StoryLearning Podcast

Olly Richards has learned eight languages, and he's spent the past decade-plus figuring out what actually works and what's a waste of time. The StoryLearning Podcast is where he shares those conclusions -- answering listener questions, interviewing polyglots and language researchers, and breaking down practical strategies for getting fluent faster. With 395 episodes and a 4.9-star rating from 244 reviews, the track record speaks for itself. Olly's big thesis is that stories are the best vehicle for language acquisition, not flashcard apps or grammar tables. He backs this up with specific techniques and real examples from his own experience learning languages like Japanese, Arabic, and Cantonese. The format alternates between Q&A episodes where he tackles listener challenges and longer interviews with guests who bring different perspectives on language learning. Episodes drop biweekly and usually run 20 to 45 minutes. His tone is practical and no-nonsense -- he'll tell you straight up if a popular method is overrated. He's also built a whole ecosystem around StoryLearning with courses and books, but the podcast stands on its own as a free resource. Particularly useful for anyone who's stuck at a plateau and needs fresh ideas for breaking through to the next level.