Creator Empires: Builders in Language Education

Jan van der Aa

Conversations with the builders shaping the future of language education. Hosted by Jan van der Aa, the show features conversations with founders, operators, and builders who are shaping the next generation of language education, apps, platforms, and education businesses. Jan is co-founder of the language practice app Teacher AI, and runs Creator Empires; a networking community for builders in the language space.

  1. 1d ago

    210. How Langpreneurs Grow on YouTube

    In this episode, Jan takes you into an exclusive roundtable discussion where Langpreneurs reveal what's working for them on YouTube. More about our events: https://creatorempires.com/

  2. Oct 20

    209. Takeaways from our Mastermind: Stop Vibe-coding start Vibe-Marketing

    AI makes it easier than ever to build apps, courses, and software, but will building more actually grow your business? In this episode, Jan shares big-picture takeaways from the Creator Empires mastermind in Tenerife, where 20 Langpreneurs spent five days discussing what’s changing in the world of online language businesse, and what hasn’t. The key idea: growth starts with identifying your biggest business constraint. For many creators, that’s traffic and audience, not another product or a new app. Jan explores why brand and trust matter more when everyone can build, why growth often becomes a marketing problem, and how “vibe marketing” can help creators reach more people. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why brand can matter more than having the “best” product - Why growth eventually becomes a marketing problem, not a product problem - How AI can help with marketing, but won’t automatically grow your business - Why creators are exploring communities, high-ticket programs, and software - How to focus on the transformation you deliver, rather than the technology behind it If you’re building an online language business, use these takeaways to focus on what will move your business forward, rather than getting distracted by the newest tools. Want to connect with other people building online language businesses and access the mastermind notes and resources? Visit https://creatorempires.com/inner-circle/

  3. Sep 25

    208. In Depth Conversation about Language Learning (Part 2)

    This episode is a little different. I sat down with Lucas Bighetti, one of my co-founders at Teacher AI. In this conversation, we go deep into language learning in 2026. What works, what doesn’t, and how things are changing. Lucas is one of the best polyglots in the world and really knows what he’s talking about. Enjoy! Create your own clone and offer your students unlimited speaking practice for FREE: https://yourteacher.ai/schools

    208. In Depth Conversation about Language Learning (Part 2)

  4. Sep 22

    207. In Depth Conversation about Language Learning in 2026 with My Co-Founder.

    This episode is a little different. I sat down with Lucas Bighetti, one of my co-founders at Teacher AI. In this conversation, we go deep into language learning in 2026. What works, what doesn’t, and how things are changing. Lucas is one of the best polyglots in the world and really knows what he’s talking about. Enjoy! Create your own clone and offer your students unlimited speaking practice for FREE: https://yourteacher.ai/schools In this conversation:• How Lucas went from failing languages at school to speaking Russian, Thai and Icelandic• The brick method: why "and" and "want" beat "nice to meet you"• How word origins and sound shifts help you recognize words you never studied• What makes a language hard, plus the easiest and hardest languages for English speakers• A live lesson: Spanish from zero, in a few minutes• Learning with AI: what it does well, and why human teachers still matter• How speaking Thai saved Lucas's life• Your questions: learning two languages at once, mixing them up, and getting past the intermediate plateauCreate your own clone and offer your students unlimited speaking practice for FREE: https://yourteacher.ai/schools

    207. In Depth Conversation about Language Learning in 2026 with My Co-Founder.

  5. Jul 24

    206. Challenges and Opportunities for Language Apps with Tobias Dickmeis from Tandem

    In this episode, Jan sits down with Tobias, co-founder of Tandem, to unpack the story behind one of the world’s biggest language exchange apps and what it takes to build a sustainable product in a crowded market. Tobias shares how Tandem grew from an early video chat concept into a global community with tens of millions of users, why the business needed capital to reach critical mass, and how the team has navigated the trade-offs between growth, monetization, retention, and user experience. Jan also opens up about the journey behind Teacher AI, from YouTube and online courses to building a product-first business around speaking practice, and the two compare notes on what really drives growth today. They discuss the shift from creator-led distribution to product-led value, the rise of partnerships, the limits of paid acquisition, and why schools, LLMs, and word of mouth are becoming increasingly important channels.The episode closes with a lively game of “Would you do it?” where Tobias pitches a series of language app ideas and Jan gives his honest verdict on what feels like a feature, a side project, or a truly exciting new company. Building in the language space? Join our events: www.creatorempires.com Tobias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickmeis/

  6. Jul 14

    205. Brenda from Hola Spanish on Memberships, Community and Language Trips

    In this episode, Brenda dives into the the strategies behind her success: how she built a sustainable YouTube channel that attracts thousands, developed a membership that creates loyal learners, and organized in-person immersion trips in Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and Madrid that turn students into lifelong friends. You'll discover how to leverage AI to streamline video editing, the importance of niche focus in a crowded market, and the power of community in turning students into advocates. Brenda’s insights reveal how patience, authenticity, and community can transform your language business into a thriving empire, without sacrificing your sanity. Here’s what you'll learn: How Brenda grew a sustainable language business with patience and consistencyWhy niche focus helped her stand out in a crowded spaceHow community-building turned followers into loyal membersWhat goes into planning live events and immersion tripsHow to use AI and content systems to save time and stay consistentWhy testing ideas with an audience before launching mattersHow online content and in-person experiences can work together If you’re interested in live events and building community with other creators in the space, visit www.creatorempires.com.

  7. Jun 30

    204. Head of Teachable on What's Changing in Online Education - Giovana Carvalho

    Giovanna Carvalho from Teachable talks about how AI is changing online education, and what creators and app builders in the language space need to focus on now. The episode covers why human connection, trust, and community still matter, how creators are adapting their offers, and where new opportunities are opening up as AI makes content easier to produce. Are you building in the language space? Join our community and events: www.creatorempires.com

  8. Jun 1

    203. Babbel's 'AI Boss' (ELSA's co-founder) on the Future of Language Apps - Xavier Anguera

    Join Xavier Anguera, co-founder of Elsa and senior VP at Babel, as he explores how AI is changing language learning. Discover how AI makes learning more personal and effective, and why it's not just about flashy features. Learn how AI tools are built and how they help people learn languages faster. Whether you're interested in tech or just curious about learning, this episode offers clear insights into the future of language education. Xavier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xanguera/ Join our community and events for builders in the language space: https://creatorempires.com/

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About

Conversations with the builders shaping the future of language education. Hosted by Jan van der Aa, the show features conversations with founders, operators, and builders who are shaping the next generation of language education, apps, platforms, and education businesses. Jan is co-founder of the language practice app Teacher AI, and runs Creator Empires; a networking community for builders in the language space.

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