Language & Travel Hacking

By Fluent in 3 MonthsEducation Self-Improvement Language Learning

Language & Travel Hacking episodes

April 11, 2022#94 Sam on Comedy and Humor in Language Learning
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant, Sam, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about how the Challenge changed the way he learned languages and helped him find consistency and discover new language learning methods.
This episode features Sam, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
LingQ
Glossika
Mentioned in this Episode
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
LingQ
Glossika
Daily Show
Quizlet
Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:
Hating languages in school and going on to love them later in life
Discovering your learning style and how it leads to success
How the Challenge changed the way Sam learned languages
How to work through roadblocks in your learning
Why “done” is better than perfect
Using comedy as a language learning tool
Combining writing with shadowing as a learning method
How novelty and newness can keep you engaged and excited about your languages
Stick-with-it-ness and the power of consistency
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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34 min
April 04, 2022#93 Laetitia on How to Find a Great Language Tutor
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge coach, Laetitia, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her varied experience learning or dabbling in many languages: English, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch and Vietnamese.
This episode features Laetitia, who made significant progress with several language in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
italki
Duolingo
Mentioned in this Episode
italki
Duolingo
Discord
Learning with Texts
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
The importance of having an inspirational tutor
Things to consider when looking for a tutor
Finding your tribe with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
The pitfall of expecting learning to be passive
Why you should take the time to find out which methods and resources work for you
Being as nice to yourself as you would be to a friend
The pointlessness and dangers of comparisons and perfectionism
Remember, you don’t know every word in your native language!
How technology can be a great tool for learning, so don’t be scared of it
Reading to maintain languages and being happy to understand 60%
Culture shock and learning “on the job” in Japan - a little goes a long way
How to create an effective language exchange
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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53 min
March 30, 2022 Ask Benny: Does Daily Duolingo Really Help?
For this episode, Benny shares his opinions and experience of the Duolingo app. Getting points and maintaining a streak may be great motivators, but does it really work if you want to speak the language? Benny explains how gamified apps can be a valuable part of your language learning, but to be successful, there is another important element that should be central to your practise.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email [email protected]
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8 min
March 28, 2022#92 Tom O’Neill on Language Learning for Introverts
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and coach, Tom, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his building confidence and courage as an introverted language learner as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
This episode features Tom, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
italki
Duolingo
Mentioned in this Episode
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
italki
Duolingo
Mel Robbins
Todoist
Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:
Learning new writing systems and Asian languages
Using scripts to get ahead in your conversations in another language
Why you sometimes need to do things that are outside your comfort zone, like videos, to get ahead in your learning
How introversion impacts your language studies - both good and bad
How to pick the right language tutor
How to build confidence and courage in yourself and your language skills
Maintaining motivation when life throws curveballs at you
Tips for avoiding the comparison trap
Choosing things to talk about in another language
How to get through moments in conversations where you don’t understand
Why it’s important to celebrate success - whether big or small
Juggling multiple languages as a hobbyist
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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39 min
March 21, 2022#91 Manish on Juggling Multiple Languages
Long-time participant in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Manish, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his experience learning a wide variety of languages through many different methods.
This episode features Manish, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Pimsleur
italki
Anki
Mentioned in this Episode
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Goldlist Method
Spanish Speaking Hacks
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Finding the confidence to talk to strangers in another language
What to do if someone close to you doesn’t support your language goals
Moving from in-person to online learning
Juggling multiple languages from diverse language families
The value of community and support
Manish’s many years of experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Strategies for reviewing languages and notes
Paying it forward and sharing your experience with new learners
The importance of learning colloquial language
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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41 min
March 16, 2022Ask Benny: St Patrick's Day / Seachtain na Gaeilge Special
This week’s Ask Benny is a celebration of the Irish language. Benny talks about some of his favourite websites for learning Irish, including dictionaries, media sites, and other useful resources. This special episode is essential listening for anyone learning, or wanting to learn, Gaeilge (the Irish language). Links to all of the resources Benny mentions in this episode can be found below.
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email [email protected]

Featured Resources
Teanglann dictionary
TG4
Mol Scéal news site
Gaeilge Amháin Facebook group
Gaeilge Subreddit
MemesAsGaeilge Subreddit
Tuairisc news site
Nós news site
Learning with Texts
GaelGram grammar checker
Foclach - Irish Wordle
Benny’s Irish Twitter
Benny’s Irish Instagram
Benny’s Irish Tiktok
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10 min
March 14, 2022#90 St. Patrick’s Day Special: Sadelle’s Irish Journey
In this week’s special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Community Coach for the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Sadelle Wiltshire, talks with Elizabeth and Benny about learning Irish and joining the Challenge at an upper-beginner level.
This episode features Sadelle, who made significant progress with her Irish speaking abilities in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Clozemaster
italki
Benny’s top Irish resources
Mentioned in this Episode
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Benny’s Irish Instagram
Benny’s Irish TikTok
Benny’s Irish Twitter
Teanglann dictionary
Focloir dictionary
Tearma dictionary
Potafocal dictionary
Futurelearn Irish from Dublin City University
Gaeilge Gan Stró beginner textbook
Ranganna beginner course
Free Zoom classes from Philo-Celtic Society
Let’s Learn Irish
Tuairisc news site with learner content
Nós online magazine
Childrens’ stories
Craic le Gaeilge Discord server
Irish Wordle
TG4 streaming TV shows in Irish
Raidió na Gaeltachta
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Additional Recommended Resources
Conradh na Gaeilge Los Angeles
Daltaí na Gaeilge
Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir / The North American Gaeltacht
Irish language book club
Video news clips and transcripts from Maynooth University - intermediate
Children’s newsletter from Maynooth University - beginner
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Joining the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge at an A2 level
Humor as a motivator when learning
Music and singing when learning Irish
Getting your head around Irish pronunciation
How to deal with the different Irish dialects
Gaelic vs Irish
How to build a community in your target language
First steps and resources for Irish
The secret to having fun in your target language
Overcoming shyness, perfectionism and fear of speaking
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
47 min
March 07, 2022#89 Elena Guillén on Going from Dabbler to Consistent Learner
Language dabbler and native Spanish speaker, Elena Guillén, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning Hindi during the pandemic, as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.
This episode features Elena, who found the routine and structure of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped her make significant progress with Hindi in just 90 days.
We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.
Featured Resources
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
italki
Mentioned in this Episode
Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata
Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
The pros of being an introverted language learner
Learning languages with ADD and finding focus
Using structures vs frameworks
Overcoming perfectionism and distraction
Tips for studying lesser-learned and ancient languages
Finding commonalities between languages
Advantages and disadvantages of knowing multiple languages
Learning through music, songs and films
Learning vocabulary with the “goldlisting” method
The power of community and accountability
The fun of learning different writing systems
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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37 min
March 02, 2022 Ask Benny: How Do You Gather the Courage to Speak?
In this episode Benny gives a pep-talk to help you find motivation and courage to start a conversation in your target language. It can be so tempting to avoid speaking, whether it's because you're shy, embarrassed, or scared of making mistakes. But if you can bite the bullet and take the leap, you'll be surprised by just how much you can achieve. Listen to this episode if you need a bit of a confidence boost!
To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email [email protected]
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Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
6 min
February 28, 2022#88 Cara Leopold on Fast-Talking Native Speakers
Listening expert, Cara Leopold, talks with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about how she helps people improve their ability to understand fast-talking native speakers.
For the majority of people, listening is the first language skill we develop - it actually starts before we’re born! Cara explains how visual context, transcripts, and relevant content are all crucial for effective listening development. She also talks about how English changes when it’s spoken quickly, and gives advice for using subtitles effectively to learn a language by watching movies.
Mentioned in this Episode
Leo Listening
ANV Cop 21
Alternatiba
L’Affaire du Siècle
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
The stress of classroom listening activities at school
Why our listening ability may be behind our other language skills
Overcoming the fear that comes with not understanding when someone speaks
Visual clues playing an important role in listening
How to improve your listening comprehension
Ways to use TV and movies as tools to improve listening
Different ways to use subtitles effectively
Being an eco-friendly language learner
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.
50 min

About Language & Travel Hacking

From the publisher's feed

International best-selling author and nomadic polyglot Benny Lewis shares his real experiences and advice while on-the-road about travel and language learning. Learn more at:…