How to prepare for Daf Yomi?

Hi guys-

I tried a while ago to get into Daf Yomi. I downloaded the OU app and I tried listening to some podcasts and to read the text but the learning curve was pretty steep and I feel like I need more background or preparation to really do this. I read that a new cycle is starting in July 2027 and I think it might be a reasonable goal to prepare now so I can start then – but I’m not sure what to do/read/study in order to do that.

I can read Hebrew somewhat, and I know a little conversational/modern Hebrew. Aside from reading The Chosen a couple times, I’m otherwise a total beginner to learning Talmud. Is there some book out there that might teach me the terminology? Should I try to study Aramaic (there’s no Duolingo for that unfortunately)? What do the day schools have in their curriculum to prepare students for studying Talmud or to introduce how to study?

I’m currently working my way through Telushkin’s Jewish Literacy and plan to read through Biblical Literacy by him next. I am finding that I am reasonably familiar with most of the topics in the book.

(I did ask my Rabbi once but it was in the second paragraph of an email and he may have missed it. I’ll try asking him in person sometime but I also want to see what advice you all might have.)

To quote The West Wing, “Any advice you could give me that might point me the way of success would be, by me, appreciated!”