Episodes
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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 [email protected]. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends!
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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.
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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Missing episodes?
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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
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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? 🎶The song I connect most with César?And which (giant) luxury item I'd insist on bringing to my island getaway?Tune in for a candid, very unscripted episode where we reveal a bit more of our lives and the music that’s shaped us. It's personal, a bit chaotic, and hopefully just the right mix of those two characteristics to keep you entertained. Hopefully! Hopefully...
Hit play and join the conversation!📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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🎙️ English and Beyond : “Muscles, Masculinity, and Martha (a *very* Strongwoman)” 💪🌱
Get ready for a lively (and ironic) twist on strength, self-image, and a little dash of painful humility in this week’s English and Beyond!
In this episode, I’m chatting with my friend Martha—a powerhouse in urban gardening and strongwoman competitions—to unpack how our views on fitness, masculinity, and confidence have evolved over the time since we first met.Listen out for:
My childhood fear of the word “muscles” (true story!)Martha’s thoughts on why strength training isn’t just for menWhy patience is key in both languages and lifting heavy things!Join us for laughs, insights, and maybe a motivation boost—whether it’s lifting weights or just picking up a new language!
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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🎃 Halloween on English and Beyond! 🎃
Hello, listeners! This week on English and Beyond, I’m taking a closer look at Halloween. As someone who didn’t grow up celebrating the holiday—or even getting in on the fun of Santa or the Tooth Fairy—Halloween has always felt a bit... lacking. But this year, I’m digging into its Celtic roots and considering why this odd, spooky celebration has blown up worldwide, especially in the UK, with a hefty nudge from the US.
Alongside César, we’ll chat about our cultural quirks, from creepy childhood myths to ancient Celtic festivals. Join us as we explore it all with humour (and a touch of darkness). So, get ready to explore Halloween from an unexpected angle—without the sweets!
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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Please listen to (Episode 18 / Part I) first if you wish to understand Episode 19 fully
If 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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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. 🌍✈️
In this episode, I’ll be rating my previous jobs (including the awful retail days), sharing what really drove me away from law, and discussing why teaching has been both a joy and a challenge. Plus, there's a cliffhanger as I split the episode into two parts! 🎬
Stick around for a little laughter, some honest reflections, and maybe a bit of inspiration to rethink your own career path. Whether you’re a job-hopper like me or feeling a bit stuck, you’ll find plenty to relate to in this candid chat.
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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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 and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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Do you believe in the supernatural? Are there unseen forces at work, which manipulate our lives and control our destinies? If something bad is fated to happen, can you intervene by paying close attention to omens and natural signs? I personally don’t believe in superstitions…but I somehow find myself carrying them out all the time anyway.
In honour of our unlucky-for-some episode number 13, this week I’m talking to one of my very best friends and favourite Wiccans, Charlie, about his opinions on good and bad luck omens. You may well listen to this episode with an open, curious mind before concluding that I’m totally insane - I won’t blame you, but I’m not sure I can change!
This episode, again, has lots of tricky vocabulary and advanced phrases/idioms, so have a look at the downloadable transcript for integrated explanations of some of that challenging language - it’s available at: www.morethanalanguage.com📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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Fear can come in many forms, but today we’re going to discuss cinematic terror - perhaps my favourite genre, although that seems an odd thing to admit! We’re going to discuss my first hair-raising encounters with the Horror genre, and why we think that humans like to feel terrified. We also discuss why we seem to feel less scared over time, and César and I will also touch upon a few of our favourite horror classics. Tune in to learn more (and try not to be scared off by the editing horrors we’ve experienced this week!)
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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In this challenging and high-level episode of English and Beyond, I'm thrilled to welcome my special guest, Federica, whose English is truly exceptional. We explore my memorable yet challenging time in Milan, discussing my childlike excitement about moving to Italy and the bitter reality of facing office politics and my personal struggles once in the country.
Federica and I also discuss the paradoxes of Italian culture in general, the frustrations of dealing with Milanese bureaucracy and her love-hate relationship with her homeland. She shares her experiences growing up in Milan and offers insight into the beauty and complexity of Italian life.
Tune in for an engaging conversation about the contrasts of modern Italy and what it means to live and thrive there. Don’t miss this heartfelt episode!
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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For the first time ever, I'm going solo on an episode of the podcast, where - on the strict instructions of César (who's on holiday with his family) - I'll be discussing the reality of the (in)famous University of Oxford.
I discuss myths and criticisms of Oxford, the notoriously intense admission process, and the demanding tutorial system which often drives so many Oxford alumni into the confrontational world of British politics. I also share some personal stories about academic pressure and the 'lively' social scene.
Tune in for a candid look at life at one of the world's most prestigious universities!
📜 For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com
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