StoryLearning Podcast

👉 Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources for Fluency: https://l.storylearning.com/fluencyIn this episode, I’m tackling a really difficult question that I feel a lot of sympathy for: how you can learn a language when you have no motivation? I taught English for five years in Asia and the Middle East. I met a lot of students who had to learn English because they needed it for their job. They had no desire to learn, but they had to. So if you’re trying to learn without motivation, I can imagine myself looking right into your eyes and understanding the situation you're in. Let’s see if I can help. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_InfoLinks mentioned in this episode: LanguaTalk is my favourite place to find 1:1 language teacher: https://l.storylearning.com/languatalk #storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉Join the app waiting list: https://l.storylearning.com/app_wait_listIn this episode, I’m doing something a little bit different. I'm going to take you behind the scenes of the new StoryLearning app that I've been building. It's a work in progress, but I thought you might like a sneak peek. I'm pretty excited about it. In fact, I haven't been as excited about something since I wrote my first book of short stories over 10 years ago. I have the feeling that you’re going to find this app really useful. I’ve been using it daily to read in Italian.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner https://l.storylearning.com/goal_planHow do you bridge the gap between being a complete beginner and not being able to read anything and then doing what I did a few years ago, which is to learn Italian from scratch in 90 days through reading? That's what I'm going to cover in this episode.Mentioned in this episode: Olly Italian project playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9F81zlDaaE&list=PLQJscr8iS4eEuHPHQerHMBxZ68O8jiq12Details of the materials I used as a beginner are on my Italian project page: https://storylearning.com/italian-project-home👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Guide, Luca's 12 Rules for Learning Any Language Faster in 2026: https://l.storylearning.com/Luca_tips I am absolutely thrilled to be joined by Luca Lampariello who has been teaching languages online longer than I have. He was one of my very first references when I first started creating content online. He’s been on the podcast a number of times over the years and here is again to talk about how he’s learning languages these days. More about today's guest: Luca Lampariello is an internationally recognised language coach, polyglot, and communication expert who has spent over three decades mastering more than a dozen languages. He is the founder of Smart Language Learning, where he helps learners worldwide bypass traditional, rigid methods in favour of natural, highly effective acquisition strategies. Through his coaching, writing, and videos, Luca focuses on the psychology of learning, phonetics, and building the core habits necessary to achieve true fluency. Website: lucalampariello.comYouTube Channel: @LucaLampariello👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info

👉 Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources for Fluency: https://l.storylearning.com/TV_movies I've had a lot of comments come in all asking the same thing: when you watch TV or movies, should you use subtitles or not? Subtitle on or subtitles off? Subtitles in which language? Which subtitle-audio combination is best? I have a rather controversial take on this, which is that I generally don't recommend TV or movies for language learning. Now, before you throw me under the bus, let me explain why. Mentioned in this episode: The main StoryLearning channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storylearning👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/language_planWhy do we fail at language learning? It's not that we find it difficult, it's that staying consistent is difficult. We set ourselves this target of studying for an hour a day and invariably life gets in the way. And before you know it, three months have gone past and we've done nothing. This is the uncomfortable truth about language learning works - we struggle to be consistent. So we have to confront the question - how can we best make sure that we are moving towards our goals and that we don't fall off the horse? That’s what this episode is all about. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/plan_studyWhat's the best way to learn a language as a complete beginner? The whole premise of my method, StoryLearning, is that you learn a language through reading. People understand the concept. But then they say - I'm a complete beginner, how on earth do I start to read? I don't know any words!  So how do you get started? Should you download an app? What should you be doing? Let's start from the bird's eye view and work our way down.Mentioned in this episode: The main StoryLearning YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storylearning 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources for Fluency: https://l.storylearning.com/fluent_resources How do you learn difficult languages with the StoryLearning method? This is a question that came from Carlos Rabino 5125. He asked - how does your method work with Russian, Chinese, or Japanese? Reading between the lines, I guess what Carlos is asking is: how do you read when the language is really difficult? So let's get into why stories are so powerful and how to learn with story when a language is hard. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Guide, A Polyglot's “No-Method” Method: https://l.storylearning.com/polyglot-tipsStefano Suigo is one of the most interesting language people (if I can put it that way) that I know, and I know quite a few. He’s fluent in 10 languages and can get by in more. A lot of people claim to speak lots of languages, but Stefano is the real deal, and I know he is because I've just spent a lot of time with him and I’ve seen him use these languages. He really does have a unique profile with languages that we dig into in this interview. Enjoy! More from today's guest: Stefano’s YouTube channel, linguaEpassione: https://www.youtube.com/@linguaEpassione👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Grammar and Vocabulary Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/learn-vocab In this episode I'm going to tackle the second most popular question I've ever been asked about language learning: How do I stop translating in my head? It is easy to say "stop translating in your head" and that is well-intentioned advice, but not very practical. The truth is, translation is inevitable and not necessarily a bad thing, at least at first. Research mentioned in this episode: The Effects of Using L1 Translation on Young Learners’ Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning, Jan 2015, Aïda Codina Camó and Elisabet Pladevall Ballester: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297653279_The_Effects_of_Using_L1_Translation_on_Young_Learners'_Foreign_Language_Vocabulary_Learning👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/set-goalsWhat do you do if you hate the language you're learning? Is this even possible? I'm tackling a genuine listener question about this topic. It's something that can happen to a lot of immigrants, but there is a way around it. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE StoryLearning Blueprint: https://l.storylearning.com/free_storyIn this episode of the StoryLearning podcast, I reconnect with longtime language-learning friend Kerstin Cable, creator of The Fluent Show podcast and teacher on my course, German Uncovered. Kerstin is one of my oldest internet friends who gave me some excellent advice in the early days of my blog that I still remember 13+ years later! We talk about AI, choice overload in the modern world, habits and why my parent's generation were such good language learners. More about today's guest: Kerstin Cable is a language learning expert and consultant living in England. Kerstin is the author of 15+ books and courses for language learners including German Uncovered at StoryLearning, co-founder of AI Language Club and the Women in Language conference, and creator of the Fluent Show podcast. She is a native German speaker who hails from the beautiful Moselle valley. Kerstin studied 6 languages in Germany and has added 4 more so far, including her language crush, Welsh. AI Language Club: https://www.ailanguageclub.com/Kerstin's website: https://www.fluentlanguage.co.uk/👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/free_plannerThere are all kinds of techniques and tricks and that you can use to learn a language. But they're all just that - tactics and techniques. In today’s episode, I’m answering an interesting question about the deep truths that I’ve learned over the years that I’d like to pass on to the next generation of language learners. Link mentioned in this episode: Story about my breakthrough in Spanish: https://storylearning.com/olly-story👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Difficulty Guide: https://l.storylearning.com/free_difficultyToday's question is about the most asked about topic in the more than 10-year history of this podcast: learning two languages. So many of us want to learn tons of languages, so we often study two at once. And then we realise, hang on, this is creating a few problems because we get muddled up. This episode is all about how to deal with that. Link mentioned in this episode: Angela de Bruin, Liv J. Hoversten, Clara D. Martin, Interference between non-native languages during trilingual language production, Journal of Memory and Language, Volume 128, 2023, 104386, ISSN 0749-596X.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749596X22000730👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Grammar and Vocabulary Study Sheet : https://l.storylearning.com/read_sheetI'm always going on about why it's so important to read a lot if you want to learn a new language - and I'll do it again in this episode. But is it enough to be able to speak a language fluently? Links mentioned in this video: Reverse translation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VXmDiBfzwA👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE StoryLearning Blueprint: https://l.storylearning.com/free_fluencyIn this episode of the StoryLearning podcast I chat to my good friend and fellow podcaster Anna Tyrie, creator of the popular YouTube channel, English Like A Native. Anna started her career in acting and, via some twists and turns, made her way into teaching English to an audience of millions on YouTube. You’ll discover her surprising journey from fearful to confident. She’ll also share her best tips for helping you speak with more confidence and clarity, no matter what language you’re learning. Links mentioned in this episode: Anna's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EnglishLikeANativeAnna's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@englishlikeanativepodcast👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/lang_goals Can you be too old to learn a language? What about kids? They soak up languages like a sponge, so surely that means there's never any chance of me learning another language. Well, we'll see about that. Tune in for some inspiring examples of 60 + people learning languages and tips for any age. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_questionLink mentioned in this episode: Siddiqui, J. S. Second Language Acquisition Beyond Critical Age: A Case Study of an Old Second Language Learner. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. https://doi.org/10.46568/JSSH.V55I2.81👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Get your FREE Grammar and Vocab Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/study_kanjiIn this episode, I tackle a question from four years ago, but the topic is as relevant as ever: how to learn Japanese kanji. There are strong opinions online about the best way to learn Japanese, kanji included. I share my experience from learning Japanese in Japan and what I would do if I could start learning kanji over again. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Get your FREE Grammar and Vocab Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/free_vocabIn this episode,  we're revisiting a topic that I feel we'll be talking about until the end of time.  The sun's going to expand to engulf the Earth and we're all going to be frazzled up like sausages and I'll be there until the end talking about this topic, which is flashcards. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_questionLink mentioned in this episode: What Really Matters in Vocabulary Acquisition?: https://gianfrancoconti.com/2025/04/26/what-really-matters-in-vocabulary-acquisition-a-ranked-analysis-of-key-influencing-factors/👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Get your FREE StoryLearning Blueprint: https://l.storylearning.com/learn_storiesIn this episode of the StoryLearning podcast I chat to my good friend and fellow language enthusiast John Fotheringham, creator of Anywhere Immersion. John has been blogging and podcasting about language learning since 2009 and his podcast (formerly the Language Mastery Podcast) was the first one I ever went on! Now he's returning the favour by coming on this refreshed video version of my podcast to talk about language immersion, how he's using AI to learn languages and more. Links mentioned in this episode: Anywhere Immersion: https://www.anywhereimmersion.comTeacher AI: https://l.storylearning.com/teacherAIOlly’s interview on John’s podcast in 2020: https://www.anywhereimmersion.com/blog/olly-richards-returnsMore about today's guest: John Fotheringham is a linguist, teacher, and author of Master Japanese and Master Mandarin.Want to learn a language without moving abroad? His Anywhere Immersion Method (A.I.M.) teaches you how to create a full language immersion environment right where you live. From beginner basics to advanced fluency, he provides the roadmap you need to master a new language right at home.Download his free Quickstart Immersion Guide at AnywhereImmersion.com to learn how to immerse yourself in any language, anywhere, anytime.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/test_goalsShould you bother taking language proficiency tests like IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) or the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)? Two listeners asked me the similar questions about exams. As a former IELTS examiner and as someone who took the JLPT, I’ve got thoughts on the matter! 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Grammar and Vocabulary Study Sheet: https://l.storylearning.com/vocab_sheet Today we've got a question that is going to strike to the heart of every single language learner listening to this podcast: why can’t I remember the words I know when I’m speaking? It’s something we all struggle with and it’s perfectly normal. In this video, I share 3 techniques to help you overcome it. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/reading-goalsWant to pick up vocabulary naturally while exploring topics that interest you? I've got the perfect the solution and I lay it all out in this episode, including how I used this habit myself to expand my Japanese vocab about a rather specialised topic. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/free-goalsI don't aim for C2 in the languages I'm learning and I don't think you should either. But it is possible to get there with a lot, and I mean a lot, of time and effort. So, the real question is, is it worth it? 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources: https://l.storylearning.com/binge-resourcesCan you really perfect your accent to the point where no-one knows you're not a native speaker? You can get close, even as an adult, but the real question is - is it actually worth the time and effort? Link mentioned in this episode: Speaking Accent-Free in L2 Beyond the Critical Period: The Compensatory Role of Individual Abilities and Opportunity Structures (Applied Linguistics, Volume 41, Issue 5, October 2020, Pages 787–809, https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amz029)👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/set_goalsSuccess in language learning almost always comes down to a very small number of things done well. Successful language learners understand what those few things are, and they do them very consistently and very well. And thanks to this episode, you're going to join them. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Infot#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/goal-plannerStruggling to bridge the gap between understanding and speaking? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too, specifically when I learned Japanese. Discover the exact steps I took to go from silent to confident Japanese speaker. Links mentioned in this episode: 🗣️ LanguaTalk: https://l.storylearning.com/LanguaTalk💬 Langua: https://l.storylearning.com/langua📢 TeacherAI: https://l.storylearning.com/teacherAI❓Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Tips for Learning a Language with AI (inside the Bonus section of my FREE StoryLearning Kit): https://l.storylearning.com/fluency_AI The Black Friday offer mentioned in this video is no longer available. If you’ve learned languages in the last week or two, have you used AI? AI has landed like a rock in a pond in the last couple of years and is upending the way we learn. I'm finding that AI is more and more part of my language routine. But can AI replace real people? That’s the question I’m answering in this episode. Links mentioned in the episode: 🗣️ LanguaTalk: https://l.storylearning.com/LanguaTalk📖 LingQ: https://www.storylearning.com/lingq💬 Langua: https://l.storylearning.com/langua📢 TeacherAI: https://l.storylearning.com/teacherAI❓ Got a question you want Olly to answer? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Language Difficulty Guide: https://l.storylearning.com/difficulty Can you really learn a language in 12 months? Definitely, with the right mindset, approach and effort. To give you inspiration for and insight into fast language learning, I look back on two of my wildest language learning challenges: Thai in 2 weeks and Italian in 3 months. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language programme with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_InfoVideos mentioned in this episode: 🇹🇭 Thai project playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqoRsDX67Qg&list=PLQJscr8iS4eEA0CRSgEhNJ6sM0p-Y2Im2🇹🇭 Olly speaking Thai after 2 weeks: https://youtu.be/K4tAwFRzAWc?si=YeR-NLpXOl5uZ3VS 🇮🇹 Italian project playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9F81zlDaaE&list=PLQJscr8iS4eEuHPHQerHMBxZ68O8jiq12🇮🇹 Italian project finale in Venice: https://youtu.be/irHzPRySKU0?si=SqLbs7bJBzBQ-0Kg #storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources for Fluency: https://l.storylearning.com/bingeI’ve learned eight languages - so how on earth do I maintain them all? It’s a question people often ask me. And my answer surprises and confuses them. Find out why. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Get your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty_ES_ITSpanish vs Italian: which is easier to learn for native English speakers? I’ve learned both - find out which one I found easier and why and which one I recommend you learn. And above all, how long would it take to pass my famous fluency "pub test" in these languages? 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty-guide-super-hard👉 Get your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal-planner-super-hardAre super hard languages like Japanese or Mandarin worth learning? I've learned three of the world's hardest languages, Japanese, Cantonese and Arabic. These category five languages were worth it for me, but what about you? Let's get philosophical about whether it's "worth it" and answer the practical question of how to learn very difficult languages. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_CIWhat if you could learn a language without studying? Discover how to learn a language through reading and listening instead of memorising and drilling. Find out where to find the right materials as a beginner, why children's books don't work, and the 6-step process for learning naturally. No flashcards required.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info

👉 Grab your FREE Study Sheet: https://storylearning.com/free_grammar_vocab_sheetStop obsessing over grammar rules! Discover why grammar study shouldn't be your focus, especially as a beginner language learner. Find out where to put your time and energy instead. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info

👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_2_languagesWant to learn multiple languages? Here's the truth nobody tells you: there's a specific level you need to reach in your first language before starting another. Miss this, and you'll stay stuck at beginner level in both.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Get your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/fluency_blueprintI've sold over 1.5 million copies of my short story books for language learners. But why did I write them all those years ago at my parent's kitchen table? Get the unfiltered, untold story of my books, including details of new languages coming soon. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/SL_language-courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning-VIP-Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

👉 Grab your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/freefluencyblueprintVaughn Smith is a 26-language polyglot who had his brain scanned at MIT. Discover the man behind the scan and the surprisingly simple ways he learned so many languages.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/SL_language-courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning-VIP-Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

In this episode, Juan asks: “I’m learning Portuguese. Which language should I think in - English or Spanish?“ Find a 5* language tutor! We're proud to recommend LanguaTalk as the best place to take language lessons online with a real teacher. StoryLearning is now part-owner of LanguaTalk, and that's because we're committed to building the best possible service out there to practise speaking, find a new tutor, or get support with your learning. Click the link below and take a FREE trial lesson: https://storylearning.com/lt Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://storylearning.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!  Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) Olly's Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.  Please visit: https://storylearning.com/language-courses-select-your-language

In today's episode, Olly speaks with Sam Hendry, who lives in Dubai, about his amazing journey learning Spanish in one year.  Here's where you can watch the video of Sam surprising his girlfriend in Spanish: Watch on Facebook Watch on Instagram Find a 5* language tutor! We're proud to recommend LanguaTalk as the best place to take language lessons online with a real teacher. StoryLearning is now part-owner of LanguaTalk, and that's because we're committed to building the best possible service out there to practise speaking, find a new tutor, or get support with your learning. Click the link below and take a FREE trial lesson: https://storylearning.com/lt Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://storylearning.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!  Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) Olly's Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.  Please visit: https://storylearning.com/language-courses-select-your-language

In this episode you’ll drop in on the StoryLearning team retreat in Bodrum, Turkey. 14 of us descended on a hilltop villa for an entire week to spend some quality time together and plan for the future.

We're about to release a special new range of intermediate StoryLearning programmes, and I'm sooo excited! And as a loyal listener, I'd like to offer you early access and a very special offer to celebrate the launch. (It's something I always like to do whenever we release something new!) To get on the notification list, click: https://storylearning.com/intermediate The new programmes are: Spanish Uncovered (Intermediate)  German Uncovered (Intermediate)  French Uncovered (Intermediate)  Italian Uncovered (Intermediate)  Japanese Uncovered (Intermediate)

In this episode, Olly speaks with Mike Shangkuan, CEO of Lingoda. In a wide-ranging discussion, you'll hear about: Growing up as a Chinese-American with a passion for languages How Mike pivoted his career from banking to language tech  The challenges of building a tutoring business Adapting language teaching for the online world Do You Have A Language Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://storylearning.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!  Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) Olly's Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.  Please visit: https://storylearning.com/language-courses-select-your-language

In this episode, you'll hear from Olly about plans for StoryLearning in 2022! Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://storylearning.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!  Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) StoryLearning Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.  Please visit: https://storylearning.com/language-courses-select-your-language

🤥 From people claiming to learn a language in 24 hours to those shouting that "all YouTube polyglots are FAKE!", the online language learning world is fraught with controversy and vitriol. So what's the truth? And can a so-called "YouTube polyglot" (man, I hate that term) comment on YouTube polyglots lying? Well, I’m going try... 🦃 BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Get my Uncovered courses for just $97 each (up to 75% off) from Friday, November 19th to Saturday, November 27th! 👉🏼 https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/blackfriday21-iwtyalpod 🇫🇷 French Uncovered: $297 👉🏼 $97 🇩🇪 German Uncovered: $297 👉🏼 $97 🇮🇹 Italian Uncovered: $297 👉🏼 $97 🇯🇵 Japanese Uncovered: $397 👉🏼 $97 🇪🇸 Spanish Uncovered: $297 👉🏼 $97 My story-based Uncovered courses take beginners up to an intermediate level (B1) through engaging stories instead of boring textbooks. Stop translating and learn how to think in a foreign language with the power of story! ⏰ I have poured a lot into these courses and rarely discount them. The sale ends November 27th, so act now to get an Uncovered course for up to 75% off!  👉🏼 https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/blackfriday21-iwtyalpod Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) My Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals. Please visit: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/language-courses-select-your-language

Julian (a.k.a. "JJ") is the woman behind two popular YouTube channels: 1) JJsays - 雪莲说 (where she shares Chinese language learning tips and videos), and 2) JJsings (where you can hear her singing in Mandarin together with her mother). JJ is an extremely passionate language learner, and I really enjoyed digging into her methods and philosophy. We discuss the challenges of overcoming insecurities, how the Dunning-Kruger effect manifests in language learning, how she learned Chinese characters, and much more. Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) My Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals. Please visit: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/language-courses-select-your-language

Today I’m speaking with Jannah Hossain, who learned to speak Japanese in 6 months to surprise her best friend. Here’s her original video: https://youtu.be/W6Lnaf7Um2c To find out more about the course she used, Japanese Uncovered, visit: http://japaneseuncovered.com Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) My Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals. Please visit: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/language-courses-select-your-language

I'm thrilled to be released three new StoryLearning courses: Russian Uncovered Chinese Uncovered Turkish Uncovered Only those on the mailing list will be notified about the launch of these courses, so click below to join the list if you're interseted: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/new

I love the Spanish language and the many cultures who speak it, but my journey to learn the language was anything but easy. There was pain, struggle, and even a near-death experience! In this episode of the podcast (originally published on my YouTube channel), I share the whole story of how I learned Spanish (my second foreign language after French), including all the bumps and mistakes along the way. You'll also learn why I speak Spanish with a Canary Island accent! Videos Mentioned in the Episode How I Learned French Who Is Olly Richards? My Life, Language & Teaching Background Download a FREE Story in Spanish! Click below to get free access to my Spanish StoryLearning pack and discover how to learn a new language quickly and naturally through stories: https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/cu-es-storylearningpack Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) My Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals. Please visit: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/language-courses-select-your-language

Learning French completely changed my life. It set the stage for learning 7 more foreign languages, writing dozens of language learning books, and starting a language learning company that employs dozens of people and reaches millions of people around the world. In this episode of the podcast (originally published on my YouTube channel), I share the story of how I learned French and how it all started with heartbreak... Download a FREE Story in French! Click below to get free access to my French StoryLearning pack and discover how to learn a new language quickly and naturally through stories: https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/cu-fr-storylearningpack Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) My Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals. Please visit: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/language-courses-select-your-language

In this live episode of the podcast, I answer YouTube user Kay Koopmans' excellent question: "I have a month before I go to Germany for a 10-month foreign exchange program, but I don’t know any German. With a month's time to prepare, what do you suggest I do? Just learn like anyone else? Just memorize vocab? What’s the most effective thing to focus on when you only have a very short amount of time before being thrown into the deep end?!" Free Download: StoryLearning Kit Click below to get free access to my StoryLearning Kit and discover how to learn a new language quickly and naturally through stories: https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/kit Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) My Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals. Please visit: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/language-courses-select-your-language