

The Level Up English Podcast
Michael Lavers
🇬🇧 I'm Michael Lavers and this podcast will help you improve your English. I'm an online English teacher for students learning as a second language. In this podcast, I look at a variety of different fun topics and teach you British English at the same time. Each week, I cover topics related to language motivation, vocabulary and grammar, or something totally random! Once a month, we have a guest episode where I talk to a teacher or expert on topics related to language.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 3, 2025 • 45min
#353 Improve Your English Listening & Pass IELTS
Get ready to ace your IELTS listening section! Discover the exam's structure and critical question types, such as multiple choice and map tasks. Learn how to predict answers, understand keywords, and focus on main ideas rather than every word. Michael provides valuable tips on practicing with different accents, recognizing keywords, and building listening stamina. Plus, dive into general listening skills, like active listening and handling various speeds. Celebrate your small wins and stay motivated as you improve!

Nov 26, 2025 • 53min
#352 What Can We Learn from Cats?
Explore the delightful world of cat-related expressions that can enrich your English skills! Learn the meanings behind phrases like "Curiosity Killed the Cat" and "Let the Cat Out of the Bag," accompanied by personal anecdotes. Discover insights on overcoming fear with "Scaredy Cat" and the creativity in appraising life's challenges. Finally, uncover valuable life lessons inspired by our feline friends, such as the importance of relaxation and curiosity.

Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 12min
#351 British vs American Phrasal Verbs with Jesús Flórez
In this lively discussion, Jesús Flórez, a Colombia-born accent coach, dives into the quirky world of phrasal verbs. They challenge each other with British and American phrases, revealing fascinating differences like 'done in' versus 'pooped' for exhaustion. Jesús explains 'dish out' for criticism and compares it to British slang. They explore terms like 'skive off' and 'tough it out', highlighting the nuances in dialects. Join them for an entertaining and educational look at how language varies across the pond!

Nov 12, 2025 • 51min
#350 British English Expressions Chat with Lewis
Join a lively conversation exploring quirky British English idioms and expressions. Discover the meaning behind 'donkey's years' and 'turning over a new leaf.' Hear hilarious stories about jet lag and the challenges of moving countries. Delve into what it means to meet 'dodgy' people and the art of queuing in Britain. Laugh along as they share tales of things going pear-shaped and reminisce about unexpected chats with strangers. This engaging dialogue promises to elevate your English while entertaining you!

Nov 5, 2025 • 54min
#349 Cycling the Shimanami Kaido (Casual English Chat)
Join a captivating journey through the Shimanami Kaido cycling trail in Japan! Experience the highs and hilarious lows of travel, from finding a guest house with no shower to cultural bathhouse norms. Discover the joys of conversing in Japanese with locals and the challenges of navigating language barriers. Enjoy delicious meals from supermarkets and quirky curry chains. Reflect on emotional visits to Hiroshima and the beauty of quieter towns. Through it all, gain insights on building confidence in language learning and the art of travel.

Oct 29, 2025 • 47min
#348 Sharing My Shower Thoughts
Shower thoughts are basically deep thoughts that tend to come to us when we're in the shower, or at other times in the day free from distractions. In this episode, I go through a few funny thoughts, and a few deep and philosophical ones I've gathered and find interesting to think about. Hopefully you'll enjoy hearing them too!Make sure to listen carefully to the vocabulary I mention throughout the episode. The full list of new words will be available on the website for members.Show notes page - https://levelupenglish.school/podcast348Get access to coaching, group classes, and 100s of bonus lessons and episodes on Level Up English.➡️ Become a Member Today: https://www.levelupenglish.school/join/➡️ Join the Free Mini Course - https://www.levelupenglish.school/mini⭐️ Join Level Up English - https://www.levelupenglish.school Become a member and get: Podcast Transcripts Private Podcast Group Classes Private Coaching And over 500 online lessons!

Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
#347 The Reality of Running a Podcast for 16+ Years (Luke's English Podcast)
Join Michael as he chats with Luke, an experienced podcaster with over 16 years of teaching and entertaining through his English Podcast. They dive into the challenges of filming outdoors, dealing with self-consciousness, and how to balance authenticity with audience expectations. Luke shares insights on experimenting with content formats and the delicate dance between YouTube algorithms and educational value. Plus, they brainstorm future mission-style videos that combine fun with practical English skills. Perfect for aspiring podcasters and curious listeners!

Oct 15, 2025 • 42min
#346 Learn English with Proverbs
Dive into the wisdom of proverbs and discover their meanings! Explore the difference between literal and cryptic expressions. Learn how moderation helps avoid burnout, and understand the importance of actions with "You reap what you sow." Gain insights into growth through challenges with "A calm sea never made a skilled sailor." Plus, navigate risks with insights like "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." Reflect on presence with a thought-provoking quote—appreciate every moment!

Oct 8, 2025 • 34min
#345 How to Make Your English Sentences Longer
Explore the challenge of crafting longer, more natural English sentences. Delve into defining and non-defining relative clauses for added flair. Hear personal stories about inspirational figures, challenging experiences, and transformative books. Discover hobbies that fuel creativity, memorable trips, and unusual foods that leave lasting impressions. Enjoy insights on favorite TV shows and a thought-provoking Chinese proverb, all while engaging with a vibrant listener community.

10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 43min
#344 How to Actually Set & Achieve Goals
Discover practical tips for setting and achieving your goals effectively. Learn the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, tailored to personal experiences. Dive into examples like mastering a language and creating healthy routines. Explore the importance of accountability and breaking tasks into manageable parts. Gain insights on how to combine goals efficiently and maintain motivation through daily habits. Wrap up with a personal update and listener appreciation!


