The other day I was thinking about how podcasts must be good for your mental health, and how this could be connected to the tradition of collective oral communication which was the first form of mass media in most human civilisations, and how this has been central to human psychological and cultural development over the years. So, I made this podcast episode about it. Expect discussion of culture, history, psychology and communication, with plenty of vocabulary explained. Detailed PDF available.Get the PDF 👉 https://teacherluke.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/926.-Oral-Storytelling-Traditions-and-the-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Listening-to-Podcasts.pdfEpisode page 👉 https://teacherluke.co.uk/2025/03/11/926-oral-storytelling-traditions-and-the-mental-health-benefits-of-listening-to-podcasts/ Sign up to LEP Premium on Acast+ and add the premium episodes to a podcast app on your phone. https://plus.acast.com/s/teacherluke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Walaa was first on this podcast in episode 703 she talked about living in Syria as a student during the civil war (or people’s revolution) but at that time she felt she could not talk in detail about the situation. Now that the Assad regime is no longer in control of Syria, Walaa feels she can talk more candidly about what it was like to live near Damascus during those days. Walaa’s descriptions are both shocking and moving. This is the topic of this episode, which is part 2 of a two-part series.👉 Episode page on my website https://teacherluke.co.uk/2025/03/06/925-walaas-experience-in-syria-walaa-mouma-returns-part-2/ Sign up to LEP Premium on Acast+ and add the premium episodes to a podcast app on your phone. https://plus.acast.com/s/teacherluke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walaa Mouma, a Syrian refugee pursuing her PhD in Wales, shares her inspiring journey of learning English amidst the chaos of war. She discusses her marriage and transition to a supportive environment in Wales, while advocating for refugees and teaching English. Walaa dives into the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers in language acquisition and highlights the importance of innovative teaching methods. Her personal story reflects resilience and determination, emphasizing the need for advocacy in education and a brighter future for displaced individuals.

Discover the art of spontaneous speaking as the host shares tips to enhance fluency. Delve into the joys and challenges of raising bilingual children, featuring charming anecdotes about parenting. Explore the quirky dual meanings of the phrasal verb 'to follow through' through humorous stories. Enjoy insights on extensive listening and overcoming mental blocks, while learning about bird-related idioms. Join the conversation about upcoming content and the beauty of authentic rambling!

Join a fascinating discussion about the Oxford Words of the Year and their cultural significance. Delve into the impact of social media on mental health, and explore the intriguing rise of 'brain rot.' Discover the revival of 'demure,' thanks to TikTok, contrasting it with the 'brat' persona. Unpack the dynamic pricing issue in concert tickets, illustrated by the Oasis scandal. Hear about the explosion of 'romanticy' in modern literature and the emotional pitfalls of catfishing in online relationships. This engaging dialogue covers trending language and cultural phenomena!

Ian Moore, a bestselling author and former stand-up comedian, shares his fascinating journey from the comedy stage to writing cozy crime novels set in France. He discusses the humorous challenges of transitioning to life as a B&B host and the unexpected joys he found during the COVID lockdown. Ian also delves into the nuances of plotting versus pantsing in writing, the deep bonds with his goats, and the cultural intricacies of living as an expat. Prepare for laughs and insights into the world of crime fiction!

Join Luke Thompson's six-year-old daughter, a bilingual English and French speaker, as they embark on a whimsical animal vocabulary quiz. They discuss over 60 terms related to animals, covering their traits, habitats, and behaviors. Enjoy their amusing banter about peacocks, hedgehogs, and squirrels while unraveling the fascinating links between human and animal classifications. The episode also features playful anecdotes about transitioning from a pacifier and unique explorations of different animal sounds. Perfect for both kids and adults!

Join voiceover artist Amber Minogue and stand-up comic Paul Taylor as they share hilarious tales from their lives in France. They discuss everything from running antics and quirky family bingo games to a comical holiday rat incident. Discover surprising facts about urban wildlife and debate the nuances of microphone techniques for podcasting and comedy. With charming anecdotes about multicultural family gatherings and holiday traditions, Amber and Paul's conversations are filled with laughter and warmth.

Dive into a whimsical Sherlock Holmes mystery filled with a lost hat, a goose, and a stolen gemstone! Explore the playful tone and clever deductions as Holmes investigates the curious case of the blue carbuncle. Listen to the engaging narrative while unpacking old-fashioned language and vocabulary for a richer understanding. The adventure takes a turn when moral choices come into play, highlighting themes of innocence and compassion during the holiday season. Perfect for language learners and mystery enthusiasts alike!

Listeners share inspiring success stories about how their English skills have flourished through the podcast. They discuss practical applications of the language and offer advice for others on their learning journeys. Anecdotes highlight overcoming challenges and engaging with British culture. The importance of community and humor in learning is emphasized, along with valuable tips for improving proficiency and enjoying the process. Strategies for active listening and vocabulary retention are also explored, paving the way for future growth.