#20 Johan Tekfak on “Kaizen Power” in Language Learning

#20 Johan Tekfak on “Kaizen Power” in Language Learning

Author: Fluent in 3 Months October 19, 2020 Duration: 38:19

Johan Tekfak, creator of Français Authentique, shares how he uses Kaizen and other productivity systems to build his language business and improve his language skills each and every day.

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How Johan learned German for his job as an engineer
  • Creating systems to learn languages
  • Making use of “dead time” in language learning
  • Focusing on interesting and compelling content in your target language - not just material that’s available
  • The 7 rules of Français Authentique
  • What is “Kaizen” and how does it apply to language learning?
  • How Johann built his own language company a little bit at a time
  • Simplifying and de-stressing the language learning process
  • Common roadblocks faced by language learners
  • How to attach rewards to language learning to boost motivation

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Join Our Patreon

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to bonus content and monthly exclusives.


There’s a certain magic that happens when you step off a plane and try to order a meal in a language you’re still fumbling through, or when a simple conversation with a stranger on a train opens up an entirely new perspective. Language & Travel Hacking, from the team behind Fluent in 3 Months, lives in those messy, authentic, and profoundly rewarding moments. Host Benny Lewis, a nomadic polyglot and best-selling author, doesn’t just theorize from a studio; he records from the road, sharing raw, real-time experiences and the practical strategies that actually work when you’re navigating a foreign market or building confidence in a new tongue. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a well-traveled friend who’s made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. You’ll hear the sounds of street markets and train stations in the background as Benny breaks down the psychology of language learning, offers actionable tips for picking up phrases quickly, and discusses how travel itself can be the ultimate classroom. This podcast is built on the idea that fluency and cultural connection aren’t distant goals reserved for the gifted, but accessible skills you can hack through smart, intentional practice. It’s for anyone who believes that the deepest way to explore a place is through its language, and that every journey is an opportunity to reshape how you see the world-and yourself. Tune in for honest stories and tangible advice that will change how you approach your next adventure, whether it’s across the globe or right in your own neighborhood.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 271

Language & Travel Hacking
Podcast Episodes
#46 How Ashton Went from B1 to C1 Spanish in 48 Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
This episode features Ashton Bitten, who learned conversational Spanish in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 1…
#45 Damon Dominique on Being a Travel & Language YouTuber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:37
Benny and Shannon talk to Damon Dominique, a French educator who got his start online as part of Damon and Jo, about learning languages to build connection, teaching without lecturing, and how to find confidence teaching…
Ask Benny: Should I Learn Two Languages at Once? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:51
The answer to this week's question may surprise you. People often assume that polyglots learn multiple languages at the same time, but as Benny explains, this isn't as common as you might think. Listen to find out why le…
#43 Eliza Simpson on Accent Training with Hollywood Stars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
Benny and Shannon chat with Hollywood Accent Training Coach to the stars, Eliza Simpson, on finding your voice in another language through accent and pronunciation.Featured ResourcesDialects NowAccent GymMentioned in thi…
Ask Benny: When Do I Learn Grammar? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:57
You asked, and Benny is here to answer! In this short episode he talks about why he thinks tackling grammar shouldn't be your top priority when learning a new language - phew, what a relief!To ask Benny a question, pleas…
#42 Jessie and Kike on Lockdown Language Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
This episode features Jessie, who learned conversational Catalan in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minut…
Ask Benny: How Do You Remember Vocabulary in Another Language? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:36
You wanted advice for memorising vocabulary, and Benny is happy to deliver. Benny explains that it’s not about having a particularly great memory, but instead, using specific tactics to make things stick.To ask Benny a q…
#40 Kris Broholm on Anti-Goals in Language Learning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
Benny and Elizabeth talk to Kris Broholm from Actual Fluency about language learning with depression, the language community, and the power of finding support.This episode discusses depression. If you are currently exper…