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Description
Boost your confidence in English with engaging and interesting topics, useful vocabulary, and natural British pronunciation!
Welcome to English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast, the perfect podcast for lower-intermediate to intermediate English learners who want to improve their listening, speaking, and comprehension skills in a fun and engaging way.
Listen to real, everyday English.
Get a free transcript to follow along and understand tricky words.
Learn useful vocabulary & expressions from each episode.
Each episode explores interesting cultural topics, personal stories, and practical English for real-life situations. You'll hear clear, natural British English, helping you train your ear and improve your fluency.
Hosted by experienced language teacher Oliver and co-produced by César (from Spanish Language Coach), this podcast is designed to help you understand and use English more naturally - without feeling overwhelmed.
Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform and visit www.morethanalanguage.com for transcripts and extra materials!
27 Episodes
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I quit my job as a lawyer, and I upset my parents in the process. Many parents say they only want their children to be happy. But often “happy” looks very similar to “successful” - top grades, a good job, financial security. In this episode, Oliver reflects on parental expectations, cultural differences, and his own experience of following the “safe” path to Oxford and a legal career… only to find it didn’t bring happiness. Why do parents still push us towards success, and why do we still car...
Want to sound more confident and convincing in English? In this episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast, Oliver breaks down the art of persuasion in simple, practical steps. You’ll learn why English is full of short, punchy words that make arguments powerful, how famous speakers like Barack Obama and Winston Churchill use repetition and rhythm, and how you can adapt the same tricks - even as an intermediate learner. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to: Avoid wea...
In everyday life, most of us rarely hear truly cruel comments face to face. Yet online, nastiness seems to be everywhere - from newspaper comment sections to Instagram selfies and Twitter threads. In this episode of English and Beyond, we explore why people behave so differently on the internet. Oliver reflects on his own experience receiving unkind comments and examines psychological explanations: online disinhibition, lack of tone, negativity bias, power imbalance, and the role of a small b...
Why do we find it so satisfying to watch the rich suffer? From Succession and The White Lotus to real-life stories of billionaires in crisis, this episode explores our fascination with the downfall of the wealthy. We’ll look at the psychology of schadenfreude, why wealth makes us feel emotionally distant from people, and how their meltdowns echo ancient tragedies. Is it harmless entertainment - or do we lose something when we stop seeing the rich as human? 📖 Want to improve your English even ...
Imagine arriving on a quiet Mediterranean island… only to realise that everyone around you is naked. That was my experience when I finally agreed to join a university friend on a naturist island in France. In this episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate Edition, I share: My awkward first moments on the islandThe surprising rules (sarongs in the streets if you want, but nudity required on the beaches and hiking trails)The surreal details, like ordering bread at the boulangerie from a tople...
1In this episode, Oliver looks at the history and main arguments surrounding the death penalty. With examples from the UK and insights from other countries, he explains why some nations have abolished it, and how public opinion can change over time. You’ll hear about well-known legal cases and the key ethical questions at the centre of the debate - from whether capital punishment deters crime, to whether it delivers justice, to the serious risk of punishing someone who is later found to be inn...
Is your summer never quite as amazing as you expected? In this B1–B2 English podcast episode, I talk about why holidays can feel disappointing - and how to describe that in real English. You’ll learn: – How to talk about summer without saying “It was nice” – English vocabulary for expectations, emotions, and honesty – How to express yourself naturally when things weren’t perfect...which they never are! 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashc...
In 1940, as Nazi Germany advanced across Europe, a radical proposal was made: Britain and France would merge into a single country. One parliament, one army, one citizenship. In this episode, we explore that forgotten moment in history - what led to it, why it failed, and what it reveals about the long, complicated relationship between the UK and France. From medieval invasions to Concorde and Eurostar, Oliver reflects on rivalry, admiration, and cooperation - and how these two neighbours kee...
Most of us check the time every day without thinking twice. But what if the numbers on your screen or wrist aren’t as objective as they seem? In this episode of English and Beyond, we explore the strange history of time: from ancient rhythms and local sunsets to train schedules and time zones. We’ll look at why 9 to 5 feels unnatural, why jet lag is so confusing, and how culture shapes our idea of punctuality. Perfect for intermediate learners, with clear storytelling and practical vocabulary...
Why do you feel guilty for resting when you're sick? In this episode of English and Beyond, I explore the strange but familiar feeling of guilt that creeps in when you take a sick day. Why do so many of us struggle to switch off, even when we’re clearly unwell? From cultural attitudes to childhood messages about work and productivity, we dig into where this mindset comes from - and how to challenge it. You'll also learn some natural English expressions and idioms related to being ill, missing...
Have you ever felt frustrated that, no matter how long you’ve been learning English, you still don’t sound like the Queen? Or Hugh Grant? Or anyone remotely British? In this episode, I share my personal journey with pronunciation - from crying in a French oral exam as a teenager, to getting over perfectionism through Mandarin, German, and now Spanish. We talk about why trying to sound native can sometimes hold us back, and why the real goal should be clear, confident communication in your own...
Assassination: When a Single Bullet Changes History What do Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln, and JFK have in common? Their deaths weren’t random - they were assassinations. In this episode of English and Beyond, we explore how assassination has shaped history, from Ancient Rome to the modern day. We’ll look at iconic cases like: Julius Caesar and the fall of the Roman RepublicThomas Becket and the power of the Church in medieval EnglandAbraham Lincoln and the aftermath of the Civil WarArchduke...
Do you ever find yourself doing literally anything to avoid starting something important? Cleaning the flat? Making a playlist? Suddenly very thirsty? Yep - you're probably procrastinating. In this episode of English and Beyond, I explore why we put things off (even things we enjoy), how we lie to ourselves about it, and what actually helps us get started. Spoiler: I procrastinated while making this episode too, hence its late arrival. 💬 Stay until the end to learn some natural English phrase...
Do you ever go too far with the things you love? In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver reflects on how easy it is to overdo the things that bring us joy - from binge-watching a show to eating too quickly, to becoming obsessed with learning or exercise. You’ll learn natural English expressions like to overdo it, burn out, binge, in moderation, and too much of a good thing - all through a personal, honest story. This episode is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve ...
Why do we forget so much of our early life? Why do some memories stay clear and others vanish completely? In this episode of English and Beyond, I share real stories and reflections about memory, childhood amnesia, and how emotion shapes what we remember - or forget. You’ll learn natural, intermediate English through a personal and relatable story, packed with vivid vocabulary, expressions and questions that will make you reflect on your own earliest memories. This episode explores topics lik...
In this reflective episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast, I'm exploring the deeper, emotional side of language learning through the iconic song Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks. Rather than focusing on grammar or vocabulary, this episode invites listeners to think about how songs, places, and personal memories shape the way we connect with a language. Why do certain songs stay with us? What emotions do they capture that textbooks never teach? From nostalgia and saudade to qu...
What would you do if the lights went out — not just in your street, but across two countries? In this special episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast, I share my experience of the huge blackout that hit Spain and Portugal, shutting down electricity, internet, and mobile service for hours. 🚫 No work. 🚫 No communication. 🚫 No idea what was happening. In this real-life story, you’ll hear about: – What it felt like when modern life stopped working – How dependent we are on tec...
Is it too late to learn English after 40? Not at all. In fact - it might be the perfect time. In this motivational episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast, I break down the myths about age and language learning. You’ll learn why your brain is still flexible, how to use adult learning strategies, and why confidence, consistency, and emotional connection make all the difference. What we cover: – What neuroplasticity really means – Why adults learn differently (and sometimes ...
💡 Featuring new comprehension questions at the end! In this episode of English and Beyond, I explore anxiety in all its forms: from prehistoric survival instincts to modern mental health challenges. Learn the difference between healthy and pathological anxiety, discover 10 common thinking errors that increase stress, and hear my personal story of managing anxiety. This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary, practise listening skills, and refl...
💉 Should we get Botox? In this episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast, I'm going to be talking about the pressure to look young in modern society - from cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers to our complicated relationships with beauty, ageing, and self-worth. What starts as a personal story - a cancelled holiday, a walk on the beach, and a visit to the dentist - becomes a wider reflection on beauty standards, body image, and why so many people (and even camels...
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I found this podcast helpful and I do recommend it for those who wanna level up!