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 questions that will make you reflect on your own earliest memories.

This episode explores topics like brain development, emotional memory, and how our minds rewrite the past without us even realising.

📖 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 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 with us?

What emotions do they capture that textbooks never teach?

From nostalgia and saudade to quiet moments of introspection, Oliver discusses how Waterloo Sunset expresses feelings we often struggle to articulate - even in our native tongue.

Perfect for intermediate learners who want to enrich their English not just with words, but with meaning.

📖 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!

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 hear about:
– What it felt like when modern life stopped working
– How dependent we are on technology, money, and information
– Why it’s a reminder that the world is more fragile than we like to think
– The importance of flexibility, resilience, and maybe carrying a little cash… just in case

Follow the podcast to keep improving your English - and preparing for the unexpected!

📖 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!

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.

What we cover:
– What neuroplasticity really means
– Why adults learn differently (and sometimes faster)
– The mental and emotional benefits of language learning
– Daily habits and tools that actually work
– The one mindset shift that can transform your learning

Join thousands of English learners who are proving every day that age is not a limit - it’s a strength.

📖 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!

💡 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 intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary, practise listening skills, and reflect on a topic that affects millions of people around the world.

📖 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!

💉 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 - becomes a wider reflection on beauty standards, body image, and why so many people (and even camels!) are turning to cosmetic treatments.

Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, this episode is for you if you've ever looked in the mirror and wondered: Should I be doing something about this?!

This episode is perfect for learners who want to improve their English listening skills while thinking about real, relatable topics like ageing, insecurity, and the beauty industry.

In this episode:
– Useful vocabulary about appearance, health & beauty
– Expressions like “when life gives you lemons…”
– A cultural reflection on cosmetic treatments
– How to understand more natural English speech

📖 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!

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 Slack threads and side hustles. If you’ve ever worked a 9-to-5 - or dreamed of escaping one - this episode is for you.

🖥️ Remote work
👔 Suits vs. sweatpants
📠 Fax machines and BlackBerrys
💼 Gold watches vs. gig economy
✍️ Plus: vocabulary for talking about jobs and work culture!

📖 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.

🇬🇧 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
✔️ The truth about politeness and small talk
✔️ Whether we really do love queuing
✔️ Why so many Brits struggle with foreign languages
✔️ What pub culture means in modern Britain
✔️ And more!

This podcast is designed to help intermediate English learners improve their listening skills through fun, engaging topics about British life and culture. You’ll learn real expressions and vocabulary, plus cultural facts that go beyond the textbook.

✨ What makes this episode great for learners?

Slow and clear speech
Natural vocabulary and expressions
A personal, entertaining style - I hope!

TRANSCRIPT & VOCAB FLASHCARDS: Download them at www.morethanalanguage.com

🔔 Like & Subscribe for more advanced English listening content!

📲 Follow on Instagram: @BritishEnglishandBeyond

📖 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!