The Actual Fluency Podcast for Language Learners

Kris Broholm reviews the second half of the previous podcast season, sharing behind-the-scenes thoughts. He explains his decision to continue the show, highlighting the value of language learning and cultural exploration. Kris also revisits episode 125 with Joey Perugino, organizer of LangFest.

Kris Broholm, joined by a guest, reviews lessons learned from the podcast's past 18 episodes. He provides behind-the-scenes details, updates on his language learning, and discusses the podcast's future plans.

Kris Broholm interviews Miroslav Šedivý, a long-time supporter, about his language learning journey. Miroslav shares his origin story, detailing early exposure to Slovak, Czech, Hungarian, Croatian, and German through family, travel, and television in Bratislava. Kris acknowledges Miroslav's significant contributions to the podcast's success.

Kris and Josh Koehn discuss Josh's early language learning journey. Born in California, Josh was inspired by his diverse community, starting Spanish in fourth grade. He also began learning Chinese from books at a young age, fascinated by the culture.

Kris Broholm welcomes Conor Clyne to explore his unique experiences traveling and dating across Eastern Europe. Conor highlights how his language abilities facilitate deeper connections and shares practical tips for navigating the region.

Kris Broholm hosts Dave Prine for a "Polyglot Therapy" discussion. Dave offers Kris advice on language learning, helping him navigate personal challenges and reconsider his "ten languages in ten years" goal. Kris gains clarity, deciding to shift focus towards a reporting role in the language community.

Kris Broholm and Dave Prime continue their discussion on polyglotism and existentialism. They explore managing ambitious language goals, the value of dabbling, and overcoming comparison to others. Dave helps Kris address his own language learning mindset.

Kris Broholm and guest Mike Campbell discuss effective language learning strategies. They explore the importance of repetition and context, along with the dynamics of input versus output in language acquisition. Campbell shares his academic insights on why specific learning methods are effective.

Kris Broholm interviews polyglot pioneer Susanna Zaraysky about her work with music and endangered languages. They discuss her books and a feature film focusing on Ladino, an endangered language. Susanna also shares insights from her personal language learning experiences.

Kris Broholm interviews Azren, The Language Nerd, about his language journey and the languages he speaks. They discuss common psychological traps the brain sets in language learning and practical ways to overcome these difficulties.

Kris Broholm hosts Joey Perugino, an organizer of LangFest, to discuss his personal bilingual upbringing. They explore the upcoming LangFest event in Montreal, with Kris encouraging listeners to experience language conferences.

Kris Broholm interviews Alexander Mynzak, a polyglot with a PhD in linguistics, about his journey opening a language school. They discuss transforming language learning passion and skills into a full-time career, offering an alternative to traditional certification paths. Mynzak shares his experience teaching English and translation studies.

Kris Broholm and Daniel Welsch discuss Daniel's move from America to Madrid, Spain. They explore how he achieved a high level of Spanish fluency, assimilated locally, and offers practical tips for living abroad. Daniel also shares advice on starting an English teaching business in Spain.

Kris Broholm welcomes Artem Nazarov, who shares insights on learning multiple similar languages in quick succession. Nazarov also recounts his experience being tested on a Russian TV program alongside fellow polyglot Amir Udibayav.

Kris Broholm interviews Belgian polyglot Lukas Van Vyve. They discuss practical methods and "non-obvious wisdom" for learning languages, often contrasting with traditional school teachings, drawing from Lukas's experience with 12-week challenges.

Kris Broholm and his guest explore how learning new languages positively influences mental health. They discuss specific benefits, such as increased cognitive resilience and social connection, and share how language acquisition can support overall well-being.

Kris Broholm interviews Quinn Taber about his immersive experience learning Arabic in the Middle East. They discuss practical tips for incorporating immersion from anywhere, evaluating its effectiveness, and whether other methods are necessary. Quinn also shares insights from his immersion-focused language learning startup.

Kris Broholm interviews Mihalis Eleftheriou, creator of the Language Transfer method. They discuss the unique approach of his free language courses and how they differ from other teaching techniques. Kris also highlights the importance of supporting the Language Transfer project.

Kris Broholm welcomes Robin MacPherson to discuss practical strategies for maintaining language skills. They explore effective methods for keeping learned languages active and preventing fluency loss over time.

Kris Broholm interviews Gabriel Wyner, author of Fluent Forever, about his recent successful Kickstarter campaign. Wyner shares details on raising over $500,000 for his new Fluent Forever language learning app. They also discuss insights gained from his previous Kickstarter for pronunciation trainers.

Kris Broholm welcomes Alex Voloza, who shares his two-decade language learning journey. Alex discusses how his personal history and a transformative tutor shaped his path as a polyglot. They explore the connection between mindfulness practices and effective language acquisition.

Kris Broholm interviews Kalle Wångstedt about his unique journey into language learning as an adult. They discuss Kalle's progression and experiences, touching upon how he first became interested in languages and his current status.

Kris Broholm discusses the differences between learning languages as a freelancer versus holding a full-time job. He shares his experience navigating a new multilingual work environment and details his progress in Russian and Spanish, leveraging daily interactions with colleagues for practice.

Kris Broholm welcomes Sarah Barrett of Lingotastic to discuss introducing foreign languages to very young children. They explore practical methods for teaching languages to babies and toddlers.

Kris Broholm interviews Michael Mischkot, an Austrian polyglot who applies an engineering perspective to language learning. Mischkot shares his personal techniques and insights for improving language learning efficiency. He also discusses his book, Smile, Talk, Cheesecake, detailing his findings.