

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

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.

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!

Sep 24, 2025 • 35min
#343 When 'Terrific' Meant 'Terrifying'
Explore the fascinating evolution of words with unexpected meanings! Discover how 'terrific' once meant terrifying and 'awful' shifted from awe to very bad. Learn about 'wicked' going from evil to cool and 'fond' transforming from foolishness to affection. Delve into the surprising journey of 'gay' from happiness to a sexual identity and see how 'literally' changed from exact to emphatic use. Get ready for a word adventure that reveals the meanings we often take for granted!

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
#342 Small Talk & Spirituality with Ray
In this conversation, Rayhan shares insights on mastering small talk and achieving personal growth. He discusses the importance of setting specific language goals and techniques for engaging conversations. The dialogue delves into deeper themes, like spirituality and the origins of the universe, enriched by personal anecdotes from his spiritual journey. Ray also highlights effective storytelling techniques to captivate audiences, turning everyday moments into valuable narratives. It's a blend of self-improvement and profound insights!

Sep 10, 2025 • 54min
#341 Are You Being Rude in English?
Dive into the fascinating world of politeness in English, particularly British expressions. Learn how phrases like 'could I just' and 'would you mind' can soften your requests. The discussion touches on the importance of social etiquette and personal anecdotes that highlight courteous communication. There's a spotlight on seat reservation etiquette and the essence of good manners rooted in empathy. Overall, this engaging conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own communication styles and encourages kindness in everyday interactions.

Sep 3, 2025 • 48min
#340 Why Is Everyone Leaving the UK?
The discussion opens with humorous observations about adjusting back to life in the UK, including the quirky practice of eating crisps on public transport. A serious shift reveals the rising trend of emigration, driven by stagnation and a lack of change. Frustrations over stalled urban renewal projects in Plymouth highlight bureaucratic hurdles. Contrasting daily life in the UK with the rapid development in Thailand brings both criticism and celebration of the UK’s unique charm. Personal insights from a recent eye operation tie in philosophical musings on perspective and travel.

Aug 27, 2025 • 42min
#339 How NOT To Learn a Language
Inspired by a viral video of a Chinese boy doing his English homework, I thought I'd make an episode where I list 10 common mistakes that language learners make and what you should avoid.To be clear, I'm sure that boy will master English one day, and my comments were more of a criticism of language education in schools. The video simply reminded me of some of the mistakes I've made along the way.With that in mind, while I share my 10 habits to avoid, I also give examples when I've done these things in my own life. So let's learn together and see if we can learn more efficiently.Show notes page - https://levelupenglish.school/podcast339--------------Learn more about Level 3 Members: https://courses.levelupenglish.school/courses/level3--------------Get 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!

Aug 20, 2025 • 36min
#338 Overcoming Shyness (Anna, Confident Business English)
The conversation dives deep into the struggles of shyness, especially in language learning. Personal stories reveal moments that sparked a journey towards confidence. Strategies for overcoming fear in social situations, particularly at work, are shared. The hosts discuss the importance of community support and shifting perceptions of others' opinions. Practical tips for engaging more effectively in conversations are explored, highlighting that confidence is built through experience, not perfection.


