Episoder
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After spending years helping others learn languages, I've decided it's finally time to give my own native language the attention it deserves. In this episode, I share why Irish has become my main focus this summer, how I'm using intensive study bursts to make real progress, and why I believe concentrated effort beats feeling guilty about a neglected language every time.
I also talk about my upcoming immersion in the Gaeltacht, my plans to keep practising Irish throughout the summer, and how I'll be sharing the journey with anyone else learning the language. Whether you're studying Irish or something completely different, I hope this episode inspires you to carve out focused time for your own language goals and reminds you that fluency is built one determined push at a time.
If you haven't already, sign up for our free email list here.
You can also take a look at my Irish Instagram here.If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.
And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
This week marks 23 years since I first began speaking from day one, and as I celebrate my 44th birthday, I'm reflecting on just how far that simple idea has taken me. Today I can communicate confidently in eight languages, have explored many more, and have travelled to 51 countries, but none of that seemed remotely possible when I was 21. Back then, I spoke only English, struggled through Spanish classes, and convinced myself I simply wasn't someone who could learn languages. Everything changed when I stopped worrying about sounding perfect and started speaking anyway. Looking back, I realise the difference wasn't talent or a hidden language gene. It was the willingness to make mistakes, connect with people, and keep showing up.
In this birthday episode, I share why that lesson still shapes everything I do and why I believe anyone can experience the same breakthrough. Whether you're just beginning or feeling stuck, I hope my story reminds you that progress comes from using the language, not waiting until you feel ready. I also talk about the next chapter of my weekly emails, which will now include much more language-specific advice alongside my free Speak in a Week course. If you'd like practical tips tailored to the language you're learning, I'd love to see you on the mailing list and hopefully in your inbox every Friday.
If you haven't already, you can sign up for Speak in a Week here.If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.
And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
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In this episode, I explore the surprising benefits of learning languages in tourist hotspots. While I usually encourage travelers to get off the beaten track, I explain why busy destinations can be great places to find language exchanges, meet fellow language enthusiasts, and practice multiple languages with people from around the world.
I also share how events like the World Cup create unique opportunities for real-life language practice. Despite the higher prices and abundance of English speakers, tourist hubs can offer valuable social and linguistic experiences if you know where to look.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Check out my newest YouTube video: Forget Every Country. I'm Visiting Every State on Earth (3,000+)
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I share why having a terrible memory has never stopped me from learning languages. In fact, I believe it's one of the reasons I've become successful at it. I explain why natural memory isn't the key to fluency and how building the right systems can make all the difference.
I talk about the two techniques I rely on most: mnemonics and spaced repetition. I share examples of how I create memorable associations for new words, why AI can help with this process, and how tools like Anki help me review vocabulary at the right time. I also give an update on two new YouTube videos covering language learning and my latest travel adventures.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.
And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Check out my newest YouTube video: Forget Every Country. I'm Visiting Every State on Earth (3,000+)
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I reflect on conversations at a language exchange event in Guadalajara, where I met learners who were communicating successfully in their target languages but still apologised for their mistakes. One German learner in particular reminded me how often we judge our own abilities far more harshly than others do.
I discuss why self-doubt, not mistakes, is usually the biggest barrier to speaking a language. Drawing on my own experience of struggling for words at times, I explain why effective communication matters more than perfection and encourage learners to trust the people who are happily talking with them rather than their inner critic.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I share how learning a language can instantly connect you with people wherever you travel. While staying in San Luis PotosĆ, Mexico, a simple breakfast at a small local cafĆ© turned into meaningful friendships and conversations that would never have happened without Spanish.
I also explain why language is about much more than practical travel skills. Even a basic attempt to speak the local language can open doors, create genuine connections, and transform a trip from sightseeing into a memorable human experience. The places may be beautiful, but it's the people you meet that stay with you for life.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I explain why worrying about learning the ārightā dialect is one of the least important problems for language learners. Whether itās Mexican Spanish, Castilian Spanish, or another regional variation, I argue that beginners should focus far more on building confidence, learning the basics, and actually speaking to people. Drawing on my own experiences with English accents and Spanish dialects, I show how native speakers naturally adapt to different variations without communication breaking down.
I also share stories from my recent travels around Mexico, where I encountered several local sub-dialects simply through conversation and exposure. I explain why dialect differences become more relevant only at an advanced level, and why spending months researching the āperfectā version of a language is often just procrastination in disguise.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share a discussion from my language Bootcamp about using AI for language learning while travelling through Mexico. I praise creative uses of AI, such as generating personalised listening exercises and practising vocabulary, but explain why AI chatbots should not replace real conversations with people. While chatbots make speaking feel easy and pressure-free, they remove the awkwardness, speed, and unpredictability that make genuine communication challenging and rewarding.
I also explain why real fluency comes from speaking with humans, not machines. AI can be a useful warm-up tool, and I personally use tools like Anthropicās Claude and Googleās Gemini in my own learning, but true progress happens when you deal with real social pressure, cultural nuance, and natural conversation. Ultimately, language learning is about connecting with people, not perfecting conversations with a chatbot.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I share a moment I had during a dinner in Monterrey where I suddenly realised Iād stopped consciously thinking about speaking Spanish. Instead of translating or checking my words, I was simply part of the conversation, joking, listening, and reacting naturally. It reminded me that true fluency isnāt about perfection, but about the language becoming an effortless part of you.
I also reflect on the difficult stages of language learning, drawing from my recent struggles with Mandarin and Malay. Even when speaking feels exhausting and unnatural, those moments are part of the journey. If you keep going long enough, one day you may suddenly realise youāve forgotten youāre even speaking your target language at all.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I talk about my next big travel project as I prepare to head to Mexico for over two months. After recent language missions in Malaysia and Taiwan, I am now focusing on deep travel using Spanish, one of my strongest languages. Rather than chasing new countries, I am continuing my goal of exploring places more thoroughly, aiming to visit around 20 Mexican states by travelling from the north downwards.
I also reflect on why meaningful, in-depth travel matters, especially when working remotely. I plan to stay mindful of safety while exploring lesser-known regions and improving my Mexican Spanish through real conversations with locals. Although the World Cup will be happening during my trip, I intend to enjoy the atmosphere without the chaos, and I will be sharing updates through my podcast and Spanish-language social media accounts.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Follow my Spanish Instagram
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I explore whether it is better to stay in major cities or travel more deeply into lesser-visited places. From my recent time in Taiwan, I reflect on how cities like Taipei make life easier, especially when I do not speak the language fluently, and offer plenty of social events and opportunities to meet people. By contrast, smaller towns can feel more isolating and require much more effort to connect with others.
At the same time, I explain why I increasingly favour travelling beyond the capital. It is far more affordable, and it pushes me to use the local language and engage more deeply with the culture. While both approaches have their advantages, I find the best balance is to split my time between big cities and smaller places to get the most out of my travels.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I give an update on my Mandarin progress after spending a month in Taiwan. I explain how I quickly regained enough confidence to handle everyday conversations, although my first social speaking attempt was difficult. After adjusting the situation and speaking with the right people, I began having full evenings of conversation in Mandarin and even made new friends through the language, including at Asia Glot. With upcoming travel to Kaohsiung, I now feel much more ready to rely on Mandarin beyond Taipei.
I also describe the routine that has helped me improve: two hours each morning studying grammar in a cafƩ, several weekly Zoom lessons with a teacher, frequent social events for real life speaking practice, and daily vocabulary review using Anki. These habits have helped me return to my previous level and made travelling through Taiwan feel far more rewarding.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
I shared how reactivating my Mandarin has put me in an unusual stage of language learning: I am far beyond beginner level, but still rusty enough that real social situations can feel overwhelming. At one language exchange in Taiwan, I quickly realized the setting itself was working against me. A fast-speaking native speaker with a difficult accent and a highly specific conversation about surfing left me completely lost, and I ended up switching tables without getting the Mandarin practice I had hoped for. That experience could easily have convinced me that I was not ready, but I have learned that one difficult situation does not define my actual ability.
Instead of retreating into more study, I chose to test a different environment, and the next language exchange went far better. The conversation topics were more familiar, the native speaker adjusted their speech more clearly, and I was able to participate with much more confidence. For me, the lesson is that when something goes badly in language learning, it is worth asking whether the situation was the wrong fit rather than assuming I failed. Progress often means accepting awkward moments, trying again, and understanding that discomfort is part of eventually reaching more natural fluency
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I look back at my first Mandarin project in 2012, which became the most stressful language challenge I had ever faced. I set a public goal of reaching fluency in three months, but the growing attention brought heavy criticism, pressure, and emotional exhaustion. Arriving in Taiwan with no Mandarin also left me isolated, because I could neither rely on English-speaking circles nor easily connect with locals.
That experience changed how I learn languages today: I treat goals as motivation rather than guarantees, protect my energy, and build a foundation before traveling. Even though the project was difficult, I still reached a spoken B1 level and gained lessons that shaped every language project since then.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I look back on the final weeks of my journey through Malaysia and Brunei before starting my new adventure in Taipei. Malaysia turned out to be an incredible experience. Thanks to my background in Indonesian, I could quickly adapt to Malay and chat with locals almost everywhere I went. Travelling from Kuala Lumpur through Penang, Ipoh, Malacca and Johor Bahru, and later across Borneo, I spent most of my time off the typical tourist path, meeting welcoming locals who were curious and delighted to hear my imperfect Malay. At the same time, Malaysiaās strong Chinese cultural influence was impossible to miss. Surrounded by Mandarin speakers and festive Chinese New Year decorations, I felt inspired to refresh my Mandarin and prepare for the next stage of my language journey in Taiwan.
Brunei, which became my 50th visited country, offered a completely different atmosphere. With Ramadan observed very strictly, the country felt quiet and almost mysterious during the daytime, and its higher prices meant I only stayed briefly. Malaysia, by contrast, was remarkably affordable and easy to travel around, with great food, comfortable apartments and friendly people everywhere. Thanks to its British history, English is widely spoken, making it accessible even for travellers who donāt speak the local language. Overall, the trip left me with a fantastic impression. Malaysia is a fascinating mix of cultures and influences, and itās definitely a place Iād love to return to, especially beautiful spots like Kota Kinabalu with its stunning sunsets and easy access to nature.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, Iām announcing a return to one of my core languages: Mandarin. Earlier this year I focused on a short-term project in a brand-new country, but now Iām shifting back to a long-term priority. Mandarin has been on my core list for years, yet itās the one Iāve neglected most. I first learned it intensively in 2012 when I arrived in Taipei without knowing a single word, eventually reaching a conversational level. However, the experience was stressful and overly focused on studying, and although Iāve maintained it and even co-written Language Hacking Mandarin, Iāve rarely had the chance to truly use it since.
Now Iām heading back to Taiwan for nearly two months to change that. Iāll spend time in Taipei rebuilding and pushing beyond my previous level, while also exploring more of the country and actually connecting with people in Mandarin. Rather than travelling to start a language from scratch, Iām travelling with the language and letting it open doors for me. My goal is to finally give Mandarin a solid place among my genuinely fluent languages, and Iām excited to bring you along for the journey.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, I mark my arrival in my 50th country and reflect on what that number really means. After more than two decades of nomadic life, Iāve averaged about two countries per year. Some travellers race through dozens in a short time, while others, like me, move more slowly. I consider whether the goal should be collecting countries or shaping a style of travel that genuinely suits your values and curiosity.
For me, it has always been about people and language. Rather than ticking off landmarks, I prefer spending months in a place, learning the local tongue and building real connections. A few small states have boosted my total with brief visits, but most of my journeys have been deeper projects. As I reach this milestone in Brunei, Iām not chasing 100 countries, just continuing at a pace that feels meaningful and sustainable.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking podcast, I share how two childhood challenges, hearing issues and speech difficulties, ultimately gave me an advantage as a language learner. Growing up, I rarely understood 100 percent of what I heard, which forced me to get used to guessing, filling in gaps, and tolerating confusion. So when I began learning foreign languages, the beginner stage did not feel shocking or discouraging. I was already comfortable not fully understanding and figuring things out as I went.
I also talk about needing speech therapy and struggling with certain English sounds, which made me approach language more analytically from a young age. Because I had to consciously learn parts of my own native language, I never saw communication as effortless. Those setbacks, along with ADHD, built resilience and a comfort with making mistakes. In this episode, I encourage you to reframe your own challenges as potential strengths that could support you in language learning and beyond.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I share how ADHD, something that once made me feel like I was terrible at languages, has actually become one of my greatest strengths as a learner. Although I was only diagnosed as an adult, looking back I can clearly see how distractibility and a constant need for dopamine hits made school language classes a nightmare for me. English, Irish and German were consistently my worst subjects, and I assumed that meant I simply was not cut out for languages. Now I completely reject that idea. Being bad at languages in school only means you were bad at learning them in that environment. It says nothing about your potential as an adult.
I explain how Iāve deliberately designed my entire learning philosophy around short-term missions, public accountability and real human interaction to harness the hyperfocus that often comes with ADHD. My three-month missions, weekly mini-goals and regular conversations create urgency and momentum, turning what could be a weakness into a superpower. While ADHD still has its challenges, Iāve learned to channel it into immersive travel experiences and meaningful connections through language. If you think this intensive, mission-driven style might suit you, I also share how you can work with me through my Bootcamp or one-to-one coaching.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot -
In this episode, Iām checking in from Kuala Lumpur to kick off my first language and travel project of the year: using Malay to enrich my experience as I travel through Malaysia. I talk about how closely related Malay and Indonesian are, more like regional varieties than entirely separate languages, which means I can focus on reactivating my Indonesian rather than starting from zero. I share how Iām gradually getting my momentum back, brushing off the rust, and learning the small but interesting differences in accent and vocabulary as I begin using Malay in everyday situations.
I also outline my planned route through Malaysia, with bases in Penang, Ipoh, Malacca, and Johor Bahru, before heading over to Borneo and ultimately reaching my 50th country. I reflect on how Malaysia feels culturally distinct from its neighbours, with large Chinese and Tamil-speaking Indian communities, and I recount a memorable half marathon through Putrajaya that gave me my first real chance to use Malay with locals. While English has been enough in Kuala Lumpur so far, the real adventure starts as I move beyond the capital, and Iāll be sharing more updates as this project continues, while wishing you the best with your own language and travel plans for 2026.
If you need one-on-one language guidance, schedule a consultation session with me at languagehacking.com/chat.And donāt forget to check out the Fluent in 3 Months Bootcamp here!
Or you can follow me on all Social Media channels:
Instagram: @irishpolyglot
Thread: @irishpolyglot
TikTok: @irishpolyglot - Vis mere
