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Joan Comellas

Guest

Joan Comellas

¡Qué Pasa! Español

Learn by Listening • Build Sustainable Habits • Embrace Immersion

About this Episode

In this episode, Rick Moore sits down with Joan Comellas, co-founder of the popular Spanish learning brand ¡Qué Pasa!, to discuss his journey from history teacher to language educator. Joan shares how he and his partner built a consistent, authentic podcasting platform that prioritizes genuine conversation over scripted lessons. They dive into the effectiveness of immersion, the realities of teaching in various formats, and how students can maintain motivation by building sustainable habits that integrate language learning into their daily lives.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Consistency is the most important factor in language progression regardless of the method chosen.
  • ✓Authentic listening materials help learners get used to natural speech patterns and cultural nuances.
  • ✓Immersion experiences provide unique opportunities to connect with local culture and speakers in real-world contexts.
  • ✓Intermediate learners should focus on sustainable habits they actually enjoy rather than forcing rigid, traditional study routines.
  • ✓Small groups and social connections within a learning community can significantly boost long-term motivation.
  • ✓Don't worry about being stuck at the intermediate level; view the language learning process as a long-term, rewarding journey.
  • ✓Mixing input, such as listening to podcasts while doing other activities, creates beneficial passive learning habits.

Featured Clips

Transcript

Resources

  • ¡Qué Pasa! Español

    Podcasts, online courses, and immersion trips to help learners improve their Spanish.

  • MiVoca

    AI-powered personal vocabulary system for language learners.

About the Guest

Joan Comellas
Joan Comellas

¡Qué Pasa! Español

Joan Comellas is co-founder of ¡Qué Pasa! Español, where he helps thousands of learners improve their Spanish through engaging podcasts and authentic content.

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