#083 Michael Sullivan: Language Learning Unlocked Why Apps Aren't Enough

"I've been doing Duolingo for over a year, completed the entire Spanish course, and still can't hold a conversation." Sound familiar? In this myth-busting episode, language teacher Michael Sullivan reveals the crucial missing piece in your language learning journey—human connection.Discover why your brain needs more than gamified apps to achieve fluency, the exact moment when you stop translating in your head, and why that embarrassment you feel is actually your biggest barrier to mastery. Michael shares why language families matter, how Portuguese took him just weeks after mastering Spanish, and the counterintuitive reason why being tired might actually improve your speaking skills.Whether you've hit the dreaded app plateau or feel like a five-year-old when attempting conversation, Michael offers science-backed daily practices that build true fluency without the burnout. Learn why 20 minutes daily trumps weekend cramming, when AI tools actually help, and the unexpected technique that will have you thinking in your target language faster than you thought possible.ℹ️ About the GuestMichael Sullivan, a language teacher who proves anyone can master a new language with the right approach. After mastering Spanish, he picked up Portuguese in just months. Michael teaches at Speak Better Spanish, where he helps students overcome the app-learning plateau through real human connection.LinkedInDownload MP3iTunesSpotify👨‍💻 People & Other MentionsSpeak Better Spanish - Michael's teaching platformiTalki - Recommended platform for finding language teachersAnki - Mentioned as a spaced repetition system appDuolingo - Language learning appRosetta Stone - Language learning platformMemorise/Memrise - Language learning platformSupport the show