Into the Story: Learn English with True Stories

Bree Aesie

Learn real English through inspiring stories told by people from all over the world. Intermediate to advanced learners — especially those preparing for Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced, and IELTS exams — will improve their English by listening to life-changing stories and motivational advice. Bree Aesie uses her psychology background to take you into the lives of extraordinary people, discovering different English accents and cultures. Studies show that stories activate your brain, making fluency fun and easy. Join our community and access learning materials at www.intothestorypodcast.com. read less
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Episodios

#59 | Going Beyond NASA (with Tiffani Claiborne)
5 días atrás
#59 | Going Beyond NASA (with Tiffani Claiborne)
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) 🚐 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 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#58 | Waiting to Hold You (with Martin Johnston)
09-04-2024
#58 | Waiting to Hold You (with Martin Johnston)
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) 🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with full vocabulary list, transcript, test, and much more! 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#57 | Into the Wild (with Gloudina Greenacre)
26-03-2024
#57 | Into the Wild (with Gloudina Greenacre)
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. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#56 | Overcoming Impostor Syndrome (with Anna Tyrie)
12-03-2024
#56 | Overcoming Impostor Syndrome (with Anna Tyrie)
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 🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOR FULL EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ with vocabulary, test, transcript and more! 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  Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#55 | Taking Risks (with Lindsay McMahon)
27-02-2024
#55 | Taking Risks (with Lindsay McMahon)
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. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#54 | Reimagining Success (with Alastair Budge)
13-02-2024
#54 | Reimagining Success (with Alastair Budge)
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) 🚐 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 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#53 | Building Confidence (with Anna Connelly)
30-01-2024
#53 | Building Confidence (with Anna Connelly)
Anna Connelly tells a story about giving her first big presentation at work and about confidence. Level: Upper Intermediate Accent: United Kingdom (Oxford) 🥧 Access The EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ for vocabulary, test, transcript and more. 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for subscribing and being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#52 | Life Isn't Forever (with Michael Lavers)
24-01-2024
#52 | Life Isn't Forever (with Michael Lavers)
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) 🚐 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 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#51 | 18-Meter Fall (with Erica Tait)
02-01-2024
#51 | 18-Meter Fall (with Erica Tait)
Erica Tait shares a story of falling off an 18-meter cliff. Level: Intermediate Accent: United States (New Jersey) 🚐 Ready to take your English further? ⁠⁠⁠The EPISODE PACKAGE⁠ is here ready for you in our English academy website, AC English School: TAKE ME TO THE EPISODE PACKAGE 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend who’s improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#49 | Chef Clive Travels the World
03-10-2023
#49 | Chef Clive Travels the World
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 🚐 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 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 Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
A Long Trip Home (Rebroadcast)
22-08-2023
A Long Trip Home (Rebroadcast)
Keena makes a long trip home after spending the summer in Greece. This episode originally aired April 2021.Level:  upper intermediateAccent: 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."Do you want to take your English to the next level? CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LEARNING MATERIALS, INCLUDING TRANSCRIPT, COMPREHENSION EXERCISES AND OTHER GOODIES!If you like Into the Story, share it now with one friend who needs help with their English. Thanks for being a part of the Into the Story community! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#46 | Finding Your Purpose (with Alicia Marie)
08-08-2023
#46 | Finding Your Purpose (with Alicia Marie)
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. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message
#44 | Olympic Weightlifting Champion (with Laura Eiman)
11-07-2023
#44 | Olympic Weightlifting Champion (with Laura Eiman)
Laura Eiman tells us about her amazing journey to become a champion in Olympic Weightlifting when she was 63 years old. Level:  High-intermediate Accent: United States (Boston) 🚐 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: - WANDER OVER: means to casually or aimlessly walk or move to a specific location without a clear purpose or direction. It implies a relaxed and unhurried movement.  - MENTAL TOUGHNESS This is an important concept in today’s story. Mental toughness means being able to stay strong and positive even when things are difficult. It's about not giving up easily and believing in yourself, even when things don't go the way you want them to. For example: - TO BINGE ON:  to consume—eat or drink—or do something excessively or in large quantities within a short period of time. It is often used when referring to food, TV shows, or activities. - A BARBELL: weightlifting equipment consisting of a long metal bar with weights attached to each end. It is commonly used for strength training. - TO BLOW AN OPPORTUNITY: to miss or squander a chance or possibility to achieve something or be successful because of your own actions or mistakes. It implies making a significant error or failing to take advantage of a favorable situation.  Episode links: Find out more about Laura Eiman at lauraeiman.com Enjoyed today's episode? Share it with a friend improving their English! Thanks for being a part of our community. 💛 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/intothestorypodcast/message