#26 Jonathan Huggins on the “One Method” Strategy

#26 Jonathan Huggins on the “One Method” Strategy

Author: Fluent in 3 Months November 30, 2020 Duration: 44:06

Jonathan Huggins first discovered his love for learning languages when he started diving into his father’s language learning library. That passion brought him to France to study music and continues to be a part of his life as he teaches English online while living abroad and raising his kids to speak multiple languages.

In this episode, we chat with Jonathan about why classroom learning worked for him, how to learn languages in the age of distraction, and how to create sustainable language routines.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • How he excelled at classroom learning
  • Learning in the age of distraction
  • Sticking to one method and system
  • Raising multilingual children
  • Studying music abroad and in another language
  • Creating sustainable language routines
  • Recommendations for the first few months of language learning
  • Common misconceptions and stereotypes about language learning
  • Parallels between learning languages and learning music
  • Using Instagram and social media to learn languages

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
Ask Benny: How to be the 1st ever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:28
Benny Lewis expresses his enthusiasm for the unique opportunity of being the first foreigner many Brazilians will ever meet during his travels off the beaten path. He encourages language learners to explore less touristy…
Ask Benny: Mental health struggles and being a language learner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:24
Benny Lewis shares his experience with a recent intensive Korean language project after a 10-year gap. He reflects on personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of considering mental health during language learning.…
How to dive deep into dialects (Benny's 2024 language plan) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:11
In this podcast episode, Benny shares his language learning plans for the year, focusing on Portuguese and exploring the diverse dialects in Brazil. He offers practical advice, suggesting starting with the standard versi…
Ask Benny: Geoguessr, Geography, country studies (How Benny relaxes) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:48
In this festive episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis brings a unique twist, stepping away from traditional language learning to share an exhilarating passion – geography. As the world celebrates Christmas…
Ask Benny: Melting ice: Constant work to push through a plateau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:58
Benny Lewis opens this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast with a brief but impactful message for language learners who might be feeling stuck in the intermediate stage. Drawing on an analogy from other fields, Benny…
Ask Benny: Travel update: downsizing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:53
Join Benny in this laid-back podcast episode as he discusses the pragmatic transition from physical to digital language resources. Discover the convenience of downsizing possessions for a more stress-free travel experien…