#31 Nelson Dellis on Building Memory Superpowers

#31 Nelson Dellis on Building Memory Superpowers

Author: Fluent in 3 Months January 4, 2021 Duration: 37:40

In this episode, we talk to US memory champion Nelson Dellis about learning a heritage language, teaching his kids new languages, and memory hacks used by the champions.

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Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • Going from memory champion to language learner
  • Learning Flemish to get closer to his family
  • Memory champion techniques to learning languages
  • Using images to remember words
  • Breaking down words for easier recall
  • Enhancing your memory in a short space of time
  • The power of speaking and language exposure
  • Multigenerational learning: learning with his mom and teaching his son
  • Fixing fossilized errors
  • Using Drops to learn words when starting a language
  • Balancing revision vs learning

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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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
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