English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast

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 ch...

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 s...

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 Republic Thomas Becket and t...

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 ma...

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 throug...

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 qu...

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 s...

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,...

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...

💡 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 int...

💉 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 -...

What was working life really like in the 1980s and 1990s - and how does it compare to today? In this episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast , I explore how office culture, job stability, technology, and workplace expectations have changed over the years. Drawing from personal experience as a London lawyer in the 2010s, I reflect on everything from dress codes and fax machines...

🇬🇧 7 British Stereotypes: True or False? Intermediate English Listening Practice | Learn Real British Culture Are the British really obsessed with tea? Do we all have bad teeth? And why do we always talk about the weather? In this episode of English and Beyond: The Intermediate Edition, I explore seven of the most common stereotypes about British people. You’ll hear about: ✔️ Tea, teeth and trains...

In this episode of English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast (regardless of what I said in the episode, getting the name of my own podcast wrong!), I reflect on my time living in London and my recent move to Valencia, Spain. What is it like to say goodbye to a city after so many years? How does it feel to start a new chapter in a different country? Listen as I share my personal journey, fro...

Struggling to stay motivated in your English learning journey? In this episode of English and Beyond , I share seven key strategies to help you maintain motivation and make consistent progress. You'll learn how to: ✅ Set clear and achievable goals ✅ Break your learning into manageable steps ✅ Create a study plan that works for you ✅ Take action and stay consistent ✅ Embrace mistakes as p...

Why do we fear failure? In this episode of English and Beyond , we dive into the psychology of failure, success, and resilience. Inspired by César's favourite episode of the How to Fail podcast, we explore why failure is often misunderstood, how different cultures have viewed success throughout history, and what we can learn from our setbacks. We discuss: ✔️ The ancient Greek perspective on f...

In this Intermediate English Podcast , I attempt to unpack the fascinating topic of love , guiding you through key vocabulary and concepts to improve your listening and comprehension skills. Discover how different cultures and historical periods have shaped our understanding of love, from ancient myths to modern relationships. 👉 Episode highlights: Intermediate-level vocabulary about love and emo...

Welcome to English and Beyond , the perfect podcast for intermediate English learners who want to improve their listening skills, expand their vocabulary, and gain confidence in real-world conversations. Each week, we explore engaging topics beyond basic language learning, helping you understand natural English through storytelling, discussions, and practical insights. Hosted by Oliver and produce...