#083 Michael Sullivan: Language Learning Unlocked Why Apps Aren't Enough

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"I've been doing Duolingo for over a year, completed the entire Spanish course, and still can't hold a conversation." Sound familiar? In this myth-busting episode, language teacher Michael Sullivan reveals the crucial missing piece in your language learning journey—human connection.

Discover why your brain needs more than gamified apps to achieve fluency, the exact moment when you stop translating in your head, and why that embarrassment you feel is actually your biggest barrier to mastery. Michael shares why language families matter, how Portuguese took him just weeks after mastering Spanish, and the counterintuitive reason why being tired might actually improve your speaking skills.

Whether you've hit the dreaded app plateau or feel like a five-year-old when attempting conversation, Michael offers science-backed daily practices that build true fluency without the burnout. Learn why 20 minutes daily trumps weekend cramming, when AI tools actually help, and the unexpected technique that will have you thinking in your target language faster than you thought possible.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Michael Sullivan, a language teacher who proves anyone can master a new language with the right approach. After mastering Spanish, he picked up Portuguese in just months. Michael teaches at Speak Better Spanish, where he helps students overcome the app-learning plateau through real human connection.

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

Speak Better Spanish - Michael's teaching platform
iTalki - Recommended platform for finding language teachers
Anki - Mentioned as a spaced repetition system app
Duolingo - Language learning app
Rosetta Stone - Language learning platform
Memorise/Memrise - Language learning platform

Support the show

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Michael's journey to Spanish fluency (00:00:31)

3. Why language apps fall short (00:01:18)

4. Adult vs. childhood language learning (00:02:31)

5. Beyond apps: better learning methods (00:03:49)

6. Intensive vs. extensive learning approaches (00:05:06)

7. Overcoming language learning anxiety (00:08:26)

8. How languages connect and diverge (00:11:23)

9. Why some languages take longer to learn (00:14:35)

10. Why your third language is easier (00:18:00)

11. When languages mix in your brain (00:20:42)

12. Effective memory systems for language (00:22:48)

13. When you start thinking in a new language (00:26:13)

14. AI tools for language learning (00:29:52)

15. Daily practice vs. marathon sessions (00:33:50)

16. Words that mean their opposite (00:38:24)

17. Resources beyond Duolingo (00:40:10)

18. Can adults master new languages? (00:42:12)

19. The staircase model of language learning (00:44:36)

20. Call to Action: Connect with Michael and Cody (00:46:13)

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