You can save hundreds of words in your language-learning journey—but how many actually become part of your vocabulary?

In this solo episode, Rick Moore shares lessons from his own experience learning Spanish and Portuguese, including why saving words isn't enough, how to decide which vocabulary deserves your attention, and how to turn saved words into words you can actually use.

Rick explores four elements of effective vocabulary practice: relevance, repetition, context, and recall. He also explains why the words you choose should reflect your own life, conversations, and goals—and why encountering words in different contexts can help you understand and remember them.

Rick is the host of Language Learning Insights and creator of MiVoca, a personal vocabulary system for capturing, organizing, and practicing the words that matter to you.

MiVoca Starter is free forever, with no credit card required: mivoca.app

Language Learning Insights is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

How do you build a language learning routine that works for you—and keep going when progress feels slow?

Language coach Kerstin Cable, founder of Fluent Language and co-founder of AI Language Club, joins Rick Moore to discuss setting realistic goals, choosing enjoyable practice, and taking more ownership of your learning.

Kerstin shares how to turn a big ambition into manageable steps, balance your practice across different skills, and decide which vocabulary deserves your attention. We also explore why high achievers can struggle with language learning, how curiosity can sustain motivation, and why being kinder to yourself doesn’t mean lowering your ambitions.

Find Kerstin’s courses, blog, and resources at fluentlanguage.co.uk

Explore more interviews and short clips at languagelearninginsights.com

Rick is also the creator of MiVoca, a Personal Vocabulary System that helps you capture, organize, and practice the words that matter to you. MiVoca Starter is free forever, with no credit card required. Try it at mivoca.app

You know Spanish vocabulary and grammar—but when it’s time to speak, the words don’t come. How do you bridge that gap?

In this episode of Language Learning Insights, Colombian Spanish teacher Diana Hernandez, creator of Spanish with Diana, shares her approach to making Spanish practical and easier to use in everyday conversations.

We discuss learning complete phrases for real situations, training your ear through listening and repetition, and getting comfortable speaking before everything comes out perfectly. Diana also explains why lessons alone aren’t enough: the practice you do between sessions matters.

Along the way, we explore how a supportive learning community and experiences with local people can connect language learning with friendships and culture.

Explore Diana’s courses and community: https://www.instagram.com/spanishwithdiana_/

More Language Learning Insights: https://languagelearninginsights.com

Hosted by Rick Moore, creator of MiVoca, the Personal Vocabulary System that helps you save, organize, and practice the words that matter to you: https://mivoca.app