Language & Travel Hacking

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.

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.

In this episode, Benny Lewis shares a personal story about the misconception that travel can cure depression. Reflecting on his own struggles with divorce, clinical depression, and burnout in 2019, Benny explains how he attempted to heal by traveling, only to find that it made things worse. He emphasizes that travel is not a solution for depression and stresses the importance of seeking therapy and building healthy routines instead.

Benny also shares how, after working on his mental health, he was able to enjoy travel again, including a fulfilling climb up Kilimanjaro. He encourages listeners to focus on healing first, rather than using travel as an escape, so they can truly appreciate future adventures.

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.

In this episode, Benny shares two stories of his experiences trying to extend his stay in Brazil, one in 2006 and the other more recently. The first time, things didn’t go so well. Benny, still new to traveling, didn’t do his research and approached the process with a lot of impatience and arrogance. After waiting in line for hours without eating, he ended up being rude to the federal officer handling his request. She, in turn, denied his extension, and after some unfortunate comments made in frustration, Benny was briefly detained.

Fast forward 18 years, and Benny’s approach is completely different. This time, he came prepared, patient, and respectful, with no high expectations. Even though there were still some complications, like needing to use WhatsApp to get forms, Benny stayed calm and polite. His efforts paid off, and he was able to extend his stay for three more months, allowing him to continue exploring Brazil. His story highlights how much difference patience and preparation can make when dealing with tricky travel situations.

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.

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.

Benny dives into how travel has changed over his 21 years as a digital nomad. Reflecting on his early travels in the 2000s, Benny shares how meeting people and finding affordable accommodation used to be easier, with tools like Orkut and Couchsurfing at their prime, and the days of finding hidden gems through newspaper ads. Today, platforms like Airbnb have driven up prices, and connecting with others on the road has become more challenging.

Despite the changes, Benny remains optimistic, encouraging listeners to venture off the beaten path to rediscover the authenticity of travel. This episode is full of personal stories and practical insights from someone who has seen the world evolve. Tune in to hear how Benny balances the highs and lows of modern 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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny explores the game-changing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into language learning. Breaking away from his previous skepticism, Benny unveils a cutting-edge tool where users can engage with an AI teacher for unlimited language practice at a fraction of the cost of traditional lessons.

Highlighting benefits such as affordability and personalized learning, Benny invites listeners to join the exciting journey into the future of language acquisition. Don't miss out on this transformative opportunity—tune in now and revolutionize your language learning experience!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Join Benny in this laid-back podcast episode as he discusses the pragmatic transition from physical to digital language resources. Discover the convenience of downsizing possessions for a more stress-free travel experience and an embrace of a minimalist lifestyle.

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.

Join Benny in this episode as he explores a fascinating topic that he often gets asked: “Should I care about dialects?” He reveals why dialect differences are not a significant issue for beginners, and why the main hurdles of learning a language are the same for all dialects. 

He also reveals some perks of learning from a tutor who speaks a different dialect of the same language.

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

How would you like to learn new things and boost your target language in one go?

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny shows you how to do just that. He introduces you to a variety of learning activities in your target language that you can find online or locally, such as K-Pop dancing. He also offers his advice on how to cope with the challenges and obstacles that may arise during your language learning journey.

Follow Benny's Korean Instagram at @kpoplyglot.

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.

In this episode, Benny Lewis celebrates a milestone in his language learning journey: the 20th anniversary of his first successful language project. He takes you back to Valencia, Spain, where he faced many challenges and frustrations with learning Spanish for the first six months.

He tells you how he tried different methods that did not work for him, such as attending group lessons, reading Lord of the Rings, and studying the dictionary. He shares how he felt hopeless and discouraged with his progress and how he was the worst student in the class.

He also reveals how he turned things around and learned to speak Spanish fluently by changing his approach and mindset. Listen to this podcast to learn more about his inspiring story and his language learning tips!

Follow Benny’s progress 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.

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis reveals how he turns his daily routine into a virtual immersion experience in his target language.

He challenges you to think of ways you can do the things you enjoy in the language you are learning, such as scrolling through TikTok, watching Netflix, listening to Spotify, and more.

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

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.

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

Join Benny in this episode as he explores the world of language exchange events. He explains the differences between two common styles of these events, and how to decide which one works for you.

He also shows you how to find great language partners and have lively conversations in your target language. Whether you like a relaxed or a formal style, you will find out how to make the most of language exchange events.

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

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who is head over heels about languages? 

In this interview, psychology researcher Dan Mirea discusses the links between psychology and linguistics (including whether individuals switch personalities when they switch languages) and talks about his journey as a psychology student who was able to gather a huge following on social media by sharing his passion and interest for languages.

Other topics covered include how (and when) people develop confidence in language learning and when speaking foreign languages, tips on how to become a language content creator online, Dan’s process for content creation, and how his psychology research has affected his language learning journey.

Mentioned in this Episode

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

In this episode, Benny explains how he got overwhelmed with his use of Anki in the second month of his Korean mission, and what solutions he found to balance his learning back.

PS: Listen to this episode if you want to learn how to fix your learning mistakes even when you’re weeks into your mission.

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](https://www.youtube.com/@irishpolyglot ).

In this episode, Benny lists the most helpful resources that have helped him throughout his Korean mission. He goes into details about what makes those resources great to help all Korea learners out there!

Resources:

PS: We have an on-going promotion with Benny’s favourite resource, 90 Day Korean, which you can check out here. The promotion only runs until June 12th, so make the most out of it now!

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.

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

Fluent in 3 Monthsstudent 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

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to support what we do.

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

“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

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to support what we do.

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

In this episode, Benny goes over his Korean mission and lists some of the best decisions he’s taken and the setbacks he’s encountered.

He analyses the CEFR level he is at, outlines a plan to improve over the next weeks, and shares where he will travel to for the following months.

PS: Listen to this episode if you want to hear about Benny’s idea for a new hobbie… it involves K-pop!

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.

How do you learn to speak another language when there are little to no resources available for learners?

Fluent in 3 Months student Anika took head-on as she learned Telugu with us. She shares how she taps into native resources with the help of native speakers and what to do when the spoken language you’re learning is different from its written language.

Anika shares her experience with finding content in another language and hiring native speakers to help her create her own learning resources. She also discusses what it’s like learning her partner’s native language, using the TPRS method to learn language, and how to take initiative with your language tutors.

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

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to support what we do.

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Benny gives his opinion on learning a language with the help of your partner and why it can cause difficulties both to the language learning and the relationship itself.

Instead, he suggests alternatives that would still allow your partner to help you practise the language indirectly!

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

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

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to support what we do!

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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

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

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

Join Our Patreon

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

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Benny as he explains how he has started his Korean mission from absolute scratch—and how you can do the same! The steps are simple:

Avoiding English at all costs—so no English conversation, even with your tutor.

Cheating your way through your first conversation (with Benny’s very own cheating technique).

Throwing yourself into the project without fear or objections holding you back!

Follow Benny’s progress 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

Can music help you learn languages?

Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp participant and Spanish learner, Zac, discusses:

How his learning approach changed in the Bootcamp (formerly the Challenge)
The power of music when learning a new language
How to pick up your studies when you’ve gone off track

Zac also explains how he picks a language to focus on. He gives his favorite tips for choosing a language tutor, and discusses how self-talk can support language learning.

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.

Mentioned in this Episode

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Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Did you hear about Benny’s new project? He’s learning a new language, and to keep in style, he will treat his new mission as a full-time job! Having relocated to Bali for this, he has until May to get “fluent” in this new language.

So which one is he learning?

Drum roll… The reveal is in the episode!

PS: He also explains what he means by “fluent”. This one is for the skeptics!

Follow Benny’s progress 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

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).

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.

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

Benny explains how language exchanges work by describing his own experience with the MundoLingo events. He covers how events are organised to make language recognition easy, shares how the set-up is ideal even for introverts, and mentions a few tips to make the most about the event.

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

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

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

In this Ask Benny episode, Benny discusses his next language project. Benny will rediscover a language he already studied back in 2010 by flying from Brazil to a new surprise destination. He discusses his new approach to learning the language and his plans for preparing himself ahead of landing. Discover Benny’s next language project in this episode!

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

In this Ask Benny episode, Benny gives an update on his current language mission in Jericoacoara, Brazil, and the new hacks and strategies he has worked on and used. If you're looking into vocabulary-learning tips specifically, this episode is for you.

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

This Ask Benny episode is about flashcards, and how you can use your lessons or conversations with a tutor to create your vocabulary list. Benny explains how his tutor helps him make lists of words and phrases during lessons, and then what he does to turn this into flashcards using Anki. 

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

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

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

Benny explains how to apply the Pareto Principle (aka the 80/20 rule) to language learning. Benny shares how to go about focusing on 20% of a language to get you 80% of the results. He explains his ideas for what you can save until later, and what you should prioritise, so that you can keep your learning as efficient as possible, and make as much progress as you can without wasting time and effort on non-essential elements.

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

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

This week Benny shares some exciting news in a special Ask Benny episode. Benny is heading back out on the road, to live the nomadic life he loves. This means new language challenges and lots of interesting updates from his travels. 

Things are also changing for the podcast, as this week we launch the option to support us on Patreon. The podcast is still continuing as normal on the usual channels, and if you sign up to Patreon at https://languagehacking.com/patreon you'll now get access to extended interviews, exclusive content from our hosts, discounts on Fi3M products and lots of other valuable language learning content.

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

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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Benny shares how he uses the "Pomodoro Technique" in his language missions,, and explains how you can use it to work or study for longer periods of time. The Pomodoro Technique is a very accessible system of working that requires nothing more than a timer and a little bit of self discipline (but not that much!). Benny has found it really helps him to manage his ADHD, maintain focus, and not give into distractions.

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