Russian from Zero to Hero

Irina Grigoreva

A podcast in Russian: easy, slow, and engaging. Hosted by a professional Russian teacher, the podcast takes topics from textbooks and brings them to life with real stories. It’s perfect for A1+ and B1+ learners.

Irina, a Russian teacher, creates episodes for beginners, delivering them in a slow and understandable manner.

For intermediate and advanced learners, Irina is joined by her husband, Anton. Together, they discuss everyday topics at a relaxed pace, making the content easy to follow.

I’m excited to introduce Russian Heroes 2.0, my podcast-based course designed for Russian learners at B1+ level! 🚀

📅 Course start date: March 17 

📝 Level: Intermediate+ (B1 and above)

What’s included in the course?

✅ 16 podcast episodes on the topic of Self-Development 

✅ Full scripts and workbooks for each episode (PDF) 

✅ Access to an interactive learning platform (available on phone, computer, and tablet) 

✅ Weekly online meetings for speaking practice 

✅ Quizlet sets to help you memorize key vocabulary 

✅ A private chat for discussions and support

💥 Special offer! If you join by February 14, you’ll get Russian Heroes 1.0 for free, so you can start listening and working on exercises right away!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask! You can also book a free 30-minute consultation, and I’ll walk you through everything online

Website: https://russian-fromzero.com/eng

Instagram (daily stories about my life and extremely useful Reels and posts on the Russian language.)

Telegram - every week I publish materials on one topic (tests, videos, audios etc) and on Friday we meet in Speaking Club

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July 7 · 31 min
The Good Life Is Not What You Think | Russian Comprehensible Podcast
In this Russian podcast for B1–B2 learners, we discuss the book The Good Life and talk about happiness, relationships, loneliness, support, friendship, family, work, success, money, health, and modern life. You will learn useful Russian vocabulary and expressions while thinking about one of the most important questions: what actually makes life meaningful and happy? Listen to this Russian comprehensible input podcast and discover why the answer may be very different from what social media, career culture, and society usually tell us. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon. 🎧More Russian podcast episodes 00:00 — Вступление 01:36 — Главный секрет хорошей жизни 03:53 — Почему именно хорошие отношения делают жизнь лучше? 10:12 — Что делать с одиночеством? 17:38 — Конфликты в отношениях 19:24 — Как семья влияет на уровень счастья? 20:41 — Друзья — это "выбранная семья" 21:21 — Коллеги тоже влияют 24:02 — Практические советы: как улучшить отношения с людьми и стать счастливее уже сегодня? 25:34 — Второй совет 26:21 — Третий совет 28:15 — Четвёртый совет 29:15 — Пятый совет 29:52 — Главные выводы 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram 📢 Telegram Channel 💡 Support my channel: PayPal Kofi #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #RussianLanguage
July 4 · 51 min
What I lost and what I found during the bike tour | Russian Comprehensible podcast
In this Russian podcast for B1–B2 learners, I share my honest insights after our bike trip across Kazakhstan. We planned a 1000 km cycling adventure, but nothing went as planned — and this trip changed the way I think. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 🎧Whatch my Russian vlog about out trip: How we prepared for out trip How was our trip Master the word "горы" (mountains) to understand the podcast better 00:00 — Вступление: о чём будет выпуск? 04:42 — Коротко о путешествии 08:54 — Инсайт 1 13:31 — Инсайт 2 17:50 — Как нам помогли ГАИшники (traffic police) 29:10 — Инсайт 3 32:11 — Инсайт 4 37:35 — Инсайт 5 47:16 — Инсайт 6 49:28 — Итоги 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram 📢 Telegram Channel 💡 Support my channel: PayPal Kofi #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #RussianLanguage
June 27 · 31 min
Blue Zones & Longevity Secrets | Learn Russian Naturally With Russian Podcast
In this Russian podcast for B1–B2 learners, we talk about the Blue Zones — places in the world where people live longer staing active. Listen to slow and clear Russian, learn useful Russian vocabulary about health, longevity, lifestyle, food, family, stress, habits, and active living, and practice Russian listening comprehension with a real-life topic. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon. 🎧More Russian podcast episodes. 00:00 — Вступление 02:19 — Что такое "голубые зоны"? 04:55 — Первое правило долголетия 07:20 — Второе правило долголетия 09:32 — Третье правило долголетия 11:58 — Четвёртое правило долголетия 13:53 — Пятое правило долголетия 16:23 — Шестое правило долголетия 18:22 — Седьмое правило долголетия 20:08 — Восьмое правило долголетия 21:38 — Девятое правило долголетия 22:58 — Десятое правило долголетия 27:03 — Что общего у регионов "голубых зон"? 29:04 — Какие секреты долголетия вы знаете? Делитесь в комментариях! So make sure to follow if you want to stay connected and experience this journey with me! 📸 Instagram 📢 Telegram Channel 💡 Support my channel: PayPal Kofi #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #RussianLanguage
June 22 · 22 min
These Russian phrases are pure manipulation | Russian podcast
In this Russian podcast, I will give you Russian phrases that are spoken by hidden enemies - people close to you who actually wish you harm. Be sure to remember these Russian phrases so that you can immediately recognize your detractors! 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon. 🎧More Russian podcast episodes 00:00 — Вступление 01:47 — Как этот подкаст поможет вам 02:57 — Скрытый враг - кто это? 03:50 — Первый признак скрытого врага 05:58 — Второй признак скрытого врага 08:28 — Третий признак скрытого врага 10:35 — Четвёртый признак скрытого врага 12:43 — Пятый признак скрытого врага 14:30 — "Я же говорил!" — мой триггер 16:42 — Что делать, если у вас есть скрытые враги? 🌍 Check out my first russian vlog about my two-weeks bike travel around Kazakhstan. So make sure to follow if you want to stay connected and experience this journey with me! 📸 Instagram 📢 Telegram Channel 💡 Support my channel: PayPal Kofi #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #RussianLanguage
June 8 · 25 min
Luck is NOT random! How to hack your destiny | Comprehensible Russian Podcast
In this Russian podcast, we discuss 4 types of luck, 3 of which depend on us, and I give practical advice on how to become more successful and how to deal with bad luck. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. 🎧More Russian podcast episodes here. 00:00 — Вступление 01:00 — Что такое удача и как она работает? 05:37 — Первый вид удачи 08:35 — Второй вид удачи 14:35 — Третий вид удачи 17:08 — Четвёртый вид удачи 20:05 — Как стать более везучим? 24:45 — Заключение и вопрос к зрителям. 🌍 In two day I’m going on a huge bike trip across Kazakhstan 🚴‍♀️ I’ll be sharing everything in my Instagram stories and Telegram channel — the good moments, the chaos, the beautiful places, and honestly… I have no idea myself whether I’ll survive this adventure or how I’ll react to such a crazy trip 😅 So make sure to follow if you want to stay connected and experience this journey with me! 📸 Instagram 📢 Telegram Channel 💡 Support my channel: PayPal Kofi 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon. #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #BadLuck#RussianLanguage
May 30 · 28 min
Why Simple Tasks Take All Day | Russian Podcast with Subtitles
Why does a 30-minute task sometimes take all day? That's Parkinson's Law — and in this Russian podcast, you'll discover the two mental traps that make work expand to fill the time you give it. 🎧 Listen in slow, clear Russian (B1–B2) and follow along with the text. Perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian through listening and reading. In this episode: • What is Parkinson's Law and why it matters • The "time is good" trap — why longer ≠ better • The "fear of punishment" trap — why finishing early backfires • 6 practical strategies to beat Parkinson's Law • How to plan by results, not by hours • Why you should artificially shorten your deadlines 00:00 — Вступление 04:30 — Что такое закон Паркинсона? 07:56 — Первая ловушка мышления 11:36 — Вторая ловушка мышления 14:17 — Первый совет 16:43 — Второй совет 19:59 — Подход «зумеров» к работе и почему это справедливо. 21:27 — Как применять закон к бесконечным задачам (учеба, уборка) и зачем нужны таймеры? 26:27 — Личный совет про дедлайны и важность времени для себя. 28:02 — Заключение и вопрос к зрителям. 🌍 In June I’m going on a huge bike trip across Kazakhstan 🚴‍♀️ I’ll be sharing everything in my Instagram stories and Telegram channel — the good moments, the chaos, the beautiful places, and honestly… I have no idea myself whether I’ll survive this adventure or how I’ll react to such a crazy trip 😅 So make sure to follow if you want to stay connected and experience this journey with me! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+oug6ItnUwlE5OGQy 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/russianfromzero 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/stop-letting-day-159628028?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link #ParkinsonsLaw #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #TimeManagement #RussianLanguage
May 23 · 21 min
Six Self-Care Lessons from Plants | Russian Comprehensible Podcast
🎧 This podcast is designed for intermediate Russian learners (B1–B2). Irina speaks slowly and clearly — perfect for Russian listening practice. Listen and read along — this story is designed for intermediate learners (B1–B2) who want to build real Russian vocabulary through context, not flashcards. Will you wither or bloom? 🌱 In this Russian story, we explore self-care through the surprising metaphor of gardening. What can a sick or wilting plant teach us about people? In this episode, I read and discuss advice from an old gardening book and use it as a metaphor for taking care of ourselves. We talk about repotting a plant, finding support, cutting weeds, protecting yourself from annoying “flies”, and creating better conditions for growth. You will learn Russian words and expressions connected with plants, gardening, growth, self-care, habits, support, boundaries, and emotional well-being. In this episode of the Russian from Zero to Hero podcast, you'll learn: ✅ Russian vocabulary for self-care and personal growth (увядающий, пересаживать, опора, токсичный, процветать...) ✅ How to talk about environment, support, and healthy habits in Russian ✅ Powerful metaphors that make Russian words stick in your memory ✅ Why changing your "pot" might be the bravest thing you can do 🎞️More useful videos on the Russian language: https://www.youtube.com/@Russian_FromZeroToHero 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-plants-can-159013976?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 00:00 — О чем этот выпуск 01:03 — Приветствие 03:16 — Шаг 1: Пересадка в новый горшок (окружение) 07:07 — Шаг 2: Опора для стебля (поддержка) 10:54 — Шаг 3: Отрезаем мертвые ветки (лишнее) 12:56 — Шаг 4: Опрыскиваем мошек (критика) 15:09 — Шаг 5: Терпение и время 17:05 — Шаг 6: Стань своим садовником 18:32 — Итоги: 6 правил заботы о себе 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+oug6ItnUwlE5OGQy — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/russianfromzero #LearnRussian #RussianPodcast #RussianVocabulary #RussianLanguage #RussianCulture
May 16 · 36 min
Too Personal. I Started Therapy + Crazy Kazakhstan Adventure | Russian Podcast
Learn Russian through stories in this personal Russian podcast! If you can understand this Russian story about therapy, perfectionism, and a crazy cycling adventure across Kazakhstan — your Russian level is at least B1. This Russian comprehensible input podcast is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve Russian vocabulary and listening through real, relatable topics. In this episode, I share something very personal — I started therapy. I talk about why perfectionism has been controlling my life, the cognitive distortions I discovered in myself (like devaluing my own achievements and black-and-white thinking), and how therapy is already changing things for the better. But that's not all! I also share: 🚴 My upcoming extreme challenge — a 2-week cycling trip across Eastern Kazakhstan 🗣️ My experience taking an intensive American English pronunciation course (and why it reminded me of what YOU go through learning Russian) This episode is packed with useful Russian vocabulary about mental health, travel, and language learning — all in slow, clear Russian with English explanations. 🎧 This podcast is designed for intermediate Russian learners (B1–B2). Irina speaks slowly and clearly — perfect for Russian listening practice. 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/too-personal-i-158403745?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+oug6ItnUwlE5OGQy — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/russianfromzero #russianpodcast #learnrussian #russiancomprehensibleinput #russianlanguage #learnrussianthroughstories #russianvocabulary #russianlistening #russianforintermediate
May 9 · 38 min
How to Give Compliments in Russian| Podcast for Intermediate Learners
In this Russian podcast episode, you'll learn how to give and receive compliments — the right formulas, the biggest mistakes, and the cultural nuances every Russian learner needs to know. ✅ What you'll learn: • Compliment vs. flattery: комплимент vs. лесть • 4 ready-to-use compliment formulas in Russian • The biggest red flags: why "но" (but) ruins every compliment • How to accept a compliment without devaluing yourself (обесценивать) • Key vocab: уместность, искренность, объективация, личные границы 🎧 This podcast is designed for intermediate Russian learners (B1–B2). Irina speaks slowly and clearly — perfect for Russian listening practice. 🎧More Russian podcast episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUr6Cy1lgKGd3umD4lHP_TCpt6wPoYyxf&si=_4znNZsT_80XB87I 📚Watch, listen, and read the full script on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/russian_fromzerotohero 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+oug6ItnUwlE5OGQy — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/russianfromzero
April 25 · 34 min
34. How Beauty Standards Changed in Russia | Russian Podcast with subtitles
In this episode, we talk about the evolution of beauty standards for women in Russia — from the 17th century to today. Why have completely different types of appearance been considered ideal in different eras? And why is the idea of beauty so often linked to extremes and sacrifices? We explore how beauty standards have changed: — from the “rosy and healthy” look and status symbols of the 17th century — to narrow waists and the influence of European fashion — to the romanticization of a pale, fragile appearance in the 19th century — to Soviet and post-Soviet ideals of the 20th century — to today’s trends, balancing between artificial enhancement and natural beauty At the end, I share my personal reflections on how social media and modern beauty standards influence our self-esteem and the way we see ourselves. This episode is not only about history, but also about finding a balance between social expectations and self-acceptance. Share in the comments: what beauty standards do you notice today? Download transcript to the episode on my Patreon here 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero LavaTop: https://app.lava.top/rusgrigi?donate=open 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/russiantohero — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts
April 18 · 23 min
33. The 4 Burners Theory: Why Life Balance Is Impossible | Russian Podcast
Hi! In this episode, we talk about the Four Burners Theory — a simple but powerful metaphor that helps explain why it’s impossible to do everything at once. Imagine that your life is like a stove with four burners: — family and loved ones — friends and social life — health — work and ambition If you turn all of them up to the maximum at the same time, none of the “burners” will work effectively enough. In this episode, we’ll explore: — why perfect life balance is often impossible — what we sometimes have to “turn off” in order to succeed — how to manage your time and energy without feeling guilty Share in the comments: which “burner” is on high in your life right now? In this podcast, I speak Russian slowly and clearly — for language learners. Download transcript to the episode here 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero LavaTop: https://app.lava.top/rusgrigi?donate=open 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/russiantohero — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts
April 11 · 29 min
32. How Your Money Beliefs Keep You Poor | Russian Podcast
Hi! In this episode, we talk about money mindset — the beliefs about money that often quietly prevent us from earning more, saving money, and feeling calm and confident when it comes to finances. Why do so many people subconsciously fear wealth? Why do some people associate money with freedom, while others link it to stress, conflict, and guilt? In this episode, you’ll learn: — how limiting beliefs about money are formed — why many of these beliefs come from childhood — how culture and the image of the “new Russians” have shaped attitudes toward wealth — which money beliefs you may recognize in yourself Share in the comments: what beliefs about money did you hear growing up? Which of them do you still notice in yourself today? This podcast is recorded in simple, clear Russian for language learners. Download transcript to the episode here 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero LavaTop: https://app.lava.top/rusgrigi?donate=open 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/russiantohero — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts
March 28 · 27 min
31. 7 Smart Money Habits That Actually Work | Russian Podcast with subtitles
Hi! In this episode, we talk about money and financial habits. I break down the book The Richest Man in Babylon and share simple principles you can start applying in your life today. In this podcast, you’ll learn: — why it’s important to save at least 10% of your income — how to control your spending and avoid unnecessary expenses — why your money shouldn’t just sit “under the mattress” — how to protect your savings from losses — why turning your home into a source of income can be a smart move — how to build passive income over time — why investing in yourself and your skills matters I also share my personal experience and explain these ideas in a simple, easy-to-follow way. This isn’t complicated theory — just basic principles that can help you build a healthier, more stable relationship with money. Let me know in the comments: which of these principles are you already using? In this podcast, I speak Russian slowly and clearly — for language learners. Download transcript to the episode here 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero LavaTop: https://app.lava.top/rusgrigi?donate=open 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/russiantohero — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts
March 7 · 30 min
30. This Drains Your Energy | Russian Podcast with subtitles
Hi! In this episode, I talk about what “steals” our energy and why many of us still feel tired even after resting. We’ll look at the main energy drainers — from sleep and eating habits to information overload, anxiety, and task overload. In this video, you’ll learn: — how your daily routine affects your energy levels — why quick snacks and dehydration can make fatigue worse — how coffee, alcohol, and gadgets interfere with sleep — why multitasking and digital noise exhaust the brain — how personal boundaries and perfectionism affect our energy By the end of the episode, you’ll be able to use this list as a checklist and see which factors are taking the most energy from you personally. In this podcast, I speak Russian slowly and clearly — for language learners. Download transcript to the episode here 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero LavaTop: https://app.lava.top/rusgrigi?donate=open 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/russiantohero — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts
February 28 · 31 min
29. Healthy Sleep Habits | Russian Comprehensible Podcast
Hi! In this episode, we talk about sleep and daily routines. Why do we still feel tired even when we seem to be getting “enough” sleep? In this video, you’ll learn: — how gadgets affect sleep quality — the difference between “early birds” and “night owls” — what social jet lag is and why Mondays feel so hard — how to prepare your bedroom and your morning routine to fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling better These aren’t magic tricks — just practical steps you can start applying today. Watch until the end if you want to improve your sleep routine and feel more energized every day. In this podcast, I speak Russian slowly and clearly — for language learners. Download transcript to the episode here 💡 Support my channel: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rfromzerotohero LavaTop: https://app.lava.top/rusgrigi?donate=open 🌍 Follow me on social media for daily practice & tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russiantohero — daily stories, Reels & posts about Russian and my life 📢 Telegram Channel: https://t.me/russiantohero — scripts, quizzes, and useful posts

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