Episódios
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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 hereditary royal system in a modern democracy
📜 The historical impact of Henry VIII—divorces, beheadings, and a major religious upheaval
🎭 How the monarchy remains a source of global fascination and soft powerIf you're an advanced English learner interested in British culture, politics, and history, this episode is for you!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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📢 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 rising trend of choosing a child-free life
✅ Family pressure & societal expectations around parenthood
✅ The "white picket fence" dream—why I once wanted kids but changed my mind
✅ The pros & cons of a child-free life
✅ A candid discussion with César—do we ever feel FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) about not having children?Plus, unexpected twists, including an awkward baby-holding moment and… sausage dogs. 🐶
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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📢 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 are "too American"—but actually originated in the UK!
🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The history behind American vs. British English differences
✅ Words that Brits complain about—but are actually from the UK
✅ The impact of US pop culture on global English
✅ A fun British vs. American English quiz—play along with César!📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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 consequences on British farming, government trust, and even blood donations.
👀 What’s in this episode?
✅ Why cows eating cows led to disaster
✅ How this crisis changed food regulations worldwide
✅ The unexpected impact on UK beef exports (banned in some countries until 2020!)
✅ César’s take on food safety scandals in Spain
✅ A mix of intermediate-to-advanced vocabulary, dark humour, and real-life history🔊 Perfect for English learners looking to improve listening skills while exploring British culture and history!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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🎭 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 safety
✅ The dark side—online trolling, misinformation, and ethical dilemmas
✅ How cultural attitudes toward privacy differ across countries
✅ Personal experiences navigating visibility on the internetBut most importantly… why am I wearing a balaclava? 🧐
🔊 This episode is perfect for English learners looking to improve listening skills while discussing thought-provoking topics about society, language, and culture.
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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 mainstream in places like Britain.Franziska’s story: How she went from ink-free to nearly fully covered, and the meaning behind her designs.My tattoo dilemma: Can I overcome my indecision and make my New Year’s resolution a reality? (Spoiler: I will, I promise!)This episode blends intriguing history, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with our signature dry humour (we hope). and thoughtful reflections (we hope as well). Whether you’re tattooed, tattoo-curious, or just a fan of unique stories, this episode has something for you!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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🎙️ New Year, Fresh Goals | English and Beyond
Happy 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 pleasure, and finally getting that long-awaited tattoo.
César joins the conversation to discuss his more laid-back approach to resolutions, the challenges of building new routines after their move to Spain, and why sometimes just "being human" can be a valid goal. There’s also plenty of banter about morning grumpiness, journaling attempts, and... health conditions?
Whether you're someone who meticulously plans your resolutions or just wings it, this episode is packed with relatable moments and some light-hearted inspiration. And, of course, we would love to hear from you:
💬 What are your 2025 resolutions?
Share them via email at [email protected], or leave a comment on Spotify, YouTube, or our new Instagram account @BritishEnglishandBeyond!📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!)The fascinating Roman origins of modern Christmas traditions.How César and I navigate the cultural differences of Christmas in Spain versus the UK.A heartfelt look at why the imperfections make the holidays so special.🎁 A Small Christmas Request
If you’ve enjoyed English and Beyond this year, I’d love it if you could share this episode or the podcast with a friend learning English. Word of mouth is the best gift for growing this community!Let me know about your own Christmas traditions! Do you embrace the chaos or prefer the polished? I’d love to hear from you—email me at [email protected] or leave a comment on the website.
Thank you for being part of this journey in 2024. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. See you in 2025! 🎉
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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.
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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.
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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?📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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!
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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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.
📖 Want to improve your English even more?
Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.
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