Language & Travel Hacking

Language & Travel Hacking

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Language & Travel Hacking episodes

  • Ask Benny: Other ways to avoid being an obvious foreigner

    Benny Lewis discusses strategies to avoid standing out as an obvious foreigner when speaking a new language, drawing from his experiences in Brazil. Academic choices of written words, like or simply saying things that are just illogical, can make you stand out more.

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    8 min
  • Ask Benny: The interesting trick; teaching people other info so they´ll put up with my bad language skills

    Benny shares his insights on how to engage in conversations as a beginner or intermediate language learner. He emphasizes the importance of having interesting things to say, such as sharing personal skills, stories, or tricks, to keep the other person engaged and patient.

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    7 min
  • Ask Benny: How to be the 1st ever

    Benny Lewis expresses his enthusiasm for the unique opportunity of being the first foreigner many Brazilians will ever meet during his travels off the beaten path. He encourages language learners to explore less touristy areas, underlining the special privilege of representing the world to those he encounters.

    Benny highlights the crucial role of language skills, specifically speaking the local language, in creating these one-of-a-kind connections. He reflects on the significance of leaving a lasting positive impression, mentioning how he brings souvenirs to make these encounters memorable.

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    7 min
  • Ask Benny: Mental health struggles and being a language learner

    Benny Lewis shares his experience with a recent intensive Korean language project after a 10-year gap. He reflects on personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of considering mental health during language learning. Benny encourages listeners to go easy on themselves, focus on progress, and find a balance between ambition and self-care.

    Watch the full uncut video of Benny speaking Korean after his language mission here: Benny's Korean: Final conversation to demonstrate basic conversational level

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    13 min
  • How to dive deep into dialects (Benny's 2024 language plan)

    In this podcast episode, Benny shares his language learning plans for the year, focusing on Portuguese and exploring the diverse dialects in Brazil. He offers practical advice, suggesting starting with the standard version of the language before delving into specific dialects. Benny shares tips on finding resources, emphasizing the importance of searching in the language itself for better results.

    Drawing from his own experiences, Benny discusses reaching out to native speakers through platforms like YouTube and Instagram to gain exposure to authentic language use. Benny also talks about incorporating cultural elements, such as music and intonation, into the learning process.

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    16 min
  • Ask Benny: How to learn a language in 2024: Taking a resolution and turning it into a true project

    In the first Language Hacking Podcast episode of 2024, Benny discusses effective language learning strategies for New Year's resolutions.

    Instead of vague goals, Benny advocates for SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Drawing from his Fluent in 3 Months philosophy, Benny emphasizes public accountability, community involvement, and aligning methods with language goals.

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    11 min
  • Ask Benny: Geoguessr, Geography, country studies (How Benny relaxes)


    In this festive episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis brings a unique twist, stepping away from traditional language learning to share an exhilarating passion – geography. As the world celebrates Christmas, Benny takes you on an exciting journey into his downtime adventures, fueled by a fascination with countries, capitals, and flags. Forget stamp collecting or video games – Benny introduces you to the thrill of Geoguesser, a game that transports you to random locations worldwide through Google Street View, challenging you to guess your whereabouts.


    Join Benny on his live-streamed Geoguesser sessions on Twitch, where he not only unravels the mysteries of diverse locations but also showcases his knack for identifying language signs and cultural nuances. Dive into Benny's world of virtual travel, where every street sign, script, and cultural cue becomes a clue to unravel the geographical puzzle. Feel the excitement as Benny shares how he enhances his global awareness through Anki decks and various online resources.


    Resource Mentioned in this Episode:
    - Anki

    Join Benny's live stream on Twitch at @polyglot Twitch channel

    Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    12 min
  • Ask Benny: When should I move on to the next language, if I want to be a polyglot?

    In this episode of the Language Hacking podcast, Benny Lewis tackles a question that language enthusiasts often ponder: When is the right time to move on to the next language in your polyglot journey? Benny dismisses the common notion that polyglots must juggle multiple languages simultaneously and introduces a compelling alternative—focusing on one language until achieving a solid B2 proficiency level.

    Benny delves into the pitfalls of trying to learn several languages at once, including interference and lack of focus. Benny's advice is laced with personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of building a mental fortress around a language to prevent interference from others. He shares insights into the benefits of taking breaks from languages once they've reached a higher proficiency level, likening it to fortifying your linguistic skills.

    Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    11 min
  • Ask Benny: What are the resident logistics of a nomad? Benny's Travel update and long-term travel plan

    In this podcast episode, Benny Lewis offers a practical glimpse into the workings of his nomadic lifestyle. Navigating the realms of an Irish passport, British citizenship, and a U.S. green card, Benny shares insights into the pragmatic use of multiple passports for streamlined travel experiences. He breaks down the intricacies of sustaining U.S. residency through a specialized travel permit, all while efficiently operating his company from the heart of Texas.


    With plans to sustain this nomadic lifestyle for a minimum of two more years, Benny reflects on the joy of exploring the world and immersing himself in diverse cultures. He provides a straightforward and grounded discussion on the practical aspects of managing residencies, multiple citizenships, and the intricacies of tax considerations for those living a nomadic life.

    Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    13 min
  • Ask Benny: Melting ice: Constant work to push through a plateau

    Benny Lewis opens this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast with a brief but impactful message for language learners who might be feeling stuck in the intermediate stage. Drawing on an analogy from other fields, Benny likens the language learning journey to melting ice. He highlights the challenge of not seeing immediate results despite putting in months or years of effort.

    Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.


    To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking), X (@‌fi3m), Tiktok (@irishpolyglot), or you can email [email protected].

    5 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:…

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