Best Road To Polyglot Podcasts (2024)

1
ABT021. Big Hairy Audacious Goal 1:05:57

3h ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Alan Gilbert has always been interested in long, challenging bicycle rides. For Alan, the chance to ride across the United States from Pacific to Atlantic in 38 days finally presented itself in 2022, upon retiring from his job as a technology executive. The timing also coincided with the end of COVID, which had kept Alan cooped up at home and yearn…

1
Moving abroad: What to think about (part 1) 9:29

3d ago9:29

9:29

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking podcast, Benny Lewis dives into the essentials of planning a move abroad. Inspired by recent conversations with listeners and current events, Benny shares his insights on creating a solid foundation before relocating. He emphasizes the importance of careful planning, listing pros and cons of potent…

1
Improving language skills through learning other new things 8:45

10d ago8:45

8:45

In this episode, Benny shares a unique approach to language learning while traveling: enrolling in local classes for non-language subjects. Benny explains that by taking lessons in activities like dancing, cooking, or even martial arts, he gets valuable language exposure in real-world settings. He has experienced this firsthand, having learned sals…

1
ABT020. The Pedaling Polyglot 52:35

13d ago52:35

52:35

Roger Levy, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, considers himself a scientist of language and a polyglot, speaking five languages fluently and many more conversationally. In this episode, Roger will share the sounds and flavors from his six bike tours across three continents. Since Roger also ha…

1
Several tools to share your travel itinerary 12:39

17d ago12:39

12:39

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny dives into tools for sharing travel itineraries, inspired by his friend Derek Sivers. Benny discusses why sharing travel plans can be useful for friends and followers who want to stay updated on your whereabouts. He highlights simple tools like Google Docs for basic details and more …

1
Using travel to get in shape 17:37

26d ago17:37

17:37

In this episode, Benny shares his inspiring journey of losing 20kg (44lbs) through travel. After reaching 120kg (265lbs) and feeling stuck in unhealthy habits, Benny chose to reset his routine by traveling to the remote beach town of Jericoacoara in Brazil. There, he found himself walking daily, avoiding food delivery apps, and engaging in physical…

1
ABT019. Life is Wild (Part 2) 54:36

26d ago54:36

54:36

Barbados. Dominica. Guadeloupe. Martinique. These are some of the exotic Caribbean islands visited by André Plumeau with his bicycle, Frieda. In Part 2 of this double episode, André again defies the odds by sailing west from the Republic of Cabo Verde on various boats, with diverse crews. Eventually, a spontaneous assignment to pick up a sailboat i…

51
How I became a polyglot 12:14

1M ago12:14

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 i…

51
Travel Health Hacks: Avoiding and Managing Illness on the Road 11:55

1M ago11:55

11:55

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, host Benny Lewis dives into the challenges of staying healthy while traveling. Drawing from 21 years of travel experience, Benny shares his personal stories of getting sick on the road, from a severe illness in Egypt to dealing with the smoke from burning rainforests in Brazil. He emphasiz…

1
ABT018. Life is Wild (Part 1) 49:44

1M ago49:44

49:44

Imagine that you are walking down the road near your home town in France when a friend calls you and invites you to join him on a bicycle tour. Since you don't own a bike, you buy one over the Internet and call it Frieda. You pack your bags and three days later you are cycling with your friend in Portugal. You don't know it yet, but this is the sta…

1
Escaping Depression? Why Travel Isn't the Answer 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

In this episode, Benny Lewis shares a personal story about the misconception that travel can cure depression. Reflecting on his own struggles with divorce, clinical depression, and burnout in 2019, Benny explains how he attempted to heal by traveling, only to find that it made things worse. He emphasizes that travel is not a solution for depression…

1
Getting detained by the Federal Police: Travel mishap story 17:07

2M ago17:07

17:07

In this episode, Benny shares two stories of his experiences trying to extend his stay in Brazil, one in 2006 and the other more recently. The first time, things didn’t go so well. Benny, still new to traveling, didn’t do his research and approached the process with a lot of impatience and arrogance. After waiting in line for hours without eating, …

1
ABT017. Adventures of a High-Tech Nomad 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Steve Roberts is probably the world’s first high-tech nomad. For roughly a decade (1983 - 1993), Steve was either designing, building, or riding a custom computerized recumbent bicycle. Beginning with the Winnebiko, continuing with the Winnebiko II, and culminating with the 580-pound BEHEMOTH, Steve logged 17,000 miles, all the while writing articl…

1
Area codes around the world to help with your travels 10:42

2M ago10:42

10:42

In this episode, Benny explores how knowing area codes can enhance travel experiences and even improve social interactions. When traveling, recognizing phone numbers based on area codes, particularly on apps like WhatsApp, helps you identify where people are from, making conversations flow more naturally. Benny also shares a personal hack for avoid…

1
21 years a nomad: What's changed since 2003? 21:44

2M ago21:44

21:44

Benny dives into how travel has changed over his 21 years as a digital nomad. Reflecting on his early travels in the 2000s, Benny shares how meeting people and finding affordable accommodation used to be easier, with tools like Orkut and Couchsurfing at their prime, and the days of finding hidden gems through newspaper ads. Today, platforms like Ai…

1
ABT016. Odisea Panamericana 1:00:20

2M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In 2009, Swiss graphic designer Martina Gees sold most of her possessions, flew to Buenos Aires, and started pedaling. She got as far north as Inuvik, Canada, and eventually as far south as Ushuaia, Argentina. All told, her incredible Odisea Panamericana spanned 5 years, 25 countries, and 60,000 kilometers. This conversation with Martina is focused…

1
Benny Travel Update: 3 Months in the Amazon 11:41

3M ago11:41

11:41

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny shares updates from his latest travel adventures. After completing a bus journey across South America, he's now traveling down the Amazon River and visiting all 26 Brazilian states, with only six left to go. Benny talks about his experience on the Amazon, from navigating the triple border of Pe…

1
ABT015. Los Caminos de Santiago 1:00:11

4M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

With seven Caminos de Santiago by bicycle under his belt and an eighth one in preparation, Frank Foulon is uniquely equipped to inform us about this remarkable pilgrimage route that has been ongoing, with wild fluctuations in participation, since the ninth century. Frank discusses the historical background and cultural significance of the Camino, i…

1
ABT014. Plan Your Own Damn Route! (In Approximately Seven Steps) 54:39

4M ago54:39

54:39

Mimi Ji, a self-described map nerd and passionate cyclist, has turned her love for detailed route planning into a unique seven-step process. In this episode, Mimi shares numerous planning tips and tricks gathered from her experiences during outings with the New York City Adventure Cycling Club as well as tours in South Dakota, Quebec, and Slovenia.…

1
ABT013. Another Long Blue Line: Cycling Four Rivers 57:39

5M ago57:39

57:39

Listener Frédéric Dith alerted me that long blue lines mark long distance cycling routes, not only in Japan but also in Taiwan and South Korea. During a year of backpacking in Asia, following a burnout from the pandemic and working at a Berlin startup, Fred bikepacked the 633-kilometer-long Four Rivers Cycle Route, traversing South Korea from Seoul…

1
ABT012. Hospitality on the Road 57:20

5M ago57:20

57:20

If you enjoy hearing about random acts of kindness towards cyclists, you'll love this episode! Belgian cyclist Kris Vlaeminck shares selected tales of hospitality from his tours in Europe, North America, and Asia. With the help of strangers, Kris and his riding partners Johan and Luc overcome inclement weather in Scotland, water and food shortages …

1
ABT011. AIDS/LifeCycle: The Best Week of the Year 55:20

6M ago55:20

55:20

Imagine bicycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles in one week, not alone, but in a peloton of thousands. For 545 miles, a team of roadies dedicate their time and energy to supporting your southward journey. The daily rest stops are extravagant events with costumes, dance parties, and drag shows, while the nightly camps provide relaxation areas, m…

1
ABT010. Chasing Summer Around the Globe 57:54

6M ago57:54

57:54

Suffering a heat stroke in the middle of Vietnam’s mountainous jungles was definitely not in the plans when Hannah Bowley decided to cycle from Hanoi to Singapore. Hannah was in month nine of a one-year touring adventure, and Southeast Asia was the third leg of her trip, following long rides in Western Europe, which included the Camino de Santiago,…

1
ABT009. No Preparation, Some Improvisation - 10 Touring Tips for Beginners 49:18

7M ago49:18

49:18

Inspired by a man who bicycled across France to attend a wedding, Simon Alfassa decided to organize his own solo bike tour from Berlin (where he resides) to Copenhagen. There’s just one problem: He has no idea what he’s doing. From using his “super weird” secondhand city bike to carrying many kilos of dead weight to stashing his smartphone in a soa…

1
ABT008. Long Blue Line: Cycling Shimanami 50:02

7M ago50:02

50:02

A long blue line runs 70 kilometers, across picturesque islands and over majestic suspension bridges, between Onomichi and Imabari in Japan. This is the famous Shimanami National Cycle Route, a trail that Singapore native Poh Yu Seung and his wife selected for their first bicycle tour. The couple packed their Brompton-style folding bikes and flew t…

1
ABT007. It Takes Two 59:27

8M ago59:27

59:27

Ida Sigusch and Tilman Jiménez Reichow met and fell in love in Umeå, Sweden. A long bicycle tour through Europe, initially on a recumbent tandem, strengthened their relationship (this is by no means a given). On the road, Ida and Tilman met many friendly and helpful people who helped them in their quest to reach lighthouses at extreme points of Con…

1
ABT006. Get out of Your Comfort Zone 54:20

8M ago54:20

54:20

One of the hardest parts of turning a vision into reality is simply getting started. Professional photographer Christopher Briscoe has made a habit of starting – and completing – bold undertakings, such as multiple long-distance cycling trips in the United States. He embarked on his first cross-country bicycle journey with his friend Brian in 1976.…

1
Benny's travel update: 3 huge South American travel projects for 2024 10:25

8M ago10:25

10:25

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, host Benny shares his travel plans and projects for the year, all centered around South America. He discusses three major travel projects: visiting all Brazilian states, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean entirely by bus, and navigating the entire Amazon River by boat. Benny expla…

1
ABT005. Two Canadians Rolling Through Cuba 1:04:32

8M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Cuba is a fascinating island nation whose beautiful beaches, diverse geography, tropical climate, relative safety, and less-traveled roads have made it an excellent bicycle touring destination. Canadians Jim and Susan Allman have been exploring Cuba by bicycle for the past 20 years. They share incredible stories about finding accommodations, naviga…

1
Benny shares his optimism and enthusiasm about his favourite AI language tool 13:28

9M ago13:28

13:28

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny explores the game-changing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into language learning. Breaking away from his previous skepticism, Benny unveils a cutting-edge tool where users can engage with an AI teacher for unlimited language practice at a fraction of the cost of traditional lessons…

1
Ask Benny: Benny Shares His Skepticism About AI's Role in Language Learning 10:33

9M ago10:33

10:33

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning. He acknowledges the potential of AI to revolutionize language education, including the possibility of replacing human teachers with AI-powered systems. However, Benny expresses skepticism about the current effectiv…

1
ABT004. Bike Against the Wind 54:21

9M ago54:21

54:21

Inspired by his mother and his acting professor, Mark Vashro began to dream of bicycling across the United States as a college student. In 2010, after two years of preparation, Mark cycled from Boston, Massachusetts, to San Diego, California. Determined not to put his acting and filmmaking career on hold, Mark carried along 125 pounds (57 kilos) of…

1
ABT003. Touring with a Small Child 47:52

9M ago47:52

47:52

Five-year-old Alix has already experienced more bicycle tours than many adults. In this episode, her parents, Mylène Lenzi and David Clément, share the experiences gained by touring with Alix, give tips on what equipment to bring along, and list their favorite child-friendly routes in Europe. Along the way, they also tell about the Festival du Roc …

1
Ask Benny: Other ways to avoid being an obvious foreigner 8:00

10M ago8:00

8:00

Benny Lewis discusses strategies to avoid standing out as an obvious foreigner when speaking a new language, drawing from his experiences in Brazil. Academic choices of written words, like or simply saying things that are just illogical, can make you stand out more. Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent in 3 …

1
Ask Benny: The interesting trick; teaching people other info so they´ll put up with my bad language skills 6:08

10M ago6:08

6:08

Benny shares his insights on how to engage in conversations as a beginner or intermediate language learner. He emphasizes the importance of having interesting things to say, such as sharing personal skills, stories, or tricks, to keep the other person engaged and patient. Follow Benny on our YouTube channel, and don’t forget to check out the Fluent…

1
ABT002. An Optimized Tour of New Churches 50:22

10M ago50:22

50:22

During the pandemic, Malte Bossert came up with the idea of a themed bicycle tour whose goal would be to visit all 46 places in his native Germany with the name of Neukirchen (literally, “New Church”). Malte convinced his lifelong friend and fellow computer science student Tilman to participate, and together they wrote a program on Christmas Eve to…

1
Ask Benny: How to be the 1st ever 6:28

10M ago6:28

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 areas, underlining the special privilege of representing the world to those he encounters. Benny highlights the crucial role of l…

1
Ask Benny: Mental health struggles and being a language learner 12:24

10M ago12:24

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. Benny encourages listeners to go easy on themselves, focus on progress, and find a balance between ambition and self-care. Watch …

1
ABT001. Chile, Top to Bottom, Upside Down 54:25

10M ago54:25

54:25

When Michelle Savacool set out to cycle Chile, top to bottom, a distance comparable to crossing the United States, she worried most about the weather. Indeed, the first unbearably hot days in the Atacama Desert turned her plans upside down, and she was forced to reassess the purpose of her trip. Abandoning her goal of pedaling the length of Chile, …

1
How to dive deep into dialects (Benny's 2024 language plan) 15:11

10M ago15:11

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 version of the language before delving into specific dialects. Benny shares tips on finding resources, emphasizing the importance of se…

1
Ask Benny: How to learn a language in 2024: Taking a resolution and turning it into a true project 10:46

11M ago10:46

10:46

In the first Language Hacking Podcast episode of 2024, Benny discusses effective language learning strategies for New Year's resolutions. Instead of vague goals, Benny advocates for SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Drawing from his Fluent in 3 Months philosophy, Benny emphasizes public accountability, communit…

1
Ask Benny: Geoguessr, Geography, country studies (How Benny relaxes) 11:48

11M ago11:48

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, Benny takes you on an exciting journey into his downtime adventures, fueled by a fascination with countries, capitals, and flags…

1
Ask Benny: When should I move on to the next language, if I want to be a polyglot? 10:28

11M ago10:28

10:28

In this episode of the Language Hacking podcast, Benny Lewis tackles a question that language enthusiasts often ponder: When is the right time to move on to the next language in your polyglot journey? Benny dismisses the common notion that polyglots must juggle multiple languages simultaneously and introduces a compelling alternative—focusing on on…

1
Ask Benny: What are the resident logistics of a nomad? Benny's Travel update and long-term travel plan 12:11

11M ago12:11

12:11

In this podcast episode, Benny Lewis offers a practical glimpse into the workings of his nomadic lifestyle. Navigating the realms of an Irish passport, British citizenship, and a U.S. green card, Benny shares insights into the pragmatic use of multiple passports for streamlined travel experiences. He breaks down the intricacies of sustaining U.S. r…

1
Ask Benny: Melting ice: Constant work to push through a plateau 4:58

12M ago4:58

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 likens the language learning journey to melting ice. He highlights the challenge of not seeing immediate results despite putting …

1
Ask Benny: Travel update: downsizing 9:53

12M ago9:53

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 experience and an embrace of a minimalist lifestyle. Follow Benny’s progress on his Korean mission on our YouTube channel, and don’t forge…

1
Ask Benny: Dialects: when should you learn them? 7:32

1y ago7:32

7:32

Join Benny in this episode as he explores a fascinating topic that he often gets asked: “Should I care about dialects?” He reveals why dialect differences are not a significant issue for beginners, and why the main hurdles of learning a language are the same for all dialects. He also reveals some perks of learning from a tutor who speaks a differen…

1
Ask Benny: Dance lessons and online tutorials in your target language 7:35

1y ago7:35

7:35

How would you like to learn new things and boost your target language in one go? In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny shows you how to do just that. He introduces you to a variety of learning activities in your target language that you can find online or locally, such as K-Pop dancing. He also offers his advice on how to cope with…

1
Ask Benny: Why November 1st is the most important date in my language learning story 15:58

1y ago15:58

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 h…

1
Ask Benny: Virtual immersion: Do what you normally do in the target language! 7:17

1y ago7:17

7:17

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, Benny Lewis reveals how he turns his daily routine into a virtual immersion experience in his target language. He challenges you to think of ways you can do the things you enjoy in the language you are learning, such as scrolling through TikTok, watching Netflix, listening to Spotify, and more. Follo…

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Road To Polyglot Podcasts

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