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. Alastair shares a set of very useful prompts and techniques you can try out straight away, and we discuss the pros and cons of using AI for language learning. There's also a bit of fun as I try chatting with an AI version of myself. Download the free PDF in the show notes for all the prompts and ideas we mentioned, plus a full transcript.
📄 Get the PDF with all prompts and transcript 👉 https://teacherluke.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/936.-How-AI-Can-Boost-Your-English-with-LEP-feat.-Alastair-Budge.pdf
🔗 Episode page on my website 👉 https://teacherluke.co.uk/2025/05/19/936-how-ai-can-boost-your-english-with-lep-feat-alastair-budge/
🏆 Sign up to LEP Premium 👉 https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premium
🎧 Leonardo English 👉 https://www.leonardoenglish.com/
0:00 – Introduction: Learning English with AI
1:12 – Guest Introduction: Alastair Budge from Leonardo English
3:14 – Alastair’s Experience Using AI for Language Learning
5:41 – How ChatGPT Can Act Like a Tutor
7:06 – Turning Passive Listening into Active Learning
9:04 – Using AI After Listening: The Process
11:07 – Skills You Can Improve with AI + Podcast
12:34 – Stigma Around Using AI in Language Learning
15:03 – The Right and Wrong Ways to Use AI
17:25 – Pitfalls: Passive Learning, Losing Confidence or Your Voice
19:04 – Tools Available: Free vs Paid AI Access
20:30 – Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up a ChatGPT Session
27:08 – Listening Comprehension Exercise Demo
33:57 – Reflections on Self-Directed Learning
36:03 – IELTS Skills and AI Support
39:37 – Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise Demo (With Context & Feedback)
44:01 – Grammar Focused AI Prompt (Gerunds & Infinitives)
50:02 – AI Feedback & Error Correction Demo
54:00 – Vocabulary Building with ChatGPT
58:06 – New Transcript: Episode 921 with Ian Moore
1:00:03 – Natural Expressions Native Speakers Use
1:04:02 – Phrase Focus: “Fly by the seat of your pants”
1:10:00 – Learner Mistake Demo: ChatGPT Feedback
1:12:03 – Phrase Focus: “Take its toll”
1:14:50 – Finding Words to Push Your English from B1 to B2+
1:17:23 – Why Context Is So Important for Vocabulary
1:18:03 – Using AI to Search Luke’s Episode Archive
1:21:22 – Using AI to Prepare for Trips (e.g. Visiting London)
1:26:44 – The Cheese Episode: A Rambling Classic
1:27:46 – AI Version of Luke (LEP GPT) Demo
1:32:57 – Playing with AI Luke: Podcast Ideas
1:35:00 – Creating Your Own AI Tutor for LEP
1:36:05 – Studio Ghibli Controversy & Copyright in AI
1:38:52 – AI Voice Cloning and Podcast Copying Concerns
1:41:04 – The Rise of Slop: AI-Generated Podcast Content
1:47:59 – Human Creativity vs. AI Content
1:52:05 – Audio Demo: AI-Generated Podcast (Notebook LM)
1:54:50 – What did you think of the AI-generated podcast?
1:57:24 – Final Thoughts on AI vs Human Podcasts
1:59:02 – Thanks to Alastair + Get the PDF
2:01:08 – Wrapping Up and Listener Call to Action