Better at English

By Lori Linstruth

What's Better at English about?

Podcast for EFL and ESL learners who want learn conversational English. Listen to our live, unscripted English conversations featuring authentic English vocabulary, slang, idioms, and more. Go to https://www.betteratenglish.com/transcripts for FREE transcripts and vocabulary notes. Have fun listening and learning English with us!

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Better at English episodes:

11.30.2020
055 – Could you kick a robot puppy?
Hello my lovely English learners! Lori here, your teacher from BetterAtEnglish.com. I love technology, so we’re talking about robots today, but not in the way you might expect. A lot of conversations about robots have to do with whether or...
11.11.2020
054 – What in the world is leaf peeping?
Episode summary Autumn is in full swing here in the northern hemisphere, so this Real English Conversations episode is full of vocabulary related to the colors, weather, moods and feelings associated with this time of year. Lori and her friend Eliza...
10.24.2020
053 – Is seeing believing? Deepfakes and the information apocalypse
When you watch the news these days, do you trust your eyes and ears? Do you think what you’re seeing is real and happened the way it is being shown? Or is your first reaction to think: Hmm, I wonder...
10.07.2020
052 – The Other F-word: talking about fat
Talking about fat and fat bodies is a tricky area to navigate in English because the word FAT is so laden with meaning, associations, emotions, and feelings -- and these are different for everyone. In this episode, you'll hear a...
09.29.2020
Get FREE podcast transcriptions with Otter.ai (it’s super cool, I promise).
Did you know that you can get FREE transcriptions of any podcast in English, and that it's fast and easy to do? That's right, ANY PODCAST! And did I say FREE? If you are serious about your English learning, you...
09.21.2020
051 – The good, the bad, and the flat-out liars. Real English Conversation
Imagine if you will, the following scenario. You’ve volunteered to take part in a psychology study, say, at your university. All you have to do is show up to the lab, sit by yourself in a little booth and play...
09.17.2020
050 – Help! I have a horrible neighbor (fixed)
Neighbors can be great friends, but let’s face it: sometimes they can be absolutely horrible. But what do you do when you’re stuck living next to a neighbor who you just can’t get along with, no matter what you try?...
09.16.2020
050 – Help! I have a horrible neighbor
Neighbors can be great friends, but let’s face it: sometimes they can be absolutely horrible. But what do you do when you’re stuck living next to a neighbor who you just can’t get along with, no matter what you try?...
09.14.2020
049 No excuses – The best place to get FREE speaking practice right now
This is NOT a sales episode, I promise! Seriously, I have found and tested the BEST place to find people to practice speaking English with for free. It only takes 5 minutes to set up an account, and you'll be...
09.07.2020
048 – The Robots are Coming – part 2
Here comes part 2 of Lori and Will's discussion about A.I. and automation. If you enjoy these podcasts, please take a moment and rate or review. You can find the full transcript at https://www.betteratenglish.com/transcripts. TRANSCRIPT PREVIEW Lori: I heard that...I think it's...
09.01.2020
047 – The robots are coming. Are you ready?
A study predicts that all human tasks could be automated in the next 30 years. And that all human jobs might be replaced within the next 100 years or so. Holy crap! What will we do when the robots take...
08.29.2020
The robots are coming – pre-listening task
Hi English learners! Lori here, your teacher from better at English dot com. This little update is just to let you know that new Real English Conversations are coming. I know you love the conversations, and I do love making...
08.18.2020
046 – Five American English slang expressions
Hey there English learners, Lori here, your teacher from BetterAtEnglish.com. I've got a different type of episode here for you today. I'm gonna go through some American English slang expressions, some really common ones that you hear all the time...
08.10.2020
045 – Stupid English grammar rules – is it OK to break them?
The data is clear: some English grammar rules are stupid. Is it ever OK to make a grammar "mistake" on purpose? Is it ever OK to know a grammar rule and break it anyway, even when you know that some people...
08.02.2020
044 – A very embarrassing mistake
Hi English learners! Lori here, your teacher from Better at English dot com. It's story time here today, something I don't think I've done here on the podcast before. I'm going to use natural English, but will try to speak...
07.10.2020
How to find the meaning any English idiom without a dictionary (updated for 2020)
Lori gives you a quick and easy way to find the meaning of idioms that aren't in your dictionary.
06.26.2017
043 – Real English conversations: Lori scores a year’s supply of toilet paper (archive)
A funny thing happened today when Lori was shopping for office supplies, and it involves an industrial-sized package of toilet paper rolls.
06.26.2017
043 – Lori Scores a year’s supply of toilet paper – Transcript
This is the free downloadable transcript for the Real English Conversations episode from Better at English. Download the transcript to read along as you listen. The transcript also contains a study guide with vocabulary definitions and English usage notes.
04.13.2017
042 – Make the Most of your Motivation part 2 of 2 – Real English Conversations
Introduction Hi English learners! Lori here, your teacher from Betteratenglish.com. Last week I shared the first part of a cool conversation I had with Dr. BJ Fogg, all about making the most of your motivation. Today you’ll be hearing part...
04.13.2017
042 – Make the Most of your Motivation part 2 of 2 – Real English Conversations
This is part 2 of Lori's conversation with Dr. BJ Fogg, an expert in the field of persuasion and motivation. You'll learn about how to make the most of the motivation that you have, no matter if it's high or...
03.28.2017
041 – Make the most of your motivation – a conversation with BJ Fogg (part 1 of 2)
What can you do when you're not feeling motivated? What is the best way to use your motivation when you ARE motivated? Find out in this episode of Real English Conversations from Better at English. Lori talks to Dr. BJ...
03.28.2017
041-Make the Most of Your Motivation part 1 (of 2) – TRANSCRIPT
This is the transcript for Better at English podcast episode 41 - Make the Most of your Motivation, a conversation with Dr. BJ Fogg. Lori talks to psychologist BJ Fogg about how people can best leverage their motivation to be...
03.19.2017
040 – Daily Rituals part 5 of 5 – Real English Conversations
This episode of Real English Conversations is part 5 of Lori and Kyla's discussion about a book they both liked: Daily Rituals, by Mason Currey. This is the FINAL part of this conversation. First they talk about feeling overwhelmed by...
03.19.2017
040 – Daily Rituals part 5 – Transcript
TRANSCRIPT of Better at English episode 40: This Real English Conversation is part 5 of Lori and Kyla's discussion about a book they both liked: Daily Rituals, by Mason Currey. This is the FINAL part of this conversation. First they...
03.12.2017
039 – Daily Rituals part 4 – Real English Conversations
This episode of Real English Conversations is part 4 of Lori and Kyla's conversation about the book Daily Rituals by Mason Currey. In this part of the conversation they digress to talk about interruptions and distractions, and how these affect...
03.12.2017
039 Daily Rituals part 4 Real English Conversations transcript
This episode of Real English Conversations is part 4 of Lori and Kyla's discussion about daily routines, based on their reading of the book Daily Rituals by Mason Currey. The transcript includes explanations of the vocabulary and key grammar and...
03.05.2017
038 – Daily rituals part 3 – Real English Conversations
Introduction Hi English learners! Lori here, your teacher from Betteratenglish.com. In this episode of Real English Conversations, you'll hear part 3 of my conversation with Kyla. We are talking about the book Daily Rituals by Mason Currey. In this part we...
03.05.2017
038 – Daily rituals part 3 – Real English Conversations Transcript
This is the transcript for Better at English "Real English Conversations" episode 38. Daily rituals and routines part 3. You'll hear Lori and Kyla continuing their discussion about the routines and practices of creative people. Their discussion is based on...
02.27.2017
037 – Daily Rituals 2 – Real English Conversations
Hi English learners! Lori here, your teacher from Betteratenglish.com. In this episode of Real English Conversations, you'll hear part 2 of my conversation with Kyla. We're discussing a book that we both really liked. It's called Daily Rituals, by Mason...
02.27.2017
037 Real English Conversations – Daily Rituals 2 – Transcript
Transcript for Real English conversations eposode 37, Daily Rituals part 2. Download the transcript and read along as you listen to check your understanding.
02.23.2017
036 – Daily Rituals 1 – Real English Conversations
In this episode of Real English Conversations, you'll hear Lori talking to Kyla, who is a musician just like Lori. They met on Skype to talk about a book that they both enjoyed, "Daily Rituals,", by Mason Currey. It...
02.23.2017
036 Daily Rituals 1 Transcript
Download the full transcript of Real English Conversations episode 037: Daily rituals part 1. Lori and Kyla talk about daily routines, practicing guitar, and how to deal with the sucky feeling of being a beginner.
08.26.2014
REC004: Language Mining with Carsten Peters
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Real English Conversations, Lori talks to Carsten Peters of the Language Mining Company. This is the very first time Lori and Carsten ever spoke to each other, so it's an authentic example of two people...
06.08.2014
035 – There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep – Real English Conversations
In this Real English Conversations podcast, you'll hear Lori and her mom talking about their bedtime routines and what they do to get good night's sleep. The conversation includes lots of idioms and phrases related to going to bed, sleeping,...
05.26.2014
034 – Showing up for English learning success
Lori talks to you about one of her favorite quotes: 80% of success is showing up. You'll learn what it means and who said it. And if you're feeling discouraged with your English progress, you'll learn how resolving to keep...
05.09.2014
033 – Lori burns her arm – Real English Conversations
Lori burns her arm while making a cup of tea, and can't sleep because it hurts so much. Her mother tries to help her find a way to get through the night. The real English conversation is between Lori and...
05.05.2014
032 – Real English Conversations: Perfectionism 3
This is the transcript for Better at English "Real English Conversations" podcast episode about perfectionism and procrastination (part 3)
05.06.2010
031 – Telling Time in English – Real English Conversations
Lori invites her mom onto the podcast to discuss telling time in English, focusing on some of the differences between American and British English usage.
03.30.2010
032 – Perfectionism and Procrastination 3 – Real English Conversations
Lori and her Dutch friend Yvette return to finish their conversation about perfectionism and procrastination. This time they focus on the strategies that have proved useful in their own battles with this debilitating problem.
03.15.2010
030- Perfectionism and Procrastination 2 – Real English Conversations
Lori and her Dutch friend Yvette continue their discussion of perfectionism, focusing on how it can cause problems for foreign language learners.
02.21.2010
029 – Perfectionism and Procrastination 1 – Real English Conversations
Do you ever procrastinate? Lori sure does! She and her Dutch friend Yvette talk about what procrastination is, why we do it, and what we can do about it.
11.26.2008
028 – Don’t step in the dog doo (4 of 4) – Real English Conversations
In today's conversation, which is part four of four, my British friend Michael and I wrap up our lengthy conversation about the pros and cons of dogs, dog ownership, and dog owners. Warning: some of the vocabulary we deal with...
10.28.2008
027 – Real English Conversations: Don’t step in the Dog Doo (part 3 of 4)
Michael and Lori continue their discussion of dogs and cats, focusing on the tendency for humans to get emotionally attached to their pets.
10.19.2008
Real English Conversations: Don’t step on the dog doo (2 of 4)
In today's conversation, which is part 2 of 4, my British friend Michael and I continue discussing dogs and cats, and which we prefer.
10.06.2008
Real English Conversations: Don’t step on the dog doo (part 1 of 4)
My British friend Michael and I begin by talking about whether we are dog people or cat people. Then we move on to discuss the social etiquette of dog walking, particularly picking up after them in public places.
07.11.2007
Real English Conversations: Weird food
In this episode, Michael and Lori talk about weird food combinations -- you won't believe what some Americans like on their hamburgers!
06.29.2007
Real English Conversations: 20 questions game
Lori and Michael talk about 20Q, a fun electronic game that Lori got to try while she was on her recent vacation in the USA.
06.04.2007
Real English Conversations: Itchy palms (superstitions)
Learn about the idiom "to have itchy palms" and more on the topic of superstions.
05.21.2007
Real English Conversations: Lori wants a naked cat
Lori wants a pet cat, and not just any cat, but a naked Sphinx cat. Michael thinks they are ugly. A heated discussion ensues...
04.26.2007
Real English Conversations: What leads to success?
Everyone wants to be successful, right? But have you ever wondered what it is that leads to success? Lori and Michael discuss their reactions to a presentation about "What leads to success," given by Michael St. John. Richard...

What's Better at English about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Better at English episodes:

055 – Could you kick a robot puppy?

054 – What in the world is leaf peeping?

053 – Is seeing believing? Deepfakes and the information apocalypse

052 – The Other F-word: talking about fat

Get FREE podcast transcriptions with Otter.ai (it’s super cool, I promise).

051 – The good, the bad, and the flat-out liars. Real English Conversation

050 – Help! I have a horrible neighbor (fixed)

050 – Help! I have a horrible neighbor

049 No excuses – The best place to get FREE speaking practice right now

048 – The Robots are Coming – part 2

047 – The robots are coming. Are you ready?

The robots are coming – pre-listening task

046 – Five American English slang expressions

045 – Stupid English grammar rules – is it OK to break them?

044 – A very embarrassing mistake

How to find the meaning any English idiom without a dictionary (updated for 2020)

043 – Real English conversations: Lori scores a year’s supply of toilet paper (archive)

043 – Lori Scores a year’s supply of toilet paper – Transcript

042 – Make the Most of your Motivation part 2 of 2 – Real English Conversations

042 – Make the Most of your Motivation part 2 of 2 – Real English Conversations

041 – Make the most of your motivation – a conversation with BJ Fogg (part 1 of 2)

041-Make the Most of Your Motivation part 1 (of 2) – TRANSCRIPT

040 – Daily Rituals part 5 of 5 – Real English Conversations

040 – Daily Rituals part 5 – Transcript

039 – Daily Rituals part 4 – Real English Conversations

039 Daily Rituals part 4 Real English Conversations transcript

038 – Daily rituals part 3 – Real English Conversations

038 – Daily rituals part 3 – Real English Conversations Transcript

037 – Daily Rituals 2 – Real English Conversations

037 Real English Conversations – Daily Rituals 2 – Transcript

036 – Daily Rituals 1 – Real English Conversations

036 Daily Rituals 1 Transcript

REC004: Language Mining with Carsten Peters

035 – There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep – Real English Conversations

034 – Showing up for English learning success

033 – Lori burns her arm – Real English Conversations

032 – Real English Conversations: Perfectionism 3

031 – Telling Time in English – Real English Conversations

032 – Perfectionism and Procrastination 3 – Real English Conversations

030- Perfectionism and Procrastination 2 – Real English Conversations

029 – Perfectionism and Procrastination 1 – Real English Conversations

028 – Don’t step in the dog doo (4 of 4) – Real English Conversations

027 – Real English Conversations: Don’t step in the Dog Doo (part 3 of 4)

Real English Conversations: Don’t step on the dog doo (2 of 4)

Real English Conversations: Don’t step on the dog doo (part 1 of 4)

Real English Conversations: Weird food

Real English Conversations: 20 questions game

Real English Conversations: Itchy palms (superstitions)

Real English Conversations: Lori wants a naked cat

Real English Conversations: What leads to success?