StoryLearning Podcast

Learning a new language? Get your language learning questions answered by polyglot Olly Richards, who speaks 8 languages and is the founder of the StoryLearning® method. Whatever's holding you back on the path to fluency, tune in twice a week to get your regular dose of language learning motivation, with Olly and other polyglot guests, such as Benny Lewis, Luca Lampariello, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings. Learn Spanish, Learn French, Learn German, Learn Italian, Learn Portuguese, Learn Arabic, Learn Japanese, Learn Chinese

426: Which language should I think in?

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

09-29
11:52

425: The anatomy of a language learning "masterplan"

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

09-07
42:49

424 - Behind the scenes at the StoryLearning team retreat in Turkey

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.

05-23
13:23

Announcement: New intermediate StoryLearning courses!

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)

04-18
05:50

423: Lessons on Languages, Life & Leadership with Mike Shangkuan (CEO, Lingoda)

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

04-05
53:11

422 - I'mmmm back!

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

03-31
17:20

421 - Are Most YouTube Polyglots Lying?

🤥 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

11-19
19:33

420 - JJsays (雪莲说) on How to Learn Chinese, Conquer Insecurities & Figure Out What Methods Work For You

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

10-12
01:04:30

419 - Shocking your best friend with AMAZING language skills

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

10-05
47:34

I'm releasing 3 new Uncovered courses!

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

09-16
07:14

418 - How I Learned Spanish

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

09-14
17:22

417 - How I Learned French

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

08-31
14:34

416 - How Can I Prepare To Travel Abroad In 1 Month?

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

08-24
13:05

415 - Can you get fluent just by reading?

If you've listened to this podcast or watched some of my videos, you may be thinking to yourself: "Wait a minute... Olly's method seems to be ALL ABOUT READING! What about listening and speaking? Does this guy think you can get fluent by reading alone?!" In this episode of the podcast (originally published on my YouTube channel), I answer this exact question. Note: I refer to a simple graph in the episode that I drew out on a white board in the original video. It's a very basic graphic and you should be able to understand what I'm explaining from audio alone. However, if you want to see the graph for more context, go to 3:46 in the video here: https://youtu.be/u14dqvLu66E?t=226 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

08-17
11:08

414 - How this Mormon Missionary Learned AMAZING Korean

Imagine that you got a letter in the post announcing that you will be put on a plane to Korea in just 9 weeks, where you will stand on a street corner and talk to strangers about your faith IN KOREAN. Add to this the fact that you don't yet speak a single word in the language! That is precisely what Derek Driggs experienced when he trained to be a Mormon (LDS) missionary at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, before being sent to live in Korea for 2 years back in 2012. In this episode of the podcast, my colleague John Fotheringham interviews Derek about his experience learning Korean and what lessons you can apply in your own language learning adventures. Note: All commentary in the video is about language learning, NOT religion. Also, please note that though Derek was formerly an instructor at the Provo Missionary Training Center following his time in Korea, he is not an official representative or spokesperson for the MTC or LDS church. 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

08-10
40:09

413 - Can you learn two new languages at the same time?

In this LIVE recording of the I Will Teach You A Language Podcast on YouTube, I answer YouTuber user @Bash Fakosh's question: "Do you think learning 2 languages together works? Or is it a recipe for disaster?" 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

08-03
12:39

412 - How can you read when you're still a beginner?

In this LIVE recording of the I Will Teach You A Language Podcast on YouTube, I answer the question: "I'm a complete beginner. How can I possibly start reading?" Many assume that my StoryLearning method only works for more experienced learners, but the truth is that there is a way for even complete beginners to start reading books and learning through stories. You just have to get 3 things right first... Resources & Links Mentioned How to learn a new language with stories Olly's language courses Olly's short story books LingQ: Learn Languages from Content You Love 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

07-27
17:36

411 - Should you look up words as you read?

In this live recording of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast on YouTube, I answer a question from @rightinfrontofmysalad! about whether you should read a book straight through or stop to look up words you don't know. This is a really good question, and one that I get a lot. And my answer to this is a really important part of making StoryLearning work... Resources & Links Mentioned The 10 Rules Of StoryLearning English with Stephen Alex Rawlings 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

07-20
12:50

410 - When's the right time to start speaking?

In this live recording of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast on YouTube, I answer the question: "When is the right time to start speaking a foreign language?" I also answer: Why is this question asked in the first place? What are the most popular theories and methods? What are people's actual experience in real life with these methods? What is my personal perspective on the best approach to speaking? How can I get my question answered on the podcast or YouTube? Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by: Recording an audio message here: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask Asking me during the next live recording on my YouTube channel (every Friday at 5:30 pm UK time). Make sure to subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications. Resources & Links Mentioned How to develop TRUE spoken fluency in a foreign language My mission to learn Italian in 3 months Stephen Krashen on Language Learning in the Polyglot Community Where to find native speakers to practice speaking with The Silent Way (developed by Caleb Gattegno) The Communicative Approach (a.k.a. Communicative language teaching or "CLT") 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

07-13
15:27

409 - How To Learn a Language by Watching TV With Ethan Wanger

Ethan Wanger is an English teacher, world traveler, and the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of RealLife English, a popular site, YouTube channel, podcast, course, and app which helps people learn English through popular TV series. He has lived in Germany, Poland, Brazil, Thailand, and Chile, and is currently based in Barcelona. In his words, Ethan's mission in life is to "diminish cultural and language barriers that separate us by creating a world beyond borders through English." As you know, I'm a big believer in learning languages through stories, and I think that TV shows—if done right—can be a fun way to do that. But just sitting back on the couch and watching Netflix is not going to get you very far. So I am excited to pick Ethan's brain on how you can get the most out of video-based learning and make more rapid progress toward your fluency goals. 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

07-06
43:31

Abbas Norouzi

Hi olly Richards How many languages can you speaks?

06-05 Reply

mehdi tila

💙💙💙

04-25 Reply

hasti mohammadpoor

This podcast inspired me to learn more :)

09-05 Reply

Michael Daly

superb. well done Olly for your persistence and honesty! really enjoyed that

09-01 Reply

vph510

Great advice

08-25 Reply

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