5 Native English Podcasts for Learning English
This American Life is consistently ranked as the most popular podcast in the United States. On average, there are approximately 1 million downloads of each episode. They feature unusual and fascinating stories of real Americans from the successful radio show of the same name. The podcast follows the same format as the radio programme. Each episode is themed and includes a variety of true tales of everyday people. Past themes have included “Back to School”, “Amusement Parks” and “Fear of Sleep”.
Why This American Life is a great podcast to learn English:
The podcast features interviews with real Americans up and down the country. For the language student this is a terrific way to become familiar with regional accents and the different speeds that US English is spoken. This American Life is also an exciting listen. Some of the stories are moving, funny and surprising.
2) Global News
Global News is produced by the BBC World Service, the world’s largest international broadcaster. The podcast is published twice daily and is a roundup of the latest global news. The stories have been collected from World Service news output and include interviews and location reports from BBC correspondents.
Why Global News is a great podcast to learn English:
Some of the best English you will hear will be on the BBC. The presenters and reporters are well spoken and easy to understand. They possess an excellent command of the English language that will help students to increase their vocabulary.
3) Scientific American Podcast: 60-Second Science
Scientific American is one of the world’s premier science magazines, bringing the latest science news, features and analysis to the general public. The magazine’s science journalists and writers have now branched out to the podcast world with a daily update of some of the most important developments in research.
Why Scientific American Podcast: 60-Second Science is a great podcast to learn English:
Scientific American’s presenters speak with authority on many different scientific topics. They use language that communicates the excitement of scientific research and in a way that the average person can understand. This is particularly useful for anyone wanting to work in science-related fields or who has a love of astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics and how nature works. This podcast is a great way to learn English for advanced learners.
Freakonomics Radio is an award-winning podcast that “explores the hidden side of everything”. It is inspired by the series of Freakonomics books and is hosted by co-authors Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. The podcast is an entertaining and riveting examination of many aspects of our lives. This includes news, pop culture and global and local political issues.
Why Freakonomics Radio is a great podcast to learn English:
This is a wonderful podcast series that explores subjects from a different angles and in some depth. There is a lot of light-hearted banter between the hosts which helps to ensure that concepts, issues and points of views are understood. The breadth of topics covered means that you will be able to pick up English for many different facets of life.
Here’s the Thing is one of the most fascinating radio shows and podcasts to emerge in recent years. American film, television and stage actor, Alec Baldwin interviews some of the biggest names in politics, the arts and show businesses. He is a probing interviewer who quizzes his guests on why they do what they do, their inspirations and the pivotal decisions they have made in their careers. As a prominent movie star, Alec Baldwin is able to attract high calibre guests to his show.
Why Here’s the Thing is a great podcast to learn English:
The show features learned and inspiring discussions in several fields of human endeavour, particularly those related to creativity. Some of the guests are among the most celebrated people in their fields. It is full of rich and engaging conversations.