Connected By Language: Polyglot Interviews
Connected By Language: Polyglot Interviews is the official podcast from Tandem, the language exchange app. Hosted by Michele and Michelle, the show seeks out dedicated language learners from around the world and learns from their approaches to studying and using languages. Episodes feature conversations with language tutors and creators, exploring their methods, experiences, and insights. The podcast is aimed at anyone interested in polyglot interviews, language learning tips, and stories from the global language community.
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EP. 38 - Shea Jordan: How perfectionism helps (or harms) your language learning journey
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHShea grew up in the Arizona desert, where school offered two language options and most classmates saw no reason to learn either. She picked Latin at a school that rarely offered it, fell in love with Rome on a study abroad semester, and years later built a life in Bologna, where waiters still look shocked when the American at the table starts asking
EP. 37 - Tandem DeutschConnect, Evgeniya and the Missing Piece of German Classes
🇩🇪 JOIN TANDEM DEUTSCHCONNECT: invite.tandem.net/DCV-37-NK4DEvgeniya knew at five years old that she wanted to teach languages, fell for German through Rammstein songs, and arrived in Germany to discover that the language she'd studied at university was not the one people actually spoke. Fifteen years of teaching later, from classrooms in Moscow to a multicultural au pair household where Germa
EP. 36 - Veronica: Choosing Languages Like Investments
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHMost people fall in love with a language and then find reasons to learn it. Veronica does the opposite. Before a single flashcard, the 21-year-old from Hong Kong runs the numbers: what career does it unlock, where is the market, how hard is it, and what's the payoff at the end. If a language doesn't pass the test, it doesn't get her time
EP. 35 - Sayaka: The Super Kanji Map and Rethinking How Kanji Is Taught
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHSayaka was born and raised in Okinawa, learned English as an investment in her future, and moved fifteen times following military life across the world. In this episode of Connected By Language, she explains how living in survival mode, setting up a new life again and again in a foreign language, shifted her mindset from speaking perfectly to simply
EP. 34 - FrenchSchoolTV: From Zero to Millions of Followers, and Why He Gives It All Away
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHVincent wasn't supposed to be a French teacher. He was a construction engineer who hated French at school, until years of traveling revealed he had a talent for teaching the language like an equation to be solved. In this episode of Connected By Language, the founder of French School TV explains how he quit his job at the French Institute in Dec
EP. 33 - Xena: Exploring Asia Through Food, Language, Dance, and Random Experiences
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHXena is an Italian content creator who grew up bilingual between Italian and French, with Senegalese roots and the sound of Wolof in her childhood home. In this episode of Connected By Language, she shares how a multicultural upbringing shaped her relationship with languages, why she once pushed away the language of her heritage to fit in, and how s
Ep. 32 - Guillaume: How Speaking Different Languages Can Make You a Better Activist
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHGuillaume grew up near Brussels as a monolingual French speaker who failed to pick up Dutch at school and thought languages simply weren't for him. In this episode of Connected By Language, he explains how discovering his own learning methods changed everything, eventually building up to seven languages at B2 level or above, plus a collection of
EP. 31 - From Language Fear to Language Coaching: a Conversation With tschechisch.online
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHKaterina is a Czech language coach who moved from the Czech Republic to Germany at nineteen and built her career explaining Czech to German native speakers, a niche she carved out for herself. In this episode of Connected By Language, she talks about the fear and structure that shaped her own German learning journey, why she barely speaks her native
Ep. 30 - Natascha Moser: How a Scar Became Her Entire Language Teaching Method
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHWhat happens when the people who are supposed to teach you tell you you'll never make it?For Natascha Moser (@german.language.coach), influencer with 400,000+ followers, and incoming managing director of Expo Lingua, that question shaped everything.In this episode, Natascha shares how years of being told she had no talent in her own mother tongu
EP. 29 - Petr: How Language Exchanges Led to Helping Ukrainian Refugees
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHPetr is a Czech linguist and freelancer who spent years treating English as just another school subject, until an early internet language exchange site opened up the world to him. From there he taught himself Russian in his thirties, not because he had to, but because he was drawn to the post-Soviet world and the vast geography a single language cou
EP. 28 - Rafael: Teaching Korean, Learning Spanish, and Starting Over for Love
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHRafael is a Korean native speaker who started teaching Korean online after noticing how many people in Prague were desperate to learn the language during the height of the K-pop and Squid Game wave. What began as a casual side project turned into a full career… Until he followed his Spanish partner back to Europe, landed in Barcelona without knowing
EP. 27 - One doctor, Seven Languages, and a Polyglot Community Built From Scratch in Stockholm
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHJonatan grew up in northern Sweden with Eritrean parents, speaking both Swedish and Tigrinya at home, and was promptly labeled the math kid while his more extroverted sister got the language person title. That label stuck until a passionate Spanish teacher named Lars changed everything, and what started as a school subject eventually took Jonatan th
EP. 26 - Ali: How Obsession, Self-Education, and a One-Way Ticket Built a Career in English
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHAli Alradhi grew up in Basra, Iraq, surrounded by brothers who traveled the world and spoke English fluently. At twelve, he asked for a dictionary instead of a toy, started reading five to ten pages a day without knowing why, and spent the next decade quietly building an obsession that would take over his entire life. By the time he was twenty two,
EP. 25 - From No Plan to Fluent: Frank's Language Immersion Journey
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHFrank grew up in London convinced he was simply bad at languages. Seven years of French at school, five of German, and not a single conversation to show for it. So at twenty-two, fresh out of university, he did the only logical thing: bought a one-way ticket to Buenos Aires with no contacts, no savings, and barely enough Spanish to order a coffee.Wh
EP. 24 - English Dominance, Dying French Languages, and the Luxembourg Exception
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHLuke is a British-born polyglot who grew up in a national park in northern England, spent his adult life living across eight countries, and now works at a French language school in Lille, advising, testing, and reassuring students from all over the world who come to learn French in an immersive environment. In this episode, he shares what years of l
EP.23 - Inside CLEAR Global: Helping 3.7 Billion People Get Their Voices Heard
🫂 Donate to CLEAR Global today: clearglobal.org/donate🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this special episode of the Connected by Language podcast, we dive into the critical mission of CLEAR Global to bridge the "digital language divide". We sit down with CEO Aimee Ansari to discuss why 3.7 billion people remain "digitally invisible". From crisis response in Ni
EP. 22 - This Dutch Mother is Learning Luganda for a deeply personal reason.
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this episode of Connected By Language, Dutch content creator Jetske shares her experience learning Luganda, a language of Uganda. Originally visiting for a university minor, she eventually settled there and started a family. Jetske explains her commitment to the language as a way to connect with her partner's family and ensure their daughter
EP. 21 - How 8 Years of Self-Directed Learning Led Me to a Career in China
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this episode of Connected By Language, we sit down with Tess, an Australian content creator and university teacher currently living and working in China. Tess shares her incredible eight-year journey of mastering Mandarin, starting from a high school trip to Guangzhou that changed her life forever.From waking up at 6:30 AM to study before school
EP. 20 - How Languages Connect Philosophers Across Borders
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tanu Biswas, associate professor of pedagogy and lifelong polyglot, to explore how language can be more than a skill — it can be a worldview. Growing up multilingual in India and continuing her journey across Europe, Dr. Biswas shares how each language she’s learned became a bridge to new cultures, academic rese
EP. 19 - Is Learning Swedish With a Non-Native Teacher Better?
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHCan a non-native teacher actually be more effective than a native speaker? In this episode, we sit down with Una, a Serbian-native who built a successful career teaching Swedish. We dive into her "superpower": the ability to explain the language from the perspective of someone who actually had to "survive" the learning process from scratch.Una expla
EP. 18 - Is Brazilian Portuguese the Most Fun Language to Learn?
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHGuilherme, aka BrazilianPortugui, had a very interesting English learning journey. From crashing into body-language barriers as an au pair in New York to building a thriving online brand from scratch, he shares how teaching Brazilian Portuguese became a global mission rooted in culture, music, and identity.In this episode, Guilherme joins us from Ba
EP. 17 - The Trilingual Cuban Who Masters Languages Through Music
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHWhat’s it like to grow up speaking three languages—and then add several more? In this episode, we’re joined by Guglielmo, a Cuban-born polyglot raised in Germany, who shares how he navigates his multicultural identity while mastering languages like French, German, Italian, and even Mandarin.From preserving his Cuban accent to rapping in French to le
EP. 16 - How to Learn a Language on a Busy Schedule (That Actually Works)
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHHow do you go from speaking only Portuguese to mastering English, Spanish, and German — all while juggling work, university, and moving across countries? In this episode, we sit down with a Brazilian software engineer Elzo who built his own language learning system from scratch and used it to unlock new careers, friendships, and global opportunities
EP. 15 - He Does Stand-Up in 10 Languages (No Joke!)
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHCan you be funny in a language you barely speak? In this hilarious and eye-opening episode, Neeraj (Nee Ridge) shares how stand-up comedy became his gateway to mastering over 10 languages. From bombing on stage in Mandarin to testing punchlines with strangers on Tandem, he proves that making mistakes—and laughing through them—is one of the best ways
EP. 14 - Dutch: The Language That Says It Like It Is
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHMichele and Michelle explore the Netherlands through its language, culture, and famously direct way of life — from gezelligheid and King’s Day to cycling cities and quiet Sunday towns. Later, they’re joined by Maryna, a German polyglot living in Amsterdam, who shares her experiences learning Dutch, embracing honesty, and finding beauty in everyday D
EP. 13 - This Storytelling Method Is Changing How We Learn Languages
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH🌐 Join Expolingua 2025: https://www.expolingua.com/EN/📅 November 14 – 15, 2025 📍 Tagungswerk, Lindenstraße 85, 10969 BerlinDiscover how storytelling is revolutionising the way people learn Norwegian (and languages in general) in this episode of the Connected By Language podcast.. Our guest, Werner, co-founder of Skapago, shares how his immersive, st
EP. 12 - Meet The Man From Taiwan Who Speaks 50+ Languages!
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this episode of Connected by Language, we travel to the heart of Taiwan 🇹🇼, a place where skyscrapers meet sacred temples and neon night markets blend with lush mountain gorges. From Taipei’s 101 Tower and the famous Shilin Night Market to natural wonders like Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, explore an island that captures all of Asia in miniatur
EP. 11 - Want to learn Thai? Here's what you NEED to watch out for! (With Layla from Pastel Thai)
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this episode of Connected by Language, we dive into the Land of Smiles — Thailand 🇹🇭. Discover the magic of Bangkok, sacred Buddhist temples, and the mystery of the white elephants. Learn about everyday customs, Songkran water fights, the Loi Krathong Festival of Lights, and the role of food, colors, and traditions in Thai culture.Special guest L
EP. 10 - Why Cantonese matters in Hong Kong culture (and how it changes when visiting Europe)
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHStepping outside Hong Kong for the first time is unforgettable. The city’s feng shui-inspired skyline, towering statues and temples, and the breathtaking Victoria Harbour light show create an experience like no other. But beyond the views, could learning Cantonese unlock an even deeper connection to this vibrant culture shaped by centuries of histor
EP. 9 - Is Slovak the secret tool to learning other languages FAST?
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHSlovakia is the land of superlatives — the most castles, the most caves, and even one of the most complex languages in Europe with seven cases! In this episode, we dive into Slovak culture and language with our guest Miroslava, a native speaker and cultural enthusiast. She shares fascinating insights about Slovak, its unique grammar, and why it migh
EP. 8 - Are Nigeria's Yoruba and Igbo languages easy to learn?
Michele and Michelle finally arrive at the first destination on the African continent by exploring the vastly diverse and fascinating traditions and languages in Nigeria! From Michele gushing about his love for the enigmatic Eyo festival in Lagos in the west to Michelle trying her best to understand the Igbo language of eastern Nigeria, this country has it all.We are also joined by tech YouTuber a
EP. 7 - Patricio Alvarado on fluency through songwriting and Chilean culture
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHLet’s explore Chilean culture, as Michele and Michelle discover the wonderful (and hidden) gems of the country. From Mapuche culture and Chilean idioms to Pablo Neruda poetry, this nation has so many fun facts to offer, and you don't want to miss them!And there is no Chilean art without music, and luckily, Chilean singer/songwriter Patricio Alvarado
EP.6 - Why is nobody talking about MONGOLIAN culture? Inner Mongolia, Lake Khövsgöl and Culture
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHIn this episode of the new tandem podcast, Michele and Michelle embark on a vibrant exploration of Mongolia, uncovering the fascinating stories, traditions, and quirks that shape its identity. From Mongolia culture to lake Khövsgöl, they dive deep into what makes this culture unique. Joining the podcast episode is Wurilaga, a Mongolian Profession
EP. 5 - What’s COLOMBIA Like? Colombian Biodiversity, Fun Facts, and Culture
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHMichele and Michelle explore the depths of Colombian culture, from unique Colombian superstition and end of year rituals, to the breathtaking biodiversity and natural sights. No matter the temperature or activities you prefer, Colombia offers a very unique experience.But what’s daily life really like in Colombia? We sat down with Camilo, a passionat
EP. 4 - How Does Growing Up in NEPAL Feel? (and the challenges of living abroad)
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHFrom the chilling Annapurna mountains to complex Hindu festivals, Michele and Michelle take an in-depth look into everything that makes Nepal such a unique and mysterious country!But have you ever wondered what it's like to grow up with Nepali culture? We asked Jyotshana, a Nepali native currently living overseas, about her daily life in Kathmandu a
EP. 3 - What's life in the Czech Republic REALLY like? (Feat. Pink Mario)
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHMichele and Michelle explore the Czech Republic, from iconic spots in Prague to the authors and eerie fairy tales that shape its culture. Bedroom Pop Artist Pink Mario also joins in and shares his experience teaching English in a remote Czech town, performing comedy on Russian TV, and how his multicultural roots shaped his language journey.The Guest
EP. 2 - What Makes MEXICAN Culture so UNIQUE?
🌍 JOIN TANDEM TODAY: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQHMichele and Michelle go on a colorful journey through the rich and varied culture of Mexico! From body language to Aztec gods and gestures, they try to unmask what makes Mexican culture so colorful and unique! They also talked to Omar, a Mexican-native “Nerd”, who’s here to share his adventures bringing Mexican culture to France… and how it changed
EP. 1 - What's the BIGGEST Difference Between Japanese and Italian Culture?
➡️ Get the app: https://tandem.go.link/lcLQH Michelle and Michele go on a cultural adventure, diving into the quirks, wonders, and contrasts between Japanese and Italian cultures and their languages. They’re joined by Laura, an expert in both, who shares insights on learning the languages and building meaningful connections with their people.What is Tandem - Language exchange?Tandem is a global la
Welcome to Connected By Language! - Teaser
Introducing Connected By Language. The new podcast from Tandem where culture meets conversation and language lovers unite!Each episode we explore a new country by sharing geographical facts, language quirks, and unexpected cultural clashes.Follow Michele and Michelle as they meet some of the most dedicated language learners and polyglots out there, ready to share their culture and experiences!Tune
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