Exploring what it actually takes to build meaningful creative work in the real world either alongside or instead of traditional careers. Conversations with people at every stage of the journey, from side project builders to full-time creators and founders, about the practical and emotional reality of choosing purpose over default paths.
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Exploring what it actually takes to build meaningful creative work in the real world either alongside or instead of traditional careers. Conversations with people at every stage of the journey, from side project builders to full-time creators and founders, about the practical and emotional reality of choosing purpose over default paths.
"Couch Polyglot" Laura on Learning 7+ Languages, Building a Successful YouTube Channel, and Why Duolingo Won't Make You Fluent
Imperfect Creatives
1 hour 4 minutes 35 seconds
1 month ago
"Couch Polyglot" Laura on Learning 7+ Languages, Building a Successful YouTube Channel, and Why Duolingo Won't Make You Fluent
In this episode, I sit down with Laura aka "Couch Polyglot", a polyglot and YouTuber with over 44k subscribers who creates awesome language learning content whilst also working a day job. We explore how she balances both worlds: maintaining multiple languages as well as a growing channel without burning out.
We dig into practical language learning techniques, why Duolingo might not cut it for serious learners, and how mindset often matters more than natural ability. Laura also shares what it's really like building a YouTube channel, the unexpected challenges of content creation, and her best advice for anyone juggling creative work with a day job.
(01:03) Starting a YouTube Channel During the Pandemic
(03:09) From Teaching to YouTube
(09:35) Balancing YouTube and Full-Time Work
(13:42) Challenges & Realities of Content Creation
(26:20) Mindset and Approaches to Language Learning
(34:02) Is Duolingo Effective?
(35:48) Starting from Scratch: Learning Basics
(37:25) The Importance of Comprehensible Input
(38:37) Maintaining and Activating Languages
(39:57) Overcoming Language Learning Barriers
(42:11) Finding Fun
(46:58) Language Tandems
(01:02:32) Resources & Recommendations
Imperfect Creatives
Exploring what it actually takes to build meaningful creative work in the real world either alongside or instead of traditional careers. Conversations with people at every stage of the journey, from side project builders to full-time creators and founders, about the practical and emotional reality of choosing purpose over default paths.
