🎙️ 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 is too big for just one episode! 🎬

💡 What we cover in this episode:
✔️ The worst jobs I’ve ever had (and why retail nearly broke me!)
✔️ My time in UK Parliament and why I didn’t stay in politics
✔️ Why I left law (even though it paid really well!)
✔️ Teaching: The best job I’ve ever had—but also why I left
✔️ Moving to Spain and my new career plans
✔️ Workplace happiness vs. salary—what really matters?

If you’re feeling stuck in your job, thinking about a career change, or just curious about different career paths, this episode is for you!

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

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 today.

In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ Our complex father-son relationship (and why we argued so much!)
✔️ My dad’s career in the fashion industry and what it was like building a company from scratch
✔️ How ageing changes your perspective on life
✔️ His biggest regrets and proudest moments
✔️ Life in Bristol then and now

Despite my dad frequently declaring that he’s "in decline", his humour and sharpness are very much intact—and this conversation was a reminder of the deep respect and connection we share.

If you enjoy family stories, reflections on life, and a bit of British humour, I think you’ll love this episode!

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✔️ Real British English conversations in a Bristolian accent
✔️ New vocabulary related to family, ageing, and careers
✔️ How to understand fast, natural 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

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 worst parts of being a parent. We talk about how parenting has changed, why she tells me not to have kids (while also saying they are the best thing she ever did), and what it’s like watching your children grow into adults.

If you enjoy honest, heartwarming, and funny conversations about family, childhood, and parenting, this is the episode for you!

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✔️ Real-life British English conversation in a natural setting
✔️ Scottish & Southern English accents in everyday speech
✔️ New vocabulary about family, childhood, and emotions

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

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 shape our lives and whether we should ever count ourselves truly fortunate. This episode is full of engaging storytelling, thought-provoking ideas, and advanced English vocabulary, so give it a listen!

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

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. Hosted by experienced language teachers, Oliver and Cesar (from Spanish Language Coach), and featuring guest speakers, English and Beyond ensures an entertaining and educational experience. Whether you're looking to enhance your language routine or simply enjoy interesting discussions in accessible English, this podcast is perfect for you. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform and visit us at www.morethanalanguage.com for transcripts and more!

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

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!), and finding your "bare minimum" to maintain progress. If you’ve ever lost momentum in your studies, work, or fitness routine, this episode is for you!

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

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 divination. Are these practices just psychological tools, or do they tap into something deeper? We also perform a live tarot reading for the future of this podcast!

This episode is packed with advanced English vocabulary, idioms, and cultural insights. Don’t forget to download the free transcript at www.morethanalanguage.com to help with tricky phrases.

🔔 Subscribe for more advanced English listening practice, and leave a review—it really helps!

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

🎃 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 from horror films to true crime obsession

This is a fun, high-level English episode with plenty of vivid storytelling, horror insights & film 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

🇮🇹 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 becoming more like Italy in terms of bureaucracy & politics?
• 🇮🇹 Federica’s take: A proud Italian’s love-hate relationship with her homeland

This is an insightful, high-level English episode, full of reflections on culture, expectations, and the reality of life in Italy.

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!

🎓 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 health challenges of Oxford students
• 🗣 Why I feel awkward even mentioning I went to Oxford

Oxford is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, but is it really the academic utopia people think it is? Or is it just an overrated, elitist relic of the past? I share my personal stories and opinions on what it’s really like to study there.

📖 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 → [email protected]

🎙 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 tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!