I speak 20 languages. I've been learning languages for over 50 years and I've tried all kinds of approaches. I talk about my experiences, my approach to language learning, what I enjoy about learning languages and all manner of other topics related to language. If you love languages, or think you would if you hadn't been discouraged by past experiences, this is the podcast for you. Anyone can learn a language. You just need the right attitude and the right approach!
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Learn Languages With LingoSteve Podcasts

1
Why motivation fades (and how I deal with it)
7:24
7:24
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7:24In 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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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
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5:22Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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51
Struggle with language anxiety? Try this approach
7:27
7:27
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7:27Language anxiety is real, but you can beat it. This simple formula helps.By Steve Kaufmann
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51
AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it
10:41
10:41
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10:41In 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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101
Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)
6:33
6:33
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6:33In 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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101
Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s
6:13
6:13
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6:13In 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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1
Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update
12:33
12:33
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12:33In 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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1
How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning
8:07
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8:07In 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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1
Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you)
6:52
6:52
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6:52In 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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1
Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better?
6:16
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6:16Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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1
Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this
10:26
10:26
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10:26In 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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1
My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language
11:39
11:39
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11:39In 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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1
STOP chasing perfection and START making progress
10:36
10:36
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10:36In 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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1
Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent
7:37
7:37
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7:37In 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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1
Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)
10:30
10:30
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10:30In 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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1
Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how @BijuuMike is learning Japanese
28:35
28:35
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28:35In 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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1
How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning
10:14
10:14
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10:14In 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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1
Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)
10:47
10:47
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10:47Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?By Steve Kaufmann
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1
Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?
14:45
14:45
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14:45Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?By Steve Kaufmann
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1
Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more
22:07
22:07
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22:07In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.By Steve Kaufmann
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1
My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)
7:12
7:12
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7:12In 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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1
How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi
13:27
13:27
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13:27Is 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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1
10 things I never do when learning a language
10:39
10:39
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10:3910 things I never do when learning a language by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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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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1
Start a language from scratch (the natural way)
11:58
11:58
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11:58In 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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1
How to revive a language you’ve forgotten
16:03
16:03
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16:03Worried 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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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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1
6 reasons I still buy language books in 2025
8:13
8:13
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8:13In this video, I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paper books for language learning.By Steve Kaufmann
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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? by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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1
The neuroscience behind sticking to your resolutions
9:33
9:33
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9:33As 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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1
This Italian polyglot speaks 15 languages. What’s his secret? (feat. @LucaLampariello)
48:26
48:26
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48:26In this video, my friend @LucaLampariello and I explore how input, pronunciation, and mindset shape language learning success.By Steve Kaufmann
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1
How to use YouTube to boost your language skills
12:48
12:48
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12:48In 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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1
STOP doing these 7 things to START crushing your language goals
13:09
13:09
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13:09In 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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1
10x your vocabulary growth with this language challenge
7:02
7:02
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7:02In 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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1
How to pick the right language book for self-study
16:02
16:02
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16:02In 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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1
5 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language
11:24
11:24
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11:245 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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1
The best app for learning a language on your own
14:12
14:12
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14:12LingQ 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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1
How much Turkish did I learn in 7 months? Traveling to Turkey
20:27
20:27
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20:27Curious 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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1
10 tips for managing your time as a language learner
8:20
8:20
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8:20In 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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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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1
Develop a reading habit in 5 simple steps
11:42
11:42
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11:42I'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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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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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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1
Are there problems with being a polyglot?
10:27
10:27
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10:27In 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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1
80/20 rule: learn any language with the Pareto principle
10:32
10:32
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10:32In 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
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In today's video, I talk about how I'm using ChatGPT to learn languages with a focus on comprehensible input.By Steve Kaufmann
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1
The entrepreneur’s guide to learning languages
8:59
8:59
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8:59The entrepreneur’s guide to learning languages by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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1
Why extensive reading is so effective for language learning
10:22
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10:22Have you heard of extensive reading? If not, in today's video you'll learn what it is and how I use this strategy to acquire vocabulary and grammar!By Steve Kaufmann
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