Loading...

PODCAST

Language Learning Insights

Language Learning Insights features conversations with teachers, researchers, content creators, and experienced language learners from around the world. Each episode explores language-learning strategies, teaching philosophies, common learner challenges, and practical advice for learners at every stage. The podcast is hosted by Rick Moore, creator of the language-learning app MiVoca (mivoca.app).

education language learning

All Episodes

00:04:44

Rick Moore of MiVoca

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/10/02

You can save hundreds of words in your language-learning journey—but how many actually become part of your vocabulary?In this solo episode, Rick Moore shares lessons from his own experience learning Spanish and Portuguese, including why saving words isn't enough, how to decide which vocabulary deserves your attention, and how to turn saved words into words you can actually use.Rick explores four elements of effective vocabulary practice: relevance, repetition, context, and recall. He also explains

en

00:35:36

Kerstin Cable of Fluent Language

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/28

How do you build a language learning routine that works for you—and keep going when progress feels slow?Language coach Kerstin Cable, founder of Fluent Language and co-founder of AI Language Club, joins Rick Moore to discuss setting realistic goals, choosing enjoyable practice, and taking more ownership of your learning.Kerstin shares how to turn a big ambition into manageable steps, balance your practice across different skills, and decide which vocabulary deserves your attention. We also explore

en

00:26:35

Diana Hernandez of Spanish with Diana

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/17

You know Spanish vocabulary and grammar—but when it’s time to speak, the words don’t come. How do you bridge that gap?In this episode of Language Learning Insights, Colombian Spanish teacher Diana Hernandez, creator of Spanish with Diana, shares her approach to making Spanish practical and easier to use in everyday conversations.We discuss learning complete phrases for real situations, training your ear through listening and repetition, and getting comfortable speaking before everything comes out

en

00:27:56

Tolfak of Linguatolfak

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/15

Waiting until you know enough to speak? Hoping a course will make you fluent in 21 days? Multilingual educator Toluwanimi “Tolfak” Fakeye challenges five common language-learning myths—and shares practical ways to move forward.We discuss finding time in a busy schedule, why cramming falls short, speaking before you feel ready, exaggerated fluency promises, and getting started when motivation is missing. Tolfak shares how she fits listening into everyday activities, practices speaking alone, and uses

en

00:30:33

Alizée of French That Works

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/11

French teacher and language learner Alizée, founder of French That Works, explains why memorizing isolated vocabulary often leaves learners unable to form sentences—and how learning reusable sentence chunks can help them communicate sooner.We discuss how to build vocabulary in manageable amounts, strengthen it through repetition, create more effective flashcards and sentence builders, and develop speaking confidence by accepting mistakes.Alizée also shares practical ways to bridge the gap between

en

00:35:32

María Monsalve of Español con María

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/10

Explore María’s work: Español con MaríaYou understand more than you can say—but what should you actually practice to close that gap?María Monsalve, Colombian language educator and founder of Español con María, joins Rick Moore on the Language Learning Insights podcast to discuss choosing useful vocabulary, connecting listening and reading to speaking, and identifying what keeps learners stuck.María explains her input–process–output approach: work with something you’ve watched or read before

en

00:33:19

Alexia of La French Alexia

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/10

Understanding a language and finding the words when you need to speak can feel like two different challenges. In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I’m joined by Alexia, a French fluency coach and host of French Side Stories, to explore how learners can bridge that gap.Alexia shares practical ways to turn podcasts and videos into active practice, build speaking habits into everyday life, and keep a conversation moving when you don’t know the exact word. She also outlines a sample one-hour

en

00:33:47

Dr. Paul Nation, Emeritus Professor of Applied...

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/09/08

What should a balanced language-learning program actually include? Dr. Paul Nation introduces his influential Four Strands framework and explains how learners should divide their time among input, output, deliberate study, and fluency development.We discuss how to choose useful vocabulary, why flashcards and retrieval practice work, the importance of meeting words repeatedly in different contexts, and why listening alone cannot fully develop speaking ability.Learn more about Dr. Nation and access

en

00:38:58

Dr. Esther Gutiérrez Eugenio of Dr. Languages

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/21

Why do some language-learning methods work brilliantly for one person but fail completely for another?Dr. Esther Gutiérrez Eugenio joins Rick to explain how differences in the way our brains process language can shape which learning strategies work best for us. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, second-language acquisition research, and more than 20 years of international experience, Esther challenges the idea that there is one ideal method for every learner.She explains why you should connect

en

00:32:36

Colin Macleod of English with Colin

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/19

Many intermediate learners understand English well but still struggle to speak confidently. Colin McLeod, creator of English with Colin and the Speak Up System, explains why the solution often isn’t more grammar, vocabulary, or content—it’s more opportunities to actively use the English you already know.Colin shares how his own experience learning Japanese shaped his approach to teaching, why B2 may be the practical “sweet spot” for many learners, and how daily speaking practice, structured

en

00:33:22

Anita da Silva of Portuguese with Anita

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/18

What helps language learners start speaking—and continue long enough to make meaningful progress?Anita da Silva, founder of Portuguese with Anita, joins Rick to share lessons from more than 20 years of teaching European Portuguese. She explains why learners should practice speaking from day one, how humor and real-life situations make lessons more memorable, and why grammar books alone cannot teach someone to communicate.They also discuss the value of learning in a supportive community, how

en

00:32:58

Andrea Viza of Spanish Taco

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/14

Andrea Viza, creator of Spanish Taco, shares how her own experience learning English shaped her supportive, conversation-focused approach to teaching Spanish.Andrea explains why consistency matters more than long study sessions, how speaking and recording yourself can improve your confidence, and why learners should gradually challenge themselves with comprehensible input. She also discusses the frustration of reaching the intermediate level, overcoming the fear of making mistakes, and using small

en

00:26:51

Margherita Berti of Italian Matters

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/13

Why can you understand a language but struggle to speak it?Margherita Berti, PhD, founder of Italian Matters, explains why learning grammar and vocabulary isn’t enough—you need to actively use the language. Drawing on her background in applied linguistics and her own experience learning English, she shares a practical approach to developing confidence and fluency.Margherita discusses:Why comprehension typically develops before speaking abilityHow to balance input with active language useWhat

en

00:29:12

Simisola Giwa of English with Simi

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/12

Former professional footballer Simi Giwa joins Rick to share how her experiences in Russia and Turkey led her to become an English teacher and create English with Simi.Simi explains why discipline carries learners forward when motivation fades, how following your interests makes practice feel less like a chore, and why speaking imperfectly is essential for improvement. She also offers creative ways to immerse yourself without traveling—from recording short videos and talking to yourself to filling

en

00:33:53

Juan Diego Balam of SpanisHacks

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/07

There may be no shortcut to fluency, but there are practical ways to make the journey more effective.Juan Diego Balam, founder of Spanishacks, joins Rick to explain why learners should start speaking before they feel ready—and why confidence can matter more than perfect grammar. Drawing on his own experience learning English and coaching Spanish learners, Juan Diego shares how supportive conversations help students stop overthinking, make mistakes without fear, and develop a more natural feel for

en

00:33:56

Lucía Rodríguez of Your Spanish Roadmap

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/05

Many language learners spend plenty of time consuming content but still struggle to speak. Lucía, creator of Your Spanish Roadmap, explains why learners need to complete the learning loop by moving from exploration to expression.Lucía shares how her Explore–Express Method helps students begin speaking from day one—even with limited vocabulary and imperfect grammar. She and Rick discuss why confidence can matter more than knowledge, how stories make language memorable, and why recording yourself is

en

00:33:06

Sarah Roecklein of English Makes No Sense

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/04

Sarah Roecklein, creator of English Makes No Sense, has spent more than 20 years teaching—and now brings her humorous, practical approach to millions of English learners online.In this episode, Sarah explains why humor makes lessons more memorable, what successful language learners do differently, and why practice matters more than perfect grammar or pronunciation. She also shares the value of taking notes, writing vocabulary by hand, reading aloud, and beginning to speak before you feel completely

en

00:22:10

Conchita Cervantes Moreno of Spanish with Conchita

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/08/03

What if class time were spent actually speaking—not listening to grammar explanations?In this episode of the Language Learning Insights podcast, Rick Moore talks with Conchita, a certified Spanish teacher from Spain and founder of Spanish with Conchita. She explains how her flipped classroom approach allows students to learn grammar and vocabulary at home, then use their lessons for conversation and practical application.Conchita also discusses why beginners should start speaking from the beginning,

en

00:27:35

Dr. Danny Evans of The Language Tutor

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/07/22

Dr. Danny Evans, creator of The Language Tutor, joins Language Learning Insights to share lessons from nearly 30 years of teaching Spanish and building one of YouTube's most popular language-learning channels.We discuss why beginners often feel overwhelmed, how to make grammar manageable, the best way to learn vocabulary, why conversation matters more than memorization, overcoming the intermediate plateau, and how AI is changing language education. Danny also shares practical advice for learners

en

00:32:09

Joan Comellas of Qué Pasa Español

Language Learning Insights ·

2026/07/20

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I talk with Joan Comellas, co-founder of Qué Pasa Español, one of the most popular podcasts for intermediate Spanish learners.Joan shares how he went from teaching history to building a thriving online Spanish-learning community through authentic conversations, podcasts, classes, books, and immersion experiences in Spain. We discuss why authentic input is so valuable, whether simply listening to podcasts is enough to improve your language learning, how

en

28 results

Similar Podcasts

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Psychology in Everyday Life: The Psych Files

Michael Britt

Bedtime Safari

Bedtime History

The Day with Geoff Barton

The Day News and Media Ltd