Luke's ENGLISH Podcast - Learn British English with Luke Thompson

Stephen Devincenzi, host of the SEND7 podcast, quizzes Luke on 20 intriguing global news stories from 2025. They explore topics like the significant wildfires in Los Angeles and the shocking 'mushroom' murders in Australia. The duo also delves into the rise of Jakarta as the largest city and the exciting all-female Blue Origin flight featuring Katy Perry. They touch upon the global impact of Gen Z protests, the theft of crown jewels from the Louvre, and much more, all while testing Luke's knowledge and memory of the year's events.

Explore the latest Words of the Year that capture our cultural zeitgeist, from AI's role in language to the phenomenon of aura farming in social media. Discover how wearable tech influences health perceptions and the debate surrounding biohacking's commercialization. Dive into new slang like 'clanker' for malfunctioning tech and the 'Broligarchy' concept critiquing powerful tech circles. Reflect on language evolution and the humorous aspects of productivity trends like taskmasking and micro-retirement. A lively discussion on how words shape our understanding of modern life!

Join Paul Taylor, a stand-up comedian with a knack for running international marathons, and Amber Minogue, a Paris-based tour guide with insights into the Louvre, as they share thrilling tales. Paul discusses outrageous marathon plans and a harrowing escape amid a coup in Benin, imagining a 'Jason Bourne' scenario. Meanwhile, Amber reveals the audacious Louvre robbery, exploring museum security and staff responses during the crisis. Their witty banter and eye-opening stories make for a captivating conversation about travel and art.

In this festive ramble, the host discusses the power of stream-of-consciousness listening and shares humorous listener stories. He dives into the quirky world of AI, exploring ChatGPT's grammar mishaps and hallucinations. Also featured are vocabulary tips and jokes in the Comedy Corner, alongside entertaining anecdotes from his daughter's observations. With a vocabulary quiz and cozy log fire sounds, this seasonal episode is a delightful blend of language learning and festive cheer!

Delve into a chilling Christmas classic with an eerie tale of suspense, where a seemingly innocuous kit bag turns sinister. As the protagonist navigates a stormy night, unsettling memories and haunting figures intensify the dread. Experience the tension as he confronts the ghostly legacy of a tragic courtroom case, culminating in a shocking revelation. Along the way, expand your vocabulary with various legal and sensory terms woven throughout the story, ensuring both entertainment and learning.

Join a relaxed ramble at home as our host navigates life amidst charming Parisian street sounds. Hear about bold burglaries, including a dramatic heist at the Louvre and a personal experience of a break-in that left emotional scars. Discover the impact of urban noise and the search for comfort in a bustling flat. There's also reflection on the irony of stolen heirlooms and the measures taken for safety afterward. This cozy chat intertwines personal anecdotes with intriguing insights, making for an engaging listen.

Emma Camara Ortega, a licensed counsellor and therapist from Aberystwyth, shares her journey from teaching to mental health advocacy. She discusses the importance of naming feelings to manage them and highlights common issues like anxiety and depression that clients face. Emma emphasizes foundational habits for mental wellbeing, such as sleep, connection, and setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on mental health and strategies for managing seasonal mood changes. A fascinating exploration of practical strategies for everyday mental wellness!

A man reflects on a childhood encounter with a mysterious door and an enchanting garden that haunts him into adulthood. The story unfolds his longing for that paradise, contrasting innocence with life's responsibilities. Luke shares personal reflections, pondering the nature of memory and reality while contemplating whether Wallace's experiences are psychological or supernatural. The discussion dives into themes of loss, life choices, and nostalgia, leading to an exploration of vocabulary linked to the tale.

Emma Jakobi, an English teacher and YouTube creator behind MmmEnglish and Hey Lady!, shares her journey from teaching in Vietnam to building a supportive online community for women. She discusses life on the stunning Western Australian coast and her surprising phobias, like public speaking and leeches. Emma reflects on the challenges of growing her YouTube channel and handling negative comments while emphasizing the importance of genuine conversation in an AI-driven world. Plus, she reveals her favorite shower karaoke song and her sentimental 1995 Lexus.

In this conversation, Eli Burnstein, a writer and author of the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions, reveals the subtle intricacies of English vocabulary. He explains the difference between envy and jealousy, and the significance of accuracy versus precision. Eli delves into curious distinctions like poisonous versus venomous, as well as the nuances of Canadian English, including unique vocabulary and pronunciation traits. From the debate over JPEG vs GIF to the fun of emojis versus emoticons, this chat is a delightful exploration of language.