Russian from Zero to Hero

In this Russian podcast for B1–B2 learners, we discuss the book The Good Life and talk about happiness, relationships, loneliness, support, friendship, family, work, success, money, health, and modern life. You will learn useful Russian vocabulary and expressions while thinking about one of the most important questions: what actually makes life meaningful and happy? Listen to this Russian comprehe...

In this Russian podcast for B1–B2 learners, I share my honest insights after our bike trip across Kazakhstan. We planned a 1000 km cycling adventure, but nothing went as planned — and this trip changed the way I think. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 🎧Whatch my Rus...

In this Russian podcast for B1–B2 learners, we talk about the Blue Zones — places in the world where people live longer staing active. Listen to slow and clear Russian, learn useful Russian vocabulary about health, longevity, lifestyle, food, family, stress, habits, and active living, and practice Russian listening comprehension with a real-life topic. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and...

In this Russian podcast, I will give you Russian phrases that are spoken by hidden enemies - people close to you who actually wish you harm. Be sure to remember these Russian phrases so that you can immediately recognize your detractors! 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and readi...

In this Russian podcast, we discuss 4 types of luck, 3 of which depend on us, and I give practical advice on how to become more successful and how to deal with bad luck. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 🎧More Russian podcast episodes here . 00:00 — Вступление 01:00...

Why does a 30-minute task sometimes take all day? That's Parkinson's Law — and in this Russian podcast, you'll discover the two mental traps that make work expand to fill the time you give it. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. In this episode: • What is Parkinson's La...

🎧 This podcast is designed for intermediate Russian learners (B1–B2). Irina speaks slowly and clearly — perfect for Russian listening practice. Listen and read along — this story is designed for intermediate learners (B1–B2) who want to build real Russian vocabulary through context, not flashcards. Will you wither or bloom? 🌱 In this Russian story, we explore self-care through the surprising met...

Learn Russian through stories in this personal Russian podcast! If you can understand this Russian story about therapy, perfectionism, and a crazy cycling adventure across Kazakhstan — your Russian level is at least B1. This Russian comprehensible input podcast is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian vocabulary and listening through real, relatable topics. In this episode,...

In this Russian podcast episode, you'll learn how to give and receive compliments — the right formulas, the biggest mistakes, and the cultural nuances every Russian learner needs to know. ✅ What you'll learn: • Compliment vs. flattery: комплимент vs. лесть • 4 ready-to-use compliment formulas in Russian • The biggest red flags: why "но" (but) ruins every compliment • How to accept a compliment wi...

In this episode, we talk about the evolution of beauty standards for women in Russia — from the 17th century to today. Why have completely different types of appearance been considered ideal in different eras? And why is the idea of beauty so often linked to extremes and sacrifices? We explore how beauty standards have changed: — from the “rosy and healthy” look and status symbols of the 17th cent...

Hi! In this episode, we talk about the Four Burners Theory — a simple but powerful metaphor that helps explain why it’s impossible to do everything at once. Imagine that your life is like a stove with four burners: — family and loved ones — friends and social life — health — work and ambition If you turn all of them up to the maximum at the same time, none of the “burners” will work effectively en...

Hi! In this episode, we talk about money mindset — the beliefs about money that often quietly prevent us from earning more, saving money, and feeling calm and confident when it comes to finances. Why do so many people subconsciously fear wealth? Why do some people associate money with freedom, while others link it to stress, conflict, and guilt? In this episode, you’ll learn: — how limiting belief...

Hi! In this episode, we talk about money and financial habits. I break down the book The Richest Man in Babylon and share simple principles you can start applying in your life today. In this podcast, you’ll learn:  — why it’s important to save at least 10% of your income  — how to control your spending and avoid unnecessary expenses  — why your money shouldn’t just sit “under the mattress”  — how...

Hi! In this episode, I talk about what “steals” our energy and why many of us still feel tired even after resting. We’ll look at the main energy drainers — from sleep and eating habits to information overload, anxiety, and task overload. In this video, you’ll learn: — how your daily routine affects your energy levels — why quick snacks and dehydration can make fatigue worse — how coffee, alcohol,...

Hi! In this episode, we talk about sleep and daily routines. Why do we still feel tired even when we seem to be getting “enough” sleep? In this video, you’ll learn: — how gadgets affect sleep quality — the difference between “early birds” and “night owls” — what social jet lag is and why Mondays feel so hard — how to prepare your bedroom and your morning routine to fall asleep more easily and wake...

Hi! This is the final episode of my series about food. In this video, I share the eating principles I’ve developed over the past 10 years. You’ll learn why I no longer count calories, how I’m learning to stop when I’m full, why I meal prep for two weeks at a time, and which simple psychological tools help me avoid falling back into old patterns. This isn’t a perfect system or a set of strict rules...

Hi! This is a continuation of our conversation about food and habits. In the previous episode, I shared my personal story. Today, I speak honestly about my experience working with a psychologist and explain how to improve your relationship with food by working with your mindset — not just by following diets. You’ll find out why I was advised to buy 20 packs of chips at once, how to tell emotional...

Hi! In this episode, I share a very personal story about how my eating habits were shaped — from growing up in the 90s to the present day. I speak honestly about my “failures”: why food became a reward, how stress led to weight gain, and how my choreographer’s strict demands affected me. You’ll learn why I ate better in my student dorm than ever before, and how I’m trying to rebuild my relationshi...

In this episode, my husband and I take the love languages test together and talk honestly about our relationship. Listen to my first episode about love languages:  https://youtu.be/ZLmVqs2GHjA?si=-xUrjBXpUe9KNTOn We discover what makes each of us feel loved, what we actually need from each other, and why sometimes we don’t understand one another — even when we care deeply. This is a calm, sincere...

In this episode, I share the advice I would give myself 10 years ago. Real life lessons, mistakes, growth, and thoughts that came with time. This video is in slow, clear Russian, perfect for learners who want to improve listening and understand real spoken Russian through personal stories. What would you tell your younger self?  Write your thoughts in the comments. Watch, listen, and read the full...

In this episode, I share my entire year — month by month — in slow and clear Russian, perfect for A2–B1 learners. This is a very personal story about real life: work, burnout, success, mistakes, travels, moving countries, hobbies, health, learning, teaching, and difficult decisions.  You will hear: • what worked and what didn’t • how my plans changed again and again • why some goals failed and oth...

In this episode, we talk about temperaments — and how they explain the way you think, feel, react, and communicate with other people. Who is the most positive and energetic? Who is the most emotional and sensitive? Who is a natural leader? And who stays calm and doesn’t worry too much? You’ll learn: -who sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic people are -why different temperaments exist a...

In this episode, you’ll learn about Kazakhstan’s culture, traditions, languages, and people — all in slow, clear Russian. Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want to improve listening, learn real vocabulary, and understand Russian through meaningful stories, not boring rules. Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/russian_fromzerotohero 19. Do they speak Russia...

Learn Russian with slow, clear speech. In this episode, we talk about five love languages — five unique ways people express and understand love. You’ll learn how to recognize your own love language, understand what makes you feel loved, and see why knowing your partner’s love language can completely transform your relationships. Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon: https://www.pa...

Learn Russian with slow, clear speech. In this episode of Russian from Zero to Hero, we explore Kazakhstan through its languages: why Kazakh is the state language, how Russian works there, where English fits in—and what bilingualism looks like in daily life. I share my firsthand experience growing up there, plus why many Russians don’t speak Kazakh. Turn on subtitles and improve your Russian natur...