The British English Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
Learn British English as well as British culture, history, news and current affairs, and much more with weekly episodes from your host Charlie on The British English Podcast! Visit the website for learning resources:thebritishenglishpodcast.com
Episodes
- What Brits Say When Ordering at the Pub | Scene 2
In this episode of The British English Podcast, three hosts demonstrate how to order drinks in a busy British pub. The discussion covers the unspoken social rules, common phrases, and cues used by locals in a bar setting.
- Bonus Ep 90 - What It’s Really Like to Be a British Pilot ✈️ (Real English Conversation)
In this episode of The British English Podcast, Mark discusses his career transition into becoming a pilot, the realities of life mid-air, and why human pilots remain superior to autopilot. He also shares a humorous story about an awkward…
- What Brits Really Say at the Pub - Scene 1 of 6
In this episode, three friends plan a trip to the pub following a difficult day at work. The conversation highlights common British phrases and social cues used in informal settings.
- Bitesize Ep 109 - Why the World Feels So Chaotic Right Now (Through a British English Lens)
This episode explores the reasons behind current global tensions through a British English lens, examining themes such as the British Empire and oil chokepoints to identify patterns of power and conflict. It also offers supplementary learn…
- From the Archives: What Brits really think of Japanese culture! (S2/E2)
Host Charlie interviews Chris Broad from the YouTube channel Abroad in Japan about British perspectives on Japanese culture. They discuss what it is like for a British person to live in Japan since 2012.
- Bonus Ep 89 - Do Brits & Americans Like the Same Things? 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (5 Things Americans Love)
Charlie from The British English Podcast interviews Connor from Listening Time about five things he loves as an American. Their discussion covers cultural differences and perspectives through a playful cross-Atlantic conversation.
- Short Story Ep 4: A Very British Hotel… Where Everything Goes Wrong!
In this short story, a simple hotel stay becomes a chaotic British experience. Listeners can practice natural vocabulary and explore British humor.
- Bonus Ep 88 - British Complaints with Luke from Luke’s English Podcast | Real British English
In this bonus episode, Luke from Luke's English Podcast joins Charlie to discuss various personal pet peeves in a Room 101-style conversation. Topics include common annoyances like mosquitoes, plastic film, and horoscopes.
- S5/E6 - Did My Online Friend Catfish Me? Barcelona Trip | British & Canadian English
In this episode, the host meets his online friend Bree in Barcelona for a weekend. They discuss their experience meeting in person after knowing each other through podcasting and highlight differences between British and Canadian English.
- From the Archives: Pt. 2 of A Typically British Weekend
In this episode from the archives, Charlie shares a typical weekend from his life in the UK, offering listeners a chance to compare their own weekend routines. The episode provides insights into living like a local and includes learning re…
- Bonus Episode 87 - Charlie Chatter on Why I Left London
In this episode, host Charlie discusses his personal decision to move out of London and the UK with his dog. He shares the reasoning behind this life change and his search for a different experience.
- IELTS Ep 6 - Describe a Place in your City
This episode of The British English Podcast offers guidance on answering the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question about describing a place in a city. It features model answers at Band 5, 7, and 9 levels to help listeners improve their speaking f…
- Bitesize Ep 108 - Understanding British Humour Through a Cult Sitcom
In this episode, host Charlie explains British humour by analyzing clips from a cult comedy song. The discussion explores hallmarks of the style, including deadpan delivery, understatement, awkwardness, and self-deprecation, while teaching…
- Bonus Ep 86 - 5 Things This Brit Really Loves | Ft. Matt Calver
In this bonus episode, Matt Calver discusses five things he enjoys, including international travel, sharp kitchen knives, living without clutter, high-quality bedding, and cheese. The conversation explores comfort and the small details tha…
- From the Archives: Bitesize Ep 3 - A Typically British Weekend Part 1
In this bitesized episode of The British English Podcast, host Charlie shares an insight into how he typically spends a weekend in the UK. This episode offers listeners the chance to compare British weekend routines with their own experien…
- Big Ideas Made Simple: Socialism vs Capitalism Explained in Simple English
This episode of The British English Podcast provides an explanation of socialism and capitalism in simple English.
- S5/E5 - My Mate Pretended to Be ABBA in Front of 3,000 People in Tahiti
Host Charlie interviews his friend Al about his experience performing in an ABBA tribute show in Tahiti. They discuss the challenges of stepping outside one's comfort zone, managing stage nerves, and the experience of performing in front o…
- If You’re B2 in 2026, This Is How I’d Level Up My English
The host discusses strategies for B2-level English learners to advance their language proficiency by 2026. The episode also includes information on the host's Academy program.
- Bonus Ep 85 - The Cultural Importance of British Pubs | Ft. Jim
Charlie and his friend Jim discuss the cultural significance of the British pub, covering topics like pub atmosphere, social customs, pub quizzes, and personal anecdotes.
- Extra Ep: Why Your English Suddenly Feels WORSE (The Truth No One Tells You)
This episode of The British English Podcast discusses the phenomenon where learners feel their English speaking ability suddenly worsening. It also highlights learning resources available through the Academy.
- Bitesize Ep 107 - Charlie Chatter: I swore I’d never go back...
In this episode of The British English Podcast, the host discusses the pros and cons of working from home versus working in an office. The episode also includes opportunities for listeners to learn natural British English expressions.
- Learn Real English Through Stories: The Urban Fox Dines at The Ivy
In this episode, Charlie reads a short story about an ambitious fox named Reginald who attempts to dine at The Ivy restaurant in London. The episode also provides information on resources for learning intermediate English vocabulary.
- From the Archives: Growing up in the UK in the 90s - Bonus Ep 2
In this bonus episode of The British English Podcast, host Charlie and guest Harry discuss their personal experiences growing up in the UK during the 1990s and 2000s in an informal conversation.
- S5/E4 - Learn English Through a Wild French Bank Heist: Albert Spaggiari with Alastair Budge
In this episode, Charlie and guest Alastair Budge discuss the life and crimes of Albert Spaggiari, the mastermind behind a major bank heist in Nice. They explore his background as a photographer and his famous escape from custody.
- Bonus Ep 84: Pt. 2 of The Elizabethan Era: Exploration, Empire & the English Renaissance | Ft. Ben Marks
In this episode, Charlie and guest Ben Marks discuss the Elizabethan Era, covering exploration, the rise of the English empire, and the cultural developments of the Renaissance. They examine the historical context of the period, including…
- IELTS Ep 5: Talking About British Icons and Inspiring People (IELTS Part 2)
This episode of The British English Podcast examines IELTS Speaking Part 2 by focusing on how to describe an inspiring person. It provides examples of Band 5, 7, and 9 student answers using Sir David Attenborough as the subject.
- 🎃 Halloween Special | Real Vocabulary from 2 Creepy Stories
In this Halloween special, Harry and Charlie share two creepy stories to teach intermediate+ English vocabulary. One story features a vintage mirror with a strange reflection, and the other involves a student on a late-night train.
- Pronunciation Ep 03 - Master British Intonation with Real Speech
This episode focuses on improving British pronunciation and intonation. It uses a clip from a previous episode to teach shadowing techniques, covering connected speech, word stress, and rhythm for a natural sound.
- Bitesize Ep 106 - The Elves and the Shoemaker
Charlie retells the fairy tale 'The Elves and the Shoemaker' with a modern British twist, incorporating humor and cultural insights. The episode focuses on teaching advanced vocabulary and expressions.
- Bonus Ep 83: Harry’s Mishaps Pt. 2 - Car Clamps, Bailiffs, a Crash, and Some Very British Vocabulary
This episode details Harry's recent misfortunes, including car clamping, bailiffs, a crash, and other unusual events, while introducing new vocabulary.
- From the Archives: A British Conversation in Charlie's Pub, Scene 1 - Bitesize Ep 2
In this episode, Charlie and Ben discuss the Elizabethan era, covering historical topics such as religious changes, piracy, and political developments. They explore the events and figures that shaped this period of English history.
- One Tiny Word That Changes Everything in English
This episode of The British English Podcast discusses the impact of a specific word on English usage. It also provides information regarding enrollment in The Academy.
- S5/E3 - The Rise of England Explained: Elizabethan Era, Part 1
Charlie and Ben explore the history of the Elizabethan era, covering themes such as religious upheaval, political dynamics, and the rise of the Virgin Queen. This episode provides an overview of the period's cultural and historical signifi…
- Short Story Ep #2 - A Stonehenge Adventure with Hugo, Chris & Mike
In this short story episode, Hugo, Chris, and Mike visit Stonehenge. The dialogue highlights British cultural insights and everyday expressions through their experience at the historic site.
- Bitesize Ep 105: A Shocking Chapter of British History: The Day London Nearly Drowned in Dung
This episode explores the Great Horse Manure Crisis of 1894 and its impact on Victorian London. It also provides advanced British English vocabulary, idioms, and expressions for listeners to learn.
- Expression Ep 01 - 5 Phrases You’ll Never Learn in School
In this episode of The British English Podcast, the host teaches five common English expressions often used by native speakers but rarely found in textbooks. The phrases covered include pet peeve, vent, dawned on me, thrown in for good mea…
- Bitesize Ep 104 - Real British Life Problems Ft. Harry
In this episode, Harry discusses his recent everyday challenges, including parking fines and an eBay scam. The conversation provides an opportunity to learn English vocabulary and explore British humour.
- From the Archives - British Wedding Culture
This podcast episode revisits a conversation between Charlie and Lucy from English With Lucy about British wedding culture and traditions. Lucy, who was engaged at the time, shared insights into her wedding plans and compared them to other…
- S5/E2 Inside the World’s Biggest Comedy Festival (with a ‘British’ Comedian)
Charlie and comedian Matthew McAloone discuss the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts and comedy festival globally. The episode offers an inside look at the challenges and experiences comedians face at the festival.
- Bonus Ep 82 - British Work Etiquette: 5 Things You Should Never Do
This episode of The British English Podcast offers insights into British work etiquette and phrases, including common expressions that learners may encounter. The host also provides resources for further study, such as a free vocabulary PD…
- Bitesize Episode 103 - What Brits Think of You When You Say 'Apartment'
This episode of The British English Podcast discusses British vocabulary and cultural nuances related to describing homes, including terms like 'apartment', 'two-up two-down', and 'cottage'.
- From the Archives: Fancy a cuppa?
This episode of The British English Podcast, hosted by Charlie, explores the cultural considerations behind offering and accepting tea in the UK. It examines how this seemingly simple social custom can involve complex cultural variations.
- IELTS Ep 4 - IELTS Speaking Band 5 vs 7 vs 9 (With Real Examples & Tips!)
This episode of The British English Podcast focuses on improving IELTS Speaking scores by analyzing Band 5, 7, and 9 answers to Part 3 questions on education. Host Charlie provides practical tips, British expressions, and insights into exa…
- Short Story Ep #1 - Learn English with a Funny Story
In this episode, Emma lies about her living situation, telling her cousin she lives near Hyde Park when she actually lives above a kebab shop. The story explores how the lie escalates with her friends' help, offering a chance to learn Brit…
- S5/E1 Travel Today vs. the Good Old Days – Has It Got Worse?
In S5/E1, Charlie and Don compare modern travel with past experiences, discussing changes in booking, airports, and cultural aspects of globetrotting since the '70s. The episode includes advanced vocabulary related to travel.
- Pronunciation Ep 002 - British Shadowing Practice with The Office UK – Funny & Real Pronunciation!
This episode of The British English Podcast uses a scene from The Office (UK) for pronunciation practice. Charlie guides listeners on shadowing techniques, focusing on connected speech, stress, intonation, and rhythm to achieve natural Bri…
- Bitesize Episode 102 - 10 Million Brits Believe in This Monster—Here’s Why
This episode of The British English Podcast delves into the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, examining its history from ancient times to modern investigations and discussing why many Britons believe in its existence. The episode also incor…
- IELTS Ep 3 - Sound Fluent When Talking About Hobbies – Part 1 Practice
Host Charlie provides guidance on discussing hobbies and free time for everyday conversation and the IELTS Speaking Part 1 exam. The episode includes model answers, useful expressions, and tips to improve fluency and confidence.
- Bonus Ep 81 - Emma’s 5 Brilliant Things | Ft. Pronunciation with Emma
Emma from Pronunciation with Emma joins Charlie to discuss five personally brilliant things. They talk about British culture, personality quirks, and the small moments that make life enjoyable in this unscripted conversation for English le…
- From the Archives: British University Lifestyle
In this episode of The British English Podcast, host Charlie interviews Martin from Rock N' Roll English about the lifestyle of a university student in the UK. They discuss topics such as nightlife, student accommodation, and campus life.