Best Learn Languages with LingoSteve Podcasts (2025)

In this video, I explain why our motivation to learn a language can fade—and how shifting your mindset can help you stay focused on long-term progress.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to decide which language to learn 6:02

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1M ago6:02

6:02

In this video, I talk about how we choose which language to learn—and what factors are worth considering.By Steve Kaufmann

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Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right 5:22

1M ago5:22

5:22

Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann

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Struggle with language anxiety? Try this approach 7:27

2M ago7:27

7:27

Language anxiety is real, but you can beat it. This simple formula helps.By Steve Kaufmann

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AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it 10:41

2M ago10:41

10:41

In this video, I share why I'm optimistic about the future of language learning and how we can use tools like ChatGPT or NotebookLM to create our own learning materials.By Steve Kaufmann

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Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them) 6:33

2M ago6:33

6:33

In this video, I talk about the role of questions in language learning—when they’re helpful, and when they can actually get in the way of enjoyable, low-stress learning.By Steve Kaufmann

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Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s 6:13

2M ago6:13

6:13

In this video, I talk about how memory changes as we age and what that means for older adults learning languages.By Steve Kaufmann

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Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update 12:33

2M ago12:33

12:33

In this video, I talk about my experience learning Persian as well as the challenges and successes I’ve had along the way.By Steve Kaufmann

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How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning 8:07

3M ago8:07

8:07

In this video, I share my impressions of Google's NotebookLM and discuss how I'm planning to use it for language learning.By Steve Kaufmann

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Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you) 6:52

3M ago6:52

6:52

In this video, I talk about why I’m skeptical of language tests and their ability to accurately assess someone’s language level.By Steve Kaufmann

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Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? 6:16

3M ago6:16

6:16

Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann

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Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this 10:26

3M ago10:26

10:26

In this video, I talk about the challenge of understanding more than you can say, and share strategies for turning passive vocabulary into active vocabulary.By Steve Kaufmann

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My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language 11:39

4M ago11:39

11:39

In this video, I talk about key ideas from Jeff Haden’s book The Motivation Myth and share my take on how motivation really works in language learning.By Steve Kaufmann

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STOP chasing perfection and START making progress 10:36

4M ago10:36

10:36

In this video I talk about why perfectionism has no place in language learning and how our brains actually use mistakes to learn.By Steve Kaufmann

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Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent 7:37

4M ago7:37

7:37

In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.By Steve Kaufmann

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Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead) 10:30

4M ago10:30

10:30

In this video, I talk about how comparison can either inspire or discourage you when learning a language — and how I approach it to make sure my motivation doesn’t suffer.By Steve Kaufmann

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Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how ‪@BijuuMike‬ is learning Japanese 28:35

5M ago28:35

28:35

In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.By Steve Kaufmann

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How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning 10:14

5M ago10:14

10:14

In this video I talk about why we need both novelty and repetition in our language learning routine, and how to strike a balance between the two.By Steve Kaufmann

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Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead) 10:47

5M ago10:47

10:47

Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?By Steve Kaufmann

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Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French? 14:45

5M ago14:45

14:45

Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?By Steve Kaufmann

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Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more 22:07

6M ago22:07

22:07

In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.By Steve Kaufmann

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My daily goal for language learning (and why it works) 7:12

6M ago7:12

7:12

In this video, I talk about how focusing on understanding first sets me up for better speaking skills down the road.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi 13:27

6M ago13:27

13:27

Is immersion-based learning effective for completely unfamiliar languages? I think so! Watch as I take on Punjabi with LingQ in my latest video.By Steve Kaufmann

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10 things I never do when learning a language 10:39

6M ago10:39

10:39

10 things I never do when learning a language by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann

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How I actually use LingQ to learn languages 9:57

6M ago9:57

9:57

Motivation, time, and the ability to notice are all key to language learning. In this video, I share how I use LingQ to make the most of all three.By Steve Kaufmann

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Start a language from scratch (the natural way) 11:58

7M ago11:58

11:58

In this video, I share how to start learning a language from scratch in a way that aligns with how our brains naturally learn.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to revive a language you’ve forgotten 16:03

7M ago16:03

16:03

Worried you’ve forgotten a language? Reviving it might be easier than you think! In this video, I share my step-by-step plan and discuss my experiences with Turkish, Arabic, and Persian over the years.By Steve Kaufmann

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4 mindset pillars for language learners 10:59

7M ago10:59

10:59

In this video, I discuss the concept of cultural weightlessness and share how Taoist philosophy has shaped my language learning journey.By Steve Kaufmann

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6 reasons I still buy language books in 2025 8:13

7M ago8:13

8:13

In this video, I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paper books for language learning.By Steve Kaufmann

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7 reasons to listen before you read 8:11

8M ago8:11

8:11

In this video, I share 7 reasons why I prefer listening before reading when learning a new language.By Steve Kaufmann

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New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment? 9:35

8M ago9:35

9:35

New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment? by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann

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The neuroscience behind sticking to your resolutions 9:33

8M ago9:33

9:33

As 2025 approaches, I wanted to explore how personal traits influence our plans and actions — and why it’s important to consider them when making New Year’s resolutions.By Steve Kaufmann

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This Italian polyglot speaks 15 languages. What’s his secret? (feat. ‪@LucaLampariello‬) 48:26

8M ago48:26

48:26

In this video, my friend @LucaLampariello and I explore how input, pronunciation, and mindset shape language learning success.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to use YouTube to boost your language skills 12:48

9M ago12:48

12:48

In this video, I share why I believe YouTube is the best platform for learning languages and how both teachers and students can make the most of it.By Steve Kaufmann

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STOP doing these 7 things to START crushing your language goals 13:09

9M ago13:09

13:09

In this video, I share 7 things to stop doing right now to avoid hindering your language learning progress and start enjoying the process.By Steve Kaufmann

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10x your vocabulary growth with this language challenge 7:02

9M ago7:02

7:02

In this video, I share my personal experience with reading in different languages and explain why reading a book is an important milestone for a language learner.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to pick the right language book for self-study 16:02

9M ago16:02

16:02

In this video I share my experience with language textbooks and some tips on how to choose the right one.By Steve Kaufmann

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5 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language 11:24

10M ago11:24

11:24

5 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann

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The best app for learning a language on your own 14:12

10M ago14:12

14:12

LingQ was recently recognized as the most effective language learning app by an independent research organization. In this video, I talk about what sets LingQ apart from other apps and methods.By Steve Kaufmann

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How much Turkish did I learn in 7 months? Traveling to Turkey 20:27

10M ago20:27

20:27

Curious about the progress you can make in 7 months of intensive language study? In this video, I’m sharing my experience traveling to Turkey after seven months of Turkish study.By Steve Kaufmann

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10 tips for managing your time as a language learner 8:20

10M ago8:20

8:20

In this video, I’m sharing 10 tips to help you make the most of your time when learning a language.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to learn any Romance language 13:20

10M ago13:20

13:20

I discovered my passion for French as a university student, and since then, I’ve learned not only French but also Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese. In this video, I share my approach to learning Romance languages.By Steve Kaufmann

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Develop a reading habit in 5 simple steps 11:42

11M ago11:42

11:42

I've talked about the benefits of reading many times before—today, I’m sharing how to turn it into a lasting habit.By Steve Kaufmann

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7 tips for speaking better in any language 9:20

11M ago9:20

9:20

Struggling to speak fluently in a foreign language? In this video I share 7 practical tips that will help you communicate better without stressing over grammar or pronunciation.By Steve Kaufmann

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How to find the perfect language tutor 11:49

11M ago11:49

11:49

Throughout my language-learning journey, I've had many good tutors. In this video, I’ll highlight the 6 key qualities that make a tutor truly exceptional.By Steve Kaufmann

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Are there problems with being a polyglot? 10:27

11M ago10:27

10:27

In this video, I discuss the pros and cons of learning many languages, from cultural connections to language interference.By Steve Kaufmann

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80/20 rule: learn any language with the Pareto principle 10:32

12M ago10:32

10:32

In this video, I discuss the 80/20 rule and how it applies to language learning. I'll explain why I don’t worry about high-frequency words and how balancing big-picture input with focused study has been helping me make progress in Turkish.By Steve Kaufmann

Learn Languages With LingoSteve Podcasts