English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast
English and Beyond is an intermediate English podcast hosted by experienced language teacher Oliver. It helps lower-intermediate to intermediate learners improve listening, speaking, and comprehension skills through engaging cultural topics, personal stories, and practical English. Each episode features clear, natural British pronunciation and comes with free transcripts and flashcards. The podcast aims to build confidence and fluency without overwhelming the listener.
Episodes
Why Do Some People Instantly Annoy Us? (The Anti-Soulmate) | Intermediate English Listening (B1/B2) - Psychology, Travel & Vocabulary
In this intermediate English listening episode (Intermediate B1/B2 level), we explore the idea of the “anti-soulmate” - the person who instantly irritates you for no clear reason. Through a real life holiday story, you’ll learn natural spoken English while discovering psychological concepts like first impressions, personality clashes, insecurity, and projection.Perfect for intermediate English lea
Don’t Wait For Divine Inspiration! | English Listening and Intermediate Vocabulary
Why do we procrastinate? Why do we wait for inspiration instead of starting?In this intermediate English listening episode, we explore writer’s block, creativity, and productivity through the lives of famous authors like Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie, Maya Angelou, and George R. R. Martin. What did they do when inspiration didn’t arrive? Did they wait - or did they build systems to keep workin
The Prince Andrew Scandal Explained: Consequences for Powerful People? | Intermediate English
In this Intermediate English listening episode, we explore the Prince Andrew scandal and ask a deeper question: are powerful people really ever held to account?You’ll learn key vocabulary related to law, privilege, media, and public opinion while following a clear explanation of the events surrounding Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, and the civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre. We examine the di
The Fall of "Cool Britannia" and the Rising Korean Wave | Intermediate English Listening
Why did Britain’s 1990s cultural boom fade - and could the same happen to today’s Korean Wave? In this intermediate English listening episode, explore how music, film and national identity shape global trends, from Oasis and the Spice Girls to BTS, K-Pop and Squid Game.Improve your English through cultural analysis while learning key vocabulary related to media, politics and soft power. Discover h
Who Controls the Story? Myths, Heroes and Propaganda | Intermediate English
Who decides who the heroes are - and who becomes the monster?In this episode, we revisit the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, not as a simple adventure, but as a story shaped by power and perspective. What happens when a myth is told to make one city look heroic and another cruel?This episode explores how propaganda works, how national stories simplify complex realities, and why the version of a
I Loved Living in London - So Why Did I Leave? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
A personal story about living in London: what people get wrong about the city, what I came to appreciate, and why I eventually walked away. Clear, natural English for intermediate learners.📖 Want to improve your English even more?Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.comWatch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcastEmail your thoughts or questions → oliver@mo
Love at First Sight - Analysing My Own True Story in Intermediate English
This intermediate English learning episode tells my true story about love at first sight, dating, emotions, and relationships, with clear, natural spoken English for listening practice. Do you believe in Love At First Sight?📖 Want to improve your English even more?Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.comWatch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcastEmail you
Why Unrealistic Goals Can Work for Language Learning (Intermediate English B1/B2)
Why do so many New Year’s language goals fail by February?In this episode, Oliver reflects on goal-setting, motivation, and why unrealistic ambitions can sometimes work better than sensible ones - especially for language learners.You’ll hear a practical example of a SMART listening goal, alongside a more personal (and slightly contradictory) approach: using big, impossible goals as pressure, while
Moving House (To My Mother-in-law's Apartment) | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
I’m moving house… to my mother-in-law’s apartment. Yes, *really*.In this episode, I talk about why my partner and I are moving in with her while our new flat is being renovated, and why the whole process fills me with a unique kind of fear. From packing and misplaced chargers to angry drivers and mountains of paperwork, moving house always reveals more chaos than you expect.I also look back at my
Are We Bad People For Eating Animals? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
It’s a big question, but this episode starts with something very small - an ant I accidentally killed on a train.That tiny moment led me to think about pain, morality, meat-eating, dairy, fish, and the strange logic many of us use when we decide which animals matter and which don’t.We’ll talk about why some creatures make us feel guilty and others don’t, why the modern food system keeps uncomforta
Republic: When the UK Brought Down Its Kings | Intermediate English Listening Practice
Learn English through one of the most interesting stories in British history: in 1649, Britain killed its own king. The monarchy was gone. Oliver Cromwell took power - and the country became a Republic. The British Revolution!For eleven (quite dull) years, England lived without a crown: no kings, no queens, just strict rules and fading hope for democracy. Find out how the British Republic began, w
The Future of Food: Would You Eat Insects? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
What if eating became optional?In this episode of English and Beyond : Intermediate English Podcast, I explore the strange and slightly dystopian future of food: from meal-replacement powders to lab-grown meat and even insect protein. Why are scientists and tech companies trying to reinvent something humans have done well enough for thousands of years? And what happens when efficiency replaces ple
A Horror Story: Learning a Language as an Adult | Intermediate English Listening Practice
If you’re studying English as an adult, you’ll probably recognise this feeling: sitting in class, forgetting simple words, and wondering if you’re too old to improve. In this episode, I share what happened when I went back to school to learn Arabic from scratch, from the beginning, in my 30s - the embarrassment, the motivation, and the small victories that will add up to real progress.You’ll also
Why Do British People Lie? | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
Have you ever been told your cooking was “interesting” - or that “we must do this again sometime”?In Britain, those aren’t compliments. They’re polite lies.In this episode, Oliver explores the very British habit of hiding the truth behind euphemisms - soft, careful words that sound kind but often mean the opposite. From “He’s between jobs” to “It’s not ideal”, you’ll learn how English uses politen
Margaret Thatcher: National Hero or National Disgrace? | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
Margaret Thatcher changed Britain forever - but not everyone agrees on how. For some, she was the strong leader who rescued the country from decline. For others, she was the politician who destroyed communities and divided a nation.In this episode, you’ll learn who she was, what she did, and why the “Iron Lady” still provokes such strong opinions decades later. Was she a national hero who transfor
I Hope Aliens Don't Exist... (The Wow! Signal) | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
In 1977, astronomers in Ohio picked up a mysterious radio signal from deep space - a signal so unusual that the scientist who saw it simply wrote one word next to the data: Wow!In this episode, I explore the story behind the famous “Wow Signal”, what might have caused it, and what it reveals about our search for extraterrestrial life.Are we really alone in the universe? And - perhaps more importan
Have You Disappointed Your Parents Too? (Quitting My Job) | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
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
Stop Sounding Weak in English - Speak Persuasively Instead | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
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 tri
Why Are People So Rude Online? | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
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:
Why Do We Love Seeing Rich People Suffer? | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
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
My Accidental Week on a Naturist Island 😱 | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
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 bea
Should We Bring Back the Death Penalty? | Intermediate English Listening Practice [B1/B2]
In 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 wh
How NOT to Talk About Your Disappointing Summer 😂 | B1/B2 Listening Practice
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
Why Britain and France Almost Became One Country | Intermediate English Podcast with Stories
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 Euro
Is Time Just An Illusion? | Intermediate English Podcast
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 p
You’re Not Dying, So Why Aren’t You at Work?! | 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 chal
Sounding Native is Overrated | Intermediate English Podcast
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 so
Assassination! (Why Powerful People Get Killed) | Intermediate English Podcast
Assassination: When a Single Bullet Changes HistoryWhat 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 pow
"I’ll Do It Later": Procrastination and Lying to Yourself? | English for Intermediate Learners
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
Do You Know When to Stop? | English for Intermediate Learners
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 per
Why Does Our Memory Trick Us? | Learn Intermediate English with Real Stories
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 ques
The Most Beautiful Song in the English Language? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
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
What Happens When an Entire Country Loses Power? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
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 he
The Advantages of Learning English after 40 | Intermediate English Listening Practice
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.Wh
Why You’re Anxious (Even If Life Is Fine) | Intermediate English Listening Practice
💡 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 interme
Should we get Botox? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
💉 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 - bec
Working Life: Better in the ’80s and ’90s than today? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
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 to
7 Stereotypes About British People - How True Are They? | Intermediate English Listening Practice
🇬🇧 7 British Stereotypes: True or False?Intermediate English Listening Practice | Learn Real British CultureAre 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✔️ T
So Long, London (Goodbye For Now!) | English Listening for Intermediate Learners
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
How to get motivated enough to learn English! | Practise intermediate level vocab with listening skills
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 part of the p
The Truth About Failure: Why We Struggle & How to Overcome It | Intermediate Level English Podcast
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 fail
What is Love? | Learn English Vocabulary & Listening Skills
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 emotionsC
Welcome to English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast (Trailer)
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 produced b
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