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Vanessa recommends eight podcasts that English learners can use to make listening part of ordinary life. Her main suggestion is to immerse yourself in English on a daily basis, including while making breakfast, riding a train, or sitting in traffic. Podcasts can add listening practice without requiring a separate study period, and they expose learners to different voices, subjects, and speaking speeds.
The first three recommendations are presented as easier to follow. BBC's 6 Minute English offers short episodes about current topics and relevant ideas, including Bitcoin, the man flu, and ethical coffee. EnglishClass101.com provides vocabulary builders and structured exercises around topics such as languages and holidays. Voice of America features news articles read relatively slowly, which Vanessa recommends to learners who enjoy current events and want accessible listening practice. She suggests these options for people with limited free time or learners who prefer shorter, more guided material.
The next five podcasts are aimed at listeners who can already understand some English and are ready for more natural or faster speech. Happy English with Michael offers short, practical lessons on idioms, weather, and distinctions such as “have got” and “have gotten.” The Feel Good English Podcast with Kevin takes a different twist: instead of focusing mainly on news, it connects English with daily life, books, stress, happiness, and self-improvement. RealLife English features informal, unscripted conversations with speakers who have different accents and discuss subjects such as backpacking and life abroad.
Vanessa also recommends All Ears English, hosted by Lindsay and Michelle, for expressions, vocabulary, learning tips, guests, and energetic discussions. Luke's English offers a large variety of longer episodes about British English, personal stories, Star Wars, and the Royal family. Phrases such as “a great fit for you” help explain why a resource suits a learner, while “at your disposal” describes options that are available to use.
The practical takeaway is to choose one podcast that matches your interests and current listening comfort, then fit it into an existing routine. Learners can begin with short or slower episodes and try more spontaneous conversations as they become comfortable. Vanessa closes by asking viewers to share other recommendations so listeners can learn from each other. The list is a starting point, not a requirement to follow every show; consistent listening to material you enjoy is the useful habit.
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Vanessa introduces eight podcasts that English learners can use for listening practice.
Hi, I'm Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa.com. Do you like to listen to podcasts? Let's talk about eight awesome podcasts that you can use to learn English. Let's get started. I always say that the best way to learn English fluently.
Try it: Name one English podcast you could try.
Phrase cheat sheet
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
Showing 21 of 21 phrases
She explains how podcasts can add English exposure to everyday routines. · expression
Surround yourself with English so that you hear and use it regularly.
Tone and use: Encouraging, practical advice. Use immerse yourself in + a subject or experience to suggest deep involvement.
May not fit: It does not mean you must understand every word or study all day.
Example“I immersed myself in English by listening to a podcast on my commute.”
She explains how podcasts can add English exposure to everyday routines. · expression
Every day or as part of a daily routine.
Tone and use: Neutral, slightly formal. Use it to describe how often an activity happens.
May not fit: In casual speech, every day is often shorter and more natural.
Example“She practises pronunciation on a daily basis.”
The first recommendation is aimed at learners with limited free time. · expression
Make English part of your environment and everyday activities.
Tone and use: Practical and motivating. Use it when suggesting regular exposure through audio, reading, or media.
May not fit: It describes exposure, not guaranteed fluency.
Example“I surround myself with English by listening while I cook.”
BBC 6 Minute English covers current topics in short, accessible episodes. · expression
Very suitable for your needs or interests.
Tone and use: Friendly recommendation. Use it when suggesting something that matches a person's preferences.
May not fit: A good fit is subjective; it is not a promise of results.
Example“This short course could be a great fit for you.”
BBC 6 Minute English covers current topics in short, accessible episodes. · expression
Subjects that are being discussed or are relevant now.
Tone and use: Neutral. Use it to describe timely news or discussion themes.
May not fit: Current does not necessarily mean breaking news.
Example“The podcast covers current topics in science.”
EnglishClass101 offers vocabulary builders and structured exercises. · expression
Activities or materials designed to help expand vocabulary.
Tone and use: Educational and descriptive. Use it to describe lessons that introduce and practise new words.
May not fit: This describes a resource rather than a fixed technical category.
Example“The app has vocabulary builders for travel English.”
EnglishClass101 offers vocabulary builders and structured exercises. · expression
Planned practice activities with a clear organization.
Tone and use: Neutral and instructional. Use it when describing lessons that guide learners through organized practice.
May not fit: Structured does not necessarily mean difficult or lengthy.
Example“The course uses structured exercises to practise listening.”
VOA Learning English uses slower news articles and relevant subjects. · expression
At a fairly slow speed compared with something else.
Tone and use: Neutral comparison. Use relatively before an adjective or adverb for a qualified comparison.
May not fit: Relatively needs context to clarify the scale.
Example“The speaker talks relatively slowly, so I can follow the story.”
VOA Learning English uses slower news articles and relevant subjects. · expression
Suitable for your needs or preferences.
Tone and use: Friendly recommendation. Use it to suggest an option that matches someone's interests.
May not fit: It expresses suitability, not certainty that someone will enjoy it.
Example“A news podcast may be a good fit for you.”
The next five recommendations are for learners who can follow faster, more natural English. · expression
In a fairly natural or conversational way.
Tone and use: Informal and conversational. Use pretty as an informal modifier before an adjective or adverb.
May not fit: Pretty is less formal than quite or fairly in this use.
Example“They speak pretty naturally in the interview.”
The next five recommendations are for learners who can follow faster, more natural English. · expression
Somewhat quickly; a little faster than may be comfortable.
Tone and use: Conversational. Use a little bit before an adjective or adverb to soften the description.
May not fit: It is a subjective speed judgment, not a universal measure.
Example“The audio moves a little bit quickly, so I replayed it.”
Happy English offers short practical lessons and idioms. · expression
Useful suggestions that can be applied in real situations.
Tone and use: Positive and practical. Use it when describing advice someone can put into action.
May not fit: A tip is a suggestion, not a guaranteed solution.
Example“The teacher shared practical tips for remembering new words.”
The Feel Good English Podcast focuses on personal growth and reflective ideas. · expression
A noticeably different approach or perspective.
Tone and use: Conversational and positive. Use it to introduce a fresh angle on a familiar idea.
May not fit: Twist here is figurative, not a literal turn.
Example“The class adds a different twist to ordinary grammar practice.”
The Feel Good English Podcast focuses on personal growth and reflective ideas. · expression
The process of developing your abilities, habits, or well-being.
Tone and use: Neutral and reflective. Use it when talking about personal growth or becoming more capable.
May not fit: It can sound broad; name a specific goal when possible.
Example“She listens to podcasts about language learning and self-improvement.”
RealLife English features informal conversations and different accents. · expression
Conversations that are not read from a prepared script.
Tone and use: Descriptive. Use it to describe spontaneous, less rehearsed speech.
May not fit: Unscripted does not mean unedited or completely unplanned.
Example“Unscripted conversations helped me hear natural responses.”
RealLife English features informal conversations and different accents. · expression
Different pronunciation patterns associated with speakers or regions.
Tone and use: Neutral. Use it when discussing listening practice across speakers and regions.
May not fit: Different does not mean incorrect or inferior.
Example“I listen to speakers with different accents to broaden my listening.”
All Ears English discusses expressions, vocabulary, and learning strategies with guests. · expression
Remember or take care to listen to something.
Tone and use: Direct, encouraging instruction. Use make sure to + verb to emphasize an action to remember.
May not fit: It is an instruction, not a guarantee of a particular outcome.
Example“Make sure to listen for the phrase at the end.”
Vanessa invites viewers to choose an episode and share other recommendations. · expression
Available for you to use whenever needed.
Tone and use: Slightly formal and polished. Use it to say that resources or options are available.
May not fit: It can sound formal in casual conversation; available is simpler.
Example“You have several practice recordings at your disposal.”
Vanessa invites viewers to choose an episode and share other recommendations. · expression
Tell me or inform me about something.
Tone and use: Friendly, common request. Use it to invite a response, update, or opinion.
May not fit: It is less formal than please inform me.
Example“Let me know which episode you chose.”
Vanessa invites viewers to choose an episode and share other recommendations. · expression
Share knowledge or experience so everyone can learn.
Tone and use: Collaborative and encouraging. Use it when people exchange ideas or recommendations.
May not fit: It implies mutual sharing, not only one person teaching another.
Example“We can learn from each other by sharing useful podcast episodes.”
She closes by encouraging learners to continue their English journey and subscribe. · expression
You are welcome to subscribe if you want to.
Tone and use: Friendly, optional call to action. Use it to invite someone to subscribe without making it sound required.
May not fit: This is promotional language and is not needed in ordinary conversation.
Example“Feel free to subscribe if you want more weekly lessons.”
Knowledge check
Use it in a sentence · “immerse yourself in English”