International best-selling author and nomadic polyglot Benny Lewis shares his real experiences and advice while on-the-road about travel and language learning. Learn more at: https://www.fluentin3months.com/podcast/
…
continue reading
The Actual Fluency Podcast features inspirational stories from world-class language learners, industry experts, and regular people who embraced multilingualism in one way or another. In the episodes we dive deep down in the why that pushed people to learn a new language, the how to figure out how they best achieved it, and of course a lot of great stories of the experiences that speaking multiple languages can bring to people's lives. Licensing "Fretless" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) L ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to the RealLife English podcast! For over 10 years, RealLife English has helped millions of learners just like you from virtually every country to go beyond the classroom and live, speak and master English in the Real World. We’ve been able to do this through our unique method: The RealLife Way, which consists of three simple, but powerful components: Mindset: How to think like a successful English speaker Method: How to live, speak and master English in the Real World Mastery: How t ...
…
continue reading

1
#440 - How to Become FLUENT in English by Playing Video Games — Stories From Learners Who Did it, and Our Favorite Video Games from Our Childhoods
32:19
32:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:19Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Izzy and Ethan explore how video games helped RealLife English team members learn real, everyday English. Discover three inspiring stories, learn why gaming is an underrated learning tool, and get recommendations for mobile games you can start using today. Plus, take…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I finally say what I’ve tiptoed around for years: it’s time to delete Duolingo. With their recent decision to replace 148 courses with 100% AI-generated content, I can no longer recommend it—not even as a “better than nothing” option. The app was already more about dopamine than meaningful learning, and now with zero human input, t…
…
continue reading

1
#439 - How to Understand Americans 100% When They Speak Fast — 5 Speech Patterns You Must Know, Real Clip Analysis, and a Deep Reflection on Global Consciousness
27:09
27:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:09Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Are you ready to transform your English listening and speaking skills? 🚀 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the magic of connected speech — the secret weapon that fluent English speakers use every day without even thinking about it. You’ll listen to an authentic American speaker w…
…
continue reading

1
#438 - 5 Ways to Improve Your English Speaking Alone by Reading Books — The Strategies Used by the Best Learners, Essential Lessons for Life, and Why You Should Focus on Discoveries Rather Than Outcomes ...
17:50
17:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:50Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Ethan gets real about a common challenge many English learners face — feeling intimidated by reading in English. He shares five personal, practical strategies that can help you improve your speaking skills simply by picking up a book, even if you're learning on your …
…
continue reading
In this episode, I dive into the myth of “language talent” and why believing in it can seriously hold you back. I’ve struggled with comparing myself to others—especially those polished videos on YouTube or TikTok where someone speaks flawlessly and makes it all look effortless. But the truth is, you're only seeing a tiny, edited snapshot of their j…
…
continue reading

1
#437 - 5 Great Songs to LEARN Phrasal Verbs in ENGLISH — Let's Sing, Analyze the Lyrics, and Learn (with Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Guns N' Roses, Lady Gaga & More!)
34:23
34:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:23Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Join Ethan and Izzy in this musical English lesson where learning phrasal verbs becomes fun and unforgettable! 🎶 This episode features five hit songs from top artists like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Guns N' Roses, and Lady Gaga. Together, you'll listen to catchy lyrics, discover dozens …
…
continue reading
In this episode, I talk about the “confidence plateau” I’ve hit while learning Indonesian during my travels in Java. Even though I know the language fairly well, I often catch myself switching to English because of self-doubt. It’s not that I don’t understand—it’s that I tell myself I don’t, and that hesitation stops me from properly engaging in th…
…
continue reading

1
#436 - How to Get Fluent in English WITHOUT Studying Grammar — What You Should Focus On Instead, Why Natives Don't Know Grammar, and How I Learned Verb Tenses in English
22:51
22:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:51Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In today’s episode, Izzy dives into one of the most debated questions in language learning: Is grammar actually necessary to become fluent? If you’ve ever felt guilty for not remembering all the grammar rules, this one’s for you. Oh — and we’ll tackle the ultimate question: Is colleg…
…
continue reading

1
#435 - The Key to Changing Your Life's Destiny — How to Get Unstuck, Take Control of Your Life, and Find Joy
30:45
30:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:45Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Feeling stuck in life? In this powerful episode, Izzy invites Ethan to uncover the key to breaking free from autopilot living. Discover how defining your personal values and beginning with the end in mind can transform your mindset, help you take control of your future, and bring mor…
…
continue reading

1
#434 - Discover the ORIGIN of Words in English — Learn Vocabulary More Easily
33:37
33:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:37Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Have you ever wondered why English words are the way they are? In this episode, Izzy and Ksenia dive into the fascinating world of etymology—the study of word origins! Understanding where words come from can make them easier to learn, remember, and use in real life. Boost your vocabu…
…
continue reading

1
#433 - How to Stop Using the Same Basic English Words — Speak with a Rich Vocabulary (Like a Native)
30:05
30:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:05Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Do you ever feel like your English sounds too simple? In this episode, we’ll show you how to express yourself more naturally — so instead of saying “The movie was good,” you can describe it in a way that truly reflects your feelings! Plus, we have a special guest who will help you un…
…
continue reading
After two intense months of studying Indonesian—dedicating up to eight hours a day, seven days a week—I’m excited to share my progress in this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast. I’ve reached a solid B1 level, able to hold conversations with patient speakers using formal Indonesian. Skipping Bali’s beaches and parties to focus entir…
…
continue reading

1
#432 - Why Some People Have SUCCESS Speaking English... and Others Don't
15:01
15:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:01Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Why do some people succeed in speaking English fluently while others struggle, even after years of effort? 🤔 In this episode, we uncover the #1 reason why some learners achieve confidence while others feel stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying and trying but not making real p…
…
continue reading

1
Your language learning space: A simple but effective hack!
5:44
5:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:44In this episode, I share a simple but effective language learning tip that has helped me stay focused throughout my travels: creating a dedicated study space. Whether it’s a specific table at home, a quiet café, or a co-working space, having a designated environment for language learning helps eliminate distractions and puts my brain in "study mode…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Language and Travel Hacking, I share how AI has supercharged my language learning. While it won’t replace real practice, it’s a game-changer for mnemonics. Before AI, coming up with memory aids was slow—now I drop words into ChatGPT or Gemini and get instant, creative mnemonics across multiple languages. One gem? The Indonesian p…
…
continue reading

1
#431 - How I Started to Understand Movies in English WITHOUT Subtitles — My 5 Secrets
21:52
21:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:52Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Struggling to understand fast English in movies and TV shows? In this episode, Izzy shares how he trained his ears to understand fast English without subtitles. He’ll break down connected speech, look at real examples from movies, and give you his top five secrets to help you do the …
…
continue reading

1
#430 - How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Getting FLUENT in English — Try These 3 Solutions and Start Making Progress in 5 minutes
33:28
33:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:28Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Ever plan to study English but end up doing everything except studying? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! In this episode, we’re sharing three simple tips to beat procrastination and get things done. Oh, and there’s a bonus tip at the end you don’t want to miss! Tune in and let’s tac…
…
continue reading

1
Solving the listening comprehension problem
10:13
10:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:13In this episode, I share my biggest challenge in learning Indonesian—listening comprehension. While I can read well and converse with teachers, real-life conversations at natural speed remain a struggle. With my upcoming travels in Java, improving my listening skills has become my top priority. A common mistake is jumping straight into native conte…
…
continue reading

1
#429 - How to Get Fluent in English in 2025 — Even If You’re BUSY
39:46
39:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:46Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Feeling stuck in your English learning journey?⏳ Do years pass by, yet your English stays the same? In this episode, Izzy and Ethan bring you three science-backed lessons from the book Atomic Habits to help you finally start speaking English confidently—even if you're super busy! 🚀 Y…
…
continue reading

1
Month 1 update on my 2025 intensive language learning project
13:04
13:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:04I’m sharing my one-month update on my intensive Indonesian learning project. My goal has been to reach at least a B1 level before starting four months of full immersion in Indonesia, and I’m happy to say that I’m well on track. Right now, I’m at a strong A2 (upper beginner) level, making very fast progress. Over the past month, I’ve been following …
…
continue reading

1
#428 - How to Understand All the Jokes in ENGLISH (in Movies, TV, Conversations): Understand Humor, Sarcasm, etc in English Like a Native Speaker
40:23
40:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:23Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Struggling to catch the jokes in English movies, TV shows, or conversations? In this episode, we’ll show you how to unlock English humor, sarcasm, and wordplay so you can laugh along like a pro. Learn the secrets behind what makes things funny and boost your cultural understanding of…
…
continue reading

1
How I became an alien of extraordinary ability: US visas
10:02
10:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:02In this episode, Benny shares his fascinating journey through the complex world of US visas, from his early days on a J-1 visa working summer jobs in New York to securing the infamous O-1 visa – better known as the ‘Alien of Extraordinary Ability’ visa. He reflects on how his blogging success and language-learning mission helped him qualify for thi…
…
continue reading

1
#427 - How I Went From ZERO to FLUENT in English ALONE — 5 Speaking Exercises
33:09
33:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:09Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Discover the exact exercises Izzy used to transform his English speaking skills from zero to fluent — completely on his own! In this episode, we break down each exercise step by step, so you can practice and improve right along with us. Whether you're shy, stuck, or unsure where to s…
…
continue reading

1
Future of travel: Go to popular places ASAP!
11:59
11:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:59Hello and welcome to The Language and Travel Hacking Podcast! In this episode, I’m tackling a big question: How can you make the most of iconic travel destinations before they become impossible to enjoy? While I’ve talked about exploring off-the-beaten-track gems in the past, this time I’m focusing on the classics—Rome, Paris, Bali—those famous spo…
…
continue reading

1
Future of travel: Avoiding the "hotspot problem"
12:19
12:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:19Are you tired of crowded hotspots and skyrocketing travel costs? On this episode of The Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I’m diving into the future of travel and tackling the “hotspot problem.” Recorded from bustling Bali, I’ll share my firsthand experience of how even off-peak seasons feel like peak season—and why this trend is happening globa…
…
continue reading

1
#426 - How I Use CONNECTORS and FILLERS to Speak English More Fluently — Learn This to Stop Sounding Like a Robot in English
33:56
33:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:56Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. If you have the issue of sounding like a robot when you speak English and not really being your true self, then today's lesson will be perfect for you. There are small but powerful tools called fillers and discourse markers that make your speech flow naturally and sound more conversa…
…
continue reading

1
Picking the right teacher for a language project
8:42
8:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:42As part of my Indonesian project ahead of travelling through the country, I’ve been testing out different tutors to find one who truly suits my learning style. From filtering by dialect, availability, and budget on platforms like italki to booking trial lessons with multiple tutors in one week, I’ve refined a method that ensures I get the best fit …
…
continue reading

1
#425 - How Many of These ENGLISH ACCENTS Can You Understand? — Learn 20 Different Accents from Around the World
41:56
41:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:56Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. English is fascinating thanks to the incredible variety of accents that make it a truly global language. Each accent tells its own story, adding richness, history, and personality to the way we communicate. In this episode, we’re celebrating that diversity by exploring 20 different E…
…
continue reading

1
Kicking off my 2025 language learning project
10:17
10:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:17I’m kicking off 2025 with a new language project: learning Bahasa Indonesia. I’ll be studying intensively in Bali for two months before exploring Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and beyond. Indonesian’s simplicity—no conjugations or noun genders—makes it one of the easiest languages I’ve started, but my focus isn’t on mastery. My goal is to reach a B1 conve…
…
continue reading

1
#424 - Test Your English! — Do You Know These 20 Advanced Expressions for Everyday Life? Improve Your Vocabulary for Real-Life Situations
36:20
36:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:20Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. The English language is packed with idiomatic expressions — those quirky phrases that often don't make sense if you take them literally. But once you learn how to use them, they can bring a whole new level of color, personality, and depth to your conversations! In this episode, we ex…
…
continue reading

1
#423 - 6 Great Movies in English That Defined My Childhood
34:50
34:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:50Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In today’s lesson, Ethan and Izzy dive into a lively discussion about their favorite childhood movies. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to practice your English with real, natural conversation! You’ll discover advanced expressions, get some great movie recommendations, and learn …
…
continue reading

1
#422 - 40 English Words You’re Probably Pronouncing Wrong (and How to Fix Them)
33:24
33:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:24Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. English pronunciation can be tricky — sometimes even the most common words trip us up! In today's episode, we’ll dive into some fascinating examples of words that are often mispronounced. We’ll share practical tips and clever tricks to help you master these challenging pronunciations…
…
continue reading

1
#421 - 6 Reasons You Still Feel NERVOUS When Speaking English — 6 Things Not to Do, How to Stop Feeling Insecure and Face the Fear of Making Mistakes in English
37:18
37:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:18Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. There are six common reasons why you might freeze up or feel nervous when it’s time to speak English. In today’s episode, Ksenia and Izzy dive deep into these challenges, sharing their personal experiences and practical insights to help you overcome them. You’ll learn the dos and don…
…
continue reading

1
AFP 193 - Comprehensible Input and Toki Pona with Joel ( jan Telakoman)
46:48
46:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:48In this episode I'm joined by Toki Pona speaker Joel, also known as jan Telakoman. During the call we discuss comprehensible input as one of the strongest ways to learn a new language, and we both share our experiences learning toki pona - a tiny, constructed language of only ~150 words. Joel's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@jantelakoman …
…
continue reading

1
#420 How I Achieved My Dream of Living in the U.S. as an English Learner —How I Went, Where, and My #1 Tip for You
32:13
32:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:13Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, I sit down with my co-host to ask him all about his unforgettable journey as a work-and-travel exchange student in the U.S. Hear all about his time working at a ski resort, the culture shocks he faced, the life lessons he gained, and how watching TV shows at home hel…
…
continue reading

1
Saving money with the world's easiest language
10:18
10:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:18In this episode, Benny shares his frugal travel plans for the upcoming New Year, featuring the Junulara Esperanto Renkontiĝo (Youth Esperanto Week) in Belgium. He explains how Esperanto events provide a unique mix of cultural immersion, affordable travel, and socializing with open-minded, language-loving individuals. From low-cost accommodation to …
…
continue reading

1
Announcing my big 2025 language and travel project!
8:08
8:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:08Benny Lewis shares his ambitious plans for 2025, which revolve around learning Indonesian and traveling across Indonesia. Following his 2024 adventure exploring every state in Brazil, Benny plans to spend the first two months of the new year in Bali. While Bali is a tourist hub, he intends to use it as a comfortable base for intensive language stud…
…
continue reading

1
#419 8 Great Apps for Practicing Your English Every Day
33:29
33:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:29Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, we dive into the world of apps that aren’t strictly about learning English but are perfect for helping you immerse yourself in the language. These tools can transform your everyday activities into opportunities for natural learning and fluency building. Whether it’s …
…
continue reading

1
What is it like to visit every state of Brazil?
11:53
11:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:53In this episode, Benny Lewis shares his journey of completing a long-time travel goal: visiting all 26 states of Brazil plus the federal district. Over the course of nine months, Benny explored the country deeply, opting for buses and boats whenever possible to immerse himself in authentic local experiences. He recounts highlights such as the breat…
…
continue reading

1
#418 The English Lesson Nobody Taught You — How I Became a Confident, Natural English Speaker (Without Textbooks)
28:13
28:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:13Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. The traditional school method may have helped you study English, but it didn’t prepare you to truly live it. That’s why communicating in English can still feel like a challenge. In today’s episode, we introduce the RealLife Way of learning English! Using a real-life news story, we’ll…
…
continue reading

1
#417 How to Stop Speaking English Slow, Like a Robot — Learn to Speak FAST, NATURAL English
45:28
45:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:28Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. If you feel like your English sounds slow and robotic, this lesson is going to help you to become a fast, natural English speaker. Also, this lesson is super practical. You're going to practice a lot with clips from great series, movies, songs, common proverbs, and tongue twisters. B…
…
continue reading

1
#416 How I Started to Speak English Naturally (in Any Situation) — 3 Things I Did
35:00
35:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:00Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Learn how to speak English naturally in any situation! In this lesson, discover how to use scripts to make meaningful conversations, avoid getting stuck when expressing yourself, and expand your vocabulary with confidence. Let’s build your fluency together! Show notes here. .........…
…
continue reading

1
Moving abroad: What to think about (part 2)
11:30
11:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:30In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, host Benny Lewis dives into part two of his guide to preparing for a potential move abroad. Building on the previous episode's core tips, Benny emphasizes the importance of considering how to financially sustain oneself while living in a new country. He discusses the challenges of finding …
…
continue reading

1
#415 Why Making Friends as an Adult is So Hard (and How I Build Friendships) — Podcast for English Learners
25:00
25:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:00Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, we dive into the challenges of adult friendships, why they’re so tricky, and practical ways to build genuine connections. Perfect for English learners, you’ll pick up real-life language skills while discovering tips to grow your social circle. Ready to make some mean…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking podcast, Benny Lewis dives into the essentials of planning a move abroad. Inspired by recent conversations with listeners and current events, Benny shares his insights on creating a solid foundation before relocating. He emphasizes the importance of careful planning, listing pros and cons of potent…
…
continue reading

1
AFP 192: Virtual Reality Language Learning with Katie Pascoe
1:17:23
1:17:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:23Katie from Dynamic Languages comes on the podcast to share what the future of virtual reality might look like. During the conversation we also cover topics like learning whilst travelling, language learning in schools, and much more. About Dynamic Languages: App on the Meta Store: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/dynamic-languages/48900533910…
…
continue reading

1
#414 10 Powerful Books That Will Transform Your English Fluency and Your Life
38:06
38:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:06Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Get ready for a powerful dose of inspiration and English learning in our latest episode! We’re diving into 10 life-changing books that helped shape our journeys — and will boost yours too. From popular reads like Atomic Habits to unique gems like the Leonardo da Vinci biography, we’l…
…
continue reading

1
Improving language skills through learning other new things
8:45
8:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:45In this episode, Benny shares a unique approach to language learning while traveling: enrolling in local classes for non-language subjects. Benny explains that by taking lessons in activities like dancing, cooking, or even martial arts, he gets valuable language exposure in real-world settings. He has experienced this firsthand, having learned sals…
…
continue reading

1
#413 Years of Study, But No Progress? Here's How to Level up from Intermediate to ADVANCED English — 5 Things You Should Stop Doing and 1 Method You Should Apply
35:21
35:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:21Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In today's episode, you'll learn where you're actually wasting time when learning English, and what you should stop doing. Instead, we will teach you a method that actually works! It has worked for us, has worked for our students, and it will definitely work for you! No more frustrat…
…
continue reading

1
Several tools to share your travel itinerary
12:39
12:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:39In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny dives into tools for sharing travel itineraries, inspired by his friend Derek Sivers. Benny discusses why sharing travel plans can be useful for friends and followers who want to stay updated on your whereabouts. He highlights simple tools like Google Docs for basic details and more …
…
continue reading