

The British English Podcast
Charlie Baxter
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
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2025 • 26min
Bonus Ep 85 - The Cultural Importance of British Pubs | Ft. Jim
Explore the charm of British pubs as Jim shares personal memories that highlight their cultural significance. Discover how changing work habits and the pandemic have reshaped drinking culture. Jim reminisces about meeting Charlie at school and the joy of fatherhood, including his baby's first pub visit. Dive into what makes a proper pub, from ambiance to well-kept beer taps. Enjoy a hilarious stag do story filled with unexpected chaos and insights into group dynamics at pubs.

Dec 15, 2025 • 8min
Extra Ep: Why Your English Suddenly Feels WORSE (The Truth No One Tells You)
Ever feel like your English skills suddenly took a nosedive? You're not alone! The podcast dives into why these temporary drops in fluency happen, reassuring listeners that it's a normal part of the learning journey. It explores the impact of cognitive load, revealing how stress and tiredness can hinder your speech. Plus, it tackles the 'observer effect,' showing how self-monitoring can create pressure. Emotions also play a role, with anxiety affecting performance. Ultimately, it's about trusting the process and embracing those off days as signs of growth!

Dec 12, 2025 • 30min
Bitesize Ep 107 - Charlie Chatter: I swore I’d never go back...
Charlie reflects on his journey from swearing off office life to embracing a coworking space. He shares quirky anecdotes of soggy commutes and lunchtime meals while navigating the highs of social interactions and the lows of isolation. The perks of a structured routine clash with the frustrations of office politics, leaving him pondering the value of hybrid work. Along the way, he offers insights into British culture and language that make learning fun and effortless!

Dec 5, 2025 • 18min
Learn Real English Through Stories: The Urban Fox Dines at The Ivy
Join a charming tale of Reginald, an ambitious urban fox determined to dine at The Ivy. He practices his etiquette, swipes a bow tie, and hatches a plan with a living statue named Dave. Chaos ensues during his daring infiltration, leading to a heartfelt realization about family and priorities. After an adventure that includes recognizing foraged mushrooms, Reginald returns home changed, trading in his fancy aspirations for humble family dinners. Delight in the fun narrative while leveling up your English skills!

Nov 27, 2025 • 29min
From the Archives: Growing up in the UK in the 90s - Bonus Ep 2
Join Charlie and Harry as they hilariously reminisce about growing up in the UK during the 90s and 00s. They dive into nostalgic British slang and the unforgettable quirks of childhood. From iconic films to memorable beach holidays, the duo shares funny anecdotes about seagulls and pigeons. Get ready for a lighthearted exploration of British culture wrapped in humor as they reflect on their early adventures and the absurdities of growing up.

Nov 19, 2025 • 58min
S5/E4 - Learn English Through a Wild French Bank Heist: Albert Spaggiari with Alastair Budge
In this engaging discussion, Alastair Budge, creator of English Learning for Curious Minds, shares the audacious tale of the 1976 Nice bank heist masterminded by the seemingly ordinary wedding photographer Albert Spaggiari. They delve into the wild escapade of digging through sewers, the dramatic courtroom escape that made Spaggiari a reluctant folk hero, and how he crafted a glamorous image as a gentleman thief. Listeners are treated to an intriguing blend of crime, notoriety, and the curious decisions behind one of France’s most notorious heists.

Nov 13, 2025 • 31min
Bonus Ep 84: Pt. 2 of The Elizabethan Era: Exploration, Empire & the English Renaissance | Ft. Ben Marks
Join historian Ben Marks, the unofficial historian from Down Under, as he delves into the dynamic Elizabethan era. Discover how Sir Francis Drake's voyages opened trade routes and fueled global capitalism. Explore the motivations behind England’s explorations and the dramatic consequences had the Spanish Armada prevailed. Ben discusses the Renaissance's influence on arts, science, and the democratization of theatre, highlighting both the era's cultural flourishes and its harsh realities for the less fortunate.

10 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 33min
IELTS Ep 5: Talking About British Icons and Inspiring People (IELTS Part 2)
Dive into the art of describing inspirational figures with a focus on Sir David Attenborough. Explore examples of Band 5, 7, and 9 responses, revealing what sets apart each score. Learn practical tips to enhance fluency, vocabulary, and structure for a standout IELTS response. Discover how to sound more confident and express natural phrasing. Plus, grab a free IELTS lesson pack packed with additional exercises and model answers to level up your speaking skills!

Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
🎃 Halloween Special | Real Vocabulary from 2 Creepy Stories
📥 Grab this episode's FREE PDF with 20 intermediate+ expressions from this episode, complete with quizzes and example sentences, to learn today’s vocabulary 3x faster!
🎓 Learn More about Harry's Immersion Courses
🎓 Join my weekly online group lessons
In this Halloween special, Charlie and Harry each share a spine-tingling tale. First, Claire finds a vintage mirror at a market — but her reflection starts behaving… differently. Then we follow Jina, a new student in London, who boards the last train home after a party — only to find she might not be alone. Two creepy stories, one haunting episode.
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4 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 31min
Pronunciation Ep 03 - Master British Intonation with Real Speech
Dive into the nuances of British pronunciation with playful tips on mastering intonation and rhythm. Explore how connected speech and word stress can help you sound more natural. Enjoy anecdotes that highlight conversational flow, such as a nostalgic look at the moon landing. Tune in as Charlie breaks down key phrases, emphasizing smooth delivery and fillers like 'like.' Finally, practice imitation to improve your pronunciation and gain confidence in your speaking style!


