Best English Learning Podcast: If you’re looking to improve your English skills, podcasts are one of the most effective methods. They help sharpen your listening abilities and allow you to pick up on accents, especially when listening to native speakers.
For those who don’t know what a podcast is, let me explain. A podcast is a digital platform featuring a series of audio episodes, often centered around a particular topic. Users can stream the episodes online or download them to listen to later on their devices.
If your basic grammar is solid, and you have a good grasp of English vocabulary, podcasts are an excellent tool for enhancing your language skills.
11 Best English Learning Podcast
- Learn English Podcast by British Council
- Voice of America – Learning English
- BBC’s 6 Minute English
- Espresso English Podcast
- All Ears English Podcast
- The English We Speak
- This American Life
- EnglishClass101
- Crime Junkie Podcast
- Comedy Bang! Bang!
- BBC’s Global News Podcast
1. Learn English Podcast by the British Council
Let’s start our list with Learn English by the British Council. This is an amazing podcast from the British Council. The episodes are based on everyday life, and their discussions cover English vocabulary from everyday situations. The podcasts are short and simple, but they provide learners with a lot of vocabulary at the same time.
Benefits
- You can download the script.
- They include short quizzes so you can test your recently acquired knowledge.
Themes
- British culture
- Sports
- Science
- Society
2. Voice of America – Learning English
Voice of America is another fantastic podcast that helps you improve your English and learn new information at the same time. They offer different podcasts for beginners, intermediate, and advanced English learners.
If you are a beginner (A1, A2), then there are many programs that focus on basic language skills. You can find those programs with the title names, “Learn English,” “Everyday English Grammar,” and “Words and Their Stories.”
Things get more exciting for intermediate levels (B1, B2). You can find podcasts with numerous topics such as health, lifestyle, science, technology, culture, and news.
Benefits
- All the podcasts come with their transcript to help you follow along.
- Podcasts can be downloaded and listened to offline.
- You can use dark mode in the application itself.
- VOA Learning English app is fully integrated with Google Translator, which gives you the chance to hear and read the meaning of the words you don’t know.
Themes
- American culture
- Lifestyle
- Technology
- Health
- Science
- Language learning
3. BBC’s 6 Minute English
BBC’s 6 Minute English program is a fun way to learn English. If you are short on time or have a busy schedule, then the 6-minute English podcast could be the best option for you to learn English.
Their podcasts are the best for intermediate English speakers. Their English is much easier to understand because it is spoken at a slightly slower speed than usual, which is why I love 6-minute English.
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Benefits
- BBC 6 Minute English is the oldest program, so you can find hundreds of episodes going back to 2014.
- The episodes are interesting and educational.
- Each episode comes with a list of vocabulary.
Themes
- Lifestyle
- British culture
- World
4. Espresso English Podcast
Espresso English is a great podcast; it is methodical, organized, and well-structured. This podcast is a great place to begin your English learning journey, whether you are a beginner or an intermediate-level learner.
At Espresso English, you will meet a wonderful teacher named Shayna.
If you have a busy schedule, the Espresso English podcast is for you because each episode lasts only 5 to 10 minutes.
Benefits
- There are more than 350 episodes that cover every inch of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Themes
- Grammar
- Idioms
- Pronunciation
- English language learning
5. All Ears English Podcast
The All Ears English podcast was started by co-hosts and ESL teachers, Lindsay and Michelle, in 2014.
I recommend this podcast because it encourages listeners to focus on connection, not perfection. This podcast is best for intermediate English learners.
They offer very short episodes where you can explore American culture through their discussions, as American culture is the theme of the conversation. Moreover, they explain confusing English expressions in a friendly and fun way.
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Benefits
- You can send in your own questions, and they will respond in detail.
- I highly recommend the All Ears English podcast to everyone because it’s a real-time conversation with role-play, and the best part is they record it four times a week.
Themes
- American culture
- English language learning
- Grammar
- Idioms
6. The English We Speak
The English We Speak is another podcast presented by the BBC. This podcast is for advanced students because the vocabulary is more complex. If your goal is to move to the UK and that’s why you are learning the English language, then this podcast is highly recommended.
The episodes are only 3 minutes long. These episodes focus on different English idioms or expressions used in the UK, such as “eye candy” and “sweet tooth.”
You will learn idioms and expressions used in context, which is the best way to pick up new vocabulary and polish your English skills.
Benefits
- The podcast helps increase your linguistic skills and knowledge of English grammar.
Themes
- British culture
- Language learning
- Idioms
- Slang
7. This American Life
This American Life is the most popular podcast in the United States. This podcast has been awarded for consistently remaining the most popular podcast.
If English learners want insights into American culture, then this is a good option.
This American Life podcast is slightly different as it features fantasy mixed with real Americans. In simple terms, it is a mixture of journalism and storytelling.
Benefits
- The podcast follows the same format as the radio show of the same name, so you can listen to it anytime.
Themes
- American culture
- Politics
- Lifestyle
8. EnglishClass101
EnglishClass101 podcast is a fun way of learning the English language. They offer daily podcasts, audio lessons, video lessons, and a “word of the day.”
You can choose an English learning level from beginner to advanced. To do that, you will be introduced to an assessment of 40 questions. These questions are mostly dialogue-based.
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Your performance results will place you on the best pathway and help you progress on your learning journey. For example, if you are placed in the “absolute beginner” pathway, then you can see the learning lessons from the lower level.
Moreover, this podcast is presented by hosts who act out different scenes.
Themes
- Culture
- Lifestyle
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
9. Crime Junkie Podcast
Crime Junkie podcast could truly be addictive for you if you love listening to real-life stories about criminals.
I know you will say there are numerous crime podcasts, so why am I telling you about Crime Junkie Podcast?
Well, the reason you must listen to this podcast is that the presenters discuss a murder in each 50-minute episode. They go into every inch of detail and give their theories on any unsolved aspect of the crime.
Fans say Crime Junkie Podcast is amazing at narrating cases and sticking closely to the facts of the case.
Benefits
- As human beings, we like something exciting and thrilling, so the 50-minute episodes will never make you feel bored.
Themes
- Crime
- American culture
10. Comedy Bang! Bang!
If crime stories turn your good mood into a bad mood, then you should go with a comedy podcast.
I selected this wonderful podcast named Comedy Bang! Bang!
This podcast is quite popular because it has maintained its legacy for 14 years.
They begin each episode with a celebrity interview.
You can learn English through their conversations because, on this platform, they do many chaotic things like silly catchphrases, improvisation games, etc.
Themes:
- Comedy
- American culture
11. BBC’s Global News Podcast
You can get more exposure to the English language by listening to the news in English. BBC’s Global News Podcast is the final mention. They publish podcasts twice a day and report on issues that affect the whole planet.
Benefits
You can keep yourself informed about what’s going on across the world while learning the English language through a news podcast.
Themes
- News
- World affairs
- Business English
Conclusion
This was a list of the 11 best English learning podcasts. English podcasts are a great way to improve your language skills. You can learn new words, practice listening, and hear how people speak in real life. No matter if you are a beginner or advanced learner, there is a podcast for you. From news to crime stories or even comedy, you can choose what you like and learn English while enjoying it. Start listening today and make learning fun!
FAQs
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How do podcasts affect the brain?
Podcasts affect your brain because listening triggers your mental imagination and enhances your connections.
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Can I improve my English speaking skills with a podcast?
In podcasts, you listen to conversations with two or more people. This will help you build conversational vocabulary and expressions, ultimately improving your speaking skills.
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