English and Beyond: Advanced English for Fluency & Communication
English and Beyond is a weekly podcast for upper-intermediate to advanced English learners who want to improve fluency, listening skills, and vocabulary through natural, idiomatic English. Each episode explores thoughtful, unconventional topics using authentic British English and a range of global accents. The podcast includes free transcripts and Quizlet flashcards for key vocabulary. It is hosted by experienced teachers Oliver and César.
Episodes
E75 Immersion Abroad Isn't Always Easy (feat. "Spanish with Antonio") | Advanced English Podcast
Why is it so hard to make real friends in the UK? In this episode of English & Beyond, Oliver sits down with Antonio from Spanish with Antonio to talk about what it's actually like living abroad - the friendships that never quite happen, the cultural codes nobody explains, and why British politeness doesn't always lead to real connection. Antonio shares his experiences living in Port
E74 Is It Rude to Ghost Someone? | Advanced English Conversation Practice
Is it rude to ghost someone, or is silence sometimes the kindest answer?In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the modern phenomenon of ghosting - when someone suddenly stops replying in dating, friendships or even professional situations.This episode is designed for advanced English learners who want to improve their English listening skills through natural conversation.
E73 How Birthdays Change as We Get Older | Advanced English Conversation
In this advanced English conversation, César and Oliver reflect on how birthdays change as we get older - from childhood parties and British birthday traditions to adult expectations, gifts and family gatherings. The discussion explores ageing, social pressure and cultural differences in a natural, unscripted dialogue designed for advanced learners.Improve your listening with real British English,
E72 Does Ambition Make You A Worse Person? | Advanced English Podcast About Society & Ethics
Does ambition make us more successful - or just more disconnected from the people around us?In this advanced English conversation, César and Oliver explore the role of ambition in modern life, from hustle culture and big-city pressure to discipline, happiness and personal relationships. Through a natural, unscripted discussion, they question whether constantly striving for more can affect how we s
E71 Everyone Has a Podcast Now! | Advanced English Podcast About Media & Culture
Why does everyone have a podcast now?In this episode, we discuss the podcast boom, why most podcasts don’t last, and what podcasting says about modern culture - through natural, unscripted advanced English.Ideal for advanced English learners who want to improve listening comprehension, learn real expressions, and get used to native-level conversation without simplified language.📖 Want to improve y
E70 What We Owe Our Families (and What We Don’t) - Fine-tune Your Advanced English Listening Skills
What do we really owe our families - and where do we draw the line?In this advanced-level English podcast episode, we explore family conflict, obligation, loyalty and boundaries. Using clear, natural British English, we discuss cultural differences, falling out with relatives, and when family expectations become a burden. Ideal for advanced learners who want thoughtful content and real-world vocab
E69 What AI Is Doing to Our Attention - Practise Your Advanced English With This Angry Rant!
Are social networks and their new best friend, artificial intelligence, destroying our attention spans? In this episode, we examine how AI-generated content, endless scrolling, and algorithm-driven platforms are changing the way we focus, learn, and consume information online. We discuss fake influencers, their low-effort “educational” content, and why depth, effort, and long-form thinking are bec
E68 Back Living With Your Parents Again... - Advanced English Listening
In this advanced English listening episode, we talk about the reality of moving back in with your parents as adults. You’ll hear natural, unscripted English, real opinions, and everyday vocabulary about family life, shared spaces, awkward moments, and cultural differences. Ideal for advanced learners who want real English, not textbook English.📖 Want to improve your English even more?Read the full
E67 Am I Chasing Goals I Don't Actually Want? - Advanced English Podcast
Why do so many resolutions quickly fail - even when we feel so motivated at the start of the year?In this episode, we reflect on failed resolutions, accountability, and the uncomfortable idea that some goals don’t stick because they were never truly our goals. From language learning to fitness and productivity, we explore how honesty matters more than discipline.📖 Want to improve your English even
E66 We're Ending the Year in a Totally Different Place - Advanced English Podcast
At the start of the year, I had a fairly clear idea of what the next twelve months would look like...that didn’t happen.In this episode, I talk about how the year actually ended up - the practical changes, the shifts in routine, and how you can end a year in a completely different place without any single dramatic moment causing it.It’s not a recap, and it’s not a lesson. Just a look at how plans
E65 Friendship at First Sight - Advanced Listening Practice
Let's improve your English listening skills while discussing a very relevant topic: why do we just 'click' so much better with some people more than others?In this episode, Oliver and César talk about the strange mechanics of adult friendship: why it’s so hard to make genuine friends through work or hobbies, why life constantly interrupts the friendships we do build, and why occasi
E64 We Quit! (Not Really...) - Advanced English Learning Podcast
Shameful! But maybe relatable? 😂Why do two language teachers - people who literally teach languages for a living - end up quitting their own language learning lessons after just two months?In today’s episode, we talk honestly about motivation, classrooms, commuting, group dynamics, and why even experienced learners sometimes lose momentum. We discuss the reality of adult language learning, the tem
E63 The Price of Fame - Advanced English Learning 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 ince
E62 The Art of Disappointing People - Advanced Listening Practice for English Students
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
E61 If We Get D.I.V.O.R.C.E.D, Has Our Marriage Failed? (Advanced English Listening Practice)
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.📖 Want to improve your English
E60 Has Mindfulness Lost Its Mind? - Advanced English Listening (C1/C2)
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.📖 Want to improve your English even more?Read the full transcri
E59 Do Europeans Even *Like* Each Other? (feat. French Mornings with Elisa)
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 othe
E58 Teachers We’ll Never Forget - Advanced English Listening (C1/C2)
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
E57 Perfectly Miserable: The Culture of Optimisation - Advanced English Listening
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 B
E56 "First Love Never Dies" - Advanced English Listening Practice
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 bittersw
E55 The End of Language Learning - Advanced English Listening Practice
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,
E54 Do We Love Our Pets Too Much? - Advanced English Listening Practice
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 Be
E53 Why Do Compliments Feel So Awkward? - Advanced English Listening
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
E52 Learning English Abroad? The HONEST Truth About Immersion Trips...
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 exp
E51 Can You Compete with Someone You Love? (The Results Are In!)
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 f
E50 Fifty Episodes Later: Do Anniversaries Really Matter? - Advanced English
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
E49 Summer Loving / Spanish Hell - Advanced English
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,
E48 Tuscany, Italy: The Good, the Bad and the Itchy - Advanced English
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 conversatio
E47 Overrated & Overhyped: What We’re All Pretending to Like | Advanced English for expressing opinions
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
E46 Movies: Popcorn to Plot Twists | How to Talk About Films in Advanced English
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 jus
E45 Do You Speak "Doctor"? | Advanced Medical English
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
E44 Why the US and China Might Be Headed for War | Practise Advanced English Through Global Politics
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 Al
E43 Why is Meghan Markle so unpopular in Britain? | Advanced English Listening Practice
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
E42 Want to sound British? You might regret it... (feat. Emma, from Pronunciation with Emma) - Advanced English listening practice
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 controve
E41 Culture Shock Is Real: what surprised us about life abroad - Advanced level listening practice for English-language students
Have you ever experienced culture shock - that strange, unsettling feeling when you're suddenly living in a completely different country? 🌍 In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I share our real experiences of living abroad and how it affected them emotionally, practically… and even gastronomically.🎧 I will tell you about moving to Spain, despite speaking the language and knowing t
E40 Why Do Brits Drink So Much? - Advanced level English learning podcast
🇬🇧 Why do Brits have such a reputation for binge drinking? 🇬🇧In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I dive into British drinking culture, exploring why nights out in the UK start and end so early, the historical reasons behind our binge-drinking habits, and how it all compares to nightlife in Spain. 🍻From pub culture to the impact of World War I alcohol laws, I share my own experiences o
E39 Do Brits Have The Worst Teeth In Europe? - Advanced English Listening and Vocabulary
As ridiculous as it sounds, I think this is my favourite episode ever.💬 Are British teeth really as bad as the stereotype suggests? This episode of English and Beyond is perfect for advanced English learners looking to improve their comprehension and expand their vocabulary!We explore the long-standing myth about British teeth, using real statistics, personal anecdotes, and cultural comparisons. P
E38 Why Is Frustration So Hard to Handle? - Advanced English Listening & Vocabulary
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,
E37 The British Royal Family: Power, Scandal & Influence - Advanced English Podcast
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:👑 César’s journey to becoming a British citizen and his thoughts on the monarchy⚖️ The contradictions of a heredi
E36 Sick, Ridiculous, Terrific: English language over time - Improve your English vocabulary and history knowledge
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 s
E35 Parenthood isn't for me, and here's why - Advanced English listening practice with natural conversations
📢 E35: Parenthood Isn’t for Me, and Here’s Why – A Deep Dive into Choosing a Child-Free Life💡 Why do some people choose not to have kids? A listener asked me about being child-free in my mid-30s, and it got me reflecting on my own reasons—autonomy, sacrifice, fulfilment, and whether parenthood is truly the only path to a meaningful life.In this episode of English & Beyond, I dive into:✅ The ri
E34 Make British English Great Again? 😂 - British vs. American English: Pronunciation and language differences
📢 E34: British vs. American English – Do You Use Americanisms? 🇬🇧🇺🇸Film or movie? Got or gotten? Autumn or fall?We all know that British and American English have their differences, but where do you stand?In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore how American culture shaped my English, why my parents hate certain Americanisms, and the surprising truth behind words that many Brits think ar
E33 Mad Cow Disease - Real-life English listening: News, history, and advanced vocabulary
Could a burger give you a fatal brain disease? In the 1990s, the UK was rocked by the Mad Cow Disease crisis, a scandal that led to global panic, a total ban on British beef, and lingering fears about food safety decades later.In this episode of English and Beyond, we dive into the real story behind Mad Cow Disease, from the shocking feeding practices that started it all to the long-term consequen
E32 Anonymity - English conversation practice: Idioms, expressions, and real-world topics
🎭 Is anonymity a shield or a weapon? 🎭In this special first video episode of English and Beyond, we explore anonymity—why some people seek it, how it grants freedom, and how it can also be used for harm.From masked balls and Banksy to whistleblowers and internet trolls, we discuss:✅ Why people protect their identities (and when they shouldn’t)✅ How anonymity enables free speech, creativity, and sa
E31 Addicted to tattoos ☠️ - Learn advanced English with natural conversations and slang
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.💡 What you’ll discover:The ancient history of tattoos: From Ötzi the Iceman to Polynesian rites of passage.Shifting perceptions: Why tattoos were once taboo but are now mainstr
E30 The Good, The Bad, The Motivational: New Year's - Real English listening practice with natural speech patterns
🎙️ New Year, Fresh Goals | English and BeyondHappy 2025! In this episode, I struggle though a bad cold as I reflect on the magic of fresh starts and New Year's traditions, from my family's Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland to the quiet introspection that winter invites. I share my ambitious (and not-so-ambitious) resolutions for the year, including continuing to learn French, reading for
E29 How I’ve ruined Christmas in the past - British English storytelling for advanced learners
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.🎙 What’s Inside?My reflections on chaotic childhood Christmases (spoiler: black bin bags instead of wrapping paper!)T
E28 She was my hero, I was her annoyance - Real English storytelling to improve listening skills
👭 What’s the role of a sister in your life? From childhood hero worship to sibling rivalries, our relationships with our sisters shape us in ways we don’t always realise.This week on English and Beyond, I reflect on the unique bond between siblings, with a special focus on my own older sister—affectionately named Jeanne for this episode. Joined by regular co-host César, we explore the complexities
E27 Friendship - British English fluency: Learn advanced conversation skills
🤝 What makes someone a best friend? Is it time, shared experiences, or just luck?In this special episode of English and Beyond, I sit down with my old university friend Chris, who joins from the USA, to explore the complex world of friendship. From childhood best friends to party buddies, we reflect on how friendships evolve and why some last while others fade.🎧 Inside the episode:🔍 Why do some fr
E26 Are British people *really* polite? - British culture and real-life English speaking practice
☕ "Sorry!" "Thank you!" "Oh, sorry again!" The British are famous for their politeness—but is it all genuine, or just world-class passive-aggressive fakery?In this episode of English and Beyond, César & I unpack the quirks of British social etiquette, from excessive apologies to queuing obsessions and the mysterious art of ordering a pint the right way. 🍺🎧 Inside
E25 Single-Sex Schooling - Debate in English: Discussing pros and cons with advanced vocabulary
👩🎓 Single-sex schools—progressive choice or charmingly outdated tradition? 🏫In this episode, César & I take a deep dive into British single-sex education—those schools where boys & girls are kept apart for (supposedly) better focus, higher grades, and fewer distractions.As a former teacher in an all-boys school, I share the surprising behaviours I observed, while César compares it to his
E24 🥺 This song reminds me of you... (César interviews Oliver) - Natural and personal English conversation with native/advanced speakers
🏝️ Stranded on a desert island… but with music, books & one ridiculous luxury item?This week, César & I are taking a lighthearted twist on the classic British radio show Desert Island Discs! With zero time to overthink, I’m choosing the songs, book & one over-the-top item I’d bring to my imaginary deserted island—all while César reacts in real-time.🎧 Tune in to hear:🎶 The song that ins
E23 Muscles, Masculinity, and Martha (a *very* Strongwoman) - Improve your English fluency with real conversations
💪 Can lifting weights actually change your mindset? 💪In this episode of English & Beyond, I sit down with my friend Martha, a powerhouse in urban gardening and actualStrongwoman competitions 🏋️♀️, to chat about fitness, self-image, and what ‘strength’ really means.💡 What’s inside:✔️ My childhood fear of the word ‘muscles’ (seriously!) 😱✔️ Why many women quit sports in their teens—and how that
E22 Halloween and its curious Celtic origins - British traditions explained in natural English
🎃 Trick or treat? 🎃In this episode of English & Beyond, César and I dig into Halloween’s surprising origins, exploring how a Celtic festival became a global phenomenon—with a little (or a lot) of help from the USA.💡 What we chat about in this episode:✔️ My non-existent childhood Halloween celebrations 🎭✔️ Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and why my parents refused to play along✔️ The Celtic roots of Ha
E21 Eternally Disappointed with...Joker 2, Musicals, Theatre, everything - Pop culture and English conversation practice
🎭 Ever walked out of a film because it was THAT disappointing? We did…In this episode, César and I discuss disappointment—from movies that didn’t live up to expectations (Joker: Folie à Deux, we’re looking at you) to the frustration of setting the bar too high.💡 What we chat about in this episode:✔️ Joker 2—why we actually walked out of the cinema✔️ The problem with hyped-up sequels✔️ Musicals we
E20 Monsters-in-law (Meeting the parents...) - Real English conversation with expressions and idioms
👀 Difficult or delightful? The mother-in-law relationship is rarely simple…In this episode, I dive into one of the most important and potentially awkward relationships you’ll ever have: the one with your mother-in-law! From first meetings to memorable meals (yes, rabbit and snails included 🐰🐌), I share my experiences of building relationships with three different mothers-in-law over the years.💡 Wh
E19 New country, new career (Part II) - How to talk about jobs and moving abroad in English
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 st
E18 New country, new career (Part I) - Improve your advanced English with real-life career discussions
🎙️ Ever wondered how someone goes from law to Latin, politics to podcasting?Join me, Oliver, as I share the unexpected twists and turns of my career, from quitting my job as a lawyer to teaching Latin, and now, moving to Spain to focus on teaching English online. 🌍✈️In this episode, I’ll be rating my previous jobs (including some awful ones!), sharing why I walked away from a legal career, and ref
E17 "Oliver...I am your father": chatting to my dad - Improve your listening skills with British English conversations
After last week’s episode with my mum, I thought it was only fair to sit down with my dad as well! Unlike my mum, he didn’t take much convincing—probably because he thought that if she could do it, then he absolutely could too! 😆Our relationship has always been full of debates and disagreements (as many father-son relationships are!), and I spent most of my teenage years arguing with him. But, in
E16 A Conversation With My Mother - Advanced English storytelling and personal topics
This episode is a very special one for me—because I’ve finally convinced my mum to join me on the podcast! 🎉My mother hates being photographed and/or recorded and has already warned me that she will never listen back to this episode—so I’m shocked that she agreed to take part! But I couldn’t be happier, because this conversation with her made me smile so much while editing.In this episode, we remi
E15 So Happy I Could Die (a Curious Perspective on Life) - Thought-provoking discussions to improve English listening
How do you define a lucky life? Can someone truly say they’ve lived happily—until the very end?In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore the story of Croesus, the ancient king whose arrogance led to his downfall. This cautionary tale has stayed with me for years, and it raises big questions: Is luck permanent? Do we control our fate? And why do so many celebrities who "have it all&qu
Trailer: English and Beyond - What to expect from this podcast
Welcome to English and Beyond, the ultimate podcast for advanced 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
E14 Ennui and Toxic Productivity - Deep conversations to improve your advanced English comprehension
Feeling unmotivated? You’re not alone! In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore the common struggle of losing motivation—whether in work, hobbies, or language learning. September is usually my mini New Year, but this time, I’ve found myself stuck in ennui (a perfect French word for deep boredom and dissatisfaction).César joins me to discuss how to stay productive when motivation disappea
E13 Superstition Gone Wild - Fun English learning: Discussing unusual beliefs and traditions
Do you believe in luck, fate, or the supernatural? In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore superstitions, omens, and the role of rituals in shaping our lives. From black cats and Friday the 13th to cultural traditions like Scotland’s First-Footing and Spain’s 12 grapes at New Year, I discuss why—even as a sceptic—I still find myself following these rituals.Joining me is my friend Charli
E12 "What's your favourite scary movie?" - Improve your listening with English pop culture conversations
🎃 Why Do We Love Being Scared? A Deep Dive into Horror FilmsFear is universal, but today we’re diving into cinematic terror – a genre I’ve loved (and sometimes regretted loving!) for years. César and I explore:💀 My first horror experiences – and the film that traumatised my childhood friend!📽 Why do we want to feel scared?👻 Do horror films lose their effect over time? Or is the genre just getting
E11 La Dolce Vita (My misery in Italy) - Storytelling in English: Improve your fluency and comprehension
🇮🇹 Italy: Expectations vs. Reality – My Experience in MilanThis week, I’m joined by Federica, one of the most impressive non-native English speakers I’ve ever met, to unpack my complicated experience living in Milan.💡 In this episode, we discuss:🍕 My dream of living ‘La Dolce Vita’ vs. the harsh reality👨💼 Toxic office culture & bizarre work expectations in Italy🤝 Why making friends in Milan w
E10 Love/hate relationship with the University of Oxford... - British English conversation practice with advanced vocabulary
🎓 Oxford: Reality vs. Myth – My Honest ExperienceFor the first time ever, I’m going solo on the podcast! While César enjoys his holiday, I’m following his strict instructions to discuss the reality of the (in)famous University of Oxford.💡 What’s in this episode?🎭 The myths & realities of Oxford life🏛 How hard is it really to get in?📚 Why the tutorial system is so intense🎓 Why so many UK politi
E9 Shame, cancel culture and worrying about other people's opinions too much - English discussion practice: Expressing opinions in English
😨 Why Am I So Afraid of Being ‘Cancelled’?This week, César and I dive into one of my biggest fears—Cancel Culture. I explain in more detail why I (still) don’t use my face to promote this podcast and share my (hopefully) irrational anxiety about becoming the next person to be publicly shamed for an opinion I didn’t even realise was controversial.In this episode, we discuss:❌ What cancel culture ac
E8 Have I found the Meaning of Life? (Stoicism) - Deep conversations for learning English through philosophy
If something bad happens to you, how should you react? Should you fully express your emotions or try to stay detached? Is grief always bad? Is happiness always good?In this episode, César and I take a deep dive into Stoicism, the ancient philosophy that teaches us how to navigate life’s highs and lows with balance and resilience. We discuss:🛡️ What Stoicism is and where it comes from🧠 How it helps
E7 Is your accent terrible? (Franziska says hers is...) - British English for advanced learners
Does your foreign accent make you feel insecure when speaking English? You're not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Franziska, who has lived in the UK for nine years and still struggles with her German accent. Together, we dive into the realities of accents in language learning:🔹 Why accents matter so much to language learners🔹 How perceptions of accents impact confidence &
E6 Learning and losing a language (with Laura) - Real conversations about bilingualism and language learning
What happens when you spend years learning a language… and then forget it? 🤯In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Laura, and together, we take a trip down memory lane to our language-learning adventures in Beijing. We talk about:How we met while studying Mandarin in China 🇨🇳The joys and pitfalls of language learning – and why it disappears so quickly!Whether speaking a different language c
E5 Me, you and us - Our relationship - Natural English listening practice for advanced learners
What makes a relationship work? In this special episode, César and I take an honest, unscripted look at our eight-year relationship, from our first meeting to navigating cultural differences and conflicts. With César feeling under the weather and my voice barely holding up, it’s the perfect storm for some genuine British awkwardness!💡 What We Cover:✔️ How we met (and why I never left Spain!)✔️ How
E4 Horrible Bosses - Improve your business English with real workplace discussions
We’ve all had terrible bosses, but how do they shape our work lives? In this episode, César and I discuss our personal experiences with bad managers, workplace culture, and toxic leadership. We explore:✔️ Why so many bosses are bad at their jobs✔️ How different workplace cultures affect management styles✔️ The impact of micromanagement, power struggles, and bad leadership✔️ How the pandemic has ch
E3 Instagram and Narcissus: Ancient self-obsession - English storytelling and debate about social media
Is Instagram making us more narcissistic? Or is self-obsession just part of human nature? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I explore how social media fuels vanity, self-image issues, and the need for validation—and what we can learn from the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus.We discuss:✅ How selfies and filters create unrealistic beauty standards✅ The psychology of Instagram and its
E2 Maybe I'm wildly jealous - Expressing emotions and opinions in English conversations
Jealousy: Why Do We Feel It & Can It Be a Good Thing?Jealousy is a powerful emotion—sometimes it drives us to succeed, and sometimes it makes us miserable. In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I dive into personal experiences with envy, comparison, and self-improvement.💭 Key Topics:Why we get jealous & how it shapes our behaviourWhen jealousy motivates us vs. when it becomes to
E1 Our language journeys: English and Beyond - Learn English naturally through real-life
WE NOW HAVE VIDEO EPISODES FROM EP38 ONWARDS📢 E1: Our Language Journeys – English and Beyond PodcastIn this first episode of English and Beyond, meet your hosts, Oliver and César, as they share their personal stories of learning languages.Oliver, once a shy teenager, avoided modern languages altogether—but now he’s a language teacher and podcast host. César, a Spanish teacher and podcast creator,
