When Charlie turned up at Matt’s flat to record this episode, he didn’t just bring a microphone. He arrived with a heavy, hard-shell suitcase that looked more like something from a crime film than a podcast setup. As Matt put it, it was the kind of case you expect to see a sniper rifle pulled out of — except instead of weapons, it was full of cables, mics, and vocabulary.

That sets the tone nicely for this conversation: relaxed, funny, and very human.

In this bonus episode of The British English Podcast, Charlie invites his friend Matt to share his five brilliant things — inspired by the UK show Five Brilliant Things hosted by Russell Howard. The idea is simple: talk about the everyday things you genuinely value, and in doing so, reveal something about how British people think, live, and prioritise.

1. International flights

Matt’s first choice is big, abstract, and surprisingly thoughtful: international flights.

He talks about how recent flying really is in human history, and how easy it now feels to forget how extraordinary it is to cross the world in under a day. Flights aren’t just about holidays — they change how cultures mix, how food travels, and how connected the world feels.

There’s a lovely sense of gratitude here. Matt isn’t talking about luxury; he’s talking about possibility. Without flights, many of us would live and die close to where we were born, with a much smaller view of the world.

The conversation drifts naturally into ferries, overnight boats, airport drinking culture, and what British people actually do on long-haul flights (hint: it involves podcasts, bad sleep, and sometimes a pint at 7 a.m.).

2. Good quality kitchen knives

From global travel, the conversation takes a sharp turn into the kitchen.

Matt loves cooking, and for him, investing in good quality kitchen knives completely changes the experience. He explains why blunt knives are more dangerous, more frustrating, and far less satisfying. A sharp knife, on the other hand, makes everyday cooking quicker, safer, and — oddly — more enjoyable.

There’s something very British about this choice: practical, understated, and quietly passionate. Matt isn’t talking about flashy gadgets. He’s talking about something you use every day, and how spending a bit more upfront can pay you back for years.

If you’ve ever chopped an onion with a bad knife, you’ll understand immediately.

3. Throwing things away

This might be the most revealing of Matt’s choices.

He talks about the joy — and mental clarity — that comes from getting rid of things you don’t use. His flat is extremely minimal, almost to the point of being unsettling for visitors, but for him it brings calm.

What’s interesting here isn’t just minimalism, but mindset. Fewer possessions mean fewer decisions, fewer distractions, and more appreciation for what you keep. There’s also a very British humour running through this section, especially when Charlie describes people who seem physically unable to walk away from a car boot sale without buying something.

It’s a thoughtful reflection on clutter, consumption, and how different generations relate to “stuff”.

4. High quality bedding

Matt is very serious about sleep.

Good bedding, a good mattress, and a properly made bed are non-negotiable for him. He talks about sleep as a kind of superpower — something boring but transformational — and admits he’s an early sleeper who values routine.

This part of the conversation feels very relatable: the shock of adult bedding prices, the disappointment of bad hotel sheets, the pleasure of freshly washed linen, and the surprisingly emotional importance of making your bed in the morning.

There’s also a wonderfully pointless but very human detour into sleeping positions, memory foam pillows, and whether anyone can really trust a front sleeper.

5. Cheese

Matt finishes with a crowd-pleaser.

Cheese, in all its forms, earns its place as a truly brilliant thing. From cheap snack cheese to expensive, cave-aged cheddars, Matt argues that cheese is almost impossible to dislike — and possibly mood-enhancing.

The conversation wanders into Christmas weight gain, ski trips fuelled by melted cheese, and the idea that some people reach adulthood having barely eaten cheese on its own. For British listeners (and learners), this section feels especially cultural: casual, indulgent, and quietly obsessed with dairy.

Why this episode works so well for English learners

What makes this episode such good listening practice isn’t the topic — it’s the way people talk.

There are:

• Natural interruptions and laughter

• Mild swearing and self-correction

• Tangents that go nowhere and then circle back

• Everyday phrases like “time’s getting away from us”, “a game changer”, and “on the regs”

Nothing feels scripted. Nothing feels like a lesson. And that’s exactly why it’s valuable.

By the end, Matt manages to link all five brilliant things into one imaginary perfect day — involving travel, cooking, decluttering, sleeping well, and eating cheese. It’s silly, warm, and very British.

If you enjoy conversations that feel like you’re sitting in the room with friends — and you want to get better at understanding how British English sounds in real life — this episode is a great one to spend time with.