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

Ex–Green Beret explains how U.S. military learns languages

October 9, 2025 • 29 mins
In this video, I talk with Jon Hamilton, a former Green Beret, about language learning and how physical training relates to mastering new languages.
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DON'T overcomplicate language learning

October 2, 2025 • 8 mins
In this video, I explain why language learning is often made harder than it needs to be and how to stop overcomplicating it.
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Grammar drills won’t make you fluent. Here’s what will

September 25, 2025 • 10 mins
In this video I discuss the importance of noticing in language learning and whether it's something we can deliberately train.
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You can’t get fluent in a language without this

September 18, 2025 • 5 mins
In this video, I talk about automaticity in language learning—why it matters for speaking and how you can develop it.
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Fluency isn’t linear (and that’s a good thing!)

September 11, 2025 • 8 mins
In this video I discuss how the complexity theory can be applied to language learning and how even the smallest interaction can make a big difference.
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What golf taught me about language learning

September 4, 2025 • 4 mins
In this video, I share advice I received from pro golfer Drew Jones that I believe will help anyone learning languages.
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FOUR easy steps to remembering vocabulary

August 28, 2025 • 7 mins
In this video, I talk about what it really means to “know” a word, why forgetting is normal, and the simple steps I use to remember and retrieve vocabulary.
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Want to get fluent? Focus on daily habits

August 21, 2025 • 5 mins
In this video, I share how we can use the concept of leading and lagging indicators to set better goals in language learning.
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Language learning can make you HAPPIER. Here’s how

August 14, 2025 • 6 mins
In this video, I discuss 4 ways in which learning languages can make us happier.
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3 things to do when you’re in a learning slump

August 7, 2025 • 8 mins
Struggling with language learning motivation? Here are 3 tips to get back on track.
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Why motivation fades (and how I deal with it)

July 31, 2025 • 7 mins
In this video, I explain why our motivation to learn a language can fade—and how shifting your mindset can help you stay focused on long-term progress.
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How to decide which language to learn

July 24, 2025 • 6 mins
In this video, I talk about how we choose which language to learn—and what factors are worth considering.
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Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right

July 17, 2025 • 5 mins
Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right by Steve Kaufmann
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Struggle with language anxiety? Try this approach

July 10, 2025 • 7 mins
Language anxiety is real, but you can beat it. This simple formula helps.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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