I've always wanted to expand my vocabulary, and for years I relied on spaced repetition flashcards like Anki to learn new words. However, I encountered two challenges. First, I'd use them consistently for a while, then lose the habit and have to restart. Second, while I could recall the words while studying, I never truly incorporated them into my everyday speech.

Then I discovered flashcasts. a project that brilliantly combines the concepts of flashcards and podcasts. The website generates new podcast episodes on a chosen topic. Each episode introduces a concept, pauses to allow you to define it yourself, and then explains the meaning.

As an avid podcast listener, this approach is perfect for me. It leverages my existing habit of listening to podcasts and keeps me engaged by delivering new vocabulary directly to my player. However, simply hearing definitions wouldn't address my second challenge: actively using the new words.

To bridge this gap, Vocab Story Time offers a separate episode that weaves the words into a short story. This approach reinforces memorization and demonstrates how the words function in real-world contexts. New episodes are released weekly, with potential for additional story-based episodes throughout the week for further exposure.