Language Learning Insights

Rick Moore
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  • Language Learning

Language Learning Insights features conversations with teachers, tutors, learners, and other experts from across the language-learning world. Each episode explores language-learning strategies, teaching philosophies, common learner challenges, and practical advice for students. The podcast is hosted by Rick Moore, founder of MiVoca.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Eli Sousa of Portuguese with Eli

    What really helps you become fluent in a new language? In this episode of Language Learning Insights, Rick Moore talks with Eli Sousa, founder of Portuguese with Eli, about the habits and teaching methods that help learners build real confidence. Eli shares why communication should come before perfection, how much grammar beginners actually need, why speaking reveals the gaps in your knowledge, and practical strategies for learning multiple languages without becoming overwhelmed. Whether you're learning Portuguese or another language, you'll come away with practical advice you can start using today. Learn more about Eli and his work at https://portuguesewitheli.com.

    34 min

  2. 6d ago

    Andrea Alger of Spanishland School

    What does it really take to move beyond the intermediate plateau in language learning? In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I sit down with Andrea Alger, co-founder and lead teacher of Spanishland School, to discuss why so many learners get stuck—and what actually helps them make meaningful progress. Andrea shares practical advice drawn from nearly a decade of teaching thousands of intermediate and advanced Spanish learners. We explore the balance between grammar and immersion, why speaking is essential from day one, how to build sustainable daily habits, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to reaching fluency. We also discuss: • Why intermediate learners often feel "stuck" • Grammar vs. immersion: why you need both • The importance of regular conversations with corrective feedback • A simple daily routine that fits into a busy schedule • How authentic content and immersion accelerate learning • Why understanding different accents matters • Inspiring stories of learners who now use Spanish to make a difference in the lives of others Whether you're learning Spanish or any other language, Andrea's advice applies to every learner looking to make steady, lasting progress. Learn more about Spanishland School: https://spanishlandschool.com Learn more about MiVoca: https://mivoca.com

    33 min

  3. Jul 4

    Massimo Cubelli of L'Italiano Vero

    What does it really take to become conversational in a new language? In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I sit down with Massimo Cubelli, creator of L'Italiano Vero, one of the longest-running podcasts helping learners understand authentic, everyday Italian. Although Massimo isn't a language teacher, his experience learning English—and later helping thousands of people learn Italian—has given him a unique perspective on what actually works. We discuss why authentic conversations matter more than textbook dialogues, how humor makes vocabulary more memorable, why culture is inseparable from language, and how building your vocabulary gives you the confidence to communicate. In this episode, Massimo shares two slogans that he has truly made his own and that guide his language learning philosophy: ​'Connection not perfection' – Inspired by All Ears English, his favorite podcast, which inspired him to create L'Italiano Vero. ​'Senza fretta, ma senza sosta' (Without rushing, but without stopping) – A maxim coined by the Italian podcaster Pierluigi Rizzo and inspired by a famous quote by Goethe. If you've ever felt intimidated about speaking with native speakers or worried about making mistakes, this conversation is a reminder that communication—not perfection—is the real goal. Learn more about L'Italiano Vero: https://litalianovero.it https://www.linktr.ee/litalianovero Discover MiVoca, the Personal Vocabulary System: https://mivoca.com

    23 min

  4. Jun 30

    Carolina Mery of Pura Buena Onda

    Why do so many people spend years studying a language yet still struggle to have a simple conversation? In this episode, I sit down with Carolina, founder of Pura Buena Onda, to explore what actually helps people become confident speakers. We discuss why conversation should begin much earlier than most learners think, the role grammar should (and shouldn't) play, and how to create an immersive learning environment no matter where you live. We also cover: How beginners can start speaking from day oneWhy consistency matters more than marathon study sessionsPractical ways to immerse yourself without travelingThe habits that help learners progress the fastestInspiring success stories from students who transformed their language abilitiesWhether you're learning your first foreign language or your fifth, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately. Learn more about Pura Buena Onda: https://purabuenaonda.com Learn more about MiVoca: https://mivoca.app

    34 min

  5. Jun 26

    Maria Amador of Slow Portuguese with Maria

    In this episode of Language Learning Insights, I speak with Maria Amador, creator of Slow Portuguese with Maria, about what it really takes to learn a language as an adult. Maria shares how learning Swedish transformed her perspective as a teacher, why she shifted to using almost entirely Portuguese with her students, and how her own struggles with language learning helped her better understand the challenges learners face. We discuss: • Why speaking is often the hardest part of language learning • How to overcome the fear of conversations with native speakers • The role of grammar, vocabulary, and flashcards in building a strong foundation • Why progress feels slower as an adult learner • The importance of patience and avoiding self-imposed pressure • What separates successful language learners from those who give up • Why culture and personal connection matter when learning a language Whether you're learning Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, or any other language, Maria's insights offer practical advice and encouragement for every stage of the journey. Learn more about Maria and her resources for European Portuguese learners: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

    29 min

  6. Jun 19

    Jennifer Lebedev of English with Jennifer

    In this episode of Language Learning Insights, Rick Moore, founder of MiVoca, talks with Jennifer Lebedev, creator of English with Jennifer and one of YouTube's most respected English teachers. Jennifer shares her journey from classroom teacher to YouTube educator, discusses what she's learned from teaching millions of learners online, and explains why authentic connection matters just as much as grammar and vocabulary. We explore: How language learning has evolved over the past two decadesThe challenges beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced students faceWhy learners should start speaking from day oneThe importance of active practice versus passive consumptionHow successful learners maintain motivation over the long termThe role mindset plays in language learning successWhat separates great teachers from good teachersHow Jennifer continues learning as both a teacher and language learner herselfWhether you're just starting your language journey or working toward advanced fluency, Jennifer offers practical advice and encouragement grounded in nearly two decades of teaching experience. Learn more about Jennifer at: English with Jennifer

    34 min

  7. Jun 16

    Laura Lawless of Lawless Languages

    Laura Lawless, founder of Lawless Languages, joins Language Learning Insights to discuss her journey from a childhood fascination with French to building one of the internet's largest free language-learning resources. We explore what beginners should focus on, why immersion matters, how motivation drives long-term success, the challenges of maintaining multiple languages, and Laura's thoughts on AI in language learning. She also shares the surprising story of how a McDonald's Happy Meal helped spark a lifelong passion for languages. Topics include: Learning vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation effectivelyThe role of immersion and travelMotivation and consistencyMaintaining multiple languagesCommon mistakes language learners makeAI's opportunities and risks for language educationBuilding and sustaining Lawless French

    31 min

  8. Jun 12

    Gordon Smith-Durán of LightSpeed Spanish

    Host Rick Moore, creator of MiVoca, chats with Gordon Smith-Durán, founder of LightSpeed Spanish, about language learning methods, common learner challenges, and practical advice for students.

    33 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Language Learning Insights features conversations with teachers, tutors, learners, and other experts from across the language-learning world. Each episode explores language-learning strategies, teaching philosophies, common learner challenges, and practical advice for students. The podcast is hosted by Rick Moore, founder of MiVoca.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Moore
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rick Moore

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