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 theyâre not human. They donât share our language or our culture, and their lives are heartbreakingly short. So why do we choose to invite animals into our homes - knowing from the beginning that the story will end in loss? In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and CĂ©sar explore the paradox of pet ownership. We look at the history of pets, cu...
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 âyou look nice todayâ can trigger self-doubt, suspicion, or even discomfort. Youâll discover how cultural differences shape the way compliments are given and received in English, why flattery can sometimes feel manipulative, and how a âbackhanded complimentâ works. Weâll also look at natural phrases and advanced vocabulary you ...
Improve your English listening with this advanced-level story. Oliver shares the real experience of studying a language abroad - the good, the bad, and the sweaty. What happens when you go abroad to learn a language? Does immersion really work? In this episode, I talk about my time in Montpellier: the grammar lessons, the teachers, the pros and cons⊠and what I actually took away from the whole experience. đ Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript & vocabulary ...
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 CĂ©sar share the story of their two-year French-learning journey, but things quickly turned into a challenge. Who would reach B2 first? Who was more consistent? And who would end up paying for dinner? đ Want to improve your Eng...
In this special 50th episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and CĂ©sar 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 weâve come - and whether anniversaries are worth celebrating at all. Expect language tips, personal stories, some light teasing, and a spilled coffee or two. Whether youâve been here since episode one or just joined...
In this sweaty, slightly chaotic episode, CĂ©sar 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. Youâll learn expressions like sweating like a pig, dog days of summer, break a sweat, and pungent, all in the context of a fun, natural conversation. Itâs English for...
Is Tuscany really as perfect as Instagram makes it look? In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and CĂ©sar sit down to share the unfiltered truth about their recent holiday in Italy - and itâs not all rolling hills and Chianti. From postcard-perfect views and delicious dinners to mosquito bites, awkward group dynamics, and way too much sun, this is a real conversation about travel expectations vs. reality. Whether youâve had a disappointing holiday yourself or ...
In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced Edition, Oliver and CĂ©sar explore a question we all secretly ask ourselves: âDo I actually like this⊠or do I just think Iâm supposed to?â 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 theyâre cracked up to be. Along the way, they revisit The Emperorâs New Clothes as a perfect metaphor for modern trends...
What makes a film critically acclaimed, atmospheric, or even box office poison? In this episode of English and Beyond, CĂ©sar 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 youâre a film lover, a language geek, or someone just looking to expand your advanced English, youâll learn real-life phrases and idioms like suspension ...
Would you know what to say at the doctorâs in English? In this English and Beyond: Advanced English episode, CĂ©sar 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 UKâs NHS works (I actually worked in the system for a little bit!), why Brits are so passionate about it, and how healthcare differs around the world. đ©ș What youâll le...
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. Youâll learn: â Who Thucydides was and what he said about the Peloponnesian War â How Harvard professor Graham Allison revived this idea for the 21st century â Why some people believe war between China and the U...
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 CĂ©sar explore what the backlash really reveals about the UK, the monarchy, and modern identity politics. Is it just about Meghan - or i...
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 â 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 â theyâre loaded with class, culture, and even controversy. We are joined by our first special guest, the eponymous founder of Pronunciation with Emma...
Have you ever experienced culture shock - that strange, unsettling feeling when you're suddenly living in a completely different country? đ In this episode of English and Beyond, CĂ©sar and I share our real experiences of living abroad and how it affected them emotionally, practically⊠and even gastronomically. đ§ I will tell you about moving to Spain, despite speaking the language and knowing the culture well - and still being surprised by how challenging it felt. Meanwhile, CĂ©sar reflects on ...
đŹđ§ Why do Brits have such a reputation for binge drinking? đŹđ§ In this episode of English and Beyond, CĂ©sar 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. đ» From pub culture to the impact of World War I alcohol laws, I share my own experiences of clubbing in London and why the contrast between British and European drinking habits is so st...
As ridiculous as it sounds, I think this is my favourite episode ever. đŹ 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. Plus, youâll learn useful English vocabulary related to dentistry, health, and stereotypes. đ Wh...
Why is frustration so difficult to manage? In this episode of English and Beyond, CĂ©sar and I explore how we deal with everyday setbacksâfrom minor inconveniences to major stress triggers. I confess my struggles with patience (and his frustration with technology), while CĂ©sar explains why he tries to stay calmâeven when Spanish bureaucracy tests his limits. Expect honest reflections, a few laughs, and plenty of useful vocabulary along the way. đ Want to improve your English even more? Read...
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 monarchyâs role in modern Britain, its history of scandals, and how it continues to shape the UKâs global image. We discuss: đ CĂ©sarâs journey to becoming a British citizen and his thoughts on the monarchy âïž The contradictions of a hereditary royal system in a modern democracy đ The historical impact of Henry VIIIâdivorces, behead...
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 wordsâfrom âeftsoonsâ to âunfriendââand explore how cultural shifts, technology, and slang shape the way we speak. Weâll also discuss why English is seemingly more adaptable than other languages and why it...
đą E35: Parenthood Isnât for Me, and Hereâs Why â A Deep Dive into Choosing a Child-Free Life đĄ 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 reasonsâautonomy, sacrifice, fulfilment, and whether parenthood is truly the only path to a meaningful life. In this episode of English & Beyond, I dive into: â The rising trend of choosing a child-free life â Family pressure & societal expectations around ...
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This episode was so sweet.đ„°