Ask Benny: Why November 1st is the most important date in my language learning story

Ask Benny: Why November 1st is the most important date in my language learning story

Author: Fluent in 3 Months October 30, 2023 Duration: 15:58

In this episode, Benny Lewis celebrates a milestone in his language learning journey: the 20th anniversary of his first successful language project. He takes you back to Valencia, Spain, where he faced many challenges and frustrations with learning Spanish for the first six months.

He tells you how he tried different methods that did not work for him, such as attending group lessons, reading Lord of the Rings, and studying the dictionary. He shares how he felt hopeless and discouraged with his progress and how he was the worst student in the class.

He also reveals how he turned things around and learned to speak Spanish fluently by changing his approach and mindset. Listen to this podcast to learn more about his inspiring story and his language learning tips!

Follow Benny’s progress on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp.

To ask Benny a question, leave a comment on Instagram (@‌languagehacking) or Twitter (@‌fi3m), or you can email ask@languagehacking.com.


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: en-us Episodes: 100

Language & Travel Hacking
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