Easy English Podcast: Learn English Through Listening

Birthday sale: my book "Phrasal Verbs Are Easy!" is just $9.99 until 8 November. https://www.patreon.com/englishwitholiver/posts/phrasal-verbs-50-137806749

Get the full study guide for this episode on Patreon: the complete transcript, vocabulary practice and comprehension questions, plus bonus episodes every week. https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

Ever scrolled late at night and felt worse about your own life? You're not alone.

In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, Oliver tells the story of Anna's school reunion and explains why we compare ourselves with people like us, why social media is only a "highlight reel", and why Olympic bronze medallists often look happier than silver medallists. You'll also learn the difference between envy and jealousy, and four simple ways to compare yourself less. It's clear, natural English for intermediate (B1-B2) learners who want to improve their listening and vocabulary.

5 key words: envy, insecure, achievement, self-esteem, grateful

Vote in the poll: where do you compare yourself most?

Links:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Easy-EnglishPodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/easy-english-podcast-learn-english-through-listening/id1520690072

Chapters:

0:00 Why do we compare ourselves to others?

1:09 Anna's school reunion

4:07 Word 1: envy (and envy vs jealousy)

5:28 Word 2: insecure

7:51 The highlight reel

9:56 Word 3: achievement

11:41 Poll: where do you compare yourself most?

12:48 My book: Phrasal Verbs Are Easy! ($9.99 until 8 Nov)

14:47 Social comparison theory - Word 4: self-esteem

17:12 Silver or bronze: who's happier?

18:49 Four ways to compare less - Word 5: grateful

22:02 Quick check and word review

Get the full study guide for this episode on Patreon: the complete transcript to read along, vocabulary practice, comprehension questions and activities, plus bonus episodes every week. https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

Sunday evening, and you're dreading going back to work on Monday? Maybe it's time for a change. But is it too late?

In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, Oliver looks at why so many people stay in careers that don't make them happy: money, the "sunk cost fallacy" and the fear of starting again. You'll hear about famous people who changed careers in their 40s and later, why adults never really start from zero, and the "regret test", one simple question to help you decide whether to stay or go. It's clear, natural English for intermediate (B1-B2) learners who want to improve their listening and vocabulary.

5 key words: career, fulfilling, risk, retrain, regret

Vote in the poll: what stops most people changing careers?

Links:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Easy-EnglishPodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/easy-english-podcast-learn-english-through-listening/id1520690072

Chapters:

0:00 Is it too late to change your career?

0:55 Word 1: career (and how to say it)

2:50 Word 2: fulfilling - how fulfilling is your work?

5:10 My own career change

6:18 Why we stay - Word 3: risk

8:21 The sunk cost fallacy

10:10 Fear of starting again

10:51 Poll: what stops people changing careers?

11:39 Late starters: Vera Wang, Julia Child, Colonel Sanders

13:38 Word 4: retrain - and transferable skills

16:57 Word 5: regret - and the regret test

19:48 Quick check and goodbye

Get the full study guide for this episode on Patreon: the complete transcript to read along, vocabulary practice, comprehension questions and activities, plus bonus content every week. https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

Do you sleep a normal amount but still feel tired all the time? You're not alone.

In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, Oliver looks at why so many people feel exhausted today, even when they sleep seven or eight hours. You'll learn about your "energy bank account", the three types of tiredness, what burnout really is, and four simple habits that can give you more energy, plus one free 10-minute trick that works better than coffee for a lot of people. It's clear, natural English for intermediate (B1-B2) learners who want to improve their listening and vocabulary.

5 key words: exhausted, energy, recharge, burnout, routine

Vote in the poll: what makes you most tired?

Links:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

Chapters:

0:00 Why is everyone so tired?

1:53 A typical tired day

2:58 Word 1: exhausted (and "knackered")

4:22 Sleep isn't the whole story - Word 2: energy

6:59 Your energy bank account

8:35 Word 3: recharge - why scrolling isn't rest

10:05 Three types of tiredness

11:34 Poll: what makes you most tired?

12:21 Word 4: burnout - and why it's so common

16:37 Word 5: routine - four habits for more energy

18:57 The free 10-minute trick

20:08 Quick check, study guide and word review

Get the full PDF workbook for this episode (full transcript, vocabulary practice, comprehension questions and activities) plus weekly bonus content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

You understand the film. You laugh at the jokes. Then someone asks, "What did you do at the weekend?" and your mind goes blank. Sound familiar?

In this episode of The Easy English Podcast, Oliver explains why you can understand English but find it hard to speak. You'll learn about passive and active vocabulary, why retrieving words is harder than recognizing them, and how time pressure and fear make you hesitate. Then you'll get four simple ways to practise speaking on your own. Perfect for intermediate (B1-B2) learners who want to speak more confidently.

Vocabulary in this episode:

• gap — A space between two things

• passive — You receive something, but you don't actively do or make it

• to retrieve — To find something and bring it back

• to hesitate — To stop for a moment before you do or say something, usually because you're not sure or a bit nervous

• automatic — Done without thinking about it

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Making friends used to take one sentence: "Do you want to play?" So why does it feel like one of the hardest things to do as an adult? In this episode of Easy English, we look at what actually changed, why it has nothing to do with being less likeable, and a couple of small shifts that genuinely make it easier.

This episode is for intermediate (B1-B2) English learners who want practical vocabulary for talking about relationships, effort, and everyday social life, useful for real conversations, not just textbook small talk.

Five words to listen for: effort, initiate, vulnerable, maintain, awkward.

New episodes every week, real English, one everyday topic at a time.Watch the video episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zdSWbiJYKbWfhHrizj5wA

00:00 Why Adult Friendship Feels Hard

00:56 Poll and Listener Question

01:22 Key Vocabulary for Today

03:15 Bonus Content and Patreon

04:04 Proximity vs Adult Effort

06:10 The Power of Repetition

08:44 Why It Feels Vulnerable

10:06 Initiate Then Maintain

11:16 Practical Tips That Work

13:40 Comprehension Questions and Wrap-Up

Get the full transcript, downloadable vocabulary workbook, and this week's Patreon Deep Dive on native idiom upgrades: https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver

Ever notice how you say "sorry" for things that clearly aren't your fault? In this episode of Easy English, we unpack the strange habit of over-apologizing: why it happens, what "sorry" is actually doing when it's not about guilt, and how understanding this one small word will make your spoken English sound noticeably more natural.

This episode is for intermediate (B1-B2) English learners who want to sound less like a textbook and more like a real English speaker, especially in meetings, presentations, and everyday conversation.

Five words to listen for: reflex, instinctively, sincere, overuse, guilt.

New episodes every week — real English, one everyday topic at a time.Watch the video episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zdSWbiJYKbWfhHrizj5wA

00:00 Why We Say Sorry

00:49 Poll And Vocabulary

03:32 Support The Podcast

04:16 Sorry As A Reflex

06:38 Four Meanings Of Sorry

09:21 Keeping The Peace

11:03 Fluency Beyond Grammar

12:09 When Sorry Loses Power

14:35 Confidence And Balance

16:31 Regional Differences

18:25 Key Takeaways And Goodbye

🎓 Get the full transcript, downloadable vocabulary workbook, and this week's Patreon Deep Dive: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Two minutes into the task and suddenly the kitchen is spotless. In this episode of Easy English, we look at why we procrastinate, what's actually happening in your head when you avoid a task, and the very creative excuses English speakers use to explain it, plus two simple techniques that genuinely help.

This episode is for intermediate (B1-B2) English learners who want practical vocabulary for talking about habits, feelings, and everyday psychology, useful whether you're chatting with friends or explaining a missed deadline at work.

Five words to listen for: avoid, task, guilt, mood, deadline.

🎧 New episodes every week, real English, one everyday topic at a time.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro: Why You Keep Procrastinating

1:16 Today's Poll: How Do You Procrastinate?

2:08 Vocabulary Toolkit: 5 Key Words

5:31 Procrastination Isn't Laziness

8:31 The Real Reason: It's a Mood Problem

10:59 English Phrases for Procrastination

13:10 Why Guilt Makes It Worse

14:53 Why "Try Harder" Doesn't Work

16:02 How to Actually Stop Procrastinating

19:33 Comprehension Check

21:03 Recap & Outro

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"I'm just not a morning person." You've probably said it, or heard someone else say it like a fact. In this episode of Easy English, we look at where that idea actually comes from, what sleep science really says about it, and why treating it as a fixed identity might be exactly what's keeping it true.

This episode is for intermediate (B1-B2) English learners who want practical vocabulary for talking about habits, identity, and everyday psychology, useful whether you're chatting with friends or explaining yourself at work.

Five words to listen for: myth, identity, assume, flexible, habit.

New episodes every Monday, real English, one everyday topic at a time.

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever bought something on impulse and regretted it an hour later? In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we explore the science of retail marketing, dopamine, and consumer psychology. Learn how stores manipulate your emotions and discover 3 simple habits to resist temptation and avoid buyer's regret!

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is the traditional dream of working until 65 and stopping completely officially old-fashioned? In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we explore why the old retirement model is becoming outdated. Discover modern alternatives like taking a career break, learn how to redefine your long-term goals, and expand your vocabulary for discussing career plans with confidence!

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What do Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, and top TED speakers have in common? In this interactive episode of the Easy English Podcast, we reveal the hidden structural wave that can captivate any audience. Discover how building a contrast between "What Is" and "What Could Be" makes your English persuasive, powerful, and unforgettable!

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you freeze up or feel embarrassed whenever you make a grammar mistake? In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we take apart the trap of perfectionism. Discover why errors are actually neural upgrades for your brain, and learn 3 practical habits to embrace your mistakes, build resilient confidence, and speak without fear!

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Why do we feel so lonely in a world where everyone is just a click away? In this interactive episode of the Easy English Podcast, we explore the modern paradox of digital convenience and emotional isolation. Discover why superficial social media messages leave us feeling empty, and learn how being vulnerable can transform your friendships.

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you find yourself checking work emails on Sunday afternoons? You aren't alone. In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we explore why technology destroyed the boundary between rest and labor. Discover how productivity guilt ruins your free time and learn 3 simple rules to help you disconnect, lower stress, and restore your energy!

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you truly "need" that morning cup of coffee to function, or is your brain just addicted to the comfort of the routine? In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we look at the science of caffeine, tolerance, and anchor habits. Learn why waiting 90 minutes for your first cup can transform your energy and eliminate afternoon crashes!

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever had a week where you suddenly hesitate constantly, forget basic words, and feel completely defeated? You aren't losing your fluency - this feeling is actually a psychological illusion. In this interactive episode of the Easy English Podcast, we look at why your awareness grows faster than your speaking skills and how your brain handles new information.

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

While the 2026 World Cup is heating up, discover the shocking true story of how the world’s biggest obsession actually started. Long before modern stadiums, football was a chaotic street game that kings tried to ban! In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we explore how a violent medieval game managed to evolve into the beautiful sport we love today.

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you think you have to be a loud extrovert to be charming in English? That is a giant lie. In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we look at the science of charm & charisma. Discover why trying to dominate conversations actually pushes people away, and learn how to radiate warmth and genuine confidence instead.

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Are you truly listening during conversations, or are you just waiting for your turn to speak? In this interactive episode of the Easy English Podcast, we look at why modern life is making our communication superficial and how the "iPhone Effect" ruins our focus. Learn the 3-second rule to help you absorb information deeply and build real empathy in casual chats.

Bonus Episodes & Full Transcript PDFs, Vocabulary Flipcards Every Week on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/englishwitholiver⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You study grammar, you practice vocabulary, but real native speakers still sound like they are talking at double speed. In this episode of the Easy English Podcast, we break down why fast English is just an illusion. Learn the simple tricks native speakers use to blend words together and skip certain sounds in casual conversation. Discover how to train your ears to catch the most important parts of a sentence without getting lost or feeling frustrated.