Best Helpful Snowman Podcasts (2025)

In episode 949 I did an online test which claimed to be for C1 level, but let's be honest - it was more like an intermediate level, the questions were rubbish and it was ultimately a useless scam. This time I'm taking a proper C1 English test - the Use of English section from a Cambridge CAE exam. Let's see what is required to pass this, and what b…

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Holiday Hell 🔥 Serious Sandcastles 🏰 & AI Inbreeding 🤖 with Amber & Paul [954] 56:39

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8d ago56:39

56:39

The Pod-Pals are back on the podcast for another catching up session! Recorded just after the summer holidays, there is talk of Paul's hatred of the beach 🏖️, the English tradition of building epic sandcastles 🏰, other famous people with our names (including an "evil" teacherluke 👿) and what AI gets completely wrong about us 🤦. PDF transcript avail…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 511

11d ago

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Not a friend of restaurants. Not on the texty level, anyway.By Helpful Snowman

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A game of “Would You Rather?” with my daughter 👧 [953] 1:20:55

15d ago1:20:55

1:20:55

My 7-year-old daughter joins me again as co-host in this fun episode. We play "Would you rather?", a conversation game in which we ask each other ridiculous questions about various hypothetical situations. Enjoy listening to another cute and funny chat with my daughter, which covers topics such as food, world peace, wealth, fame, success and Inspec…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 510

18d ago

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Let’s have a Disney Afternoon together. Maybe go to a prom. Find out who Vanessa Hudgens is.By Helpful Snowman

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The Trip to Norway 🇳🇴 Learn Vocabulary in Context [952] 1:27:46

22d ago1:27:46

1:27:46

A description of my recent family holiday to Norway 🇳🇴 including rambling about how I can't stand beach holidays 🏖️, chasing my son around different international airports 🏃, visiting Oslo ⛴️, Bergen 🏠, fjords 🚤 and mountains 🏔️. Edward Munch's The Scream 😱, staying in a cabin with no hot water, shower or washing machine, swimming in a freezing lak…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 509

25d ago

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Ugh, let’s wrap up this nerd nonsense, shall we?By Helpful Snowman

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Questions of English & Listener Comments 🙋Bits & Bobs 4 [951] 1:21:41

29d ago1:21:41

1:21:41

Dealing with some questions from listeners about pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, namely how to know when 'd is had or would (in writing and pronunciation), the curious origins of the word podcast and a vocabulary lesson about the word cast including various collocations and phrases which include this morpheme (that means a part of a word, no…

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Amazing Spider Web Cast Issue 038

1M ago

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We’re back! With a big palooka. A punchy punchdrunk punchster.By Helpful Snowman

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 508

1M ago

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A break from the books, let’s hit the road instead!By Helpful Snowman

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The Flatmate from Japan Returns🚶‍♂️Travelling Tales & More [950] 1:45:07

1M ago1:45:07

1:45:07

Peter, my old flatmate from Japan, is back on the podcast after his previous appearance 11 years ago! We chat about travelling experiences, teaching English in Malaysia and Japan, dealing with jet lag and culture shock, doing stand-up comedy abroad, and some of the funny, strange, and even weird experiences we’ve had while travelling. A relaxed, wi…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 507

1M ago

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Continuation into the booksphere! Deeper into bookdom! How do you make books sound exciting?! You cannot!By Helpful Snowman

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Let’s Take a C1 Grammar Test 📋 and critique it [949] 2:06:15

1M ago2:06:15

2:06:15

In this episode I take a typical multiple choice grammar test that you can find online, explain the answer to each question and give mini grammar lessons along the way. I also discuss what makes a good test of your English, and what good and bad level tests do. Learn more about grammar, and about how to check your language level. 📄 Get the episode …

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 506

2M ago

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Books are life. A part of my life. And now a part of yours. Whether you like it or not.By Helpful Snowman

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Workplace Scenarios 👷 Role Plays for Practical English [948] 1:00:59

2M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this fun and practical episode I dive into realistic workplace English through improvised role-play conversations. Designed to help you boost your vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence in professional settings, this episode features six humorous and educational role-play scenarios in workplaces like a factory, office, supermarket, and a s…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 505

2M ago

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Continuing down the road of manuals. Because this counts.By Helpful Snowman

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Technology in Everyday Life [Part 2] 👨‍💻 The Choices We Make / Topic Discussion & Vocabulary [947] 1:27:28

2M ago1:27:28

1:27:28

This episode is all about choices we have to make relating to technology in our everyday lives, and the vocabulary of technology today. This episode focuses on issues such as information quality & fact checking, digital sustainability, AI and automation, security, surveillance and privacy, tech company ethics, & tech and well-being. All important t…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 504

2M ago

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Instructions for games, instructions for life.By Helpful Snowman

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Technology in Everyday Life [Part 1] 👨‍💻 The Choices We Make / Topic Discussion & Vocabulary 1:54:15

2M ago1:54:15

1:54:15

This episode is all about choices we have to make relating to technology in our everyday lives. I'll be discussing contemporary tech-related issues such as privacy vs. convenience, data sharing, digital, detox, online behaviour, digital legacy, tech addiction, tech for children. It includes loads of vocabulary and will give you the chance not only …

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Funny English Errors, Corrected ✍️ [945] 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

Sometimes it is fine to laugh at the mistakes that we make in English (I do it in French) and so in this episode let's look at some English errors that are unintentionally hilarious. I will correct the errors, explain what is funny, and there is a lot of vocabulary to learn in the process. PDF available with vocabulary list and memory questions. 📄 …

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Helpful Snowman Radio Ep 503

3M ago

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Unruly concert crowds. AT CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS.By Helpful Snowman

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Listen & Learn English with Luke 🎧 This is SOMETHING! [944] 2:30:20

3M ago2:30:20

2:30:20

In this episode I take you on a big rambling journey through all sorts of English-learning goodness (and nonsense). We start by pondering what makes a good podcast title — is it clever, clickbait, or just clear? I reveal a monumental tectonic shift in the way I am titling my episodes. Then it’s into the Grammar Zone, with an in-depth look at Englis…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 502

3M ago

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Two nights! Live! In Denver! Similarly timed to Metallica! I trash a hotel room because I’m METAL.By Helpful Snowman

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943. Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of SILVER BLAZE 🐎 (Learn English with a Short Story) 2:20:39

3M ago2:20:39

2:20:39

Time for another Sherlock Holmes mystery story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on the podcast, because: Why not? I have adapted the text into modern English this time. A champion racehorse 🐎 has gone missing, and its trainer violently murdered. Only Sherlock Holmes can find the solution 🕵️. Listen to the events, follow my summaries and simply enjoy anoth…

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Helpful Snowman Radio Ep 501

3M ago

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Let’s finish this Grinch. Er, Ethan.By Helpful Snowman

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942. The ASMR Zen School of English ☁️🧘 Learn English and Relax 1:28:56

3M ago1:28:56

1:28:56

Improve your English and reduce stress with this unique ASMR-style episode ☁️ 🧘. Join me for a relaxing, meditative journey featuring calm background music, softly spoken English, vocabulary for peace and tranquillity, some grammar practice, and gentle humour. Designed to help you learn English naturally while calming your mind, this episode is ide…

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941. The Man Who Could Work Miracles ✨ (Learn English with a Short Story) 2:03:04

3M ago2:03:04

2:03:04

Learn English with a short story on LEP. In this episode I am reading "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" by HG Wells (adapted into modern English). First you can listen to the story, then I summarise it again in my own words, discuss my interpretations of its meaning, explain how you can use stories like this to improve your English, and teach some …

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Helpful Snowman Radio Ep 500

4M ago

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It is here, it is also here, get used to it. Because it is quite a looooooooong journey.By Helpful Snowman

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940. Our favourite things to do in London 🇬🇧 (Part 2) 1:49:26

4M ago1:49:26

1:49:26

Here is the second part of this double episode all about great things to see and do while in London 🇬🇧. Listen to my friends and family talking about the city 🏙️, learn some fascinating bits of history 🔥, get inside tips 🗺️ and learn some vocabulary in the process. 📄 Get the episode PDF with transcript, recommendation summaries & vocabulary list 👉 …

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939. Our favourite things to do in London 🇬🇧 (Part 1) 1:32:01

4M ago1:32:01

1:32:01

Here is part 1 of a double episode about London 🇬🇧 and great things you can see and do there 🎡. Listen to my friends and family describing their favourite things to do in the city 🍻, get some travel tips 🏙️, get a mini history lesson 🏛️, and learn some vocabulary in the process. 📄 Get the episode PDF with transcript, recommendation summaries & voca…

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Helpful Snowman Radio 438b

4M ago

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We have guests, we have 10 hot sauces and even HOTTER questions, like which car you would turn into or how you’re spending beauty points!By Helpful Snowman

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938. Film Club: Monty Python’s Life of Brian (with Antony Rotunno) 1:58:39

4M ago1:58:39

1:58:39

A return to Luke's Film Club with a conversation about one of the funniest and most controversial films of all time, also voted one of the UK's favourite films. Antony and I discuss the film's writing, production, story, famous scenes, deeper meanings and acting by the various members of the Monty Python team. Transcript available. 📄 Get the PDF tr…

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 439b

4M ago

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For some reason, I don’t think this started recording right when I meant to, but all you need to know is that I was telling a really dumb story about soap up top.By Helpful Snowman

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937. A Birthday Ramble / The Spinning Wheel of Random Questions 1:40:56

4M ago1:40:56

1:40:56

It's my birthday 🥳 so join me for a relaxed and light-hearted ramble, first with some comments about recent episodes and other podcast housekeeping, and then a series of talking points with the Spinning Wheel of Random Questions ☸️ including bits about how being an English teacher affects my social interactions 💬, the infamous ice-cream wars of Ice…

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936. How AI can Boost your English with Podcasts ✨🎧 (feat. Alastair Budge) 2:04:22

4M ago2:04:22

2:04:22

In this episode, I’m joined by Alastair Budge from Leonardo English to explore how you can use AI tools like ChatGPT to boost your English, especially when combined with podcasts. We go through specific, practical ways to actively engage with podcast content using AI — improving your listening, vocabulary, grammar, writing, and even speaking. Alast…

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935. Terrible Traffic Jams & Self-Driving Cars 🚗 (Topic & Vocabulary) 1:42:22

5M ago1:42:22

1:42:22

This episode is all about the exciting topic of driving, getting stuck in traffic jams, the future of our roads and how self-driving cars might be the solution. What is so annoying about traffic jams? Why do they even happen in the first place? Have you seen your first self-driving car yet? Will they solve our driving problems, or not? The episode …

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 440b

5M ago

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Back to the Grinch II by Uncle Dave? Uncle Bob?By Helpful Snowman

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934. Sign Language is Fascinating 👋 with Siobhan Dodd 1:24:47

5M ago1:24:47

1:24:47

Have you ever wondered about sign language, how it works and if it is similar to other languages like English? In this conversation I speak to Siobhan Dodd who is a sign language interpreter between English and BSL (British Sign Language). Siobhan is an enthusiastic and entertaining guest and we have a great chat about the nature of sign language, …

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 441b

5M ago

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I learn a little about the hammers of war from my bro.By Helpful Snowman

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933. The Best Expressions in English are from Shakespeare ✍️ Learn English Vocabulary 1:29:48

5M ago1:29:48

1:29:48

Hello! In this episode I focus on English expressions and idioms that originated in the works of William Shakespeare and are still used in modern everyday language. Notice the expressions in various contexts, fully understand their meanings and use, explore their origins in Shakespeare's work, and gain valuable lessons about how to learn new vocabu…

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932. What is so great about Shakespeare? 🎭 (with Mum & Dad) 1:30:06

5M ago1:30:06

1:30:06

In this episode I talk to my parents about the topic of William Shakespeare. We discuss the enduring appeal and significance of William Shakespeare's work, biographical details of his life, the key themes in Shakespeare’s plays, and the impact of his language on modern English. We try to explain the qualities that make Shakespeare great, using exam…

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Helpful Snowman ep 442b

6M ago

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We dive into the script for The Grinch II by noted screenwriter Uncle Bob.By Helpful Snowman

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931. Overcoming Fears 😰 with Zdenek 1:40:23

6M ago1:40:23

1:40:23

This episode features a conversation with Zdenek about fears and anxieties experienced in everyday life. We explore common fears such as driving, flying, culture shock, language learning and public speaking, plus vocabulary we use to talk about the subject. Listen for stories of Luke's fear of Paris cafes, airport anxiety, Luke's dramatic scooter r…

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930. Can I eat my cat? 😿 Weird Google Questions, Answered (Topics + Vocabulary) 1:36:45

6M ago1:36:45

1:36:45

This episode is about the bizarre and funny questions that people input into Google. I explore and answer some of these questions, explaining some vocabulary. The result is an engaging and intellectually light-hearted discussion involving the usual mix of rambling, and English teaching. The episode covers a range of topics, from personal health, se…

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929. Sarah Donnelly: The Only American In Paris 🇺🇸🇫🇷 US vs UK Accent Quiz 1:21:20

6M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

Sarah Donnelly comes back onto LEP to catch up and to tell us about her stand-up special, now available to watch on YouTube, and to do a British English vs American English pronunciation quiz. Sarah’s show is called The Only American in Paris and we discuss some of the themes of the show - the real experience of being a US citizen living in Paris, …

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Helpful Snowman Radio ep 443b

6M ago

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Are the Japanese really better than us? Or, maybe, Am I putting up a fight about it?By Helpful Snowman

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Red Horizon EP 9- Would you like to build a snowman 1:24:09

6M ago1:24:09

1:24:09

In the Season finale, the party comes face to face with Snowheart and experiences an unexpected outcome.

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928. The Abduction 🛸 (Learn English with a Short Story) 1:52:12

6M ago1:52:12

1:52:12

Learn English with another short story on Luke's English Podcast. This one is about a learner of English who has an extraordinary experience. Listen to me tell the story, and summarise it, then explain plenty of natural, commonly occurring, up-to-date English vocabulary. Episode page 👉 https://teacherluke.co.uk/2025/03/24/928-the-abduction-learn-en…

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927. Walk & Talk: Medieval Museum ⛫🦄 (with Amber, Paul & Kyle) 1:35:54

7M ago1:35:54

1:35:54

Finally, it's here - the medieval museum episode with Amber & Paul. Join us as we visit the museum of the middle ages in Paris. Learn about the history of the middle ages, find out about some of the art and artefacts from that period, including some fantastic symbolic tapestries, sculptures and weapons, and have fun with a few jokes along the way. …