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.
Goals and Goal-Setting
Kris Broholm shares his unpublished blog post, focusing on the importance of clear and specific goals for language learning. He discusses wisdom gained from his studies and influences like Michael Hyatt. This episode introduces a new podcast format where Kris reads his popular blog posts.
Runtime 28m
Christopher Huff: Toki Pona and Polyglot Gatherings
Kris Broholm welcomes Christopher Huff, a long-time polyglot community member. They discuss the artificial language Toki Pona and Christopher's experiences at polyglot gatherings. The conversation also covers Christopher's move to China as a teacher and his journey learning Chinese.
Runtime 52m
10 Language learning lessons learned so far
Kris Broholm hosts a solo episode of the Actual Fluency Podcast, sharing ten language learning lessons he has learned. He discusses insights gained from 39 interviews, including the importance of getting tutoring and committing to practice. Kris aims to help listeners learn languages more efficiently based on his own journey.
Runtime 40m
André Müller: Studying linguistics and learning scripts
Kris Broholm welcomes guest André Müller to discuss his experiences. They explore André's journey studying linguistics and the practical aspects of learning various writing systems and scripts. The conversation provides insights into language acquisition from a linguistic perspective.
Runtime 47m
Ladan Jiracek: Travel wisdom from 80 countries
Kris Broholm welcomes Ladan Jiracek, a guest who has explored over 80 countries. They delve into practical travel wisdom, sharing tips for making trips cheaper and finding accommodation. Ladan also reveals his most surprising favorite global destination.
Runtime 39m
Alex Rawlings: Most multilingual student of Britain
Kris Broholm interviews Alex Rawlings, "Most multilingual student of Britain," who speaks over ten languages. They discuss Alex's language learning journey and his approach to Russian. Alex also shares his current challenges learning Hungarian after moving to Budapest.
Runtime 42m
Conor Clyne: From monoglot to hyperpolyglot round 2
Kris Broholm and Conor Clyne continue their discussion on language learning. They explore practical applications for using a language, focusing on effective speaking techniques. The conversation also delves into specifics about learning Russian.
Runtime 29m
Conor Clyne: From monoglot to hyperpolyglot
Kris Broholm interviews Conor Clyne, who transformed from speaking only English to over ten languages. They discuss Conor's language learning journey, including his preferred methods, techniques, and experiences acquired while traveling. This episode is the first of a two-part conversation.
Runtime 35m
Alberto Arrighini: Self-development and motivation
Kris Broholm and guest Alberto Arrighini discuss personal development and motivation. They explore overcoming motivation struggles in language learning and daily life. The episode offers practical self-improvement tips applicable to various life areas beyond languages.
Runtime 40m
Kerstin Hammes: How to become a (better) teacher
Kris Broholm welcomes Kerstin Hammes to discuss how to become a better language teacher. They explore Kerstin's successful online teaching business model, sharing concrete strategies for improving teaching practice and increasing revenue. The episode offers valuable tips for both aspiring and current language educators.
Runtime 53m
Leszek Trybała: The young polyglot revolution
Kris Broholm interviews Leszek Trybała, a 17-year-old polyglot from Poland living in Sweden. They discuss the "young polyglot revolution" and the sources of Leszek's high motivation for learning multiple languages, particularly his extensive flashcarding on Memorized.
Runtime 53m
Luca Lampariello: The Polyglot Dream
Kris Broholm and guest Luca Lampariello discuss time management strategies for language learning. They explore the spiritual advantages gained from language acquisition and delve into Luca's personal definition of "the polyglot dream.
Runtime 40m
Judith Meyer: Learning Chinese and developing LearnYu.com
Kris Broholm welcomes Judith Meyer to discuss learning Chinese. They explore strategies for character acquisition and initial learning steps. The conversation also covers Meyer's development of LearnYu.com, an automated Chinese learning service.
Runtime 35m
Victor Berrjod: Asian languages and gold listing!
Kris Broholm welcomes Victor Berrjod to discuss his approach to learning Asian languages. Victor shares insights into mastering Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean. The episode also features a conversation about the Goldlist method for vocabulary acquisition.
Runtime 53m
Anthony Lauder: From polynot to polyglot
Kris Broholm and guest Anthony Lauder explore Anthony's transformation from "polynot" to "polyglot." Anthony shares his distilled wisdom from learning Czech and other languages, drawing on insights from his Fluent Czech channel and Polyglot Budapest presentation.
Runtime 52m
Andrew Williams: A language a year for life
Kris Broholm interviews Andrew Williams, who discusses his father's suggestion to learn a language a year for life. They explore Andrew's perspective on maintaining many languages, treating them as tools, and emphasize usage for proficiency. The conversation also covers common language learning challenges and solutions.
Runtime 53m
Robert Bigler: Translation and Interpretation
Kris Broholm welcomes Robert Bigler, an Austrian polyglot, to discuss his 18 years of experience as a translator and interpreter. They explore career opportunities in translation and interpretation for polyglots, along with Bigler's personal language learning strategies.
Runtime 46m
Simon Ager: Omniglot and Learning minority languages
Kris Broholm interviews Simon Ager, founder of Omniglot. They discuss learning languages, specifically focusing on strategies for mastering minority or obscure languages. The conversation provides practical tips for language learners.
Runtime 35m
Jan van der Aa: Travel the world and learn languages
Kris Broholm interviews Jan van der Aa, who has spent five years traveling the world and learning multiple languages. They discuss how Jan combines location-independent work, travel, and language acquisition, exploring his journey and tips for this lifestyle.
Runtime 37m
Chuck Smith: Polyglot Berlin and Esperanto
Kris Broholm interviews Chuck Smith, an organizer of Polyglott Berlin. They discuss the Polyglott Berlin gathering, the constructed language Esperanto, and various aspects of general language learning.
Runtime 42m
Richard Simcott: 20th Episode Special!
Kris Broholm recounts his personal language learning journey, explaining how it provided purpose during a difficult period including depression and family hardships. He also reflects on the language community's positive impact before interviewing special guest Richard Simcott about language learning.
Runtime 42m
Sonja Lang: Toki Pona, Conlanging and the meaning of life
Kris Broholm welcomes Sonja Lang, creator of Toki Pona, to the podcast. They discuss the process of creating a conlang like Toki Pona. The episode also explores broader philosophical themes, including the meaning of life.
Runtime 46m
Brian Kwong: Add1Challenge and tips for success
Kris Broholm welcomes Brian Kwong to discuss the Add1Challenge. They explore how the challenge helps people add new languages and offer practical tips for succeeding in language challenges. The conversation highlights the benefits of learning languages collaboratively.
Runtime 36m
Niels Iversen: A unique approach to language learning
Kris Broholm interviews Nils Iversen, who shares his unique low-tech approach to language learning. Nils details his method of using pen, paper, and dictionaries for vocabulary acquisition, achieving impressive results. Kris explores this alternative to digital tools, even adopting the Goldlist method for his own Russian studies.
Runtime 57m
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