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!

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 Eurostar, Oliver reflects on rivalry, admiration, and cooperation - and how these two neighbours keep finding new ways to misunderstand (and sometimes impress) each other.

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 punctuality. Perfect for intermediate learners, with clear storytelling and practical vocabulary.

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 challenge it.

You'll also learn some natural English expressions and idioms related to being ill, missing work, and taking time off, including:

• to be under the weather
• to call in sick
• to pull a sickie
• to be run down
• to be bedbound

This is a great episode for improving your vocabulary and reflecting on how language, culture and work culture all intersect.

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 sometimes hold us back, and why the real goal should be clear, confident communication in your own voice.

I also share some practical strategies to improve your pronunciation without losing your mind - or your identity.

Because, spoiler: your accent is not a flaw! It’s part of your story. :)

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 the power of the Church in medieval England
• Abraham Lincoln and the aftermath of the Civil War
• Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the start of WWI
• John F. Kennedy and the rise of modern conspiracy culture

And we reflect on a shocking case from 2024: the killing of a powerful healthcare CEO - and what it says about power today.

Whether you're interested in history, politics or just curious about how one act can change the world, this episode offers deeper insight - and intermediate-level English listening practice.

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 this episode too, hence its late arrival.

💬 Stay until the end to learn some natural English phrases to describe procrastination.

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!

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 personal, honest story.

This episode is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve their English while thinking about motivation, habits, and the fine line between enjoyment and obsession.

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com

• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → oliver@morethanalanguage.com

🎙 New episodes every week! Subscribe now to practise listening, expand your vocabulary, and learn English in a natural, fun way.

And remember, if this podcast is a little too easy for you, we have "English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast" too!