Best Podcasts to Learn English
Hearing a language is one of the hardest parts of the language learning process. And listening to podcasts in English is one of the best ways to do so in any situation. You can even download them and listen to them on a plane…
Listen as many times as you need, or even download the transcripts to make sure you are picking up every single word.
However, we understand that it might be difficult to find the right one. Maybe you're looking for a specific accent, topic, or level. And there are thousands of options. That's why we have put together a useful list of our 10 favorite podcasts to learn English, specifying the country, level, topic, etc. Follow along!
The English We Speak
Provider: BB
Country: UK
When: Weekly
Duration: 3-4 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Topics: Varied
Notes: Learn must-have sentences with these short episodes. If you're a busy person with no time looking to improve your conversational English quickly, this is your podcast.
Elementary Podcasts
Provider: British council
Country: UK
When: Weekly
Duration: 10 minutes
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Topic: from fictional drama and jokes to quizzes and language advice.
Notes: This podcast is perfect for those of you who are starting to listen to English. Get ready for some perfect English accent.
Provider: British council
Country: Not specified
When: Daily
Duration: 15-30 minutes
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Topic: this service is not free. But if you are looking for a more intensive and curated content, you might be interested on the site.
What If World
Provider: Mr. Eric
Country: UK
When: Weekly
Duration: 20 minutes
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Topic: General knowledge, crazy facts
Notes: Made for children but suitable for everyone! Each week, Mr. Eric takes a "What if?" question from a kid and spins it into a story for all of you.
This American Life
Provider: Public radio
Country: US
When: weekly
Duration: 1 hour
Level: Advanced
Topic: Each week they choose a theme and put together different kinds of stories on that theme.
Notes: This is one of the most famous and interesting podcasts out there, especially if you are interested in American life and culture. Definitely challenging to understand.
Overheard at National Geographic
Provider: National Geographic
Country: US
When: Weekly
Duration: 30 minutes
Level: Advanced
Topic: Nature, adventure and science
Notes: follow explorers, photographers, and scientists to the edges of our big, weird, beautiful world.
The Writer’s Voice
Provider: The New Yorker
Country: US
When: Weekly
Duration: 40-50 minutes
Level: Advanced
Topic: Literature and culture
Notes: The New Yorker is definitely one of my favorite magazines, especially since I moved to New York. If you are interested in culture and personal stories around it, this is the best podcast for you. Also, this is the perfect opportunity to put your New York slang into play!
Here’s the Thing
Provider: WNYC Studios
Country: US
When: Weekly
Duration: 30-70 minutes
Level: Advanced
Topic: Creativity, gossip
Notes: Join Alec Baldwin into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers.
TED Radio Hour
Provider: NPR
Country: US
When: Weekly
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Level: Advanced
Topic: Life and challenges
Notes: TED Radio Hour investigates the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world's greatest thinkers.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Provider: Stitcher
Country: US
When: Biweekly
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Level: Advanced
Topic: History
Notes: Great vocabulary and amazing content. Suitable for all ages! You could learn incredible facts about Brooklyn.
You can find more podcast ideas on fluentu’s website. And if you are looking for some other ideas to try at home, check these tips to avoid getting crazy at home, or practice your reading with these amazing books set in NYC.
And check our Adult English courses for an in-depth learning experience with the best language school in New York.
And if you are tired of listening and cannot wait to start speaking… join our Live in NY Conversation class, fully online!
