Language Learning Insights

Sarah Roecklein, creator of English Makes No Sense, has spent more than 20 years teaching—and now brings her humorous, practical approach to millions of English learners online.

In this episode, Sarah explains why humor makes lessons more memorable, what successful language learners do differently, and why practice matters more than perfect grammar or pronunciation. She also shares the value of taking notes, writing vocabulary by hand, reading aloud, and beginning to speak before you feel completely confident.

Learn more about Sarah and her classes:
https://englishmakesnosense.com

Discover MiVoca, the Personal Vocabulary System:
https://mivoca.app

Explore more episodes:
https://languagelearninginsights.com

What if class time were spent actually speaking—not listening to grammar explanations?

In this episode of the Language Learning Insights podcast, Rick Moore talks with Conchita, a certified Spanish teacher from Spain and founder of Spanish with Conchita. She explains how her flipped classroom approach allows students to learn grammar and vocabulary at home, then use their lessons for conversation and practical application.

Conchita also discusses why beginners should start speaking from the beginning, how small groups help learners feel comfortable making mistakes, and why cultural immersion can accelerate both confidence and progress.

In this conversation:

• How the flipped classroom method works
• Why grammar matters—but doesn’t need to dominate class time
• How beginners can start speaking immediately
• Why small, supportive groups encourage participation
• How immersion connects language with culture and real life
• Why making mistakes is always better than remaining silent

Learn more about Conchita:

Website: https://spanishwithconchita.com

Explore more conversations and practical language-learning advice at https://languagelearninginsights.com.

Language Learning Insights is hosted by Rick Moore, founder of MiVoca—the Personal Vocabulary System that helps you capture, organize, practice, and remember the words that matter to you. MiVoca Starter is free forever, with no credit card required: https://mivoca.app.

Dr. Danny Evans, creator of The Language Tutor, joins Language Learning Insights to share lessons from nearly 30 years of teaching Spanish and building one of YouTube's most popular language-learning channels.

We discuss why beginners often feel overwhelmed, how to make grammar manageable, the best way to learn vocabulary, why conversation matters more than memorization, overcoming the intermediate plateau, and how AI is changing language education.

Danny also shares practical advice for learners preparing for travel, explains why he teaches grammar differently than many instructors, and reflects on what he's learned from teaching both in the classroom and online.

Whether you're just starting to learn a language or working toward advanced fluency, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can apply immediately.

Dr. Danny Evans, The Language Tutor

https://www.youtube.com/@TheLanguageTutor

English-friendly Spanish lessons cover everything — grammar, vocabulary, verb conjugation, pronunciation, and everyday conversation.

MiVoca

https://mivoca.app

AI-powered personal vocabulary system for language learners.

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I talk with Joan Comellas, co-founder of Qué Pasa Español, one of the most popular podcasts for intermediate Spanish learners.

Joan shares how he went from teaching history to building a thriving online Spanish-learning community through authentic conversations, podcasts, classes, books, and immersion experiences in Spain. We discuss why authentic input is so valuable, whether simply listening to podcasts is enough to improve your language learning, how to stay motivated through the long intermediate stage, practical approaches to learning multiple languages, and why consistency matters far more than perfection.

Whether you're learning Spanish or any other language, you'll come away with practical advice on building effective habits, finding learning methods you genuinely enjoy, and making language learning part of your everyday life.

What really helps you become fluent in a new language?

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, Rick Moore talks with Eli Sousa, founder of Portuguese with Eli, about the habits and teaching methods that help learners build real confidence.

Eli shares why communication should come before perfection, how much grammar beginners actually need, why speaking reveals the gaps in your knowledge, and practical strategies for learning multiple languages without becoming overwhelmed.

Whether you're learning Portuguese or another language, you'll come away with practical advice you can start using today.

Learn more about Eli and his work at https://portuguesewitheli.com.

What does it really take to move beyond the intermediate plateau in language learning?

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I sit down with Andrea Alger, co-founder and lead teacher of Spanishland School, to discuss why so many learners get stuck—and what actually helps them make meaningful progress.

Andrea shares practical advice drawn from nearly a decade of teaching thousands of intermediate and advanced Spanish learners. We explore the balance between grammar and immersion, why speaking is essential from day one, how to build sustainable daily habits, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to reaching fluency.

We also discuss:
• Why intermediate learners often feel "stuck"
• Grammar vs. immersion: why you need both
• The importance of regular conversations with corrective feedback
• A simple daily routine that fits into a busy schedule
• How authentic content and immersion accelerate learning
• Why understanding different accents matters
• Inspiring stories of learners who now use Spanish to make a difference in the lives of others

Whether you're learning Spanish or any other language, Andrea's advice applies to every learner looking to make steady, lasting progress.

Learn more about Spanishland School:
https://spanishlandschool.com

Learn more about MiVoca:
https://mivoca.com

What does it really take to become conversational in a new language?

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I sit down with Massimo Cubelli, creator of L'Italiano Vero, one of the longest-running podcasts helping learners understand authentic, everyday Italian.

Although Massimo isn't a language teacher, his experience learning English—and later helping thousands of people learn Italian—has given him a unique perspective on what actually works. We discuss why authentic conversations matter more than textbook dialogues, how humor makes vocabulary more memorable, why culture is inseparable from language, and how building your vocabulary gives you the confidence to communicate.

In this episode, Massimo shares two slogans that he has truly made his own and that guide his language learning philosophy:

• ​'Connection not perfection' – Inspired by All Ears English, his favorite podcast, which inspired him to create L'Italiano Vero.
  
• ​'Senza fretta, ma senza sosta' (Without rushing, but without stopping) – A maxim coined by the Italian podcaster Pierluigi Rizzo and inspired by a famous quote by Goethe.

If you've ever felt intimidated about speaking with native speakers or worried about making mistakes, this conversation is a reminder that communication—not perfection—is the real goal.

Learn more about L'Italiano Vero:
https://litalianovero.it
https://www.linktr.ee/litalianovero

Discover MiVoca, the Personal Vocabulary System:
https://mivoca.com

Why do so many people spend years studying a language yet still struggle to have a simple conversation?

In this episode, I sit down with Carolina, founder of Pura Buena Onda, to explore what actually helps people become confident speakers. We discuss why conversation should begin much earlier than most learners think, the role grammar should (and shouldn't) play, and how to create an immersive learning environment no matter where you live.

We also cover:

• How beginners can start speaking from day one
• Why consistency matters more than marathon study sessions
• Practical ways to immerse yourself without traveling
• The habits that help learners progress the fastest
• Inspiring success stories from students who transformed their language abilities

Whether you're learning your first foreign language or your fifth, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.

Learn more about Pura Buena Onda:
https://purabuenaonda.com

Learn more about MiVoca:
https://mivoca.app

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I speak with Maria Amador, creator of Slow Portuguese with Maria, about what it really takes to learn a language as an adult.

Maria shares how learning Swedish transformed her perspective as a teacher, why she shifted to using almost entirely Portuguese with her students, and how her own struggles with language learning helped her better understand the challenges learners face.

We discuss:

• Why speaking is often the hardest part of language learning
• How to overcome the fear of conversations with native speakers
• The role of grammar, vocabulary, and flashcards in building a strong foundation
• Why progress feels slower as an adult learner
• The importance of patience and avoiding self-imposed pressure
• What separates successful language learners from those who give up
• Why culture and personal connection matter when learning a language

Whether you're learning Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, or any other language, Maria's insights offer practical advice and encouragement for every stage of the journey.

Learn more about Maria and her resources for European Portuguese learners:
https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, Rick Moore, founder of MiVoca, talks with Jennifer Lebedev, creator of English with Jennifer and one of YouTube's most respected English teachers.

Jennifer shares her journey from classroom teacher to YouTube educator, discusses what she's learned from teaching millions of learners online, and explains why authentic connection matters just as much as grammar and vocabulary.

We explore:

• How language learning has evolved over the past two decades
• The challenges beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced students face
• Why learners should start speaking from day one
• The importance of active practice versus passive consumption
• How successful learners maintain motivation over the long term
• The role mindset plays in language learning success
• What separates great teachers from good teachers
• How Jennifer continues learning as both a teacher and language learner herself

Whether you're just starting your language journey or working toward advanced fluency, Jennifer offers practical advice and encouragement grounded in nearly two decades of teaching experience.

Learn more about Jennifer at:
English with Jennifer