Explore every episode of the podcast Into the Story: Learn English with True Stories

A conversation with Will Greenblatt about being yourself when you speak, why connection matters more than being perfect, and why “do what you love and the money will come” isn’t always true.

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Will chased validation for years, until one moment made him realize he had to change.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: Canada

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Key Vocabulary

JAMMING ONE’S KNEE / JAM SOMETHING SOMEWHERE: To hit or push something into a tight space, usually by accident and painfully.

PAY YOUR DUES: To work hard over time before you succeed.

TO BE DEAD (EMPTY): No energy, power, or people.

GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD: Something that lets you avoid punishment.

GET AWAY WITH IT: Do something wrong and not get caught.

More from Will Greenblatt 

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A conversation with Charlie Baxter about life as a Canadian in Spain, cultural differences, and the journey that led Bree to live in Barcelona.

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Hanul Kim shares what it’s really like to anchor live news in Korea and speak English with confidence.

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Becoming a news anchor is Hanul's dream — until one moment makes her question if she can do it at all.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: Non-native English speaker (South Korea)

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Key Vocabulary

BLAZING: Extremely bright, hot, or full of strong emotion.

BLAZER: A type of jacket, often part of a uniform or worn in smart-casual situations.

DEER IN HEADLIGHTS: A look or feeling of being frozen with fear or surprise.

STORM OVER: To move angrily or suddenly away from someone or something.

SHATTERED: Broken into many pieces; extremely tired or emotionally destroyed.

SQUINTING: Narrowing your eyes to see better or because of bright light.

More from Hanul Kim 

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Bree shares the REAL method for confident English, then chats with Andrea on clarity and cold plunges.

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Andrea tells a story of a family road trip that couldn’t wait.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: Canada

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Key Vocabulary

GLANCE: A quick or brief look.

FADE: To slowly disappear or become less noticeable.

BLOW (SOMETHING) OFF: To ignore or skip something on purpose.

NOT HAVE A CARE IN THE WORLD: To feel totally relaxed and free from worry.

FOR SOMETHING TO LAND YOU SOMEWHERE: When an action causes you to end up in a particular situation.

More from Andrea Aesie 

Into the Story #14 Under Water Under Pressure

Bree and Lucy discuss inspiration, habits, bad advice, and trusting yourself in filmmaking and life

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Lucy’s life is all work and no joy—until she finds inspiration in a small theater group.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom

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Key Vocabulary

PLEAD: To ask for something in an emotional or serious way.

STANDING OVATION: When an audience stands up and claps to show great admiration.

VENUE: A place where an event happens, like a concert, wedding, or meeting.

POUR YOUR HEART INTO SOMETHING: To put a lot of effort, passion, and emotion into something.

CUT-THROAT: Extremely competitive and ruthless.

Learn more about Alien on Stage

@alienonstagedoc

Bree and Stephen discuss how to become a clear communicator and the one piece of advice he’d give his 19-year-old self.

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Getting a job in a fancy restaurant helps Stephen learn the balance between confidence and realism.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Kent)

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Key Vocabulary

SOFT-SPOKEN: Speaking gently and quietly.

BLAG (UK slang): Getting something through charm, persuasion, or clever tricks.

TO OWN UP TO SOMETHING: Admitting you did something wrong.

WONKY: Crooked, shaky, or not working properly.

TO BE FIRM: Staying strong, confident, and decisive.

More about Stephen Devincenzi

Check out the Simple English News Daily podcast at Send7.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Bree and Araceli Adams share communication tips and the power of trusting your intuition when something doesn’t feel right. 

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Araceli’s journey to becoming an artist proves that every experience, even the hardest ones, can shape your success.

Level: Advanced  

Accent: Australian

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Key Vocabulary:

BODY OF WORK: All the work someone has created in their career, like books, art, or music.

PITY PURCHASE / PITY BUYING: Buying something not because you want it, but to support the seller.

UNDER MY BELT: Having experience or achievements in something.

PLATTER: A large plate for serving food

STAMP OF APPROVAL: Official or symbolic confirmation that something is good or accepted.

Follow Araceli Adams:

@Araceli_Adams

Casa Adams

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Bree and Emma Walker chat about communication tips, morning routines, and dealing with bullies.

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As a child, Emma faced many years of bullying before realizing that her voice had the power to create change.

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (Yorkshire) 

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Key Vocabulary:

SINKING / SICKLY FEELING: A sudden feeling of worry, fear, or sadness.

SQUISHY: Soft and easy to press.

TO SNAP (FIGURATIVE): To speak in a sharp or angry way.

RELENTLESS: Never stopping or giving up.

NUMB: Unable to feel anything, either physically or emotionally.

Follow Emma Walker:

-Pronunciation With Emma YouTube

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New season starts January 28, 2025

A conversation between Bree and Fabio Cerpelloni talking about how creativity shapes our work, problem-solving, and everyday lives.  

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Follow Fabio Cerpelloni:

- Visit FabioCerpelloni.com⁠ 

- Listen to Episode 61 | Making Something Possible (with Fabio Cerpelloni) on Into the Story

Bree and Anna Tyrie discuss the psychology of fear, how it impacts different areas of our lives, and share strategies to overcome it.

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Follow Anna Tyrie:

- Visit Anna Tyrie’s website ⁠English Like A Native⁠ 

- Listen to Episode 56 | Imposter Syndrome (with Anna Tyrie) on Into the Story

Bree believes in her idea, but when reality doesn’t match her expectation, she must rethink and adapt.

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: Canadian

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Key Vocabulary:

LEAN: To bend your body slightly forward or toward something. "Lean in" can also be used to mean actively engage or embrace something.

NOD: To move your head up and down to show agreement or acknowledgment.

GLOW: To look happy, healthy, or full of joy, often shown through a bright smile or expression.

PICK (SOMETHING) OUT: To choose something from a group.

ON PAPER: How something appears in theory or on a written plan, not necessarily in practice.

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Gabriel Kazz’s musical journey takes him to the TV show The Voice, where he realizes the power of showing up and trying.

Level: Advanced  

Accent: Canadian

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Key Vocabulary:

HONE: To improve a skill through practice and effort.

HAVE A THICK SKIN: To be able to handle criticism or difficult situations without being upset.

A FALLING OUT: A disagreement or argument that damages a relationship.

REKINDLE: To bring back or restart something, like a feeling or relationship.

THE CHERRY ON TOP: The final touch that makes something perfect or even better.

Follow Gabriel Kazz:

Gabriel Kazz on Spotify

@GabrielKazzMusic on Instagram

Music Credits:

All songs from the album “Lonely Fire” by Gabriel Kazz

“Where is the Wind”

“Change the World”

“Candle”

“Lonely Fire”

When Charlie Baxter meets his girlfriend's parents for the first time, a big mistake turns into a lesson on honesty and connection. 

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (London) 

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Key Vocabulary:

- Prove Your Worth: To show that you are capable or valuable. 

- Rev / Keep the Revs Up: To increase the speed of a car’s engine, or to maintain energy or momentum. 

- Blatantly: In a very obvious or offensive way, without trying to hide it. 

- Chip In: To contribute money, help, or ideas. "He chipped in with a helpful suggestion during the meeting."

- Flaws / Flawless: To have imperfections or to be perfect without mistakes.

Follow Charlie Baxter:

Search for The British English Podcast on your favorite podcast app

TheBritishEnglishPodcast.com

When Nikki started her career in human rights, she found herself adapting to a job that required a lot more than she expected. 

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: Canada (Calgary)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- BLASTING (MUSIC/AIR-CONDITIONING): Playing music or running air-conditioning at a very high volume or strength. "They had the music blasting at the party."

- TO CRAM INTO: To fit many people or things into a small space. "We all crammed into the car for the road trip."

- TO BLEND IN: To look or act like the people or things around you, so you are not noticed. "The animal’s fur helped it blend in with its surroundings."

- TUNNEL VISION: Focusing on one thing and ignoring everything else around you. "He had tunnel vision while studying, ignoring his friends."

- TO SHRUG: To lift your shoulders slightly to show you don’t know or don’t care. "She shrugged when asked about her plans."

Episode Links: 

- To learn more about the work that Nikki does, visit Inter Pares 

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Sarah Allworthy tells a story of what happens when you do something you're "not supposed to do."

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (London)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- TO CALL SOMEONE’S BLUFF: To challenge someone to prove something they said or did.  "He called her bluff during the poker game."

- WHIFF: To briefly smell something, often a faint or slight smell. "He got a whiff of smoke from the nearby barbecue."

- BLUR: Something unclear or not easy to see or remember. "The events of last night are a blur to me."

- TO BE DARING: To be bold and willing to take risks. "She was daring enough to try skydiving." 

- CLOSE CALL: A situation where something bad almost happened, but didn’t. "We had a close call when we almost missed our flight."

Episode Links: 

-  Follow Sarah Allworthy on LinkedIn

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Growing up, Archy Jamjun didn't feel seen, until someone finally saw him for who he really was. 

Level: Advanced  

Accent: United States (Chicago)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- TO THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET: To challenge or invite someone to compete or flight. "She threw down the gauntlet by saying she could win the competition."

- TO FLING: To throw or push something with force. "She flung her coat onto the chair." 

- TO BE ADEPT: To be good at doing something. "She is adept at solving math problems." 

- TO MAKE THE NEWSPAPERS: To be featured in the news or media, especially in newspapers. "The story made the front page of the newspapers."

- TO SHOWER SOMEONE WITH SOMETHING: To give someone a lot of presents, praise, or attention. "On her birthday, she was showered with gifts by her friends." 

Episode Links: 

-  Follow Archy Jamjun on Instagram @archyjam

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After her dream job left her exhausted, Megan Nicholls decides to change her pace completely. 

Level: Upper Intermediate  

Accent: United Kingdom (Manchester)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- TO RUSTLE: To make a soft, crackling sound, usually from something moving, like leaves or paper. "The wind rustled the leaves in the trees." 

- PICK UP THE PACE: To go or work faster. "We need to pick up the pace if we want to finish on time."

- TO AIR (SOMETHING) OUT: To let fresh air into something, like a room or clothing. “I aired my shoes out after the hike.”

- TO BE AT EASE: To feel comfortable and relaxed. "He felt at ease after solving the problem.

- TO BE STILTED: Awkward or unnatural, especially in speech or movement. "Their conversation felt stilted, with long pauses." 

Episode Links: 

- Learn more about Megan Nicholls at her website megalanguagecoach.com

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Ariel Goodbody steps into the world of stand-up comedy with a performance no one expected. 

Level: Advanced 

Accent: United Kingdom (Bath)

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5 Words & Expressions in Today's Story:

- DEADPAN: To say something serious or with no emotion, often in a funny way. "He told the joke in a deadpan voice, and everyone laughed."

- A SET (COMEDY): A group of jokes or a routine performed by a comedian. "She practiced her set for the open mic."

- TO BE UNSETTLED: To feel disturbed or uncomfortable, either mentally or physically. "He felt unsettled after hearing the bad news."

- TO PUT (SOMETHING) OFF: To delay or postpone something. "She put off studying until the night before the exam."

- TO BE OVERDONE: To be done too much or in an excessive way. "The meme was funny at first, but now it’s overdone."

Episode Links: 

- Learn more about Ariel Goodbody at their website, ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com

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Rob Rudge tells a story about that moment when you’re so close to a problem that you can’t see the solution.

Level: Upper-Intermediate 

Accent: United Kingdom (Yorkshire)

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5 words & expressions in today's story:

- UPBRINGING: The way a child is raised and taught by their parents. Examples: "Her strict upbringing influenced her strong work ethic." or "He credits his upbringing for his sense of responsibility."

- TO KICK BACK: To relax and do nothing. Examples: "After a long day, I just want to kick back and watch TV." or "She kicked back on the sofa with a good book."

- MAIN DRAG: The main street or central road in a town or city. Examples: "The main drag is always busy with traffic." or "Shops and restaurants line the main drag of the city."

- WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE: Without showing any reaction or surprise. Examples: "She handled the criticism without batting an eye." or "He agreed to the risky plan without batting an eye."

- TO DREAD: To feel great fear or anxiety about something. Examples: "She dreaded going to the dentist." or "He dreaded the long flight ahead."

Episode Links: 

- Learn more about Rob Rudge at his website, Energetic English 

- Listen to Rob & Bree chat about small talk on The Business English Podcast

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Fabio decides to contact someone famous and what ends up happening gives him a new perspective on what becomes possible, when you ask. 

Level: Intermediate 

Accent: Non-Native English Speaker (Italy)

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WE HAVE A NEW SPONSOR!

5% OFF in my TRAVEL INSURANCE - I contacted them after several years using it with my family, not the other way around. I recommend it because it's been working really well for me.

5 words and expressions in today's story:

- THERE'S SOMETHING HERE: An expression used to say that something is interesting or has potential.

- TO SHOW UP (IN THE SENSE OF DOING YOUR BEST): To be present and perform to the best of your ability.

- TO LET SOMEONE DOWN: To disappoint someone by not meeting their expectations.

- CATASTROPHIZING: Imagining the worst possible outcome of a situation.

- TO LOSE SIGHT OF SOMETHING: To forget or overlook something important.

Episode Links:

- Learn more about Fabio Cerplloni at www.fabiocerpelloni.com

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Season 6 of Into the Story arrives August 2024! Meanwhile, enjoy this fiction story from Ariel Goodbody of Easy Stories in English about two sisters.

If you haven't already listened to ⁠Sisters, Sisters (Part 1)⁠, go listen now!

Angeline and Annabelle are a classic sister act. Annabelle writes the songs and they sing together, but Angeline gets all the compliments. When a music producer offers a deal to Annabelle, she realizes she can't let the opportunity go. But what starts as a harmonious collaboration soon turns into a discordant nightmare…

Level: Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Bath) 

👉 Get the full transcript at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Sisters 

Episode Vocabulary: 

- DYE: To change the color of something using a special liquid. Examples: "She dyed her hair bright red." or "They dyed the fabric blue for the costumes."

- VOCALS: The singing part of a song. Examples: "Her vocals were amazing in the concert." or "He provided the vocals for the band's latest album."

- SYNTHESIZER: An electronic instrument that creates various sounds. Examples: "He played the melody on the synthesizer." or "The band used a synthesizer to add electronic effects to their music."

- CUT OUT: To remove something by cutting. Examples: "She cut out the article from the newspaper." or "He cut out pictures from magazines for his collage."

Episode Links:

- Find more episodes like this one at Easy Stories in English 

💛 Want more from Into the Story? Subscribe to our⁠ ⁠free newsletter⁠⁠ to get a quick email from Bree every few weeks filled with practical tips, fascinating topics from the world of psychology, and strategies to improve your life.

Season 6 of Into the Story arrives August 2024! Meanwhile, enjoy this fiction story from Ariel Goodbody of Easy Stories in English about two sisters.

Angeline and Annabelle are a classic sister act. Annabelle writes the songs and they sing together, but Angeline gets all the compliments. When a music producer offers a deal to Annabelle, she realises she can't let the opportunity go. But what starts as a harmonious collaboration soon turns into a discordant nightmare...

Level: Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Bath) 

👉 Get the full transcript at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Sisters 

Episode Vocabulary: 

- FIDDLE: To play with something in a restless or nervous way. Examples: "He fiddled with his pen during the meeting." or "She fiddled with her hair while she talked."

- SPRINKLES: Tiny pieces of candy used to decorate desserts. Examples: "She added sprinkles to the cupcakes for a festive look." or "The ice cream was topped with colorful sprinkles."

- KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN: To stay out of trouble. Examples: "He tries to keep his nose clean and avoid any legal issues." or "She was advised to keep her nose clean at her new job."

- COMPLIMENT: A polite expression of praise or admiration. Examples: "She gave him a compliment on his new haircut." or "He received many compliments on his performance."

- FLIRT: To behave playfully towards someone you are attracted to. Examples: "He likes to flirt with her at parties." or "She was flirting with him at the coffee shop."

- PINCH: To squeeze tightly between the fingers. Examples: "She pinched her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming." or "He pinched his brother playfully."

- FLAP: To move up and down or back and forth quickly. Examples: "The bird flapped its wings and flew away." or "The flag flapped in the strong wind."

- X MEETS Y: A way to describe something as a combination of two different things. Examples: "The movie is like 'Indiana Jones meets Star Wars.'" or "Her music is a mix of pop meets classical."

- BROADSHEET: A large-format newspaper known for serious journalism. Examples: "He reads the broadsheet every morning for the latest news." or "The broadsheet published an in-depth article on the topic."

- NOTE (MUSIC): A single sound of a particular pitch in music. Examples: "She played a high note on the piano." or "He hit the perfect note during his solo."

- HIKE: A long walk, usually in the countryside or wilderness. Examples: "They went for a hike in the mountains." or "She enjoys hiking on weekends."

Episode Links:

- Find more episodes like this one at Easy Stories in English 

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Christie was on tour as a professional dancer when unexpected turns teach her about strength and confidence, even when things get difficult.

Level: upper intermediate 

Accent: Canadian

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- BREAD AND BUTTER: Someone's main job or main source of income. Examples: "For many musicians, playing concerts is their bread and butter." or "Writing is her bread and butter; it pays all her bills."

- OUT OF THE BLUE: Something happens suddenly and unexpectedly. Examples: "I was walking home, and out of the blue, it started raining heavily." or "He received a phone call out of the blue from an old friend."

- BUMP UP: This phrasal verb means to upgrade or move to a higher position or level. Examples: "She was bumped up to a manager position at work." or "The airline bumped up her seat to business class for free."

- LONG STORY SHORT: To explain only the most important parts of a story, leaving out unnecessary details. Examples: "The car broke down, we missed the event, and long story short, it was a terrible day." or "Long story short, we decided to move to a new city after many discussions."

- TO BURN OUT: This phrasal verb can mean two things: (1) When a fire stops burning because there is no more fuel. Example: "The campfire burned out after we ran out of wood." (2) When a person becomes very tired and can't continue because they have worked too hard. Example: "The campfire burned out after we ran out of wood." or "After working nonstop for months, he finally burned out and needed a vacation."

Episode Links:

- To find out more about Christie Cunningham, visit her website

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Tom spends months preparing for an ultramarathon, but race day brings surprising challenges.

Level: upper intermediate 

Accent: Australian

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO PUSH YOURSELF TO DO SOMETHING: To make a big effort to do something. Examples: "I need to push myself to stay awake until midnight." or "He pushes himself to work harder every day."

- TO CLOCK / TO CLOCK UP: To reach a certain number or amount of something. Examples: "He clocked 70 kilometers last week as part of his training." or "She has clocked up 200 hours of volunteer work this year."

- TO TAKE A TOLL: To have a bad effect on someone or something. Examples: "Working long hours takes a toll on health." or "Hard training takes a toll on your body."

- GUT FEELING: A strong feeling about something without a clear reason. Examples: "She had a gut feeling that something was wrong." or "He trusted his gut feeling during the race."

- RELIEF: Feeling better after being worried or stressed. Examples: "When the storm passed, they felt great relief." or "Finding her lost keys was such a relief."

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Jaclyn tells the story of a paragliding accident and its emotional impact on her life.

Level: upper intermediate 

Accent: Canadian

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO END UP: To arrive at a particular place or find yourself in a situation, often unintended. Examples: "After getting lost, we ended up at a beautiful beach." or "She ended up working late because of the unexpected project."

- TO LIFT OFF: To take off, especially for rockets or planes, launching in a vertical direction. Examples: "The rocket lifted off successfully, heading towards space." or "The helicopter lifted off from the helipad."

- TO GLIDE: To fly smoothly through the air in a continuous motion. Examples: "The bird glided effortlessly across the sky." or "The paraglider glided down to the landing point."

- SLOPE: A surface with one side higher than the other; can also be used as a verb to describe something inclining. Examples: "The children enjoyed sledding down the snowy slope." or "The path slopes gently towards the river."

- TO FIT IN: To be comfortable with a group of people or to have enough space for something. Examples: "She fit in well with her new colleagues at work." or "The couch didn’t fit in the small living room, so they had to move it to another room."

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Twice in her life has Brigitte felt alone and lost, and both times she decided to search for the northern lights. 

Level: Intermediate 

Accent: Canadian (Quebec)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- UPROOT: to pull something—especially a tree or plant—out of the ground. 

Examples: "The strong winds uprooted the old tree." or "They had to uproot the weeds from the garden."

Metaphorically: to move (someone) from their home or a familiar location.

Examples: "His family was uprooted when they moved to a new city." or "The war uprooted many families from their homes."

- OUTGOING: Friendly and socially confident.

Examples: "She is very outgoing and makes friends easily." or "His outgoing personality makes him popular at parties."

- FIRST NATIONS: Indigenous peoples that are the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada.

Examples: "First Nations have a rich cultural heritage and history." or "The government works with First Nations to preserve their traditions." 

- PITCH-BLACK: Completely dark.

Examples: "The night was pitch-black without any stars." or "The power outage left the house in pitch-black darkness."

- STAY PUT: To not move or go anywhere.

Examples: "She told the dog to stay put while she answered the door." or "During the storm, we decided to stay put at home."

- DIM: Not shining brightly or clearly.

Examples: "The room was lit by a dim lamp." or "The dim light made it hard to read."

Episode Links: 

- Find out more about Brigitte at The Story Warrior

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When Scott goes exploring in a dark cave and gets stuck hanging on a rope with no light, he has to use his imagination to find a way out.

Level: Advanced 

Accent: United States (Ohio)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- CAVING / SPELUNKING (CAVER/SPELUNKER): Exploring caves as an adventure activity. A caver or spelunker is someone who enjoys this, often with helmets and lights for safety.

Examples: "The spelunker explored deep caves, amazed by the rocks." or "Caving is fun for people who like discovering new places."

- TO GET DRENCHED: To get completely wet, usually from rain or water.

Examples: "We got drenched in the rain, running for cover." or "The kids got drenched playing in the water."

- SLACK VS TAUT: Slack means loose, while taut means tight.

Examples: "Check the rope is taut before climbing." or "He adjusted the slack in the rope for better climbing."

- TO NOT SAY SOMETHING LIGHTLY: To say something seriously, not casually.

Examples: "I don't say this lightly, but we need to change." or "She didn't say it lightly when apologizing."

- TANGLED VS UNTANGLED: Tangled means twisted, while untangled means straightened out.

Examples: "The wires were tangled and hard to fix." or "She untangled the knots in the necklace."

Episode Links: 

- For more thoughts and inspiration from Scott Brandon, follow him on LinkedIn.

- Visit Scott’s website.

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Tiffani leaves her job at NASA to explore a new path, leading her to the most difficult thing she's ever done. 

Level: Upper intermediate

Accent: United States (Maryland)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO BE GLUED TO YOUR SEAT / SCREEN: To be unable to move from your seat or stop watching something.

Examples: "I was glued to my seat during the movie." or "He's glued to his screen, playing video games all day."

- TO BE DIALED IN (FOCUSED): To concentrate or pay close attention.

Examples: "She's dialed in during class, always listening to the teacher." or "Being dialed in means you're focused and not distracted."

- TO PUSH THROUGH: To keep going even when it's difficult.

Examples: "Even though he was tired, he pushed through and finished the race." or "Pushing through means not giving up, even when things are hard."

- TO HAVE YOUR CONFIDENCE STRUCK: To feel less sure of yourself.

Examples: "After failing the test, his confidence was struck." or "Having your confidence struck means feeling unsure or not believing in yourself."

- TO CLICK (UNDERSTANDING): To understand something suddenly.

Examples: "After studying for a while, it clicked, and I understood the math problem." or "It clicked in my mind how to solve the puzzle."

Episode Links: 

- Speak English With Tiffani Academy

- Speak English With Tiffani YouTube

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When Martin becomes a dad, he realizes how difficult it is when we can’t be with the ones we love.  

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Essex)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

-TO SHOVE: To push someone or something roughly or with force, often with the intention of moving someone or something out of the way. For example, "She accidentally shoved her friend while rushing to catch the bus, causing them to stumble," or "He shoved his passport in his pocket before getting on the plane."

-TO BE OVER THE MOON: To be extremely happy or thrilled about something. For example, "She was over the moon when she found out she got the job she had been dreaming of," or "He was over the moon with joy when he received the surprise birthday party his friends had organized for him."

-A PRAM: A stroller or baby carriage used for transporting infants. For example, "She took her baby for a walk in the pram," or "The pram was equipped with a comfortable seat and a protective canopy."

-OBVIOUSLY (FILLER WORD): similar to saying "it's clear" or "you see" to show something is easy to understand. It's added to sentences to make a point stronger or emphasize that something should be clear. But it doesn't always change what's being said; it just helps the speaker highlight their viewpoint or understanding of the situation.

-FULL ON (ADJECTIVE): Intense or extreme in nature. For example, "The party was full on, with loud music and dancing all night," or "He experienced a full-on adrenaline rush while participating in the extreme sports event."

Episode Links: 

- Listen to Martin’s podcast Rock n’ Roll English

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Gloudina goes to Ecuador to volunteer with a wildlife veterinarian and ends up learning an important lesson from children in the Amazon. Level: Upper Intermediate Accent: South Africa 🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with vocabulary, test, and transcript! 5 words and expressions in today's story: - WILDLIFE: Animals and plants that live and grow in natural environments. Examples: "The national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, deer, and birds." or "Conservation efforts aim to protect wildlife and their natural habitats." - CABIN/HUT: Small, simple dwellings or houses typically located in rural or wilderness areas. Examples: "They rented a cozy cabin in the mountains for their weekend getaway." or "The forest ranger stayed in a rustic hut deep in the woods during his patrols." - CHECKUP: A routine health examination. Examples: "The doctor recommended an annual checkup to monitor her blood pressure and cholesterol levels." or "After the accident, he underwent a thorough checkup to ensure there were no internal injuries." - ENDANGERED SPECIES: Species at risk of extinction. Examples: "Efforts to save the sea turtle focus on protecting nesting sites and reducing bycatch in fishing nets." or "The black rhinoceros is endangered due to poaching and habitat loss." - TO CLEAR YOUR MIND: Removing thoughts or worries to achieve calmness. Examples: "Yoga and meditation help him clear his mind and reduce stress after a long day." or "Taking a walk in nature allows her to clear her mind and gain perspective on her problems." Episode Links:  - Visit Gloudina’s website Wildme.eu and use the code INTOWILDME100 to download one of her digital guides for free Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend, improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛

Anna wanted to go to one of the most prestigious music schools in the UK and Europe, but felt that she wasn’t good enough. 

Level: Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO NAG: To keep asking or reminding someone to do something, often in an annoying or persistent way. Examples: “He always nags his sister to clean up her room.” or “She nagged her friend to come with her to the concert until she finally agreed.”

- TO GIVE IT A GO: To try something, to make an attempt. Examples: "I'm not sure if I can ski, but I'll give it a go." or "She wasn't confident about singing in public, but she decided to give it a go at the talent show."

-TO BE BLOWN AWAY / TO BLOW YOUR SOCKS OFF: To be extremely impressed or amazed by something. Examples: "When she saw the sunset over the mountains, she was blown away by its beauty." or "The performance of the singer blew my socks off; it was absolutely incredible."

- TO MINCE (ONE’S) WORDS: To speak directly and honestly, even if you upset people by doing this. Examples: "She never minces her words; she tells it like it is, even if it's uncomfortable." or "In the meeting, he didn’t mince his words and offended his boss"

- THE UNDERDOG: The competitor or participant in a competition or conflict who is expected to lose, they are considered less likely to win or succeed compared to others involved.  Examples: "Despite being the underdog, the team fought hard and won the championship." or "The small startup company, seen as the underdog in the industry, surprised everyone by outselling its larger competitors."

Episode Links: 

- Listen to ⁠Bree & Anna's chat about fear⁠ 

- Find out more about Anna Tyrie at English Like A Native 

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When Lindsay McMahon was backpacking alone in Southeast Asia, an injury teaches her an important lesson about living a good life. Level: Upper Intermediate Accent: United States (New Hampshire) 🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with vocabulary, test, transcript and much more! 5 words and expressions in today's story: - TO BE WINDY (A WINDY ROAD): A road with lots of twists and turns. Examples: "The road to the cabin is windy and hard to drive." or "Be careful on the windy road; it can be dangerous." - A MUFFLER: The tube that comes out the back of a car that makes it quieter. Examples: "The mechanic replaced the muffler on my car." or "The teenager took the muffler off his motorbike, to make it very loud." - TO DOWNPLAY SOMETHING: To make something seem less important or serious. Examples: "After her basketball team lost the match, she tried to downplay the defeat by saying it wasn’t an important game" or "Even though the project faced significant challenges, she downplayed the difficulties, emphasizing the progress made." - TO BE MAKESHIFT: Something that's put together quickly with whatever's available. Examples: "The kids used a cardboard box as a makeshift table." or "He made a makeshift umbrella out of a plastic bag so that he wouldn’t get wet in the rain." - TO HAVE A WIN: To succeed or accomplish something you were hoping for. Examples: "This week, I finally had a win: normally I procrastinate editing podcasts, but this time I finished the episode earlier than expected." or "When the young student won the spelling contest, it was a big win. It made her feel more sure of herself." Episode Links:  - Listen to Lindsay’s podcast, All Ears English - Listen to Bree explain the connection between emotions and fluency on All Ears English (available March 2024) Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛

Alastair Budge talks about his experience working in technology start-ups and how his ideas about success have changed over time. 

Level: Advanced

Accent: United Kingdom (London)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO BOND WITH SOMEONE: To develop a close relationship or connection with someone. Examples: "Working on projects together helped us bond as colleagues." or "Playing sports regularly helped me bond with my teammates."

- TO RAISE FUNDING / MONEY: To collect money for a project or business. Examples: "The nonprofit raised funding for charity." or "The entrepreneur raised money for her startup."

- A SLOG: A difficult or tiring task. Examples: "The project was a real slog, but we finished." or "Training for the marathon was a slog, but I did it."

- OUTLOOK: A person's attitude or perspective. Examples: "He has a positive outlook on life." or "A change in career gave her a fresh outlook."

- COLD PLUNGE: Immersing in cold water for health. Examples: "After the sauna, he took a cold plunge." or "Athletes use cold plunges for recovery."

👉 Episode Links: 

- Listen to Bree’s and Alastair’s conversation on YouTube (available April 17, 2024)

- Listen to Alastair’s podcast English Learning for Curious Minds

- Listen to Alastair’s other Into the Story Episode — # 33 | Busking

- Ready to speak English confidently in any situation? Explore our English Coaching Programs at ⁠AC English School

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Anna Connelly tells a story about giving her first big presentation at work and about confidence.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Oxford)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO HAVE EVERYTHING TOGETHER: To be organized, calm, or sure about handling all different aspects of life. Examples: "Even in tough times, she looks like she has everything together." "Feeling confident comes from having everything together."

- TO LOSE YOUR TRAIN OF THOUGHT: To forget or be unable to continue thinking or talking about something. Examples: "While speaking, he forgot what he was saying, lost his train of thought." "It's easy to lose your train of thought when someone interrupts you."

- TO STICK OUT (A MEMORY): To be a very memorable or easy-to-remember memory. Examples: "The day we first met really sticks out as a special memory." "Some events stick out because they're important."

- TO BE PUT ON THE SPOT: To be in a situation where you feel pressure or people are paying attention to you. Examples: "Feeling nervous during the presentation, she felt put on the spot." "It's uncomfortable to put people on the spot by asking them unexpected questions."

- TO BE THROWN IN THE DEEP END: To be given a challenging task or situation without much preparation. Examples: "On his first day at work, he was thrown in the deep end with a tough project." "Being thrown in the deep end can be overwhelming, but is also a chance to learn quickly."

Episode Links:

- Listen to Bree on Anna’s podcast ⁠Confident Business English

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Michael Lavers from Level Up English tells a story about trying 16 different jobs in search of something more. 

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Cornwall)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO SEE WHAT STICKS: Trying various options to see which ones are successful or well-received. Examples: "The company launched multiple ad campaigns to see what sticks." "I applied to various positions to see what sticks and gets a response."

- TO LET LOOSE: To relax or release control, allowing oneself or others to have fun. Examples: "After a busy week, I like to let loose and go out with friends." "Let's let loose and enjoy our holiday by the beach."

- TO SEE / NOT TO SEE SOMETHING COMING: Anticipating or failing to anticipate an event or situation. Examples: "We saw the storm coming and prepared." "They did not see the market crash coming and suffered significant losses."

- TO HAVE A WORD: Definition: To talk briefly or have a conversation with someone. Examples: "I need to have a word with my partner about our future plans." "Can I have a word with you about something that's been on my mind?"

- TO HAVE SOMETHING LINED UP: To have something planned or arranged, often as a backup or for transitions. Examples: "Before resigning, she made sure to have another job lined up." "It's always wise to have something lined up before making major life changes."

Episode Links: 

- Listen to Bree’s story on Michael's podcast

- Find out more about Michael Lavers at ⁠LevelUpEnglish.school

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Erica Tait shares a story of falling off an 18-meter cliff.

Level: Intermediate

Accent: United States (New Jersey)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO TAKE IN: Appreciating or looking at and enjoying the nice appearance of something, like colorful leaves. Examples: Samantha stood by the window, taking in the beauty of the sunrise (enjoying the pretty sunrise).

- TO SLIP / TO BE SLIPPERY: Sliding unexpectedly or being smooth and hard to hold onto, like a wet floor or soap. Example: Be careful not to slip on the wet floor after it rains. The road is slippery after it rains. 

- A CONCUSSION / TO BE CONCUSSED: When you get hit on the head, it can hurt your brain temporarily, and that's called a concussion. Example: After the car crash, she suffered a concussion and needed medical attention.

- VAGUE MEMORIES: Not clear memories of things that happened in the past. Example: As she grew older, her childhood became a collection of vague memories.

- CASTS: Hard coverings, like a strong bandage, that doctors put on a broken arm or leg to help it heal. Example: After breaking his arm, Mark had to wear a cast for several weeks.

Episode Links: 

- Find out more about Erica Tait’s therapy center at QuantumPyschotherapyGroup.com or follow them on Instagram @quantumtherapynj

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When Luke’s daughter loses something important, he goes on a mission through Paris to get it back.

Level: Advanced

Accent: United Kingdom (London)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO NOT FIT IN: When you don't feel like you belong or are accepted in a specific group or situation.

- TO PUNCH SOMETHING OR SOMEONE: A strong hit made with a closed fist, often used in sports or as a sign of aggression.

- TO BE SEEDY OR DODGY: A part of town that is considered run-down, disreputable, or unsafe, often due to crime or lack of cleanliness.

- TO TURN UP SOMEWHERE: To arrive or appear at a specific place or event.

- TO BE FAST ASLEEP: Being in a deep sleep, often used to describe someone who is sleeping soundly and not easily awakened.

Episode Links:

👉 Find out more about Luke Thompson at ⁠Teacherluke.co.uk⁠

👉 Listen to The Superpower of Starting English Early with Kids on Luke’s English Podcast  

👉 Watch Bree and Luke on YouTube

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Clive tells his story of opening businesses in different countries, working as a chef on private jets and yachts, in a search for new experiences and human connection.

Level:  Upper-intermediate

Accent: Canada

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO TALK YOURSELF / YOUR WAY INTO SOMETHING: convincing yourself to do something or getting someone to give you a chance or access to something.

- PINNACLE: the highest point or peak of something, often used to describe achieving success or excellence.

- TO RIP APART: This means to completely dismantle and reconstruct something, often referring to buildings or structures.

- RELENTLESS: Relentless describes something that is continuous, persistent, or unyielding in its effort or pursuit.

- TO BELONG / TO LAY ROOTS SOMEWHERE:  To belong means feeling like you are a part of a particular group, place, or community where you fit in and are accepted. To lay roots somewhere means making a place your home and investing time and effort in it to build connections and a sense of belonging.

Episode Links: 

Find out more about Chef Clive @chefclivecafe⁠

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Mark tells the story of organizing a unique TEDx event hosted at the US-Mexico border, with all its challenges and a few surprises.

Level:  Advanced

Accent: United States (California)

🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with vocabulary, test, and transcript!

6 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO COME UP WITH: To think of or create something, like an idea or a plan.

- IT’S ALL ON YOU: You are responsible for something; everything depends on you.

- TO BE MESSED UP: To make a mistake or cause a problem.

- TO DODGE A BULLET: To narrowly avoid a dangerous or problematic situation.

- TEAR DOWN / TAKE DOWN / PUT UP: Tear down and take down means to disassemble or remove a structure or stage. Put up means to assemble or set up something.

- ELATION / A SENSE OF ELATION / TO BE ELATED: A strong feeling of happiness or joy.

Episode Links: 

Find out more about Mark Lovett at ⁠storytellingwithimpact.com

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Bonnie receives news about a terrorist attack in Nice, France, where her daughter and family were vacationing.

Level: Intermediate

Accent: Canadian

🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with vocabulary, test, and transcript!

5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO SCROLL: the action of moving the content up or down on a digital screen using your finger or mouse. It's what you do to see more information on websites, social media, or documents.

- MAYHEM: a state of chaos, disorder, or extreme confusion. It often describes situations where there is a lot of noise, movement, and unpredictability.

- TO REGISTER: used figuratively, means to become aware of or notice something. It's when you suddenly understand or realize information.

- TO PACE: walking back and forth, often nervously or restlessly, usually in a small area. It's a way people move when they're feeling anxious or impatient.

- TO MAKE YOUR WAY SOMEWHERE: to travel or move in a specific direction or to a particular destination. It's about journeying from one place to another.

Episode Links: 

Find out more about Bonnie Earl at ⁠bonnie-earl.com/

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Keena makes a long trip home after spending the summer in Greece. This episode originally aired April 2021.
Level:  upper intermediate
Accent: North American (Canada)
5 words and expressions in today's story:
- FANNY PACK: A small bag or pouch with a strap, typically worn around the waist, used for carrying personal items. In British English, it's known as a "bum bag." Example: "She kept her keys and phone in her fanny pack while hiking."
-STASH: A hidden or secret supply of something. Example: "She had a stash of snacks in her desk drawer for when get got hungry."

- TO GET RID OF SOMETHING: To dispose of something, eliminate, or remove. Example: "I need to get rid of these old clothes that no longer fit."
- TO PICK AT YOUR FOOD: To eat small amounts of food without much appetite or enthusiasm. Example: "When she's nervous, she tends to pick at her food rather than eating a full meal."

- TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF: To make the most of an opportunity or situation. Can be used positively or negatively. Example: "He decided to take advantage of the holiday to visit his family." / "She took advantage of his kindness to manipulate him."
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Alicia was sick with cancer, for the second time, and she made a decision: if she could find one person a day to talk to, then she knew she could survive.

Level:  intermediate

Accent: United States (Texas)

🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with vocabulary, test, and transcript!

5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO PULL YOURSELF OUT OF SOMETHING means to remove oneself from a difficult or undesirable situation. It is like freeing yourself from a problem or challenge.

- TO STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE means to start a conversation in a friendly or informal manner, often with someone you don't know well or have just met.

- TO HEAL, TO BE HEALED, TO BE HEALING are related to the process of recovering from an injury, illness, or emotional distress.

- A LIFELINE refers to a person or thing that provides crucial help or support in difficult or desperate situations.

- A PURPOSE / A CALLING refers to a sense of meaning or direction in life, a reason for existence, or a strong conviction that drives someone to pursue specific goals or fulfill a particular role.

Episode Links: 

Find out more about Alicia Marie at peoplebizinc.com

Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛