If you’re an English as an additional language learner, you know how important it is to be in contact with the language as much as you possibly can. Among many other activities you can do to expose yourself to the language are reading books, watching tv shows, surfing the net, listening to music, and, of course, listening to podcasts. Podcasts are great to help you learn English or develop your current English language skills because you can listen to them almost all the time. You don’t need to stop doing everything to concentrate on it. You can listen to podcasts while cleaning the house, washing the dishes, going for a walk, working out, and even when you go to bed to sleep. The only things you need are your smartphone and your earphones or headphones. That’s it. If you love this idea, stick to us to find out the best podcasts to learn English!
What Podcasts Are
If you don’t know what podcasts are yet, here’s a brief and simple explanation: podcasts are digital audio files made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
So, when you subscribe to a show you will receive all subsequent episodes when they are released. Podcasts vary greatly when it comes to how often they publish new episodes and how long these episodes are. Some release new episodes daily, some weekly, and some monthly. Some shows release episodes that last about 5 minutes, others release episodes that last more than 1 hour.
In terms of topics, you can find almost everything you may be interested in. And this is one of the many reasons why podcasts are great to help you learn English. You can find shows about movies, music, pop culture, the latest news, society, health, lifestyle, comedy, arts, education, business, government, history, leisure, sports, technology, and so on.
Podcast Players
There are a lot of podcast player apps available online.
If you use an Android device, Google Podcasts may be already installed on it. If you use an iOS device, Apple Podcasts may be already installed on it.
If you want to try other good apps to listen to podcasts, here are some options: Podbean (for Android; for iOS), Castbox (for Android; for iOS), Overcast (not available for Android; for iOS), and Pocket Casts (for Android; for iOS).
How Can I Learn English with Podcasts?
Podcasts are a great resource to help you learn English or take your current English language skills to the next level. A lot could be said about how podcasts can help you achieve your proficiency in English. But long story short, here’s a list of some of the amazing benefits they can provide you with:
- You get used to the rhythm of the language.
- You get used to a lot of different accents, which is an essential skill in our contemporary, globalized world. Don’t believe the myth of the native speaker anymore!
- You learn how the real-life language is used in different contexts. Forget decontextualized sentences and mechanical repetitions.
- You learn collocations (which words go naturally together and which don’t).
- You learn new vocabulary all the time. There’s always a word you don’t know out there.
- You learn not only the language itself but also different topics you are interested in.
- You end up learning a lot of things naturally, unconsciously, without effort, just by listening to them.
- You review all the grammar you already know and get exposed to new structures all the time.
- You end up improving your speaking skills. The more you listen, the more you speak.
- And many more!
Best Podcasts to Learn English
Here’s our list of the best podcasts to learn English.
It is divided into levels to help you choose the ones that fit your current proficiency in English. Try different ones and see what is the best one for you.
As you can see, advanced English speakers have many more options to choose from. It is only natural since they can understand virtually everything they hear so they can also choose podcasts that are not specifically designed for English learners. If you are not there yet, make the most out of the shows listed for basic and intermediate speakers and get there faster!
Basic level
- Brains On
Brains On is a science podcast for curious kids and adults.
- Espresso English
Basic English grammar, vocabulary, phrases, idioms, and more.
- Learning English Broadcast – VOA Learning English
30-minute episodes with limited vocabulary and short sentences.
- Moment of Um
Short episodes aiming at answering those questions that pop up out of nowhere and make you go… ummmmmm.
Intermediate level
- 6-Minute English
Learn and practice useful English language for everyday situations with the BBC.
- All Ears English
Fun conversations about different topics ranging from learning to culture for you to improve your English.
- Effortless English Podcast
Motivational talks for you to improve your English and be a leader.
- Learn English Podcast from the British Council
A little bit of everything: from fictional drama and jokes to quizzes and language advice.
- Learn English | EnglishClass101
Podcasts that are meant to be informative, both linguistically and culturally.
- Plain English
Episodes that are easy to understand at a slow speed.
- The American English Podcast
This podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States.
- The British English Podcast
Learn British English as well as British culture, history, and more.
- The English We Speak
Every week, there is a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in a fun 3-minute episode.
Advanced level
- Crime Junkie
For those who can never get enough true crime.
- Global News Podcast
The day’s top stories from BBC News.
- Inquiring Minds
Every week, there is a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide.
- Lore
A bi-weekly podcast about dark historical tales.
- Myths and Legends
Stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history.
- Overheard at National Geographic
A dive into delightful conversations overheard at National Geographic’s headquarters, as they follow explorers, photographers, and scientists to the edges of the world.
- Something You Should Know
Interviews with top experts in their field to bring you fascinating information and advice to help you save time and money, advance in your career, become wealthy, improve your relationships and help you get more out of life.
- Stuff You Missed in History Class
Interesting topics you certainly missed in your history classes.
- The Daily
The biggest stories of our time delivered to you every weekday.
- The Documentary
The latest documentaries investigating global developments, issues, and affairs.
- This American Life
A weekly public radio show that brings some culture from the United States into your life.
- Up First
The news you need to start your day.
- And many more you can find out according to your interests on your own
Explore the categories in your favorite podcast player app to discover the most interesting shows for you.
Enjoy the Best Podcasts to Learn English
Now that you know the best podcasts to learn English, we encourage you to start listening to them right now. Of course, we also encourage you to explore the podcast player you have chosen to use and discover new shows that are interesting to you. At the end of the day, this is what matters the most!
Listen to the podcasts you choose as much as you can. Listen to them while doing other things. Maximize the time you use to learn English.
When you get comfortable with the podcasts you first chose, change them. Make it a little bit more difficult and start the process all over again. You will see how much faster your proficiency in English will increase.
Keep up the good work!
