Into the Story: Learn English with True Stories

Our storyteller is Laura Eiman from Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States. She tells us about her amazing journey to become a champion in Olympic Weightlifting when she was 63 years old. Want to know her secret? It all began when Laura started studying the Navy SEAL Training Program and developed a strong interest in being tough (strong and positive).

Level: High-intermediate
Accent: United States (Boston)

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. WANDER OVER: "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.

"During the vacation, we would often wander through the streets of the city, exploring different neighborhoods."

2. 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:

"Athletes need mental toughness to push through physical exhaustion and keep performing at their best."

3. 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. For example:

"I love to binge on my favorite TV series during the weekends."

4. BARBELL: A "barbell" is a piece of weightlifting equipment consisting of a long metal bar with weights attached to each end. It is commonly used for strength training. For example:

"Arnold lifted a lot of barbells during his career as a bodybuilder."

5. TO BLOW AN OPPORTUNITY: "To blow an opportunity" means 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. For example:

"He blew the opportunity to get a promotion by always arriving late to work."

Do you want to take your English to the next level? Then, CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LEARNING MATERIALS, INCLUDING TRANSCRIPT AND COMPREHENSION EXERCISES.

If you like Into the Story, please share it with one friend who also needs help with their English. Thanks for listening!

Our storyteller is Laura Eiman from Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States. She tells us about her amazing journey to become a champion in Olympic Weightlifting when she was 63 years old. Want to know her secret? It all began when Laura started studying the Navy SEAL Training Program and developed a strong interest in being tough (strong and positive).

Level: High-intermediate
Accent: United States (Boston)

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. WANDER OVER: "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.

"During the vacation, we would often wander through the streets of the city, exploring different neighborhoods."

2. 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:

"Athletes need mental toughness to push through physical exhaustion and keep performing at their best."

3. 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. For example:

"I love to binge on my favorite TV series during the weekends."

4. BARBELL: A "barbell" is a piece of weightlifting equipment consisting of a long metal bar with weights attached to each end. It is commonly used for strength training. For example:

"Arnold lifted a lot of barbells during his career as a bodybuilder."

5. TO BLOW AN OPPORTUNITY: "To blow an opportunity" means 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. For example:

"He blew the opportunity to get a promotion by always arriving late to work."

Do you want to take your English to the next level? Then, CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LEARNING MATERIALS, INCLUDING TRANSCRIPT AND COMPREHENSION EXERCISES.

If you like Into the Story, please share it with one friend who also needs help with their English. Thanks for listening!

In today's episode of Into the Story, Jill shares how a simple comment from her high school teacher inspired her to overcome extreme shyness and pursue her true passion in life, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Have you ever listened to that voice inside of you?

Level: Intermediate
Accent: Canadian

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. TO ROLL UP (SOMEWHERE): To arrive at a place, typically in a casual or relaxed manner. Example: She decided to roll up to the party and see if any of her friends were there.

2. (TO BE) BITTER SWEET: A mixture of happiness and sadness experienced simultaneously. Example: Graduation day was bittersweet for Sarah, as she was excited about the future but sad to leave her friends behind.

3. TO BE BUZZING: To feel excited, energetic, or full of anticipation. Example: The crowd was buzzing with excitement before the concert started.

4. FOR STAKES TO BE HIGH: Referring to a situation where the potential consequences or risks are significant. Example: In a championship game, the stakes are high (or it is high stakes) because winning or losing has a major impact on the team's season.

How much did you understand?

CLICK HERE TO USE THIS EPISODE'S FULL LEARNING MATERIALS WHILE YOU LISTEN

If you like Into the Story, please share it with one friend who also needs help with their English. Thanks for listening!

In today's episode of Into the Story, Jill shares how a simple comment from her high school teacher inspired her to overcome extreme shyness and pursue her true passion in life, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Have you ever listened to that voice inside of you?

Level: Intermediate
Accent: Canadian

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. TO ROLL UP (SOMEWHERE): To arrive at a place, typically in a casual or relaxed manner. Example: She decided to roll up to the party and see if any of her friends were there.

2. (TO BE) BITTER SWEET: A mixture of happiness and sadness experienced simultaneously. Example: Graduation day was bittersweet for Sarah, as she was excited about the future but sad to leave her friends behind.

3. TO BE BUZZING: To feel excited, energetic, or full of anticipation. Example: The crowd was buzzing with excitement before the concert started.

4. FOR STAKES TO BE HIGH: Referring to a situation where the potential consequences or risks are significant. Example: In a championship game, the stakes are high (or it is high stakes) because winning or losing has a major impact on the team's season.

How much did you understand?

CLICK HERE TO USE THIS EPISODE'S FULL LEARNING MATERIALS WHILE YOU LISTEN

If you like Into the Story, please share it with one friend who also needs help with their English. Thanks for listening!

In Part 2 of the episode “Climbing Mount Everest”, you’ll listen to the story of Laurie Skreslet and a team of climbers, face difficult conditions as they attempt to reach the summit. They face challenges like broken ribs and frostbite —will they make it?

If you haven't already listened to Climbing Mount Everest Part 1, go listen now!

Level: Upper-intermediate to Advanced
Accent: Canadian

CLICK HERE TO USE THIS EPISODE'S FULL LEARNING MATERIALS WHILE YOU LISTEN

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. To brace yourself: To brace yourself means to prepare yourself for something that might be difficult or unpleasant.

2. Get down to business: To start focusing on an important task or activity, and stop wasting time.

3. To be touch by something: This means to be emotionally moved or affected by something.

4. To sink in: To sink in means to start to understand or realize the truth of something.

If you like Into the Story, please share it with one friend who also needs help with their English. Thanks for listening!

In Part 2 of the episode “Climbing Mount Everest”, you’ll listen to the story of Laurie Skreslet and a team of climbers, face difficult conditions as they attempt to reach the summit. They face challenges like broken ribs and frostbite —will they make it?

If you haven't already listened to Climbing Mount Everest Part 1, go listen now!

Level: Upper-intermediate to Advanced
Accent: Canadian

CLICK HERE TO USE THIS EPISODE'S FULL LEARNING MATERIALS WHILE YOU LISTEN

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. To brace yourself: To brace yourself means to prepare yourself for something that might be difficult or unpleasant.

2. Get down to business: To start focusing on an important task or activity, and stop wasting time.

3. To be touch by something: This means to be emotionally moved or affected by something.

4. To sink in: To sink in means to start to understand or realize the truth of something.

If you like Into the Story, please share it with one friend who also needs help with their English. Thanks for listening!

In 1982, Laurie Skreslet attempted to climb Mount Everest. He shares his thrilling adventure with a team of Canadians and Sherpas, facing dangerous avalanches, the closure of the only route up the mountain, and a life-changing moment.

Level: Advanced
Accent: Canadian

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. "To ignite" means to start something, either literally by starting a fire or figuratively by sparking an idea or feeling, as Laurie discusses igniting a passion for climbing.
2. "Little did I know" expresses discovering or experiencing something unexpectedly, often referring to unexpected consequences. For instance, loving a food you thought you would hate or finding a test more difficult than expected.
3. A “diving board” is a platform used for jumping off into a pool, commonly used in the sport of diving.
4. A “leap” refers to a big jump, like a cat jumping from a table to the ground, or a sudden change, such as starting a business after years of working in the same job.
5. "To give in" means to agree or surrender to something you didn't want to do, while "to give up" means to stop doing something or quit trying.

Click here for the full vocabulary list, transcript and listening comprehension quiz.

In 1982, Laurie Skreslet attempted to climb Mount Everest. He shares his thrilling adventure with a team of Canadians and Sherpas, facing dangerous avalanches, the closure of the only route up the mountain, and a life-changing moment.

Level: Advanced
Accent: Canadian

5 words and expressions in today's story:

1. "To ignite" means to start something, either literally by starting a fire or figuratively by sparking an idea or feeling, as Laurie discusses igniting a passion for climbing.
2. "Little did I know" expresses discovering or experiencing something unexpectedly, often referring to unexpected consequences. For instance, loving a food you thought you would hate or finding a test more difficult than expected.
3. A “diving board” is a platform used for jumping off into a pool, commonly used in the sport of diving.
4. A “leap” refers to a big jump, like a cat jumping from a table to the ground, or a sudden change, such as starting a business after years of working in the same job.
5. "To give in" means to agree or surrender to something you didn't want to do, while "to give up" means to stop doing something or quit trying.

Click here for the full vocabulary list, transcript and listening comprehension quiz.

Into the Story is back with new episodes on May 30!

Into the Story is back with new episodes on May 30!