Are you keen on listening to the radio? Then, podcasts are just right up your alley. In this blog post, I am going to share links to some quality English learning podcasts. As a rule of thumb, the higher the level, the wider the contents but I will do my best to cater for all levels.
A1- Beginners – Elementary
Essential English
Accent: American
Free transcripts included
Covers areas of grammar at beginners and elementary levels
http://www.qualitytime-esl.com/spip.php?article464
A1-A2 Elementary-Pre-Intermediate
British Council – Learn English Podcast
Accent: British
Free podcast + support pack exercises and transcripts included
All British Council contents are synonymous with first-rate quality and this is no exception.
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/learnenglish-podcasts/series-01-episode-01
B1-Intermediate
6 Minute English – BBC
Accent: British
Free podcast and transcripts
Probably the most popular one among students on this side of the Atlantic. And rightly so, this podcast is entertaining, informative, educational and reasonably short, which makes it suitable for listening in one sitting. But if scripted podcasts are not your cup of tea, keep searching.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english
The English we speak
Accent: British
Free podcast and transcripts
It keeps you up to date with colloquial expressions used in everyday English conversations. The presenters use the phrase in context and provide several examples to show you how/when it works. Short and memorable.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak
B2-C1 Upper-Intermediate-Advanced
All Ears English
Free podcast. Transcripts: 6.99 $ per week
Accent: American
Lively conversations and very upbeat. It provides a wealth of detail about life in the USA.
https://www.allearsenglish.com/episodes/
Luke’s English Podcast
Free podcasts and transcripts *
Accent: British
My personal favourite. Regard the length of Luke’s podcasts as an opportunity to listen extensively and effortlessly to engaging contents presented in a very natural and clear English by this English teacher who comes across as an intelligent, friendly, open-minded and likeable person.
* Episodes are transcribed and edited by listeners who collaborate according to their level and expertise. Check out this site if you want to join the team and contribute your bit. https://teacherluke.co.uk/episodes-with-transcripts/transcripts/
VOA podcasts Level 3
Free podcast and transcripts
Accent: American
Get to know more about life in the USA by listening to VOA (Voice of America is a U.S. government-funded international radio broadcast source). Their podcasts include a Quiz to test your understanding and a glossary.
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/p/5611.html
Inglespodcast
Free podcasts
Accent: British and Irish
Entertaining and informative conversations between to experienced English teachers dealing with different aspects of the English language.
https://www.inglespodcast.com/
C2 Advanced-Proficiency
Once you have set foot on this level a new world opens up. The assortment of podcasts for English speakers is rich and caters for all tastes.
- Within the BBC radio website, you can choose from numerous categories.
- For a more American taste, visit this page.
- If you favour the CNN style, head on here:
- Here is a selection created by the Guardian. A staggering number of recommendations: 50, no less.
- Learn about extraordinary women’s lives here: WOMANNICA