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, and the meaning behind her designs.
• My tattoo dilemma: Can I overcome my indecision and make my New Year’s resolution a reality? (Spoiler: I will, I promise!)

This episode blends intriguing history, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with our signature dry humour (we hope). and thoughtful reflections (we hope as well). Whether you’re tattooed, tattoo-curious, or just a fan of unique stories, this episode has something for you!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

🎙️ 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 laid-back approach to resolutions, the challenges of building new routines after their move to Spain, and why sometimes just "being human" can be a valid goal. There’s also plenty of banter about morning grumpiness, journaling attempts, and... health conditions?

Whether you're someone who meticulously plans your resolutions or just wings it, this episode is packed with relatable moments and some light-hearted inspiration. And, of course, we would love to hear from you:

💬 What are your 2025 resolutions?
Share them via email at [email protected], or leave a comment on Spotify, YouTube, or our new Instagram account @BritishEnglishandBeyond!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

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 cultural differences of Christmas in Spain versus the UK.
• A heartfelt look at why the imperfections make the holidays so special.

🎁 A Small Christmas Request
If you’ve enjoyed English and Beyond this year, I’d love it if you could share this episode or the podcast with a friend learning English. Word of mouth is the best gift for growing this community!

Let me know about your own Christmas traditions! Do you embrace the chaos or prefer the polished? I’d love to hear from you—email me at [email protected] or leave a comment on the website.

Thank you for being part of this journey in 2024. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. See you in 2025! 🎉

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

This week on English and Beyond, we explore the unique and lifelong connection between siblings, with a special focus on sisters. From hero worship in childhood to sibling rivalries and touching moments of mutual support, this episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and heartfelt reflections.

Host Oliver shares stories about his older sister, affectionately named “Jeanne” for the podcast, and the profound impact she’s had on his life. Joined by regular co-host César, the duo also discuss the complexities of sibling dynamics—from being role models to navigating the challenges of sibling rivalry and trust.

You’ll learn new English phrases like “your reputation precedes you” and “sounding board”, while enjoying a mix of humour and sentimentality.

Have your own sibling stories? Share them with us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

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.

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: 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.

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: 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!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: 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!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: 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!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com

🎃 Halloween on English and Beyond! 🎃

Hello, listeners! This week on English and Beyond, I’m taking a closer look at Halloween. As someone who didn’t grow up celebrating the holiday—or even getting in on the fun of Santa or the Tooth Fairy—Halloween has always felt a bit... lacking. But this year, I’m digging into its Celtic roots and considering why this odd, spooky celebration has blown up worldwide, especially in the UK, with a hefty nudge from the US.

Alongside César, we’ll chat about our cultural quirks, from creepy childhood myths to ancient Celtic festivals. Join us as we explore it all with humour (and a touch of darkness). So, get ready to explore Halloween from an unexpected angle—without the sweets!

🖊 What’s your take? Share your thoughts on your podcast app or on our Youtube (Link: English and Beyond) or Instagram (Link: @BritishEnglishandBeyond)

📖 Read Along: For a full and accurate transcript and additional learning resources, check out our website at the following link: morethanalanguage.com