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Language & Travel Hacking (Fluent in 3 Months)

Explore every episode of Language & Travel Hacking

Dive into the complete episode list for Language & Travel Hacking. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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Pub. DateTitleDuration
12 Sep 2022#116 Hez on What to Do When You Want to Learn Everything at Once00:43:40

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Spanish learner, Hez, chats with Benny and Shannon about fighting perfectionism and practicing patience in language learning.

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

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • What to do when you’re impatient and you want to learn everything all at once
  • Fighting perfectionism and being kind to yourself in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • The Buddhist idea of a Beginner’s Mind
  • Keeping up your language learning during stressful periods in your life
  • Ways to have fun with your language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

25 Jan 2021 #34 Lindie Botes on Being a Third Culture Kid00:43:07

In this episode, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy have a conversation with Lindie Botes about learning multiple languages, growing up as a third culture kid, and what it’s like growing up bilingual.

In our chat with Lindie, we discuss transitioning from language learner to language mentor, gaining the confidence you need to put yourself out there, and different systems and processes for keeping track of your language learning.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Transitioning from language learner to language mentor
  • Gaining the confidence to put yourself out there as a language learner
  • How to deal with criticism and ignore trolls as a polyglot YouTuber
  • Getting inspiration from a parent language learner
  • Being a “third culture kid”
  • How a polyglot chooses the languages they learn
  • Learning Japanese from Korean with language laddering
  • Learning multiple languages at once
  • How to learn other writing systems
  • Systems and processes for keeping track of your language progress
  • How design influences Lindie’s language learning
  • How the online language community has influenced Lindie
  • Growing up bilingual and whether or not it gives you an advantage learning other languages
  • Do you have a different personality in different languages?
  • Journaling in another language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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29 Aug 2022#114 Luca Sadurny on Mosalingua and Ikigai00:37:51

Luca Sadurny, co-founder of Mosalingua, talks about how learning French helped him discover that everyone can learn a language when using the right method. A discovery that later led to the foundation of the popular language learning resource Mosalingua.

Featured Resources

Join Our Patreon

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Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in this episode include:

  • Luca’s background and the background and development of Mosalingua
  • Ikigai, a concept which motivates you to learn languages in the right way
  • How everyone can learn languages if they have the right method
  • How to raise trilingual children and the one-parent-one-language approach
  • Time management techniques and how to find time for yourself

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

13 Dec 2021#78 Christmas Special: Top Gifts for Language Learners00:38:58

Benny, Elizabeth, and team members from Fluent in 3 Months share their favourite gifts for language learners. Use this to get ideas for your festive shopping this year, or pass this wishlist on to your friends, family, and Santa Claus!

Whether you’re thinking about what to buy or what you’d like to receive, this episode is packed with ideas that will help make this a perfect polyglot Christmas. We’ve got suggestions for all budgets, all language levels, and all ages, so you’re bound to find something that will put a smile on a language learner’s face this festive season.

Featured Gifts

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the gift ideas mentioned during the episode are:

  • A bullet journal, colourful pens, and sticky notes
  • A ringbinder, plastic pockets, paper, and hole puncher
  • Books, and graphic novels
  • The Harry Potter series, Marc Levy, and Edward Rutherford books
  • Recipe books, and cooking a traditional Christmas dish
  • A magazine subscription
  • Making a playlist of target language songs
  • Giving someone the gift of time so they can study
  • A board game, and children’s activity books
  • Gift cards for books or online lessons, and coupons for tech support
  • Keyboard cover/skin, and wireless or waterproof headphones

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy


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01 Jan 2022Ask Benny: How to Get Started with a New Language in 202200:07:15

Benny loves helping people start their language learning journey. Whether it's your first new language or your tenth, it's important to consider how you start, so you can build confidence quickly. In this episode Benny talks about how to get set up with spoken lessons and how to find course recommendations. And of course, having friends who support you is key - whether you join the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, or build your own community, it's the most important way to ensure continued success.
To access our New Year deals visit languagehacking.com/deals.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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23 May 2022#100 Celebrating 100 Episodes with Scott Young00:52:04

Our first ever Language Hacking Podcast guest, author, and course creator, Scott Young, revisits the show to catch up with Benny and Shannon and share what’s changed for him over the last two years with his language learning and projects.

Scott is an expert on learning and how to work better. He’s a best-selling author who took on the MIT Challenge, A Year Without English, and many more intensive learning projects. In this episode, he shares many of his thoughts on momentum, confidence, and balancing life with other pursuits.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How Scott’s life has changed over the past two years
  • Building a multilingual family and learning Macedonian
  • How to stay engaged in learning
  • Dealing with the long-term maintenance work of learning languages
  • How to get back into learning after losing momentum and confidence
  • Time and energy management for intensive learning projects
  • Setting concrete learning goals
  • Top 5 things Scott learned since our last discussion with him
  • How to prioritize personal projects

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

17 Jan 2022#82 Liz of “Talk the Streets” on How to Get Started with Portuguese 00:28:02

Liz from Talk the Streets chats with Benny Lewis about her passion for speaking Portuguese, living in Portugal, and helping others learn the language so that they can enrich their experiences in the country.

Liz made it her mission to introduce more people to the Portuguese language and culture, after being shocked to find her university textbooks in the “Miscellaneous Languages” section of the library. She tells Benny about her experience moving to live permanently in Lisbon, and how she’s expanding opportunities to learn European Portuguese, rather than the more prevalent Brazilian dialect.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Learning Spanish at school and adding Portuguese at university
  • Why Portugal is a good place for entrepreneurs to live
  • The biggest differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese
  • Learning about culture through language and music
  • Why Liz chose to focus on learning European Portuguese
  • Resources specific to learning European Portuguese
  • Culture shock when moving to Portugal
  • Liz’s “eureka!” moment with her Portuguese level
  • Techniques and methods for getting started learning Portuguese
  • How intermediate speakers can improve their pronunciation

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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06 Dec 2021#77 Gabriel Silva on Learning Two Languages at the Same Time00:40:29

Polyglot and language coach, Gabriel Silva, talks with Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner about his method for learning two languages at the same time, and the joy of random interactions in your target language.

Gabriel is very active on YouTube and Instagram, and his popular #1SentenceChallenge inspires learners around the world to share videos of their progress. Gabriel helps his students to manage their expectations when it comes to learning, and is very transparent about how long it has taken him to reach milestones in his languages.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Fluctuations in motivation and how to “ride the wave”
  • The pitfalls of grammar-based languages courses
  • Finding the fun and pleasure in language learning
  • The joy of interactions with random people in your target language
  • Matching your learning activities to your energy levels
  • An 80/20 approach to learning two languages at once
  • Managing frustration and not giving up
  • The benefit of walking away from a problem for a while, and adding variety to your learning
  • Gabriel’s #1SentenceChallenge
  • Consistency as the key to progress
  • How recording yourself speaking, even just for yourself, can be so helpful
  • How to manage expectations, and how being part of a community can really help

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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30 Aug 2021#65 Alice Cimino on Learning With Downton Abbey00:37:09

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

Mentioned in this Episode

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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02 Feb 2022Ask Benny: New "Language Hacking Mandarin" Book Release00:09:21

This week Benny talks about his experience with Mandarin, and why it doesn't deserve its reputation of being a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. He explains that if you focus on speaking, and leave the Chinese characters to one side, there are actually a lot of things that make Mandarin less complicated than many other languages.

Benny discusses learning and teaching Mandarin with Northwestern University professor, Dr. LiCheng Gu in more detail in episode 85. Benny, Shannon Kennedy, and Dr Gu worked together to write the new "Language Hacking Mandarin" book, which is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to make quick and effective progress speaking Chinese.

You can get a copy of "Language Hacking Mandarin" here.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

27 Jul 2020#08 Louisa on the Goldlist Method & Learning Chinese in 90 Days00:35:34

This episode features Louisa, who learned conversational Chinese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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.

In this episode, Shannon and Benny talk to Louisa about how creating a system for self-learning Chinese helped her find success in her language learning after failing to make significant progress in a night class. She also shares the role community and the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge have played in her methods for learning Chinese.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Why language learning in night classes isn’t right for everyone
  • The best thing about the Fluent in 3 Month Challenge
  • Strategies for incorporating language studies into your family life
  • Building a system to learn Chinese
  • The Goldlist Method
  • Overcoming challenges with language learning
  • Louisa’s progress made during the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Louisa’s favorite resources for learning languages
  • Lessons learned from participating in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Louisa’s biggest surprise from learning a new language
  • Is learning Chinese difficult?

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

11 Mar 2024Benny's travel update: 3 huge South American travel projects for 202400:10:25

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, host Benny shares his travel plans and projects for the year, all centered around South America. He discusses three major travel projects: visiting all Brazilian states, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean entirely by bus, and navigating the entire Amazon River by boat.

Benny explains his motivations for these journeys, emphasizing his desire to explore new places with minimal carbon footprint. Benny also mentions the linguistic challenges he faces, including adapting to different dialects of Portuguese and Spanish along the way. Despite the rough conditions of some of his travels, he expresses excitement for the adventure ahead. 

Click here to check out Teacher AI as mentioned in this episode.

Also, 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 ask@languagehacking.com.

28 Jun 2021#56 Jo Franco on Being a Netflix Travel Chick 00:42:19

Benny and Shannon dive deep with Netflix star, YouTube influencer and polyglot Jo Franco about growing up bilingual, developing a love of travel and language learning, and building connection through language.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Immigrating to the US and learning English in an ESL camp
  • Living between cultures and finding your identity
  • The language learning “spark”
  • Overcoming the fear of making mistakes
  • Jo’s travel show on Netflix
  • Building connections through language
  • Negative travel experiences and why they don’t stop Jo from traveling
  • Finding joy in challenges
  • Journaling as a language learning tool
  • Why the Circle is the best show for language learners
  • The importance of mindset in language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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04 Jan 2021#31 Nelson Dellis on Building Memory Superpowers00:37:40

In this episode, we talk to US memory champion Nelson Dellis about learning a heritage language, teaching his kids new languages, and memory hacks used by the champions.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Going from memory champion to language learner
  • Learning Flemish to get closer to his family
  • Memory champion techniques to learning languages
  • Using images to remember words
  • Breaking down words for easier recall
  • Enhancing your memory in a short space of time
  • The power of speaking and language exposure
  • Multigenerational learning: learning with his mom and teaching his son
  • Fixing fossilized errors
  • Using Drops to learn words when starting a language
  • Balancing revision vs learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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26 Jul 2021#60 Katie Pascoe on Virtual Reality Language Learning00:33:08

This episode features Katie Pascoe, editor of the Language Hacking podcast. Katie also co-founded VR Languages and helped create Dynamic Spanish.

Dynamic Spanish gets you speaking Spanish confidently in VR with the Starter Pack for beginners. More advanced learners can explore Spain in 360 guided tours with Dynamic Spanish Trips.

Katie also discusses her recent experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Getting an ear for languages by eavesdropping on family conversations in Punjabi
  • Living in, and learning languages in Korea, Brazil and Spain
  • The dynamic of learning languages as a couple
  • Creating VR Languages and a virtual reality Spanish course, Dynamic Spanish, for beginners and more advanced speakers
  • The immersion and experiential learning of language courses in virtual reality
  • How to use VR with a phone or an Oculus Quest
  • How Katie improved her past tense and subjunctive with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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13 Sep 2021#67 Mari Silvestrini on Energy and Momentum in Language Learning00:34:22

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

Mentioned in this Episode

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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31 Aug 2020#13 How to Learn a Language “By Ear” with Idahosa Ness00:46:12

Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy have a conversation with Idahosa Ness, founder of the Mimic Method. In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Idahosa details his language learning strategies, employing music, rapping, mimicry and deliberate practice.

Featured Resources

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

How Idahosa developed the Mimic Method by learning multiple languages

  • Freestyle rapping as a language tool
  • Mouth and tongue training to form sounds in a new language
  • Learning to tune your ear to a new language
  • How to sound like a native and integrate into other cultures
  • How to overcome perfectionism by getting into the flow

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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01 Dec 2021Ask Benny: What if I Can't Prepare Before a Lesson?00:07:12

Benny shares how he manages lessons when he is particularly busy. We all have weeks that are busier than usual. Benny recommends that you resist the temptation to cancel your lessons! It's not ideal to skip the prep, but the lesson can still be really valuable if you follow Benny's advice.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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09 Oct 2023Ask Benny: Deep thought: Does age make us worse learners or is it something else?00:10:59

Benny has been pondering a deep question lately, and he shares his thoughts on it in this episode. This is a somewhat deep question that he often gets asked: “Does your age affect your ability to learn languages?”

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) or Twitter (@‌fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Check out Benny’s progress during his mission on his YouTube channel

13 Jul 2022Ask Benny: How Do I Make A Personalised Phrasebook?00:05:49

In this Ask Benny episode, Benny explains how he goes about making a personalised phrasebook. He shares examples of useful sentences that he knows he needs to use when introducing himself, as well as phrases for talking about his interests and work. Benny then explains how he compiles a vocab database, how he makes flashcards, and what other resources he uses during the process.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

06 Sep 2021#66 Anja Spilker on Creating a Language School in Mexico00:43:09

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

Mentioned in this Episode

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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25 Dec 2023Ask Benny: Geoguessr, Geography, country studies (How Benny relaxes)00:11:48


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 ask@languagehacking.com.

25 Oct 2021#73 Juliana Russell on “Do Kids Learn Languages Better than Adults?”00:35:28

Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with Juliana Russell of Language Mindset about supporting kids learning languages, resilience in language learning, and if kids really are better language learners than adults

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Developing a passion for languages through failure
  • Building a language business
  • Strategies for teaching children languages
  • Are kids really better language learners than adults?
  • Advantages and disadvantages for kids learning languages
  • How parents can support their children learning another language even if they’re not a native speaker
  • How to be a more resilient language learner
  • How to support a child who is resisting learning a new language
  • Ways to practice language with your kids outside of the classroom
  • How to maintain your languages when you can’t travel

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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28 Dec 2020#30 Nissa on learning Bengali in 3 Months00:49:04

This episode features Nissa, who learned conversational Bengali 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.

Nissa shares about learning a less-commonly-taught language, and coming to understand herself through languages.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Understanding the world and herself better through languages
  • Studying French in high school as a good student but still not being able to speak the language
  • Breaking through the comprehension wall
  • Learning Bengali with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Learning a language with few or no resources
  • Making real progress in a short period of time by focusing on processes
  • Overcoming perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
  • How to best undertake a 90 Day Challenge and Dream Teams
  • Learning with a nonnative speaker
  • Best ways to utilize a language tutor
  • Learning Yupik, an Eskimo language
  • Giving up on languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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22 May 2023#139 Will Scott on Learning French Daily00:37:37

“Before the Challenge I would have laughed if you told me I was going to study [French] every day for a week.” This is what Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Will Scott, shared. Discover how he found success with the language and completely revamped his learning through fun and the support of a community.

Will Scott shares how traveling to Salamanca didn’t do much for his Spanish learning, how building language islands around his juggling hobby added fun into his language learning routine, the power of documenting your progress in a new language, and how he set up French dinner parties with his friends to practice the language.

(Pss… Listen to this episode to hear Will ask Shannon and Benny questions about how to use flashcards and spaced-repetition to master their languages.)

Mentioned in this Episode

We guarantee that anyone who completes Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Join Our Patreon

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

18 Oct 2021#72 Jeremy Bardo on Going Viral in Another Language00:53:13

Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy chat with musician and translator Jeremy Bardo about his experience going viral with a Spanish language music video. We also discuss the myth of the language gene and finding joy in embarrassing moments.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The myth of the “language gene”
  • Overcoming perfectionism by finding joy in embarrassing moments
  • Finding balance in your language studies
  • The power of technology in language learning
  • Cognates and how they can help you
  • Using a Spanish phrase book as a conversation starter
  • How learning languages helps you become a more compassionate language teacher
  • Important qualities language teachers should have
  • Identifying when an error is important and deserves feedback with your students
  • Using your interests to learn languages
  • Recording music and going viral in your non-native language
  • Finding a foothold in a new language with just a few words

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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07 Sep 2020#14 Women in Language: Championing Female Voices in Language Learning00:36:26

Shannon joins the co-founders of the Women in Language conference, Lindsay Williams and Kerstin Cable. Together with Elizabeth Bruckner they share the story behind the Women in Language online event and what’s in store for this year’s conference.

Register for the Women in Language conference at: https://fluentin3months.com/women-in-language

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The story behind Women in Language
  • Past events and stories from attendees
  • Elizabeth’s Women in Language workshop about language exchanges
  • Why it’s important to amplify and champion lesser heard voices
  • How Women in Language’s speaker selection process brings new speakers to the conversation
  • How you can attend the 2020 Women in Language event

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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14 Dec 2020#28 Lindsay Williams the Language Dabbler00:50:44

Lindsay Williams of Lindsay Does Languages is a co-founder of Women in Language, the creator of Language Stories, and is passionate about language learning.

In this episode, Lindsay Williams joins us to discuss traveling around the world while learning languages, recording her docuseries and podcast Language Stories, and what it’s like being a “language dabbler”.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Moving to Costa Rica for three months at 18 years old
  • Her experience traveling around the world with her husband Ashley creating Language Stories
  • Advice for learning indigenous languages (Guarani)
  • Keeping up language learning while backpacking around Latin America
  • Maximizing immersion experiences
  • Plan of action for learning a language before a big trip
  • Being a “language dabbler”
  • Habit stacking, habit chaining, and time management
  • Language learning systems, goals, and routines
  • How to teach and be taught languages


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06 Oct 2022Ask Benny: New Language Goals Plans! Focusing on 5 Languages From Now On00:07:47

The life of a polyglot globe-trotter only knows one constant: change! In this new update, Benny explains why his decision to postpone his trip to Thailand is the best for his goals in Thai. In fact, he will be focusing on including five languages in his daily life in the next few months.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

30 Mar 2022Ask Benny: Does Daily Duolingo Really Help?00:07:37

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 ask@languagehacking.com

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29 Mar 2021#43 Eliza Simpson on Accent Training with Hollywood Stars00:46:16

Benny and Shannon chat with Hollywood Accent Training Coach to the stars, Eliza Simpson, on finding your voice in another language through accent and pronunciation.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Techniques and mechanics you learn to pick up accents
  • Visual aspects of learning the sounds of a language
  • What does vocal coaching look like?
  • Difference between dialect and accent
  • Dealing with difficult sounds in a language
  • How learning the accent of the language you’re learning in your native language helps you speak and other techniques you can use to learn accent
  • Tips for improving accent and pronunciation
  • Using comedy as a tool for language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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20 Jul 2020#07 Caitlin Sacasas on Meditating & Binge-Watching Netflix to Learn Japanese00:45:54

This episode features Fluent in 3 Months team member Caitlin Sacasas sharing her story of when she took part in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. The Fi3M Challenge is a 90-day language learning challenge where participants aim to have a 15-minute conversation in their new language as a part of a supportive community. It can help you start conversing a new language while providing you with accountability and guidelines to make huge strides in your language in just three months. Learn more and get notified when the next Challenge opens for enrollment by signing up here.

Caitlin shares how she’s made drinking coffee part of her routine for learning Japanese and how meditation helps her be more productive in her studies. She also shares tips for learning Japanese and the importance of making learning fun.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Sharing a language with your children
  • The importance of finding a long-term language exchange partner
  • How watching TV helps you pick up more natural language patterns
  • How important it is to study during your peak times during the day
  • Tips for pairing your language learning with another activity like drinking coffee
  • How meditating to clear your mind before your learning benefits your memory
  • Why you should start small when starting a new habit
  • Why you should learn Japanese kana early on
  • Fitting in your language studies by breaking up your learning throughout the day
  • Why you should enjoy your language and not get bogged down with the technical aspects
  • Prioritizing your time with languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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14 Jun 2021#54 Jim and May on Spanish and Go00:49:28

Benny and Elizabeth chat with Jim and May of Spanish and Go about meeting to exchange Spanish and English, falling in love, and creating a language business together. Jim and May are the founders of Spanish and Go, language podcasters, content creators, and language teachers.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Combining love, travel, languages, and content creation
  • Developing content for language learners based on their greatest needs
  • Creating projects when you travel
  • Switching from English to Spanish in a relationship
  • Adjusting to Puerto Rican Spanish from Mexican Spanish
  • Cultural immersion
  • Day of the Dead
  • Immersion retreats in Mexico

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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18 Jan 2021#33 Katie Harris on the Joy of Languages00:37:04

In this episode, we chat with Katie Harris, the founder of Joy of Languages, host of Easy Languages Italian and the creator of the #languagediarychallenge. Katie is also a previous student in 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

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Moving to Italy, living in Italy and avoiding the English bubble
  • Finding joy when learning languages and motivating yourself with cocktails!
  • Doing something you love in another language vs doing something you love while learning another language
  • How to feel calm before a video conversation
  • Katie’s experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • What to do when the novelty wears off in language learning
  • The importance of language learning communities
  • Journaling in a foreign language on Instagram
  • Katie’s experience as a host of Easy Languages and overcoming the nerves around approaching strangers in another language
  • Watching hours of French reality TV
  • Learning multiple languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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21 Oct 2024Using travel to get in shape00:17:37

In this episode, Benny shares his inspiring journey of losing 20kg (44lbs) through travel. After reaching 120kg (265lbs) and feeling stuck in unhealthy habits, Benny chose to reset his routine by traveling to the remote beach town of Jericoacoara in Brazil. There, he found himself walking daily, avoiding food delivery apps, and engaging in physical activities like windsurfing. Benny discusses how simple lifestyle changes, like walking instead of relying on delivery apps, allowed him to break bad habits and focus on healthier routines, all while enjoying the beauty of Brazil.

While travel may not work for everyone’s fitness journey, Benny believes changing environments can help reset routines and break unhealthy patterns. He encourages listeners to consider how they can make small but impactful changes to their habits, whether through travel or adjustments at home. Tune in to hear Benny’s tips on maintaining wellness while exploring new places and how you can apply similar strategies in your own life.


Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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

01 Feb 2021#35 Richard Simcott on Being a World Famous Polyglot00:58:45

In this episode, we talk to renowned polyglot Richard Simcott about learning languages at university, raising a multilingual child, and finding motivation to learn languages through human connection.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Studying language at university
  • Secrets to working on more than one language at a time
  • How to maintain languages with anchor languages
  • Reactivating, improving and learning languages
  • Finding motivation to learn languages through human connection
  • Uploading videos and becoming a part of the polyglot community
  • The origins of the Polyglot Conference and shifting to the online space
  • What language learning resources and methods Richard Simcott uses
  • How Richard is learning Korean with his daughter
  • Criteria for choosing a language tutor
  • Raising multilingual children

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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11 Dec 2023Ask Benny: What are the resident logistics of a nomad? Benny's Travel update and long-term travel plan00:12:11

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 ask@languagehacking.com.

26 Feb 2024Ask Benny: Benny Shares His Skepticism About AI's Role in Language Learning00:10:33

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning. He acknowledges the potential of AI to revolutionize language education, including the possibility of replacing human teachers with AI-powered systems. However, Benny expresses skepticism about the current effectiveness of such systems, citing limitations in conversation depth and the tendency for some to exaggerate their AI capabilities.

Despite recognizing the benefits of AI for providing affordable and comfortable speaking practice, Benny emphasizes the importance of human interaction in developing authentic communication skills. He warns against over-reliance on AI, which may hinder the development of interpersonal skills crucial for real-world conversations. Benny plans to explore both the advantages and drawbacks of AI in future episodes and invites listeners to join the conversation and share their experiences with language learning.

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 ask@languagehacking.com.

02 Nov 2020#22 Steve Kaufmann - How to Learn a New Language from Any Online Article00:55:39

Famous polyglot Steve Kaufmann joins us in this inspiring episode of the language hacking podcast. In our chat with Steve, we discuss comprehensible input and compelling input, what LingQ is and why Steve created it, and the early disagreements between Benny and Steve.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Steve’s background with his many languages and his “allergy” to his heritage languages
  • The story behind creating LingQ, one of the most popular language learning apps
  • Steve’s job experience with languages and why he believes languages can be tied into any job
  • Consuming massive amounts of input as a method to learn languages
  • Benny and Steve’s early disagreements on language learning
  • The importance of keeping a positive attitude when learning
  • Learning languages after age 60 and why you learn better the older you get
  • Comprehensible input versus compelling input
  • What language hacking is to Steve Kaufmann

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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01 Jan 2024Ask Benny: How to learn a language in 2024: Taking a resolution and turning it into a true project00:10:46

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 ask@languagehacking.com.

01 Nov 2021#74 Stephen Krashen on the Comprehensible Input Method01:00:54

Linguist and professional researcher joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss comprehensible input, compelling input, and language acquisition.

Stephen Krashen is a professor emeritus who is well-known for his work and research into comprehensible input. He has hundreds of publications to his name and has greatly contributed to the field of language acquisition.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How a trip to Ethiopia led to Stephen Krashen’s career in linguistics
  • How adults go through a predictable language acquisition pattern
  • Why we know grammar but struggle to use it correctly, and how to bridge this gap
  • What comprehensible input is and why it works
  • How comprehensible input differs from compelling input
  • Why graded readers are effective resources for language learners
  • The power of reading fiction
  • How the speaking approach is still a mostly input approach
  • Making the shift from input to output
  • Accents, and how we’re better at them than we think
  • Managing your time with multiple languages
  • Romanization and its role in language acquisition

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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06 Jun 2022#102 Professor Argüelles on Learning a Language in 15 Minutes a Day00:52:03

Professor, polyglot and all-round language expert, Alexander Argüelles, talks with Benny and Elizabeth about his routines, methods, favourite activities and language learning interests.

Professor Argüelles employs his vast experience to help people learn languages through a variety of methods, including reading circles and videos on his YouTube channel, and he shares a lot of advice and inspiration during this conversation.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • What it’s like to be inside the brain of someone who speaks numerous languages
  • Learning a language in 15 minutes a day
  • Doing what you love in your language
  • Reading in target languages
  • A daily language learning routine
  • How to learn a language through reading circles
  • What shadowing is
  • The “scriptorium” method
  • Mythology, religion and language
  • Digital detox and screen-free time

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

13 Apr 2022Ask Benny: What's Your Favourite Language App?00:08:28

In this episode, Benny talks about why, after many years of using it, Anki is still his favourite app for language learning. Anki is a free flashcard app that utilises spaced repetition theory to help you learn vocabulary that you input yourself. While some people may find Anki a bit bland, Benny explains how the simplicity of the software not only makes learning more efficient and focussed, but also has a lot of specific benefits for someone with ADHD.

Benny guides you through the key features of Anki and the process of importing your own vocabulary lists, so you can make sure you're learning words that are relevant to you.

You can find a more detailed guide to using Anki here: https://www.fluentin3months.com/anki-cards/

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

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11 Oct 2021#71 Brittany Williams’ 90 Day Japanese Challenge00:44:12

This episode features Brittany, who learned conversational Japanese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How the Challenge helped Brittany become an effective, independent language learner
  • How and why the Speak from Day 1 approach works
  • Ways to stay engaged in your language learning
  • The power of scripting as a language learning tool
  • The impact of community in language learning
  • Building confidence through consistency
  • How the Challenge helped Brittany become a better English tutor
  • Strategies for overcoming perfectionism
  • Japanese resources for independent study
  • Why it’s important to understand the culture of your language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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05 Jun 2023#140 Peggy on “Little Victories”00:41:14

Do old-school language learning methods still work in our technology-focused and app-driven world? 


Fluent in 3 Months student Peggy tackled this question while learning Spanish with us. She also discovered how to balance motivation and discipline through “little victories”.


Peggy shares her experience with realizing failures are more important than successes, building language islands and figuring out what topics are the right ones to choose, how to design a personalized language learning routine, and how the Fluent in 3 Months program helped her through community and support even when she already had a language learning system that worked for her.


Mentioned in this Episode



In this episode, we mention the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge which has been replaced by Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp. We guarantee that anyone who completes Bootcamp will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.


Join Our Patreon


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Podcast theme: “[A New Beginning](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086W5YPN8/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk5)” by Shannon Kennedy

07 Aug 2024Benny Travel Update: 3 Months in the Amazon00:11:41

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny shares updates from his latest travel adventures. After completing a bus journey across South America, he's now traveling down the Amazon River and visiting all 26 Brazilian states, with only six left to go.

Benny talks about his experience on the Amazon, from navigating the triple border of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, to spending three days on a boat where he enjoyed stunning views and practiced Italian with fellow travelers. He also discusses the challenges of booking last-minute travel in Brazil and his love for being back in his favorite country.

Additionally, Benny announces he's opening up his calendar for one-on-one consultations, offering language learning coaching, travel advice, and insights into the nomadic lifestyle at a discounted rate. You can take advantage of this by going to languagehacking.com/chat

Also, 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 ask@languagehacking.com.

24 May 2021#51 Dustin and Ruben Share Accent Tips to Sound Like a Native Speaker in Spanish00:57:05

Benny and Shannon chat with Dustin Luke and Ruben Adery about how to develop an authentic Spanish accent by using rhythm, musicality, body language, and other local insider information.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • What happens when a language scientist and a casual learner team up
  • Tips for rolling your r’s
  • Having an authentic accent beyond pronunciation
  • Rhythm and musicality of pronunciation
  • Learning colloquial phrases and chunking phrases
  • Mindset and “getting into character” in a language
  • Body language and other local insider tips for learning languages
  • Getting local, native speakers to open up and use the language with you
  • Learning a specific dialect without moving to the country with the Five I’s
  • The sounds with the most variance in Spanish
  • Finding viral videos in your target language
  • How learning another language is like living another life
  • Teaching your nonnative language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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17 Oct 2022#121 Nina on How to Break the Intermediate Plateau00:35:33

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Greek learner, Nina, shares her experience taking part in the Challenge and connecting with her husband, in-laws, and daughter through Greek with hosts Benny and Shannon.

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

Join Our Patreon

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Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Figuring out how much you want your language teachers to correct you
  • How to get through the intermediate plateau
  • Learning multiple languages simultaneously
  • Reading to learn languages
  • Coming back to languages after a break
  • Becoming more direct with your language tutors in order to get the most out of your lessons
  • Balancing your energy and being more aware of your energy levels
  • Learning languages with the unpredictable schedule of having a new baby
  • Learning your partner’s native language
  • How Nina supports her daughter’s language learning and multilingualism

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

21 Mar 2022#91 Manish on Juggling Multiple Languages00:40:56

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

Mentioned in this Episode

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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15 Nov 2021#75 Doree Huneven on Worldwide Travel, Reward Systems and Sleeping Languages00:36:01

Polyglot and avid traveller, Doree Huneven, joins Benny Lewis and Elizabeth Bruckner to talk about her experience learning multiple languages, travelling the world, and how the violin has made her a better learner.

Doree shares why she thinks discipline is the key to being a successful language learner and having fun, and why the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge is so appealing, even to an experienced language learner. We actually 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

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How a family camping trip to Mexico sparked her love of languages
  • Teaching English in Egypt and learning Arabic
  • How studying and teaching the violin help with language learning
  • Why discipline is an invaluable asset
  • The value of being active in the Fi3M Challenge community
  • Why, as an experienced language learner, she still joined the Fi3M Challenge
  • Developing communities as you travel
  • The desire to connect with people as a driving force for learning
  • How language resources have changed over the last 50 years
  • Mimicking phrases, copying body language, and blending in with locals when you travel
  • Saving money, cutting costs, and making travel more financially accessible
  • The “Doree Huneven Reward System”
  • What Doree does with her “sleeping” languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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28 Jul 2021Ask Benny: How to Learn a Different Writing System00:05:20

Benny discusses languages with different writing systems, and when he starts learning to read and write. Depending on the language and writing system, it can be a few weeks or sometimes several months into the process before he tackles the writing system of a new language.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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09 Jan 2023#128 Greg on “To-Do” Lists to Learn Czech00:40:54

Is it possible to learn a language better from home than in a foreign country?

Fluent in 3 Months student and Czech learner, Greg, explained to Benny and Shannon how he spoke more Czech in 90 days of learning with Fluent in 3 Months than while living in the Czech Republic.

In this interview, he also talks about ditching the perfectionist mindset and using to-do lists to improve his learning, as well as finding a connection between project management and language learning.

This episode is for you if you want to learn how you can stay on track when things come up that could derail your learning and utilize the people around you to keep from burning out

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Patreon Support

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Mentioned in this Episode

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

05 May 2021Ask Benny: Is it Better to Learn Phrases Rather Than Words?00:07:30

When it comes to learning vocabulary, is it best to learn individual words, or phrases with the words in context? Benny gives his opinion, talks about his insights and explains how he likes to use flashcards and other techniques to learn vocabulary both as standalone words and in context.

To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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26 Sep 2022#118 Joaquin on the Bilingual-Trilingual Journey00:52:34

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and French learner, Joaquin, explains how deciding to study in France helped him become serious about his goal to learn French, and how he kept his progress up by working hard to keep himself accountable.

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

Join Our Patreon

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Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How to stay accountable when learning a new language
  • Why being bilingual doesn’t mean it’s always easy learning new languages
  • Joaquin, Elizabeth, and Benny’s ways to includes some fun language days to their learning schedule
  • Mini-missions and how they make learning languages seem more approachable
  • Joaquin’s experience with Language Hacking French

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

27 Dec 2021#80 Yawhann’s 90 Day Language Challenge00:33:31

This episode features Yawhann, who learned conversational Cantonese and Mandarin in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How parents can encourage their kids to embrace their heritage languages
  • Why “I don’t have enough time” is usually an excuse rather than a good reason
  • Strategies for keeping conversations with natives in your target language
  • Using your technical skills in learning languages
  • The ways language creates cultural connections
  • Hann’s experience in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and the importance of accountability
  • Learning similar languages
  • When it’s the right time to learn your second, second language
  • Reframing your language learning progress as successes rather than small steps

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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30 Nov 2020#26 Jonathan Huggins on the “One Method” Strategy00:44:06

Jonathan Huggins first discovered his love for learning languages when he started diving into his father’s language learning library. That passion brought him to France to study music and continues to be a part of his life as he teaches English online while living abroad and raising his kids to speak multiple languages.

In this episode, we chat with Jonathan about why classroom learning worked for him, how to learn languages in the age of distraction, and how to create sustainable language routines.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How he excelled at classroom learning
  • Learning in the age of distraction
  • Sticking to one method and system
  • Raising multilingual children
  • Studying music abroad and in another language
  • Creating sustainable language routines
  • Recommendations for the first few months of language learning
  • Common misconceptions and stereotypes about language learning
  • Parallels between learning languages and learning music
  • Using Instagram and social media to learn languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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19 Dec 2022Ask Benny: What is Christmas like for a solo traveller?00:06:34

Benny shares his plan of flying back to Ireland this year for the winter holidays. As a solo traveller, he appreciates this occasion to spend time with his family. Benny also shares his experience on how the weeks leading up to Christmas are different in the various countries he has visited or lived in during the period.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

11 May 2022Ask Benny: What are Language Islands?00:07:57

This new episode is all about language islands. Benny explains how creating these specific areas of language knowledge, based on your personal needs or interests, is a solid way to build confidence and get speaking when you start learning a language. And using these topics as a focus will help you reach fluency quicker, as you're able to talk about your islands in depth, and with confidence.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

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20 Jun 2022#104 Corentin on How to Reinvent Yourself as a Language Learner00:36:09

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Dutch learner, Corentin, chats with Benny and Shannon about “redefining” yourself as a language learner and finding success in your new identity.

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

Patreon Extended Episode

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Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Living in Brussels and needing to learn Dutch
  • How to help your production in a language catch up to your comprehension
  • When to focus on one language learning skill and when to focus on the four core skills
  • “Redefining” yourself as a language learner
  • Why the Challenge helped Corentin more than traditional language classes
  • Taking control of your own language learning for success
  • Using a to-do app to coordinate with a team while language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

12 Apr 2021#45 Damon Dominique on Being a Travel & Language YouTuber00:39:37

Benny and Shannon talk to Damon Dominique, a French educator who got his start online as part of Damon and Jo, about learning languages to build connection, teaching without lecturing, and how to find confidence teaching online.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Going from traveler to travel vlogger
  • Being excited by learning languages through travel and creating connections
  • How reality tv inspired Damon to travel and learn languages
  • Creating entertaining language learning content on YouTube
  • Tips for building confidence and getting comfortable in front of the camera
  • Humor in language learning
  • Dating and navigating relationships in other languages
  • Being honest when sharing content online
  • Having different personas in different languages
  • How languages offer you a new perspective and shape who you are

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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15 Oct 2024How I became a polyglot00:12:14

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny revisits the story of how he became a polyglot. He shares his early struggles with maintaining multiple languages, especially during his time learning Spanish, Italian, and French. Benny explains how his breakthrough came in 2006, during his stay in Florianópolis, Brazil, where the international environment allowed him to practice switching between languages with ease. He emphasizes the value of events like Couchsurfing meetups for practicing multiple languages and how they helped him develop the skill of smoothly transitioning between different languages in real-time conversations.

Benny also offers tips for language learners looking to enhance their polyglot abilities. He advises that while switching between languages can be challenging, it’s a skill best developed once you’ve reached a solid intermediate level in each language. Benny highlights the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone by attending international events and actively engaging with speakers of different languages, rather than sticking to the one you know best. He closes by encouraging listeners to share feedback about the podcast, as he continues to explore topics related to both language learning and travel.

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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

28 Oct 2024Several tools to share your travel itinerary00:12:39

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny dives into tools for sharing travel itineraries, inspired by his friend Derek Sivers. Benny discusses why sharing travel plans can be useful for friends and followers who want to stay updated on your whereabouts. He highlights simple tools like Google Docs for basic details and more advanced platforms, such as Nomads for city lists, and TripIt for detailed itineraries synced to Google Calendar, which he uses for real-time updates and for coordinating with trusted contacts.

Benny also shares his approach to displaying current and upcoming travel plans on his website, leveraging a Notion database that updates automatically to show his latest location and future destinations. You can visit bennylewis.com to see his full travel map and links to his social profiles, or even book a consultation call for travel or language-learning tips. Tune in to get inspired on how to keep your friends and followers in the loop during your next travel adventure!

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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

14 Mar 2022#90 St. Patrick’s Day Special: Sadelle’s Irish Journey00:46:55

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

Mentioned in this Episode

Additional Recommended Resources

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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04 Jul 2022#106 Zsuzsanna on Learning Languages as a Family00:29:27

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Spanish learner, Zsuzsanna, chats with Benny and Shannon about finally finding success in language learning, the importance of friendship and connections in language, and being a gregarious introvert.

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

Patreon Extended Episode

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Learning Spanish in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and finally finding success in language learning
  • How friendships and connections can make learning languages a positive experience
  • Being a gregarious introvert and what that means for language learning
  • The importance of consistency
  • Raising a bilingual son
  • Learning Spanish through a non-native language
  • Why Office Hours are one of the best parts of the Challenge
  • How accountability can impact your success

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

21 Sep 2022Ask Benny: How do you learn vocabulary while traveling?00:10:10

Since Benny started travelling again, he has had to adapt his learning to his new schedule and route. In this episode, he shares his tips on how to make the most of a little-known WordReference feature, using flashcards in the best way, and keeping working on the languages you know even while traveling abroad.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

31 Oct 2022Ask Benny: How Do I Create a Language Immersion Environment at Home?00:09:35

Benny starts off this episode with a personal case study related to language immersion at home: studying Egyptian Arabic while still living in Brasil back in 2012. He then gives his favorite tips for home immersion.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

22 Mar 2021#42 Jessie and Kike on Lockdown Language Success00:51:16

This episode features Jessie, who learned conversational Catalan in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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.

In this episode, Benny and Shannon speak to Jessie who learned her partner Kike’s native language as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Tackling a language like Catalan with few resources
  • What it’s like to have your partner learn your native language
  • Helping your partner learn your language
  • The benefits of doing more than one Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • How Jessie’s language learning progress inspired Kike to learn a language too
  • Why it’s a myth that you need to live in a country to learn the language
  • Learning a very specific dialect like Menorquin
  • The power of community in language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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18 Jun 2020#02 Benny Lewis on Ignoring Destiny and Embracing "Failure"00:49:21

Meet Benny Lewis, the creator of Fluent in 3 Months and the Language Hacking Method. In this episode, Benny shares how he got started in languages, why “fluent” in 3 months, and he offers some universal language hacks.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

  • What does “fluent” mean to Benny?
  • What are Benny’s goals for a 3-month mission?
  • How many languages does Benny Lewis speak?
  • Benny’s take on the evolution of the Fi3M challenge.
  • What is “language hacking”?
  • What are some universal language hacks?
  • Advice on “not having time” to learn a language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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15 Jun 2022Ask Benny: Why Learn Esperanto?00:07:10

Benny shares the reasons he learned Esperanto and why it's so useful, despite it not being an officially recognized language. The international Esperanto community is one that Benny loves being a part of, not least because they know how to throw a good party! And learning this as one of your first languages has been shown to have significant benefits for learning subsequent languages, giving you momentum, confidence, and skills that are highly transferable. 

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

11 Jan 2021#32 Evelyn on Learning Korean During Lockdown00:41:40

This episode features Evelyn, who learned conversational Korean in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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.

In our chat with Evelyn shares how she made huge leaps forward in her Korean learning with the support of community in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How to maintain motivation through community
  • Fighting perfectionism when learning a very different language
  • Why the resources you use don’t matter as much as the time you’re putting in
  • Having success during lockdown with the Fluent in 3 Months challenge
  • Keys to her success with the Korean language and what makes Korean easy
  • How the community helped her overcome learning plateaus
  • Using drills to learn Korean
  • Thinking differently because of Korean
  • Understanding Gangnam Style
  • How to deal with bad days in language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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19 Oct 2020#20 Johan Tekfak on “Kaizen Power” in Language Learning00:38:19

Johan Tekfak, creator of Français Authentique, shares how he uses Kaizen and other productivity systems to build his language business and improve his language skills each and every day.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How Johan learned German for his job as an engineer
  • Creating systems to learn languages
  • Making use of “dead time” in language learning
  • Focusing on interesting and compelling content in your target language - not just material that’s available
  • The 7 rules of Français Authentique
  • What is “Kaizen” and how does it apply to language learning?
  • How Johann built his own language company a little bit at a time
  • Simplifying and de-stressing the language learning process
  • Common roadblocks faced by language learners
  • How to attach rewards to language learning to boost motivation

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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20 Sep 2024Area codes around the world to help with your travels00:10:42

In this episode, Benny explores how knowing area codes can enhance travel experiences and even improve social interactions. When traveling, recognizing phone numbers based on area codes, particularly on apps like WhatsApp, helps you identify where people are from, making conversations flow more naturally. Benny also shares a personal hack for avoiding spam calls in the U.S. by getting a phone number from an unfamiliar location.

Benny highlights the logical patterns of area codes in countries like Brazil, where codes spiral outward from populous areas, and contrasts this with more complex systems like the U.S. He emphasizes how this seemingly small detail can be both practical and a fun way to engage with local cultures during travel.

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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

17 Apr 2023#137 Victoria Galmarini on Mundo Lingo and Language Exchange Events00:39:59

What’s it like attending an in-person language exchange event?

Victoria Galmarini, Lead Manager for MundoLingo, an in-person language exchange organization, shares how to run a language exchange event, ways exchanges differ in different countries, and what a successful language exchange event looks like.

(PS: Learn a little about Benny’s experience at language exchange events by listening to this episode!)

Mentioned in this Episode

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

18 Apr 2022#95 Jeremy Ginsburg on "Beginner's Mind"00:30:33

Business coach and self-proclaimed “VietNomad”, Jeremy Ginsbury, talks with Benny Lewis about his experiences living in Israel, Ghana and Vietnam, and being on reality TV in another language.

Ready to get back into more serious language learning, Jeremy reflects on the bits and pieces of different languages he has picked up throughout his life, and how the positive feedback he has received by locals has been a great source of motivation.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics discussed in the interview are:

  • The impact of using the foreign version of your name when travelling
  • Studying abroad in Israel and Ghana
  • Facing depression when living and working abroad
  • Ways personalities change in different languages and countries
  • “Beginner’s mind” and the power of naivety
  • Failing fast and failing often
  • Knowing yourself being very important for learning
  • Jeremy’s experience on a Vietnamese reality TV show
  • Integrating your interests into your language learning - yoga, music, ice bathing
  • Using communities you’re part of through hobbies, as a way to practise language

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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16 Oct 2023Ask Benny: Benny's late-2023 language learning update00:07:42

Join Benny Lewis in this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast as he talks about his amazing experience of learning Korean in Korea for five months and how he reached his objectives.

He also tells you about his upcoming trips to Europe and how he plans to use his Spanish and Catalan skills in different places such as Barcelona, Ibiza, and other areas where it is spoken.

Instagram links mentioned in this episode:
Spanish @irlandesastre
Catalan @catirlandes
Portuguese @brasirlandes
French @irlangdais

Also, 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) or Twitter (@‌fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

24 Jan 2022#83 Hugo Cotton on Learning Through Topics that Matter00:45:26

Inner French podcast creator and host, Hugo Cotton, chats with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about using languages as tools to learn about other things, choosing compelling language content, and how to use what you’re hearing in another language in conversations.

Hugo knows how to both choose and create compelling comprehensible input for language learners. He uses this strength to host the popular language podcast, Inner French.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • The story behind the creation of Inner French
  • Using languages as a tool to learn about other things
  • What Hugo likes about certain language learning podcasts
  • Good resources for learning a language in this way, without being too complicated
  • Tricks for finding good resources in another language
  • Choosing compelling content as a language teacher
  • Using controversial conversation topics to spark interest and passion
  • Biggest struggles French learners face
  • How to use what you’re hearing and learning in another language, in conversations

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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04 Nov 2024Improving language skills through learning other new things00:08:45

In this episode, Benny shares a unique approach to language learning while traveling: enrolling in local classes for non-language subjects. Benny explains that by taking lessons in activities like dancing, cooking, or even martial arts, he gets valuable language exposure in real-world settings. He has experienced this firsthand, having learned salsa in Colombia, tango in Argentina, and hip-hop in the U.S., often entirely in the local language. 

Benny points out that even beginners can participate, as physical activities allow for easy mimicry, so understanding every word isn’t necessary to keep up. He recommends finding classes through Google Maps, university bulletin boards, or by asking locals, as these methods often lead to more affordable, authentic experiences.

Group lessons are also an excellent way to connect with others naturally, building friendships and social circles in an informal setting. By adding this extra dimension to his travels, he combines language practice with personal interests, making for a truly enriching experience. Benny encourages listeners to try this approach on their next trip – it just might become a highlight of their language journey!

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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

09 Oct 2024Travel Health Hacks: Avoiding and Managing Illness on the Road00:11:55

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, host Benny Lewis dives into the challenges of staying healthy while traveling. Drawing from 21 years of travel experience, Benny shares his personal stories of getting sick on the road, from a severe illness in Egypt to dealing with the smoke from burning rainforests in Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for health issues that might arise during travel, offering practical tips such as staying informed about local conditions, getting necessary vaccines, and adjusting travel plans when necessary.

Benny also provides advice on preventative measures like maintaining a flexible travel schedule, securing travel insurance, and researching local doctors and pharmacies. He highlights the benefits of regular check-ups and vaccinations, noting his own routine of visiting health clinics in Thailand. While illness is sometimes unavoidable, Benny stresses that with good planning and proper care, you can minimize health risks and enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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

03 Apr 2023#136 “Grammar Girl” Mignon Fogarty on How to Make Grammar Less Boring00:49:02

How can you make grammar “less boring” to learn?

Mignon Fogarty, founder of the platform Quick and Dirty Tips and of the beloved Grammar Girl podcast, comes onto the Language Hacking podcast to help answer this question. She tells Benny how Grammar Girl was born from having to look up grammar rules often as part of her job, and how she grew her podcast into a successful business.

Mignon then explains how language evolution tends to emerge primarily from younger people, hence why using social media to stay on top of grammar evolution is completely valid! She and Benny discuss changes in the English language, including the emotional weight of punctuation online, and how social media can be the number one resource for fun language facts.

(PS: Listen to this episode if you wonder what kind of experience in life you need to become a polyglot. Benny explains how his background in engineering helps him face language learning in a more productive way.)

Mentioned in this Episode

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

10 Apr 2023Ask Benny: Why 3 Months?00:11:15

Benny answers the big questions that a lot of skeptics asking him: Why 3 months?

Listen to this episode to hear the founder of world-famous Fluent in 3 Months language brand explain how setting himself a deadline of three months motivates him to actually learn a new language.

Benny reflects on his “learning drought” over the last 10 years, his new mission, and the work and sacrifices he has put in to lay the ground for his Korean mission this time.

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) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

07 Jun 2021#53 Anja Winter on How Engaging Language Content Keeps you Coming Back00:42:26

Benny and Shannon have a discussion with Anja Winter about creating an online business and developing interesting, compelling lesson content to help students with language learning motivation.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Being a German language YouTuber and a digital nomad
  • Incorporating body movement into language learning
  • The importance of asking for help
  • Finding inspiration for lesson material as a language teacher
  • Advice for language teachers for creating an online business
  • Limiting the amount of resources you use
  • Making grammar fun with dialogues and phrases
  • Helping students overcome their biggest challenges
  • Studying abroad and immersion in languages
  • Using dialogues to learn languages
  • Maintaining motivation
  • Using Netflix and movies to learn
  • Student-teacher relationships and building connections

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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28 Sep 2020#17 Jane T - The Motorhome Language Learner00:27:37

This episode features Jane T, who learned several languages to the conversational level in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

Jane quit her job after her husband retired to start traveling around Europe in a motorhome, learning languages along the way. Shannon and Benny talk with Jane about her motorhome journeys and how she learns languages while she travels. Jane also shares how community helps with overcoming limiting self beliefs in language learning.

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

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How Jane quit her job after her husband retired to start traveling around Europe, learning languages along the way
  • How traveling in a motorhome gives Jane and her husband the freedom to travel affordably while always having their home with them
  • How the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped Jane get through the false starter phase of language learning
  • The power of accountability and community
  • How to learn languages with an unpredictable schedule and unreliable Internet
  • The Comprehensible Input approach to language learning
  • Talking to yourself in a language to get both practice and build your confidence
  • How to overcome self-limiting beliefs
  • Common language learning roadblocks and tips for getting through them
  • How to filter what you’re learning to what’s relevant to you

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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06 Feb 2023Ask Benny: How Do You Prepare For a 3 Month Mission?00:09:34

In this episode, Benny pulls back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes when he prepares for a new 3 months challenge, and how this helps him get the most out of the learning period.

Between clearing his schedule, dealing with the logistics of his new move, and preparing updates for followers, there is a lot to do beforehand!

PS: All is fair in language learning: going for a retreat before getting started is a great idea to relax ;)

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

Follow Benny’s progress on [his YouTube channel(https://www.youtube.com/@irishpolyglot).

16 Aug 2021#63 How to Become a Fearless Language Learner with Halima Salim00:49:14

Halima Salim, founder of Blackboard English and the Fearless English Podcast, discusses empowering women language learners, overcoming negative self-talk and changing ideologies in the ESL community with Shannon Kennedy and Benny Lewis.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Living in Saudi Arabia as an illegal immigrant and its impact on education
  • Moving to the UK and learning English
  • Becoming a fearless language learner
  • Shutting down negative self-talk
  • Facing your greatest fears
  • Learning to read and write at a later age
  • Creating opportunities for women through English
  • Changing ideologies in the ESL community
  • Supporting your children learning another language
  • Creating a supportive Instagram community
  • Gaining confidence “being yourself”

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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01 Mar 2021#39 Julie Ferguson on Speaking 5 Languages as a Deafblind Polyglot00:37:01

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, we talk to Julie Ferguson who has learned five languages and is getting ready to learn her sixth – Scots Gaelic. She’s severely deaf and legally blind and has come up with loads of creative strategies for learning languages which she shares in this podcast as well as accessibility for both language resources and travel.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Overcoming physical challenges to learn languages
  • Being a visual learner while legally blind
  • Getting help from a tutor and not solely relying on self-study
  • Creative strategies for improving the accessibility of language learning resources
  • How the accountability of the classroom helps Julie keep on top of her studies
  • What it was like learning Swedish in Sweden
  • Getting over the frustration of asking people for help
  • How to keep conversations in the local language
  • Traveling and accessibility
  • Tips for avoiding language interference
  • Building resilience in your language learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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27 Mar 2023#135 Azren on Going from Window Cleaner to Language Teacher00:29:10

How can you find good resources to learn uncommon or less popular languages?

Azren grew up multilingual and made a career out of his passion for languages. He currently speaks English, French, Spanish, Gujarati, and Mandarin, but his online tutoring business covers 11 more… Some of which are not widely spoken worldwide.

In his interview with Benny, Azren explains how he went from working for a window-cleaning franchise during his university studies to developing his own language-tutoring team. He goes into details about how he carefully selected tutors over the course of several years, and how he maintains the same patient rhythm to constantly grow his business by organically recruiting team-members to cover new languages.

Then the conversation moves on to a pain point for minority language learners: finding resources, either digitally or physically, a struggle which Azren has learned.

From intensive learner to intensive learner, Azren and Benny discuss Azren’s methods to do full immersion, talk about how he stumbled upon the online polyglot community, how it helped him to grow as a language learner, and how it has impacted his teaching style.

(PS: If you’re struggling to get out of an intermediate plateau, Azren has some must-hear advice for you!)

Mentioned In This Episode

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

21 Apr 2021Ask Benny: How to Watch Movies in My Target Language?00:07:35

This week Benny gives some advice about how to watch movies and TV in your target language, especially when it comes to subtitles. Watching media is a fantastic way to improve your language skills, but you need to do it the right way if you want to get the most out of it.
To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

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20 Feb 2023#132 Emanuel on “Stage Fright” in Language Learning00:58:08

How can tutors help their students avoid anxiety and the feeling of “stage fright” when speaking a new language?

Emanuel Vasconcelos is one of the favorite Spanish teachers among the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp community, and Elizabeth’s primary Spanish tutor. In this interview, they discuss Emanuel’s journey to becoming a Spanish language teacher and the methods he uses to help his students improve their language learning effectively.

Emanuel explains how his focus is working with students using constructive techniques rather than the usual error-correction dynamic that many teachers follow.

A lot of the Language Hacking Podcast guests are students from the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp (formerly, the Challenge), so Emanuel’s perspective is an eye-opener!

PS: Plenty of personal anecdotes from Elizabeth’s and Benny’s learner experiences in this episode, so don’t miss out on them!

Mentioned in this Episode

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

01 Aug 2022#110 Kittichai Boonthong on Learning English and Japanese, and Cultural Differences 00:32:07

Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts, Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy, bring on Kittichai, known as “The Duke” to talk about his role at Fluent in 3 Months, learning English and Japanese, and becoming a travel vlogger.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Learning Japanese using the Speak from Day 1 approach
  • How Kittichai learned English and how it differed from his experience learning Japanese
  • Working at an international company and adapting to the cultural differences
  • How Fluent in 3 Months has influenced Kittichai’s language journey
  • Being inspired by Benny’s travels and becoming a travel vlogger in Thailand
  • Kittichai’s perspective on foreigners learning Thai
  • The biggest struggles Thai learners face
  • Why foreigners in Thailand often don’t learn Thai
  • Using video games as a tool for learning languages

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

03 Aug 2021#61 Svenja on Language Islands, Daily Habits and Finding Breakthroughs00:33:41

This episode features Svenja, who learned conversational Russian and Arabic in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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.

Benny and Shannon have a conversation with Svenja about her experience of learning several languages as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How the Challenge helped Svenja make a breakthrough with her Arabic studies
  • Differences between learning a language in school versus on your own
  • Building language islands
  • Language learning struggles with grammar, pronunciation, and time management
  • Maintaining multiple languages
  • What a polyglot’s daily learning routine looks like
  • How to gain confidence as a language learner
  • Why it’s difficult to learn a language alone

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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18 Jun 2020#03 Paulette on Inventing Your Own Language Path00:51:48

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

  • Learning languages at university
  • How to overcome language learning failures and keep learning
  • How to build confidence in your language skills
  • Finding accountability with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Having fun while learning languages
  • How to best use your time when learning a language
  • Learning French while battling cancer
  • Staying motivated using emotional connections
  • Peaks and valleys of motivation
  • Self-awareness and self-compassion when studying languages
  • Being a renaissance woman
  • Coming to peace with the space-time continuum

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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03 May 2021#48 Sarah Gillespie on the Treasure Hunt of Learning a Rare Language00:54:12

This episode features Sarah Gillespie, who learned conversational Hiligaynon in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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.

Benny and Elizabeth have a conversation with Sarah Gillespie about her experience of learning a heritage language with few resources as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Learning Hiligaynon in 3 months with the Challenge
  • Learning heritage languages
  • Enjoying the learning process with songs
  • Using trends to learn languages
  • Finding resources for more obscure languages
  • Using lots of apps, software, and habit forming techniques like habit stacking
  • How to use your target language with family and getting to know them better

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.

10 Jan 2022#81 Carine Lemaire on Fearless Language Practice00:37:02

Language coach and French teacher, Carine Lemaire, shares about her experience growing up trilingual, being a language learner with ADHD, watching 300 hours of TV, and the pitfalls of language apps.

Carine’s approach to teaching is very student-led, and she has a great understanding of how important it is to learn in a way that suits you and your personality. She talks about how her ADHD impacts her study routine, and ways to manage “type A” students’ expectations.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Growing up trilingual (French, Italian and Swahili), and losing a language when you stop practising it
  • David Bowie and other British music as a motivation to learn English
  • Pros and cons of teaching groups and one-to-one
  • How to solve language learning “emergencies”
  • Watching 300 hours of TV to improve listening skills
  • The importance of trust between teacher and student
  • How to learn languages as a “type A” person
  • Benny’s daily language learning routine (or lack thereof)
  • Working with, and around, ADHD
  • The pitfalls of gamified learning apps
  • Becoming a writer in a non-native language, and learning by making mistakes
  • Differences between French in France and Belgium
  • Carine’s French Chatter podcast, and learning from intermediate French speakers
  • Persistence, variety, and being fearless in your language practise

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.

13 Mar 2023#134 Pierre on Beating Fear & Shyness00:32:44

Can introverts and shy learners also benefit from joining learner communities?

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge (now Bootcamp) participant and Norwegian learner, Pierre, tells Benny and Shannon how the joining the Fluent in 3 Months community helped him overcome his fear of speaking another language, and how he was able to learn more quickly than with any other methods.

Pierre also chats about learning a lesser studied language like Norwegian, how speaking German helped him along the way, and lists some ways to get feedback on your language skills.

(If you also want tips on learning a language to prepare for a trip, this is the episode for you!)

We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.

Featured Resources

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Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

30 Jan 2023Benny's Fluent in 3 Months Projects History (+ a Big Announcement)00:10:11

Benny is ready for a new Fluent in 3 Months project, during which he will focus for 90 days on becoming conversational in a new language! In this episode, Benny revisits his past projects and reflects on what he can take from his experience onto this new adventure.

Tune in to Benny’s YouTube channel and the Fluent in 3 Months YouTube channel in the month of February to follow Benny’s progress!

PS: Benny will announce the language for his new project very soon in a new Language Hacking Podcast episode, so stick around!

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.

15 Mar 2021#41 Benny Lewis on How Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is Like Learning Languages00:53:41

Elizabeth interviews Benny about his experience climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and how it parallels learning a language.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and achieving a travel dream
  • Giving up on language learning
  • The compare and despair trap
  • Being okay with mistakes
  • Letting go of other people’s judgements
  • Finding the silver lining
  • How focusing on the end goal blinds you to the day to day progress
  • The importance of asking questions and getting an outside perspective
  • Why you make sure you have good people behind you

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.

10 Aug 2020#10 Nikki Prša on Little Moments of Language Practice00:50:23

Polish-American language learner and educator Nikki Prsa shares what it was like growing up as a native Polish speaker in the US and what inspired her to go on to study languages abroad. Benny and Shannon also chat with her about her linguistics studies at university, what it’s like teaching languages online, and her experience teaching her son new languages.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Nikki’s experience speaking Polish at home while growing up in the US
  • Nikki’s experience moving to Germany with a host family at 15 years old
  • How travel has helped Nikki become better at immersing herself in a language even when not abroad
  • How important it is to have a teacher you can trust
  • What inspired Nikki to start Speak at Home Tonight
  • Learning Croatian and traveling in the Balkans
  • Why it’s important to even do just a little bit each day
  • Teaching your child multiple languages
  • Focusing on accent and pronunciation
  • How to keep from mixing up languages when studying multiple languages at the same time
  • Learning languages with prayer
  • Finding the best approach in language learning

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.

29 Jan 2024Ask Benny: The interesting trick; teaching people other info so they´ll put up with my bad language skills00:06:08

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 ask@languagehacking.com.

27 Jul 2022Ask Benny: How Can I Use Social Media to Learn Languages?00:12:55

Benny is a big fan of using social media to practise his languages, and in this Ask Benny episode, he shares tips and tricks for getting the most out of each social media platform. From making multiple profiles and choosing who to follow, to training the algorithm, Benny has figured out how to make Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok work for him.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

15 Feb 2021#37 Bryce and Michele on Falling in Love while Learning Each Other's Language00:46:44

This episode features Bryce, who learned conversational Portuguese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.

We actually 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.

In this episode, Benny and Shannon talk with two Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participants, Bryce and Michele, who are husband and wife learning their native languages with help from one another.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Connecting with your partner and their family through their native language
  • Speaking Portuguese for an hour during the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Language learning milestones and building confidence
  • Learning English while living in Kansas and dealing with culture shock
  • Having patience with your partner
  • Falling in love as a motivation
  • Raising multilingual children and connecting with them through language
  • How to practice a language with your partner
  • Approaching language learning like an air infantryman
  • Using Dream Teams in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge
  • Bringing Brazilian culture into the American home
  • Advice for when you and your partner don’t speak the same language

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.

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