Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Steve Kaufmann speaks 20 languages. That's not marketing hype -- the man is in his late 70s, has been learning languages for over 50 years, and can demonstrate conversational ability in everything from Mandarin to Czech to Arabic. His podcast draws on that half-century of experience to discuss what actually moves the needle when you're trying to acquire a new language. Episodes run short, typically 8 to 15 minutes, which makes them easy to fit into a daily routine. Steve is a strong advocate for input-based learning -- lots of listening and reading before you worry about speaking -- and he's not shy about disagreeing with mainstream language education. He built the LingQ platform around these ideas, and while he occasionally mentions it, the podcast isn't a commercial. It's more like sitting with a thoughtful grandfather who happens to be one of the most accomplished polyglots alive. With 402 episodes, a 4.8-star average, and a biweekly release schedule, there's a deep well of content here. Recent episodes have even touched on how AI tools are changing language learning. Best suited for people interested in the philosophy and strategy of language acquisition rather than lessons in a specific language. His YouTube channel complements the podcast nicely if you want to put a face to the voice.