Intro

1:46 Hong Kong Fun Facts

6:03 Hong Kong monuments

9:11 Lantau Island

12:20 Victoria Harbour

14:54 Hong Kong English

19:16 Lion Dance

21:46 Ghost Month

24:00 Guest Interview

🌟 What country/language should we explore on the next episode of the new tandem podcast? Let us know in the comments! 

#tandem #languageexchange #HongKong #podcast