logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
58m 57s

170 - Chat with Charlie: British Culture...

Shana Thompson
About this episode

By now, you probably know how much I love connecting language and culture. To me, they go hand in hand! And that's why in today's episode, I've invited Charlie Baxter from The British English Podcast on the show to talk about Harry Potter.


Together, we'll dive into the magical world of Harry Potter, but not simply the fictional side of it. Harry Potter, in many ways, was inspired by real places in the United Kingdom and aspects of British culture, from the school system to social structure and class. If I'm honest with you, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, this episode might be eye opening. We not only compare British English with American English, we compare life!


Premium Content: 


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jul 3
193 - Sharks, Swamps, and Sweet Tea: Our Wild Trip to South Carolina
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/AMERICANENGLISH and get on your way to being your best self. In this casual Chats with Shana episode, I’m taking you along on our sweaty summer trip to Charleston, South Carolina. 🌴 You’ll hear ... Show More
33m 11s
Jun 26
192.2 - American Bison (or Buffalo!)
You may be wondering: What’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison? That was the first question I had when researching this topic. And the answer is—well, a lot. Despite being from the same family (Bovidae), bison and buffalo have different hair, different horn shapes, and ... Show More
36m 24s
Jun 19
192 - Expression: To Stand One's Ground
In this episode, learn the meaning, origin, and everyday use of the expression “to stand one’s ground.” As usual, the lesson will begin with a joke (this one's a pun!). Then we'll dive into the expression. Shana will explain how to use the phrase in real-life situations, and guid ... Show More
19m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
From the Archives: British Pub Culture
📝 Get FREE Episode Worksheet 🧐 Test Your Level of English 👄 Improve Your Pronunciation Learn British English & about British culture in this episode where Charlie gives you a one-man show exploring and explaining the cultural behaviours in and around British Pubs. Useful Links ... Show More
43m 39s
Feb 2025
From the Archives: British Humour
👄 Improve Your Pronunciation Learn British English & about British culture in this episode where Charlie, your host, gives you a one-man show exploring and explaining British humour for non-natives to better understand the language and the people. Useful Links below... 🎓 Sample ... Show More
22m 37s
Apr 17
From the Archives: British Stereotypes
📝 Get FREE Episode Worksheet (S1/E3) Learn British English & about British culture in this episode where your host Charlie interviews a variety of English speakers starting with his school friends from the South of England to New Zealanders, Australians and even South African En ... Show More
31m 30s
Jan 2025
Bitesize Episode 96 - Maslow's Hierarchy of British Needs
📝 Get FREE Episode Worksheet In this episode, Charlie blends psychology with British culture by exploring The Hierarchy of British Needs from Adam Fletcher’s book Understanding the British: A Hilarious Guide from Apologising to Wimbledon. With a sneak peek into the book’s witty ... Show More
24m 39s
Oct 2024
Bonus Episode 71 - What Brits Do for Fun: A Dive into UK Social Activities
📝 Get FREE Episode Worksheet 🧐 Take English Level Test 👄 Improve Your Pronunciation In this episode of The British English Podcast, Charlie is joined by Dan from Brit Speak to explore typical British social activities, from pub quizzes and music festivals to winter bonfires an ... Show More
35m 1s
Mar 2025
63: Great British Culture Quiz
Why do Brits celebrate November 5th? What time should you arrive to a party? Should you go to the pub with your boss? All these questions... and more, will be answered in this episode's British culture quiz. Interactive Transcript Support Easy English and get interactive transcri ... Show More
22m 21s
Sep 2024
#407 How You Can Understand BRITISH English in Movies, TV, Music, etc. — Why You Struggle with British English (but not with American), The 5 Things You Need to Learn, Analyzing the Speech of Emma Wat
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App.   If British accents leave you puzzled, you're not alone! In this episode, we explore the reasons behind the challenge of understanding British English and reveal the key differences from American English. We analy ... Show More
33m 3s
May 29
Bonus Ep 81 - Emma’s 5 Brilliant Things | Ft. Pronunciation with Emma
Charlie welcomes Emma from Pronunciation with Emma back on the show to share her five “brilliant things” — from the oddly specific to the surprisingly relatable. Along the way, they reflect on British culture, personality quirks, and the small moments that make life feel just rig ... Show More
30m 7s
Dec 2024
Bitesize Episode 94 - Peep Show and British Comedy: A Language and Culture Lesson
🎁 Get FREE Sample of The Academy 📝 Get FREE Episode Worksheet 🧐 Take English Level Test 👄 Improve Your Pronunciation Join host Charlie as he delves into the world of British comedy by exploring the wit and brilliance of David Mitchell and Robert Webb, creators of the iconic s ... Show More
31m 18s
May 19
67: The British Class System
Mitch and Isi discuss the social class system in the UK and how, just by simply changing your car, supermarket or dog can affect your status. They discuss the upper class and how normal people like you and me can enter this privileged world. Interactive Transcript Support Easy En ... Show More
20m 50s