Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann
Steve Kaufmann
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 10min
The pros and cons of Duolingo
A concise look at Duolingo’s massive reach and how gamification fueled its growth. Discussion of engagement versus deep learning and why vocabulary gains can be limited. Tips for using Duolingo as a habit-building gateway and then shifting to listening-focused comprehensible input. Advice on circular learning and why encountering word forms in context matters.
Mar 19, 2026 • 13min
I learned Japanese in 1971. Here’s how I would do it now
After learning Japanese in Tokyo in 1971 and speaking it for over 50 years, I share the five things I'd do differently today.
7 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 10min
Is AI about to make education worse?
A conversation about whether AI will simply speed up a broken education system or enable real change. Discussion of brain-friendly circular learning and varied exposure versus stepwise ladders. Thoughts on oral, regenerative testing and AI-generated varied content. Concerns about cheating and students skipping deep reading. A call to redesign schooling to foster curiosity and intrinsic motivation.
9 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 7min
The 3-part routine that helped me learn 20+ languages
A science-based daily routine split into three parts to match when the brain learns best. Morning listening for fresh-brain exposure during commutes or exercise. Short midday practices and social conversation to reinforce material. Evening review and sleep consolidation to lock in learning. Practical tips on time management and staying motivated.
6 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 9min
Brain rot is real. Fight it with language learning
They dig into how addictive short-form videos erode attention and contribute to anxiety and isolation. The conversation traces historical perspectives on retreat and compares meaningful learning to mindless scrolling. Practical approaches include favoring longer audio and text for language study, using social media as a springboard, and balancing gamified motivation with deep input.
Feb 19, 2026 • 11min
The grammar trap: 5 mistakes most learners make
A lively take on five common grammar misconceptions that trap language learners. It argues for absorbing words and sounds before formal rules. It questions drills, tests, and constant correction. It shows that "basic" grammar differs by language and suggests studying rules after lots of exposure.
Feb 12, 2026 • 10min
Feeling STUCK in a language? Here's why
Steve talks about why early rapid progress slows and how many low-frequency words and new scripts create a long learning road. He shows that choosing engaging subject matter—like history or topics you love—boosts motivation, memory, and repeated exposure. He explains how reducing stress and chasing flow helps you stick with a language and plans a subject-focused approach to revive progress.
Feb 5, 2026 • 12min
Is German really that hard to learn?
In this video, I break down common difficulties German learners have and what you can do about them.
8 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 8min
How Stoicism can help you learn a new language
A lively look at Stoic ideas and their link to language learning. Origins of Stoicism and its emphasis on controlling reactions are explored. Comparisons to Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity come up. Practical tips on accepting mistakes, unpredictable progress and staying disciplined are discussed. A softer take blends curiosity and enjoyment with steady practice.
Jan 15, 2026 • 9min
5 things I wish I knew when I started learning languages
Today I'm sharing 5 things I wish I knew when I was just starting to learn languages.
