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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 Ultralearning Rapid Learner Mentioned in this Episode Ultralearning Rapid Learner Scott’s Website Scott’s Twitter Scott’s Facebook Scott’s Instagram 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

Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts, Shannon Kennedy and Elizabeth Bruckner catch up and talk about how this last year has been a time of learning, and building self-compassion and resilience in both language learning and life. Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Pimsleur Shannon’s Spotify French Sunnyside Language Conqueror: Mindfulness Power of Now When Good Things Happen to Bad People Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Overeaters Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Debtors Anonymous Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: Moving your body and language learning to help with anxiety and other negative emotions Putting yourself out there with positive energy and being open to connection The power of being quiet and observation before jumping in The art of being interested in other people and being of service to others Touch and tactile learning Sneaking in language learning in unexpected situations Keeping an index card with a list of tools and an action plan for difficult moments Mindfulness practices and language learning Re-reading your favorite books in another language 12-step meetings and using them for language learning Art and music therapy Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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

Language Hacking Podcast co-hosts Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy catch up and share what their own recent language learning projects, takeaways, and milestones have been, as they approach the 100th episode of the podcast. Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Benny’s Instagram Benny’s Facebook Benny’s Twitter Shannon’s Instagram Shannon’s Website Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: What Shannon and Benny have been working on in the last year Shannon’s thoughts on consolidation and consistency in language learning Why Benny needs projects and urgency to find success in language learning Personal challenges Benny and Shannon have faced and how they worked through them Shannon and Benny’s plans over the next year Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant and Italian learner, Louisa, speaks to Benny and Shannon about how she learned as much about herself, as she did about languages, while taking part in the Challenge. Louisa found as many opportunities to personally develop in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge as she did as learned Italian. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Innovative Languages Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Innovative Languages Language Transfer Notion Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: Language learning goals Learning about yourself while learning languages Starting over with language learning as an adult Using role play to learn languages Traveling to Italy and getting to use the language The struggles and rewards of using a speaking-based approach to learning languages The importance of breaks Why language learning apps become “busy work” Language learning routines during intensive study periods and around everyday life How to get through moments of self-doubt Building language islands Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge winner, Fiona, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her progress learning Italian, the myth of “natural talent”, and how excited she is to speak to family, friends and Italian locals without the need of a translator. This episode features Fiona, who made significant progress with Italian in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Mentioned in this Episode Benny’s Mt. Kilimanjaro Story Benny’s Instagram Benny’s Twitter Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: Busting the myth of “natural talent” Getting help with you’re a technophobe The two-way street of the Challenge community Overcoming reluctance to create videos Differences between learning in school and learning with the Challenge How Fiona learns Italian from her daughter and practises with her husband Tips for new language learners and first time Challengers Finding every opportunity you can to talk in your target language Combining language practise with exercise and building routines Perseverance as the key to success and parallels with climbing a mountain Benny’s approach to learning and maintaining multiple languages How to mindfully approach strangers in their native language Memorising ice-breaker phrases for striking up conversation, or just barging in! Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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 Speak in a Week Mentioned in this Episode Jeremy’s website Jeremy’s Facebook Jeremy’s Instagram Speak in a Week courseJeremy’s Fluent in 3 Months articles Wim Hof and ice baths 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

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

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participant, Sam, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about how the Challenge changed the way he learned languages and helped him find consistency and discover new language learning methods. This episode features Sam, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge LingQ Glossika Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge LingQ Glossika Daily Show Quizlet Episode Overview Some of the topics discussed in the interview are: Hating languages in school and going on to love them later in life Discovering your learning style and how it leads to success How the Challenge changed the way Sam learned languages How to work through roadblocks in your learning Why “done” is better than perfect Using comedy as a language learning tool Combining writing with shadowing as a learning method How novelty and newness can keep you engaged and excited about your languages Stick-with-it-ness and the power of consistency Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Fluent in 3 Months Challenge coach, Laetitia, joins Benny and Elizabeth to talk about her varied experience learning or dabbling in many languages: English, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch and Vietnamese. This episode features Laetitia, who made significant progress with several language in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge italki Duolingo Mentioned in this Episode italki Duolingo Discord Learning with Texts Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: The importance of having an inspirational tutor Things to consider when looking for a tutor Finding your tribe with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge The pitfall of expecting learning to be passive Why you should take the time to find out which methods and resources work for you Being as nice to yourself as you would be to a friend The pointlessness and dangers of comparisons and perfectionism Remember, you don’t know every word in your native language! How technology can be a great tool for learning, so don’t be scared of it Reading to maintain languages and being happy to understand 60% Culture shock and learning “on the job” in Japan - a little goes a long way How to create an effective language exchange Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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

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

Long-time participant in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Manish, joins Shannon and Benny to talk about his experience learning a wide variety of languages through many different methods. This episode features Manish, who made significant progress in many languages in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Pimsleur italki Anki Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Goldlist Method Spanish Speaking Hacks Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: Finding the confidence to talk to strangers in another language What to do if someone close to you doesn’t support your language goals Moving from in-person to online learning Juggling multiple languages from diverse language families The value of community and support Manish’s many years of experience with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Strategies for reviewing languages and notes Paying it forward and sharing your experience with new learners The importance of learning colloquial language Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

This week’s Ask Benny is a celebration of the Irish language. Benny talks about some of his favourite websites for learning Irish, including dictionaries, media sites, and other useful resources. This special episode is essential listening for anyone learning, or wanting to learn, Gaeilge (the Irish language). Links to all of the resources Benny mentions in this episode can be found below. To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com Featured Resources Teanglann dictionary TG4 Mol Scéal news site Gaeilge Amháin Facebook group Gaeilge Subreddit MemesAsGaeilge Subreddit Tuairisc news site Nós news site Learning with Texts GaelGram grammar checker Foclach - Irish Wordle Benny’s Irish Twitter Benny’s Irish Instagram Benny’s Irish Tiktok

In this week’s special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Community Coach for the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge, Sadelle Wiltshire, talks with Elizabeth and Benny about learning Irish and joining the Challenge at an upper-beginner level. This episode features Sadelle, who made significant progress with her Irish speaking abilities in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Clozemaster italki Benny’s top Irish resources Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Benny’s Irish Instagram Benny’s Irish TikTok Benny’s Irish Twitter Teanglann dictionary Focloir dictionary Tearma dictionary Potafocal dictionary Futurelearn Irish from Dublin City University Gaeilge Gan Stró beginner textbook Ranganna beginner course Free Zoom classes from Philo-Celtic Society Let’s Learn Irish Tuairisc news site with learner content Nós online magazine Childrens’ stories Craic le Gaeilge Discord server Irish Wordle TG4 streaming TV shows in Irish Raidió na Gaeltachta Seachtain na Gaeilge Additional Recommended Resources Conradh na Gaeilge Los Angeles Daltaí na Gaeilge Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir / The North American Gaeltacht Irish language book club Video news clips and transcripts from Maynooth University - intermediate Children’s newsletter from Maynooth University - beginner Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: Joining the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge at an A2 level Humor as a motivator when learning Music and singing when learning Irish Getting your head around Irish pronunciation How to deal with the different Irish dialects Gaelic vs Irish How to build a community in your target language First steps and resources for Irish The secret to having fun in your target language Overcoming shyness, perfectionism and fear of speaking Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Language dabbler and native Spanish speaker, Elena Guillén, speaks with Benny and Shannon about learning Hindi during the pandemic, as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. This episode features Elena, who found the routine and structure of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge helped her make significant progress with Hindi in just 90 days. We guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here. Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge italki Mentioned in this Episode Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: The pros of being an introverted language learner Learning languages with ADD and finding focus Using structures vs frameworks Overcoming perfectionism and distraction Tips for studying lesser-learned and ancient languages Finding commonalities between languages Advantages and disadvantages of knowing multiple languages Learning through music, songs and films Learning vocabulary with the “goldlisting” method The power of community and accountability The fun of learning different writing systems Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

In this episode Benny gives a pep-talk to help you find motivation and courage to start a conversation in your target language. It can be so tempting to avoid speaking, whether it's because you're shy, embarrassed, or scared of making mistakes. But if you can bite the bullet and take the leap, you'll be surprised by just how much you can achieve. Listen to this episode if you need a bit of a confidence boost! To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@languagehacking) or Twitter (@fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com

Listening expert, Cara Leopold, talks with Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy about how she helps people improve their ability to understand fast-talking native speakers. For the majority of people, listening is the first language skill we develop - it actually starts before we’re born! Cara explains how visual context, transcripts, and relevant content are all crucial for effective listening development. She also talks about how English changes when it’s spoken quickly, and gives advice for using subtitles effectively to learn a language by watching movies. Mentioned in this Episode Leo Listening ANV Cop 21 Alternatiba L’Affaire du Siècle Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: The stress of classroom listening activities at school Why our listening ability may be behind our other language skills Overcoming the fear that comes with not understanding when someone speaks Visual clues playing an important role in listening How to improve your listening comprehension Ways to use TV and movies as tools to improve listening Different ways to use subtitles effectively Being an eco-friendly language learner Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Language Mastery creator and author, John Fotheringham, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to discuss “anywhere immersion”, learning difficult languages, and finding the fun in language learning. John has a wealth of experience learning Japanese and Mandarin, which he shares with us in this episode. If you’re interested in learning either of these, or any other “difficult” language, this is the episode for you. Featured Resources Master Japanese Master Chinese Mentioned in this Episode Master Japanese Master Chinese Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies Total Physical Response Is Japanese Hard to Learn? 5 Steps to Learn Japanese Anywhere in the World Gabriel Wyner The Power of When Atomic Habits Four Tendencies Book Better Than Before Goodreads Episode Overview Some of the topics brought up during the interview are: Learning “difficult” languages like Japanese and Mandarin How to immerse yourself in a language at home Practising your language with Alexa Learning languages through activities that you love Living abroad and creating memories in the local languages How to choose language learning tools and methods suited to you personally Fun ways to learn languages Experiencing languages as a learner, teacher, and mentor Recommended books for language learners Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy