All episodes (automatically generated list)

  • 874. Walk & Talk: PARIS - Here is an episode in which I walk through the streets of Paris, rambling about a particular subject. This time the subject is Paris itself. This summer Paris is hosting the Olympic Games. The city will be filled with visitors. I am very curious to see how the city will handle this moment. Will it […]
  • 873. Luke takes the MBTI Personality Test - The MBTI Personality Test (aka “16 Personalities”) is a very well-known and widely used test which claims to be able to give you a “freakishly accurate” analysis of your personality type. In this episode I take the test, explain the reasons for my answers, explain some vocabulary and give my thoughts on the test results […]
  • 872. The Birthday Party (Learn English with a Short Story) - 🎧 Learn English with a short story. 🗣 Listen & repeat after me if you’d like to practise your pronunciation. 💬 Learn some vocabulary in the second half of the video. This is a story about people watching and what you can notice about people’s relationships if you are observant enough. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 📄 Click […]
  • 871. Rambling through my episode archive / Listener Comments / Gold YouTube Creator Award - A very long rambling episode with a big mix of vocabulary, stories about my trip to Rome, comments from listeners, lots of thoughts about episodes I’ve published over the last 12 months, more advice about learning English, and a story about being Jackie Chan’s English teacher. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Get the PDF for this episode 👇
  • 870. Kate Billington moved to Taiwan - Returning guest Kate Billington suddenly decided to move to the other side of the world, to Taipei in beautiful Taiwan. In this episode we talk about meeting LEPsters in Taipei, her decision to move there, and how everything is going, with the usual conversational tangents along the way. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Introduction Notes Here is another […]
  • 869. Working at UNESCO | English in International Diplomacy - In international diplomacy, “communication is everything”. This is the main point of this conversation, in which I talk to my friend who works for the UK delegation at UNESCO in Paris. We discuss the work that UNESCO does, and the various communication challenges involved in working together with representatives from countries all around the world, […]
  • 868. How the USA is changing (with Lindsay McMahon from All Ears English) - Lindsay has been observing social, economic and political trends in her home country and comes on the podcast today to talk about them. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Introduction Notes / Transcript for Episode 868 Hello! Today on the podcast I am talking to Lindsay from All Ears Engish.  Do you know the All Ears English podcast? If […]
  • 867. Multimodal Communication (with Nik Peachey) - This episode is all about the different modes of communication that we use beyond the 4 linguistic skills of reading, writing, listening speaking. My guest is Nik Peachey who has helped to write a new paper published by OUP called Multimodality in ELT: communication skills for today’s generation. Listen to Nik and me chatting about […]
  • 1 Million Subscribers on YouTube 🎉 - Here are my reactions to getting 1 million subscribers on YouTube, and probably 1 million+ on audio platforms too! Listen to me rambling on my own and with my daughter (6 years old now) while the subscriber number gradually goes up, and eventually reaches this big milestone. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO]
  • 866. The Lying Game #9 with Amber & Paul (with Vocabulary Explanations) - The return of the lying game on LEP! Amber, Paul and I play a speaking game which I sometimes use in my English classes. Listen to our stories and try to work out if we are lying or telling the truth. The second half of the episode contains story summaries and vocabulary explanations.  [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] […]
  • 865. Catching Up with Amber & Paul #13 - Amber & Paul return to the podcast for another tangential conversation about various things, including why Paul is angry 😤, how Amber gets crushed in her own bed 🛌, how our British children don’t need to wear coats 🧥, the special gifts Luke has prepared for Amber & Paul 🎁, the highs and lows of […]
  • 864. A Winter Ramble ❄️ Learn English with LEP - Join me as I talk without a script about lovely cold weather ❄️ being too lazy to wash my cups 🍵 feeling exhausted because my son won’t sleep 👶😮‍💨 New Year’s Eve celebrations 🛋 performing stand up comedy to 4200 people 🎤 a recommended YouTube channel about adventurous missions in the UK countryside 🥾 and […]
  • 863. Welcome Back / Your English in 2024 with LEP 📈 - A new year episode to welcome you back to my podcast, to encourage you to reflect on your learning of English over the last 12 months, to consider your English learning in 2024 and how this podcast can help you. Includes plenty of ideas for how to improve your English, some reflections on my learning […]
  • 862. WORLD NEWS QUIZ 2023 Part 2 (with Stephen from SEND7 Podcast) - [2/2] Stephen from the Simple English News Daily podcast asks me questions about news events from this year. This is part 2 of a 2-part episode. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] *Edits – On reflection, I decided to remove questions 11 and 12 because they were about the war in Ukraine and I think the tone of our […]
  • 861. WORLD NEWS QUIZ 2023 Part 1 (with Stephen from SEND7 Podcast) - [1/2] Stephen from the Simple English News Daily podcast asks me questions about news events from this year. This is part 1 of a 2-part episode. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 👉 Click here for PART 2
  • 860. Charles Dickens’ Christmas Ghost Story (Learn English with a Short Story) - Listen to me telling this classic Christmas ghost story – “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I have read this story on the podcast before (in episode 320) but it’s a good one so let’s do it again, shall we? 🎅 [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] PDF Transcript 👇
  • 859. A Christmas Ramble 2023 (with ChatGPT) - How about some English rambling at Christmas time? ChatGPT (who can speak now) helps me with some questions and ideas, and I ramble about Christmas plans, traditions, post-gift melancholy, upcoming episodes, how to do a King Charles impression, and more… [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Some Previous Christmas Episodes from the Archive 🎅👇
  • 858. Trivia Quizzing with Sarah and Fred (Part 2) - This is part 2 of this double episode. Please listen to part 1 first! Sarah and Fred are trivia quiz nerds with a new trivia podcast. In this episode they joined me for some trivia quizzing and conversation. In this second part you can listen to my quiz for Sarah and Fred, and then Fred’s […]
  • 857. Trivia Quizzes with Sarah and Fred (Part 1) - Sarah and Fred are trivia quiz nerds who have been doing trivia nights in Paris for years and now have a new trivia-themed podcast. In this episode we get together to discuss trivia quizzing, and to quiz each other with our own trivia questions. In this first part we get to know Sarah and Fred […]
  • 856. My brother’s new album is out now / Music Chat with James - Here’s a bonus episode, and it’s for fans of my brother’s music. James’ new album is out now and so we decided to record this episode in order to promote it and also to talk generally about music, including a chat about favourite albums, first albums we ever bought, albums we discovered in our parents’ […]
  • 855. Discussing Films with Cara Leopold - Talking to Cara about films, movies, her movie club for English learners and a discussion about films and what they mean. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Introduction Transcript Hello! In this episode you will be able to listen to a conversation with Cara Leopold all about films.  If you are a long-term listener to this podcast, then you […]
  • 854. The Invitation (Learn English with a Short Story) - 🎧 Learn English with a short story. 🗣 Listen & repeat after me if you’d like to practise your pronunciation. 💬 Learn some vocabulary in the second half of the video. 📄 I found this story in answer to a post on Quora.com asking about true scary stories. I thought I could use it to […]
  • 853. A Conversation with Rhiannon Carter - Join me as I meet and get to know Rhiannon, an English coach whose mission is to help you feel awesome about your English. I had never met Rhiannon before this interview, so listen as I get to know her and we chat about her English & Welsh roots, moving to Edinburgh, studying theology at […]
  • 852. How does it feel to be blind? (Article & Vocabulary) - How does it feel to have a visual impairment? How do blind people navigate the world? How do other people treat you, if you are blind? And, how do we talk about blindness and other forms of disability in English? This episode is inspired by a listener called Hafid, who contacted me recently. I talk […]
  • 851. Rambling about The Beatles “Now and Then” 🎸 - A listener left a comment on my website asking for my thoughts on the new Beatles song which was released last week, and I was happy to ramble about it for 45 mins. Listen to hear me give my thoughts and tell several stories related to what is being described as “the last Beatles song”. […]
  • 850. Any Language You Want 📖 with Fabio Cerpelloni - Fabio has written a book about language learning, based on his own personal experiences of learning English. Each chapter ends with the same sentence: “This is how to learn a language”. But each chapter disagrees with the next. There are many ways to learn a language, and none of them is the only right way […]
  • 849. STORIES OF INSECTS, BUGS & CREEPY CRAWLIES with Zdenek Lukas - Bed bugs in Paris & London, Mosquito hunting in the middle of the night, a home invasion by fleas and the terrors of cockroaches – listen to some anecdotes about encounters with insects with Zdenek who has recently relocated to Vietnam. Also watch out for various insect idioms which appear during the conversation. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] […]
  • 848. The Superpower of Starting English Early with Kids (with Bree Aesie) - Bree Aesie is an English teacher with a background in psychology, especially child development, and in this episode she comes onto LEP with advice and encouragement for parents who want to help their children to learn English from an early age. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] ☝️ The audio version has extra content – an introduction and an […]
  • 847. RANDOM TOPIC GENERATOR (A 1-Hour Rambling Episode) - Join me for an unplanned rambling episode about various things including: hump day, bed bugs in Paris 🐞, fashion trends I followed when I was younger 👟👖, CDs 💿 vs cassettes 📼 vs vinyl 🎵, the most relaxing place in the world 🛏, Japanese zen gardens ⛩, Hunter S Thompson 🚬, the most disgusting job […]
  • 846. Topic Tombola with James - “The Glib Brothers” reunite on the podcast to discuss more music, films, books, scary AI and UFO sightings. James is my older brother and he’s probably been on this podcast more than any other guest. Listen for another deep and humorous conversation with lots of cultural reference points. [DOWNLOAD] Some of the things we talked […]
  • 845. Using ChatGPT as a Language Teaching Tool 🤖 with JOE DALE, EdTech Guru, ChatGPT Enthusiast - TECH TALK! A conversation with Joe Dale (modern foreign language teaching consultant, EdTech guru) about the use of ChatGPT in English teaching and learning. Lots of recommendations, tips and tricks for saving time and combining ChatGPT with other software including Google Chrome extensions. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Links, etc Online Communities that Joe mentioned Google Chrome Extentions […]
  • 844. Improve Your Pronunciation with Luke Nicholson – Accent Coach - A conversation with accent coach Luke Nicholson, including lots of insights, advice and conclusions about improving your pronunciation in English. [DOWNLOAD] ☝️The audio version contains 20+ extra minutes Questions to consider before listening Summary of the main conclusions in the conversation Luke Nicholson’s Websites www.improveyouraccent.co.uk www.funetics.com
  • 843. The Birth of Our Son - Talking to my wife (and daughter) about the birth of our son, who came into the world just a few weeks ago. We describe what happened, and explain how it feels to become parents for the second time. This is a very personal, first-hand account of childbirth and the experience of bringing a child into […]
  • 842. A Pre-Baby Summertime Ramble ☀️👶 - Hang out with me for an unscripted and unedited ramble about things like engaging moments while English teaching, how it feels to be about to become a father again, a funny new recording of my daughter speaking English, some recent films I’ve seen, and a recording of me doing stand-up comedy in front of an […]
  • 841. A Conversation About MONOPOLY 🎲🏠💰 with Anna Tyrie - Monopoly is one of the most famous board games of all time. It’s sold in more than 114 countries and has been printed in more than 47 languages. It’s famous for causing arguments and taking forever to finish! But it is a fantastic and fascinating game, so let’s talk about it. In this episode I […]
  • 840. Things that make you go “Hmmm” 🤔 Life, Laughter & Learning English - Here is a list of curious mysteries, jokes and observations about the English language and life in general. I talk about each interesting point, give some funny comments and explain bits of English vocabulary in the process. Expect to learn a few things, and have a bit of a laugh in the process. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] […]
  • 839. Kate Billington Cycled to Berlin 🚴‍♀️ - Kate Billington returns for her 4th appearance on LEP to create some fun English conversation for you to listen to. We talk about lots of things, as usual, including her cycling trip to Berlin and a nasty accident she had on her bicycle in Paris earlier this year. Expect tangents, vocab, idioms, jokes, stories, cups […]
  • 838. A 3-Hour Mega-Ramble / Reflecting on a Wonderful Spring Day in Paris - This is the longest episode of LEP so far, and it’s a solo ramble. Relax, follow my words, hang out with me for 3 hours, get stranded on a desert island of the imagination, and then get rescued. Includes a haircut, a sleep and a t-shirt change during the episode. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] PDF Script / […]
  • 837. Describing a Car Accident in 15+ Styles of English 🚗📚 - How would the same car accident be described in over 15 completely different styles of English? What are the differences in vocabulary, grammar and organisational structure? How should I change my voice to read each description? Let’s see how English changes in different situations. Styles presented include: formal and informal English, news reports, an action […]
  • 836. Life & Life Only with Antony Rotunno [Part 2] David Blaine, Food & Diet, The Shining, Conspiracies, Comedy, Happiness - Since recording part 1 of this conversation, Antony caught COVID-19 and lost a bit of weight, but he managed to talk for about 100 minutes here about more topics he has previously covered in episodes of his podcast “Life & Life Only”. Here we discuss diverse things, including the extraordinary feats of endurance by David […]
  • 835. Life & Life Only with Antony Rotunno [Part 1] Cats, Titanic, Travelling, Teaching & Life Coaching - Antony is an English teacher, podcaster, life-coach and writer and he returns to LEP today for a conversation about topics which he has discussed in episodes of his podcast called “Life & Life Only”. Listen to us chat about why cats are good for your health 🐱, what the Titanic disaster tells us about social […]
  • 834. The best way to learn a language, according to research (Article) 📖 - Reading an article by Gavin Lamb (PhD) about the conclusions of academic studies into language learning, and adding my own reflections and comments. What does research tell us about the best way to learn a language? What are the most important things to consider? What are the best methods? The article boils it all down […]
  • 833. Text Adventure Story: Lemon Simulator (by Daniel Champion) - Join me as I read through a bizarre online game. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a lemon? No? Well, neither had I, until I played this game. Can I escape the kitchen, become human again and avoid being chopped up and turned into a juice! Watch out for some […]
  • 832. Sherlock Holmes: The Red-headed League (Learn English with a Short Story) - Let me read you a classic Sherlock Holmes detective story, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I’ll read the original text and stop regularly in order to explain what is happening. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 📄 DOWNLOAD THE PDF TRANSCRIPT 👇
  • 831. Learning How to Learn with Hadar Shemesh - A conversation with Hadar Shemesh, a non-native speaker who has improved her English to a very high level, and who now shares her knowledge and experience with the world through her podcast and YouTube channel. Hadar describes her own experiences of learning English and mastering pronunciation. This episode is all about the voyage of discovery […]
  • 830. English With Cooke / A Chat with Instagram English Teacher Andy Cooke - In conversation with Andy Cooke, an English teacher from England who is very popular on Instagram. We talk about Andy’s background, becoming an English teacher, getting big on Instagram, ChatGPT and a few other tangents along the way. Includes a few songs on the guitar at the end of the episode. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 👆The audio […]
  • 829. 88 English expressions that will confuse everyone (Part 3) - Finally, here is the third part of this series about English slang words and expressions that most British people know, but which will probably confuse almost everyone else! I started this series in 2019. It’s only taken me nearly 4 years to get round to finishing it. Learn loads of slang and culture, plus a […]
  • 828. PARIS STORIES with Amber Minogue - Amber returns to the podcast to tell us some grisly stories about the history of Paris. Amber is a bit of an expert about Paris. She has read pretty much every book about the city and is also a registered tour guide here. A few years ago she set up a podcast called Paname Podcast […]
  • 827. An Interview for a Study about Language Learning Podcasts (Carlos Soares, University of Aveiro) - Carlos Soares, from the University of Aveiro in Portugal, is doing a master’s degree dissertation all about language learning podcasts. He contacted me to conduct an interview as part of his research, and he agreed for me to publish it as an episode of my podcast. Carlos asks me about my thoughts on learning English […]
  • 826. Yiddish Words used in English (with Sebastian Marx) - Comedian Sebastian Marx returns to the podcast in order to talk about Yiddish words which have found their way into the English language, including common words like bagel, glitch and schmooze and plenty more. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 👆The audio contains extra content, including an introduction and a short ramble at the end 😉 Visit Sebastian’s website […]
  • 825. Time-Travel Story, English Immersions in Malta & Playing the Bagpipes (with Alastair Budge) - Is that a confusing title? Hopefully not. As you might expect, it’s a little summary of what’s included in the episode. To give you some more details, Alastair Budge is the host of a podcast called “English Learning for Curious Minds” and he has created a new audio drama for English learners called “Pioneers of […]
  • 824. The Coronation of King Charles III (with Mum & Dad) The Rick & Gill Thompson Report - Talking to my parents about the coronation ceremony of King Charles III which happened in Westminster, London on Saturday 6 May. Includes descriptions of the ceremony and discussion of some of the issues related to it, plus a few dodgy jokes along the way 👑. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Listen to the audio version for 15+ minutes […]
  • 823. ChatGPT & Learning English PART 3 - In this final part of the series I’m going to evaluate ChatGPT’s ability to work as a dictionary with definitions, example sentences, synonyms, phonetic transcriptions, etc. I test its ability to convert texts into British English or other varieties, see if it can help with sentence stress and word stress, and check its ability to […]
  • 822. ChatGPT & Learning English PART 2 - In this series I am evaluating ChatGPT as a language-learning tool. In this part I’m experimenting with role-play conversations, job interview practice, creating texts and dialogues and seeing if it can help you prepare for Cambridge exams like IELTS or CAE. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] DOWNLOAD THE PDF TRANSCRIPT FOR 822. ChatGPT & Learning English PART 2 […]
  • 821. ChatGPT & Learning English PART 1 - An episode exploring the various ways that ChatGPT might be able to help you learn English. Can it create study plans? Can it correct your errors and explain the corrections? Can you use it to simulate natural conversations? This is the first of a three-part series in which I test ChatGPT’s usefulness as an AI […]
  • 820. A Springtime Ramble 🌷🌸 Learn English with LEP - Rambling on my own about getting stuck in a time-loop 🔁, protests and strikes in Paris 🔥, the arrival of child 2 👶, and more. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Tony Kaizen interviews Luke on his podcast Michael McIntyre talks about having children
  • 819. What does it really mean to be “good at English”? - How do we know when someone’s English is good? Is it just about having the right accent, or speaking with no errors? In fact, there is a lot more to it than that. IELTS can show us how someone’s level of English is properly assessed by looking at a wide range of skills and sub-skills […]
  • 818. Monster Bogey (A Children’s Book) with Anna Brooke - My friend Anna has written a book for children (7+) which has a full publishing contract and is available in all good bookshops now. The book tells the story of a boy who accidentally creates a monster when his secret collection of nose bogeys gets struck by lightning! This conversation includes lots of talk of […]
  • 817. Parson’s Pleasure by Roald Dahl (Learn English with a Short Story) - Learn English with another short story. This time it’s Parson’s Pleasure by Roald Dahl, which is an intriguing tale of a dodgy antiques dealer, with a nasty twist at the end. Learn vocabulary while you enjoy a fascinating story. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO]
  • 816. Kate Billington in the Podcastle - Kate Billington returns to LEP for the third time, to drink tea, talk about my pod-room, learning the bassoon, exam results, learning Chinese, responding to listener comments and talking about her videos on TikTok. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Links and things The British Council on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@britishcouncilenglish?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Kate’s video about “It’s raining cats and dogs” @britishcouncilenglish Replying […]
  • Studying In The UK – Realities, Opportunities & Advice (with Lioba Berndt) - An episode all about studying at university in the UK, with loads of advice about student visas, funding your studies with scholarships, extra-curricular social activities and opportunities at the Students’ Union and more. Features a conversation with a German student currently studying a master’s in clinical neuropsychology at UCL in London. This bonus episode is […]
  • 815. A River Avon Year: The Wildlife & History of Shakespeare’s Avon, by Rick Thompson (Dad’s New Book!) - My dad has written a new book and he’s come on the podcast to tell us about it. The book follows the path of the river Avon as it flows through the middle of England, telling stories of key moments in British history, nature and the current condition of Britain’s rivers. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] A River […]
  • 814. The Language of Children & Parenting (with Anna Tyrie / English Like a Native) - A conversation with Anna Tyrie from English Like a Native (YouTube, Podcast) about children, the way we talk to children, and vocabulary relating to children and childcare, and some special news from the Thompson family…! [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 👉 Anna interviews Luke on her podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2038858/12353084 Introduction Transcript Hello, welcome back to LEP. Here is another […]
  • 813. Language Learning is a Voyage of Discovery / Steve Kaufmann Interview - Steve Kaufmann is a very prolific language learner. He has learned at least 20 languages to varying degrees during his life. Some of them he learned during his career as an international diplomat and businessman, and others he has learned during his (semi) retirement. In this interview Steve talks about his language learning experiences, methods […]
  • 812. Can You Pass A British Citizenship Test? 🇬🇧 🛂 (with Cara Leopold) - To qualify for British citizenship, one of the requirements is to pass the “Life in the UK” test. Questions cover things like British history, British life & culture, British politics, British geography and principles of modern British life. What do you think? Can you pass the test? Join me as I test online English teacher […]
  • 811. Turkey & Syria Earthquake Appeal / What is happening in Iran? (Articles & Vocabulary) - An episode about two (unconnected) situations, 1) the very recent earthquake in Turkey & Syria which has left many people in urgent need of help, 2) the humanitarian crisis in Iran. During the episode I read from various articles and explain some vocabulary. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Consider donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee to help people […]
  • 810. Discussing Ambient Music (with James) - A conversation with my brother about a specific musical genre, “ambient”. We discuss Brian Eno’s inspiration and approach to his first ambient albums, talk about the genre’s origins in French 19th century classical music, jazz and the avant-garde and describe ambient trance music from the 80s and 90s including artists like Aphex Twin, The KLF, […]
  • 809. Toilets, Titanic & TikTok with AMBER & PAUL - An unedited conversation with Amber & Paul about toilet habits, Titanic (1997), weird videos on TikTok & YouTube and plenty more. Advanced level listening practice with the POD-PALs. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] The audio version ☝️ has about 15 minutes of extra rambling by Luke at the end, not included in the video version […]
  • 808. James Harris returns to talk about his book 📖🗣 - James Harris is a writer, comedian, English teacher and language learner (French, German, Chinese) from England. In this funny chat, we talk about learning Chinese, being married to a Chinese woman and his semi-autobiographical book, “Midlands” which tells several funny and touching stories about two ex-pats living in Germany; Stuart, who is a stand-up comedian […]
  • 807. Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God (with Jon Stewart PhD) - A conversation about two legends of contemporary popular culture – Bob Dylan and John Lennon, with pop-star academic Jon Stewart (guitarist in The Wedding Present and Sleeper). [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (does not include my extra ramble at the end) 📖 Get Jon’s book here 👉 https://a.co/d/fPBgTel (other bookshops are available) Summary Jon Stewart is […]
  • 806. PERSEVERANCE, POSITIVITY & PRACTICE with Santiago Ruiz de Velasco from Oxford University Press - Santiago has a top job in the English teaching industry. He is the managing director of English teaching at Oxford University Press. But English is not his first language. He learned it as an adult when he moved to London in his twenties. This conversation explores how he progressed in his English learning and in […]
  • 805. A New Year Ramble 2023 / Learn English with LEP - A rambling episode about making a fresh start in the new year, and some things I just have to tell you about listening to Luke’s English Podcast using a podcast app on your phone + lots of tangents. I hope you enjoy it! [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Episode notes / Transcript I start reading at 12mins12seconds in […]
  • 804. The Missing Masaccio (Learn English with a Text Adventure Story) by Peter Carlson - The third (and final) adventure in this series of mini-mysteries on LEP. Can I improve my detective skills to work out the disappearance of a priceless painting and a series of gruesome murders? Story by Peter Carlson and available on textadventures.co.uk [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] 👉 Play text game “Victorian Detective Interlude” on textadventures.co.uk 👉 Part 1 […]
  • 803. The Wraith (Learn English with a Text Adventure Story) by Peter Carlson - The second in a trilogy of text adventure stories by Peter Carlson. In this one we are chasing a ghostly serial killer with a few tricks up his sleeve. Do I have the detective skills to solve the mystery and avoid certain death? [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Click here to play “Victorian Detective Interlude” on textadventures.co.uk 👉 […]
  • 802. The Unopened Safe (Learn English with a Text Adventure Story) by Peter Carlson - Let’s do another text adventure mystery story by Peter Carlson. Listen to me read the story and make choices to solve the mystery. You can read the story with me (link below) or do the game yourself later. This is the first in a series of 3 stories from Peter’s “Victorian Detective Interlude” game on […]
  • 801. 2022 WORLD NEWS QUIZ with Stephen from SEND7 - Stephen from the SEND7 Podcast asks Luke 20 quiz questions about international news stories from 2022. Do you know the answers? Can you beat Luke in the quiz? Listen for some serious moments, some funny moments and a re-cap of some key events from the year. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] SEND7 Podcast – Simple English News Daily […]
  • 800. [PART 3] EPISODE 800 RAMBLE (Final Part) - A quick ramble about why this is the final part of episode 800, why there was a delay between part 2 and part 3, some comments about having flu, and about World Cup 2022. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO]
  • 800. [PART 2] EPISODE 800 RAMBLE / LEPSTER Q&A - Celebrating episode 800 by answering a massive list of questions from listeners. This episode covers things like how to improve your speaking when you live in a non-English speaking country, the headphones and microphone I use, my current favourite episode, the afterlife and spirit world, my favourite brands of tea, my favourite video games, being […]
  • 800. [PART 1] EPISODE 800 RAMBLE / LEPSTER Q&A - Celebrating episode 800 and responding to lots of questions sent in on social media. Expect questions about my ill-fated music career, grammar, favourite authors, my daughter, life as an English teaching podcaster and plenty more. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Intro Script & Questions for Part 1 Hello listeners, welcome to episode 800. Fireworks! BOOM! […]
  • 799. The True Story of a LEPster’s Waking Nightmare (and how LEP came to the rescue) Email Story - Sharing a disturbing true story sent in by a LEPster by email. This episode contains some slightly scary and graphic descriptions of nightmare scenarios, visions, hallucinations and bad dreams, but there is a happy ending. Video version also available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version with text on screen ELSA 👉 Free ELSA app download link (download […]
  • Ramble Message / Episode 800 Plans / World Cup Episodes? - A bonus mini-ramble about my plans for episode 800 (send me your questions) and why I haven’t done any World Cup episodes yet, but you can listen to me talking about it with Zdenek on his podcast (link available). [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] LEAVE ME YOUR QUESTIONS FOR EPISODE 800 BELOW!! :)
  • 798. MYSTERIOUS AL (Street Art & Graffiti) - In conversation with Mysterious Al, a contemporary artist / street artist from London now living in Melbourne, Australia. The conversation covers Al’s background, how he makes his art, the difference between street art & graffiti, attitudes towards graffiti, how Al needs to use social media (but doesn’t like it!) his recent ghost train exhibition, and […]
  • 797. Stephen from SEND7 interviews Luke about LEP - Stephen from SEND7 podcast becomes the host to interview me about how I started LEP, the ins and outs of doing this, plus some advantages and challenges for podcasting to learners of English. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (automatic subtitles) Send 7 Podcast – www.send7.org
  • 796. Language & Local British Identity with MARK STEEL - Special Guest Mark Steel joins me to discuss cultural and linguistic differences between the UK and France, plus accents in the UK and a little tour of some places in the UK that you don’t know about. Also includes a discussion of swearing and rude language in Britain. What is the R word which you […]
  • 795. DOPPELGANGER (Learn English with a Short Story) - Learn English with another short story. In fact, this episode contains two stories. Listen until the end for the 2nd one. Repeat after me to practise your pronunciation. Learn some vocabulary & grammar in the second half of the episode, with an explanation of modal verbs of deduction in the past and present. Video version […]
  • 794. The Surprising Power of Reading Aloud (Article) 📖🗣️ - Reading out loud can have lots of surprising benefits for our memory and our mental health. How can it also help with your English? In this episode I read an article to you, help you understand it and give comments on the importance of reading, both quietly in your head, and out loud. Video version […]
  • 793. Rambling Through the Streets of Paris at Night on a Bike (with a VERY SPECIAL GUEST?) - Last week a very special guest visited one of our comedy shows in Paris. I was given a ticket to the show, so I decided to record a podcast while riding through the streets on the way to the show, wondering if I might be able to interview this guest on LEP. Listen to find […]
  • 792. The Rick Thompson Report: LIZ TRUSS (16 October 2022) - My dad returns to talk more about UK politics, this time describing the disastrous economic policy of Liz Truss and her Chancellor (finance minister) Kwasi Kwarteng. Advanced level English listening practice – this is complicated stuff, but keep listening to develop your English skills and learn about what’s going on in UK politics and current […]
  • 791. ADJECTIVE + PREPOSITION with Amber & Paul (A+P with A&P on LEP) - Amber and Paul join me in my pod room again for a rambling discussion about everything! Includes a language point about adjective + preposition collocations. Notice the phrases and try to find examples of them in context. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (Automatic subtitles available) Check out the premium series which accompanies this […]
  • 790. Chatting in the Garden with Mum (Listener Q&A) - My mum returns to the podcast to answer some questions from listeners about books, cooking, her relationship with Luke and her granddaughter, the war in Ukraine, the song Imagine by John Lennon, family games, the time she fell off a horse & more… [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript & Notes Hello listeners! Welcome back to the podcast. […]
  • 789. 50 Random British Facts (True or False Quiz) with James [Part 2] - [Part 2 of 2] James and Luke discuss some more “facts” about the UK, but can you guess if they are true or false? Learn some interesting trivia about life in Britain, and improve your vocabulary in the process. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version with facts on the screen – Automatic Subtitles Available Introduction Transcript Hello […]
  • 788. 50 Random British Facts (True or False Quiz) with James [Part 1] - Can you guess if these “facts” about the UK are true or false? James and Luke read out the facts and then discuss them one by one. Learn some odd things about the UK, pick up some vocabulary about laws and customs, and try not to laugh on the bus. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (with […]
  • 787. The Rick & Gill Thompson Report: Queen Elizabeth II / King Charles III - Talking to my mum and dad about events in the UK following the death of The Queen on 9 September, including the media coverage, the proclamation of King Charles III, comments about Charles as King and a discussion of the role of the monarch in the UK’s constitution. Also includes some comments about the new […]
  • 786. THE QUEEN - Queen Elizabeth II died today. Here are my thoughts and feelings about the significance and symbolism of her life and death, recorded just an hour after I first saw the news. [DOWNLOAD]
  • 785. Crossword Puzzles & Word Origins (with Fred Eyangoh) - Fred Eyangoh returns to the podcast to bring some entertaining and useful word puzzles, quizzes and insights into English etymology & history. Audio Version (Including 30min+ extra vocabulary summary and intro) [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (just the conversation with Fred) Intro Transcript & Vocabulary Notes Hello dear listeners, Welcome back to the podcast. I hope […]
  • 784. Pub Chat with Charlie Baxter (Social English and Pub Etiquette) - Join us on a trip to a virtual pub for a couple of pints, a packet of crisps and some advice about how to go to the pub in English, with plenty of funny tangents, with Charlie Baxter. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD] Video version (with no introduction or ending ramble) Find The British English Podcast […]
  • 783. British or American? With Sarah Donnelly - Comparing British and American English vocabulary with a fun online quiz. My guest today is American comedian Sarah Donnelly. Video version (of the conversation) available. [DOWNLOAD] Video Version (images and text on scree, but no intro or ending comments & summary) Introduction Transcript Hello dear listeners, Hello to all LEPsters in LEPland, How’s your summer […]
  • 782. Paul McCartney at 80 (with Sam Whiles) - Paul McCartney turned 80 this year, so let’s talk about this legend of British music! In this one, I am joined by Sam Whiles, the host of the Paul or Nothing podcast. Listen to hear an overview of Paul’s career, and some Paul McCartney stories. Video version of the interview available on YouTube. [DOWNLOAD] Video […]
  • 781. Film Club: Monty Python & The Holy Grail (revisited ) with Antony Rotunno [LEP / Film Gold SwapCast] - Talking to Antony Rotunno about a classic British comedy film which makes fun of the legend of King Arthur (and everything else!) Originally published by Antony on his Film Gold podcast earlier this year. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast! This episode is called Film Club: Monty Python & The […]
  • 780. The Customary Pre-Holiday Ramble (August 2022) Train of Thought / My Daughter’s Magic Pet Shop / 4 Songs on Guitar - An unedited ramble in which I talk without a specific plan, includes a recording of my daughter speaking English, and a few songs on the guitar. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (check for automatic subtitles) Songs & Lyrics Talking Heads – Heaven https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/talking-heads/heaven-chords-1761334 The Beatles – The Fool on the Hill https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/the-fool-on-the-hill-chords-169399 Beck […]
  • 779. [2/2] Poetry Reading: Sir Gawain and The Green Knight (by Simon Armitage) - Luke reads verses from a modernised version of this medieval poem, considered one of the masterpieces of Middle English literature. Listen to hear the rhyme and rhythm of the poetry, the descriptive vocabulary and details of the story, with vocabulary explanations and comments from Luke. This is part 2 of a double episode about this […]
  • 778. [1/2] Sir Gawain and The Green Knight (with Dad) - A conversation with my dad about a great medieval adventure story originally written in middle English and updated and translated into modern English by Simon Armitage. Dad talks about the origin of this story, its connection to the history of the English language, and the poetic devices used in the writing. In the second half […]
  • 777. The Rick Thompson Report: Has Boris Johnson Resigned? - My dad talks about the latest news about Boris Johnson, who on Friday said the UK should now begin the process of finding a new Prime Minister. Why is Johnson going to step down? What scandals has he been involved in during his life? What might happen next? Listen to hear my dad’s comments in […]
  • P35 [1/2] StoryTime: Learn English with Stories (free LEP Premium Sample) THE BEAR STORY - This is a free sample of LEP Premium, available for everyone. In this episode I’ll tell you about my technique for learning English with stories and transcripts, with full details about how to improve your English with my stories. Then I’ll tell you a story about a time I had an encounter with a bear, […]
  • 776. ⚠️ Some news about changes to LEP & LEP Premium - Have you noticed that LEP episodes have disappeared from podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play etc? They will return soon! This is part of an update. I am moving the show to a new podcast host. Everything will return asap, with a few changes to LEP. Good news for the podcast. Listen to […]
  • 775. A Rambling Chat with James (June 2022) - My brother James comes back onto the podcast for a conversation about the hot weather, tricky WordPress updates, the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Rock Music concert movies, Alan Partridge’s live show, Irish/British relations and plenty more. [DOWNLOAD] Video Version on YouTube (try activating automatic subtitles) Introduction Transcript (the audio version might be slightly different) Hello listeners, […]
  • 774. Learn English with a Scary Story (Camp Stabbiwaka by Peter Carlson) - Listen to Luke reading a text adventure story set in a summer camp. You can read the story at the same time as you listen, or just relax and have fun following this action packed horror story, and read do text adventure later. Includes some vocabulary explanations, differences between British & American English and some […]
  • 773. What do British people think about The Queen and The Royal Family? (with James) - Luke and James discuss their feelings about the Royal Family, with some survey results about the popularity of royal family members among British people in general. [DOWNLOAD] YouTube version (Automatic subtitles should be available soon) Introduction Transcript Hello listeners and welcome to the podcast. This is episode 773 “What do British people think of The […]
  • 772. Rambling in the Podcastle (June 2022) News / Thoughts / Reflections - This is an unedited monologue in which I talk about some things which are on my mind at the moment, including how my hair is stopping me from learning French (and vice versa), virtuous and vicious circles, how English is like a shark (or a river – or maybe a shark in a river), some […]
  • 771. Sick In Japan (Recorded Live at the BC) - My story about how I ended up in a Japanese hospital bed, scared out of my brain. Recorded live in front of an audience at the British Council in Paris. [DOWNLOAD] YouTube version (activate automatic subtitles) The original Sick In Japan episode (with notes/transcript)
  • 770. Boats & Murder (but mostly murder) with Moz - An episode with my friend Moz from the Murder Mile True Crime Podcast. Moz returns to tell us some true stories of crimes in the London area. Expect some smalltalk about living on a boat, some murder stories and an interactive detective game in which we have to solve a murder. [DOWNLOAD] English Comedy Show […]
  • 769. Film Club: This Is Spinal Tap (with James) - A return to Luke’s Film Club with the classic comedy This Is Spinal Tap, a “mockumentary” about a fictitious rock band from the 1980s. This time I am joined by my brother James and we discuss what was once voted “Funniest comedy film of all time”. Learn some famous quotes from the film, listen to […]
  • 768. English Teaching Methodologies (with Gabriel Clark) - Gabriel Clark from clarkandmiller.com joins me to discuss a short history of teaching methodology in the world of TEFL. The direct method, the grammar translation method, The Audio Lingual Method, the Structural Approach, Suggestopedia, Total Physical Response, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), The Silent Way, Community Language Learning, Task Based Language Learning, The Lexical Approach and […]
  • 767. Amber & Paul in the Podcastle (Catching Up #12) - Two hours of PodPal action for your enjoyment. This one has a bit of everything. Some audience questions, an idioms game, some dodgy jokes, accents, impressions and more. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, welcome to the podcast. I’ve got a full two hours of Amber & Paul lined up for you here. […]
  • 766. Learning English with The News (with Stephen from SEND7 Podcast) - Talking to Stephen from the Simple English News Daily podcast about learning English with the news and whether BBC reporters actually speak like normal humans. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello folks, a very quick introduction from me. In this episode you are going to listen to a conversation I had with English teacher and podcaster Stephen […]
  • 765. Travelling Stories / Reverse Culture Shock (with Martin Johnston from Rock n’ Roll English) - Martin joins Luke to talk about moving back to the UK, his fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees and some funny stories about travelling experiences. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, In this episode I am talking to Martin Johnston from the Rock n Roll English Podcast. Do you know the Rock N Roll English Podcast? This is […]
  • 764. 22 Funny Jokes, Explained - Learn English with 22 funny jokes with explanations of vocabulary, homophones, double meanings and pronunciation. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Did you get all the jokes? Which one was your favourite? Leave your comment below.
  • 763. Rambling in the new Pod-Room / Choose The Adverb / Deal or No Deal - This is a chance for me to just let loose and have a ramble while inviting you to this kind of housewarming party (or perhaps just the first part of the party) in my new pod-room. In this one I am going to welcome you into the new room and do a ramble challenge in […]
  • 762. Meditation & Learning English (with Antony Rotunno) - Discussing meditation, meditation techniques, how it can help in our lives and improve us as language learners. Antony Rotunno is my guest and listen out for stories, advice, tangents and maybe one or two revelations. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript / Links / Show Notes Hello listeners and welcome back to the podcast.  This episode is called […]
  • 761. Why we love The Beatles (Recorded Live at The British Council) + Public Speaking Tips - This is a presentation I did at the British Council in Paris recently, in front of a live audience. First I talk about public speaking and my approach to doing presentations and then you can hear the recording of my talk. The Beatles were a global phenomenon when they first appeared in the 1960s and […]
  • 760. The Rick Thompson Report: Ukraine - Talking to my dad about the situation in Ukraine on 28 February 2022. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Introduction Hello listeners I’m recording this on 28 February 2022. In this episode I’m going to talk about what’s going on in Ukraine. I have LEPsters in both Ukraine and in Russia.  The main thing I want to say is […]
  • 759. Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans - Join me as I walk around my local streets in Paris, go to the laundrette and ramble about what’s going on in LEPland at the moment. [DOWNLOAD] Other podcast recommendations Some other things you could listen to while waiting for new episodes of LEP. Film Gold: Monty Python & The Holy Grail I was invited […]
  • 758. Pub Quiz Trivia with Sarah The Paris Quiz Mistress - Chatting to pub quiz host Sarah Toporoff about her love of trivia, and asking each other quiz questions about history, geography, literature, language & pop culture. Can you answer the questions and follow the conversation? [DOWNLOAD] Links Introduction Transcript & Notes Hello listeners! I hope you’re well. Welcome back to my podcast for learners of […]
  • 757. Setting up my new Pod-Room / DIY (Do It Yourself) Vocabulary & Expressions - Describing how I am setting up my new pod-room with a couple of stories and plenty of vocabulary for talking about DIY and doing improvements to your home. Vocabulary list available. [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Episode Notes & Transcript Hello listeners, welcome to LEP#757. In this one I am going to talk to you about how I […]
  • 756. Learn English with LEP in 2022 / A New Year Ramble - In this episode I’m going to wish you a Happy New Year, ramble a little bit about what’s going on in LEPland, restate some of my aims and objectives for this podcast, and give a few comments on how you can use the podcast to improve your English, with reference to some recommended episodes from […]
  • 755. FUNNY RUSSIAN CITIZENSHIP TEST with Amber & Paul - Can Luke, Amber & Paul pass this funny Russian citizenship test which was written and sent in by a Russian LEPster? Join us as we attempt to answer questions which (apparently) every Russian person would know. This could be embarrassing! P.S. I am 99% sure that this really is the final episode of 2021. Audio […]
  • 754. Learning & Teaching English in The Metaverse / The Mandalorian (with Andy Johnson) - Andy Johnson returns to talk about more “M” words – this time it’s The Metaverse and The Mandalorian. The Metaverse is an immersive and interactive 3D online environment. How can it be used for learning and teaching English? Andy’s new job is with a company that offers English learning in the metaverse, so let’s chat […]
  • 753. Visiting the Louvre Museum with Amber & Paul - Join Amber, Paul and me as we take a tour of the famous Louvre museum in Paris and describe some of the world’s most amazing artwork and artefacts, including stunning Greek sculptures like Venus de Milo, fascinating renaissance paintings by Leonardo da Vinci such as the Mona Lisa and many more incredible pieces. The video […]
  • 752. Creating Award-Winning Books for Children (with Penny Dale) - Author and illustrator Penny Dale talks about the process of creating successful books for children, including some of her most popular books such as Ten In The Bed and the Dinosaur series. Video version available. Audio version has 30mins extra rambling. Audio Version (with 30mins extra rambling at the end) [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version www.pennydale.co.uk […]
  • 751. Bath Arts Workshop: Counterculture in the 1970s (with Penny Dale) - Chatting to English author & illustrator Penny Dale about her involvement in a counterculture arts movement from the 1970s, the Bath Arts Workshop. Video version and vocabulary list available. Audio Version (with 30mins extra ramble at the end) [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Transcripts and Vocabulary Notes Intro 1 (audio – pre jingle) Hello everyone and […]
  • 750. An Unedited Ramble / How to talk about Being Busy in English - In this unedited episode I share some of the thoughts that have been running through my head, talk about being busy and look at some vocabulary to describe busy times in your life. Video version available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Vocabulary Notes How to talk about being busy in English 1. The word […]
  • 749. LEP DESIGN COMPETITION 2021: Discussing the Entries & Choosing the Winners with James - James and Luke discuss designs sent in by listeners, and choose the winner(s). The prize: to have your design featured in the LEP Merch Store, plus an £80 reward! Listen for plenty of descriptive language, diplomatic language and ways of giving positive and feedback in English. Video version also available (with all the designs on […]
  • 748. Karl Pilkington’s 3-Minute Wonders / Manchester Accent [Part 2] - Understand more of Karl Pilkington’s rambling as we learn about the Manchester accent and pick up vocabulary along the way. Video version available on YouTube. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Episode Transcript Introduction Hello everyone. Welcome back to LEP. This is part 2 of a double Karl Pilkington themed episode. I would recommend that […]
  • 747. Social Awkwardness / Very British Problems (with Michael Lavers from Level Up English) - Talking to Michael Lavers from the Level Up English Podcast about learning Japanese, embarrassing moments in language learning, social awkwardness and some “very British problems”. Are you as socially awkward as a British person? Let’s see how you and Michael would respond to some quiz questions that will test your British awkwardness to the max. […]
  • 746. Karl Pilkington’s 3-Minute Wonders / Manchester Accent - Understand English as it is spoken by native speakers. Let’s listen to Karl Pilkington rambling about life, the universe & everything, and see what we can understand and learn. Karl is from Manchester, so we’ll be looking at some features of his accent, picking up plenty of vocabulary and having a bit of a laugh […]
  • 745. Mental Factors in Learning English (with Ray Addam) [English with Ray SwapCast] - Talking to English teacher Ray Addam from Glasgow in Scotland about mental factors in learning English, such as anxiety, confidence, stress and motivation. Video version available on YouTube. Audio Version (with extra ramble + song) [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Introduction Transcript Hello dear listeners, This is a swapcast between LEP and English with Ray, which […]
  • 744. The Rick Thompson Report: Fuel Crisis / Brexit Rant (Autumn 2021) - Talking to my dad about the latest in the Brexit saga, including the current fuel crisis due to lack of lorry drivers and other problems which were predicted in the run up to the Brexit referendum in 2016. Video version available on YouTube and below. Audio Version (with some extra bits and pieces) [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] […]
  • 743. Give me Tea, Please – Practical Ingredients for Tasteful Language (with Natasha V Broodie) + ramble / song - Talking to author Natasha V Broodie who has written a book which aims to help learners of English understand the subtle codes of polite language when making requests and giving information in professional and personal contexts. In the conversation we explore the topic and consider some tips for making your language more culturally appropriate. [DOWNLOAD] […]
  • 742. NEW LEP T-SHIRTS & MERCH + LEP DESIGN COMPETITION 2021 with James - LEP merch is now available, including t-shirts, mugs and more featuring special LEP designs made by James Thompson. Luke and James discuss the new designs and launch a new design competition to give you the chance to get your design in my merch store and a cash prize of £80. [DOWNLOAD] VISIT THE TEE-PUBLIC MERCH […]
  • 741. Top Jokes from Edinburgh Fringe 2021, Explained - Learn English from some jokes in this episode as we go through 9 jokes chosen as the best of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe stand up comedy scene this year (2021). Let me tell you the jokes, see if you understand them, and then I will break them down for language learning opportunities. Video version available. […]
  • 740. Are native English speakers bad communicators? (The Travel Adapter with Matt Halsdorff) - Talking to English teacher Matt Halsdorff about a project to train native English speakers how to communicate better with non-natives. We talk about the reasons why native speakers are often bad at communicating with non-natives, what they should do to fix this and the wider issues relating to this project. Video version available. Audio Version […]
  • 739. The Escaped Man by CT Platt (Learn English with Short Stories) - Reading a short story presented on Commaful.com. The Escaped Man is a mystery full of tension and intrigue. Listen closely as I break it all down and explain the vocabulary fully. YouTube video version also available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Introduction Transcript & Links Hello listeners and video viewers, It’s time to do […]
  • 738. Do you remember…? with Mum, Dad & James / Family Stories with The Thompsons - Chatting to my family about some old anecdotes and stories from the past. Listen for some enjoyable chat, memories, descriptions and tales from days gone by. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello and welcome back to the podcast.  In this episode I am happy to present to you a conversation with my mum, dad and brother all […]
  • 737. A Summer Ramble 2 (Late August 2021) - I’m back in the podcast-zone after my holiday so I thought I would do another rambling episode before getting down to work on other content to be released soon. Video version also available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Transcript / Notes for this episode Hello and welcome back to the podcast!  This is episode […]
  • 736. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells [Part 3] Learn English with Stories - The final part of this series in which I am reading from the classic story The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, while explaining and clarifying the English which comes up. Full transcript available and YouTube video version too. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Full Transcript Please watch parts 1 and 2 before […]
  • 735. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells [Part 2] Learn English with Stories - Continuing to read extracts from this fantastic science fiction story from the 19th century. Follow the plot and pick up some English in the process. Full transcript available, and a YouTube version too. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Full Transcript Watch PART 1 before you watch this! Links in the description. Click here for […]
  • 734. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells [Part 1] Learn English with Stories - Luke reads extracts from The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. This is a classic bit of science fiction writing from the Victorian era, with some thrilling passages and scary descriptions. It’s one of my favourite books of all time and I hope you enjoy it too and learn some English from it. Full […]
  • 733. A Summer Ramble - A pre-holiday ramble in which I talk about learning English, moving to a new flat, the podcast over the next few months, football, being on Other People’s Podcasts, a recording of my daughter speaking English and a couple of songs. Video version available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Notes There’s no script for this […]
  • 732. Christian from Canguro English returns - Talking to Christian again about some of the themes and controversial opinions he talks about in his YouTube videos, plus some bits about men wearing thongs on the beach, an obsession with rabbits and if Christian was the Donald Trump of English teaching. Video version available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Introduction Transcript Hello […]
  • 731. Beatles Song Lyrics / Idioms & Expressions (with Antony Rotunno) - Learn English with The Beatles as we explore lyrics from Beatles songs and pick out some idioms, descriptive language and other vocabulary for you to learn. Featuring Antony Rotunno from the Glass Onion: On John Lennon podcast. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello everyone, In this episode you can learn English with The Beatles as we look […]
  • 730. Marie Connolly Returns (+ 2 songs) - Talking to author Marie Connolly about her new books for children, plus a story about how Jerry Seinfeld came to one of our comedy shows, with two songs on guitar at the end. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction & Ending Transcripts Hello listeners, Hello, hello, hello. How are you doing? How is everything in your particular part of […]
  • 729. TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test (with Josh MacPherson from TSTPrep.com) - Talking to Josh MacPherson about tips and advice for taking TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test. YouTube version also available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, here is an episode about English Tests like TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test which I hope will still be an interesting episode even for […]
  • 728. English with Rob / Games, Music & Jingles - My guest today is Rob from English with Rob (podcast/YouTube). Rob is an English teacher, musician from England, and my former colleague. This episode includes lots of musical fun, some chatting about how we make our podcasts, fun word games and much more. Video version also available on YouTube. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version […]
  • 727. Describing John Lennon / Adjectives of Personality J-Z (with Antony Rotunno) - The second part of my conversation with Antony Rotunno (John Lennon podcaster, English teacher) in which we discuss adjectives of personality, with John Lennon as a case study. Vocabulary list available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, Welcome to this brand new episode of Luke’s English Podcast. Here it is, another episode of my podcast, from […]
  • 726. Describing John Lennon / Adjectives of Personality A-I (with Antony Rotunno) - Learn useful adjectives for describing personality traits with John Lennon as a case study. Episode 3/5 in my Beatles series, with returning guest Antony Rotunno from the podcast “Glass Onion: On John Lennon”.  [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners and welcome back to LEP. Here is the next episode in my Beatles season, and this is […]
  • BONUS: EURO2020 Swapcast with Martin Johnston (RnR) & Zdenek Lukas (ZEP) Part 1 & 2 - A fun chat about the UEFA Euro2020 Football Championship, with Luke Thompson (Luke’s English Podcast), Martin Johnston (Rock N’ Roll English) and Zdenek Lukas (Zdenek’s English Podcast), with a special prize giveaway in which you can win prizes from all 3 of us. Non-football fans, feel free to skip this, of course! Video version available. […]
  • 725. Fun & Games for Learning English with Vickie Kelty - Playing word games with English teacher Vickie Kelty and talking about how to use these games in learning and teaching English. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, In this episode I am talking to Vickie Kelty from vickiekelty.com about playing games for learning and teaching English. Vickie is an English teacher from the USA, currently living […]
  • Unboxing my Shiny YouTube Award for 100,000 Subscribers (Audio and Video Versions) - YouTube sent me an award for reaching a subscriber milestone, so I opened the box live on video, answered some questions from the audience and played a song on the guitar. Audio and video versions available here. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Song Lyrics Family Affair by Sly & The Family Stone https://genius.com/Sly-and-the-family-stone-family-affair-lyrics
  • 724. The Mountain (Learn English with a Short Story) - Reading an emotional short story, with vocabulary explanations and differences between British and American English. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version via Commaful Read the story on Commaful here https://commaful.com/play/aknier/the-mountain/ Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, welcome back to my podcast. I hope you’re doing well and that you’re ready to learn some more English with me […]
  • 723. Bahar from Iran 🇮🇷 (WISBOLEP Runner-Up) - This is the final episode in the WISBOLEP competition series, speaking to Bahar from Iran about the 7-step method she used to improve her English and develop a British-sounding accent. Bahar used to be a terrible student who hated English, but then she made a decision to focus on her English in her own way. […]
  • 722. Discussing John Lennon with Antony Rotunno - The second in a short series about The Beatles, this one focuses on the life of John Lennon, with an overview of his life story, some thoughts about his psychology and some rambling discussion questions about this iconic British musician, with podcaster, English teacher and musician Antony Rotunno. [DOWNLOAD] Links to Antony’s Podcasts Glass Onion: […]
  • 721. Collins Dictionary Word Quizzes / Confusing Words with Fred Eyangoh - This is the second part of my recent conversation with Fred Eyangoh about learning new vocabulary. This one includes a word quiz with homophones and commonly confused words from the Collins Dictionary website. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, how are you doing today? I trust that all is well in podcastland. This is the second […]
  • 720. How Fred Learns Vocabulary with the New York Times Spelling Bee (with Fred Eyangoh) - Fred often plays spelling games on his phone during his lunch break, and he has discovered lots of new words as a result. In this episode I talk to Fred about his process of discovering and understanding new words and I talk about learning vocabulary with online dictionaries. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners,  I hope […]
  • 719. Amber & Paul are on the Podcast (Catching Up #11) - Talking to pod-pals Amber & Paul about diverse topics including organ harvesting (yes), favourite fruits (exciting), accent challenges, guess the punchline, British Citizenship tests, What the “great” in Great Britain really means, and Amber’s son Hugo’s astonishing fluency in English. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Introduction Transcript Hello listeners and welcome back to my podcast for learners of […]
  • 718. Michael the Shaman 🇵🇱 (WISBLOEP Runner-Up) - Talking to competition runner-up Michael from Poland about two top English learning tips, scary hitch-hiking stories and the practice of shamanism using psychoactive substances. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello everybody and welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast. How are you today? I hope you’re doing well as you listen to this, wherever you are in the […]
  • 717. Gill’s Book Club: “One Two Three Four – The Beatles In Time” by Craig Brown - Talking to my mum about a book which you could read as part of your English learning routine. The book tells the story of The Beatles and their impact on society. We review the book and then discuss many aspects of The Beatles story, especially the four Beatles themselves. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Notes & Transcriptions Hello […]
  • 716. Interview with a Pop Star from the 1960s – Megan Brady from The Applejacks - An interview with Megan Brady, who was the bass player in The Applejacks – a pop band from Birmingham in the 1960s who had a top 5 record, met The Beatles and performed on TV shows and at concerts in the UK. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction (After the main LEP Jingle) Hello listeners. In this episode you’re […]
  • 715. Catching up with Craig Wealand [LEP/AIRC Swapcast] - Exchanging questions with English teacher Craig Wealand from “Apprender Ingles con Resa y Craig” about COVID-19, living in Europe post-Brexit, my daughter’s English, getting proper tea in France and Spain, teaching English on Zoom, the worst jobs we’ve ever had + more, with a song on the guitar at the end. [DOWNLOAD] LEP Premium Information […]
  • 714. Robin from Hamburg 🇩🇪 (WISBOLEP Runner-Up) - Talking to another runner-up from last year’s listener competition. Robin from Hamburg had a big setback in his learning of English, but worked hard to overcome it. We talk about his English learning trajectory, and ramble about German language & culture, his podcast for learners of German, podcasting microphones and then Robin teaches me some […]
  • 713. Lucky Dip with Paul Taylor - More random questions, talking points, accent challenges and “guess the idiom” with pod-pal Paul Taylor. Includes discussion of accents in English, cancel culture in comedy, some rude Spanish phrases and more. Video version available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Luke on Paul Taylor’s Happy Hour (5 April 2021) Transcript for the Introduction Hello everyone, […]
  • 712. A Chat with Charlie Baxter - Chatting with Charlie from The British English Podcast and Real English with Real Teachers on YouTube. We talk about the north/south divide in England, Charlie’s background in psychology & NLP, his decision to become an online English teacher and his travelling experiences in Chile, Germany and Australia. Video version available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video […]
  • 711. William from France 🇫🇷 (WISBOLEP Runner-UP) - William started learning English at 12 years old and continued at university and beyond, spending a couple of years in England as a teaching assistant and then returning to France to work as a school teacher, in some pretty tough classrooms and less-than-perfect teaching conditions. William talks about how he continues to maintain his English, […]
  • 710. The Umbrella Man by Roald Dahl (Short Story) - In this episode I read out a short story written by Roald Dahl and then comment on the style, language and plot. Enjoy some storytelling and learn some English in the process. Video version available. [DOWNLOAD] Video Version Click here for information about LEP Premium Transcript & Notes Hello listeners, how are you today? In […]
  • 709. The Stoicism of Groundhog Day (with Mum) - This is a conversation with my mum about philosophy, how the film Groundhog Day can help us understand the principles of stoicism, and how this can all help us to feel a bit better about the world. [DOWNLOAD] Click here for LEP Premium Links & Videos More information from experts on stoicism https://modernstoicism.com/ The Stoicism […]
  • 708. Tasha Liu from China (WISBOLEP Runner-Up) 🇨🇳 - This conversation with competition runner-up Tasha Liu is a way to get to know Chinese culture in a more personal way including the story of how Tasha’s father gave up drinking alcohol, and other interesting details about real life in the world’s most populated country. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript (after the jingle) Hello everybody, How are […]
  • 707. [2/2] Let’s Play Another Text Adventure Game – “Zombolocaust” by Peter Carlson - Continuing the text adventure game about the zombie apocalypse from episode 706, with text on the screen so you can read with me while you listen. Video version available. Play the game with me – follow the links below. [Part 2 of 2] Listen to part 1 first! AUDIO VERSION [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] VIDEO VERSION Links […]
  • 706. [1/2] Let’s Play Another Text Adventure Game – “Zombolocaust” by Peter Carlson - Playing a text adventure game about the zombie apocalypse, with text on the screen so you can read with me while you listen. Video version available. Play the game with me – follow the links below. AUDIO VERSION [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] VIDEO VERSION Links Play “Zombolocaust” by Peter Carlson https://textadventures.co.uk/games/view/5kjlubyvzuitox6z52xipq/zombolocaust Text Adventures website http://www.textadventures.co.uk Part 2 […]
  • 705. Kate Billington Returns (and she brought cake) - Listen to another natural conversation with Kate Billington about some listener comments, Chinese New Year, English festivals & food in February, sports day traditions, more cake recipes, various bits of vocabulary and more. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello there, welcome back to my podcast for learners of English. I hope you’re doing well today. You might […]
  • 704. The Rick Thompson Report: Brexit Update (February 2021) - Talking again to my dad about UK politics and current affairs, focusing on the latest developments in Brexit, plus a bit of weather and sport. What does Rick think of the government’s trade deal with the EU? How does it affect Northern Ireland? And where are all the benefits promised by Boris Johnson & co? […]
  • 703. Walaa from Syria – WISBOLEP Competition Winner 🏆 - Walaa Mouma from Syria has an amazing and inspiring story for all learners of English around the world, and some specific tips on how to improve your English long-term. Listen to this episode to hear all about it. Transcript and text video available. Audio Version [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Download the Full Transcript Text Video Version Links […]
  • 702. Emergency Questions (with James) Funny Conversation Starters - Listen to Luke and James talking about various topics as we answer questions from the book “Emergency Questions” by comedian Richard Herring. Text video and full transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Download Full Transcript Text Video Version LEP Premium – https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premiuminfo Song – The Urban Spaceman by Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858579321/
  • 701. Legal English with Louise Kulbicki - Discussing some of the most important terms and concepts in legal English, while also learning about key cases through some amusing stories, with legal English trainer Louise Kulbicki. [DOWNLOAD] Download Episode Transcript Text Video Version Uploading soon… here www.youtube.com/lukesenglishpodcast
  • 700. Marooned With My Music: Luke Thompson - Guest host Oli Thompson interviews Luke using a classic format from BBC Radio. Luke is going to be marooned on a desert island but he is allowed to bring 8 pieces of music, one book and a luxury item. For episode 700 this is a chance to get to know Luke and his musical choices […]
  • 699. Welcome (back) to Luke’s English Podcast / FAQ (January 2021) - Wishing everyone a happy new year and taking stock of the main aims and methods of this podcast, plus some frequently asked questions. Video version available on YouTube. [DOWNLOAD] Video Version Episode Notes & Transcript In this episode the plan is to wish you a happy new year, welcome back all my regular listeners (and […]
  • 698. Paul is on the Podcast / Random Questions with Paul Taylor - Paul Taylor joins me for some random questions and challenges, including various little discussion points, accents, citizenship test questions, idioms, jokes and more. [DOWNLOAD] Links, Notes, etc Happy Hour Live with Paul Taylor (with Luke Thompson) UK Swearing / Road Rage compilation
  • 697. 11 Christmas Cracker Jokes for 2020, Explained - Going through 11 topical Christmas jokes for 2020, then a ramble about podcast statistics for 2020 and more… Merry Christmas everyone! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript & Jokes Hello listeners,  How are you doing today? I hope you are feeling fine. Are you feeling festive? Is it even possible to feel festive this year? Hopefully you’re finding […]
  • 696. WISBOLEP Competition Results + RAMBLE - Join me as I potter around my flat and give the results of the WISBOLEP competition then make a cup of tea and have a ramble about things like listening to non-native English speakers, reducing clutter in your home, renting vs owning a property, what it must be like to have only one hand, Zatoichi […]
  • 695. Pronunciation, Pragmatics & Procrastination with Emma - Talking to Emma from YouTube channel Pronunciation with Emma about accents, improving your pronunciation, understanding pragmatics in English, and learning English through video games. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction & Ending Transcripts Hi listeners, welcome to the podcast. It’s mid December and Christmas is coming very soon. I hope I find you well and in good spirits. You […]
  • 694. The Crown / The Royal Family (A Royal Ramble with My Wife) - Talking to my wife about the latest season of the Netflix TV drama The Crown, which follows the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II and her family. We talk about Charles & Diana, Margaret Thatcher, The Queen’s accent, Prince Andrew’s BBC interview and more. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, How are you today? I […]
  • 693. English With Lucy / A Conversation with Lucy Earl - Chatting to Lucy Earl from the English with Lucy channel on YouTube. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction & Ending Transcripts Hello everyone, How are you doing today?  I hope you are fine and completely ready to listen to this new episode of my podcast.  A couple of things before we get started. WISBOLEP Voting – www.teacherluke.co.uk/wisbolep Voting is […]
  • 692. WISBOLEP Competition Entries – Listen & Vote! - Listen to recordings sent in by listeners and vote for who you think should be on LEP. [DOWNLOAD] ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ YOU CAN VOTE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ Episode Transcript Introduction This is an episode about the WISBOLEP competition and it is your first chance to listen to recordings sent […]
  • 691. Jerome Butler – Dialect Coach - How do professional actors change the way they speak for different acting roles? What can learners of English take from the way actors do this, in order to apply it to their language learning? In this conversation I speak to Jerome Butler who is a very experienced dialect coach working in the TV and film […]
  • 690. Urban vs Rural / Living Abroad / Cultural Differences (with Cara Leopold) - A conversation with Cara Leopold about the differences between life in Paris and life in provincial France, plus how it feels to live abroad away from your home country. [DOWNLOAD] Sign up to LEP Premium to watch my stand-up comedy performance in London https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premiuminfo Ending Transcript (The last part of the episode) That was Cara […]
  • 689. Baking Cakes, Telling Jokes & Speaking Chinese with Kate Billington - A funny chat with Kate who speaks multiple languages, makes delicious cakes, teaches English and does stand-up comedy. Enjoy! [DOWNLOAD] LEP Premium Promo This episode of Luke’s English Podcast is sponsored by Luke’s English Podcast Premium. Premium LEPlanders, did you know that in the LEP App, as well as the category for premium audio episodes, […]
  • 688. Sean Connery - I recorded an episode about Sean Connery, who died yesterday. I didn’t expect to get emotional, but I did (a bit). Here it is. Hope you like it. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript & Notes Hello listeners,  Sean Connery died at the weekend. Sir Sean Connery as maybe I should call him. So here is an episode […]
  • 687. WISBOLEP Problem / Polite Requests / An Inspiring Email / Fly Me To the Moon - A rambling episode with some news about a problem I have with the WISBOLEP competition (ooh!), some tips on making polite requests, an inspiring email from a LEPster and a song on guitar at the end. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript (95% complete) Hello everyone, How are you doing?  This is a weird period of history in […]
  • 686. Christian from Canguro English - A conversation with YouTube English teacher Christian Saunders from Canguro English about the realities of learning and teaching English, motivation and goal-setting in language learning, Paul McCartney recording an album in his kitchen and plenty more. Video version also available on YouTube. Audio Version (with extra content) [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version (just the conversation) LEP […]
  • 685. Raising Bilingual Children [1] Alex and his daughter Alice, in Moscow - An episode exploring the subject of how to raise a child to speak English. I speak to Alex, an English teacher from Moscow about how he has been speaking exclusively in English to his 4-year-old daughter Alice since she was born. Let’s find out how it’s going. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, Just in case […]
  • 684. Chasing the Tangent Train with Elspeth Graty - A conversation with English-teaching stand-up comedian Elspeth Graty, which covers lots of different topics including Elspeth’s background in England, teaching English, cultural differences, “French-bashing”, old-fashioned telephones and The Tellytubbies. Enjoy! [DOWNLOAD] LEP Premium Promo This podcast is made possible thanks to donations from lovely listeners (click a yellow PayPal button on the website if you’re […]
  • 683. Feelgood Stories of Flirting with Marie Connolly - Marie Connolly is an Australian stand-up comedian and TEFL teacher who has written a book of short stories about times when men (from various countries) have flirted with her. In this episode Marie shares some of those stories, tells us about English men vs French men vs Australian men and much more. [DOWNLOAD] Transcripts & […]
  • 682. Key Features of English Accents, Explained - Exploring the main differences between standard English pronunciation (RP) and non-standard regional or colloquial accents. How do people really speak in different parts of England, and how does this accent differ from the accent you probably hear in English language course books and dictionaries? Notes & videos available below. [DOWNLOAD] Notes & Transcripts for this […]
  • 681. New Competition: Why I Should Be On LEP (WISBOLEP) / Story: The First Time I Said F*ck - Announcing a new LEP competition which everyone is welcome to enter, plus an anecdote about the first time I said a rude word in front of my parents. Send your competition entries to podcastcomp@gmail.com [DOWNLOAD] LEP Premium Promo LEP is brought to you by LEP Premium. This is how I pay for this podcast, along […]
  • 680. Park Life – A Year in The Wildlife Of An Urban Park (by Rick Thompson) / Animal Collective Nouns - My dad has written a book and it’s all about the wildlife you can find in an urban English park. He’s on the podcast to tell us all about it, and there are some collective nouns for animals too, plus some bonus stand up comedy at the end. [DOWNLOAD] LEP Premium Promo www.teacherluke.co.uk/premiuminfo  Hello  listeners, […]
  • 679. Gill’s Book Club: A Gentleman In Moscow - Talking to my mum again about her latest book recommendation. A Gentleman In Moscow is about a Russian Count who is put under house arrest in 1922 in the beautiful Metropol Hotel in Moscow.  [DOWNLOAD] LEP Premium Promo This episode is sponsored by LEP Premium. With Luke’s English Podcast I have two podcasts in fact. […]
  • 678. The Vintage Furniture Trade in London (with Howard Roach) - Talking to my old teaching colleague Howard Roach about his furniture business in South London. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello LEPsters in LEPland, how are you doing today? I hope you’re all doing well out there in all corners of podcastland, wherever you are, whatever you find yourself doing at this particular moment. You’ve chosen to press […]
  • 677. A Post-Holiday Ramble / Holiday Vocab / Stories - I’ve come back from my holiday so it’s time to ramble on about some holiday stories, holiday vocabulary, podcast stats and other bits and pieces including an appearance by my daughter. [DOWNLOAD]
  • 676. David Crystal: Let’s Talk – How English Conversation Works - Professor David Crystal returns to talk about his latest books, and more. The first book is all about the art of conversation in English, and the second one is a spy thriller inspired by real events. David Crystal is one of the world’s leading linguists and an expert on the English language. He is also […]
  • 675. An Unplanned Pre-Holiday Ramble (July 2020) - This episode is unedited and contains all my pauses, mistakes and thoughts while I attempt to talk about what’s coming up on LEP, my recent appearances on other people’s podcasts, comments and emails of the week and a couple of songs on the guitar. [DOWNLOAD] Luke on Other People’s Podcasts The Real English Conversations podcast […]
  • 674. 19 Amusing Insurance Claims / Car Crash Vocabulary - Listen to some funny extracts from genuine insurance claims and learn some vocabulary to describe car crashes and driving (badly). [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript / Episode Notes Hello LEPsters, how are you today? The weather here is grey, overcast. The conditions are perfect for recording and listening to an episode of Luke’s English Podcast, so here […]
  • 673. Conspiracies / UFOs / Life Hacks (with James) - Talking to my brother about some click-bait topics, with stories, beliefs and a few celebrity impressions. Links, transcripts and videos available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, how are you? This episode is called CONSPIRACIES / UFOs / LIFE HACKS with James and I’m going for the full Joe Rogan clickbait title here, as you will […]
  • 672. The Rick Thompson Report: COVID / BREXIT / BLM (July 2020) - Talking to my dad about recent developments in the UK relating to coronavirus & Brexit with a cameo appearance by Gill Thompson talking about statues. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello everyone, welcome back to the podcast. Here is a new episode of the Rick Thompson Report. In the Rick Thompson Report I talk to my dad […]
  • 671. Aussie English with Pete Smissen - A conversation with genuine Aussie Pete Smissen, about differences and similarities between the UK and Australia, cultural and historical details, language similarities, and more. Check YouTube for the video version. [DOWNLOAD] Subscribe to LEP Premium https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premiuminfo Video Version Transcript for the Introduction and Ending Hello and welcome to the podcast. This is episode 671 and […]
  • 670. Language Learning with James Harris - Talking to writer and comedian James Harris about life as a writer, going to Oxford Uni, being an international Brit and learning German, French and Chinese as an adult. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hello folks and welcome to the podcast. I hope you are doing fine on this particular day. This episode features a conversation, recorded a […]
  • 669. How to Learn English - Giving you as advice about learning English across the four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking. Full transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hello and welcome to Luke’s English Podcast. This episode is number 669 and it’s called How To Learn English. That’s quite a bold title but this really is a lot of what I […]
  • 668. LEP LIVE! Ask Me Anything / Hang Out With Luke (AUDIO VERSION) - Listen to the audio version of the recent LEP Live Stream on YouTube including an audience Q&A, learning English tips, some crap ‘Dad Jokes’ and 3 songs on the guitar. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript Hello dear listeners, how are you? I hope that you are well, wherever you are in the world, whatever you are doing, […]
  • 667. Four Way Call (with Alex, Moz & Paul) - A lockdown Zoom call with my friends Alex, Paul and Moz which should be a fun but challenging listening exercise. Intro & ending transcripts available. [DOWNLOAD] Click here for information about LEP Premium. Transcript (Intro & Ending) Hello dear listeners and welcome back to the podcast. This episode features a 4-way conversation between three of […]
  • Announcement: I’m doing a YouTube Live Stream on Wednesday 10 June at 3PM CET - Here are the details of my next YouTube live stream on Weds 10 June 2020 at 3PM CET. Also, listen to the audio from last Wednesday’s unplanned live stream. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hello listeners, this is an announcement. I just want to let you know that on Wednesday 10 June 2020 I’m going to do a […]
  • 666. [Part 3] Favourite Scary Films (with James) - James and Luke talk about some of their favourite scary films, and more. This is the 3rd and final part of episode 666. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello and welcome back to Episode 666 of LEP in which my brother James and I are talking about scary and evil things. In the first two parts we talked […]
  • 666. [Part 2] Frightening Experiences (with James) - James and I share some stories of genuinely scary and disturbing experiences which we’ve had in our lives. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello, are you a learner of English? Would you like something to listen to to develop your listening skills and by extension all other aspects of your English and your life? Well, you could listen […]
  • 666. [Part 1] The Number of the Beast / Scary Music / Black Sabbath (with James) - Talking to my brother James about the significance of the number 666, and then some scary music including ‘The Devil’s Interval’, Black Sabbath and more… [DOWNLOAD] Introduction This is episode 666 and the plan is to talk about all things evil, satanic, demonic, wicked, unholy, malevolent, hellish and scary, focusing on pop culture – music […]
  • 665. A Chinwag with Sebastian Marx / 18+ British slang phrases that Americans don’t understand - Chatting to Sebastian Marx from New York and testing his knowledge of British English slang phrases. Slang vocabulary list available below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction This episode features a chinwag (that’s a conversation by the way) with Sebastian Marx – a friend of mine who is originally from New York (he’s an American) but who has been […]
  • 664. Lockdown Ramble with My Wife - Chatting to my wife late one evening last week about what it’s like to be with an English guy, raising our daughter to be bilingual and more… [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello listeners, how are you doing out there in podcastland? What’s going on with you then, eh? Where are you? Who are you? What are you […]
  • 663. The Lockdown Lying Game with Amber & Paul - Listen to three more stories told by Amber, Paul and Luke – can you guess if they are true or lies? [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello ladies and gents, welcome back to the podcast. Are you ready for your regular dose of English listening practice? Here we go. This is episode number 663 and it is […]
  • 662. Catching Up with Amber & Paul #10 (Surviving Lockdown with Kids) - Chatting to Amber Minogue & Paul Taylor about dealing with confinement at home with children, the birth of Amber’s baby, tongue twisters, weird children’s TV series and more. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello. Welcome back to LEP. I’m talking to you again as the rain falls on the roof above my head. I hope you are […]
  • 660. Using TV Series & Films to Improve Your English - Lots of practical advice and comments about how you can use films and TV series to work on your English. This episode is a recap of some advice in episode 523 with Cara Leopold. Transcript available below. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript starts here (95% complete) Have you heard the last episode of this podcast (#659)? I spoke […]
  • 659. Lockdown Chat with Cara Leopold - Chatting to Cara Leopold about living in self isolation, the global coronavirus lockdown and how you can work on your English at home using TV shows and films. [DOWNLOAD] Hello ladies and gentlemen of the world, I hope you are doing alright in both body and mind at this particular moment in time. Welcome to […]
  • 658. [2/2] Why do Brits sing with American accents? - This is part 2 of a double episode exploring the question of why British people often change their accent when they sing. This episode contains more examples, including some (dodgy) singing from me in order to hear how it sounds when different songs are sung in different accents. Notes, lyrics and transcriptions available on the […]
  • 657. [1/2] Why do Brits sing with American accents? - Have you ever wondered why British people sometimes change their accent when they sing? This episode explores the question of why this happens, with various examples and some (dodgy) singing by me. Notes, videos and transcripts available on the page below. [DOWNLOAD] Notes & Transcriptions Hello listeners, This is episode 657 and it’s called “Why […]
  • 656. British Comedy: Karl Pilkington’s Monkey News / The Ricky Gervais Show - Listen to a funny story told in a Manchester accent, and learn various bits of English in the process including vocabulary and pronunciation. Improve your understanding of regional British accents. Story transcript & vocabulary notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Episode aims To understand a funny story in English to the same level as a native English speaker […]
  • 655. Coping with Isolation / Describing Feelings and Emotions – Vocabulary & Experiences - A vocabulary episode with lots of phrases for describing the experience of living in self-isolation. It also includes a bit of a ramble about the situation in the UK, my personal experiences of living in Paris during the lockdown and a song at the end. Vocabulary list & notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Notes Introduction […]
  • 654. Computer-based IELTS / Stories about The First Time… (with Jessica Beck from IELTS Energy Podcast) - A chat with Jessica Beck from the IELTS Energy Podcast about the new computer-based IELTS test, plus some funny stories about doing things for the first time, motivation in language learning, dealing with the stress of public speaking and seeing “The Fonz” on a ski slope. Get a $50 discount on Jessica’s new IELTS online […]
  • 653. Gill’s Book Club – “The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper” by Hallie Rubenhold / How to read books to improve your English - Talking to my mum about a good book she read recently; a social history about 5 women who had one thing in common – they were all murdered by Jack The Ripper in 1888. Also includes some advice and comments about reading books to learn English. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everyone, How are you doing out […]
  • 652. The Rick Thompson Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Talking to my dad about what’s happening in the UK at the moment, how serious this pandemic is, what the consequences might be and how the UK’s government is responding to it. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello listeners out there in the world. How are you? I hope you’re ok. What a weird time this is on […]
  • 651. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vocabulary - Explaining key vocabulary about the coronavirus (COVID-19) to help you talk about this global pandemic in English. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Notes, Transcripts & Links Hello ladies and gentlemen, here is an episode about the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), which is the #1 story in the news around the world at the moment. It’s something that […]
  • 650. British Music: Jungle (with James) - An in-depth episode all about an innovative British form of dance music from the 90s: Jungle (aka Drum & Bass). Includes discussion with James about the origins of the music, how it sounds, its position in UK culture and a few anecdotes too. Notes & music playlists available on the website. [DOWNLOAD] Hello dear listeners, […]
  • 649. An Unedited Ramble (March 2020) Never Explain, Never Apologise? / No Stress / Method To The Madness / 3 Songs on Guitar - Luke talks on his own without stopping, restarting or editing, including responses to comments about recent episodes, thoughts on the methodology behind this podcast, some vocabulary teaching, a few songs on the guitar and more. This is no-stress episode, and a chance for me to just check in on you and make sure you’re all […]
  • 648. Ian Moore Returns - Talking again to comedian Ian Moore about favourite films, a trip to New York, British & American audiences, how to iron a shirt, and funny stories about taking the language test to qualify for French citizenship. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everyone and welcome back to this podcast for learners of English and here is your regular […]
  • 647. British Comedy: Alan Partridge (Part 6) - The final part in this little series following Alan Partridge through a day in his life, and breaking it down for language. Alan is not for everyone, but I hope you’ve enjoyed this series and learned some English from it. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello and welcome back. This is the 6th and final part of this […]
  • 646. British Comedy: Alan Partridge (Part 5) - What did Alan do on Valentine’s Day? Listen to find out, as we break down some more clips of this award-winning comedy and use them to learn English. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Welcome back to this episode about comedy legend Alan Partridge, a character played by Steve Coogan. This is part 5 in a series I started […]
  • 645. British Comedy: Alan Partridge (Part 4) - Listening to some more classic British comedy and dissecting it for language. This time we’re listening to some more clips of Alan Partridge, a comedy character played by Steve Coogan. This is part 4 of a series I started in 2018. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello there, dear listener, and welcome back to this podcast for learners […]
  • 644. The Rick Thompson Report: Is Brexit Done? - Talking to my dad about the latest in the Brexit saga including the general election result, Brexit day on 31 January 2020 and the latest government shenanigans by PM Boris Johnson and co. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everyone this is an episode of The Rick Thompson Report on Luke’s English Podcast. This is where I talk […]
  • 643. The Intercultural Communication Dance with Sherwood Fleming - Talking to Sherwood Fleming, author of “Dance of Opinions” about intercultural communication, including common problems and the solutions to help us learn to communicate more effectively across cultures. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello you and you and you, welcome back to the podcast. I’m recording this on a very windy Tuesday morning. A storm passed by over […]
  • 642. The Lying Game Returns (with Amber & Paul) - This should make you laugh out loud on the bus – it’s the return of the Lying Game with Amber & Paul. Listen to our 3 stories. Do you think they are true, or lies? [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello folks, welcome back to the podcast. This is episode 642 and it is called The Lying Game […]
  • 641. Catching Up with Amber & Paul #9 - The pod-pals are back on the podcast and it’s time for the usual catching up session in which we talk about how very-pregnant Amber has moved to the suburbs of Paris, the difference between a terrace, veranda, porch and conservatory, the difference between a cave and a basement, Paul’s showbiz news, the ongoing joys and […]
  • 640. IELTS Speaking Success with Keith O’Hare - Talking to IELTS speaking coach Keith O’Hare about how to get your best score in the IELTS speaking test, plus some chat about the right approach to learning English. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello folks, welcome to the podcast. I hope you are fine whatever you’re doing at this moment, wherever you are in the world, and […]
  • 639. 3 Quintessentially British Books (that you might not know about) with Mum - Talking to my mum about some examples of quintessentially British things, in this case it’s 3 British books that she particularly likes. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello folks! Here is the last of this 3 part series I’ve been doing about quintessentially British things. I’m assuming now that you’ve heard the previous parts of this series and […]
  • 638. 3 Quintessentially British Things (that you might not know about) with Dad - Dad picks his 3 British things to talk about in this episode which covers things like ancient history, British northern landscapes and the canal system which built the industrial revolution and changed Britain forever. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everyone and welcome all of you this new episode. You’re listening to number 638 and this is the […]
  • 637. 5 Quintessentially English Things (that you might not know about) with James - Talking with James about 5 typically English things, including conversation about pop culture, writers, TV shows, British humour and more… [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello and welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast. This is your regular opportunity to practise your listening and develop your knowledge of British English culture. This is episode 637 and this is the […]
  • 636. James & Luke Discuss Star Wars IX (SPOILERS) Final Star Wars Episode Ever? - James and Luke ramble about Star Wars IX one more time. This episode is full of little jokes, sketches, voices and full spoilers for The Rise of Skywalker. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello and welcome back to the podcast. Here is one more episode of film club dedicated to the ridiculous new Star Wars film – […]
  • 635. A New Year Ramble for 2020 (Part 2) Motivation / New Year’s Rules / Bilingual Daughter / Neil Innes - Luke rambles some more at the start of 2020 about new year’s resolutions, holiday stories, raising his daughter to be bilingual and a tribute to Neil Innes (with a song or two). Notes available below. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript / Notes Welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast. Here is the second part of this double episode […]
  • 634. A New Year Ramble for 2020 (Part 1) Pod Stats / Welcome to LEP / Travelling with a Toddler - Luke wishes you a Happy New year and rambles about recent podcast statistics, new year in the UK, welcoming new listeners to the podcast, and some stories about travelling to the UK with a toddler by plane. Transcript available below. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript (95%) and Notes for this Episode Introduction Hello there and welcome back to […]
  • 633. Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker (SPOILER REVIEW) - I’ve seen The Rise of Skywalker – here are my comments and thoughts. Please be aware that this episode is full of SPOILERS! [DOWNLOAD]
  • 632. Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker (No Spoilers!) - A new Film Club episode in which Luke rambles about Star Wars IX, including various speculations and theories. NO SPOILERS. Transcript/Notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript / Notes Star Wars thoughts… This is a Film Club episode about Star Wars Episode 9 The Rise of Skywalker. It contains no spoilers for the film beyond what has been […]
  • 631. 29 Awful Christmas Jokes, Explained - The annual Christmas episode of LEP is here! Explaining 29 truly awful jokes that you might get in a Christmas cracker this year. Enjoy! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello folks, welcome to this new episode. Season’s Greetings This is the traditional Christmas episode of LEP. We’ve got a log fire […]
  • 630. The English Guy with a Sitcom on Japanese TV (with BJ Fox) - A conversation with English comedian BJ Fox, who performs stand-up in Japan and has his own TV show on NHK. Our conversation includes the story of how BJ managed to pitch the show to Japanese producers, how he learnt Japanese to a proficient level, doing stand-up in a different culture and much more. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction […]
  • 629. Do you ever … ? (with James) Strange Habits & Funny Observations - A funny conversation about strange habits that we don’t often talk about, with my brother James. Notes & scripts available below. [DOWNLOAD] Yes, this is a long episode… …but remember the best way to listen to these episodes is by using a podcast app on your phone. That way you can listen to a bit, […]
  • 628. OASIS (with James) - A conversation with James about the English rock band Oasis, including details about their story, music, lyrics and the sibling rivalry between Noel and Liam Gallagher. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello listeners, how are you today? Welcome to this new episode. As you can see from the title, this episode is all about Oasis – and yes, […]
  • 627. Emina’s Long Journey to English Proficiency - My friend Emina Tuzovic has learned English to a proficient level as a non-native speaker of the language. She says it has been “a long journey”. Let’s find out all about that journey of English learning in this conversation, recorded in London just a couple of days ago. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Today on the podcast I […]
  • 626. The Rick Thompson Report: Boris Johnson’s Brexit Deal / General Election / Football - An update from my dad about Brexit, including details about Boris Johnson’s deal, the shutting down of Parliament, the upcoming general election and more. Includes some chat about Premiership football at the end. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Last time we spoke it was early August. Boris Johnson had recently become the PM and was going to negotiate […]
  • 625. 88 English expressions that will confuse everyone (Part 2) - Let’s continue going through this list of words from an article I found in The Independent. Here is another list of 30 items of British English slang. Notes and links available below. [DOWNLOAD] Reminder: London LEP MeetUp – Sunday 17 November From 2PM at the Fitzroy Tavern, 16 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2LY. Email Zdenek to […]
  • 624. 88 English expressions that will confuse everyone (Part 1) - An episode about British English slang and culture, featuring expressions that Brits know but everyone else finds confusing. Here are the first 30 expressions in a list of 88 that I found on independent.co.uk. Includes plenty of funny improvised examples to make you laugh out loud on the bus. [DOWNLOAD] London LEPster MeetUp – 2pm […]
  • 623. 13 Terrible Jokes, Explained - Actually, it’s 17 jokes, including some simple one-liners and a few longer story-based jokes for you to remember and practise telling yourself. Listen to Luke read out and explain some pretty awful but enjoyable word puns and shaggy dog stories, and learn some English in the process. [DOWNLOAD] 13 Short Jokes I wasn’t originally going […]
  • 622. General Ramble (Oct 2019) Learning English / Politics / Recording Setup / Book Recommendation / Beatles / Star Wars / Bill Bailey - Rambling on my own about all sorts of things including Brexit news, describing my recording setup and microphones, a book recommendation for you, comments about the Beatles Abbey Road 50th Anniversary, the latest Star Wars Episode 9 trailer and Bill Bailey dissecting music in a brilliant way. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Notes & Videos Rick Thompson Report/Politics […]
  • 621. British TV: Dragons’ Den (Part 3) Discord in the Den - One more episode about this TV series involving entrepreneurs getting investment for their business startups. In this one there’s plenty of disagreement and some strong feedback from the Dragons. [DOWNLOAD] A bit of language They’ve applied in their droves, eager to get an investment. It’s the Dragons’ own money on the line. The rest will […]
  • 620. British TV: Dragons’ Den (Part 2) Negotiation - Listen to a real business negotiation and learn loads of English in the process. Vocabulary, scripts and notes available below. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Notes Welcome back to LEP. This is part 2 of this mini series I’m going to do about BBC Dragons’ Den, the TV show about entrepreneurs trying to raise finance for their […]
  • 619. British TV: Dragons’ Den (Part 1) Vocabulary - Learn tons of business vocabulary in context in this episode all about a TV show about entrepreneurs negotiating investment for their business startups. Notes & scripts available below. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Notes Hello and welcome to LEP#619. How are you today? All good I hope. In this episode of LEP we’re going to look at […]
  • 618. The Climate Crisis Explained in 10 Charts (with Cara Leopold) - A conversation with Cara Leopold about the climate crisis including descriptions of key charts, graphs and data. Notes and transcripts available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello folks and welcome to the podcast. It’s International Podcast Day today, which is nice! Monday 30 September 2019. Luke rambles about International Podcast Day for a couple of minutes… www.internationalpodcastday.com […]
  • 617. Sales and Advertising (with Paul Taylor) - A language-focused episode looking at words and phrases that you often see and hear in advertising and sales situations. Also includes discussion of sales techniques, Apple’s sales and marketing strategy and also a classic bit of stand-up by the late great George Carlin. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello dear listeners, how are you today? Here is […]
  • 616. Can you find the 15 idioms? (with Paul Taylor) - Listen to Luke and Paul play a conversation game and try to spot 15 common idioms. All idioms are demonstrated, explained and listed on the website. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello everyone and welcome back to this podcast which is made by me in my flat in order to help you learn English and also enjoy […]
  • 615. Paul Taylor Became a Dad, and you won’t believe what happened next - Find out about Paul Taylor’s life now that he’s the father of a newborn baby. How’s the baby doing? How are Paul and his wife coping? What happened during the birth? How has Paul managed to create an entirely new 1-hour comedy show, while also moving house and dealing with the madness of parenthood? How […]
  • 614. Another Murder Mystery Detective Story (Part 3) - Here’s the conclusion of this online murder mystery text adventure game. Vocabulary is reviewed at the end. Video available for premium subscribers. [DOWNLOAD] Video versions are now available free on YouTube (after being locked in the premium section for 18 months) Sign up to LEP Premium to exclusive content https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premium Episode notes and transcriptions Hello […]
  • 613. Another Murder Mystery Detective Story (Part 2) - Join Luke as we continue to work through this mystery story following a serial killer through the streets of Victorian London. Read the story and play the text adventure game as you listen. [DOWNLOAD] Video versions are now available free on YouTube (after 18 months in the premium subscription) Sign up to LEP Premium to […]
  • 612. Another Murder Mystery Detective Story (Part 1) - Listen to Luke investigating a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ detective story and read along if you like! Learn English in fun ways with stories on Luke’s English Podcast. Video available for premium subscribers. [DOWNLOAD] Video versions are now available free on YouTube (after 18 months in the premium subscription) Sign up to LEP Premium for exclusive content https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premium […]
  • 611. Top 10 Jokes from Edinburgh Fringe 2019 - Listen to 10 jokes from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy shows. Understand the jokes and listen to Luke break them down to help you learn more English. [DOWNLOAD] Video Version (Now available for everyone) To sign up to LEP Premium, go to https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premium Episode notes & transcripts Hello folks and welcome back. I hope […]
  • 610. British Comedy: James Acaster - Listen to a lovely bit of stand up comedy that will require quite a lot of breaking down in order for you to understand all the jokes like a native speaker, but there’s lots to learn in the way of language and culture in the process. [DOWNLOAD] Transcripts and Notes This is LEP episode 610. […]
  • 609. The LEP MeetUp in London / Brexit / Talking to my Daughter - Here’s an end-of-summer ramble, including details of what happened at the LEP meetup in London in July and some recordings of LEPsters who attended the event. There’s also talk of Brexit and some interviews with my daughter who is beginning to speak. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Notes and Transcriptions The world appears to be burning No-deal Brexit […]
  • 608. The Mass Observation (with Mum) - Listen to my mum talk about a social history project focusing on the lives of everyday people in the UK. Includes discussion of things like protests, plastic, identity, sex education, loneliness, and milk! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello everyone, this is LEP episode 608 and it’s called The Mass Observation (with Mum). What’s that all about? […]
  • 607. The Rick Thompson Report: Boris Johnson PM / No Deal Brexit? - Talking to my dad again about Brexit, this time including our thoughts on Boris Johnson as the new Prime Minister and the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on 31 October. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello folks, here is another new episode of the podcast. This is a free episode for everyone. […]
  • 606. The English Seaside (with James) - Explaining and describing the culture of the English seaside experience, with James. [DOWNLOAD] I’m coming to the LEPster meetup on Sunday 28 July 2019. See you there? Where? The Fitzroy Tavern near Oxford Street & Tottenham Court Road. Full address is 16 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2LY. Put the postcode into your google maps app […]
  • 605. Unexpected Road Trip (with James) - James and Luke go on an accidental road trip in the south-west of England and record a rambling podcast, while slowly going a bit mad. Will they make it to their destination before sunset? Listen to find out what happens and to learn some words and culture in the process. Photos below.  [DOWNLOAD] LEPSTER MEETUP […]
  • 604. London Native Speaker Interviews REVISITED Part 2 - Listening to the audio from another old YouTube video of mine, and then exploring it for new vocabulary and English learning opportunities. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hello folks, welcome to a new episode. In this one I’m going to go through some more audio of interviews I did with native speakers of English in London 10 years […]
  • 603. Queen / Freddie Mercury / Bohemian Rhapsody (with Alex Love) - A conversation with Queen fan Alex Love about one of the UK’s most famous and iconic bands. This episode has been requested many times by listeners, so finally – here it is! [DOWNLOAD] Notes, Links & Videos No transcript for the intro to this episode, but there is a transcript for the ending (below) Queen […]
  • 602. British Comedy: The Day Today (Part 2) - The Day Today is an award-winning parody of news and current affairs TV programmes. Let’s listen to some more clips, understand the humour and learn some English in the process. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript, Notes & Videos Hello and welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast. How are you? It’s boiling hot here. We’re in the middle […]
  • 601. British Comedy: The Day Today (Part 1) - Let’s investigate a brilliant British comedy TV show and use it to learn English. The Day Today was originally broadcast on the BBC in the mid-90s and is now considered a groundbreaking parody of news programmes and launched the careers of various comedians, including Steve Coogan. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript, Notes & Videos Hello folks, this […]
  • Quick Hello / OPP / Living Through Comedy / Somewhere Else Dreamin’ - Just a quick “hello” to let you know about some other things you could listen to this month, including my appearances on some other people’s podcasts. http://traffic.libsyn.com/teacherluke/Quick_Hello___OPP___Living_Through_Comedy___Somewhere_Else_Dreamin.mp3 [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Links Hello folks, how are you doing? How’s your English coming along? This is not a full episode, more of an update and a chance […]
  • 600. Episode 600 YouTube Livestream – Ask Me Anything - Here is the video and audio from Friday’s YouTube livestream for episode 600 of LEP. Enjoy! Video Version Audio Version DOWNLOAD AUDIO    
  • 599. Oliver Gee Returns with Stories to Tell - Australian journalist and podcaster Oliver Gee returns to LEP to tell us some stories about the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, meeting famous comedians as a journalist, learning Swedish and French and his honeymoon tour of France on a 50cc Vespa scooter. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Welcome to episode 599 of Luke’s English Podcast, a podcast for […]
  • 598. The Rick Thompson Report: EU Elections / Theresa May / Brexit / Football - Talking to my dad about the EU election results, Theresa May resigning as Prime Minister, Brexit and English football teams in Europe. Notes, transcripts and videos available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript My Dad is back on the podcast today to talk about recent things happening in the news, including political things, especially Brexit. We call these […]
  • Hello! Here are the details of the Episode 600 YouTube live stream - The Episode 600 YouTube Live Stream will be on 7 June at 3PM Paris time. Links and details below (and a transcript). Video version Audio version [DOWNLOAD] Links Episode 600 Live Stream link on YouTube LEPsters meetup in Prague on 7 June at 5pm Facebook link here https://www.facebook.com/events/429311391196900/ Transcript This short episode is a quick […]
  • 597. Growing Up / Getting Older / Becoming a Father (with Paul Taylor) - In this conversation Paul and I get a bit deep & meaningful and talk about where Paul is in his life at this point, including our thoughts about becoming a father, getting older and growing up. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Rambling about my birthday… My daughter is a toddler now. She toddles around. Thank you so much […]
  • 596. SLEEP with Amber & Paul - All about the subject of SLEEP, with Amber & Paul. Listen to hear us comparing our sleeping habits, talking about insomnia, sleepwalking, talking in your sleep, snoring, falling asleep on public transport, snoring cats, Paul learning Arabic in his sleep and more, including some slightly disgusting stories, which is nice! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello folks, […]
  • 595. Andy Johnson Returns (Part 2) Eating / TV Series / Football / Music - Asking Andy questions from a speaking task in the English File Intermediate course book and chatting about eating habits, TV series, Liverpool & Tottenham in the European Champions’ League and music we’ve been listening to recently including some stories about Steely Dan and The Beatles. Intro & ending transcripts + Videos available below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction […]
  • 594. Andy Johnson Returns (Part 1) Moving House / London vs Canterbury / English Teaching - Chatting to friend of the podcast Andy Johnson about moving house, comparisons between London and Canterbury and different approaches to teaching English. Intro & outtro transcripts available. Part 2 coming soon. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello dear listeners and welcome to this brand new episode of the podcast, presented to you for your listening pleasure and for […]
  • 593. Going through pages in an old diary - Listen to me reading out some pages from a diary which I wrote when I was 16 years old. Join me as I take a trip down memory lane and find out what I was doing, thinking and feeling 25 years ago. Some language is explained along the way. Vocabulary notes available below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript […]
  • 592. It always seems impossible until it’s done - An unedited ramble about motivation for language learning, dealing with challenges, getting started on a task, getting work done and my process for making episodes of the podcast. There’s also some news, some OPP and a couple of songs on the guitar at the end. Vocabulary notes, links, videos and song lyrics are available below. […]
  • 591. London Native Speaker Interviews REVISITED (Part 1) - Revisiting a video I made for YouTube in 2009 and teaching you some descriptive and idiomatic vocabulary in the process. Transcripts and video available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello, you’re listening to episode 591, which is called London Native Speaker Interviews Revisited Part 1. The plan in this episode is to revisit some videos I recorded 10 […]
  • 590. [2/2] Film Club: Avengers Endgame / Marvel Cinematic Universe (with Fred Eyangoh) - Here’s part 2 of this film club episode, including the rest of my chat with Fred Eyangoh and then a monologue from me. This one contains predictions for Avengers Endgame, the future of Marvel Studios and some other film franchises including Star Wars. No spoilers given! Notes, scripts and videos available. [DOWNLOAD] [Check out THE […]
  • 589. [1/2] Film Club: Avengers Endgame / Marvel Cinematic Universe (with Fred Eyangoh) - Part 1 of a big ramble about Avengers Endgame, Marvel Studios and comic book movies in general with my friend, comedian Fred Eyangoh. No spoilers! Part 2 coming soon… [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everybody, welcome to episode 589 of Luke’s English Podcast. This episode is a big ramble about Avengers Endgame, Marvel Studios and comic book movies […]
  • 588. Punctuation Rules / Book Review (Part 2) Apostrophe, Full Stop, Comma - Part 2 of my episode about punctuation. This one covers punctuation rules for apostrophe, full stop and comma. Also you can hear the rest of my book review of Punctuation..?  by User Design. Transcript available below. [DOWNLOAD] [CAMBLY OFFER – USE CODE: TEACHERLUKE] Introduction Hello there, you are listening to part 2 of this episode about punctuation. In […]
  • 587. Punctuation Rules / Book Review (Part 1) - This episode is about the importance of punctuation in writing. I’ll teach you the names of various punctuation symbols and review a cool punctuation reference book that someone sent me recently, and yes I do think it is possible to have a cool book about punctuation! Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] [CAMBLY OFFER] Introduction In this episode […]
  • It’s LEP’s 10th Birthday! - 10 years ago to this day I published the first episode of LEP. 10 years later I can now say that I’m making a living from doing what I love. Thank you for listening and making my podcast what it is today! [DOWNLOAD]
  • 586. The Importance of Listening - Recently I was reading a book about listening and learning English. This episode is a summary of what I read, including details of how listening fits in with learning English, some considerations of the importance of listening and also some tips for how to improve your English with audio. [DOWNLOAD] Check out Cambly for 10 […]
  • 585. Alternative British Citizenship Tests with Paul Taylor - Testing Paul Taylor again on his knowledge of Britishness with several alternative British citizenship tests and some very British problems. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Welcome back to the podcast. I hope you’re well. In the last episode you heard me talking to Amber and Paul. I hope you enjoyed that. It was lots of fun. I […]
  • 584. Posh or not posh? (Part 3) with Amber & Paul - Amber & Paul join me to talk again about poshness, posh accents and posh celebrities. This episode is full of different British accents – posh, RP and regional differences. It’s also full of comedy and I found myself laughing out loud while editing this, especially the interview with the football player that Paul tells us […]
  • 583. British Comedy: The Dirty Fork / Restaurant Sketch (Monty Python) - Analysing the English in a sketch by Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and considering British communication style relating to apologising, making complaints and minimising language. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Luke rambles about folding seats on public transport, the spring equinox, saying goodbye to winter and the recent posh or not posh episodes. Here’s another British comedy episode. We’re […]
  • 582. Posh or not posh? (Part 2) Guess the Posh British Celebrities - Can you identify which UK celebrities are posh and which are not? Let’s listen to some British celebrities speaking, check their Wikipedia pages and work out of these people are truly posh or not. You’ll hear samples of lots of spoken English in this episode and we’ll focus on accent and pronunciation. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript […]
  • 581. Posh or not posh? (Part 1) Understanding Posh People and Posh Accents - Everything you always wanted to know about posh people, but were afraid to ask. This episode is all about poshness in people, posh accents and what it really means to be posh. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Today I’m doing an episode on the theme of British accents and culture by focusing on the notion of ‘poshness’ in people. I’ll […]
  • 580. Ramble / Listener Comments / Robots / Vampires / Two Taps in the Bathroom - A rambling episode with responses to listener comments, LEPster meetups, English Robot 3000 & 5000, vampires leaving comments on my website and the continuing mystery of two taps in the bathroom. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript & Notes Hello welcome to episode 580 of my podcast. My name is Luke, this is my podcast for learners of […]
  • 579. [2/2] IELTS Q&A with Ben Worthington from IELTS Podcast - More conversation with Ben Worthington from IELTSPodcast.com, talking about English skills and exam skills, considering the whole approach and mindset that you need to succeed in IELTS. Includes questions from listeners. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, I hope you’re doing well. Here is Part 2 of this double episode that I’m doing about IELTS, this […]
  • 578. [1/2] IELTS Q&A with Ben Worthington from IELTS Podcast - A conversation with IELTS teacher Ben Worthington about the IELTS test, with advice for getting your best score in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Includes questions from listeners. Part 1 of 2. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello listeners, Hope you’re well. This episode is all about the IELTS test. Yes, that dreaded test that many of […]
  • 577. UK vs US Slang Game (with Jennifer from English Across the Pond) - In this episode I’m joined by Jennifer – a podcaster from the USA, and we test each other on our knowledge of slang from our countries. Listen and learn some informal words from British and American English. Notes & definitions below.  [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello folks, How are you? I hope you’re well. Here’s a new […]
  • [Website post] I was on the Rock & Roll English Podcast again / New Premium episodes coming throughout February - Dear website visitors and email subscribers, This is not another new episode of the podcast. It’s just a newsy message from me to you, but I do have some audio to share below. I was on the Rock & Roll English Podcast again Do you remember Martin Johnston and Dan the Man from episode 490 […]
  • 576. Talking about Comedy, Books, Films & Music with James - My brother James is back on the podcast for a 90min+ mega-ramble about things like: taking sick days from work, snowboarding, doing stand-up for the first time, the new film about Laurel & Hardy, Steve Coogan / Alan Partridge, The Beastie Boys and making mix tapes on cassette tapes in the 1990s. Intro transcript available. […]
  • 575. British Comedy: Paul Chowdhry - Understand a stand-up comedy routine by Paul Chowdhry, a British comedian of Indian descent. We’ll break down his comedy bit by bit, understand each line and learn some English in the process. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Introduction Hello, how are you? (Luke rambles a bit…) In a recent episode of this podcast, you heard me talking to […]
  • 574. [2/2] The Rick Thompson Report: Brexit Q&A (January 2019) - My dad answers some questions from listeners about Brexit. Includes conversation about Theresa May’s deal, the prospect of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, Parliamentary democracy, the possible reactions to revoking Article 50 and cancelling Brexit altogether, chances of a second referendum, Scottish independence, the sensitive Northern Ireland situation, consequences for EU nationals in the UK and the […]
  • 573. [1/2] The Rick Thompson Report: Brexit Update (January 2019) - Part 1 of a double episode of the Rick Thompson Report, talking to my dad about the latest developments in the shambolic Brexit story. This time we’re focusing on what happened in last week’s Parliamentary vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal, what the situation is now, and what might happen in the future. We talk […]
  • 572. Worst Stand-up Gig Experiences (with Amber & Paul) - Amber, Paul and Luke tell some stories of their worst ever stand-up comedy gigs. Expect some anecdotes about embarrassing and humiliating experiences on stage, and “dying on your arse”. Intro & outtro transcripts available + bonus audio in the LEP app.  [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript In this episode you’re going to hear a conversation with Amber […]
  • 571. Bill Burr’s Hilarious Plane Story – Enjoy Comedy/Storytelling in English - Understand a funny anecdote by comedian Bill Burr. In this episode we’re going to do some intensive listening practice using the true story of a bizarre encounter with a man on a plane.  Look out for language for travelling by plane, some American English and A LOT of swearing, particularly the F word. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript […]
  • 570. Learning & Teaching English with Zdenek Lukas (Part 2) - Part 2 of my chat with Zdenek from the Czech Republic. In this one we talk about becoming an English teacher, taking the infamous DELTA teaching course, Zdenek’s podcast and board game, and some long-lost (and embarrassing) comedy YouTube videos I made in the pre-podcast days. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript This is part two of this […]
  • 569. Learning & Teaching English with Zdenek Lukas (Part 1) - Talking to English teacher & podcaster Zdenek Lukas from the Czech Republic about how he learned English to a high level by working on a building site in East London with a team of cockneys who couldn’t pronounce his name properly. Also includes tangents about football commentators, climate change denial, flat earth conspiracy theorists and […]
  • 568. What is Luke’s English Podcast, and how can it help you with your English? - What are the aims & objectives for this podcast? How can you use it to improve your English? This episode is an introduction for new listeners and a reminder for long-term listeners: This is a podcast all about learning English through listening, while having some fun in the process. Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript Happy […]
  • 567. Alternative Christmas Stories & Poems / Beatles / Happy New Year from LEP! - This is the last episode of LEP before the end of 2018. It’s Christmas and New Years Eve is approaching, so it’s time for the traditional Christmas episode of LEP! In this one I’m going to read some Christmas stories and a couple of poems which are a bit different to the normal stuff you get at […]
  • 566. The Collins Words of the Year (Part 6) 2018 with Amber Minogue - The final part of this series about trending words and issues in 2018, this time with friend of the podcast Amber Minogue. Join us as we talk about jogging, picking up litter, bird watching, VAR & football, veganism, ethnic diversity in Hollywood and more. Notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Introduction Here is the 6th and final part […]
  • 565. The Collins Words of the Year (Part 5) 2018 with Amber Minogue - Talking to my friend Amber about some trending vocabulary and hot topics from 2018, like plastic pollution, dance crazes and the Brexit backstop. Includes discussion, language explanations, David Attenborough impressions and more. Notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello! How is Podcastland at the moment? How is LEPland? Does it look like Lapland at the moment? […]
  • 564. The Collins Words of the Year (Part 4) - More trending vocabulary and issues of the moment, this time focusing on topics like working conditions in the gig economy, the pros and cons of instagram and a true story about a unicorn riding a bike in London. Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] PART 4 Transcript – 99% complete Welcome back to this series about The Words of the Year. In […]
  • 563. The Collins Words of the Year (Part 3) - More vocabulary explanations & discussion of big issues, including how social media affects our worldview, the pros and cons of fidget spinners and debates about gender identity, including thoughts on the new female Doctor in Doctor Who. Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Part 3 – Transcript (99% complete) Welcome back to part 3 of this series I’m doing […]
  • 562. The Collins Words of the Year (Part 2) - Vocabulary explanations and discussions of hot topics from the last couple of years. Talking about some controversial political stuff like the rise of fascism and anti-fascism, the relative popularity of UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, and how the winter season changes people’s feelings about romance and relationships. Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript (99% complete) Right, […]
  • 561. The Collins Words of the Year (Part 1) - The first part of an episode series about trending vocabulary – words which have been used a lot in the last couple of years. Listen to me talk about words chosen by Collins Dictionaries as their “Words of the Year”. This first episode focuses on how publishers use big data and then lots of discussion […]
  • 560. Sarah Donnelly Returns – Writing jokes, public speaking, doing comedy in another language - Talking to comedian Sarah Donnelly about how she writes her jokes, advice on public speaking and how to avoid nerves and negative feelings, performing stand-up comedy in another language, and more. Sarah is a comedian and language teacher from the US,  now living in France. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Today I am talking to friend of the […]
  • 559. The Rick Thompson Report: Brexit Chaos (November 2018) - Talking to my dad, Rick Thompson about recent developments in the story of Brexit – Britain’s exit from the European Union. Recorded on 18 November 2018. [DOWNLOAD] Totally confused about Brexit? Want to know answers to some basic questions, like What does Brexit mean? What is the Brexit deal? What is the backstop in Brexit? When […]
  • 558. Rambling in the new Sky-Pod - Another solo episode recorded in the new sky-pod. Talking about moving to the new flat, some podcast news, meeting Louis CK, WW1 remembrance, rock climbing and more… Some vocab is explained during the episode. [DOWNLOAD] Notes and some transcriptions for this episode Here’s another semi-prepared episode in which I’m not really teaching you anything specific […]
  • A Letter from Luke – 9 Nov. 2018 - No episodes for a little while – I’ve got limited internet access. This is not an audio or video episode – it’s a letter from me to you. Hello dear listeners, If you’ve listened to episode 557 you’ll know that I’m currently moving flat, which also means that I’m moving my podcast headquarters out of […]
  • 557. I’m a Rambling Guy (Monologue – Autumn 2018) - A rambling monologue about my recent French test, a duck-related error, responses to the Alan Partridge episodes and the Russian comedy club video, moving out of the sky-pod, and life with my wife and daughter. A video version of this episode is available for Premium subscribers in the LEP app and online. https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premium Yes, this episode […]
  • 556. With Jessica Beck from Honestly English - Talking to English teacher Jessica Beck about her new website, “Honestly English” and some typical topics she talks about and teaches, including the #MeToo movement and our favourite female superheroes and comedians. Videos and links below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Today on the podcast I have another interview for you to listen to as part of […]
  • 555. Raphael Miller’s Summer School Report - Raphael Miller is back on the podcast to tell us about his experience of running a summer school for international teenagers in Liverpool. [DOWNLOAD] The conversation includes lots of stories and descriptions of what happened at the school this summer, including things like teenage sleeping habits, a Chinese celebrity teenager, the proper way to eat […]
  • 554. ODD NEWS STORIES (with Mum & Dad) - Discussing some strange and funny news stories with my parents. Thanks to my Mum & Dad for their contribution to this episode. Transcripts and notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript This episode is all about some strange news stories that I found on theweek.co.uk . I’ve used these stories in class in the past because they’re full […]
  • 553. Fighting Wildland Fires with Benny the Russian Firefighter - Talking to firefighter Anton Beneslavsky (aka “Benny”) who works as the leader of an international fire fighting project. We talk about becoming a firefighter, the work that he’s doing with Greenpeace around the world and the very serious threat of climate change. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hi folks, This summer I received a message from a […]
  • 552. Discussing Comedy & Culture (with Amber & Paul) - Amber, Paul and I listen to a comedy video which is often sent to me by listeners to this podcast. The video is about the experience of trying to understand people when they speak English. Let’s see what the pod-pals think of this comedy from another country. The conversation then turns to comedy, culture, language […]
  • 551. Catching Up with Amber & Paul #8 – Stereotypes - Chatting to the pod-pals Amber & Paul again and this time the conversation turns to the subject of national stereotypes, and why Paul has bleached his hair blond. Notes & transcripts below. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript OK Amber & Paul are back on the podcast today and I promise to keep this intro as short as […]
  • 550. British Comedy: Alan Partridge (Part 3) - Here’s the final part of this trilogy of British Comedy episodes about Alan Partridge. This time we’re analysing some of the quieter and darker moments in Alan’s life as he rambles about flasks, cars, seat belts, badges and having an air bag go off in your face, and avoids the problems in his life. Expect […]
  • 549. British Comedy: Alan Partridge (Part 2) - Building on the previous episode, this time we’re looking at how Alan Partridge interacts with people in his every day life and how this results in some classic moments of British TV comedy. All the material is explained with plenty of vocabulary to learn. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript, Notes & Videos His chat show series ended in […]
  • 548. British Comedy: Alan Partridge (Part 1) - Continuing the comedy theme by analysing a character that most British people know but learners of English find difficult to understand. Check the page below for transcripts, notes and videos. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hi folks, today I’m continuing the comedy theme, with an episode about British TV Comedy. A while ago I did an episode all […]
  • 547. Best Jokes from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Studying some jokes told by stand-up comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe comedy festival, and dissecting them for vocabulary. Learn English with some jokes and find out about typical joke structures used by stand-up comedians. Transcripts and jokes available below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript This episode is going to contain loads of jokes and their explanations. Listening […]
  • 546. Death by Meteor - This episode is called Death By Meteor and it’s all about asteroids, space, science, maths, astrophysics and the end of the world! Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript I’m talking about asteroids and meteors and the possibility that one might strike the earth and what would happen in that situation, or perhaps what will happen in that […]
  • 545. The Hitchhiker by Roald Dahl (Short Story) - Learn English with this short story by British writer Roald Dahl. Intro transcript and story script available below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript (story script available as a pdf below) Hello folks, how are you doing? Summer is over, everyone’s going back to their jobs and their normal lives. Sun tans are fading fast. The days are […]
  • 544. The Rick Thompson Report: No Deal Brexit - Talking to my dad about the current Brexit situation, including what could actually happen in the UK if we leave the EU with no deal. Expect language relating to politics, economics and the big issues of the day. Intro and outtro transcripts available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hi everyone, how are you doing? Here is a […]
  • 543. Britain’s First Insect Restaurant Opens - Talking about the creepy subject of eating insects, which might be the solution to many of the problems that humans face as a species. This episode includes discussion of eating habits, environmental issues and some insect-related idioms and expressions. Transcripts and vocabulary lists available. Bon appetit! [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hello Lepsters! Here’s a new episode of […]
  • 542. Talking Rubbish & Just Having Fun with The Thompsons - Talking to my dad, mum and brother about all manner of topics, including: Space, climbing mountains, British comedy, fishing, earworms, tattoos, David Beckham, jokes, citizenship tests, baby monkeys, ghosts and celebrity impressions. Intro and outtro transcripts available. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript Hello folks, how are you doing? It’s been a while! It’s August. Things are quiet. We’re […]
  • 541. What British People Say vs What They Mean - Examining British communication style and debunking a few myths about how British people communicate. This episode is based on a famous infographic called “What British People Say vs What They Really Mean” or “The Anglo-EU Translation Guide”. It contains lots of thoughts about how direct and indirect cultures communicate with each other, and some samples […]
  • 540. What’s Up? Post World Cup / News / LEP Meetup London / Super Mario Earworms - Giving some news, summing up the World Cup, England out, France win, and some chat about music that gets stuck in your head. Get some English stuck in your head with this episode. Transcript available! [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript Here it is, your regular dose of English listening practice. The theory, the science, the method: Listen […]
  • 539. World Cup 2018 [3] Is It Coming Home? - Another football episode – but it won’t last forever! In this one I’m in England talking to my Dad and my brother about the world cup including England’s performances, penalties, World Cup songs, diving, VAR and predictions for the semi finals. Enjoy! DOWNLOAD Please leave your comments in the comment section. I might read them […]
  • 538. World Cup 2018 [2] The Second Round / Listener Comments - Talking about the second round of the World Cup in Russia, including comments about the teams, the games, the issues, England’s penalties vs Colombia and the way football commentators speak. Listener comments are read out. Notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Notes & Scripts Not very much planned here. I’m just going to spill my thoughts into the microphone. […]
  • 537. How Olly Richards Learns a Language (Part 2) Intermediate Plateau / The Magic of Story / Pronunciation & Personality / Classroom vs Self-Guided Learning - The rest of my conversation with polyglot Olly Richards, talking about how to overcome the intermediate plateau, the magic of story, pronunciation and identity issues, and self-guided learning. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript Welcome back to this double episode in which I’m talking to language learner and polyglot Olly Richards all about how to learn languages as […]
  • 536. How Olly Richards Learns a Language (Part 1) Compelling Material / Input-based Learning - Talking to polyglot Olly Richards about the benefits of listening, reading and using stories to learn English. Full of insights and strategies for effective language learning. Transcripts and notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript This episode is packed full of language learning experience and wisdom, straight from the horse’s mouth. Today I’m talking to Olly Richards, […]
  • 535. World Cup 2018 [1] - Talking about the World Cup 2018 in Russia, including comments about the teams, players, groups, VAR and England’s performances. Notes & transcripts available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Notes App tips There are controls on a tab at the bottom. When you’re playing an episode, swipe up and you’ll reveal little controls, including skip forwards and back. […]
  • LEP PREMIUM is now live – teacherluke.co.uk/premium - LEP PREMIUM announcement. www.teacherluke.co.uk/premium ⚠️ IMPORTANT – SINCE JULY 2023 LEP PREMIUM IS AVAILABLE WITH ACAST+ AND NOT AVAILABLE IN THE LEP APP. Go here for all the information www.teacherluke.co.uk/premiuminfo ⚠️ [DOWNLOAD] This is an announcement to let you know that LEP Premium is now ready to go. If you want to superpower your English […]
  • 534. Sugar Sammy Interview (Part 2) Language & Comedy - Part 2 of my chat with Canadian stand-up comedian Sugar Sammy, talking about his 4 languages, TV shows from our childhood, copying Indian accents, language-related controversy in Quebec, Sammy’s crowd-work skills, stories of difficult gigs in the UK, and our thoughts on recent Star Wars films. At the end of the episode you can hear […]
  • 533. Sugar Sammy Interview (Part 1) Multilingual Comedian - Sugar Sammy is a very popular and famous comedian from Canada. He’s often described as Montreal’s #1 stand up comedian. He speaks 4 languages, he has performed comedy in lots of countries. He might be coming to your country soon to make you laugh. Ladies and gentlemen – meet the wonderful Sugar Sammy! [DOWNLOAD] Join […]
  • 532. A History of The World Cup - This episode is a history of The World Cup. You’ll see that it’s very long! I didn’t expect it to be this long. I hope you enjoy it! I covers all the World Cups we’ve had since 1930, focusing on the key events with a few dodgy jokes along the way. You can read 99% […]
  • 531. Crime Vocabulary Quiz (with Moz) - Test yourself and learn various verbs and nouns related to crime. Features some amusing chat and anecdotes with Moz from the Murder Mile True Crime Podcast. Transcripts and vocabulary available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript This episode is a chance for you to test your knowledge and probably learn some new vocabulary relating to crime. In the […]
  • 530. More Murder Stories (with Moz) - My friend Moz (Michael J. Buchanan-Dunne) from the Murder Mile True Crime Podcast tells us some more true stories about murders from London’s past. Contains some gruesome details and explicit descriptions, and some fascinating and unbelievable true stories! Intro and outtro transcripts available. *Adults only: Contains gory details and explicit descriptions* [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript This […]
  • 529. The “M” Word (with Andy Johnson) - Friend of the podcast Andy Johnson returns to give us some news and tell some stories all related to things that begin with the letter “M”. Intro & outtro transcripts available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello! Hello! Welcome back to the podcast. I hope you’re doing well out there in podcast land. I was thinking the […]
  • 528. The Royal Wedding (with Mum) - Talking to my mum about the royal wedding between Prince Harry & Meghan Markle. Describing the ceremony, the guests and the dress, and discussing the place of the monarchy in modern British life. Some transcriptions and vocabulary available below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello folks, welcome to this new episode. How are you doing? I’m recording […]
  • 527. Can Paul Taylor Pass The UK Citizenship Test? - Testing Paul Taylor’s knowledge of British life, history and culture and discussing the “Life in the UK” citizenship test. Practise listening to British English natural speech, learn facts about the UK and have a laugh as Paul gets angry about this test for people who want to become UK citizens. Will Paul actually pass the […]
  • 526. Being a Tourist (with Paul Taylor) + video - Catching up with Paul Taylor and talking about his recent trips to Japan & Barcelona, the pros and cons of being a tourist and some recommendations for people visiting London and Paris as tourists. Video available on the website and in the LEP app.  Audio Version < [DOWNLOAD AUDIO] Video Version Paul’s Vlog #12 Last […]
  • Please VOTE for LEP in the British Podcast Awards 2018 – Voting Ends on Thursday 17 May - [DOWNLOAD] Help me build my pod-castle! Vote here: http://www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote  Click the link and search for “luke’s english podcast” Thank you to everyone who’s already voted. Fingers crossed! 🤞🤞🤞 🗳🇬🇧🏆👍🏅♥♥♥ Vocabulary in this Mini Episode to be in with a chance (of doing something) you need to achieve certain milestones it shows that you’re getting somewhere, you’re making […]
  • 525. Ninja August / Podcast Corrections / Useful Japanese Cat (Listener Comments & Questions) - Responding to more comments and questions from listeners, including some rambling about public holidays in France, why May is like ‘ninja August’, some corrections to what I said about bats and Stephen Hawking on the podcast and the story of an amazing useful cat from Japan. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript (not 100% complete – listen to the […]
  • 524. Tricky Pronunciation Debates / “Either” “Neither” / Song + Comedy Sketch - Talking about words which can be pronounced several ways, words which are often pronounced incorrectly by native speakers and the debates, arguments and frustration that arises between native speakers as a result. Includes the “You Say Tomato…” song and the Grammar Nazi sketch, explained. Transcript & notes available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Welcome to episode 524 of […]
  • 523. Tips for Learning English with Films & TV Shows (with Cara Leopold) - Talking to a fellow English teacher about advice for using TV shows and films to learn English, both with and without subtitles. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript Today on the podcast I’m talking to Cara Leopold who is an English teacher from the UK, living in France – like me. Cara is an online teacher, who has […]
  • 522. Learning English at Summer School in the UK (A Rambling Chat with Raphael Miller) - Talking to my ex-colleague Raphael Miller about his new summer school for teenagers as well as many other topics, including British social and communication culture, growing up in Liverpool, studying at Oxford University, the famous Star Wars actor Raphael knows and remembering some of the old-fashioned ways we used to describe computers and the internet. […]
  • 521. Talking about Pets (with James) - Usually when I talk to my brother on the podcast we talk about fairly obscure topics, like cult films, musical subcultures or skateboarding, but this time we chose a universal topic; pets. Listen to this conversation to hear James and me remembering the pets we had as children and discussing some issues related to keeping […]
  • 520. Idioms Game & Chat Part 2 (with Andy Johnson) + 18 More Idioms & Vocab Items Explained - The second part of my chat with Andy Johnson. Listen out for 18 more idioms which will be explained later. Topics include: Twitter abuse, the other Andy Johnson, training for the London Marathon + more. Transcripts and vocabulary definitions below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript In this episode you can continue to listen to a conversation I recorded with […]
  • 519. Idioms Game & Chat (with Andy Johnson) + 25 Idioms Explained - A conversation with Andy Johnson including loads of idiomatic expressions and their explanations. First you can listen to a rambling chat with Andy and then I’ll explain 25 idioms that came up during the conversation. Part 2 coming soon… Transcriptions, Vocabulary list & Definitions available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello folks – in this episode I’m […]
  • 518. Grammar Questions (Part 1) Present Perfect Continuous / Future Continuous / Language of Newspaper Headlines - Answering grammar questions from listeners, with details about verb tenses (including present continuous vs present perfect continuous & future continuous vs going to) and the language of newspaper headlines. Includes references to The Queen, The Legend of Zelda and a lot of pizza. Transcriptions & grammar notes available below. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Grammar Notes This episode is all […]
  • 517. Professor Stephen Hawking (An Obituary) - I woke up this morning to the news that Stephen Hawking had died and I thought – I really must talk about this. He was a British scientist who must be considered one of the most significant people of recent years – a brilliant mind who contributed so much to our understanding of the nature […]
  • 516. Paul McCartney’s Spider Story (Intensive Listening) - Learn English from an anecdote told by Sir Paul McCartney. Let’s listen to Paul telling a sweet story about something funny that happened to him and George Harrison when they were teenagers, before they became world famous musicians in The Beatles. Let’s listen to his story , do some intensive listening practice and then I’ll […]
  • 515. Becoming “Maman” with Amber & Sarah – Bringing Up Children The French Way - In this episode I’m talking to friends of the podcast Amber Minogue and Sarah Donnelly about the subject of raising children in a foreign country – in this case, France. So this is an episode all about cross-cultural experiences, specifically relating to parenthood. It’s also about a new podcast and stage show which Amber & […]
  • 514. What’s on the table? (with Fred & Alex) - In this episode you can hear me chatting to Fred Eyangoh and Alex Quillien and discussing various topics including growing up in different countries, recognising different accents in English, religious backgrounds, movie re-boots, Arnold Shwartzenegger going “nyarrrgh” and more. Fred and Alex are both stand-up comedians living in Paris who perform in English. Check them out […]
  • 513. General Ramble / News / Comments - A general ramble about things like: dishwasher sounds, online clickbait, updates to the LEP app, my recent appearances on some OPP (other people’s podcasts), LEPster meetups and some responses to recent comments on the website. Notes, links & videos available below. [DOWNLOAD] Notes, Links & Videos etc First, some stuff about clickbait and dishwashers… and […]
  • [Website-only] I was on the “Becoming Maman” podcast with Amber Minogue & Sarah Donnelly - Dear email subscribers and website ninjas, The other day I was interviewed on Amber & Sarah’s new podcast, called “Becoming Maman” and we talked about becoming a dad and raising bilingual children. You can listen to the interview here. ⬆️ Listen to my interview on Becoming Maman with Amber & Sarah ⬆️ Becoming Maman is a new podcast […]
  • 512. My Experiences of (not) Learning French [Part 2] Learning Language in a Classroom vs Learning On Your Own - Talking more about my experiences as a student of French, this time reading from notes I took during my French lessons (when I should have been focusing on the class!) and some considerations about learning a language in a classroom and learning on your own. Notes & transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript & Notes Here’s part […]
  • 511. My Experiences of (not) Learning French [Part 1] - Sharing my experiences of learning French (or not learning it). My French and Me – How I learned some French as a child and how I’m failing to learn it properly as an adult. Includes conclusions about language learning, immersion and the importance of motivation, habit and simply applying yourself. Notes & transcriptions available. *Includes some […]
  • 510. Philosophy Quiz (with Amber & Paul) - In this episode you can listen to Amber, Paul and me as we take an online quiz and try to find out what school of philosophical thought we belong to. Are we empiricists, epicurianists, existentialists, hedonists, humanists, platonists, skeptics or stoicists? Listen on to find out more and to hear a full-on discussion of life, […]
  • 509. What’s it all about? (Philosophy and Language Learning) - This episode is all about philosophy and how this applies to language learning. Listen to me describing 8 different ‘schools’ of philosophical thought. Are hedonists good language learners? How do rationalists and empiricists disagree about how we learn languages? Is language learning an innate ability or just something that can only happen as a result […]
  • 508. Six True Crime Stories from Victorian England, Told by My Dad - Learn English by listening to Rick Thompson telling some true stories of petty crimes committed in an English town in 1851. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello everybody, and welcome to this brand new instalment of Luke’s English Podcast – a podcast for learners of English. In this episode my dad is going to tell you some […]
  • 507. Learning English with UK Comedy TV Shows - Recommendations and descriptions of British comedy TV shows with some comments about how to use comedy TV shows to learn English. Transcript available below. [DOWNLOAD] 20 MINS BONUS AUDIO FROM THE LEP APP 👇 Transcript (95% complete) Hello, etc! (some rambling here at the beginning!) British TV Comedy I often get requests from listeners asking […]
  • 506. One of Britain’s Favourite Poems - Listen to readings of “If—” by Rudyard Kipling, a popular poem from England. Includes analysis of the vocabulary and the themes in the poem and also a chance to enjoy the unique voice of Sir Michael Caine – with some funny impressions too. Transcript, vocabulary and videos available. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Transcript Introduction Hello, here’s an […]
  • 505. A Chat with Dad & James about Star Wars: The Last Jedi (with Vocabulary) - Here is the third and final part of this trilogy of episodes about the latest Star Wars film. In this one you’ll hear a conversation between my Dad, my brother and me that I recorded just after we’d seen the film a couple of weeks ago. Now, I know that this is perhaps a bit […]
  • 504. My Review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Part 2) - Continuing to talk about the latest Star Wars film at length(!) – going through the storyline and giving my thoughts on the characters, events and the audience backlash. Transcript available below. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript (95% complete) OK, so if you check the length of this episode you’ll see it’s more than 2 hours long – Yes, this is […]
  • 503. My Review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Part 1) - Talking about the new Star Wars film including the audience reaction, English accents you can hear in Star Wars, and a run-through of the plot with my thoughts about the events and characters. Plot spoilers throughout the episode! Transcript available. [DOWNLOAD] [socialpoll id=”2481205″] Transcript (95% complete) This episode is all about Star Wars: The Last […]
  • 502. The Birth of My Daughter - Talking about the birth of my baby daughter, including accounts of the main events and how it all felt. Listen carefully for descriptive vocabulary for describing emotions and feelings as well as the language of childbirth previously explained in episodes 491 and 492. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Welcome to the podcast, happy new year. I hope […]
  • 501. Merry Christmas! / Listener Correspondence - Wishing you a Merry Christmas, giving some news and responding to some messages from listeners about vocabulary lists, pronouncing “can’t” without sounding rude and more… [DOWNLOAD] Episode Notes Hello! Merry Christmas! Seasons Greetings Happy Holidays All the best for the festive season Here’s episode 501 and really the point of this is that I just […]
  • Observations on the Paris Metro… from Inside the Metro (Listen to my appearance on Oliver Gee’s podcast “The Earful Tower”) - Hello website LEPsters! Here is some more listening you can do while waiting for the next episode of LEP. I was recently invited onto The Earful Tower Podcast by Oliver Gee (remember him from episode 495?) We recorded an episode all about the Paris Metro while riding the Paris Metro. You can listen to it […]
  • 500. EPISODE 500 CELEBRATION! (PARTS 1 & 2) - Celebrating 500 episodes of LEP with a mega-ramble featuring lots of messages from listeners, expressions of gratitude, a cool announcement for all my listeners, some singing, some talk of becoming a dad, the future of the podcast, Star Wars, and loads of fun and good times. Thank you for listening! Parts 1 & 2 are […]
  • 499. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle / Royal Family Quiz (with Amber) - Talking to Amber about the UK’s Royal Family, including our thoughts on the upcoming wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, some royal gossip & rumours, and also a Royal Family Quiz with questions about the monarchy today and in history. So, expect to hear our thoughts and some facts about this very traitional British […]
  • 498. The Rick Thompson Report: Brexit Negotiations - Talking to my Dad about the current situation with the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU. Listen to hear explanations of what is going on with Brexit, how Northern Ireland is involved, what motivates Brexiters and some comments about other bits of international news – all delivered by my Dad with his clear and coherent […]
  • 497. Film Club: Withnail & I (with James and Will) - Talking about a classic British film which not many learners of English know about. Listen for explanations of the film, its appeal, descriptions of the characters and events, the type of people who like the film and a few bits of dialogue too. Notes available. https://open.acast.com/public/streams/62b0ada25c7ea10012f541cb/episodes/62b0ada86fddaf0012d1f159.mp3″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Today on the podcast I […]
  • 496. RAMBLECAST - Rambling about life, learning English, Star Wars, screwing up paper into a ball and more… [DOWNLOAD] Here’s a rambling episode with a few bits of news and some tangents. Episode 500 – Please send me your voice messages Please send me a 30 second voice message to luketeacher@hotmail.com Tell me your name, where you’re from […]
  • 495. Australian Stereotypes and Cliches (with Oliver Gee) ~didgeridoo sounds~ - Discussing stereotypes and clichés about Australia with podcaster Oliver Gee who comes from a land down under. Learn about Australian English, Aussie accent, Aussie slang and exactly what you should say whenever you meet a true blue Aussie, mate! Vocabulary list available. Hooroo. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Today on the podcast I’m talking to Oliver Gee […]
  • 494. Who Wants to be Good at English? (The Rematch) with Rick Thompson - Testing my Dad on his knowledge of English, using words that are frequently confused by native English speakers. Will my dad be able to identify the words, spell them and explain the differences? Listen to learn 20 words and phrases which native English speakers often get wrong. You will also hear Dad and me discussing […]
  • 493. Catching Up with Amber & Paul #7 (Human Pollution) - Amber and Paul are back on the podcast as we catch up with their recent news and the conversation goes off on many tangents covering subjects such as: pollution and fog in Paris, a possible new word – ‘pog’, other potential new words of the year, Harvey Weinstein, wanking in the office, ‘human pollution in […]
  • 492. Becoming a Dad (with Andy & Ben) Part 2 - The second part of this conversation with Andy Johnson and Ben Butler, and we talk about the moment of childbirth and take a quiz about becoming a father. Vocabulary is explained in the second part of the episode. Vocabulary list available. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Welcome back to part 2 of this double episode called “Becoming […]
  • 491. Becoming a Dad (with Andy & Ben) Part 1 - A conversation and vocabulary lesson about childbirth and becoming a father, with Andy Johnson and Ben Butler from The London School of English. Listen to Andy and Ben talking about their experiences of becoming parents, how their babies were born and more. Vocabulary is explained in the second half of the episode. Vocabulary list available. […]
  • 490. Discussing Friendship – with Martin and Dan The Man from Rock n’ Roll English (Friendship Phrasal Verbs) - Hello! In this episode of the podcast I am talking to Martin Johnston and his mate Dan The Man from the Rock n Roll English Podcast and we’re going to teach you some phrasal verbs and other expressions relating to friendship, while also putting their friendship to the test. Martin and Dan are lifelong friends. […]
  • 489. A Rambling Conversation with Mum (Part 2) + Vocabulary - Here’s part 2 of this conversation with my Mum in which you can hear us wittering on about the bookshop where Mum works, some of the books she’s read recently, and some of her podcast and film recommendations. Vocabulary is explained at the end, and there’s a vocabulary list with definitions available below. [DOWNLOAD] Vocabulary List […]
  • 488. A Rambling Conversation with Mum (Part 1) + Vocabulary - A conversation with my (lovely) mum in which we generally witter on about a number of different things including some British history, ways of describing rain, different expressions for talking (like rambling and wittering), my mum’s accent, what she thinks of this podcast and some of her podcast recommendations. Vocabulary is explained after the conversation and there […]
  • 487. Learning Languages and Adapting to New Cultures (with Ethan from RealLife English) - A conversation about travelling and learning languages with Ethan from RealLife English. Ethan is very well-travelled, having lived in at least 6 different countries. He’s also learned a few different languages to a good level as an adult. Let’s talk about his advice for adapting to new cultures and learning languages in adulthood. Vocabulary notes […]
  • 485. & 486. Difficult Words to Pronounce in English (with Paul Taylor) (Parts 1 & 2) + video - This is a double episode with two audio episodes on one page, and it’s going to be really useful for you because it’s all about difficult pronunciation in English. Listen to Paul Taylor and me discussing the tricky relationship between spelling and pronunciation. There are lots of jokes, impressions, funny accents and useful comments about this important area of […]
  • 484. Try not to Laugh on the Bus (with Paul Taylor) - A conversation with Paul Taylor involving several cups of tea, recipes for French crepes, our terrible rap skills, a funny old comedy song about English workmen drinking tea, some improvised comedy role plays and a very angry Paul ranting about bad customer service in France! Your challenge is to listen to this episode in public […]
  • I was invited onto The Flat Earth Podcast for a debate, and this is what happened… [Website only] - I want to share something really interesting that happened to me recently. I got into a debate with some ‘flat earthers’ – guys who believe that the earth is flat. It was pretty intense, and you can listen to it all here on this page. What you’re listening to (and reading) now isn’t an episode […]
  • 483. A Rambling Chat with Moz - The second part of my conversation with my friend Moz, this time covering subjects such as podcasting vs YouTube, bathing naked in a Japanese spa, sharing personal information online (like a story of bathing naked in a Japanese spa), the role of artificial intelligence & social media, murdering mosquitoes and meeting a crack addict on the […]
  • 482. The Murder Mile True Crime Podcast (with Moz) More Creepy Stories of Murders in London - My friend Moz, who runs a murder-themed tour company in London, is back on the podcast to talk about some more creepy stories of crimes from London’s history and his new podcast. Vocabulary list and quiz available below. [DOWNLOAD] Links www.murdermiletours.com www.murdermiletours.com/podcast Notes and Introduction Transcript Moz (aka Michael Buchanan-Dunne) has appeared on the podcast […]
  • [Website content] Luke on the RealLife English Podcast - I was on the RealLife English Podcast and we talked about why I became an English teacher, doing James Bond impressions and also comedy & how to use humour in learning English. You can listen to it here. More details about Real Life English below. Enjoy! Last week I was featured in an episode of the Real Life English podcast […]
  • 481. Holiday Diary (Final Part) “Endeavour to Persevere” - The final part of the holiday diary series. This one is about visiting the Navajo Nation, meeting some Navajo people, seeing more natural wonders at Monument Valley and The Grand Canyon,  a couple of film recommendations our experience of the solar eclipse and a few more anecdotes about the rest of our road trip. [DOWNLOAD] […]
  • 480. Holiday Diary (Part 7) BIG ROCKS! - In this episode I’m going to continue telling you stories of my recent holiday and there will be descriptions of impressive rocky landscapes, a sort of geology lesson and a brief history of planet earth. Expect plenty of solid descriptive chunks of vocabulary as this holiday diary continues. [DOWNLOAD] Some talk of putting shelves up… doing […]
  • 479. Holiday Diary (Part 6) The Madness of Las Vegas / 11 Gambling Idioms - This episode includes anecdotes and descriptions of our short visit to Las Vegas, including stories of more rental car issues, Las Vegas craziness, winning and losing $$$ and 11 English idioms that come from gambling. [DOWNLOAD] ⬇️ Episode script and notes (Idioms list below) ⬇️ Why Vegas? It was just as a stopover between L.A. and other […]
  • 478. Holiday Diary (Part 5) An Encounter with The Church of Scientology - More thoughts and comments inspired by things that happened during my recent holiday. In this one I’m discussing stories about the Church of Scientology and the claims that it is a cult. Listen to find out what happened in this part of my trip. Check the episode page for the vocabulary. [DOWNLOAD] This episode includes […]
  • 477. Holiday Diary (Part 4) The Fresh Prince of Bel Air - The holiday diary continues and in this chapter we visited Bel Air in L.A. and so here is an analysis of the lyrics to Will Smith’s rap from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, a famous TV show (and a very serious piece of work, haha) from the 90s which was set in Bel Air […]
  • 476. Holiday Diary (Part 3) Astronomy, Astrology & Flat Earth Conspiracy Theory - In this episode I talk about visiting the fantastic Griffith Observatory and then ‘go off on one’ about Astronomy vs Astrology and ludicrous flat earth conspiracy theories. Includes various bits of vocabulary throughout the episode. [DOWNLOAD] Episode notes and transcriptions Just before we start I just realised that I forgot to mention some of your […]
  • 475. Holiday Diary (Part 2) Modern Art: Is it amazing, or is it rubbish? - Talking about some modern art which I saw while visiting several galleries in Los Angeles. Includes descriptions of different movements in modern art, details about some famous artists and their work, some thoughts about whether modern art is really amazing, or maybe just a load of pretentious rubbish! (Spoiler alert: it depends) [DOWNLOAD] Notes & Transcriptions for […]
  • 474. Holiday Diary (Part 1) New Arrival, New Destinations - Hi everyone, I’m back from my holiday so here’s a new episode of the podcast. In this one you’ll hear me talking about some recent news (including quite a big announcement) and then an account of what we did on holiday including some descriptions, opinions and stories. There’s talk of disturbing political events, dodgy car […]
  • [Website only] A History of British Pop – A Musical Tour through James’ Vinyl Collection - A History of British Pop – a musical tour through James’ vinyl collection This is a LONG musical mix using James’ vinyl record collection. Think of it as Jim & Luke’s Rock Radio Show with a history of British pop. Website only – no download available, but you can listen using the Mixcloud app. We decided […]
  • 473. Explaining the Rules of Cricket (with Dad) - Everything you need to know about the world’s 2nd most popular spectator sport, cricket. I’m joined by my Dad, Rick Thompson and we describe the rules, the appeal of the game and also some expressions in English that come from cricket. [DOWNLOAD] It’s summer in the UK and at this time of year there are […]
  • [Website Only] Star Wars DVD Commentary (with James) ***Contains swearing – Not suitable for Children*** - Star Wars: DVD Commentary Only available on the website, here is a Star Wars DVD commentary by James and me. If you’re not a Star Wars fan, this might not be for you. Warning: Contains swearing – Not suitable for children! This episode is full of rambling, comedy sketches, impressions and descriptions of what happens […]
  • Why does the UK have so many accents? (Recorded February 2017) - This episode was originally recorded in February 2017 and is being uploaded in August 2017. In this episode I’m going to answer several questions from listeners about accents, including how regional accents occur in the UK and why there are so many accents there. Video available. [DOWNLOAD] Video I’m not sick, I’m English, and it […]
  • [Website content] Luke’s Criminal Past (ZEP Episode 185) - Learn some crime-related idioms and find out some things about Luke’s back-story that may or may not be true. This is an episode of Zdenek’s English Podcast, originally posted by Zdenek on 4 August. Download available below. [DOWNLOAD] On 30 July I dropped in on the LEP meetup in London and spent an hour or […]
  • 472. Andy Johnson at The London School (Part 2) Why Andy runs marathons - Talking to Andy about why he runs marathons, including vocabulary relating to doing exercise, health, fitness, technique, injuries and medical care. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript Here’s the next part of my conversation with Andy Johnson, recorded at The London School of English a few days ago. Andy is an English teacher, a father of 2 kids, […]
  • 471. Andy Johnson at The London School (Part 1) Lego, Self-directed learning, accents - Talking to Andy about stepping on Lego, Andy’s job, self-directed language learning, accent, and British/American English. [DOWNLOAD] Intro Transcript Today on the podcast I’m talking to Andy Johnson my friend and former colleague from the London School of English, who also looks a bit like Moby if you remember. Andy has been on this podcast […]
  • I’m going on holiday – back in a few weeks ! - I’m going on holiday until the end of the month, so I’m going to disappear for a while. Listen to this message because it has a few announcements about what’s happening with the podcast while I’m gone. Transcript available below. [DOWNLOAD] LEPster Meetup Events – Links Alicante Spain meetup link on FB (6 August) https://www.facebook.com/events/132540147345936/ […]
  • 470. Understanding the Liverpool Accent - Helping you to understand and appreciate the Liverpool accent and Scouse English, featuring clips of comedy a short history of Liverpool and interviews with famous footballers, actors and musicians. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript – Introduction Hello listeners – how are you doing? In the last episode we listened to some comedy routines by Scouse comedian John Bishop […]
  • 469. British Comedy: John Bishop - Helping you to understand a comedian with a Liverpool accent – learn vocabulary, culture and accents in English. [DOWNLOAD] London LEPsters MeetUp There’s going to be a meetup of some London-based LEPsters this coming Sunday 30th July at 7pm at the Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street. It’s just north of Soho and to the west of […]
  • 468. Punk – Music & Culture (with James) - Talking about punk music and culture from the UK with James. [DOWNLOAD] A bit of pop culture history in this episode, talking about the musical movement of punk and the social situation in which it happened. This year we have several anniversaries in British music. 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper by The Beatles 40th anniversary […]
  • 467. A Boiling-Hot Evening Ramble / Comments & Questions - Rambling (in my sweltering hot flat) about the benefits of playing football, giving encouragement to a shy new listener, some prepositions with transport, comparing formal and informal styles and commenting on the risks of using humour in emails. [DOWNLOAD] Notes & Transcriptions Below It’s evening and it’s boiling hot! I played football for the first […]
  • 466. Get this word into your life - Highlighting and clarifying vocabulary that you heard in episodes 464 and 465, with a focus on phrases and uses of the word get. [DOWNLOAD] The plan in this episode is to go through some of the language that you heard during the last two episodes. If you listened to episodes 464 and 465 you will have heard me […]
  • 465. How I make episodes of the podcast (Part 2) - Talking about the technical side of making podcast episodes, including fascinating* insights about my recording equipment and an exciting** anecdote game. Includes upbeat music to absolutely guarantee*** that you will not be bored during the episode! *insights may not actually be fascinating **management holds no liability for any lack of excitement experienced ***not actually a legally binding guarantee […]
  • 464. How I make episodes of the podcast (Part 1) - Talking about the creative side of making podcast episodes, including some thoughts on how to come up with ideas and how to speak in front of an audience. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Today I’m talking all about how I make episodes of this podcast including details about the technical side (all the gear I use and how I […]
  • 463. News, Comments & Questions (A Rambling Episode) - Giving some news, responding to comments & questions, rambling about new shoes and getting lost in the jungle. [DOWNLOAD] JILMANI’S 15 DAY CHALLENGE https://www.remind.com/join/15day LEP MEETUP GROUPS Nizhny Novgorod LEPsters on Facebook Nizhny Novgorod LEPsters on VK Moscow LEPsters on Facebook Saint Petersburg LEPsters on Facebook SPANISH LEPsters on Facebook Toyko LEPsters 4th Meeting on Facebook […]
  • 462. British Comedy: Bill Bailey - In this episode I talk to you about one of my favourite stand up comedians from the UK. We’re going to hear some of his comedy and use it to learn English. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction I’ve always been a big fan of Bill Bailey since I first saw him on telly in the 1990s, and I’m […]
  • 461. 25 Deceptively Difficult Questions (with Amber, Paul & Sarah) - An episode about the tricky little questions that we use when socialising. What are the appropriate answers? What are the subtle differences? How do native speakers use these questions? Can you take the test and get all the right responses to my list of deceptively difficult questions? [DOWNLOAD] 25 Deceptively Difficult Questions – Proper Introduction […]
  • 460 Catching Up With Amber & Paul #6 (feat. Sarah Donnelly) - Conversation and language analysis with the podpals and guest Sarah. Hear some conversation about being married to a foreign person, bringing up kids to be bilingual, and learn some slang in Australian and Northern Irish English. Vocabulary is explained at the end. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction This episode is choc-a-block with natural conversation and language. Yesterday I had Amber […]
  • 459. Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon (A Rambling Episode) - Rambling on about so-called “facts” I found on the internet, while sitting in direct sunshine wishing I had beer. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction In this episode I’m just sitting in the sunshine and I just want to ramble with absolutely no preparation. I’ve been doing quite a lot of fairly serious episodes about language, and politics and […]
  • I was on The Rock n’ Roll English Podcast and The Earful Tower Podcast this week - Some news of Other People’s Podcasts This week I’m featured in episodes of The Rock N Roll English Podcast and The Earful Tower Podcast. The Rock n’ Roll English Podcast This one is presented by English teacher Martin Johnston, who lives in Italy. It’s a learning English podcast for intermediate students who want to listen […]
  • 458. The Rick Thompson Report: Post-Election 2017 - Talking to my Dad about the results of the UK’s general election on 8 June 2017. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript The story of British politics continues in this episode as I talk to my Dad about the most recent developments, specifically the results of the snap general election which took place on 8 June. A general […]
  • 457. Conclusions about Language Learning from the David Crystal Interview (Part 2) - A follow-up to episode 455 consolidating the insights of Professor David Crystal including various pearls of wisdom about language learning. [DOWNLOAD] Notes & Transcriptions Hamid If English keeps taking on words from other languages, will it stop being English? This is the story of English. English is a vacuum cleaner of a language. Something like […]
  • 456. Conclusions about Language Learning from the David Crystal Interview (Part 1) - Discussing and clarifying what David Crystal said in episode 454. Conclusions about language learning and linguistics. [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Here we are back once again with an episode of this podcast for learners of English. This one should contain insights about the English language and the process of learning that language, straight from the horse’s mouth. That’s […]
  • 455. David Crystal Interview (Part 2) Questions from Listeners - Talking to the world’s top writer and lecturer on the English language, Professor David Crystal. In this episode, David answers questions from listeners. [DOWNLOAD] Episode Introduction Here’s part two of my interview with the famous linguist Professor David Crystal. In this one I asked him some questions from my listeners. I didn’t get a chance […]
  • A Message from Amber about her Paris history podcast “Paname” - Hi everyone, this is just a quick 3min episode with a message from Amber about her podcast. Details below. [DOWNLOAD] Amber’s podcast is now on iTunes and on her website http://www.panamepodcast.com Check it out! Luke
  • 454. David Crystal Interview (Part 1) Professor of Linguistics - Talking about language with one of the world’s top linguists, Professor David Crystal. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everyone, thank you for choosing to listen to this episode of my podcast. I am particularly pleased to be able to present this episode to you. It is, in fact, a privilege for me to say that today on […]
  • 453. The 36 Questions that Lead to Love (with Amber & Paul) - Listen to Amber, Paul and me answering questions designed by psychologists to help couples or friends become closer and more intimate. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello, welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast, this podcast for learners of English hosted by me Luke Thompson. Hi. The general idea of this podcast is to help you to improve your […]
  • I was invited onto the “English Across The Pond” Podcast - Hi podcast people, I was recently invited to appear on another podcast for learners of English, called English Across The Pond presented by Dan (UK) and Jennifer (USA). You can listen to the episode below and check out their website at www.englishacrossthepond.com [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/324515648″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /] Dan and Jen produce quite a lot […]
  • 452. A Conversation About Language (with Amber & Paul) - Discussing language with Amber & Paul, including issues such as errors made by native speakers, language change, whether language standards are declining, the effects of technology on language and how to cut an avocado without injuring yourself. [DOWNLOAD] Click here to check out italki and get your $10 voucher Introduction The other day Amber and Paul […]
  • 451. Film Club: Alien Franchise / Alien Covenant - Another film club episode, this time about the Alien franchise and a review of the new film “Alien: Covenant”. The film is in the cinemas now and you could watch the other films at home (with or without subtitles) for some more English listening practice. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Here’s a film club episode about the Alien […]
  • 450. Comments & Questions - In this episode I’m going to go through some questions from the comment section and give a bit of news. There will be some grammar, some vocab, some reactions to recent episodes and some bits relating to how you can continue to push your English with this podcast. [DOWNLOAD] Episode notes The comment section is […]
  • 449. Film Club: Touching the Void (Part 2) Learning a Language is Like Climbing a Mountain - Part 2 of this Film Club episode looking at the award-winning documentary “Touching the Void” which tells the story of a mountain climbing expedition which goes wrong. Listen to this episode and then watch the film on Netflix or DVD for that extra bit of English input. [DOWNLOAD] Click here to get the book “Touching […]
  • 448. Film Club: Touching the Void (Part 1) Learning a Language is Like Climbing a Mountain - A film club episode about the award-winning documentary film “Touching the Void” about a mountain climbing expedition which goes wrong. It’s an amazing true story and there are lots of things to learn from it, including lessons about motivation and attitude towards any challenge. The film is available on Netflix and DVD. Check it out and […]
  • 447. What is this, British Humour? (with Amber Minogue) - What is British Humour? Is it funny? Does it even exist? How does it relate to our communication style and culture? In this episode I go through the main points of my British Council Teacher Talk about British Humour. Amber and I discuss the definition of British humour, the way it works, how it’s different […]
  • 446. British TV: Top Gear - Talking about one of the UK’s most popular television programmes, Top Gear. This episode features lots of vocabulary related to cars, but a lot more too including your guide to how to speak like Jeremy Clarkson. [DOWNLOAD] LEPster meetup in Prague – 13 May – Click here for the Facebook page. More British TV content. […]
  • 445. British Podcast Award / Hello to New Listeners / 17 Vocabulary Expressions - In this episode I’m going to talk a little bit about the results of the British Podcast Awards and also do a sort of introduction to the podcast for new people who might be listening for the first time. I’m going to bring you up to speed on what this podcast is all about and […]
  • 444. The Rick Thompson Report: Snap General Election 2017 - Politics is back on LEP as I talk to my Dad about recent developments in the UK, specifically the General Election which is due to take place on 8 June. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction & Summary Transcript Last week something surprising happened. The British PM Theresa May announced a “snap general election” – meaning, she called an […]
  • 443. The Trip to Japan (Part 2) - Describing my recent trip to Japan and exploring the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. [DOWNLOAD] *I’m just an English guy trying to understand Japanese culture. Please forgive me if I get anything wrong! :) ❤️ 🇯🇵 Food & Drink It’s simply delicious and I don’t know why! What’s the secret, Japan? Why is your […]
  • 442. The Trip to Japan (Part 1) - Describing some thoughts about Japan after my recent visit. Exploring the culture and lifestyle in the Land of the Rising Sun. [DOWNLOAD] As you know I just came back from a little holiday in Japan that I had with my wife last week. We spent about 8 days there in total and I’m going to […]
  • 441. Andy Johnson at the IATEFL Conference - A conversation with Andy Johnson, talking about the IATEFL teaching conference, millennials, more tales of Andy’s appearance and the possibility of a WWE wrestling match between Andy and me. [DOWNLOAD] Get 10% off all courses at London School Online. Hello hello hello! I’m back from my trip to Japan. It’s great to be back. We had an […]
  • 440. This Pile of Books on my Desk - In this episode I just want to talk to you about this pile of 16 books I have on my desk. These are (mostly) books I haven’t read yet but which I picked up recently. I have lots of piles of books like this lying around and I must read them all but I can’t […]
  • 439. Reading Books to Learn English - Here’s an episode for you to listen to while I’m on holiday. I’m recording this the day before I go to Japan. So by the time you’re listening to this I’ll be on the other side of the world, trying to remember how to speak Japanese. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction This episode is all about reading books […]
  • 438. Hi Luke, I have a question! - Here’s another episode done in a similar style to the last one, with some news, some rambling and some questions and comments from the website. Topics in this episode will include: My live comedy show in Tokyo on 13 April, Differences between Comedy & Humour in France and the UK, Understanding TV shows and movies […]
  • 437. Ramble News – 31 March 2017 - A rambly episode with some news from the UK, some comments, some questions, some updates about LEPster meetups in Moscow, Tokyo and London and so on. [DOWNLOAD] British Podcast Awards Thank you for voting – I’ve had loads of comments on FB and the website saying “I’ve voted! Thank you for your podcast! Etc. Lovely. […]
  • 436. The Return of The Lying Game (with Amber & Paul) [Video] - Amber, Paul and I play another round of The Lying Game, in which we each tell a story and the others have to guess if it’s true or a lie. Listen for story telling, questions and general fun, plus some jokes at the end of the episode. Video available. Audio [DOWNLOAD] Video First, this comment […]
  • I was interviewed on “My Fluent Podcast” by Daniel Goodson - Hello website people and email subscribers! Here’s some extra content for you. In this post I’m sharing a conversation I had recently on someone else’s podcast. I thought you might enjoy listening to it. Would you like to know about how my learning of French is going? How about some more behind-the-scenes info about how I […]
  • 435. Catching Up With Amber & Paul #5 [Video] - Amber & Paul are back on the podcast in this episode as we respond to some questions and comments from the website and social media. Video available. Some swearing and rude language. Audio [DOWNLOAD] Video Amber Minogue Amber is from London in England, but she’s been living in France for ages and she speaks fluent French. […]
  • 434. Interview with Paul Taylor – “WTF France?” [Video] - Interviewing Paul Taylor about his comedy projects, including “What the F*ck France” on Canal+ / Youtube and his stand-up shows #Franglais and The Paul Taylor Comedy Night. Video available. Audio [DOWNLOAD] Video Hello! Welcome to another episode of the podcast! There’s a video for this one – you can see it on the website or […]
  • 433. British TV: Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares (Part 2) [Video] - Learn more authentic English directly from the mouths of these native speakers in an episode of the popular British TV show “Kitchen Nightmares” with famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Videos and vocabulary lists available below.  **This episode includes swearing and some rude content**  Audio [DOWNLOAD] This video is a combination of part 1 and part 2, […]
  • 432. British TV: Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares (Part 1) [Video] - Talking about restaurant culture in the UK, an introduction to one of the UK’s most famous chefs and a chance to learn some authentic English from a popular British TV show featuring Gordon Ramsay. Video available. Includes swearing. Audio [DOWNLOAD] This video is a combination of part 1 and part 2, with vocabulary on-screen and the […]
  • LEP on ZEP – My recent interview on Zdenek’s English Podcast - Hello email subscribers and website users! This is not an episode of LEP but keep reading because I have 5 cool things to share with you (below). In this post you will find 5 episodes of a podcast. It’s not my podcast but I am featured in the episodes. It’s a 5-part series of interviews between English teacher Zdenek […]
  • 431. Restaurants & Hotels / Really Strange TripAdvisor Reviews (with Amber) - Talking to Amber about experiences in restaurants & hotels and some truly bizarre TripAdvisor reviews. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction [No video for this one – next time, probably] The other day I was on Facebook and I came across an article called “21 Really Strange TripAdvisor Reviews”, which was a collection of funny and strange reviews of restaurants […]
  • 430. Discussing Language Learning & Life with Fred Eyangoh - Talking to Fred about history, geography, comedy, learning English and cutlery. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction On the podcast today I am talking to a friend of mine called Fred Eyangoh. English is not Fred’s first language but he’s learned it to a proficient level – enough to complete a Master’s’ program in Business Management and Marketing in […]
  • 429. RAMBLENEWS! - A video is available for this episode (see below). Here is an episode with some rambling about recent news, LEPster meetups, transcript project team, listener comments & questions, teaching phrasal verbs with ‘in on’ and some music. This episode is also on YouTube. See below for details. [DOWNLOAD] Video (with some extra content) Links Moscow LEPster […]
  • 428. British Comedy: Limmy’s Show (Part 2) Dee Dee goes to Yoker - Analysis of another sketch from Limmy’s Show. Listen to informal English spoken in a Glasgow accent, and understand it. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello and welcome back to this podcast, this ongoing project which aims to help you to improve your English by presenting you with listening content which is not just useful for practising your English […]
  • 427. British Comedy: Limmy’s Show (Part 1) Mr Mulvaney - An episode analysing more British comedy, this time focusing on a couple of sketches from Limmy’s Show, an award-winning TV comedy produced by BBC Scotland. See below for transcriptions, notes and videos. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction I was vaguely planning to go through a sort of history of British comedy in chronological order, over a series of episodes, […]
  • 426. Thompson, Taylor & Minogue: Victorian Detectives (Part 2) with Amber & Paul - Listen to the conclusion of this mystery story in which Amber, Paul and I attempt to solve a series of kidnappings in Victorian London. [DOWNLOAD] Welcome back to the this double episode in which Amber, Paul and I are working our way through an online text adventure game. The game is set in London in the Victorian […]
  • 425. Thompson, Taylor & Minogue: Victorian Detectives (Part 1) with Amber & Paul - Listen to Amber, Paul and me as we attempt to solve a series of mysterious kidnappings in Victorian London. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Hello everyone, welcome back to the podcast. Here’s a new episode, you’re actually listening to it. It’s really happening and here is my introduction. This was a very fun episode to record and I hope […]
  • 424. With Andy & Ben from The London School of English (Part 2) - Talking to Andy Johnson and Ben Butler about teaching English to millennials, cross-cultural experiences we’ve had as English teachers and some funny stories about Andy. [DOWNLOAD] London School Online offer – 10% discount with offer code LUKE10 Before we get started here I would just like to remind you that The London School of English, […]
  • 423. With Andy & Ben from The London School of English (Part 1) - Talking to Andy Johnson and Ben Butler from The London School of English about many things including teaching English for specific purposes, and a couple of funny anecdotes. [DOWNLOAD] Pre-Jingle Introduction This episode features a conversation with my good friends Andy Johnson and Ben Butler who I used to work with at The London School […]
  • 422. Learning British Dialects with Korean Billy - Talking to Billy from Korea about his videos about regional British dialects and accents. [DOWNLOAD] Today on the podcast I’m very glad to be talking to the one and only Korean Billy. You might already know about Korean Billy because he has recently made a name for himself on YouTube by producing videos about British English dialects […]
  • 421. Skateboarding – A New Olympic Sport (with James) - Here’s a new episode with James about Skateboarding, which will be a new event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with karate, surfing, baseball/softball, sport climbing and surfing. James has been a skater for most of his life and used to write articles for a skateboarding magazine, so he’s exactly the right person to talk to about […]
  • 420. Anyone fancy a brew? Let’s have a nice cup of tea! - Everything you need to know about the culture of tea-drinking in the UK, including a full guide to how to make a nice cup of tea, English style. [DOWNLOAD] In episode 420 I have chosen to talk about my favourite herb, which like millions of other British people, and countless others around the world, I consume […]
  • 419. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – SPOILER RAMBLE with James - Talking to my brother about the latest Star Wars film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Spoiler alert! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello, in this episode you’re going to hear me talking to my brother about the latest Star Wars film, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, which was released in cinemas just over a month […]
  • 418. The Rick Thompson Report: Technology and The Future (January 2017) - Talking to my Dad about developments in technology in the future. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript Hello and welcome back to the podcast. Thank you very much for choosing to listen to this episode. How are you? Are you doing alright? Are you ready to listen to some English? You are? Good! (I’m assuming that you all […]
  • 417. New Year’s Resolutions and Language Learning in 2017 - Let’s look towards the coming year and talk about new years resolutions for language learning in 2017.& I talk about the UK’s most common new year’s resolutions, my resolutions for improving my French and then talk about ways we can work on our language learning this year. [DOWNLOAD] The UK’s Most common New Year’s resolutions […]
  • 416. What was the most popular episode of LEP in 2016? + more podcast statistics - Here is an overview of how 2016 was for Luke’s English Podcast including some details about the top 5 episodes, the top 20 countries, and more statistics for the last 12 months. [DOWNLOAD] Plenty of people said that 2016 was a pretty crap year, mainly because of what happened in politics but also because of […]
  • 415. With the Family (Part 3) More Encounters with Famous People - Here’s the final part in this trilogy of episodes recorded at my parents’ house on Boxing Day. In this one my mum, dad and brother tell us a few more anecdotes about their encounters with some well-known people. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction Transcript + some ad-libs The conversation you’re about to hear was recorded with my family on […]
  • 414. With the Family (Part 2) My Uncle Met a Rock Star - Listen to my uncle Nic telling some stories about British rock stars he has met over the years, including an encounter with one of the most famous musicians in the world! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction (transcript) In this episode I’m going to play you another conversation which I recorded during the recent Christmas holiday. In this one you’re […]
  • 413. With The Family (Part 1) Mum’s Cooking + Vocabulary (with Uncle Nic) - Happy New Year! I hope you’re well! Here’s the first episode of LEP in 2017 featuring a conversation with my family and then some vocabulary explanations. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction I had a lovely Christmas and New Year. We played games, ate loads of food, went to the pub, took walks and generally had a good time […]
  • 412. British Festivals and Holidays (Part 2) - Here’s part 2 of this episode all about special days and celebrations in the UK throughout the year. Below you will find a transcript and videos. [DOWNLOAD] May 1st and 29th – Bank holidays. There are two Mondays in May when people have the day off work or school and (if we’re lucky!) spend some […]
  • 411. British Festivals and Holidays (Part 1) - Here’s an episode all about special days and celebrations in the British calendar. You’ll hear cultural information about holidays and customs, and some pronunciation work on how to say dates and the months of the year. Transcript and videos below. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction This episode is being recorded before Christmas. I’m going to upload it sometime around […]
  • A Quick Message About Donations – Please consider donating to “Doctors Without Borders” to help people in need - This is a quick message not a full episode and I just wanted to say a few words about donations, essentially this: If you’re thinking of sending me a donation this Christmas, you could instead consider sending your donation to a charity in order to help people who are in need of our assistance at […]
  • 410. Teaching 12 Idioms in the Street / On the Set of Paul’s TV Show (with Amber) - Amber & I teach you 12 idiomatic English phrases while attending the filming of an episode of Paul’s TV show on the street in Paris. See below for videos and photos, and a list of the idioms with definitions. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction In the last couple of episodes do you remember what happened? Do you remember […]
  • 409. A CHRISTMAS MEGA-RAMBLE with AMBER MINOGUE - A rambling conversation with Amber about Christmas and more! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction + Transcript It’s the festive time of year again. Christmas is just about a week away. Obviously, this is an important time in the UK and in many other places, so here is the annual LEP Christmas episode. I’ve got a lovely fire going […]
  • 408. Catching Up With Amber & Paul #4 (+ videos) - Amber & Paul are back on the podcast and we do the usual catching-up session and go off on a few tangents about Amber’s play, Paul’s showbiz life, marshmallows, microphones, tea & coffee, accents and more. There are videos for the intro and outro of this episode (below). [DOWNLOAD] INTRODUCTION This episode sees the return of […]
  • 407. Reflections on Language Learning & Working as a Translator: Interview with Kristina from Russia, Winner of the LEP Anecdote Competition 2016 - In this episode you’ll hear me talking to Kristina from Russia, the winner of the LEP anecdote competition this year. We talk about her work as a translator and interpreter, her reflections on language learning, how she learned English to a good level and some other bits and pieces. [DOWNLOAD] Introduction transcript Hello! Welcome back […]
  • 406. Grammar (Past Continuous Tense) / UK Media Bias / Brazil Football Tragedy - More responses to questions and comments from listeners, including a comparison of past continuous & past simple verb tenses, comments about bias in the UK’s media, the BBC, the newspapers, the Chapecoense Plane Crash in Colombia, and more. [DOWNLOAD] In this episode I’m going to continue going through a few more questions and comments I’ve received […]
  • 405. British Accents in The Lord of the Rings (Part 2) - In this episode we continue to analyse the various British accents that you can hear in the film version of The Lord of the Rings. Let’s consider the accents of some of the main characters, such as Frodo, Sam, Pippin, Merry, Treebeard, Elrond, Boromir, Gandalf, Saruman, Legolas, Gimli and the orcs. [DOWNLOAD] Frodo and Sam […]
  • 404. British Accents in The Lord of the Rings (Part 1) - Talking about the different accents you can hear in the Lord of the Rings movies. [DOWNLOAD] Why this subject, Luke? First of all, Lord of the Rings is brilliant and it’s nice to talk about it. Secondly, In the last episode I talked about accents a bit – specifically posh accents, and it made me […]
  • 403. Competition Results / War Story / Grammar & Punctuation / My Dad’s Accent - The final results of the LEP Anecdote Competition, some podcast admin and responses to some comments & emails from listeners including a war story, some grammar & punctuation (noun phrases, possessives & apostrophes) and a question about my Dad’s accent. [DOWNLOAD] The LEP Anecdote Competition – Final Results The voting closed at midnight last night. So, […]
  • 402. The Rick Thompson Report: What’s Going On? Nov. 2016 (Post-Truth Politics, Cricket and Tetris) - Last week I asked my Dad for his opinions about recent news and we talked about Brexit, post-truth politics, the US election, the right-wing press in the UK, the political landscape in the EU, the rules of international cricket and the music from Tetris. You can listen to the conversation in this episode. Introduction and […]
  • 401. ‘Switch off your editor’ to improve your fluency in English - Welcome back to the podcast. This is episode 401 and it’s about developing your fluency in English. I’m going to talk about creativity, open and closed thinking and about how turning off your internal editor can help you to make more progress in your language learning. [DOWNLOAD] Episode 401. It feels like the beginning of […]
  • 400. The Pink Gorilla Story 2 - I’ve decided to celebrate the 400th episode of LEP by making up an improvised comedy story, just for fun. In fact, this is the long-awaited sequel to The Pink Gorilla Story from episode 125. [DOWNLOAD] In this episode I’ve decided to tell you an improvised comedy story in the ‘one-man-show’ style – the whole thing is […]
  • 399. The Return of Molly Martinez (with Dane Nightingale) - Talking with two American friends about journalism, how the internet works, the US presidential election results, California’s new marijuana laws and puffins. [DOWNLOAD] In this one you’ll hear me in conversation with Molly Martinez and Dane Nightingale. Molly has been on the podcast before – she was in episodes 198 and 199 – have you […]
  • 398. US Election Result Ramble + Message + Song - In this episode I want to talk about two things: My first impressions of the US Presidential election result, and then some things I said in the last episode of this podcast. I just want to clear up some comments I made last time. I just want to get straight into it. So here we […]
  • 397. An 80-Minute Ramble - Talking spontaneously about gloves, mittens, OO7, Bob Dylan, an LEP app, The Walking Dead, Oasis, Black Mirror, The Crown, a bit of politics and some 10-year cave-aged cheddar cheese. [DOWNLOAD] TV shows mentioned in this episode Black Mirror The Crown Supersonic (the Oasis movie)
  • From the Archives: Halloween & Guy Fawkes Night / 5th November - Hello listeners! Today is 5th November, which is quite a significant date in UK culture because it’s Guy Fawkes Night! “What’s Guy Fawkes Night, Luke?” you might (not) be shouting into your screen at this moment. “Pray tell us Luke, what is the significance of this date in the UK calendar? This sounds absolutely fascinating! […]
  • 396. The LEP Anecdote Competition – ROUND 2 - This episode is round 2 of the LEP anecdote competition. You’ll be able to hear the 10 anecdotes that got the most votes from round one and some language feedback afterwards. [DOWNLOAD] [socialpoll id=”2396716″] Introduction This is the LEP Anecdote Competition Round 2. The last time I talked to you about this competition was in […]
  • 395. “Have you ever…?” with Paul Taylor and Robert Hoehn - In this episode I’m joined by Paul Taylor and Robert Hoehn and we do a speaking exercise that I often use in my classes to help my students to practise using different grammatical structures in their speaking. I thought it would be interesting to record some native speakers doing the exercise too, so that’s what […]
  • 394. OPP: Other People’s Podcasts (Part 4) - This is part two of a two-part episode about my favourite podcasts. I thought I’d share them because you might like to listen to them too, even if they’re difficult to understand because they’re not specifically for learners of English. It’s good to challenge yourself sometimes, so why not try listening to these. If I […]
  • 393. OPP: Other People’s Podcasts (Part 3) - In this episode I’m going to recommend some other people’s podcasts. I have done this before – twice in fact. I did two episodes called OPP (Parts 1 & 2) Last time, in episodes 236 and 237 I recommended some of my favourite podcasts that I like to listen to when I’m out and about with […]
  • 392. What are the most essential skills of a good foreign language learner? - This episode is full of what I hope will be more useful insight and advice on how to learn English as an adult so that you don’t end up sounding like a robot, because you’re learning English or at least maintaining your English and it’s a long-term process, there are right and wrong ways of […]
  • 391. Discussing Language, Culture & Comedy with Alexander van Walsum - Here is a new episode featuring a conversation with a friend of mine who originally comes from the Netherlands but he has lived all over the world. You’re going to hear us talking about cultural differences, Dutch stereotypes, doing business in France, the UK and the USA, the different communication styles in those places, doing […]
  • 390. The Rick Thompson Report: Hard Brexit / U.S. Election - This is a conversation with my dad about recent news, including a Brexit update, the US presidential election, Obama’s plans to send people to Mars and back and more… [DOWNLOAD] A reminder about the anecdote competition: Listen & vote here https://teacherluke.co.uk/2016/10/07/387-lep-anecdote-competition-entries-please-listen-vote/ I know this isn’t for everyone, but check out the anecdotes which have been sent […]
  • 389. US Presidential Election 2016 – Trump vs Clinton (with Sarah & Sebastian) Part 2 - Here is part two of my conversation with Sarah and Sebastian from the USA about the upcoming presidential election. In this episode we turn our attention to Hillary Clinton. [DOWNLOAD] [socialpoll id=”2393201″] So, that was our conversation about the election. There were opinions flying around. There were words flying around. There was a hell of a […]
  • 388. US Presidential Election 2016 – Trump vs Clinton (with Sarah & Sebastian) Part 1 - The presidential election in the USA is about a month away and I’ve been meaning to talk about this subject on the podcast for ages. So in this episode you’re going to hear me in conversation with a couple of American friends of mine who you might already know from their previous appearances on this podcast […]
  • 387. LEP Anecdote Competition Entries – Please Listen & Vote - Voting is now open in the first round of the LEP Anecdote Competition. You can listen to all the anecdotes on the page for this episode and vote for your favourites using a simple poll. I’ll give you the full details and instructions in this episode. I’m also going to talk about the results of the […]
  • 386. Breaking the Intermediate Plateau (Part 2) - Here’s part 2 of this episode about ways you can push your English to higher levels even if you feel that your progress is stuck or moving very slowly. Click here for part 1 of this episode http://wp.me/p4IuUx-6Wl [DOWNLOAD] Measure your progress – test yourself Take a test, do an IELTS or CAE simulation. Speak to people […]
  • 385. Breaking the Intermediate Plateau (Part 1) - This episode is about ways you can push your English to higher levels even if you feel that your progress is stuck or moving very slowly. I’m talking about a very common phenomenon in English learning called the intermediate plateau. It usually happens at an intermediate level. I wonder if this applies to you? I […]
  • 384. Teaching Grammar & Social English - In this episode I’m talking about recent things I’ve been teaching in my classes including some grammar and some social English. There’s an absolutely massive amount of grammar crammed into this episode and quite a lot of silly improvisation too! [DOWNLOAD] Introduction I’ll give an overview of the groups I’m teaching,and what I’m teaching them including […]
  • 383. More Ian Moore - In this episode you are going to hear part 2 of my conversation with Ian Moore and I’ve decided to call this one “More Ian Moore” – do you see what I’ve done there? “more Ian Moore” I bet nobody has ever made that joke about his name before, right? Before we listen to Ian Moore, […]
  • Please take my survey / Anecdote Competition / ‘Russian Joke’ Video - This is just a ‘quick’ message from me to you about a podcast survey on the website, a reminder of the anecdote competition, a new video I’ve made about the Russian joke and some more rambling about things like The Beatles and conspiracy theories. The next ‘proper’ episode will be uploaded in a few days. […]
  • 382. Mod Culture with Ian Moore - Today on the podcast I’m talking to Ian Moore, who is a professional stand up comedian, published author and mod from London. Ian is probably the best dressed man ever to appear on this podcast. He is also a professional talker with many things to say. [DOWNLOAD] Photo: Richard Wood @comictog https://twitter.com/comictog Intro before the intro Hello […]
  • 381. Discussing Cultural Differences (with Amber & Paul) - In this episode I’m talking to my friends Amber and Paul about cultural differences, particularly in the ways we communicate with each other in different countries. [DOWNLOAD] You should know that there is a bit of swearing in this one as well as a few dodgy jokes and references to previous episodes of the podcast, which […]
  • 380. Catching Up with Amber and Paul #3 - In this episode the PODPALS Amber and Paul are back and we’re going to have the normal catching up session in which they talk about what they have been up to recently. As usual we sit on the terrace and get interrupted by insects, the sun, neighbours on their balconies around us (including a naked […]
  • 379. The LEP Anecdote Competition / Advice & Tips / Inspiration / Some Funny Anecdotes / Rambling - Details of a new LEP competition / Competition rules / Advice & Tips / Inspiration / Some Funny Anecdotes [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Starts Here OK listeners, it’s competition time again on the podcast. This time the competition is all about anecdotes. I did an episode about anecdotes recently. It was number 372. In that one I talked about […]
  • 378. Holiday in Thailand (Part 2) - Here is part 2 of this description of my recent holiday in Thailand. In this one you can hear more stories and descriptions about different parts of the country, learning how to cook, a conversation with a monk, doing yoga every day, a couple of messages from listeners and some reflections on gratitude, forgiveness and […]
  • 377. Holiday in Thailand (Part 1) - This episode contains stories and descriptions of my recent holiday in Thailand. You’ll hear some facts about Thailand, some descriptions of Bangkok and a few stories about funny experiences that happened while we were there. Part 2 is coming soon. More details and transcriptions below. Enjoy! [DOWNLOAD] Transcript Hello everybody, I’m back from my holiday […]
  • I’m going on holiday – no podcasts for a while - This is not a full episode of the podcast – I’m just letting you know that I’m going away for a few weeks so there will be no podcasts for a little while. We’re getting away from it all for a few weeks. I probably won’t be online much, perhaps not at all. A couple of […]
  • 376. A Game of Mini Golf and a Pint (with James) - Hello everyone, here is another episode of this podcast for people interested in listening to authentic conversations and learning British English. I’ve been very prolific recently because I’ve had a bit of time off and I’ve uploaded loads of episodes in quite a short period, but this is going to stop very soon when I go […]
  • 375. The LEP Pub Quiz (with Alex Love) - Hello and welcome back to the podcast. In this episode I’m talking to my friend Alex Love. We started this conversation in the previous episode and here is part 2. In this conversation Alex is in Edinburgh in Scotland and I’m in Warwick in England. In the previous episode we talked about pub quizzes and […]
  • 374. Alex’s Edinburgh Fringe Report - Hello listeners, this episode features another chat with Alex Love who was on the podcast recently in episodes 366 and 367. I decided I’d get Alex back on the podcast for several reasons. The first reason is because he is now in Edinburgh at the Festival and his show seems to be doing very well. […]
  • 373. Who Wants to Be Good at English? (with Rick Thompson) - This episode is a game show hosted by my Dad, with me as the contestant. The aim of the game is to see how many words I know. My Dad designed this quiz for his students of journalism at the university where he works sometimes. The quiz is specifically designed to highlight what he considers to […]
  • 372. The Importance of Anecdotes in English / Narrative Tenses / Four Anecdotes - This episode of the podcast is all about telling anecdotes in English. Anecdotes are little stories about our experiences that we share while socialising. It’s important to have a few anecdotes of your own and to know how to tell them properly. In this episode I’m going to give you some advice for how to […]
  • 371. In Conversation with Rob Ager from Liverpool (PART 2: Film Analysis / Hidden Meanings / Stanley Kubrick / Conspiracy Theory) - This is part 2 of my conversation with Rob Ager from Liverpool, who makes documentaries about films and publishes them himself on his website Collative Learning. If you haven’t heard part 1 yet, you should check that out before listening to part 2. In this conversation we talk about Rob’s approach to film analysis, hidden meanings […]
  • 370. In Conversation with Rob Ager from Liverpool (PART 1: Life in Liverpool / Interest in Film Analysis) - Today on the podcast I’m talking to Rob Ager from Liverpool, who is probably best known for his film analysis videos on YouTube in which he discusses classic Hollywood thrillers, sci-fi and action movies in quite astonishing levels of detail, often focusing on deep psychological and political themes and hidden messages that most viewers probably […]
  • 369. Pokémon GO – It’s just a game, OR IS IT? - Today I’m talking about Pokemon Go. It’s a global phenomenon and there are lots of things to say about it. It’s not just a stupid game, there’s a lot more to it than that. So, in this episode I’m going to describe Pokemon the game, then talk about Pokemon GO, including what it is, how […]
  • 368. The LEP Annual General Meeting 2016 / QUESTIONS - Welcome to the LEP Annual Meeting 2016, which actually doesn’t take place on an annual basis. In this meeting I’m going to deal with various points of admin (including a language point about words like ‘annual’, ‘biannual’, ‘biennial’ etc, Pokemon Go, Transcript Collaboration, LEP Meet-Ups, Comedy shows, music, torrent sites and a comment from a […]
  • 367. Talking about Nothing with Alex Love (Invaded by Robot Aliens) PART 2 - Hello and welcome to part 2 of this conversation with my friend Alex Love. If you haven’t already heard part 1 I suggest you go back and listen to that. I’ve divided this episode into two parts just because I thought it was a bit long and that it would be easier for you to […]
  • 366. Talking about Nothing with Alex Love (Invaded by Robot Aliens) PART 1 - On the podcast today I am in conversation with Alex Love, who you might remember from some previous episodes of this podcast. Alex is a friend of mine who I first met while doing stand-up comedy in London 7 years ago. He has featured in podcast episodes before, like the Brighton Fringe Festival podcasts (ep […]
  • Quick Hello / Notting Hill Carnival Audio - Hi everyone, in this episode I’m just letting you know that I’m very busy at the moment, which is why I haven’t uploaded an episode for a while. Normal podcasting will resume soon. In the meantime, you can listen to the audio track from a video I did in 2009 at the Notting Hill Carnival. […]
  • 365. BREXIT: 3 Weeks Later (A conversation with my Dad) The Rick Thompson Report - Hello! How are you doing? Today on the podcast I’m going to finish this series of episodes I’ve been doing about Brexit in the same way that I started it, by having a conversation with my Dad. Before you listen to that conversation I’m going to say a few words in the introduction and then […]
  • 364. TEN TOP TIPS for Learning English - LEP is back after a two-week absence. This episode is about top tips for learning English. Here are some ideas about learning English that have occurred to me in the last couple of weeks of teaching intensive general English classes at school. [DOWNLOAD] So, how’s your English? Remember to be responsible for your own learning. Nobody can […]
  • 363. Muhammad Ali & The Rumble in the Jungle - This is a special episode about Muhammad Ali and the story of one of his most famous fights, “The Rumble in the Jungle”. In the episode you’ll hear me give a biography of Ali and then I go into lots of descriptive detail about the fight, exploring exactly what happened in and out of the ring and why […]
  • 362. Getting things off my chest! (Part 2) - Hello, welcome back to the podcast. This is part 2 of a fairly long rant I recorded today about the Brexit situation and England’s awful performance in the football yesterday. There might be some strong language and swearing. There will also be lots of fairly strong political points of view from me. Please listen to the whole […]
  • 361. Getting things off my chest! (Part 1) Brexit / Football - Here’s another episode about what’s going on in the UK at the moment – in politics and in football. I know I am talking about this subject a lot at the moment, but I just can’t help it – it’s too big. Too many things are happening! So there will be more Brexit & football in […]
  • 360. THE DAY AFTER BREXIT (Thoughts and feelings) - The people of the UK have voted to leave the EU. Here are my thoughts and feelings on June 24, the day after Brexit. [DOWNLOAD]
  • 359. BREXIT JOKES / EU REFERENDUM NIGHT - It’s referendum night and I’ve decided to share my stand-up comedy material about the EU referendum in this episode, because after today I might not be able to use these jokes ever again! This works much better in front of a live audience of course – so you’ll have to imagine that! Anyway, I hope […]
  • 358. Fête de la Musique / World Music Festival in Paris - Join my wife and *me as we walk around the streets of Paris during the annual World Music Festival. You’ll hear live music, descriptions of the scene, a couple of conversations with people we met, and the sounds of this amazing evening in the city of light. It’s another long episode, but I hope you […]
  • 357. Learning Languages with Olly Richards - In this episode I’m talking to Olly Richards the polyglot from England. Our conversation covers points about what accent you should learn to speak with, the importance of developing clear pronunciation and effective communication in English, using Periscope to listen to native English speakers and the physical side of learning a language. See below for […]
  • 356. News / Football / Brexit / Events in the UK / Jo Cox (A Rambling Episode) - Hello welcome to this LEP meeting. I’ve called this meeting in order to deal with some stuff that’s going on at the moment. On the agenda for today we have some news, some football updates including the England vs Wales game from yesterday, some more Brexit chat and then at the I’ll talk a bit […]
  • 355. EURO 2016 Football: Hooliganism & Violence in Marseille / England vs Russia - In this episode I talk about the EUROs including how it feels having the championship here in France, the violence in Marseille that occurred between English fans, Russian fans, local French fans and the French police this weekend, and the England vs Russia game that happened on Saturday. I welcome your comment on this subject […]
  • 354. Would You Rather…? (with Amber, Paul & James Simpson) - aka “The Accordion Legs Episode” Listen to Amber, Paul, James Simpson and me as we play a light-hearted speaking game called “Would you rather…?” and hear about having accordions for legs, being stuck in a lift with a pair of wet dogs and living on a desert island with a mermaid (or merman). You’ll also hear the results […]
  • 353. Award Ceremony / Paris Weather / Crazy Idea (A Rambling Episode) - This episode started with no title and no particular aim, but I ended up chatting about walking the red carpet at the ELTon awards, the rain and floods in Paris, getting struck by lightning, the revolution of fibre optic internet at home and a crazy idea about doing live podcast recordings around the world. Listen […]
  • 352. BREXIT: Key Vocabulary and Concepts - Hello, how are you? How’s the weather? Wait, there’s no time for chit chat. We have a lot of things to cover so let’s get straight down to it. This is a vocabulary episode about the language of Brexit. See below for all the vocabulary. [DOWNLOAD] [socialpoll id=”2363089″] In the last episode you heard a […]
  • 351. BREXIT: Should the UK leave the EU? (A Conversation with my Dad) The Rick Thompson Report - Hello everyone, I hope you’re well. Here is an episode featuring a conversation with my Dad about Brexit – The UK’s referendum on the EU. Finally! I’ve been mentioning this for a while so here it is. You’ve seen it in the news, you’ve read it in the papers – the UK is having a […]
  • Film Club: X-Men Apocalypse (Review) SPOILER ALERT –> it’s terrible! - This is the final episode in this superhero series and simply put, I’m going to talk about the latest X-Men movie. Now, you might not be into the superhero stuff and I totally understand, but let me give you a heads up about this episode. Basically, I didn’t like the film and so I’m more […]
  • 349. Who’s the best superhero? (with Paul Langton) - BOOM! POW! BANG! SMASH! Well then! Yesterday I posted an episode called “Can I have a quick word?” and basically in that little episode I expressed my concerns that I was posting too much content and that people would stop listening because they couldn’t keep up. Sometimes I worry too much and since I do this alone […]
  • Can I have a quick word with you? (It’ll only take about 15 minutes) - Hi listeners – this is just a 15 minute episode. I just want to have a quick word with you. The thing is, I’m worried about a few things and I wanted to talk to you about them. Have a listen to this episode or read the notes below. Let me know what you think […]
  • 348. Film Club: Marvel / Captain America Civil War (Part 2) - Here is part 2 of this episode about superhero films and the Marvel cinematic universe. Before you listen to this I suggest that you listen to part 1. Click here for part 1. Where was I at the end of the last episode? I was giving you my history of superhero movies over the last 30-40 […]
  • 347. Film Club: Marvel / Captain America Civil War (Part 1) - Hello everyone, welcome back to the podcast. I hope you’re doing alright today. Do you remember that in the last episode I had just come back from seeing the latest Marvel movie – Captain America: Civil War, and that I said I would talk to you about it? Remember that? Well here it is. You are […]
  • 346. Rambling on a Friday Afternoon / Phrasal Verbs & Idioms / More NY Stories / Politics / Leicester City / Google Adverts - Phrasal Verbs & Idioms / More NY Stories / Politics / Leicester City / Google Adverts Welcome back to another podcast episode. It’s nice to be back in your headphones or speakers. In the last episode of this podcast I talked to you about some recent bits and pieces such as the ELTon award nomination, […]
  • 345. ELTon Award Nomination / Phrasal Verbs & Idioms / Brooklyn / The Revenant / Museum of Natural History & More (Ramble) - Breaking News! LEP Nominated for a British Council ELTon Award for Digital Innovation. In this episode you’ll hear me talking about what’s been going on since I recorded the last episode, including: LEP’s nomination in the British Council ELTon awards, Leonardo DiCaprio fighting a bear in The Revenant, my adventure to the American Museum of Natural […]
  • 344. A Totally Terrific Talk on the Terrace with The Tangential Trio (feat. Tom Morton) - What? Another new episode? Slow down Luke! We can’t keep up! OK I will slow down, I promise. I am going away on holiday tomorrow and I will be quiet for a couple of weeks so I just wanted to upload another podcast before I go. While I’m away you’ll have a chance to catch […]
  • 343. The Interactive Lying Game (with Amber & Paul) / Descriptive Adjectives with T / Three is a Magic Number - In this episode I’m joined by podcast pals Amber & Paul and we’re playing the Lying Game again, but this is a special version because this is The Interactive Lying Game. I know it’s exciting. Try to control yourself. Details below. [DOWNLOAD] WHAT DO YOU THINK? Click the box below to jump to the polls and […]
  • 342. Paul’s “La Bise” Video Success / Audition Story (with Amber & Paul) - In this episode I’m joined by podcast pals Amber & Paul and we talk about Paul’s hit youtube video about French kissing habits, his newfound success as a stand-up (he’s the hottest kid in town), some online abuse he’s had and then an anecdote about an audition that we attended recently, which involved a surprising […]
  • 341. Catching Up With Amber & Paul, Again - Amber & Paul are back on the podcast after a 4 month absence. What have they been doing? Let’s catch up with them again, and respond to some comments from listeners. This episode was recorded in the open air, up on the terrace of my flat in the April sunshine. It’s been almost exactly a year since […]
  • 340. LEP Photo Competition Results & Winners / It’s LEP’s 7th Birthday / Ramble - In this episode the results & winners of the LEP photo competition are announced, and – it’s the 7th birthday of Luke’s English Podcast! This episode is long but you don’t have to listen to it in one go. You can listen, pause, do something else, listen later and so on. Enjoy! [DOWNLOAD] Ladies and […]
  • 339. A Murder Mystery Detective Story (Part 2) - Here is the concluding part of this detective story, which is based on a text adventure by Peter Carlson on www.textadventures.co.uk. In the first part you heard me playing an adventure game in which I have to analyse clues and choose the right options to continue a story and solve a murder. Before listening to this episode […]
  • 338. A Murder Mystery Detective Story (Part 1 of 2) Text Adventure - In this episode I’m going to read through an interactive text-based adventure story. The story takes place in Victorian-era London (19th century) and we’ll play the part of an expert detective who, like Sherlock Holmes, tries to solve a complex murder mystery. Follow me as I read through the story and attempt to solve the […]
  • I was interviewed by Olly Richards on his podcast, called “I Will Teach You a Language” and we talked about language learning - Did you enjoy episode 332 of my podcast, with Olly Richards? It seems to have been a popular one. If you did enjoy it, you might want to check out this new episode of Olly’s podcast, because he interviewed me. *I’m so proud right now* It’s episode 90 👇 I was very happy to be […]
  • 337. MURDER MILE WALKS: Stories of London’s Most Infamous & Shocking Murders [Some Explicit Content + Swearing] with Moz - Hello, and welcome back to to the podcast, this episode is called “Murder Mile Walks: Stories of London’s Most Infamous & Shocking Murders”, and in this one we’re going to hear about some true crimes that happened in  parts of central London. Yes, all the stories that you will hear in this episode are true, and you should know […]
  • I was invited onto Craig Wealand’s weekly Blab, and we talked about comedy [VIDEO] - Last week I joined Craig Wealand on his weekly Blab with some of his regular listeners. Every week Craig has a 1 hour Blab in which he invites podcast listeners, students and anyone else to chat with him about different subjects. It’s a very friendly atmosphere, anyone can get involved and it’s a good way […]
  • 336. Drinking Scottish Whisky at a German Business Meeting While Wearing a Kilt and Playing a Flute… and other stories (with Carrick Cameron) - This episode features another natural conversation with a native English speaker. This time I’m talking to my mate Carrick, who I’ve known for about 10 years now. He is a teacher who used to work in the same school as me, back in London. We have a few things in common, like the fact that we’ve both had […]
  • 335. VOCABULARY REVIEW: Phrases & Expressions from Episode 334. - This episode is a chance to review and explain some of the vocabulary that you heard in my interview with Craig Wealand. You’ll find the list of words I’m explaining in this episode printed below. You could copy+paste them into your own vocabulary lists, flashcard apps or simply write them into your vocabulary notebook. Remember, […]
  • 334. Interview with Craig Wealand (from InglesPodcast) - This episode features an interview with English teacher and podcaster Craig Wealand from InglesPodcast.com Craig is originally from Essex in England, but now lives in Valencia in Spain where he works as an English teacher and Cambridge examiner for the British Council. Craig has been an English teacher for over 20 years, and for the […]
  • My interview with school kids from IES School in San Fernando, Spain - Hi listeners, here is some bonus content for subscribers or visitors to teacherluke.co.uk. This week I was contacted by teachers at a really great school in San Fernando in Spain. At the school they have a radio show which is hosted by children, and they do it all in English. The kids are 13-14 years […]
  • 333. More Misheard Lyrics ♬ - OK, the last misheard lyrics episode was pretty popular and I’ve had several shouts of “more!” from the LEP community, so here we go again!  What’s this all about? Well, first of all it’s a sequel to a previous episode of LEP. That’s #281 “Misheard Lyrics” so you could listen to that before you listen […]
  • 332. Olly Richards: English Polyglot – Top Advice and Strategies for Language Learning - This episode could make a huge difference to your English learning. So listen up and get ready for a motivational boost! Joining me on the podcast today is Olly Richards – a polyglot who speaks 8 languages. Olly has some very motivating and practical advice on how to learn languages as an adult. There’s so much to […]
  • 331. How’s your English? (and why speaking is so important) - Hi listeners, I’ve got a big big slice of podcast pie for you in this episode because I’m going to talk to you about some important considerations for language learning, some ways that you can push your English to new levels with LEP, and I’m going to talk about italki, which is a really great service […]
  • 330. Let’s Play… Grand Theft Auto 5 (and learn some English while doing it) - Hi listeners – this is a multitasking episode in which I record a podcast while doing something else at the same time. In this case I’m playing the classic computer game “Grand Theft Auto 5”. Listen to hear some general discussion of the game, descriptions of what’s happening while playing and some other bits and […]
  • 329. A Rambling Chat with James (News, Stories & Jokes) - My brother has been visiting me in Paris this week and so just the other day I made him a cup of tea and got him on the podcast for a rambling chat. We talk about lots of different things including news, politics and some funny stories. I hope you enjoy the conversation. There will be […]
  • 328. Cooking with Luke – Verbs and Expressions in the Kitchen - I’ve been quite busy marking exams recently and haven’t had a chance to upload any episodes for a few weeks, but today I managed to record this episode while preparing dinner. So in this one you’ll hear me in the kitchen, multitasking – cooking a chicken dinner (recipe below) while describing everything that I’m doing. […]
  • 327. The LEP Photo Competition – Please check out the photos and vote - Hello listeners – this episode is all about the Luke’s English Podcast photo competition which I launched in December in episode 313. I’ve received loads of photos from listeners and they’re now presented on the page for this episode on my website, and they look fantastic, so please do have a look at them! In […]
  • 326. Catching up with Oli (Part 2) Future Predictions - Here’s the second part of the recent chat I had with my cousin Oliver. In this one we talk about becoming a Dad and predictions for the future. What will society be like in the next 10-20 years? What changes will we see in communication, technology, travel and other areas? What kind of world will […]
  • 325. Catching Up with Oli (Part 1) Past Challenges - Here’s a 2-part episode featuring a conversation with my cousin Oliver in which we talk about first some challenges he faced over the last few years (including dramatic things like a scooter crash, a tropical disease, a burglary and how he completely flooded his own house) and then some more positive things about being a […]
  • 324. David Bowie (Part 2) - Hello, welcome to Luke’s English Podcast, which is a  podcast for learners of English around the world. This is part 2 of a special episode about English musician David Bowie who died just a few days ago on 10 January 2016. The aim of this episode is to talk about David Bowie’s significance as an artist, […]
  • 323. David Bowie (Part 1) - This episode is all about the life and work of David Bowie, the English musician who died just a couple of days ago. In the episode you’ll hear me talk about the cultural significance of Bowie as an artist, why he is such a legend of British music, and what his music means to me […]
  • 322. With The Thompsons - Hello again, how are you? Welcome back to the podcast. Here’s a new episode for your listening pleasure. This one is a rambling conversation with my parents and my brother about everything and nothing. [DOWNLOAD] Some News & Stuff Just before we get started – here are just three announcements or bits of news. First: […]
  • 321. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens – SPOILER REVIEW - Welcome back to Luke’s English Podcast. Happy New Year. This is an episode of Luke’s Film Club, and this time I’m joined by my brother James as we talk about the new Star Wars film in full detail including our thoughts, theories, favourite bits and memorable characters. This episode is full of SPOILERS, so be warned […]
  • 320. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - It’s Christmas! So in this episode I’m going to read you a classic Christmas story – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. You can read the story as well as listen because the whole thing is included on the page for this episode. [DOWNLOAD] Welcome to this special Christmas edition of Luke’s English podcast. I’m feeling […]
  • 319. Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens – Reaction (No spoilers!) - [DOWNLOAD] I saw Star Wars VII today. Here’s my reaction. Don’t worry, there are no spoilers.
  • 318. The Lying Game 2: The Rematch (Part 2) with Amber & Paul - Welcome back to The Lying Game 2: The Rematch (Part 2). In this episode you can hear Amber, Paul and me continue our competitive game. Who’s going to win this time? Will it be Paul, finally? Listen to find out what happens, and for details of the next version of the lying game which will […]
  • 317. The Lying Game 2: The Rematch (Part 1) with Amber & Paul - Welcome to LEP. I hope you’re well, I hope you’re fine. This episode of the podcast is a rematch of the lying game with Amber, Paul and me. Check below for show notes and other links. [DOWNLOAD] A couple of announcements before we go further. Thanks for your photos for the LEP photo competition. This […]
  • 316. British Comedy: Tim Vine (Part 2) - Listen to Luke explain the rest of Tim Vine’s stand up routine from the video “One Night Stand”. Learn some natural phrases and bridge the linguistic and cultural gap between you and native speakers of English. Click here to listen to part 1 of this episode. Watch the video below. [DOWNLOAD] Photo Competition Send your […]
  • 315. Do me a favour – Take my Business English Survey! - SORRY, THE SURVEY NO LONGER WORKS. PLEASE DON’T COMPLETE IT. YOU CAN WRITE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW IF YOU LIKE. Hello listeners, this episode of the podcast is entitled: Do me a favour – Take my business English survey! It’s called that because I’d like to invite you to take a very quick survey on my website. […]
  • 314. Luke’s Guided Sleep Meditation (Fall Asleep in English) - Fancy brushing up on some grammar while getting a really good night’s sleep? Yes? Well, this episode is for you. It’s a guided sleep meditation to make you feel all drowsy and relaxed, with added hypnopedia – that’s hypnosis and sleep learning both at the same time. So, kick off your shoes, turn down the […]