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
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 18 minutes
- Episodes
- 374
- Years Active
- 2015 - 2022
053: Starting to speak with limited vocabulary
Lanae asks: "I'm learning Japanese, but all the vocabulary I've learnt from books has been on restaurant vocabulary etc. How can I start speaking when I don't know enough to talk?"
In this episode:
- …
052: Can technology help you learn a language? (2/2)
In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. For the first half of the discussion, see episode 5…
051: Can technology help you learn a language? (1/2)
In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. For the second half of the discussion, see episode…
050: I'm too busy to learn a language (3/3)
In the last of a three-part series, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?"
In this episode:
- The power of tiny
- How I learnt Cantonese during an extr…
049: I'm too busy to learn a language (2/3)
In the second of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?"
In this episode:
- How to use the power of the "One Thing" to make mass…
048: I'm too busy to learn a language (1/3)
In the first of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?"
In this episode:
- Why goal setting is often overlooked, but is the key …
047: How to you maintain your level in multiple languages
Hugo asks in an iTunes review: "How do you maintain a good level in all your languages?"
In this episode:
- Polyglots do not speak all their languages "perfectly"
- Level in a language is a fluctuating …
046: Can I learn Afrikaans with my friend?
Nathan asks in an iTunes review: "I have several native Afrikaner friends, however none of them are trained teachers. What is the best way I can help them to help me learn their language."
In this ep…
045: How should I study between lessons?
Terry asks: "What's the best way to study in-between lessons in order to consolidate what you've learnt?"
In this episode:
- What's the main purpose of a language lesson?
- How lessons, for me, are the …
044: How many teachers should I have?
Terry asks: "I've been taking regular Chinese lessons with iTalki, but should I stick with one teacher, or have a variety?"
In this episode:
- Why focusing on one thing can be the most beneficial
- How …
043: A career in languages
Chiara asks: "Is it still worth doing a degree in languages? Is there still a role for language teachers in a rapidly changing world?
In this episode:
- Why a language degree is a great thing to do
- My…
042: Which language should I learn?
Wendel asks: "I need to learn a 3rd European language, but none appeals to me. What should I do?"
In this episode:
- What's a good reason to learn a new language?
- The dangers of learning a language yo…
041: Introverts and language learning
In this episode, I discuss how introverts deal with learning foreign languages.
In this episode:
- I am an introvert by nature, despite what you may guess from my public persona!
- How I suffer from shy…
040: What kind of books should I read?
One reader asks: "I want to try my hand at reading a book and wondered what you would recommend?"
In this episode:
The problem with children's books...
- Intended for children
- Low-frequency vocabulary …
039: How to find materials for minority languages
Alex asks: "How should one go about gathering together language learning materials when there are none?"
In this episode:
Here are my suggestions for finding materials for minority languages:
- Reach …
038: Living with native speakers
Ben asks: "I'm currently on a work placement in France. How can I make the most of living with native speakers?"
In this episode:
- The huge opportunity of living with native speakers
- Create a no-Engl…
037: People keep replying in English
Melissa asks: "I'm learning Spanish, but people keep replying to me in English. How can I solve this?"
In this episode:
- The difficulties of finding native speakers to practise with
- How social pressu…
036: Fluency vs Proficiency
ManchesterAul asks (in an iTunes review): "What's the difference btw fluency and proficienncy? Do i consider myself fluent or proficient in my languages?"
In this episode:
- Why I dislike the discussi…
035: Coaching my mum to learn Italian
Nina asks: "How can I coach my mum to learn Italian?"
In this episode:
- The most important things about coaching someone to learn a language
- Why fostering a passion for a language is so important
- Mak…
034: How to learn tonal languages
Shane asks: "I'm learning Chinese and Thai. What's the best way to learn the tones, or tonal languages in general?"
In this episode:
- How to approach learning tonal languages
- Why top-down approaches …