English and Beyond: Advanced English for Fluency & Communication

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 lig...

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 summe...

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 conversa...

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...

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 someon...

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!)...

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 Grah...

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 real...

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 contro...

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 knowi...

🇬🇧 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 exper...

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...

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...

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 h...

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 w...

📢 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: ✅...

📢 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 th...

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 conseq...

🎭 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, creativ...

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 ma...

🎙️ 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 fo...

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!...

👭 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 complex...

🤝 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 d...

☕ "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 . 🍺 🎧...