English and Beyond: Intermediate to Advanced English Podcast

What makes someone your best friend? Is it time, shared experiences, or just the luck of meeting the right person at the right moment? In this special episode of English and Beyond, Oliver explores the meaning of friendship. With help from his old university friend Chris, who dials in from the USA, they explore everything from the odd rituals of childhood best friends to the transactional nature of party buddies. Why do some relationships stay in the “friendly acquaintance” zone while others become lifelong bonds? And how do friendships compare to romantic relationships or sibling dynamics? With wit, warmth, and a touch of dry humour, Oliver and Chris unpack the messy, wonderful world of human connection. Whether you're a lifelong casual friend-maker or a proud introvert of the 'best friend' variety, this episode may make you think about the people in your life in a new way. For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com [http://www.morethanalanguage.com/]

In this episode of English and Beyond, an intermediate-advanced English learning podcast, César and I explore the labyrinth that is British social etiquette. From a brutally honest, brutally Spanish flat inspection in Valencia to the fine-tuned overuse of “sorry” and “thank you” on the London Tube, we break down what it means to be “polite” in the UK. Is it all genuine kindness, or are Brits just world-class at passive-aggressive fakery? And how does that reconcile with the less-than-dignified behaviour of sunburnt Brits in Magaluf? Join us both as we tackle queuing etiquette, white lies, and the cultural clash of ordering a simple beer in a British pub. Packed with sharp observations, dry humour, and César’s own Spanish-British perspective, this episode is a deep dive into why British politeness is both maddening and magnificent. Don’t worry - listening won’t require queuing. Unless you’re living in Britain, in which case, feel free to line up out of habit. For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com [http://www.morethanalanguage.com/]

Curious about the quirks of British education? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I dig into the world of single-sex education—those schools where boys and girls are kept apart in the name of better grades, fewer distractions, and old traditions. I reflect on my years teaching in a boys’ school and the surprising behaviours I observed, while César compares it to his own experience in mixed Spanish schools. Together, we explore the pros, the cons, and whether single-sex education is just a ‘charming’, British relic or still holds some educational value today. From classroom dynamics to bigger debates about gender, stereotypes, and society, it’s a lighthearted but thoughtful discussion that may have you questioning your own take on education. Tune in for a balanced mix of honesty, humour, and hopefully a touch of charm! For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com [http://www.morethanalanguage.com/]

This week on English and Beyond, César and I take a playful spin on the British radio classic Desert Island Discs. With a packed schedule and absolutely no time to overthink it, we’re keeping it real, relaxed, and full of little surprises. I’m picking the songs, books, and even luxury items I’d want on a desert(ed) island — with a few twists along the way. Curious about: * The track that instantly transports me to childhood? 🎶 * The song I connect most with César? * And which (giant) luxury item I'd insist on bringing to my island getaway? Tune in for a candid, very unscripted episode where we reveal a bit more of our lives and the music that’s shaped us. It's personal, a bit chaotic, and hopefully just the right mix of those two characteristics to keep you entertained. Hopefully! Hopefully... Hit play and join the conversation! For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com [http://www.morethanalanguage.com/]

🎙️ English and Beyond : “Muscles, Masculinity, and Martha (a *very* Strongwoman)” 💪🌱 Get ready for a lively (and ironic) twist on strength, self-image, and a little dash of painful humility in this week’s English and Beyond! In this episode, I’m chatting with my friend Martha—a powerhouse in urban gardening and strongwoman competitions—to unpack how our views on fitness, masculinity, and confidence have evolved over the time since we first met. Listen out for: * My childhood fear of the word “muscles” (true story!) * Martha’s thoughts on why strength training isn’t just for men * Why patience is key in both languages and lifting heavy things! Join us for laughs, insights, and maybe a motivation boost—whether it’s lifting weights or just picking up a new language! For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com [http://www.morethanalanguage.com/]