Language Learning Insights

Rick Moore
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Language Learning Insights features conversations with teachers, researchers, content creators, and experienced language learners from around the world. Each episode explores language-learning strategies, teaching philosophies, common learner challenges, and practical advice for learners at every stage. The podcast is hosted by Rick Moore, creator of the language-learning app MiVoca (mivoca.app).

  1. 1 day ago

    Alizée of French That Works

    French teacher and language learner Alizée, founder of French That Works, explains why memorizing isolated vocabulary often leaves learners unable to form sentences—and how learning reusable sentence chunks can help them communicate sooner. We discuss how to build vocabulary in manageable amounts, strengthen it through repetition, create more effective flashcards and sentence builders, and develop speaking confidence by accepting mistakes. Alizée also shares practical ways to bridge the gap between textbook French and the language people actually use through songs, films, and authentic conversations.

  2. 2 days ago

    María Monsalve of Español con María

    Explore María’s work: Español con María You understand more than you can say—but what should you actually practice to close that gap? María Monsalve, Colombian language educator and founder of Español con María, joins Rick Moore on the Language Learning Insights podcast to discuss choosing useful vocabulary, connecting listening and reading to speaking, and identifying what keeps learners stuck. María explains her input–process–output approach: work with something you’ve watched or read before discussing or writing about it. She also shares why an easy word isn’t necessarily a useful word, how small goals make progress more visible, and why your study methods may need to change as you advance. From learning “quiero eso” to recognizing gaps in the words that connect your ideas, this conversation offers practical starting points for Spanish learners and anyone working toward greater confidence in another language. Hosted by Rick Moore, creator of MiVoca, a personal vocabulary system for capturing, organizing, and practicing the words that matter to you.

  3. 3 days ago

    Alexia of La French Alexia

    Understanding a language and finding the words when you need to speak can feel like two different challenges. In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I’m joined by Alexia, a French fluency coach and host of French Side Stories, to explore how learners can bridge that gap. Alexia shares practical ways to turn podcasts and videos into active practice, build speaking habits into everyday life, and keep a conversation moving when you don’t know the exact word. She also outlines a sample one-hour study routine and explains a creative speaking exercise: watching a video without sound and describing what happens. We discuss learning grammar without getting overwhelmed, understanding everyday spoken French, and how cultural expectations shape conversations. Alexia also shares why she challenges the belief that someone is simply “bad at languages” or too old to learn. Connect with Alexia on Instagram: @lafrenchalexia Hosted by Rick Moore, creator of MiVoca, a personal vocabulary system that helps you capture, organize, and practice the words that matter to you.

  4. 4 days ago

    Dr. Paul Nation, Emeritus Professor of Applied Linguistics, Victoria University of Wellington

    What should a balanced language-learning program actually include? Dr. Paul Nation introduces his influential Four Strands framework and explains how learners should divide their time among input, output, deliberate study, and fluency development. We discuss how to choose useful vocabulary, why flashcards and retrieval practice work, the importance of meeting words repeatedly in different contexts, and why listening alone cannot fully develop speaking ability. Learn more about Dr. Nation and access his free resources and publications: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/lals/resources/paul-nations-resources Paul also shares his approach to survival vocabulary, his thoughts on AI-assisted listening practice, and three principles that apply to nearly every kind of learning.

  5. 21 Aug

    Dr. Esther Gutiérrez Eugenio of Dr. Languages

    Why do some language-learning methods work brilliantly for one person but fail completely for another? Dr. Esther Gutiérrez Eugenio joins Rick to explain how differences in the way our brains process language can shape which learning strategies work best for us. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, second-language acquisition research, and more than 20 years of international experience, Esther challenges the idea that there is one ideal method for every learner. She explains why you should connect written words with their pronunciation from the beginning, how structured and experiential learners approach language differently, and why listening alone does not necessarily prepare your brain to speak. She also examines common misconceptions about comprehensible input, isolated vocabulary study, and target-language-only instruction. Most importantly, Esther offers practical guidance for building an approach that fits you: stop searching for the perfect method, evaluate what genuinely helps you progress, retain what works, and adapt the rest.

  6. 19 Aug

    Colin Macleod of English with Colin

    Many intermediate learners understand English well but still struggle to speak confidently. Colin McLeod, creator of English with Colin and the Speak Up System, explains why the solution often isn’t more grammar, vocabulary, or content—it’s more opportunities to actively use the English you already know. Colin shares how his own experience learning Japanese shaped his approach to teaching, why B2 may be the practical “sweet spot” for many learners, and how daily speaking practice, structured conversations, accountability, and expert feedback help close the gap between comprehension and communication. Rick and Colin also discuss “fluency reps,” the difference between spending time with English and actually producing it, why fluency should not be confused with perfection, and the identity shift from English learner to English speaker. Hosted by Rick Moore, creator of MiVoca.

  7. 18 Aug

    Anita da Silva of Portuguese with Anita

    What helps language learners start speaking—and continue long enough to make meaningful progress? Anita da Silva, founder of Portuguese with Anita, joins Rick to share lessons from more than 20 years of teaching European Portuguese. She explains why learners should practice speaking from day one, how humor and real-life situations make lessons more memorable, and why grammar books alone cannot teach someone to communicate. They also discuss the value of learning in a supportive community, how beginners and advanced learners can motivate one another, common misconceptions about learning Portuguese, and why mistakes are an essential part of becoming confident in another language.

  8. 14 Aug

    Andrea Viza of Spanish Taco

    Andrea Viza, creator of Spanish Taco, shares how her own experience learning English shaped her supportive, conversation-focused approach to teaching Spanish. Andrea explains why consistency matters more than long study sessions, how speaking and recording yourself can improve your confidence, and why learners should gradually challenge themselves with comprehensible input. She also discusses the frustration of reaching the intermediate level, overcoming the fear of making mistakes, and using small everyday interactions to become more comfortable speaking with native speakers.

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About

Language Learning Insights features conversations with teachers, researchers, content creators, and experienced language learners from around the world. Each episode explores language-learning strategies, teaching philosophies, common learner challenges, and practical advice for learners at every stage. The podcast is hosted by Rick Moore, creator of the language-learning app MiVoca (mivoca.app).

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Moore
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rick Moore