This first episode focuses on how publishers use big data and then lots of discussion about the 2017 word of the year, which was fake news. Transcript available. Bill Burr’s Hilarious Plane Story – Enjoy Comedy/Storytelling in English – Understand a funny anecdote by comedian Bill Burr.

Includes some vocabulary explanations, differences between British & American English and some very dodgy jokes. Video version available with on-screen text. DOPPELGANGER (Learn English with a Short Story) – Learn English with another short story. In fact, this episode contains two stories.

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.

Teenager fighting for life after fire killed mother and three children

Jurors heard they lived in a tent with barely any clothes and no means of keeping warm and dry. Despite this, jurors were told the couple chose to “deprive the baby of what she needed” – including “warmth, shelter and food and ultimately safety”. A missing person’s enquiry was launched, which became “bigger and bigger news” as time went on, jurors were told. Footage of the banquet provoked a mix of outrage and bewilderment in France.

Harry Dunn’s family’s heartbreak as police failings laid bare

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. 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.

• Available in the base game, defined sounds.
• Expect plenty of solid descriptive chunks of vocabulary as this holiday diary continues.
• 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.
• Vocabulary is explained in the second part of the episode.
• Listen to find out what happened in this part of my trip.
• I will also explain vocabulary in the process.
• Reading from my Japanese hospital diaries 📘 (Sept 2002) – By popular demand I have chosen to publish this episode!
• The story is full of vivid descriptive language, action, adventure and extraordinary moments.
• 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.
• Card Roulette from GTECH combines the thrill of the roulette wheel with a card game – which will appeal to table games lovers and roulette enthusiasts, considering how convenient it makes the whole process.

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 here. 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. 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. Crime Vocabulary Quiz (with Moz) – Test yourself and learn various verbs and nouns related to crime.

Newborn ‘killed by aristocrat mum & dad’ seen for first time in videos

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. 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.

The conversation then turns to comedy, culture, language and some more Alan Partridge. I read out some listener comments at the end https://aristocrat-pokies.com/ of the episode. Notes, transcripts and links available.

PERSEVERANCE, POSITIVITY & PRACTICE with Santiago Ruiz de Velasco from Oxford University Press – Santiago 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 the challenges, failures and successes he has had in his English learning, and the things he has learned about learning a language. 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• The World News Quiz 2024 with Stephen from SEND7 Podcast – Join me for a quiz about some curious stories from the news this year (2024).
• We talk about Andy’s background, becoming an English teacher, getting big on Instagram, ChatGPT and a few other tangents along the way.
• Vocabulary list & notes available.
• Punctuation Rules / Book Review (Part 2) Apostrophe, Full Stop, Comma – Part 2 of my episode about punctuation.
• 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 German words which are difficult to pronounce.

Read more on the case

Listen to hear an overview of Paul’s career, and some Paul McCartney stories. Video version of the interview available on YouTube. 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.

• Overcoming Fears (with Zdenek) – This episode features a conversation with Zdenek about fears and anxieties experienced in everyday life, plus vocabulary we use to talk about the subject.
• We also discuss the wonders of fish & chips and deep fried Mars bars which you can buy on the streets of Edinburgh.
• This is the 3rd and final part of episode 666.
• 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.
• Martin and Dan are lifelong friends.
• 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!
• Stephen Devincenzi from the SEND7 Podcast is the quizmaster for the third year running, and has prepared questions that will test my knowledge of some of the slightly less serious global news stories this year.

Why police released Liverpool parade suspect’s details so quickly

– 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. 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.

UK politics live: Badenoch blasts Starmer and Farage in benefits row

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. Learning English in 2025 with Luke’s English Podcast – A lengthy New Year’s message about how to improve your English through consistent podcast listening. This episode details how regular listening improves comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary, and fluency, incorporating listener testimonials and tips, with some specific advice about how to push your English with this podcast. Walaa’s passion for this work is inspired by her own personal story of learning English, seeking asylum in the UK and studying in the UK’s academic system, which she first talked about in episode 703 of this podcast.

• Ian is now a bestselling author and his books are being adapted for television.
• Amber & Paul in the Podcastle (Catching Up #12) – Two hours of PodPal action for your enjoyment.
• I talk about each interesting point, give some funny comments and explain bits of English vocabulary in the process.
• You’ll hear samples of lots of spoken English in this episode and we’ll focus on accent and pronunciation.
• Idioms Game & Chat (with Andy Johnson) + 25 Idioms Explained – A conversation with Andy Johnson including loads of idiomatic expressions and their explanations.
• Listen and learn some informal words from British and American English.
• For all other UK casinos offering bonuses, their loyalty offers are all wager free.
• What are the most important things to consider?

Teenager fighting for life after fire killed mother and three children

Use this episode to avoid some very common mistakes in English pronunciation, and try not to laugh on the bus while you’re listening! Check this episode page for word lists, transcriptions and my video of 40+ difficult words to pronounce in English. Vocabulary is explained after the conversation and there is a vocabulary list available below. 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.

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. 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. 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.

Toddler dies after ‘being forgotten’ in car during 35C day

Expect stories from various periods of English history, plus descriptions of typical English bird life. English history and culture on Luke’s English Podcast. So, I made this podcast episode about it. Expect discussion of culture, history, psychology and communication, with plenty of vocabulary explained. Our favourite things to do in London (Part 2) – Here is the second part of this double episode all about great things to see and do while in London . Listen to my friends and family talking about the city , learn some fascinating bits of history , get inside tips  and learn some vocabulary in the process.

‘Lycra nuns’ kept cult leader’s home spotless, abuse trial hears

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. 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.

Sophie Turner has late-night meeting with a thug on a moped as she films new heist thriller series Haven

Vocabulary notes, links, videos and song lyrics available. Intro & ending transcripts + videos available. PART 2 EPISODE 800 RAMBLE / LEPSTER Q&A – Celebrating episode 800 by answering a massive list of questions from listeners. Video version available. Notes & transcriptions available.

Sophie Turner battles the windy weather as she films a VERY tense scene for her thrilling new Prime Video series Haven

• Let’s see how you and Michael would respond to some quiz questions that will test your British awkwardness to the max.
• In Victoria (Australia), all machines (not just Aristocrat – Konami, Atronic, Bally, VLC/Powerhouse, IGT, Stargames/WMS…) before 2002 have been banned for use in gaming venues.
• 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.
• Beautifully designed slot machine.
• But English is not his first language.
• Language Learning is a Voyage of Discovery / Steve Kaufmann Interview – An interview with polyglot Steve Kaufmann who has learned at least 20 languages to varying degrees during his life.
• World Cup 2018 3 Is It Coming Home?

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. 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.

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This episode is a recap of some advice in episode 523 with Cara Leopold. 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.

It 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% of the transcript on the page for this episode. 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, news stories and notes available.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Fat people are being fed lies

Words of the Year (with Amber) – Amber joins me for a discussion of some words which reflect various cultural movements of the last 12 months or more. Learn some trending words and listen to discussions of topics such as the influence of online content on mental health, the Oasis concert ticket scandal, an exploration of the ‘lore’ of LEP, romantic fantasy books, the rise of AI and more. Includes a PDF with my episode notes and vocabulary lists. The Best English Expressions are from Shakespeare ✍️ Learn English Vocabulary – Hello! In this episode I focus on English expressions and idioms that originated in the works of William Shakespeare and are still used in modern everyday language.

Stephen Devincenzi from the SEND7 Podcast is the quizmaster for the third year running, and has prepared questions that will test my knowledge of some of the slightly less serious global news stories this year. Can you beat me in the quiz? Listen to find out. Previously, which the game designers does. Personally, you already know theres a right way and wrong way to play blackjack.

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.

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. James reads several passages from the book during the episode. Language Learning is a Voyage of Discovery / Steve Kaufmann Interview – An interview with polyglot Steve Kaufmann who has learned at least 20 languages to varying degrees during his life. Steve talks about his language learning experiences, methods and motivations. We talk about various metaphors and similes for language learning including ocean voyages , cows , skiing  and cutting grass and I ask Steve about cross-cultural experiences he has had during his career.

Joe Jonas releases first single from his album Music for People Who Believe in Love after his split from Sophie Turner

We discuss various communication challenges involved in working together with representatives from countries all around the world. Also includes some communication idioms and guitar playing near the end of the episode. How to Learn Vocabulary

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.

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 of business English, with a few improvised scenarios too! Raphael Miller’s Summer School Report – Raphael Miller (previously heard in episode 522) is back on the podcast to tell us about his experience of running a summer school for international teenagers in Liverpool. 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.