English and Beyond: Advanced English for Fluency & Communication

Is it rude to ghost someone, or is silence sometimes the kindest answer? In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the modern phenomenon of ghosting - when someone suddenly stops replying in dating, friendships or even professional situations. This episode is designed for advanced English learners who want to improve their English listening skills through natural conversation. As they discuss why people ghost, whether honesty is always better, and why rejection can somet...

In this advanced English conversation, César and Oliver reflect on how birthdays change as we get older - from childhood parties and British birthday traditions to adult expectations, gifts and family gatherings. The discussion explores ageing, social pressure and cultural differences in a natural, unscripted dialogue designed for advanced learners. Improve your listening with real British English, authentic storytelling and reflective conversation. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? R...

Does ambition make us more successful - or just more disconnected from the people around us? In this advanced English conversation, César and Oliver explore the role of ambition in modern life, from hustle culture and big-city pressure to discipline, happiness and personal relationships. Through a natural, unscripted discussion, they question whether constantly striving for more can affect how we see success, friendship and even ourselves. This episode is designed for advanced English learner...

Why does everyone have a podcast now? In this episode, we discuss the podcast boom, why most podcasts don’t last, and what podcasting says about modern culture - through natural, unscripted advanced English. Ideal for advanced English learners who want to improve listening comprehension, learn real expressions, and get used to native-level conversation without simplified language. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary flashcards and vocabulary t...

What do we really owe our families - and where do we draw the line? In this advanced-level English podcast episode, we explore family conflict, obligation, loyalty and boundaries. Using clear, natural British English, we discuss cultural differences, falling out with relatives, and when family expectations become a burden. Ideal for advanced learners who want thoughtful content and real-world vocabulary. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary fla...

Are social networks and their new best friend, artificial intelligence, destroying our attention spans? In this episode, we examine how AI-generated content, endless scrolling, and algorithm-driven platforms are changing the way we focus, learn, and consume information online. We discuss fake influencers, their low-effort “educational” content, and why depth, effort, and long-form thinking are becoming harder - and hopefully more valuable - in the age of AI. 📖 Want to improve your English eve...

In this advanced English listening episode, we talk about the reality of moving back in with your parents as adults. You’ll hear natural, unscripted English, real opinions, and everyday vocabulary about family life, shared spaces, awkward moments, and cultural differences. Ideal for advanced learners who want real English, not textbook English. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary flashcards and vocabulary trainers for FREE → www.morethanalangu...

Why do so many resolutions quickly fail - even when we feel so motivated at the start of the year? In this episode, we reflect on failed resolutions, accountability, and the uncomfortable idea that some goals don’t stick because they were never truly our goals. From language learning to fitness and productivity, we explore how honesty matters more than discipline. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary flashcards and vocabulary trainers for FREE ...

At the start of the year, I had a fairly clear idea of what the next twelve months would look like...that didn’t happen. In this episode, I talk about how the year actually ended up - the practical changes, the shifts in routine, and how you can end a year in a completely different place without any single dramatic moment causing it. It’s not a recap, and it’s not a lesson. Just a look at how plans drift, circumstances change, and how that only becomes obvious when the year is already over. 📖...

Let's improve your English listening skills while discussing a very relevant topic: why do we just 'click' so much better with some people more than others? In this episode, Oliver and César talk about the strange mechanics of adult friendship: why it’s so hard to make genuine friends through work or hobbies, why life constantly interrupts the friendships we do build, and why occasionally we meet people who feel familiar from the very first conversation. 📖 Want to improve your English e...

Shameful! But maybe relatable? 😂 Why do two language teachers - people who literally teach languages for a living - end up quitting their own language learning lessons after just two months? In today’s episode, we talk honestly about motivation, classrooms, commuting, group dynamics, and why even experienced learners sometimes lose momentum. We discuss the reality of adult language learning, the temptation of digital tools, and the strange nostalgia that made us think traditional classes woul...

Why do so many celebrities follow the same tragic script - early success, impossible pressure, public decline, and a carefully managed collapse? And has anything really changed in the age of influencers, TikTok fame and constant online visibility? In today’s Advanced level episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César explore the darker side of fame: the industry built on illusion, the toxic incentives behind talent management, and the strange role we, the audience, play in keeping the syst...

We all do it: promise too much, deliver too late, and thus fail to meet someone’s expectations. In this Advanced level conversation, Oliver and César explore disappointment, guilt, and the strange pressure to meet other people's standards. From over-promising at work to letting friends down, we reflect on why we care more about strangers’ opinions than our loved ones’, and what it really means to “lower the bar.” 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocab...

Almost half of UK marriages end in divorce - yet we often still treat it as a shameful or tragic failure. In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I explore why so many relationships end, talk a bit about our own (experiences with) marriage, whether staying married always means happiness, and why divorce might sometimes be an act of honesty rather than defeat. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary flashcards and vocabulary trainers for F...

After a period where every small problem felt catastrophic, and he was encouraged to be more "mindful", Oliver asks how and why this radical idea about awareness became yet another lifestyle brand. In this conversation, he and César unpack how a practice meant to help us face discomfort ended up being sold as the cure for it. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary flashcards and vocabulary trainers for FREE → www.morethanalanguage.comFollow us on...

What does it really mean to be European? Shared values, a shared history… or just a shared habit of thinking our neighbours are doing everything wrong? In this episode, we are joined by Elisa from French Mornings with Elisa (https://www.frenchmornings.com/) to talk about the strange mix of rivalry and affection that unites the continent. We compare British, French and Spanish attitudes to each other, Erasmus memories, Brexit, national clichés, and even which country gets blamed when things go...

Most of us remember a teacher - and not always for positives reasons. Maybe they inspired us. Maybe they embarrassed us. Maybe they simply showed up every day and did their job without ever realising how much it mattered to us. In this episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César reflect on the people who taught them and left a big impression. They share stories of teachers who left a mark, both good and bad, and explore how those small, unspoken moments in education can shape who we becom...

Are we becoming obsessed with optimisation? From Greek philosophy to Apple Watches, the idea of “the good life” has shifted from balance and virtue to data, tracking, and biohacking. In this episode of English and Beyond (Advanced), Oliver and César explore the culture of self-optimisation - from sleep divorces to clean eating, from supplements to billionaire blood transfusions. You’ll hear natural British English conversation on: Where “healthy living” becomes obsessive control;Why sleep tra...

They say you never forget your first love. And maybe that’s true - not because it was perfect, but because it carried an intensity that later relationships rarely match. Years later, a song, a name, or a face in a crowd can bring the memory back, fresh and overwhelming. In this episode, we talk about first crushes, awkward kisses, and secret teenage romances. Some stories are sweet, others bittersweet, but all of them remind us how powerful those early feelings can be - and how they stay with...

When AI can podcast, teach and even translate in real time, what’s left for us humans? In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and César discuss the promises and threats of Artificial Intelligence. From Apple’s new live-translation AirPods to AI-generated podcasts on YouTube, they ask hard and sometimes depressing questions about the future of education, creativity, and work! Will teachers and podcasters (and lawyers) become redundant? Could AI replace not only...

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 they’re not human. They don’t 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 César 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 “you look nice today” can trigger self-doubt, suspicion, or even discomfort. You’ll discover how cultural differences shape the way compliments are given and received in English, why flattery can sometimes feel manipulative, and how a “backhanded compliment” works. We’ll 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. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read the full transcript, access vocabulary f...

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 César 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? 📖 Want to improve your Eng...

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 light teasing, and a spilled coffee or two. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just joined...

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 summer, break a sweat, and pungent, all in the context of a fun, natural conversation. It’s English for...

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 conversation about travel expectations vs. reality. Whether you’ve had a disappointing holiday yourself or ...

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 to be. Along the way, they revisit The Emperor’s 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, 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 someone just looking to expand your advanced English, you’ll learn real-life phrases and idioms like suspension ...

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!), why Brits are so passionate about it, and how healthcare differs around the world. 🩺 What you’ll 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. You’ll learn: – Who Thucydides was and what he said about the Peloponnesian War – How Harvard professor Graham Allison revived this idea for the 21st century – 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 César 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 — 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 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? 🌍 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 knowing the culture well - and still being surprised by how challenging it felt. Meanwhile, César reflects on ...

🇬🇧 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 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. 💬 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, you’ll learn useful English vocabulary related to dentistry, health, and stereotypes. 📌 Wh...

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, and plenty of useful vocabulary along the way. 📖 Want to improve your English even more? Read th...

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 hereditary royal system in a modern democracy 📜 The historical impact of Henry VIII—divorces, 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 words—from ‘eftsoons’ to ‘unfriend’—and explore how cultural shifts, technology, and slang shape the way we speak. We’ll also discuss why English is seemingly more adaptable than other languages and why it...

📢 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: ✅ The rising trend of choosing a child-free life ✅ Family pressure & societal expectations around ...

📢 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 think are "too American"—but actually originated in the UK! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The...

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 consequences on British farming, government trust, and even blood donations. 👀 What’s in this episode? ✅ ...

🎭 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, creativity, and safety ✅ The dark side—online trolling, misinformation, and ethical dilemmas ✅ How cultural att...

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 mainstream in places like Britain.Franziska’s story: How she went from ink-free to nearly fully covered, an...

🎙️ 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 for pleasure, and finally getting that long-awaited tattoo. César joins the conversation to discuss his more ...

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!)The fascinating Roman origins of modern Christmas traditions.How César and I navigate the cultur...

👭 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 complexities of sibling relationships: 🎧 Inside the episode: 💡 Why are sibling relationships so powerful and...

🤝 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 do some friendships last a lifetime while others stay at the acquaintance level? 🤝 How does friendship c...

☕ "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. 🍺 🎧 Inside the episode: 🔍 Why do Brits say "sorry" when THEY get bumped into? 🚇 The fine-tuned etiquette of public transport & queui...

👩‍🎓 Single-sex schools—progressive choice or charmingly outdated tradition? 🏫 In this episode, César & I take a deep dive into British single-sex education—those schools where boys & girls are kept apart for (supposedly) better focus, higher grades, and fewer distractions. As a former teacher in an all-boys school, I share the surprising behaviours I observed, while César compares it to his own experience in co-educational Spanish schools. Together, we explore: 🔍 Do single-sex schools...

🏝️ Stranded on a desert island… but with music, books & one ridiculous luxury item? This week, César & I are taking a lighthearted twist on the classic British radio show Desert Island Discs! With zero time to overthink, I’m choosing the songs, book & one over-the-top item I’d bring to my imaginary deserted island—all while César reacts in real-time. 🎧 Tune in to hear: 🎶 The song that instantly transports me to childhood 🎵 The track that reminds me of César (spoiler: it’s from a m...

💪 Can lifting weights actually change your mindset? 💪 In this episode of English & Beyond, I sit down with my friend Martha, a powerhouse in urban gardening and actualStrongwoman competitions 🏋️‍♀️, to chat about fitness, self-image, and what ‘strength’ really means. 💡 What’s inside: ✔️ My childhood fear of the word ‘muscles’ (seriously!) 😱 ✔️ Why many women quit sports in their teens—and how that’s changing ✔️ Gym culture & masculinity—how it shapes men and women differently ✔️ Marth...

🎃 Trick or treat? 🎃 In this episode of English & Beyond, César and I dig into Halloween’s surprising origins, exploring how a Celtic festival became a global phenomenon—with a little (or a lot) of help from the USA. 💡 What we chat about in this episode: ✔️ My non-existent childhood Halloween celebrations 🎭 ✔️ Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and why my parents refused to play along ✔️ The Celtic roots of Halloween & why the UK never embraced it (until now) ✔️ How Spain celebrates All Sain...

🎭 Ever walked out of a film because it was THAT disappointing? We did… In this episode, César and I discuss disappointment—from movies that didn’t live up to expectations (Joker: Folie à Deux, we’re looking at you) to the frustration of setting the bar too high. 💡 What we chat about in this episode: ✔️ Joker 2—why we actually walked out of the cinema ✔️ The problem with hyped-up sequels ✔️ Musicals we loved… and ones that weren’t worth the popcorn 🍿 ✔️ Our own creative disappointments—when th...

👀 Difficult or delightful? The mother-in-law relationship is rarely simple… In this episode, I dive into one of the most important and potentially awkward relationships you’ll ever have: the one with your mother-in-law! From first meetings to memorable meals (yes, rabbit and snails included 🐰🐌), I share my experiences of building relationships with three different mothers-in-law over the years. 💡 What we discuss in this episode: ✔️ First impressions—the nerves, the awkward moments & the b...

Please listen to (Episode 18 / Part I) first if you wish to understand Episode 19 fully If you tuned in last time, you know we left off with a cliffhanger… and now it’s time to wrap up the 'career confessions' with me, Oliver, and my guest, César! César is finally back in the interrogation seat after a few weeks' break, to discuss with me the ups and downs of career switching, the struggles of finding fulfilment, and why today’s economy makes “sticking to one job” nearly impossible for mille...

🎙️ Ever wondered how someone goes from law to Latin, politics to podcasting? Join me, Oliver, as I share the unexpected twists and turns of my career, from quitting my job as a lawyer to teaching Latin, and now, moving to Spain to focus on teaching English online. 🌍✈️ In this episode, I’ll be rating my previous jobs (including some awful ones!), sharing why I walked away from a legal career, and reflecting on what I’ve learned from job-hopping. Plus, there’s a cliffhanger—because this story i...

After last week’s episode with my mum, I thought it was only fair to sit down with my dad as well! Unlike my mum, he didn’t take much convincing—probably because he thought that if she could do it, then he absolutely could too! 😆 Our relationship has always been full of debates and disagreements (as many father-son relationships are!), and I spent most of my teenage years arguing with him. But, in hindsight, I don’t regret a single one of those arguments, because they shaped the bond we share...

This episode is a very special one for me—because I’ve finally convinced my mum to join me on the podcast! 🎉 My mother hates being photographed and/or recorded and has already warned me that she will never listen back to this episode—so I’m shocked that she agreed to take part! But I couldn’t be happier, because this conversation with her made me smile so much while editing. In this episode, we reminisce about her childhood in Scotland, her relationship with her own mother, and the best and w...

How do you define a lucky life? Can someone truly say they’ve lived happily—until the very end? In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore the story of Croesus, the ancient king whose arrogance led to his downfall. This cautionary tale has stayed with me for years, and it raises big questions: Is luck permanent? Do we control our fate? And why do so many celebrities who "have it all" end up losing everything? Together with César, we discuss how luck, happiness, and personal flaws shap...

Welcome to English and Beyond, the ultimate podcast for advanced English learners! Join us weekly as we dive into a wide variety of engaging and slightly unconventional topics that go beyond traditional language learning. From quirky cultural insights to intriguing personal stories, this podcast offers a fresh approach to improving your English. Each episode features natural, idiomatic English and often a range of accents, helping you boost your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. Ho...

Feeling unmotivated? You’re not alone! In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore the common struggle of losing motivation—whether in work, hobbies, or language learning. September is usually my mini New Year, but this time, I’ve found myself stuck in ennui (a perfect French word for deep boredom and dissatisfaction). César joins me to discuss how to stay productive when motivation disappears. We share strategies for building strong habits, keeping up with goals (like learning English...

Do you believe in luck, fate, or the supernatural? In this episode of English & Beyond, I explore superstitions, omens, and the role of rituals in shaping our lives. From black cats and Friday the 13th to cultural traditions like Scotland’s First-Footing and Spain’s 12 grapes at New Year, I discuss why—even as a sceptic—I still find myself following these rituals. Joining me is my friend Charlie, a Wiccan and expert in the occult, who sheds light on tarot readings, astrology, and divinati...

🎃 Why Do We Love Being Scared? A Deep Dive into Horror Films Fear is universal, but today we’re diving into cinematic terror – a genre I’ve loved (and sometimes regretted loving!) for years. César and I explore: 💀 My first horror experiences – and the film that traumatised my childhood friend! 📽 Why do we want to feel scared? 👻 Do horror films lose their effect over time? Or is the genre just getting worse? 🔪 Our favourite horror movies – from The Sixth Sense to Scream 🤡 The strange shift fro...

🇮🇹 Italy: Expectations vs. Reality – My Experience in Milan This week, I’m joined by Federica, one of the most impressive non-native English speakers I’ve ever met, to unpack my complicated experience living in Milan. 💡 In this episode, we discuss: 🍕 My dream of living ‘La Dolce Vita’ vs. the harsh reality👨‍💼 Toxic office culture & bizarre work expectations in Italy🤝 Why making friends in Milan was impossible📜 Italy’s paradoxes: a country of beauty, culture… & inefficiency🏛 Is the UK ...

🎓 Oxford: Reality vs. Myth – My Honest Experience For the first time ever, I’m going solo on the podcast! While César enjoys his holiday, I’m following his strict instructions to discuss the reality of the (in)famous University of Oxford. 💡 What’s in this episode? 🎭 The myths & realities of Oxford life🏛 How hard is it really to get in?📚 Why the tutorial system is so intense🎓 Why so many UK politicians studied there🍷 The ‘work hard, party hard’ social scene🤯 The pressure & mental healt...

😨 Why Am I So Afraid of Being ‘Cancelled’? This week, César and I dive into one of my biggest fears—Cancel Culture. I explain in more detail why I (still) don’t use my face to promote this podcast and share my (hopefully) irrational anxiety about becoming the next person to be publicly shamed for an opinion I didn’t even realise was controversial. In this episode, we discuss: ❌ What cancel culture actually is 💬 Why I’m nervous about expressing opinions online 📢 The pressure to not only think ...

If something bad happens to you, how should you react? Should you fully express your emotions or try to stay detached? Is grief always bad? Is happiness always good? In this episode, César and I take a deep dive into Stoicism, the ancient philosophy that teaches us how to navigate life’s highs and lows with balance and resilience. We discuss: 🛡️ What Stoicism is and where it comes from 🧠 How it helps us handle emotions and uncertainty 😌 Whether it’s possible (or even desirable) to stay ‘calm’...

Does your foreign accent make you feel insecure when speaking English? You're not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Franziska, who has lived in the UK for nine years and still struggles with her German accent. Together, we dive into the realities of accents in language learning: 🔹 Why accents matter so much to language learners 🔹 How perceptions of accents impact confidence & identity 🔹 The unexpected struggles of mastering English – even after years abroad 🔹 How Latin ...

What happens when you spend years learning a language… and then forget it? 🤯 In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Laura, and together, we take a trip down memory lane to our language-learning adventures in Beijing. We talk about: How we met while studying Mandarin in China 🇨🇳The joys and pitfalls of language learning – and why it disappears so quickly!Whether speaking a different language changes your personality 🤔Laura’s workplace email disaster (she accidentally emailed Christ inst...

What makes a relationship work? In this special episode, César and I take an honest, unscripted look at our eight-year relationship, from our first meeting to navigating cultural differences and conflicts. With César feeling under the weather and my voice barely holding up, it’s the perfect storm for some genuine British awkwardness! 💡 What We Cover: ✔️ How we met (and why I never left Spain!) ✔️ How long-distance relationships shaped us ✔️ The challenges of living and working together ✔️ The...

We’ve all had terrible bosses, but how do they shape our work lives? In this episode, César and I discuss our personal experiences with bad managers, workplace culture, and toxic leadership. We explore: ✔️ Why so many bosses are bad at their jobs ✔️ How different workplace cultures affect management styles ✔️ The impact of micromanagement, power struggles, and bad leadership ✔️ How the pandemic has changed the way we work ✔️ What makes a good boss—and why they’re so rare 📖 Want to improve you...

Is Instagram making us more narcissistic? Or is self-obsession just part of human nature? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I explore how social media fuels vanity, self-image issues, and the need for validation—and what we can learn from the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus. We discuss: ✅ How selfies and filters create unrealistic beauty standards ✅ The psychology of Instagram and its effect on self-esteem ✅ César’s confession about using beauty filters ✅ Why I avoid social med...

Jealousy: Why Do We Feel It & Can It Be a Good Thing? Jealousy is a powerful emotion—sometimes it drives us to succeed, and sometimes it makes us miserable. In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I dive into personal experiences with envy, comparison, and self-improvement. 💭 Key Topics: Why we get jealous & how it shapes our behaviourWhen jealousy motivates us vs. when it becomes toxicCultural attitudes towards jealousy in relationships, careers & friendshipsHow to deal ...

WE NOW HAVE VIDEO EPISODES FROM EP38 ONWARDS 📢 E1: Our Language Journeys – English and Beyond Podcast In this first episode of English and Beyond, meet your hosts, Oliver and César, as they share their personal stories of learning languages. Oliver, once a shy teenager, avoided modern languages altogether—but now he’s a language teacher and podcast host. César, a Spanish teacher and podcast creator, shares insights from teaching thousands of students worldwide. 🎧 What You'll Learn in This Epi...