Have you been studying English for a long time but still struggle to understand native speakers? Different approaches work for different people. Some watch movies and TV shows without subtitles, some find a conversation partner and try to speak more with a native speaker, and others start listening to podcasts — whether at home in their free time, at the gym, or on their way to work or back home.

Podcasts are audio recordings of one or several people talking on any topic, somewhat like a radio show but in a recorded format and without music. Hosts may discuss current news in a particular industry, share their opinions, and tell interesting stories. This format offers a more “live” speech experience than movies or audiobooks, making it increasingly popular among those who want to speak like a native speaker faster.

We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best podcasts for learning English.

Learn English Podcasts by British Council

This English podcast is perfect for beginners, from novices to intermediate learners. Each episode of the podcast is dedicated to a conversation about everyday topics. You can download podcast episodes and use free additional materials, including episode transcripts and exercises, to help consolidate new knowledge.

Voice of America: Learning English

This is another interesting podcast created for those who strive to improve their English language skills. It is known for its approach to teaching, where English is presented in a simple and accessible form, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate learners. The program uses slow and clear pronunciation, which makes it easier to understand and learn English.

The podcast discusses various topics, including current news, American culture and history, science, and education. Such a wide range of topics helps listeners not only improve their English but also broaden their horizons.

6-Minute English by BBC

BBC offers weekly podcasts that are an excellent way to effectively learn English. Each episode focuses on everyday vocabulary and includes a conversation between two characters. In addition to the audio material, listeners can use text transcriptions of the conversations, a detailed dictionary, and a weekly question, the answer to which can be found by carefully listening to the episode. The pace of speech in these podcasts is slightly slower than standard. If you have limited time, the 6-minute lessons from the “6-Minute English” series will be an excellent solution to study without excuses.

The English We Speak

BBC presents another podcast on the English language, perfectly suitable for intermediate and advanced students. The distinguishing feature of this series is the brevity of each episode, lasting only 3 minutes. Each issue is dedicated to English idioms and popular phrases frequently used in the UK. Examples of such expressions include “play a blinder” (literally “play blind”, meaning to do something exceptionally well), “take the biscuit” (something like “beat everyone”) and “to cut a long story short” (“in short”). Mastering idioms in context is an effective way to enrich your vocabulary and better remember new expressions.

This American Life

If you want to improve your English pronunciation, the podcast “This American Life” is also a great choice. This podcast is not only one of the most famous in the USA but also offers a unique opportunity to familiarize yourself with a variety of American accents through captivating and emotional stories from the lives of Americans.

Comedy Bang! Bang!

“Comedy Bang! Bang!”, formerly known as Comedy Death-Ray Radio, is a comedy podcast that began as a radio program on May 1, 2009. It is hosted by comedian Scott Aukerman, known for his work on the “Mr. Show with Bob and David” on HBO.

Scott was also one of the founders of the Comedy Death-Ray comedy show. The podcast became part of the Earwolf network in 2010, after which it began to be recorded in the studios of this company. In addition to the podcast, Comedy Bang! Bang! also turned into a TV show on the IFC channel, featuring Reggie Watts, Kid Cudi, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Global News by BBC

As part of the BBC podcasts, “Global News” comes out twice a day, presenting the latest world news. The feature of this podcast is the hosts and reporters, who speak in perfect English. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to improve their British accent.

Conclusion

One of the advantages of podcasts is that they can be listened to at any time and in any place, making them an ideal tool for learning English, especially for beginners. Podcasts offer diverse content suitable for any educational needs and goals.

For beginners in learning English, podcasts designed for non-native speakers can be a great start. They help improve knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, as well as develop listening and understanding skills. As soon as you feel ready for more complex material, you can switch to podcasts hosted by native English speakers.

Remember, even short daily podcast listening sessions can significantly improve your level of English proficiency!