Podcasts are amazing because they can entertain and educate, even without your full attention.
If you are learning English and would like a few podcasts to help, there are loads of choices. Podcasts are just one of many fun and effective language activities you can include in your routine.
Here is a list of some of the best podcasts.
6-Minute English from the BBC
6-Minute English fits into even the busiest schedules. No excuses! 6-minute English is a news podcast produced every week and is aimed at intermediate speakers. Each episode comes with a list of vocabulary, a thought-provoking question, and a transcript so you can follow along in case you miss some words or phrases.
The English here is spoken at a slightly slower speed than usual, making it much easier to understand. In addition, there are hundreds of episodes going back to 2014. Try listening to one six-minute episode per day, and your vocabulary will grow in no time.
All Ears English
All Ears English is another great option if you already have an intermediate level of English and want a little more entertainment. Unlike Luke’s English Podcast, All Ears is in American English and is presented by two ESL teachers, Lindsay from Boston and Michelle from New York City. The All Ears team also includes two IELTS specialists, Jessica and Aubrey, who feature in some episodes.
In very short episodes, they discuss American culture and explain confusing English expressions in a friendly and fun way. Their motto is “connection not perfection” so expect a focus on everyday English as it is spoken in the real world!
Overheard at National Geographic
National Geographic is a much-loved American magazine (and TV channel) famous for incredible stories and photography related to science and the environment. Overheard is about the discussions Nat Geo employees have had while taking breaks. Expect crazy stories from explorers, photographers, and scientists from around the world.
Episodes last around twenty minutes, and topics include zombie mice, the ethics of animal selfies, and underwater pyramids. It’s perfect if you want to be amazed at the strangeness of our planet.
Comedy Bang Bang
When learning any new language, some people say that jokes are one of the last things you can expect to master. If you want to test this theory, try the Comedy Bang Bang podcast.
It has been running for ten years and very popular for pretty much as long as podcasts have existed. Episodes begin as celebrity interviews but soon descend into chaos. Expect sketches, silly catchphrases, and improvisation games. If you are new to the show, the annual review episodes are a good place to start.
The English We Speak
The English We Speak is produced every week by the BBC. This series is even shorter than 6-Minute English, with episodes only 3 minutes long. Each episode focuses on a different English idiom or expression used in the UK, such as “play a blinder,” “take the biscuit” or “to cut a long story short.”
If you are learning English to move to the UK, this program is highly recommended. The vocabulary is a bit more complex and is aimed at intermediate and advanced students. Most of them are quite weird and will definitely make more sense after three minutes of context!
