

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

May 12, 2015 • 12min
013: When is it time to move on to another language?
Tamiyo asks: "When do you decide you've learnt enough and it's time to move on to another language?"
In this episode:
Why are you learning a language in the first place?
When are you fluent enough?
When should you move on to a new language?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
CommentCast - see all the iTunes reviews of a podcast from around the world
Random.org - choose a number or numbers at random
Today's featured resource:
The Actual Fluency Blog - Chris Broholm's open and honest look at his own struggles in language learning
The Actual Fluency Podcast - the podcast of the same name where he interviews expert language learners.
Here's the episode where Chris interviews me
Announcing the competition winners
I'm thrilled to announce the three lucky winners of my Language Learning Foundations video course, who I've picked at random from all the reviews on iTunes. They are:
Romagitana
idleplayerofgamestron
Tamiyo Hashimoto
If this is you, please get in touch with me using the "contact" form on the menu bar and I'll get you set up with your copy of the course. Here are their reviews:
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! Alternatively, leave me your question in a review on iTunes, and I'll pick it up too! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.
Thanks for listening
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! It goes without saying that I read every single one :)
See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A

May 7, 2015 • 13min
012: How can I learn advanced English vocabulary?
Davide asks: "I'm very fluent in English but there are still words I don't know. How can I learn them?"
In this episode:
Moving from fluent to advanced
The law of diminishing returns
Learning advanced vocabulary
The importance of reading
Resources featured in this episode:
Three great websites that will help you read online in your target language.
Lingua.ly - http://lingua.ly/ Collect new words from across the web with Lingua.ly’s smart dictionary
Readlang - http://readlang.com/ Help with reading new texts that you find online.
LingQ - https://www.lingq.com/ Read texts in LingQ's ecosystem and store unknown words.
Today's featured resource:
BliuBliu - http://bliubliu.com I love BliuBliu because it sources texts from all around the web, which are at your current level in your target language, and helps you read them. Pure gold!
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 for listening
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!

May 5, 2015 • 12min
011: I'm 17. Should I bother learning a language?
Today's episode features a question from Ben: "I'm 17. Should I bother learning a language, when technology can already do so much for us?"
In this episode:
Technology is advancing quickly
We're getting to the stage where technology can translate for us
Is it still worth learning a language in 2015 with all this technology?
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 for listening
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! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :) See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Apr 30, 2015 • 12min
010: How can you learn a completely different language?
Today's episode features a question from Cecilia: "How can I learn a language that's completely different to my own?"
In this episode:
How can you learn a completely different language?
Why closer languages are easier to learn
The three keys:
Time to get used to it
Regular exposure
Deliberate practice
Today's featured resource
Talk In Arabic - a fantastic new resource for learning Arabic.
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.
Win a copy of my course!
To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I'm giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each! To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the "I Will Teach You A Language Podcast" in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show! After episode 10 of the podcast, I'll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world!
Thanks for listening
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.
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :) See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Apr 28, 2015 • 11min
009: How can I avoid confusing two languages?
Today's episode features a question from Nicki: "I'm learning Turkish and Kurmanji, how can avoid confusing them on my trip to Turkey?"
In this episode:
What is Kurmanji and where is it spoken?
The surprising roots of Turkish
Learning 2 languages at the same time
Soufflé and Baked Alaska
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
Map of Kurdistan (click to enlarge):
Soufflé:
Baked Alaska:
Today's featured resource
Fluent in 3 Months: How to speak multiple languages, and not mix them up! A great post from Benny where he gives his own unique take on keeping languages separate!
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.
Win a copy of my course!
To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I'm giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each! To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the "I Will Teach You A Language Podcast" in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show! After episode 10 of the podcast, I'll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world!
Thanks for listening
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.
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :) See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Apr 23, 2015 • 14min
008: How can I make sure I don't forget a word?
Today's episode features a question from John: "I recently learnt the word for Heathrow in Chinese. How can I make sure I don't forget it?"
In this episode:
How can I learn a word that I've learnt recently?
What kind of vocabulary should you prioritise learning?
The memory techniques that will help you
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
The Polyglot Gathering, Berlin 2015
Lang-8.com
The forgetting curve
Anki
Memrise
Flashcards Deluxe
Principles of memorising vocabulary:
See the vocabulary often
See and use it in different contexts
Personalise it
Practical ideas for memorising vocabulary:
Drop it into conversation
Write sentences using the vocabulary
Have your tutor or a native speaker correct these sentences
Put those corrected sentences into your SRS flashcards
Put the word on Post-it notes and stick them around the house!
Set calendar reminders to bring up the word on your phone/computer
Today's featured resource
Hacking Chinese: Remembering is a skill you can learn. A fantastic post about the myth of "bad memory" and the fact that you can train your memory.
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.
Win a copy of my course!
To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I'm giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each!
To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the "I Will Teach You A Language Podcast" in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show!
After episode 10 of the podcast, I'll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world!
Thanks for listening
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.
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there!
Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :)
See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Apr 21, 2015 • 9min
007: How can I learn the Russian cases?
Dive into the fascinating world of Russian grammar as experts tackle the complexities of the Russian case system. Discover practical strategies for mastering these intricate grammatical structures. Learn how Russian cases compare to systems in languages like German and Arabic. Uncover tips to prioritize effective communication over perfection and the benefits of language exchanges for real-world practice. Plus, find out about intensive coaching options to leap from zero to intermediate in just four months!

Apr 16, 2015 • 12min
006: Which is better - intensive or extensive reading?
Today's episode features a question from Marcelo: "Now that I'm at an intermediate level of English, which is better - intensive or extensive reading?"
In this episode:
What are extensive/intensive reading?
What are the benefits of each?
How language teachers use these approaches
The "intermediate plateau" and how to break through
Why speaking alone isn't enough to help you reach an advanced level in a language
Strategies for extensive reading:
Make sure choose something to read that you're interested in
Try not to use a dictionary whilst you're reading
Read things that are lower than your current level
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
"Graded readers" are books that have been simplified. Here's a great example of one.
Today's featured resource
Alex Rawlings talking about reading at the Polyglot Gathering 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgQZfS_BMVo
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.
Win a copy of my course!
To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I'm giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each! To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the "I Will Teach You A Language Podcast" in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show! After episode 10 of the podcast, I'll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world!
Thanks for listening
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.
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :)
See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

8 snips
Apr 14, 2015 • 15min
005: How can I learn vocab from songs?
Today's episode features a question from Kevin: "How can I take vocabulary from songs and use it in my conversations?"
In this episode:
The benefits of learning languages through songs
How to re-articulate language from songs in everyday conversation
How natural is language from songs?
How songs work in different languages
Songs as a tool for "discovering" language
Strategies for learning songs:
Identify key words and phrases from the song that I want to be able to use. Then put them in a flashcard app.
Keep a list of the words I want to be able to use and keep it next to me during a language exchange/lesson
Use the vocabulary for writing. For example, write a monologue/mini-speech, then memorise it.
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
FluentU - Language learning with video
My review of FluentU
Let It Go (ありのままで): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvj3-MZO9Tw
Olly singing in Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sReTCr-WPxc
Olly singing in Cantonese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Z20Bg8Ppg
Flashcard apps mentioned:
Memrise
Anki
Flashcards Deluxe
Other websites:
Lang-8 - corrections from native speakers
Rhinospike - audio recordings from native speakers
Today's featured resource
FluentU.com - language learning with video
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.
Win a copy of my course!
To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I'm giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each! To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the "I Will Teach You A Language Podcast" in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show! After episode 10 of the podcast, I'll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world!
See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Apr 6, 2015 • 11min
004: Can you learn 3 languages at the same time?
In today’s episode we feature a question from Terry: “Is it a good idea for me to learn three languages at the same time, or should I just focus on one?”
In this episode:
Is it possible to study three languages at the same time, and get good at all of them?
Or should I just focus on one?
Why depth and focus is the trick to making quick progress in a new language
How to use the 80/20 rule if you do decide to study multiple languages at the same time
The difference between learning and maintaining languages
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
Blog post: 7-year-old speaks 5 languages: http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/7-year-old-speaks-5-languages/
Blog post from Luca Lampariello: Learning more than one language at the same time: http://www.thepolyglotdream.com/learning-more-than-one-language-at-the-same-time/
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: http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/ask
Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.
Win a copy of my course!
To celebrate the launch of the podcast, I’m giving away 3 free copies of my Language Learning Foundations video course, worth $97 each!
To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to iTunes, search for the “I Will Teach You A Language Podcast” in the store, and leave me an honest review and rating for the show!
After episode 10 of the podcast, I’ll choose 3 lucky winners from around the world!
Thanks for listening!
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.
iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there!
Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated, and I read every single one. :)
See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!


