Since 2014
The Actual Fluency Podcast
Real conversations with polyglots, linguists, and language enthusiasts from around the world about language learning, culture, travel, and identity.
Sweeps Episode: Events and Plans for 2020
Kris Broholm outlines his plans and upcoming events for 2020. He details polyglot gatherings like the Language Influencer Workshop and his Polyglot Cruise, also announcing OptiLingo as a new podcast sponsor.
Runtime 28m
John Fotheringham: Inside the Language Podcaster's Studio (Part 2)
Kris Broholm continues his chat with John Fotheringham, reflecting on their years as language podcasters. They explore language learning as a metaphor for life and success, emphasizing the simple, actionable advice to "just do something.
Runtime 1h 5m
John Fotheringham: Inside the Language Podcaster's Studio (Part 1)
Kris Broholm hosts John Fotheringham to discuss their experiences as language podcasters. They compare notes on language learning theory, distilling effective strategies from expert interviews. The two also explore personal topics like dealing with depression and overcoming challenges.
Runtime 1h 39m
Ekaterina Matveeva: Language Alter Ego and Cultural Intelligence
Kris Broholm interviews Ekaterina Matveeva about her book "Language Alter Ego," exploring how cultural identity influences language learning. They also discuss Ekaterina's personal language journey, her upbringing, and how she became a polyglot.
Runtime 1h 7m
Lea Tiralarc: 5000+ lessons as an online teacher and the staircase method
Kris Broholm interviews Lea Tiralarc, creator of the Staircase method. Lea discusses her experience as an online teacher, having completed over 5,000 lessons. She also explains the Staircase method, which uses laddering vocabulary to build longer sentences.
Runtime 43m
Scott Young: A Year Without English and Ultralearning Languages
Kris Broholm interviews Scott Young about his book, Ultralearning. They discuss his language learning project, "A Year Without English," where he traveled to four countries speaking minimal English. Young also shares insights from his MIT challenge, completing a four-year degree in one year.
Runtime 1h 16m
Mait Müntel: From discovering the Higgs-Boson to language learning
Kris Broholm interviews Mait Müntel, a physicist who helped discover the Higgs boson at CERN. They discuss his transition from nuclear physics to founding the Linguist language learning app. Mait explains how his scientific background informs his approach to language acquisition and designing a tool for faster learning.
Runtime 53m
Jonty Yamisha: Heritage language learning and practical advice
Kris Broholm interviews Jonty Yamisha about his experience learning Circasian, the language of his ancestors. They discuss the importance of heritage language learning for personal history and family communication. The episode provides practical advice for individuals embarking on this learning path.
Runtime 1h 5m
Jon Mahoney: Around the world in 900+ days and mastering Russian
Kris Broholm interviews Jon Mahoney about his multi-year trip around the world. They discuss Mahoney's experiences mastering Russian and his surprise at how affordable global travel can be. The episode covers both extensive travel and high-level language acquisition.
Runtime 1h 21m
Steve Kaufmann: YouTube, Travelling, and learning languages when retired
Kris Broholm welcomes Steve Kaufmann to discuss his popular YouTube channel, world travels, and passion for language learning. Steve shares his journey from diplomatic and business careers to semi-retirement, where he co-founded LingQ and continued acquiring new languages. The conversation explores strategies for language learning at any stage of life.
Runtime 47m
Nelson Dellis: Using Memory techniques for languages
Kris Broholm interviews memory champion Nelson Dellis about his background, memory techniques, and applying these strategies to language learning, including Dellis's project of learning Dutch in one year. Dellis shares his personal journey and motivations for memory training.
Runtime 48m
Ben Worthington: Improve your English and pass the IELTS exam!
Kris Broholm interviews Ben Worthington about improving English and passing the IELTS exam. Ben shares concrete strategies for success on the IELTS test, noting their applicability to general English proficiency. He also details his personal journey and experience specializing in IELTS instruction.
Runtime 1h 10m
Pablo Roman: Japanese in 6 months and DreamingSpanish
Kris Broholm interviews guest Pablo Roman about his experience learning Japanese in just six months. They also discuss Pablo's project, Dreaming Spanish, which provides Spanish learning materials.
Runtime 1h 3m
Iker Uriarte: italki past, present, and future
Kris Broholm interviews Iker Uriarte, Italki's Marketing Director. They discuss Italki's mission to connect language learners with teachers, its origins, and Iker's personal language learning experiences. Iker shares his journey learning Basque, English, and French, highlighting the value of practical language use.
Runtime 52m
Marija Dobrovolska: Confidence in language learning and teaching German
Kris Broholm hosts Marija Dobrovolska from Deutsch mit Maria. They discuss Marija's background as a native Russian speaker in Latvia, including the country's linguistic and political dynamics. The conversation also covers her journey to becoming a full-time German teacher and building her successful online business.
Runtime 59m
Silver Ilves: Language Startups and Development
Kris Broholm speaks with Silver Ilves, co-founder of Magic Lingua, a voice recognition language learning app. They discuss Silver's language background, the company's development, its Kickstarter launch, and future plans. The conversation also covers applying Lean Startup principles to language learning businesses.
Runtime 59m
Tamara Marie: Teaching Spanish through Music (Spanish Con Salsa!)
Kris Broholm welcomes Tamara Marie from Spanish Con Salsa, who teaches Spanish using music. They discuss why music is beneficial for language learning. Kris also shares his experiences applying music to his Russian studies.
Runtime 1h 9m
Norbert Wierzbicki: Learning, teaching, and travelling!
Kris Broholm welcomes Norbert Wierzbicki, a Polish teacher and linguist, to discuss his journey becoming a language teacher. They cover Norbert's personal language learning background, including his experiences with English and Hungarian, and extensive world travels. The conversation also explores effective and underrated methods and techniques for learning languages.
Runtime 1h 0m
Andrew Feinberg: Learning Japanese and Japanese Culture
Kris Broholm welcomes Andrew Feinberg to discuss his experiences learning Japanese. Andrew shares insights from his time teaching English in Japan through the JET Program, contrasting it with his prior Norwegian learning journey. They also offer practical cultural and linguistic tips for those planning to visit Japan.
Runtime 1h 23m
Lindie Botes: Growing up in multiple languages and cultures
Kris Broholm welcomes Lindie Botes to discuss her experiences growing up immersed in various languages and cultures. They explore the unique journey of navigating different linguistic and cultural environments from a young age. The conversation delves into the impact of this upbringing on identity and language acquisition.
Runtime 53m
Gabriel Gelman: How to become a language hero
Kris Broholm and guest Gabriel Gelman discuss Gabriel's personal language learning journey, from his bilingual upbringing to immersion experiences in Australia and France. They cover practical methods and strategies to help listeners achieve faster and better language learning results.
Runtime 54m
Àdhamh Ó Broin: The Languages of Scotland and Reclaiming Gaelic
Kris Broholm interviews Àdhamh Ó Broin about the languages of Scotland, providing a primer on their history and development. They discuss the role of minority languages like Scottish Gaelic, Àdhamh's personal journey of reclaiming his ancestral tongue, and cultural preservation in the face of globalization.
Runtime 1h 16m
Marek Kohn: The benefits of multiple languages in society
Kris Broholm speaks with author Marek Kohn about his book "Four Words For Friend." They discuss the societal benefits of multiple languages, focusing on challenges in the UK regarding foreign language education, integration, and nationalism, using Brexit as a context. Kohn explains his motivation for writing on the importance of language understanding.
Runtime 1h 7m
Shannon Kennedy: Women in Language
Kris Broholm hosts Shannon Kennedy, who details her work as a polyglot and language expert. They discuss her eurolinguist website, her role coaching the Add One Challenge, and the upcoming Women in Language conference. Shannon also shares insights into her recent language studies.
Runtime 42m
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