English and Beyond - Intermediate English Podcast

Why do so many celebrities follow the same tragic script - early success, impossible pressure, public decline, and a carefully managed collapse? And has anything really changed in the age of influencers, TikTok fame and constant online visibility?In today's Advanced level episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the darker side of fame: the industry built on illusion, the toxic incentives behind talent management, and the strange role we, the audience, play in keeping the system alive. From Judy Garland to Britney Spears, from classic paparazzi culture to the self-inflicted exposure of social media, we unpack why the machine keeps producing the same stories - and why we keep consuming them.You'll hear a 4-minute monologue followed by a natural, unscripted conversation in British English - ideal for advanced learners wanting rich vocabulary and nuanced reflections.

We all do it: promise too much, deliver too late, and thus fail to meet someone's expectations.In this Advanced level conversation, Oliver and César explore disappointment, guilt, and the strange pressure to meet other people's standards. From over-promising at work to letting friends down, we reflect on why we care more about strangers' opinions than our loved ones', and what it really means to “lower the bar.”

Almost half of UK marriages end in divorce - yet we often still treat it as a shameful or tragic failure. In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I explore why so many relationships end, talk a bit about our own (experiences with) marriage, whether staying married always means happiness, and why divorce might sometimes be an act of honesty rather than defeat.

After a period where every small problem felt catastrophic, and he was encouraged to be more "mindful", Oliver asks how and why this radical idea about awareness became yet another lifestyle brand. In this conversation, he and César unpack how a practice meant to help us face discomfort ended up being sold as the cure for it.

What does it really mean to be European? Shared values, a shared history… or just a shared habit of thinking our neighbours are doing everything wrong?In this episode, we are joined by Elisa from French Mornings with Elisa (https://www.frenchmornings.com/) to talk about the strange mix of rivalry and affection that unites the continent. We compare British, French and Spanish attitudes to each other, Erasmus memories, Brexit, national clichés, and even which country gets blamed when things go wrong.

Most of us remember a teacher - and not always for positives reasons.Maybe they inspired us. Maybe they embarrassed us. Maybe they simply showed up every day and did their job without ever realising how much it mattered to us.In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César reflect on the people who taught them and left a big impression. They share stories of teachers who left a mark, both good and bad, and explore how those small, unspoken moments in education can shape who we become.

Are we becoming obsessed with optimisation?From Greek philosophy to Apple Watches, the idea of “the good life” has shifted from balance and virtue to data, tracking, and biohacking.In this episode of English and Beyond (Advanced), Oliver and César explore the culture of self-optimisation - from sleep divorces to clean eating, from supplements to billionaire blood transfusions.You'll hear natural British English conversation on:Where “healthy living” becomes obsessive control;Why sleep tracking, diets, and fitness apps can be both useful and harmful; andWhether we're chasing perfection or just trying to survive adulthood.

They say you never forget your first love. And maybe that's true - not because it was perfect, but because it carried an intensity that later relationships rarely match. Years later, a song, a name, or a face in a crowd can bring the memory back, fresh and overwhelming.In this episode, we talk about first crushes, awkward kisses, and secret teenage romances. Some stories are sweet, others bittersweet, but all of them remind us how powerful those early feelings can be - and how they stay with us, even when everything else has moved on.Listen in for reflections on:Why first love often feels more vivid than later relationshipsHow memory reshapes our earliest experiences of desire and disappointmentThe sweet, sometimes innocent intensity of loving for the very first time

When AI can podcast, teach and even translate in real time, what's left for us humans?In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and César discuss the promises and threats of Artificial Intelligence. From Apple's new live-translation AirPods to AI-generated podcasts on YouTube, they ask hard and sometimes depressing questions about the future of education, creativity, and work!Will teachers and podcasters (and lawyers) become redundant? Could AI replace not only routine jobs but also creative voices? Or will this technology simply shift what we value as “uniquely human”?Along the way, they reflect on history, from the Industrial Revolution to today, and explore how people adapt when technology changes everything.Listen in for a frank conversation about fear and opportunity — and decide for yourself whether AI is a threat, a tool, or perhaps both.

Why are humans so devoted to pets?We spend billions on them, treat them like family, and grieve their loss as deeply as we would a relative. But they're not human. They don't share our language or our culture, and their lives are heartbreakingly short. So why do we choose to invite animals into our homes - knowing from the beginning that the story will end in loss?In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the paradox of pet ownership. We look at the history of pets, cultural differences in attitudes to animals, and the challenges - financial, practical, and emotional - of living with them. Along the way, we share personal stories of beloved cats and dogs, and reflect on why the bond between humans and animals is so powerful.Perfect for advanced English learners, this episode combines natural conversation with cultural insight, giving you the language to talk about pets, companionship, and loss in English.

Why do compliments so often make us cringe? In this advanced English podcast episode, we explore the psychology of praise and the language of compliments: why a simple “you look nice today” can trigger self-doubt, suspicion, or even discomfort.You'll discover how cultural differences shape the way compliments are given and received in English, why flattery can sometimes feel manipulative, and how a “backhanded compliment” works. We'll also look at natural phrases and advanced vocabulary you can use when giving or responding to compliments in English.This episode is designed for advanced English learners who want to improve their listening comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and understand the subtleties of English communication.

Improve your English listening with this advanced-level story. Oliver shares the real experience of studying a language abroad - the good, the bad, and the sweaty.What happens when you go abroad to learn a language? Does immersion really work? In this episode, I talk about my time in Montpellier: the grammar lessons, the teachers, the pros and cons… and what I actually took away from the whole experience.

In this episode, we explore a subtle, often unspoken kind of rivalry - the sort that happens not in sports or business, but in close relationships. What does it mean to compete with someone you care about? Can it help you grow, or does it just create tension? Oliver and César share the story of their two-year French-learning journey, but things quickly turned into a challenge. Who would reach B2 first? Who was more consistent? And who would end up paying for dinner?

In this special 50th episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César reflect on one year of podcasting, what anniversaries really mean, and why they could often forget their own.From the challenges of staying consistent to the little victories along the way, we talk about how far we've come - and whether anniversaries are worth celebrating at all. Expect language tips, personal stories, some light teasing, and a spilled coffee or two.Whether you've been here since episode one or just joined us, this is a great moment to catch up, laugh with us, and maybe question what really deserves a celebration.

In this sweaty, slightly chaotic episode, César and Oliver question whether moving to Valencia was such a great idea... in the middle of an early summer heatwave. Join us as we talk about the oppressive Spanish humidity, sweaty public transport, unexpected cockroach encounters, and whether torrid weather leads to torrid affairs.You'll learn expressions like sweating like a pig, dog days of summer, break a sweat, and pungent, all in the context of a fun, natural conversation. It's English for real life - with humour, honesty, and a lot of sweat.

Is Tuscany really as perfect as Instagram makes it look?In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and César sit down to share the unfiltered truth about their recent holiday in Italy - and it's not all rolling hills and Chianti. From postcard-perfect views and delicious dinners to mosquito bites, awkward group dynamics, and way too much sun, this is a real conversation about travel expectations vs. reality.Whether you've had a disappointing holiday yourself or just want to hear two English teachers get a little too honest about their summer getaway, this episode is packed with humour, reflection, and the kind of natural English that textbooks never teach.Watch on YouTube for the video version!

In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced Edition, Oliver and César explore a question we all secretly ask ourselves: “Do I actually like this… or do I just think I'm supposed to?” From five-star restaurants and summer holidays to podcasts and museums, they take a light-hearted but honest look at things that might be a little overrated, a bit overhyped, or just not all they're cracked up to be.Along the way, they revisit The Emperor's New Clothes as a perfect metaphor for modern trends, and unpack the advanced English you need to talk about personal taste, pressure, and public opinion — including words and phrases like pretentious, mainstream, underwhelming, and jump on the bandwagon.This is a funny, reflective, vocabulary-rich episode about honesty, hype, and the freedom of saying “meh.”

What makes a film critically acclaimed, atmospheric, or even box office poison? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I (I'm Oliver!) dive into the full cinema experience - from noisy popcorn munching to unexpected plot twists - and explore the vocabulary and expressions you need to talk about movies like a native speaker.Whether you're a film lover, a language geek, or someone just looking to expand your advanced English, you'll learn real-life phrases and idioms like suspension of disbelief, scene stealer, Oscar bait, and more - all through natural conversation and laughter.

Would you know what to say at the doctor's in English?In this English and Beyond: Advanced English episode, César and I explore some advanced medical English vocabulary, from describing symptoms to understanding key healthcare terms like prognosis, chronic illness, and comorbidity.Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how the UK's NHS works (I actually worked in the system for a little bit!), why Brits are so passionate about it, and how healthcare differs around the world.

Are we on the point of World War III - and what does Ancient Greece have to do with it?In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced, we explore The Thucydides Trap - a theory from ancient history that's now being used to explain modern tensions between China and the United States.You'll learn:– Who Thucydides was and what he said about the Peloponnesian War– How Harvard professor Graham Allison revived this idea for the 21st century– Why some people believe war between China and the US is inevitable - and others say it's avoidable– Why fear, not ambition, might be the most dangerous force in international relations– And how studying Ancient Greece can help you understand today's world - and improve your English at the same time.This episode includes natural native English, cultural insight, and advanced vocabulary related to politics, diplomacy, and global conflict.

Why did Britain fall out of love with Meghan Markle? In this episode of English and Beyond, I take a deep dive into the intense reaction to the Duchess of Sussex, unpacking her rise and fall in British public opinion.From media double standards to cultural differences, race, class, and the emotional shift of Prince Harry, this monologue and conversation with César explore what the backlash really reveals about the UK, the monarchy, and modern identity politics.Is it just about Meghan - or is she a symbol of something bigger?

An episode featuring a proper pronunciation expert, Emma (from Pronunciation with Emma)!In this episode of English and Beyond, we dive deep into the surprising world of British accents — and why they can cause so much tension, even within the UK.From royal RP to the streets of Newcastle, accents in Britain are more than just a way of speaking — they're loaded with class, culture, and even controversy. We are joined by our first special guest, the eponymous founder of Pronunciation with Emma, a pronunciation expert and linguist, to unpack the history, politics, and social perceptions of accents in the UK and beyond.We discuss:Why one accent dominated British media for decades;How your accent can still affect your job prospects in 2025;The myth of "the" British accent — and how Americans (and Hollywood) often get it wrong;Emma's favourite accent (spoiler: it's not British!);What happens when learners want to sound like the Queen; andWhy pronunciation and accent aren't the same thing.

Have you ever experienced culture shock - that strange, unsettling feeling when you're suddenly living in a completely different country?

As ridiculous as it sounds, I think this is my favourite episode ever.

Why is frustration so difficult to manage? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I explore how we deal with everyday setbacks—from minor inconveniences to major stress triggers.I confess my struggles with patience (and his frustration with technology), while César explains why he tries to stay calm—even when Spanish bureaucracy tests his limits. Expect honest reflections, a few laughs, and plenty of useful vocabulary along the way.

The British Royal Family is one of the most famous institutions in the world, but is it still relevant today? In this episode of English and Beyond, we explore the monarchy's role in modern Britain, its history of scandals, and how it continues to shape the UK's global image.We discuss:

Have you ever wondered where certain words disappear to? Why do some expressions vanish from everyday speech, only to reappear centuries later? And which words could be on the verge of extinction right now?In this episode of English and Beyond, we uncover the hidden history of lost English words—from ‘eftsoons' to ‘unfriend'—and explore how cultural shifts, technology, and slang shape the way we speak. We'll also discuss why English is seemingly more adaptable than other languages and why it keeps borrowing, evolving, and even ditching words at an alarming rate.Got a word you love (or hate)? Let us know!

In this episode, I'm tackling a big question: Why don't I want kids? A listener asked me about being childless in my mid-30s, and - honestly? - I hadn't thought about it in a while! But it got me reflecting on my reasons, from autonomy (I love my freedom), to sacrifice (do we really have to give up everything for the next generation?), to fulfilment (can't life be meaningful without children?).I also chat with César about family pressure, whether I ever feel FOMO about parenthood, and - most importantly - we talk about sausage dogs, awkward baby-holding moments, and unsolicited parenting advice.If you've ever thought about whether kids are for you, or just want to hear a fun and honest discussion while you improve your English, don't miss this one!

We all know that British and American English have their differences, but where do you stand? Do you say film or movie? Got or gotten? Autumn or fall?In the latest episode of English & Beyond, I explore how US culture shaped my language growing up and why my parents (big fans of the USA) absolutely hate certain Americanisms. Plus, did you know that some of these so-called "American" words actually originated in Britain centuries ago?I also put César to the test in a fun British vs. American English quiz—see if you can get them right too!

Here is an unusual episode discussing food safety, fear, and the unexpected stories that shape our world. In this week's episode of English and Beyond, César and I tackle the eerie tale of Mad Cow Disease—a terrifying health scare from the 90s that shaped the UK's food industry and left lasting psychological scars.

In this week's episode of English and Beyond, I'm venturing into the captivating world of tattoos with our first returning guest, Franziska, whose personal journey with body art has been nothing short of transformative.

As the year draws to a close, I'm excited to share the final episode of English and Beyond for 2024. This festive episode is all about Christmas! It's a nostalgic dive into personal traditions, some ancient history, and the quirks of celebrating the season across different cultures.

This week on English and Beyond, we explore the unique and lifelong connection between siblings, with a special focus on sisters. From hero worship in childhood to sibling rivalries and touching moments of mutual support, this episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and heartfelt reflections.Host Oliver shares stories about his older sister, affectionately named “Jeanne” for the podcast, and the profound impact she's had on his life. Joined by regular co-host César, the duo also discuss the complexities of sibling dynamics—from being role models to navigating the challenges of sibling rivalry and trust.You'll learn new English phrases like “your reputation precedes you” and “sounding board”, while enjoying a mix of humour and sentimentality.Have your own sibling stories? Share them with us at oliver@morethanalanguage.com. Don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends!

What makes someone your best friend? Is it time, shared experiences, or just the luck of meeting the right person at the right moment?In this special episode of English and Beyond, Oliver explores the meaning of friendship. With help from his old university friend Chris, who dials in from the USA, they explore everything from the odd rituals of childhood best friends to the transactional nature of party buddies.Why do some relationships stay in the “friendly acquaintance” zone while others become lifelong bonds? And how do friendships compare to romantic relationships or sibling dynamics? With wit, warmth, and a touch of dry humour, Oliver and Chris unpack the messy, wonderful world of human connection.Whether you're a lifelong casual friend-maker or a proud introvert of the 'best friend' variety, this episode may make you think about the people in your life in a new way.

In this episode of English and Beyond, an intermediate-advanced English learning podcast, César and I explore the labyrinth that is British social etiquette. From a brutally honest, brutally Spanish flat inspection in Valencia to the fine-tuned overuse of “sorry” and “thank you” on the London Tube, we break down what it means to be “polite” in the UK.Is it all genuine kindness, or are Brits just world-class at passive-aggressive fakery? And how does that reconcile with the less-than-dignified behaviour of sunburnt Brits in Magaluf?Join us both as we tackle queuing etiquette, white lies, and the cultural clash of ordering a simple beer in a British pub. Packed with sharp observations, dry humour, and César's own Spanish-British perspective, this episode is a deep dive into why British politeness is both maddening and magnificent.Don't worry - listening won't require queuing. Unless you're living in Britain, in which case, feel free to line up out of habit.For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

Curious about the quirks of British education? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I dig into the world of single-sex education—those schools where boys and girls are kept apart in the name of better grades, fewer distractions, and old traditions.I reflect on my years teaching in a boys' school and the surprising behaviours I observed, while César compares it to his own experience in mixed Spanish schools. Together, we explore the pros, the cons, and whether single-sex education is just a ‘charming', British relic or still holds some educational value today.From classroom dynamics to bigger debates about gender, stereotypes, and society, it's a lighthearted but thoughtful discussion that may have you questioning your own take on education. Tune in for a balanced mix of honesty, humour, and hopefully a touch of charm!For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

This week on English and Beyond, César and I take a playful spin on the British radio classic Desert Island Discs. With a packed schedule and absolutely no time to overthink it, we're keeping it real, relaxed, and full of little surprises. I'm picking the songs, books, and even luxury items I'd want on a desert(ed) island — with a few twists along the way.Curious about:The track that instantly transports me to childhood?

Hello listeners, it's Oliver here, and this week, we're tackling the universal experience we all know too well: disappointment. From movies that made us walk out of the cinema (Joker 2: Folie à Deux, I'm looking at you) to our expectations that were set way too high, César and I will be sharing our personal entertainment-based letdowns — yes, even César managed to stay awake long enough in Joker 2 to become disappointed.In this episode we'll chat about films that weren't worth the popcorn, musicals that fell flat, and even the agony of feeling disappointed with your own efforts literally in the moment of creating something! But make sure that you stay till the end, because we'll dish out some tips to turn any English-learning frustrations and disappointments into small victories, using our free eBooks - hopefully you'll experience no disappointments there, but please blame César if you do!Tune in, subscribe, and maybe share it with a friend who needs a laugh about life's many letdowns - maybe self-described Italian Lady Gaga may want to give it a listen right now?For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

Today I discuss one of the most potentially awkward but important relationships you'll ever have in your life: the one with your mother-in-law. From the nervousness of early introductions to shared meals featuring adventurous dishes (yes, rabbit and snails make an appearance), I'll take you through my own personal experiences of forming meaningful bonds with each of my three mothers-in-law.With plenty of (attempts at) humour and a dash of sentiment, this episode sheds light on how mothers-in-law can go from being intimidating figures to becoming cherished family members. I'll also be consulting César, of course, on his opinion of his own mothers-in-law, though we must acknowledge that he and I are both aware that my mother does in fact listen to this podcast...Whether you've had a mother-in-law from heaven or the kind that makes you consider an international escape plan, this episode is for you! Grab a cup of tea (or something stronger if necessary, based on your own experiences…) and tune in for a light-hearted take on a relationship that can end up being anything but simple!For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

Please listen to (Episode 18 / Part I) first if you wish to understand Episode 19 fullyIf you tuned in last time, you know we left off with a cliffhanger… and now it's time to wrap up the 'career confessions' with me, Oliver, and my guest, César! César is finally back in the interrogation seat after a few weeks' break, to discuss with me the ups and downs of career switching, the struggles of finding fulfilment, and why today's economy makes “sticking to one job” nearly impossible for millennials. In this episode, we share some personal (and occasionally embarrassing!) stories about our past jobs in retail, teaching, law, and beyond. Expect a characteristically candid chat on everything from handling customer complaints, navigating VIP lounges, to the challenges of leaving well-paid but unfulfilling careers behind. César and I both end up reflecting on how teaching - in school and online - has been both rewarding and emotional at times! Whether you're navigating your own career changes or just looking for some real-life advice on work and happiness, this episode is sure to resonate. Tune in as we explore what it means to find joy in work, even if it means breaking away from the traditional path. Catch up now and join us for some honest conversation! For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

Ever wondered how a career can go from law to Latin, politics to podcasting? Join me, Oliver, as I take you through my unconventional career journey, spilling the highs, lows, and unexpected detours that brought me to where I am today. From quitting my job as a secondary school teacher in the UK to packing my bags for a new life in sunny Spain, I'm taking you behind the scenes of some major life changes.

After I persuaded my mum to sit down and talk to me for last week's episode, it was logical to ask my dad to join me for one as well. It wasn't hard to convince him - I'm sure that he thought that if my mum could do it, he absolutely should be able to do so too!Our relationship has always been an interesting one—full of debates, arguments, and the kind of exchanges that perhaps many fathers and sons share. In fact, we spent many of my teenage years at odds with each other, but, in retrospect, those arguments shaped our bond and I don't regret it at all! In this episode, we talk about everything from family life to his career in the fashion industry and even dive into a few deeper reflections on ageing and regrets.One of the things I loved about recording this episode is seeing how much our relationship has changed over the years. My dad might (frequently) refer to himself as being “in decline,” but his sense of humour and sharpness are very much still intact. And despite all the disagreements we've had over the years, this chat is a reminder of the deep respect and connection we share. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.So, if you've ever had a complex relationship with a parent, or simply enjoy hearing stories about family, work, and life's changes, tune in!For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

This is quite an exciting episode for me, because I've actually persuaded my mum to join me for it, which was a big surprise!My mother hates to be photographed and has basically told me already that she'll refuse to listen to this episode - like many people, she doesn't like seeing herself in photos or listening back to recordings of her own voice. That's why I am so shocked to have her on board!So why am I excited to have done this episode? Simply because I love her and I enjoyed creating it. Editing the episode made me smile a lot. Like many people, I feel that I owe so many of the best parts of my life to my mother. I have seen first-hand that not everyone has that relationship with a parent, and I am grateful to have had someone who listened to me, was (mostly!) patient with me, and fundamentally cared about me.In this episode, we reminisce together about her own childhood, her relationship with her mother, and the best and worst things about being a parent.I hope that you enjoy this discussion with my mum. :)For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

Are you looking to improve your English comprehension skills while also exploring a thought-provoking topic? This episode may be what you're looking for…Do you consider yourself a lucky person? Can you ever say that you've had a happy life? How would your answer change if something truly terrible happened tomorrow? In this episode of English and Beyond, I explore these questions by sharing an old story that has stuck with me since I was a teenager: the tale of Croesus, a wealthy king whose arrogance and belief in his good fortune led to a tragic downfall. What lessons can we learn from this story, and what does it have to do with the modern-day celebrities who seem to have it all, only to lose it all soon after?Together with my guest César, we talk about luck, happiness, and the inevitable ups and downs we all face. This episode will challenge you to think about your own luck and what it means to live a fulfilling life.If you're an intermediate English learner, this episode is packed with rich vocabulary, approachable philosophical discussions, and relatable examples, all designed to help you practise your listening skills while reflecting on life's big questions.For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

Welcome to English and Beyond, the ultimate podcast for intermediate English learners! Join us weekly as we dive into a wide variety of engaging and slightly unconventional topics that go beyond traditional language learning. From quirky cultural insights to intriguing personal stories, this podcast offers a fresh approach to improving your English. Each episode features natural, idiomatic English and often a range of accents, helping you boost your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. Hosted by experienced language teachers, Oliver and Cesar (from Spanish Language Coach), and featuring guest speakers, English and Beyond ensures an entertaining and educational experience. Whether you're looking to enhance your language routine or simply enjoy interesting discussions in accessible English, this podcast is perfect for you. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform and visit us at www.morethanalanguage.com for transcripts and more!For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

You may be curious about why I have included a French word in the title to this episode? Set your mind at ease - all will be revealed (including the meaning of the word) if you join us this week for another episode of English and Beyond, the new intermediate-level podcast for people learning English as a foreign language.This week, I (Oliver, your host) discuss the fact that I haven't had the burst of motivation that I usually get every September. What do you, listener, think I should do about that? What happens when you don't have the motivation to do your job or pursue your hobbies or...well, anything at all, really? In this episode, César and I trade advice about how we approach this universal issue.So don't give in to your ennui - give this episode a go! :)For a full transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com