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!

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!