

StoryLearning Podcast
Olly Richards
Got a burning language learning question? I’m Olly Richards and I've learned 8 languages through stories. Every Wednesday, I answer your questions and chat to world-class language experts. Whether you're learning Spanish, German, Japanese, or something else, tune in for insider tips and practical strategies to get fluent fast.
Each week you get:
- Answers to your biggest language learning challenges
- Story-based techniques to accelerate your progress
- Tried and tested tips from my 25+ years of experience
No flashcards or memorisation. Just story-based learning that actually works.
Each week you get:
- Answers to your biggest language learning challenges
- Story-based techniques to accelerate your progress
- Tried and tested tips from my 25+ years of experience
No flashcards or memorisation. Just story-based learning that actually works.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2015 • 17min
051: Can technology help you learn a language? (1/2)
In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. For the second half of the discussion, see episode 52.
In this episode:
What Luca's friends told him about their technology habits
Can Duolingo and other language apps help?
Gamification can help get people started in language learning, but is this a good thing?
Can you focus on learning when technology is involved?
What was language learning like before the internet?
The difficulty of finding language resources before the internet came along
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Luca's blog: The Polyglot Dream
Luca's YouTube channel
Free eBook: 10 Essential Tech Resources for Smart Language Learners
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes
Do you have a question?
Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.
Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could…
Share the episode using the social media buttons around you
Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that)
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Sep 24, 2015 • 12min
050: I'm too busy to learn a language (3/3)
In the last of a three-part series, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?"
In this episode:
The power of tiny
How I learnt Cantonese during an extremely busy period in my life
Why "1 hour" will put you off, whilst "30 seconds" will get you started!
How to create micro habits so you can effortlessly get up and study any time and fill your day with language learning
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Time Control - a brand new training course where I walk you step by step through the process of becoming an ultra-efficient language learner, however busy your schedule!
Visit this link to find out more: http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/moretime
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank

Sep 22, 2015 • 9min
049: I'm too busy to learn a language (2/3)
In the second of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?"
In this episode:
How to use the power of the "One Thing" to make massive progress towards your goals
The importance of saying "no"
How to focus on your goals like a laser
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Time Control - a brand new training course where I walk you step by step through the process of becoming an ultra-efficient language learner, however busy your schedule!
Visit this link to find out more: http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/moretime Start speaking today
Start Speaking Today
I’d like to thank iTalki

Sep 17, 2015 • 17min
048: I'm too busy to learn a language (1/3)
In the first of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?"
In this episode:
Why goal setting is often overlooked, but is the key to everything
How people set unachievable goals
What a sensible goal looks like
Defining your next-step goal
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Time Control - a brand new training course where I walk you step by step through the process of becoming an ultra-efficient language learner, however busy your schedule!
Visit this link to find out more: http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/moretime
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes
Do you have a question?
Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.
Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could…
Share the episode using the social media buttons around you
Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that)
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Sep 8, 2015 • 12min
047: How to you maintain your level in multiple languages
Hugo asks in an iTunes review: "How do you maintain a good level in all your languages?"
In this episode:
Polyglots do not speak all their languages "perfectly"
Level in a language is a fluctuating thing
Why learning a language to a high level is the key
How your need to use a language will influence your long-term success with it
To maintain languages, doing small things little and often is the key
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Gooddrama.net
iTalki.com
HelloTalk
FluentU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_9Yhmsq_x0
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes
Do you have a question?
Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.
Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could…
Share the episode using the social media buttons around you
Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that)
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Sep 3, 2015 • 13min
046: Can I learn Afrikaans with my friend?
Nathan asks in an iTunes review: "I have several native Afrikaner friends, however none of them are trained teachers. What is the best way I can help them to help me learn their language."
In this episode:
How I learnt Arabic with few resources and native speakers
With friends, you need to set clear boundaries for language learning
Begin with learning to talk about yourself and familiar things
Simply ask your friend how to say the things you want to be able to say
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Colloquial Afrikaans - a recommended textbook
Two websites for learning Afrikaans:
http://w

Sep 1, 2015 • 14min
045: How should I study between lessons?
Terry asks: "What's the best way to study in-between lessons in order to consolidate what you've learnt?"
In this episode:
What's the main purpose of a language lesson?
How lessons, for me, are the place to practise, not to "study"
How to use your time in-between lessons to consolidate what you've learnt
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
Are you wasting your money on language classes? - This one is self-explanatory!
Polyglot Workshops. Join myself, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings for a live training day in New York City (October) and London (November)
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank

Aug 27, 2015 • 11min
044: How many teachers should I have?
Terry asks: "I've been taking regular Chinese lessons with iTalki, but should I stick with one teacher, or have a variety?"
In this episode:
Why focusing on one thing can be the most beneficial
How to get "glimpses of mastery"
Why sticking with one teacher is probably your best bet
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
How To Get S*** Done - how to harness the power of one thing to bring you the fastest progress in a foreign language
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordab

Aug 25, 2015 • 16min
043: A career in languages
Chiara asks: "Is it still worth doing a degree in languages? Is there still a role for language teachers in a rapidly changing world?
In this episode:
Why a language degree is a great thing to do
My experience at university and what I got from it
The role of language teaching in a world with ever-increasing technology
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
The Business of Language podcast - #6 Interview with Olly Richards
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and

Aug 20, 2015 • 12min
042: Which language should I learn?
Wendel asks: "I need to learn a 3rd European language, but none appeals to me. What should I do?"
In this episode:
What's a good reason to learn a new language?
The dangers of learning a language you're not passionate about
How to decide on a new language to learn
Resources mentioned in todays episode:
IWTYAL 025: I'm torn between two languages
British Council "Languages for the future report"
Start speaking today
I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes
Do you have a question?
Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.
Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could…
Share the episode using the social media buttons around you
Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that)
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!


