EVERYTHING EFL
Episodes
Episode 159: Progress is Incremental. But Do Your Students Know?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever had a student say, “I’m not progressing” or “I feel stuck”? It’s disheartening for and for you too. But often, it isn’t true.In thi...
Episode 158: Do Better, Online Resources!
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week I talk about a bugbear of mine: crap online resources that bear no resemblance to real-world language. Once I get that out of my system, I t...
Bonus Episode 157: Join the Big Declutter!
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m opening the cupboard doors — literally.I’ve been going through 10+ years of teaching materials: dusty files, endless flashcards, ...
Episode 156: Using Videotelling in Class with Jamie Keddie
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to add a natural, fun and engaging twist to your lessons?Let Jamie Keddie show you how with videotelling. Stories are a fundamental part of human...
154: Do You Give Your Students Brain Breaks?
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are brain breaks important?Find out why in this short and sweet episode, I also bring reflection into the mix, because who doesn't love a bit ...
Episode 155: TBL 101 With Nicola Harwood
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello again!After a summer break, I'm back with a fabulous guest, Nicola Harwood, who breaks down TBL (Task-Based Learning).Have you thought about...
Summer 2025 Announcement
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just a quick one to tell you where I'm at.I'll see you in September, when I'm back with some brilliant guest.In the meantime, if there'...
Episode 153: 5 Things Teachers Shouldn't Do
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This short, passionate episode is a bit of a rant — but it comes from a place of deep care for students and the craft of teaching. If you're a teach...
Episode 152: How I Planned 3 Hours in 5 Minutes
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes you don't have a lot of time or energy. Or maybe you've just returned from holiday and haven't got into planning mode. This week...
Episode 151: Mantras #4 - Don't Be Afraid to Let Go!
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re feeling burnt out, stuck in overplanning mode, or just plain exhausted—you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing a bit of a pep...
Episode 150: How Science CAN Help Teachers with Andre Hedlund
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot of controversy surrounding how science can help teachers and learning. Some say it's overtaking and is too rigid. My guest today...
Episode 149: Decoding Listening Skills - The Basics
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So I've discovered decoding so that means you should too.In this episode, I give you a basic rundown of what decoding for listening is and I share...
Episode 132: What's the Most Important Thing in Teaching?
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharing is caring: what is a classroom without community?Teaching the course book content and box ticking and curriculum Is not enough.We have to thi...
Episode 141: Of Course Your Students Have Forgotten Everything! (Bonus New Year Pep Talk)
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
HAPPY NEW YEAR!Don't face it alone! Listen to this super-sweet-and-short pep talk to help you get ready (but not too ready) for the first week bac...
Episode 143: Do Your Lessons Have Peaks and Valleys?
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's tough to remember EVERYTHING when you're busy and planning multiple lessons but one thing that is essential is peaks and valleys.This sho...
Episode 148: It's Okay to Feel Like Sh*t Sometimes
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strap in: it's about to get deeply personal.I've had a tough few weeks. I think it's important to share these feelings with you, as I know...
Episode 55: When Self-Doubt Creeps in......
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Self doubt: it creeps in and tells you you’re not doing a good job. Fear not! I give you now only my, but some lovely people from LinkedIn’s tip...
Episode 63: Why Rupaul and Rupaul's Drag Race Inspires Me
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm on holiday!I decided to give you a couple of episodes that aren't teachy but are very much from the mind of Erin.This episode is my though...
Episode 147: Let's Talk About Phrasal Verbs
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Phrasal verbs. Two words that conjure up fear in the bravest and most competent of English learners.Join me as I discuss the ins and outs of these d...
Episode 146: What Teachers (Probably Shouldn't) Prioritize with Charlie Cranmer
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week I talk to Charlie Cranmer, aka Charlie's Lessons.We talk about.....well, what don't we talk about?Here's a quick rundown of wher...
Episode 145: How to Avoid Overloading Your Students
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We've all rushed through tasks and given our students way too much information.This is disastrous for our students' ability to process and ret...
Episode 144: Why Mini-Tasks Are Beneficial
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are you students' attention spans like?Just as I thought....Not only that, language takes time to learn, so let's think about how you can...
Episode 142: Don't Wear Yourself Out in Class!
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a class where it's like walking into a morgue?The students couldn't be more unenthusiastic if they tried.Here's my take ...
Episode 140: Your End-Of-Year Pep Talk
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is almost upon us so with that in mind, I'm all about giving.I round up this year by taking your through 5 pieces of advice for you, my ...
Episode 139: My Lesson Fell Off a Cliff (But That's Okay!)
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Has ANY lesson EVER gone to plan?I bet the answer is squarely more on the 'no' side of things than yes.What does that tell us?- embrace it- ta...
Episode 138: Mantras #4 Blend Content and Confidence (Here's How)
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Think about the last few months of teaching that you've done: how much of it has been pure content and how much of it has been working on students...
Episode 137: Mantras #3 - There's NO One-Size-Fits-All In Teaching!
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Was it Bob Marley who said 'You can please some people all of the time but you can't please all the people all of the time?'Well, as teach...
Episode 136: Passive Voice for the Real World
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The passive is a big topic and it causes all sorts of problems.Join me as I take you through my more receptive, lexical version of teaching the passiv...
Episode 135: 4 Things You Should Never Assume About Your Learners
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you've been teaching for a long time, do you make assumptions about your classes' skills, attitude or ability to remember?And you know...
Episode 134: Things You Wish You'd Known When Starting Out
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Of course, we can only learn a finite amount of things when training to be a teacher.But have the institutions caught up with today's ever-changin...
Episode 133: How to Impact Your Students and Cut Your Prep Time
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The language your students are producing spontaneously can be part of the lesson.Is it on the curriculum? Who cares?If your students are trying to tel...
Episode 131: How Mindset Affects Students' Results
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do your students believe they can?Do your student know how to self-regulate and be mindful?Do you make sure this happens in your class?This week I tal...
Episode 130: Grammar is Dead! This is How to Approach Language
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why, oh why are we still teaching words?Why are we still sticking to the grammar rules and not teaching how the grammar works in conjunction with cert...
Episode 129: How Your Mindset Affects Your Job
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you put yourself first?Just as I suspected............sounds like you need a pep talk. Spare a few minutes of your busy day for...
Episode 128: What Makes a Bad CPD Session?
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've all been made to go to pointless professional development workshops, sessions, presentations........whatever they are called, there are defi...
Episode 127: It's Okay to Feel This Way.....For Now
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all do it.We all have our off days when we don't feel good enough.However, they should be few and far between. If you need a hand getting throu...
Episode 126 Mantras #3 - Plan Less, React More
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Planning taking up too much of your time? There's so much you can do to cut down your prep time. This episode gives you just a taste of what you c...
Episode 125: How to Set Work Boundaries
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What are your work-life boundaries?Do you have any? Isn't it about time you did?I can't promise to solve all your issues with this bite-sized ...
Episode 124: 4 Easy Ways to Cut Prep Time
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all want to spend less time preparing our lessons but we want to maintain the quality.Easier said than done. You don't need gimmicks or tons of...
Episode 123: How to Overcome the Pressure of Exam Season with Kate Clifton
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Well, that's where this episode starts off, anyway. This week my guest is the wonderful Kate Clifton, from the Kate Languages podcast.We talk abou...
Episode 122: What you Need to Know About Working Memory with Veronika Rogochaia
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Working memory. What is it? Why do we need to know about it?The absolutely lovely Veronika Rogochaia guides us through the basics. She talks about why...
Episode 121: Beginners need input
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Getting students to speak can build confidence but is it the only way for them to learn the language?Our sweet beginners need input. Lots of it. There...
Episode 120: Your Learners Are Your Best Resource with Dylan Gates
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joining me this week is the ever-so-nice Dylan Gates. He explains what Dogme, or the easier-to-pronounce Teaching Unplugged, is.We talk about the adva...
Episode 119: Mantras #2 Step Outside Your Teaching Comfort Zone
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the power of stepping outside your comfort zone.Explore the reasons and discover the benefits of resisting change, mo...
Episode 118: Don't Fear AI! With Joe Dale
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does the mere mention of AI strike fear into your heart?Totally understandable - it's all so overwhelming but don't worry, Teacher: I got you....
Episode 117: Mantras #1 You Won't Reach Every Student
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the new year with a little humour and a lot of empathy as I reflect on the chaos of teaching. I talk about the importance of mindset, tackli...
Episode 116: Cornerstones of Learning #13 Mindfulness
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The end of Cornerstones of Learning is upon us. Let's go out with a bang. Or maybe just a slow, deep breath out....Mindfulness is becoming a bit...
Episode 115: Cornerstones of Learning #12 Reflection
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you leave a little time and space for your students reflectHow about you? Do you reflect on your teaching practice?Why is is so important and how...
Episode 114: Cornerstones of Learning #11 Student Autonomy
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Student autonomy is ESSENTIAL.You can't be there for the other 23 hours of the day.How can we teach or encourage our students to be autonomous, es...
Episode 113: Cornerstones of Learning #10 Reuse Your Materials!
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why reuse your materials?Why on earth wouldn't you?- you can cut down your prep time- you will be less overwhelmedNeed more reasons? Need some i...
Episode 112: Cornerstones of Learning #9 Go Lexical!
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Lexical Approach can transform your teaching.And the good thing is, it's more of a shift of mindset than extra preparation time.All you have t...
Episode 111: Cornerstones of Learning #8 Student Communication
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Where do we even start?With your students, that's where?How can we encourage a little more natural, meaningful communication between them?How can ...
Episode 110: Cornerstones of Learning #7 Relevance
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you ever wonder why you were learning a certain language point in school? How is this going to help me? Exactly.Making your students see the conne...
Episode 109: Cornerstones of Learning #6 Student Confidence
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Confidence is one of the keys to successful learning. It's all about that 'can do' attitude.That goes for you too, teacher!In this episode...
Episode 108: Cornerstones of Learning #5 Leadership
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a good leader?Do you give students leadership roles and tasks?Why on earth not? In the fifth installment of my Cornerstones of Learning ser...
Episode 107: Cornerstones of Learning #4 Choice
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
But I’M the teacher! I choose what to do in class! The curriculum leaves no room for choice!Okay, but there are small ways you can give your stu...
Episode 106: Cornerstones of Learning #3 Community Building
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is this buzzword ‘community?’. Why is it so important for students to have a space to share stuff, have their opinions heard, feel valued, ...
Episode 105: Cornerstones of Learning #2 Trust and Vulnerability
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How important are trust and vulnerability?How important are trust and vulnerability and sharing in class?How vulnerable are you willing to be with you...
Episode 104: Cornerstones of Learning #1 Everything's a Process
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first installment of my new series, Cornerstones of Learning. Everything is a process. And I mean everything.That applies to you and yo...
Episode 103: Transform Your Teaching Approach by 'Noticing'
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What on earth is noticing? Well, you'll have to listen and find out but let me tell you this: it has the potential to make you really think about ...
Episode 102: What's Wrong With the CELTA? With Shannon Felt of TEFL Horizons
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Remember those intense, panic-filled, overwhelming days of your ESL teaching qualification? Those bloody assignments (I don't have time for this!)...
Episode 101: Boost Your Beginners' English
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have beginners? Do you struggle with what to prep and how to fill the time?I had a beginner class for 2 weeks. Yes, I know it's not a long ...
Episode 100: Celebrating with my Ex-Podcast Partner, Shane Callaghan
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Birthday me!Did you know that a few years ago, in an empty classroom, two friends decided to try their hand at podcasting?They didn't have a...
Episode 99: Why Use Graphic Facilitation? with Emily Bryson
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Graphic facilitation isn't a complex idea - you're probably already doing it in some measure but if you want to know more, total legend Emily ...
Episode 98: Break the Burnout Cycle
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers are hard on themselves. We are often exhausted. Know why? We're too bloody nice to others and not to ourselves.In this episode, I giv...
Episode 97: Chat GPT - What's All the Fuss About?
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's everywhere. What is it? How can it benefit teachers and students? What are the pitfalls? Will it replace us?I discuss all the above que...
Episode 96: Go to Your Happy Place! A Mindfulness Activity for Class
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My happy place is.......well, you'll have to listen and find out! You will also discover a series of lovely no-prep activities you can do in cla...
Episode 95: Go-To Tech Tools with Laura Wilkes of TESOL Pop Podcast
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Love tech? Hate it? Somewhere in between? This episode has something for everyone. I'm joined by the very knowledgeable and lovely Laura W...
Episode 94: A Slice of Reflection Pie
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you get your students to reflect in class? How about those students who tend to dominate the conversation? Are they even aware of it? I show ...
Episode 93: Future Forms Reloaded
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Way back in Episodes 42A and 42B, I took you through the dreaded future forms. It was, however, a little bit on the grammary (yes, that's a word...
Episode 92: ADHD and Dyslexia: Some Advice with Ania Karwowska
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do you know about ADHD and Dyslexia? How can you identify it? How can you deal with neurodivergent students in your class?This week I am join...
Episode 91: Running Dictations Manifestations
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ah yes, the old Running Dictations. When was the last time you did it in class? How many different ways can you do it? Listen and find out!In this epi...
Episode 90: Dealing with Trauma and Behaviour Issues in Class
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week I'm joined by the amazing Jessica Guarnieri from Dedicated Design Consulting. She lends us her expertise as to what trauma is and how ...
Episode 89: Things we Have to Accept as Teachers
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Okay, here it is: there are some harsh truths and realities we all have to face as teachers. I think a lot of us have this idealized version of ours...
Episode 88: Grow Your Online Audience! With Miranda Crowhurst
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a freelance teacher or thinking about freelancing? This week I'm joined by the delightful Miranda Crowhurst of Twinkl, who is an expert ...
Episode 87: 10 Things to Consider When Lesson Planning (Including Yourself)
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lesson planning? So much to think about!! There are so many resources out there, so many in-class variables and methodologies to consider, it can be...
Episode 86: Why Use Dialogues?
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A very good question!I give you 9 good reasons to use more dialogues in your lessons and give you a bonus activity too, of course. This episode is s...
Episode 85: 8 Reasons to Spend Less Time Prepping
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Less time prepping? Is that a thing? Oh yes. I list 8 reasons why I've stopped spending hours upon hours prepping my lessons. I really hop...
Episode 84: Chunk that Grammar! with Harry Waters
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yep, we're going lexical again in a very practical episode with the lovely fellow Brit and Friend of the Podcast, Harry Waters, of Renewable Engli...
Episode 83: The Power of Self-Selected Fiction by Stephen Krashen
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you see reading as part of your students' language acquisition? Stephen Krashen certainly knows more than I do about this, so who better to...
Episode 82: 4 Ways to Ease the Pain of Writing Tasks
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writing: a word that often strikes fear into the heart of the student. How do your students feel about writing? How do YOU feel about teaching it? I...
Episode 81: Get your Learners Hooked on English with Fluency MC (Jason Levine)
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fluency MC, AKA Jason Levine, is one of a kind: he’s a teacher, trainer and knowledge entertainer.Firstly, he tells me about his unique use of hip-h...
Episode 80: For the Love of God, Stop Talking! How to Lower Your Teacher Talk Time
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One thing I've noticed that teachers do a lot is talk. Newsflash: that's NOT your job! In this quickie episode, I offer a few ways to lowe...
Episode 79: Want to Start Implementing the Lexical Approach Here's How! With Hugh Dellar
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I am once again joined by the thoroughly lovely Hugh Dellar. In episode 60, we took a deep dive into what the lexical approach is and in this episod...
Episode 78: Teaching or Coaching? Which is Better? With Csabi Berger
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm so happy to have Csabi Berger join me. He's a language coach. A what, I hear you cry? Don't worry - he'll explain the differ...
Episode 77: Need to brush up on your CCQs and ICQs?
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I know, we don't have much time to cram everything in our lessons but some things are worth taking time over: checking your students' understa...
Episode 76: Is Reading the Best Way to Learn a Language? WIth Olly Richards
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded in lockdown last year, I've been saving this one - Olly Richards is a linguistic powerhouse. What better person to ask about language l...
Episode 75: Want a Reflection Lesson Plan? Here it is!
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reflection. It cannot be underestimated as part of your students' (and your) learning process. In this lesson, I talk about the benefits of re...
Episode 74: 12 (or so) Ideas to Keep Fast Finishers Occupied
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all have them: those students who finish a task before everyone else. How can you keep them engaged and occupied? If you think the answer is do...
Episode 73: Small Victories - Setting Learning Goals and Reflecting
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In an ideal world, our students would spend all their spare time working on their English skills and be highly motivated to do so. But in reality bu...
Episode 72: How Can Our Students Learn Grammar More Effectively? With Jo Gakonga
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Grammar stress? Not sure how to teach it effectively? Not enough time for meaningful practice because you've just spent half the lesson te...
Episode 71: 10 Easy Ways to Add Positivity to Your Class
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Positivity is everything when learning. It can open up so many doors: confidence-building, community building, promoting a healthy self-esteem.........
Episode 70: My First Day Back in a Classroom!
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I can't believe it's been almost two, count 'em, two years, since I've taught in an actual classroom with actual students just (an off...
Episode 69: How to Prep Students for Presentations
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Presentations. A word that often strikes fear into the heart of the most capable student. I take you through the things I've learnt from exper...
Episode 37: Christmas Activities with Sinead McMorrow
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ho Ho Ho! I'm rereleasing my fabulous Christmas episode from 2021. I'm joined by my lovely friend and teacher Sinead McMorrow, and we hope...
Episode 68: Doing Projects in Class
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why your projects with students fall a little flat? I give you some quick, practical advice on how to structure you projects and present...
Episode 67: Review, Reuse, Recycle: My Top Ten Tips
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So much vocabulary, so little time! How can you mix it up and keep it interesting for your students when it's time to review all that stuff they...
Episode 66: Want to Start Your Own ELT Business? How to Begin With Ola Kowalska
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
My guest this week is the wonderful Ola Kowalska. Teacher, school owner, CELTA Trainer, mentor, business coach, mum and all-round superwoman, Ola gi...
Episode 65: ‘When Trust is Built, Learning can Happen’ with Anjalee Beverly
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am joined once again by the inspirational Anjalee Beverly (check out Episode 36 if you haven't already). She is all about building com...
Episode 64: New English File's Rob and Jenny: a Love Story
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the second of the 'I'm on holiday so I've decided to give you a couple of different episodes' series, I delve into the infamous and...