Best Upper Intermediate English Podcasts (2025)

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246. There is / are and extended family 13:51

Play Pause

12h ago13:51

13:51

Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for word translation in many other langu…

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E50 Fifty Episodes Later: Do Anniversaries Even Matter? - Advanced English 17:59

3d ago17:59

17:59

In this special 50th episode of English and Beyond, Oliver and César reflect on one year of podcasting, what anniversaries really mean, and why they could often forget their own. From the challenges of staying consistent to the little victories along the way, we talk about how far we’ve come - and whether anniversaries are worth celebrating at all.…

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245. B1 Linking Words with a story 17:27

8d ago17:27

17:27

B1 Linking Words Linking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast: A Rainy Adventure Tom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problem With linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey. He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the moment his friend Anna called. Wit…

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Level 0.23 European cities 2:10

12d ago2:10

2:10

The best cities for a mini break

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Episode 37: Quirky Real-Life Stories 30:46

13d ago30:46

30:46

Join the conversation and share your thoughts! From the surprising misadventures of a parrot to an unusual case of mistaken identity, Donielle and Khrystyna discuss quirky real-life stories with interesting or unexpected twists. Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to download the show notes for each episode. The…

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244. The Breath of the Mosquito (complete version) B1 Story 37:18

14d ago37:18

37:18

For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version. This extract will help you understand what the story is about... 'If… if something went back in time and existed in the …

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E49 Summer Loving / Spanish Hell - Advanced English 20:23

15d ago20:23

20:23

In this sweaty, slightly chaotic episode, César and Oliver question whether moving to Valencia was such a great idea... in the middle of an early summer heatwave. Join us as we talk about the oppressive Spanish humidity, sweaty public transport, unexpected cockroach encounters, and whether torrid weather leads to torrid affairs. You’ll learn expres…

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243. B1 adjectives (short story) 20:50

21d ago20:50

20:50

Here are the B1 words we're studying today: acceptable accurate amusing annoyed convenient embarrassed forbidden grateful hopeless miserable To see the transcript of the story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other …

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E48 Tuscany, Italy: The Good, the Bad and the Itchy - Advanced English 19:25

24d ago19:25

19:25

Is Tuscany really as perfect as Instagram makes it look? In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced English Podcast, Oliver and César sit down to share the unfiltered truth about their recent holiday in Italy - and it’s not all rolling hills and Chianti. From postcard-perfect views and delicious dinners to mosquito bites, awkward group dynamic…

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Level 1.195 Canada! 3:31

26d ago3:31

3:31

Just how big is Canada?

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242. FCE Story 2 (B2) 19:50

29d ago19:50

19:50

In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary: heading for Paris his hands were trembling both thrilled and terrified him doubting every shot gazing out of the window an old woman wiped her eyes. the crowd clapped enthusiastically as he nervously walked up his anxiety forgotten To read an annotated version of the full story aud…

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Episode 36: Coffee Break 4 - Would You Rather 2 17:07

1M ago17:07

17:07

Join the conversation and share your thoughts! Join Donielle and Khrystyna for a relaxed coffee break episode filled with laughs, quirky “Would You Rather” questions, and a surprisingly effective sleep hack. From elevator stories to fashion debates, it’s an easygoing chat for fun listening and vocabulary practice! Show Notes Support the show To get…

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E47 Overrated & Overhyped: What We’re All Pretending to Like | Advanced English for expressing opinions 20:42

1M ago20:42

20:42

In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced Edition, Oliver and César explore a question we all secretly ask ourselves: “Do I actually like this… or do I just think I’m supposed to?” From five-star restaurants and summer holidays to podcasts and museums, they take a light-hearted but honest look at things that might be a little overrated, a bit…

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241. FCE Story (B2 ) 23:59

1M ago23:59

23:59

How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose. You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.htm At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level Engl…

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Level 2.195 You can't wear that! 3:40

1M ago3:40

3:40

Some surprising dress codes in sport

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240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2 16:53

1M ago16:53

16:53

I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode! At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other…

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E46 Movies: Popcorn to Plot Twists | How to Talk About Films in Advanced English 18:07

2M ago18:07

18:07

What makes a film critically acclaimed, atmospheric, or even box office poison? In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I (I'm Oliver!) dive into the full cinema experience - from noisy popcorn munching to unexpected plot twists - and explore the vocabulary and expressions you need to talk about movies like a native speaker. Whether you’re…

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239. The Letter (B1, B2) 18:51

2M ago18:51

18:51

These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam. Moreover In addition, Besides What is more, Furthermore, Yet To begin with, In the same way, Similarly, Consequently, See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-239.htm At https://www.practising…

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The Easiest Ways To Learn English (Speaking & Reading) 25:05

2M ago25:05

25:05

🚀 Easy methods to improve! 📖 Exciting podcast—More lazy strategies to improve your English. Explained in B1 level English. 👍 This podcast is perfect for intermediate (A2, B1, B2) English learners. 🗣️ One-to-one lessons: www.simpleenglishbooks.com ⭐ Every 1st & 15th day of the month. ☕ Support the Podcast: Buy Me A Coffee ✅ Subscribe ✍️ Transcripts …

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238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue 14:18

2M ago14:18

14:18

How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue. A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’. Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses? Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept? Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, …

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E45 Do You Speak "Doctor"? | Advanced Medical English 17:50

2M ago17:50

17:50

Would you know what to say at the doctor’s in English? In this English and Beyond: Advanced English episode, César and I explore some advanced medical English vocabulary, from describing symptoms to understanding key healthcare terms like prognosis, chronic illness, and comorbidity. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how the UK’s NHS works (I ac…

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Level 3.195 Big Brother IS watching you! 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

CCTV cameras: are they a good thing?

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Episode 35: Managing Stress 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

Join the conversation and share your thoughts! In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna open up about the everyday stressors we all face. We share how stress shows up in our lives and our personal tips for managing it. Tune in for relatable stories, vocabulary-rich natural conversation, and a few laughs along the way. Show Notes Support the show To …

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237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version) 28:49

2M ago28:49

28:49

These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story. 1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower? 2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day? 3) Why did Nigel lose his job? 4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death? Answers are given at the end of the podcast For compl…

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E44 Why the US and China Might Be Headed for War | Practise Advanced English Through Global Politics 19:11

2M ago19:11

19:11

Are we on the point of World War III - and what does Ancient Greece have to do with it? In this episode of English and Beyond: Advanced, we explore The Thucydides Trap - a theory from ancient history that's now being used to explain modern tensions between China and the United States. You’ll learn: – Who Thucydides was and what he said about the Pe…

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I Survived A Poltergeist (A Violent Ghost) B2 Interview 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

😱 Today's listening is Joseph's true ghost story in upper-intermediate B2 English. Conversation between native speakers about real-life horror & the PARANORMAL 👻👽 👍 This podcast is perfect for intermediate (A2, B1, B2) English learners. 🌎 Joseph's Travel Youtube 🪶 My Beautiful simple books: www.simpleenglishbooks.com 🗣️ 1-to-1 conversation lessons …

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236. Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes) 15:47

2M ago15:47

15:47

Structure Summary Would like / want / ask I would like you to come to a party on Saturday Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)] I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday. Other examples: I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discu…

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E43 Why is Meghan Markle so unpopular in Britain? | Advanced English Listening Practice 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

Why did Britain fall out of love with Meghan Markle? In this episode of English and Beyond, I take a deep dive into the intense reaction to the Duchess of Sussex, unpacking her rise and fall in British public opinion. From media double standards to cultural differences, race, class, and the emotional shift of Prince Harry, this monologue and conver…

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Level 0.22 Do you have a hobby? 2:09

2M ago2:09

2:09

Richard talks about two of his hobbies

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EP37 | Intermediate | V.+着 | Learn Chinese through lyrics 8:35

3M ago8:35

8:35

Send us a text#ListentosongstolearnChinese #着 #love #Chinesesong《因为爱情》给你一张过去的CD听听那时我们的爱情有时会突然忘了我还在爱着你再唱不出那样的歌曲听到都会红着脸躲避虽然会经常忘了我依然爱着你因为爱情不会轻易悲伤所以一切都是幸福的模样因为爱情简单地生长依然随时可以为你疯狂因为爱情怎么会有沧桑所以我们还是年轻的模样因为爱情在那个地方依然还有人在那里游荡，人来人往学习重点：V+着：indicates an action or a state is continuing.上课的时候，老师站着。房间的门关着。他穿着一件蓝色的衬衫。我开着车，听着音乐。我听着音乐跑步。她开着窗睡觉。他拿着花站在门口。服务员笑着说：“欢…

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235. Future Perfect B2 (short story) 18:31

3M ago18:31

18:31

LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECT I have studied / I have been studying English for/since... (from the past to the present) Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years (from the past to a moment in the future I will have had this car for fifteen years next month. I will have lived / been living i…

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E42 Want to sound British? You might regret it... (feat. Emma, from Pronunciation with Emma) - Advanced English listening practice 29:09

3M ago29:09

29:09

An episode featuring a proper pronunciation expert, Emma (from Pronunciation with Emma)! In this episode of English and Beyond, we dive deep into the surprising world of British accents — and why they can cause so much tension, even within the UK. From royal RP to the streets of Newcastle, accents in Britain are more than just a way of speaking — t…

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My 10-Month Journey Making the Perfect Simple English Storybooks (B1) 21:29

3M ago21:29

21:29

🚀 In today's B1 listening: I spent 10 months making graded reader novels for you. The journey was difficult with struggles. I'll share what I learned about creative writing and storytelling, as well as dealing with perfectionism. 👍 This podcast is perfect for intermediate (A2, B1, B2) English learners. 🗣️ One-to-one English lessons: www.simpleengli…

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234. B2 Time Adverbs 19:05

3M ago19:05

19:05

These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!) firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence) instantly (often at the end of a sentenc…

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Level 1.194 Working animals 3:03

3M ago3:03

3:03

Some animals have very unusual jobs!

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E41 Culture Shock Is Real: what surprised us about life abroad - Advanced level listening practice for English-language students 21:16

3M ago21:16

21:16

Have you ever experienced culture shock - that strange, unsettling feeling when you're suddenly living in a completely different country? 🌍 In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I share our real experiences of living abroad and how it affected them emotionally, practically… and even gastronomically. 🎧 I will tell you about moving to Spai…

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233. Uses of 'rather' (with dialogue) 18:29

3M ago18:29

18:29

'Rather' and its uses FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASE B1 Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable. Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter. FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSE B2 I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air. Rather than sitting aro…

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232. Would and used to with short story 26:28

3M ago26:28

26:28

Stative verbs Thoughts and opinions believe know understand suppose think (I would sit and think about her every day.) (People used to think that smoking was good for you.) Emotions love I used to love watching children's TV when I was a kid. TV programmes for kids used to be better then than they are now. hate dislike detest appreciate Senses see …

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E40 Why Do Brits Drink So Much? - Advanced level English learning podcast 23:05

3M ago23:05

23:05

🇬🇧 Why do Brits have such a reputation for binge drinking? 🇬🇧 In this episode of English and Beyond, César and I dive into British drinking culture, exploring why nights out in the UK start and end so early, the historical reasons behind our binge-drinking habits, and how it all compares to nightlife in Spain. 🍻 From pub culture to the impact of Wo…

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The Lazy (& Easiest) Way to Learn English! 12:42

3M ago12:42

12:42

🚀 The Easiest Way is the Best Way! 📖 In today's podcast, I teach the laziest & most enjoyable ways to English fluency, explained in B1 level English. 👍 This podcast is perfect for intermediate (A2, B1, B2) English learners. 🗣️ One-to-one lessons: www.simpleenglishbooks.com ⭐ Every 1st & 15th day of the month. ☕ Support the Podcast: Buy Me A Coffee …

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Level 2.194 United or City? 3:20

3M ago3:20

3:20

Football clubs and their names.

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Episode 34: Hobbies & Leisure 32:09

3M ago32:09

32:09

Join the conversation and share your thoughts! What’s your favorite way to relax? In this episode, Donielle and Khrystyna chat about hobbies — from baking and reading to board games and gardening — and share some laughs along the way. Grab a cup and join the conversation! Show Notes Support the show To get the most out of this podcast, be sure to d…

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231. B1 Do for emphasis (with dialogue) 15:41

4M ago15:41

15:41

Emphasis is used with lots of auxiliary verbs: - I MUST get to the shop before it closes. - You SHOULD try and finish the painting today. I'm fed up with smelling paint all over the house. - I do like your new tie. It's so colourful! - I do want to go and see that new film Anora. You know, the film that won all those oscars. - Well, I saw it. I don…