Best Polyglot Progress Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Stop Translating in Your Head (Without Forcing It) 15:43

Play Pause

13h ago15:43

15:43

You're trying to have a conversation. Someone says something to you. And before you can respond, your brain does this: it translates what they said into your native language, then translates your response back into the target language, then checks if it's grammatically correct, then— And by the time you've done all of that, the moment has passed. T…

1
What to Do When You Understand Everything But Can't Speak 15:43

13h ago15:43

15:43

You can understand so much. You listen to podcasts and actually follow what's being said. You watch shows without subtitles. You read articles and get the nuance. You've put in the work. You've consumed hours and hours of input. But then someone asks you a question in your target language — and you freeze. The words are in your head. You know them.…

1
How to Set Language Learning Goals That Don't Burn You Out 12:37

13h ago12:37

12:37

New year. Fresh start. And maybe you're sitting down right now thinking, This is it. This is the year I get serious about my language learning. You want to set goals. You want to make progress. You want to finally feel like you're getting somewhere. But here's the thing — every time you've done this before, one of two things happens. Either you set…

1
How to Build a Language Routine That Doesn't Rely on Willpower 15:43

22h ago15:43

15:43

You start strong. You tell yourself, "This time it's going to be different. I'm going to study every day. Thirty minutes, no excuses." And for a while, you actually do it. You show up. You put in the time. You feel proud. But then life happens. Work gets busy. You get sick. You're just... tired. And suddenly, that routine you built? It falls apart.…

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512: The ONE language rule you should ALWAYS break 15:04

5m ago15:04

15:04

👉Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources: https://l.storylearning.com/binge-resources Can you really perfect your accent to the point where no-one knows you're not a native speaker? You can get close, even as an adult, but the real question is - is it actually worth the time and effort? Link mentioned in this episode: Speaking Accent-Free in L2 Beyon…

1
511: The ONLY study habit that actually makes you fluent 11:42

13d ago11:42

11:42

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/set_goals Success in language learning almost always comes down to a very small number of things done well. Successful language learners understand what those few things are, and they do them very consistently and very well. And thanks to this episode, you're going to join them. 👉 …

1
The Seasons of Fluency: Why Your Progress Doesn't Feel Linear 14:04

10d ago14:04

14:04

You've been working so hard. Studying every day. Listening to podcasts. Reading articles. Practicing with a tutor. And for a while, it felt like you were getting somewhere. You could feel yourself improving. New words stuck. Conversations got easier. You were making progress. But now? Now it feels like you've hit a wall. You're doing the same thing…

1
510: Why you can understand a language but can't speak 12:49

13d ago12:49

12:49

👉 Grab your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://l.storylearning.com/goal-planner Struggling to bridge the gap between understanding and speaking? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too, specifically when I learned Japanese. Discover the exact steps I took to go from silent to confident Japanese speaker. Links mentioned in this episode: 🗣️ LanguaTalk…

1
How to Actually Use What You're Learning (Before You Feel Ready) 12:51

13d ago12:51

12:51

You understand so much now. You can follow podcasts. You can read articles. You can watch shows without subtitles and actually get what's happening. But when it's your turn to speak? Nothing comes out. Or maybe something comes out — but it's slow, halting, nothing like the fluency you hear when you're listening. And you think: I'm just not ready ye…

1
Why Your Vocabulary Doesn't Stick (And What Actually Works) 14:31

13d ago14:31

14:31

You've studied this word a hundred times. You know it when you see it. You've written it down. You've reviewed it on flashcards. You've even used it correctly in exercises. But when you actually need it — mid-conversation, mid-sentence — it's gone. And you think: What's wrong with me? Why can't I remember words I've literally drilled for months? Yo…

1
What to Do When You Lose Your Streak (And Your Motivation) 13:43

15d ago13:43

13:43

You open the app. The number's gone. 47 days. 83 days. 120 days. Whatever it was — it's reset to zero. And suddenly, all that work feels like it disappeared. Maybe you feel defeated — like you're not where you thought you'd be by now. Or maybe you feel annoyed, even betrayed. The app promised fluency. The influencer said it was simple. You followed…

1
509: The hidden danger of AI language learning 17:28

14d ago17:28

17:28

👉 Grab your FREE Tips for Learning a Language with AI (inside the Bonus section of my FREE StoryLearning Kit): https://l.storylearning.com/fluency_AI The Black Friday offer mentioned in this video is no longer available. If you’ve learned languages in the last week or two, have you used AI? AI has landed like a rock in a pond in the last couple of…

1
508: How to actually learn a language in 12 months 11:40

28d ago11:40

11:40

👉 Grab your FREE Language Difficulty Guide: https://l.storylearning.com/difficulty Can you really learn a language in 12 months? Definitely, with the right mindset, approach and effort. To give you inspiration for and insight into fast language learning, I look back on two of my wildest language learning challenges: Thai in 2 weeks and Italian in 3…

1
Why Your Brain Feels Foggy (And What Actually Helps) 10:32

1M ago10:32

10:32

You're mid-conversation, and suddenly... nothing. Your brain shuts down. The words you know disappear. You feel slow, stuck, like you're wading through fog. Most language learning advice tells you to push through — study harder, practice more, build stamina. But what if the fog isn't a sign you need to do more? What if it's a sign you need to do so…

1
507: I don't maintain my languages...and you shouldn't either 10:14

1M ago10:14

10:14

👉 Grab your FREE Binge-Worthy Resources for Fluency: https://l.storylearning.com/binge I’ve learned eight languages - so how on earth do I maintain them all? It’s a question people often ask me. And my answer surprises and confuses them. Find out why. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com…

1
506: Spanish vs Italian - which is easier to learn? 14:18

2M ago14:18

14:18

👉 Get your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty_ES_IT Spanish vs Italian: which is easier to learn for native English speakers? I’ve learned both - find out which one I found easier and why and which one I recommend you learn. And above all, how long would it take to pass my famous fluency "pub test" in these languages? 👉 Got…

1
505: Are hard languages even worth it? 16:29

2M ago16:29

16:29

👉 Grab your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty-guide-super-hard 👉 Get your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal-planner-super-hard Are super hard languages like Japanese or Mandarin worth learning? I've learned three of the world's hardest languages, Japanese, Cantonese and Arabic. These category five …

1
504: How I learn languages fast without studying 17:06

2M ago17:06

17:06

👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_CI What if you could learn a language without studying? Discover how to learn a language through reading and listening instead of memorising and drilling. Find out where to find the right materials as a beginner, why children's books don't work, and the 6-step process for learnin…

1
Input Without Overload 7:40

2M ago7:40

7:40

When you stop flooding your mind, you start hearing the subtle sounds again — the way a phrase bends, the way tone carries emotion.That’s where language becomes music. Fluency isn’t about how many voices you collect.It’s about which ones echo in your own. So if you’ve been overwhelmed, take this as permission to slow down.Silence can be input, too …

1
The "Think It First" Week 8:59

2M ago8:59

8:59

Fluency doesn’t begin when you open your mouth.It begins when you hear yourself thinking differently. When your thoughts hum in another language — even softly, even clumsily — that’s the sound of your mind expanding.It’s proof that fluency isn’t something you chase; it’s something you become. So take this week slowly.Don’t rush. Don’t measure.Just …

1
The 10-Minute Window 9:01

2M ago9:01

9:01

When people talk about fluency, they talk about speed, grammar, confidence.But what I’ve learned is this:Fluency is built in small, private moments of attention — the kind no one else sees. The 10-Minute Window is proof that your life is already spacious enough for growth.You don’t need to find time. You need to notice it. Because when you open tha…

1
Duolingo: Does It Really Make You Fluent? 8:33

2M ago8:33

8:33

Gamified learning works because it lowers the emotional wall.It tells your brain: “This is safe. This is fun.”But eventually, fluency asks for more than fun — it asks for presence. Presence happens when you stop chasing points and start chasing meaning.When you look at a sentence and think, Who would actually say this?When you hear yourself laugh i…

1
Welcome To "The Fluency Fix" 10:24

2M ago10:24

10:24

Fluency doesn’t begin with more time — it begins with attention.The moment you notice yourself thinking in the language — even for a few seconds — you’ve already changed. This podcast is here to help you notice more often.To help you find the quiet confidence between your words. So whether you’re learning English, French, Arabic, Japanese, or Russi…

1
503: You don't ACTUALLY need grammar 19:37

2M ago19:37

19:37

👉 Grab your FREE Study Sheet: https://storylearning.com/free_grammar_vocab_sheet Stop obsessing over grammar rules! Discover why grammar study shouldn't be your focus, especially as a beginner language learner. Find out where to put your time and energy instead. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storyl…

1
502: The hidden cost of learning two languages at once 16:03

2M ago16:03

16:03

👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_2_languages Want to learn multiple languages? Here's the truth nobody tells you: there's a specific level you need to reach in your first language before starting another. Miss this, and you'll stay stuck at beginner level in both. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the …

1
501: The real reason I wrote my language story books 19:27

2M ago19:27

19:27

👉 Get your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/fluency_blueprint I've sold over 1.5 million copies of my short story books for language learners. But why did I write them all those years ago at my parent's kitchen table? Get the unfiltered, untold story of my books, including details of new languages coming soon. 👉 Got a question you …

1
500: Meet the viral brain scan guy who speaks 26 languages 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

👉 Grab your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/freefluencyblueprint Vaughn Smith is a 26-language polyglot who had his brain scanned at MIT. Discover the man behind the scan and the surprisingly simple ways he learned so many languages. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com…

1
Your Inner Voice In English 8:09

3M ago8:09

8:09

Have you ever felt trapped by translation? Every English sentence has to pass through your first language before you can speak—and by then, the moment is gone. In this episode of *The Fluency Fix*, we explore how to rewire your inner voice to think directly in English. Through personal stories and practical tools, I’ll show you how fragments, fille…

1
Confidence Is a Conversation, Not a Performance 7:01

3M ago7:01

7:01

Have you ever felt like every time you speak English, it turns into a performance? The spotlight’s on you, the pressure builds, and suddenly even simple conversations feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Fluency Fix, we explore why confidence in English is less about perfection and more about presence. I’ll share a personal story from my own l…

1
426: Which language should I think in? 11:52

3y ago11:52

11:52

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 possi…

1
425: The anatomy of a language learning "masterplan" 42:49

3+ y ago42:49

42:49

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 o…

1
424 - Behind the scenes at the StoryLearning team retreat in Turkey 13:23

3+ y ago13:23

13:23

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.

1
Announcement: New intermediate StoryLearning courses! 5:50

3+ y ago5:50

5:50

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…

Polyglot Progress Podcasts

1
Polyglot Progress Podcast

Polyglot Progress

1
StoryLearning Podcast

Olly Richards

1
The Fluency Fix

The Immersion Studio

1
How to Stop Translating in Your Head (Without Forcing It) 15:43

1
What to Do When You Understand Everything But Can't Speak 15:43

1
How to Set Language Learning Goals That Don't Burn You Out 12:37

1
How to Build a Language Routine That Doesn't Rely on Willpower 15:43

1
512: The ONE language rule you should ALWAYS break 15:04

1
511: The ONLY study habit that actually makes you fluent 11:42

1
The Seasons of Fluency: Why Your Progress Doesn't Feel Linear 14:04

1
510: Why you can understand a language but can't speak 12:49

1
How to Actually Use What You're Learning (Before You Feel Ready) 12:51

1
Why Your Vocabulary Doesn't Stick (And What Actually Works) 14:31

1
What to Do When You Lose Your Streak (And Your Motivation) 13:43

1
509: The hidden danger of AI language learning 17:28

1
508: How to actually learn a language in 12 months 11:40

1
Why Your Brain Feels Foggy (And What Actually Helps) 10:32

1
507: I don't maintain my languages...and you shouldn't either 10:14

1
506: Spanish vs Italian - which is easier to learn? 14:18

1
505: Are hard languages even worth it? 16:29

1
504: How I learn languages fast without studying 17:06

1
Input Without Overload 7:40

1
The "Think It First" Week 8:59

1
The 10-Minute Window 9:01

1
Duolingo: Does It Really Make You Fluent? 8:33

1
Welcome To "The Fluency Fix" 10:24

1
503: You don't ACTUALLY need grammar 19:37

1
502: The hidden cost of learning two languages at once 16:03

1
501: The real reason I wrote my language story books 19:27

1
500: Meet the viral brain scan guy who speaks 26 languages 48:06

1
Your Inner Voice In English 8:09

1
Confidence Is a Conversation, Not a Performance 7:01

1
426: Which language should I think in? 11:52

1
425: The anatomy of a language learning "masterplan" 42:49

1
424 - Behind the scenes at the StoryLearning team retreat in Turkey 13:23

1
Announcement: New intermediate StoryLearning courses! 5:50