Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

I speak 20 languages. I've been learning languages for over 50 years and I've tried all kinds of approaches. I talk about my experiences, my approach to language learning, what I enjoy about learning languages and all manner of other topics related to language. If you love languages, or think you would if you hadn't been discouraged by past experiences, this is the podcast for you. Anyone can learn a language. You just need the right attitude and the right approach!

Episodes

AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it

July 3, 2025 • 10 mins
In this video, I share why I'm optimistic about the future of language learning and how we can use tools like ChatGPT or NotebookLM to create our own learning materials.
Mark as Played

Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)

June 26, 2025 • 6 mins
In this video, I talk about the role of questions in language learning—when they’re helpful, and when they can actually get in the way of enjoyable, low-stress learning.
Mark as Played

Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s

June 19, 2025 • 6 mins
In this video, I talk about how memory changes as we age and what that means for older adults learning languages.
Mark as Played

Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update

June 12, 2025 • 12 mins
In this video, I talk about my experience learning Persian as well as the challenges and successes I’ve had along the way.
Mark as Played

How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning

June 5, 2025 • 8 mins
In this video, I share my impressions of Google's NotebookLM and discuss how I'm planning to use it for language learning.
Mark as Played

Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you)

May 29, 2025 • 6 mins
In this video, I talk about why I’m skeptical of language tests and their ability to accurately assess someone’s language level.
Mark as Played

Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better?

May 22, 2025 • 6 mins
Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? by Steve Kaufmann
Mark as Played

Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this

May 15, 2025 • 10 mins
In this video, I talk about the challenge of understanding more than you can say, and share strategies for turning passive vocabulary into active vocabulary.
Mark as Played

My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language

May 8, 2025 • 11 mins
In this video, I talk about key ideas from Jeff Haden’s book The Motivation Myth and share my take on how motivation really works in language learning.
Mark as Played

STOP chasing perfection and START making progress

May 1, 2025 • 10 mins
In this video I talk about why perfectionism has no place in language learning and how our brains actually use mistakes to learn.
Mark as Played

Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent

April 24, 2025 • 7 mins
In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.
Mark as Played

Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)

April 17, 2025 • 10 mins
In this video, I talk about how comparison can either inspire or discourage you when learning a language — and how I approach it to make sure my motivation doesn’t suffer.
Mark as Played

Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how ‪@BijuuMike‬ is learning Japanese

April 10, 2025 • 28 mins
In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.
Mark as Played

How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning

April 2, 2025 • 10 mins
In this video I talk about why we need both novelty and repetition in our language learning routine, and how to strike a balance between the two.
Mark as Played

Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)

March 26, 2025 • 10 mins
Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?
Mark as Played

Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?

March 19, 2025 • 14 mins
Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?
Mark as Played

Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more

March 12, 2025 • 22 mins
In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.
Mark as Played

My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)

March 6, 2025 • 7 mins
In this video, I talk about how focusing on understanding first sets me up for better speaking skills down the road.
Mark as Played

How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi

February 26, 2025 • 13 mins
Is immersion-based learning effective for completely unfamiliar languages? I think so! Watch as I take on Punjabi with LingQ in my latest video.
Mark as Played

10 things I never do when learning a language

February 19, 2025 • 10 mins
10 things I never do when learning a language by Steve Kaufmann
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    United States of Kennedy

    United States of Kennedy

    United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Crime Junkie

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.