Language & Travel Hacking

By Fluent in 3 MonthsEducation Self-Improvement Language Learning

Language & Travel Hacking episodes

October 04, 2021#70 Herr Professor on How Engineers Approach Language Learning
In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Manuel of “Herr Professor” about growing up multilingual, teaching German, and how engineers approach language learning.
Featured Resources
Herr Professor
Mentioned in this Episode
Tiny Habits
Stephen Krashen’s Comprehensible Input
Herr Professor
Herr Professor Courses
Herr Professor Podcast
James Asher’s Total Physical Response
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
How Manuel used his technical background to learn new languages
How to turn language input into output
Why speaking is one of the biggest challenges for language learners
What makes input useful and how to avoid passive listening
What to do when you have trouble focusing on your language learning tools
How to find compelling, comprehensible input at your language level
Why building habits is so important in language learning
The importance of being able to drop things that don’t work and focus on the things that do
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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41 min
September 27, 2021#69 Sara Maria Hasbun on the Psychology of Language Learning
Sara Maria Hasbun, founder of Meridian Linguistics, shares about psycholinguistics, working in the language industry, and “extreme” language learning.
Featured Resources
Meridian Languages
Glossika
Mentioned in this Episode
Meridian Languages
Glossika
Tempo App on iOS
Tempo App on Android
Sara’s Website
Sara on Instagram
Sara on Twitter
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Choosing which language to learn
Learning languages in diverse language families
Studying psycholinguistics
Dialect and accent in sign languages
Living in different countries and learning the languages
Differences between a polyglot and a linguist
Learning a language with few resources
Why fluency doesn’t need to be the end goal for learning a language
Deciding when to learn a new language and when to focus on past languages
Technology and language
Balancing entrepreneurship in languages with language learning
Using accountability systems for motivation
Rote learning and its benefits
Combatting the boring aspects of language learning with tricks and bribes
Lessons from living abroad
“Extreme” language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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51 min
September 23, 2021 Ask Benny: How Can I Start Reading in My Target Language?
Reading in your new language can be a daunting task, but Benny has some great advice this week for taking it one step at a time. By starting small and building up gradually, you'll make steady progress. There are so many brilliant resources out there that you can use, and reading isn't just a solo activity, so make sure it's something you practise with your teacher or exchange partner.
To ask Benny a question, please email [email protected]
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8 min
September 20, 2021#68 Anthony Metivier on Building a Magnetic Memory
“Warrior of the mind” Anthony Metivier chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about his Brain Exercise Bootcamp and memory strategies for language learners.
Featured Resources
Brain Exercise Bootcamp
Mentioned in this Episode
Brain Exercise Bootcamp
Language Death by David Crystal
Anthony Metivier
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Memory methods for language learners
Why personalization is necessary for language learning
Learning German and Mandarin with memory techniques
Why language learning is more than just memorizing
How it’s easy to cheat your learning with SRS
How to get better at building mnemonics
Ways to speed up your memorizing
How memory exercises can benefit your mental health
Tips for learning “dead” languages
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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50 min
September 13, 2021#67 Mari Silvestrini on Energy and Momentum in Language Learning
Polyglot Mari Salvestrini shares how she uses Instagram for accountability in her language learning, how to develop language routines based on energy, and why breaks are important in this episode with hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy.
Featured Resources
Memrise
Mentioned in this Episode
Memrise
Mari’s website
Mari on Twitter
Mari on Youtube
Mari on Instagram
Mari on Facebook
Mari’s Podcast
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Using Instagram for accountability
Getting momentum in language learning when in low spirits
The online community and finding support
Developing a language learning routine based on energy levels
Tricks for focusing better
Mari on helping her mom relearn her native language
Mari on gaining the confidence to share her story on Youtube
Tips for becoming a more confident language learner
Slow learning and why it might be the right language learning strategy for you
Overcoming challenges in language learning
Why breaks are important
Fighting perfectionism in language learning
How to learn multiple languages at the same time
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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35 min
September 08, 2021 Ask Benny: Should I Learn Verb Conjugations Before Trying to Speak?
Grammar getting you down? Benny's here to help! This week he takes the pressure off by explaining how he approaches (or ignores!) grammar, particularly verb conjugations, when he starts a new language. Making mistakes is an important part of the learning process, especially in the early days, and the most important thing is to be understood. Leaving the grammar to one side for a while and focussing on communication can really help you progress at the beginning of your language journey.
To ask Benny a question, please email [email protected]
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10 min
September 06, 2021#66 Anja Spilker on Creating a Language School in Mexico
Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy talk to Anja Spilker about learning Nahuatl, combating negative feedback as a language learning, and running a language business.
Featured Resources
ZALOA Languages
Mentioned in this Episode
ZALOA Languages
Anja on Instagram
Anja on Facebook
Anja on Twitter
ZALOA Languages on Instagram
ZALOA Languages on Facebook
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Living in Mexico in a second language
Opening a language school
Using social gatherings to gain conversation skills in a new language
Combining fitness with language learning
Building a business in another country
Learning Nahuatl and discovering a passion for indigenous languages
Helping create resources to support others with lesser learned languages
Combating negative feedback as a language learner
Strategies for keeping your conversations in the target language
Learning languages for travel
Transitioning from brick-and-mortar to an online business
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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44 min
August 30, 2021#65 Alice Cimino on Learning With Downton Abbey
Alice Cimino, a 19 year old third culture kid, chats with Benny Lewis about growing up bilingual, being homeschooled, learning languages as a teenager, and much more.
Featured Resources
How I Learned Fluent Spanish and English the Hard Way (It’s Also the Best Way!
Mentioned in this Episode
Fluent in 3 Months Articles
Alice Cimino’s Medium Articles
Alice’s Instagram
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Growing up in Guadeloupe and integrating Italian into her life
Moving as a teenager to the Dominican Republic with no Spanish
Homeschooling and the associated strengths and pitfalls
Learning English by reading Harry Potter
Improving her British accent with Downton Abbey and Love Island
Writing articles and learning to be creative in her non-native language
Why learning language number five isn’t as easy as it sounds
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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38 min
August 25, 2021 Ask Benny: How Can I Find the Right Teacher?
Have you ever struggled to find a language teacher who feels like a good fit for your learning style? You're not alone! What works for one person might not work for you, and Benny has some great tips this week for finding someone you can work well with. Knowing what you want from a teacher is an important starting point, and trying out a few people and reflecting on the experiences is crucial to finding a successful working relationship.
To ask Benny a question, please email [email protected]
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10 min
August 23, 2021#64 Shahidah Foster on Starting Black Girls Learn Languages
Shahidah Foster, founder of Black Girls Learn Languages, chats with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis about learning languages as a black woman and inspiring black voices in the language community.
Featured Resources
Sisters Only Language Summit
Mentioned in this Episode
Sisters Only Language Summit
Black Girls Learn Languages
Black Girls Learn Languages Merch
Black Girls Learn Languages Facebook
Black Girls Learn Languages Twitter
Black Girls Learn Languages Instagram
Black Girls Learn Languages YouTube
Get Featured on Black Girls Learn Languages
Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:
Starting your own language learning business and event
Challenges learning languages as a woman of color
Imposter syndrome in language learning
Living and learning languages abroad
Inspiring black voices in the language community
Pushing yourself to your limits
Using wordplay as an entrepreneur
Finding your connection and why in language learning
Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy
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37 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:…