In this video I discuss the importance of noticing in language learning and whether it's something we can deliberately train.

Grammar drills won’t make you fluent. Here’s what will

In this video, I explain why language learning is often made harder than it needs to be and how to stop overcomplicating it.


DON'T overcomplicate language learning

Your host Hans Hamrd brings you another episode of Drunk on Language.  This time, we cover what the heck happened to the written form of English in 1755, and why millions of kids are tortured with spelling bees each year.

''The Story of English'' by Philip Gooden.  Dr. Johnson's Dictionary (Episode 6/siex)

In this video, I talk with Jon Hamilton, a former Green Beret, about language learning and how physical training relates to mastering new languages.

Ex–Green Beret explains how U.S. military learns languages

In this special holiday-weekend episode, Brian interviews Gary Ross, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kanazawa University, where he is Director of English and develops the online ESL program. Gary is a full-stack developer specializing in AI and online learning. He is the creator of J-Talk.com and the superb conference platform Edzilla, which we continue to use as our JALTCALL conference hosting system. We discuss Gary's various Kaken projects, including (1) Speech recognition in medical communication and training using ML with Jeanette Dennison, and (2) the Extensive Reading Artificial Intelligence app in collaboration with Mark Breirley https://gamma.erai.app/dashboard/manuscripts 
Check out Gary's J-Talk website for academics working in Japan(ese). https://j-talk.com/convert
and contact us at the podcast using jaltcall@jaltcall.org 
Contact Gary Ross at gary@p.kanazawa-u.ac.jp Kaken Researcher Number 10708142

Gary Ross Interview by Brian Gallagher Oct 2025

A memory of meeting Silas Jones in Pont-y-Berem

Silas Jones

In this video I explain why it's never been easier to learn another language.

Why it’s never been EASIER to learn a language

Dans cette vidéo, j’explique pourquoi l’apprentissage des langues est souvent rendu plus difficile qu’il ne devrait l’être, et comment arrêter de le compliquer inutilement.

Apprendre une langue, c’est s’y habituer

In this episode Brian Gallagher (Meijo U.) and Robert Remmerswaal (Sojo U.) discuss the JALTCALL events and more that will feature in the upcoming JALT International Conference at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター), Yoyogi, Tokyo. They explain about the 90-minute JALTCALL Forum on the relevance and application of AI in the classroom, as well as AI ethics and policy, featuring Frederick Bacala, Geoff Carr, Robert Dykes, Bradley Irwin, and perhaps 2 more mystery guests on Saturday, November 1st, from 11am in the large hall. We also learn of the JALTCALL Podcast Workshop on the same day, November 1st, from 2.30pm in room 404. Bring your computer to learn how to record, edit, and produce your own podcast with our team.
We also hear of some other events happening through into 2026.
Enjoy the show.

October 25 Studio Talk w Brian and Robert JALT International Conference Edition

In this video, I discuss the cognitive load theory and how it can be applied to language learning to make it easier and more enjoyable. 

Want to learn faster? Reduce cognitive load

We have fun with language here.  If you accidentally learn something, we're sorry.

My influences and inspirations for the Drunk on Language Book Club include: Nativlang, Xidnaf, Rick Steves, Drunk History, Langfocus, Game of Thrones Abridged, My Drunk Kitchen with Hannah Hart, and Mextalki.
The men in my life: Jim Beam, Jack Daniel, José Cuervo, Los Kunstmanns, Captain Morgan, Don Q, Pyotr Smirnoff, Mike and his ''Hard Lemonade''.      

And Brendon Urie.  -heavy breathing-

Japan association for Language Teaching (JALT) Computer Assisted Language Learning Special Interest Group. (JALTCALL)

I speak 20 languages. I've been learning languages for over 50 years and I've tried all kinds of approaches. I talk about my experiences, my approach to language learning, what I enjoy about learning languages and all manner of other topics related to language. 

If you love languages, or think you would if you hadn't been discouraged by past experiences, this is the podcast for you. Anyone can learn a language. You just need the right attitude and the right approach!

New tracks tagged #Languages