How I became a polyglot

How I became a polyglot

Author: Fluent in 3 Months October 15, 2024 Duration: 12:14

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny revisits the story of how he became a polyglot. He shares his early struggles with maintaining multiple languages, especially during his time learning Spanish, Italian, and French. Benny explains how his breakthrough came in 2006, during his stay in Florianópolis, Brazil, where the international environment allowed him to practice switching between languages with ease. He emphasizes the value of events like Couchsurfing meetups for practicing multiple languages and how they helped him develop the skill of smoothly transitioning between different languages in real-time conversations.

Benny also offers tips for language learners looking to enhance their polyglot abilities. He advises that while switching between languages can be challenging, it’s a skill best developed once you’ve reached a solid intermediate level in each language. Benny highlights the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone by attending international events and actively engaging with speakers of different languages, rather than sticking to the one you know best. He closes by encouraging listeners to share feedback about the podcast, as he continues to explore topics related to both language learning and travel.

Book a consultation session with Benny at languagehacking.com/chat

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


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
#52 Mark Pentleton on Creating Coffee Break Podcasts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
Benny and Elizabeth chat with Mark Pentleton about how he started the Coffee Break language podcasts and how his role shifted from language teacher to language learner.Featured ResourcesCoffee BreakMentioned in this Epis…
Ask Benny: How to Stop Getting Tempted by Shiny New Languages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:23
Have you ever been trying to learn one language, but found yourself tempted by a new one and distracted from your original goal? Benny is here to help! He shares ideas for staying engaged and interested in the language y…
#49 Alex Rawlings on Speaking 11 Languages Fluently [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:15
Benny and Shannon discuss dual identities, language learning, and strategies for reviving a language with Alex Rawlings, who was once named Britain’s most multilingual student.Featured ResourcesHow to Speak Any Language…
Ask Benny: Is it Better to Learn Phrases Rather Than Words? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:30
When it comes to learning vocabulary, is it best to learn individual words, or phrases with the words in context? Benny gives his opinion, talks about his insights and explains how he likes to use flashcards and other te…
#48 Sarah Gillespie on the Treasure Hunt of Learning a Rare Language [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:12
This episode features Sarah Gillespie, who learned conversational Hiligaynon 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 hav…
#47 Luca Lampariello on Questioning Everything When Learning Languages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:03
Benny and Shannon chat with Luca Lampariello, a well-known polyglot and language coach, about learning “useful” languages, breaking through limiting beliefs, and the most important thing when learning another language.Fe…
Ask Benny: How to Watch Movies in My Target Language? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:35
This week Benny gives some advice about how to watch movies and TV in your target language, especially when it comes to subtitles. Watching media is a fantastic way to improve your language skills, but you need to do it…
#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…