10 of the Best Podcasts for Learning Portuguese
Who can I communicate with using Portuguese?
Portuguese Podcasts For Beginners and Intermediates
Top Recommendation: PortuguesePod101
Portuguese Language Podcasts For Advanced Learners
Portuguese Videos for Beginners and Intermediate Learners
Interested in other language podcasts?
Language Learning FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Oi, tudo bom?! Imagine the rich life you could live if you knew Portuguese.
You could interact with Portuguese speakers while…
- sunbathing on Rio’s praia de Ipanema and listening to samba.
- drinking port wine in Oporto on Friday.
- savoring bacalhau à portuguesa in Lisbon on Sunday.
- having fun at your neighborhood pub’s weekly language meetup.
Think these are just pipe dreams? Well, I’ve got good news for you. Just by listening to podcast episodes, you could learn enough Portuguese to converse with native speakers in a very short time.
Podcasts are super convenient to listen to on your daily commute or walk through the park. There are helpful and free podcasts for learners of all language skills. So, pop in those earbuds and open your favorite podcast app. Let’s get into our curated list of the 10 Best Podcasts for Learning Portuguese.
Extra Podcast Gem: The Fluent Show
In addition to the Portuguese podcasts you’ll find in this article, check out the Fluent Show. That’s my own podcast where we discuss languages, learning methods, and how to live a multilingual life. Click here to listen and subscribe.
Need Support On Your Portuguese Learning Journey?
Then make sure you join the Fluent Language newsletter right here! Subscribe now, and every week, I'll send you handpicked language learning tips right in your inbox.
Subscribe to Your Favorite Pod from the List
Listen on your favorite app like the Apple Podcasts app or Spotify.
Subscribe and listen to any of the podcasts recommended below so you don’t miss new episodes.
Some podcasts also post the episodes to YouTube if you are more comfortable with that app.
Leave a comment on a particular episode to interact with the host and other listeners (great extra practice for your Portuguese!).
Who can I communicate with using Portuguese?
Portuguese is spoken by over 250 million people in almost every continent. You could make friends online or travel to any of the following countries whose official language is Portuguese:
Brazil
Portugal
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Angola
Mozambique
Equatorial Guinea (co-official with French and Spanish)
Guinea-Bissau
Sāo Tomé and Príncipe
East Timor (Timor-Leste) [co-official with Tetum]
Macau, China [co-official with Chinese and Macanese]
So what are you waiting for? Get in on the fun right away so you can start communicating with people all over the world. Vamo’ lá!
Portuguese Podcasts For Beginners and Intermediates
Top Recommendation: PortuguesePod101
PortuguesePod101.com (InnovativeLanguage)
This pod is a lot more than just a weekly updated audio lesson. It’s an online course, a YouTube channel, and a video podcast all under the same name. To get the most out of the site, I clicked the yellow “Join for Free” button and signed up using my email.
After signing up, you immediately gain access to hundreds of free lessons and resources.
Look forward to interesting lessons like:
“Shopping in Brazil: How Much is This?” An audio lesson that teaches you how to ask how much something is and understand different prices and numbers.
“Making an Appointment in Portuguese: Making Plans” Your friendly native speaker Paloma shows how to set up an appointment, and then breaks it down for the intermediate learners.
“Video Culture Class: Brazil Holiday: Ano Novo” You’ll see Paloma talk about the traditions of New Year’s Day. The food, the clothing, and the candomblé origin of making offerings to Iemanjá, the goddess of the seas. And don’t forget about jumping over 7 waves for good luck and love in the new year!
“Brazilian Beauty: Waterfalls” You’ll fall into a flowing dialogue broken down line by line, a vocab review, and cultural insights about the state of Paraná.
The beginner modules have over 75 lessons. Intermediate has over 100 lessons. Advanced has 50 lessons. There’s truly a ton of free material you can pick and choose from. Diagnostics interspersed throughout all levels will help give you good information on where your skill levels are.
Prefer structure? Go in order according to your level and complete one lesson a day to maintain your momentum.
Want to choose your own adventure with PortuguesePod101?
Pick any topic or dialogue that draws your attention–even if it’s more basic or challenging than you’re used to. See what sticks. See what you can handle. Have fun with the ole’ grab bag approach. Complete one a day to keep up with your good language learning habits.
CoffeeBreak Portuguese (Brazilian and European accent)
This series is so positive, effective, and welcoming that it wins my award for the PPP (Perfect Portuguese Podcast)! Twelve-year teacher Rafael, from São Paulo, and Scottish learner Ava start in straight away on real-life dialogues. As the listener, you accompany Ava on her year plus journey of saying basic intros like “Hi, how are you?” (“Oi, tudo bem?”) to describing her favorite aspects of Lisbon.
Each episode, you hear a conversation between 2 or more people (in accents from Brazil and Portugal), then Rafael and Ava break down and translate to English what you just heard, sentence by sentence. Here is where you get a lot of grammar and vocab questions answered.
The structure and invitational vibe of these episodes make it an obvious choice for beginners or any learner wanting a laid back review.
Brazilianing (Brazilian accent)
Dani is your personal and personable tutor who has created a fun mix of episodes ranging from grammar explanations about the subjunctive using song lyrics to talking about the culture of futebol. Sometimes she tells little 5 to 10-minute stories. In one episode she discusses the age-old debate on what it means to be “fluent.”
She speaks clearly and at a slightly slower than natural pace–perfect for beginners with a little bit of base. She’s super approachable (kind of like that high school Spanish teacher whose class you adored).
She even has a conversation club you can join with two different skill levels.
Fala, Gringo! (Brazilian accent)
Literally “Speak, Gringo!” it’s more like “What’s up, Gringo!” And don’t think this is a bad term for a foreigner. In this context it’s like a term of endearment.
Leni, your host, is a super affable dude. He speaks clearly with the beginner to intermediate learner in mind. His topics run the gamut and will keep your brain stimulated.
Here are just a few things his episodes cover:
Sex Education
Politics: Bolsonaro vs. Lula
Big Brother reality show
Is it safe to travel in Brazil?
The “Jeitinho Brasileiro” (the Brazilian Way), a very particular cultural concept
The literature of Clarice Lispector, a very important author
Each episode comes with complete transcripts.
Impressively, Virginia Langhammer releases a new lesson every Wednesday. She also creates free lesson PDF’s for every episode. A particularly unique approach she takes on the first audio of 2025 is a shadowing technique where she has you repeat after her, focusing on imitating her accent.
She encourages her students (you!) to slow down the speed if you need to. In “Conversation Practice” she is your conversation partner and leaves gaps for you to answer her questions and ask her back. It’s great practice for beginners.
Virginia packs a big punch with what she offers, as her freebie page is full of resources for you to up your language level.
This might be a personal favorite. What I love about this podcast is that she speaks with guests that include non-native speakers who have successfully learned to communicate. Sílvia creates a friendly vibe that invites you to listen in on authentic conversations.
She keeps things optimistic, speaking about culture, language, and even mindset. In one episode we are invited to think about our reason for learning European Portuguese. That sort of coaching and self-reflection goes a long way to keep us students motivated. We are all busy, but Sílvia helps her students remember their why to give them language-learning wings.
Because I’m used to speaking with Brazilians, I usually have trouble understanding the Euro accent. But Sílvia speaks slowly and kindly enough that I am picking a ton! It’s making me much less anxious about my upcoming trip to Lisbon.
Portuguese Lab Podcast (European accent)
With 150 episodes, this series is excellent for beginners that love step-by-step structure. You can find full transcripts, vocabulary lists, and translation breakdowns on their website. Using the listen-and-repeat method, the 10-ish minute episodes resemble traditional curriculum topics like:
At the airport
At the supermarket
At the doctor
The difference between para and por
The difference between bem and bom
The difference between saber and conhecer
Whether you plan on taking a trip to Oporto or just want to have some structured learning, this podcast might be a good option for you.
Portuguese Language Podcasts For Advanced Learners
Sometimes learners who hit an intermediate plateau feel they are lacking authentic material to lift them out of the B2-C1 rut. Café da Manhā is created for native speakers so it presents an interesting challenge. A partnership between the daily newspaper Folha de São Paulo and Spotify (which you will need in order to access this rich series). This pod was the top recommendation from our Portuguese teacher as a way to train our listening skills.
If you want a good challenge and want to keep your ear trained, while keeping up with current events, this is a great choice. They provide hot takes on pop culture, social issues, and political news.
On March 10, 2025 the topic was “Ser mulher no Brasil de hoje” (“Being a woman in Brazil today”). It tells the story of Ms. Santos, an afro-Brazilian, 30-something mother and journalism student. She speaks about her dreams and life with her daughter, while the narrator chimes in to give context to the reality for other women in Brazil.
Não Inviabilize (Brazilian accent)
“A Laboratory of True Stories,” this podcast–with the most fabulous color scheme–is taking Brazilians by storm! According to their website, they have over 1 million listeners per month, over 900 stories published, and more than 370 million plays.
They have different “channels” like Pícole de Limāo (Lemon Popsicle), “o refresco ácido do seu dia” (the sour refreshment for your day), where they highlight funny, weird, every day tales like “Parque” about Carmen, a retired teacher, who would do exercise in the park. One day while on her outdoor stroll, she saw her brother-in-law’s car where she saw him in the back seat, but he wasn’t alone…
The important staff member at Não Inviabilize
These stories are real and cause real intrigue. There’s a ton of different genres such as their terror channel called “Luz Acesa” (“Light On”) or their love channel called “Amor Nas Redes” (“Love on the Socials”).
Their team is made up of fierce women as well as a gato named Coentro-Nenê who has a doctorate in “miados” (“meows”) and “ronronados” (“purrs”). 🐈⬛
Portuguese Videos for Beginners and Intermediate Learners
Easy Portuguese (Brazilian and European accents)
Easy Portuguese is much more effective as a listening and viewing experience. So, while not technically a traditional podcast you can still get a lot out of it even if you can only listen.
Easy Portuguese brings you a variety of fun street interviews with native (and some successful non-native) Lusophones.
You can choose from the following playlists:
Portuguese from Brazil (with 140 videos 🙂)
Portuguese from Portugal (unfortunately there’s only 7 videos 🙁)
Start Here for Absolute Beginners (37 videos)
Videos range from “What to Bring to a Carnival Block” to “Are You a Typical Portuguese?” There are subtitles in Portuguese and English. Plus, fun Instagram posts!
Interested in other language podcasts?
Interested in podcasts for other languages? We've got you covered! Explore our series of the 9 best podcasts:
9 Of The Best Podcasts For Learning Italian
9 Of The Best Podcasts For Learning French
Language Learning FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can I Learn Basic Portuguese in 3 Months?
Yes, you can learn basic Portuguese skills in 3 months with consistent effort and the right approach.
Here are some tips to help you:
Set Clear Useful Goals: Define what “basic Portuguese” means for you. Choose an accent (Euro or Brazilian) and consider common phrases, basic grammar, and conversational skills.
Daily Practice: Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to study. Even 30 minutes can make a significant difference.
Spice it Up With New Tools: If you’re usually an app user, shake things up with videos and books. If you like to listen to podcasts, add some notebooks.
Set up a Language Learning Notebook: It’s the best, cheapest tool. Score extra points with this $9 course full of shortcuts and pro tips.
How To Learn A Language By Yourself
If you want to boost your motivation and stay on track as you study the Italian language, I recommend the Language Habit System®. This course gives you all the tools you need to plan your studies, track your progress and take stock of where you need to go next.
Click here to learn more about the Language Habit System®
Thank you to Joe Bommarito for writing this awesome guest post.
Joe is a language teacher and freelance content and copywriter. He’s taught students in the USA, Korea, Spain, and on iTalki. Two of his favorite activities are walking in the sun and listening to podcasts. If your paths cross, he’d love to get you a tasty cuppa coffee. Click here to get in touch with him.
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning Italian
Relax with your headphones on and become fluent in Italian! Sounds like a dream? These podcasts in for Italian learners and intermediate Italian speakers will make it possible.
Buongiorno! Who doesn’t dream of beautiful Italy: world-class landscapes, breath-taking history, outstanding food, and the culture of dolce fare niente! Well, not quite niente - which means “nothing”. There’s probably one little thing you want to try: learning Italiano!
Feel too busy to learn Italian? Want to speak like a native? Podcasts for learning Italian are a perfect solution. They're free and can fit into your daily routine—whether you're driving, doing chores, working out, or relaxing.
Discover 9 of the best resources for other languages.
All Your Italian Resources in One Place!
The Fluent Show
In addition to the Italian podcasts you’ll find in this article, check out the Fluent Show. That’s my own show, co-hosted by Lindsay Williams, where we discuss languages, learning methods, and how to live a multilingual life. Click here to listen and subscribe.
Quick Primer: How Do Podcasts Work?
If you’re curious about podcasts, but not quite sure how they work, here’s what you need to know:
You can subscribe for free to podcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer
If you use an Apple computer or mobile device, you can use the Podcasts app
On a PC or Android device, try the Spotify for a quick and easy start
Subscribing means you’ll always have the latest episode ready and waiting for you as soon as it’s published
Italian is a great language for learning by podcast, so let's dive into that top 9 list. This list has been updated in March 2020, and includes podcasts that have published within the last year. There are a few affiliate links in this post, which mean you support Fluent Language by clicking them at no extra cost to you.
Italian Podcasts For Beginners
ItalianPod101.com (InnovativeLanguage)
ItalianPod101 from InnovativeLanguage covers the basic through advanced levels of Italian. The episodes are exciting and immersive. One episode I particularly enjoyed is Must-Know Italian Slang Words and Phrases - Expressions to Describe Someone You Dislike. It was one of the most humorous episodes and I learned about how colourful Italian insults can be!
The dialogues are presented by engaging hosts in a clear, concise way covering many grammatical features and cultural topics. On the website you can sign up for premium content to access spaced repetition flashcards, PDF lesson notes, and a community forum.
British-born Katie and Italian-born Matteo and podcast simple language learning tips from Milan. Their fun podcast picks up on the common mistakes language learners make. This one is perfect if you want to learn Italian with a friendly English-speaking guide and come out sounding like a natural.
By the way: Katie and Matteo are also the faces of Easy Italian on YouTube.
Italian Podcasts For Intermediate and Advanced Learners
Vaporetto Italiano Podcast is an engaging language learning podcast hosted by Francesco. It's suitable for all levels, and consider this podcast to be your free ticket to immerse yourself in the “Bel Paese” culture while mastering the Italian language. With authentic content delivered entirely in Italian, you’ll elevate your Italian skills and explore Italy’s rich heritage without even trying!
News in Slow Italian, an intermediate level podcast, discusses world news, grammar, and expressions in the form of slowed down audio. Every episode is a virtual immersion into the Italian-speaking world showing grammar and vocabulary in context. The hosts are engaging and they show you that the language is alive and vibrant and waiting for you to dive into it.
The audio is very clear and easy to follow. On the website there are transcripts for each episode available with grammar, expressions, pronunciation, and quizzes.
Arkos Academy is mainly for the intermediate and advanced levels of learning Italian. The audio is mostly in Italian and the recordings are at a slower than normal pace, which allows you to really focus on strengthening your listening skills. There is also a lot of information on Italian culture and society, along with transcripts from each lesson on the website so that you can follow along and actively practice both your listening and reading at the same time.
As an added bonus, the Arkos Academy website offers a directory of private native teachers and excellent articles about Italy in Italian.
This podcast is almost entirely in Italian and is mainly designed for intermediate learners although you can easily select your level and choose to listen to episodes that are right for you. The website includes transcripts as well as helps learners learn colloquialisms in the “Usi Colloquiali” (Colloquial Uses) section. Host Davide mixes stories from his own life with handy new vocabulary - a winning mix!
The Italiano Automatico podcast is great for upper intermediate and advanced learners of Italian. It’s total immersion combined with lots of interesting topics and explains idiomatic and colloquial expressions. It is the companion podcast to the popular Italian learning website Italiano Automatico by Alberto Arrighini.
An Italian podcast with a twist: In Da Costa a Costa, host Francesco Costa covers American politics in the Italian language, offering an in-depth look at the USA from the Italian perspective. The episodes are well-produced and a pleasure to listen to, and will give you plenty of interesting material to listen to. They are created for native speakers, so most suitable for the more advanced learners.
Coffee Break Italian is a podcast show that helps you take your intermediate Italian to the next level, one coffee break at a time! In each 10-episode season, they cover a range of topics to deepen your understanding of tricky grammar, broaden your vocabulary, and improve your pronunciation. The show covers a variety of topics way beyond your usual textbooks.
Interested in other language podcasts?
Interested in podcasts for other languages? We've got you covered! Explore our series of the 9 best podcasts:
9 Of The Best Podcasts For Learning French
Advanced Learner Tip: Native Italian Podcasts
The Italian podcast world has come a long way in recent times, and these days you’ll be able to find a big array of native level content to listen to when you want to get Italian language immersion. You can choose from a full catalogue of shows on topics from politics to film reviews.
The easiest way to access native Italian language podcasts is to go to your Podcasts app and switch the country setting to Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, or Switzerland. There’s no restriction on your switch, and you’ll be able to access all podcasts in the same way that listeners from Italy can.
Spanish Language Learning FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can I Learn Basic Italian in 3 Months?
Yes, you can learn basic Italian in 3 months with consistent effort and the right approach.
Here are some tips to help you:
Set Clear Useful Goals: Define what “basic Italian” means for you. Consider common phrases, basic grammar, and conversational skills.
Daily Practice: Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to study. Even 30 minutes can make a significant difference.
Use Various Resources: Combine different resources to keep your learning diverse and engaging. You can take a look at the Italian resources page I created by clicking here.
How To Learn A Language By Yourself
If you want to boost your motivation and stay on track as you study the Italian language, I recommend the Language Habit System. This course gives you all the tools you need to plan your studies, track your progress and take stock of where you need to go next.
Click here to learn more about the Language Habit System
Don’t forget to share this blog on social media to inspire your friends and fellow Italy travelers to immerse themselves in the language.
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning Spanish
Embark on Your Spanish Learning Journey with the 9 Best Podcasts! Dive into immersive language lessons, culture, and more with our top picks. Enhance your skills and explore the beauty of the Spanish language and culture.
Imagine what you would do if you could easily understand spoken Spanish.
You could finally travel to the Spanish-speaking countries you’ve dreamed of, watch foreign films and addictive telenovelas, or understand a paella recommendation from the menu del día on a Thursday in Valencia.
Best of all, you’d be prepared for real conversations with native Spanish-speakers. The only question is: how do you find the time to practice your Spanish listening skills?
Podcasts are a great way to add Spanish listening practice into your day-to-day life. They are free, and can accompany any part of your day: driving a car, washing your dishes, doing laundry, working out, reading, and more.
The Fluent Show
In addition to the Spanish podcasts you’ll find in this article, check out the Fluent Show. That’s my own podcast where we discuss languages, learning methods, and how to live a multilingual life.Click here to listen and subscribe.
Need support on your Spanish learning journey?
Then make sure you join the Fluent Language newsletter right here! Subscribe now, and every week, I'll send you handpicked language learning tips right in your inbox.
Looking For More Spanish Resources?
Click here to get my top tips for Spanish learners.
These 9 online resources are some of the best when it comes to learning Spanish.
Quick Primer: How Do Podcasts Work?
If you're curious about podcasts, but not quite sure how they work, here's what you need to know:
- You can subscribe for free to podcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- If you use an iPhone or iPad, go to the Podcasts app. If you're on a Mac, use theiTunes directory.
- On a PC or Android device, try theStitcher app for a quick and easy start.
- Subscribing means you'll always have the latest episode ready and waiting for you as soon as it's published.
Spanish Podcasts For Beginners
Castilian Spanish
Notes in Spanish is a podcast run by Marina, a native speaker from Spain, and Ben, an Englishman. Each episode is actually a conversation between the two. There are episodes dedicated to beginners as well as intermediate and advanced learners. For beginners, the hosts also go over key vocabulary, phrases, and basic grammar points both before and after their conversations.
Since Ben is also a Spanish learner, he offers a lot of useful tips for listeners while Marina often provides corrections and points out common mistakes. They speak clearly, making it easy for beginners to follow along.
Castilian and Latin American Spanish
SpanishPod101 from InnovativeLanguage covers the basic through advanced levels of Spanish. The episodes are exciting and immersive. Plus, you can find episodes for both Castilian and Latin American Spanish along with the differences between them. There are even episodes that explain some of the regional vocabulary from places like Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, and Spain.
The dialogues are presented by engaging hosts in a clear, concise way covering many grammatical features and cultural topics. On the website you can sign up for premium content to access spaced repetition flashcards, PDF lesson notes, and a community forum.
Spanish Podcasts for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
Castilian Spanish
Unlimited Spanish with Òscar Pellus uses a unique storytelling technique based on Òscar’s method of learning Spanish through exposure and repetition. Every episode includes a quick story followed by a question and answer session that encourages listeners to practice their speaking skills as well. It’s also a great option for anyone who doesn’t care for lengthy grammar explanations.
Podcast topics include various aspects of Spanish culture, including places and food, as well as social topics and situations. When necessary Òscar touches on some relevant vocabulary and grammar, but it isn’t overwhelming. The podcast is entirely in Spanish, but if you have any trouble understanding, you can download transcripts of every episode in PDF format.
Done entirely in Spanish, this podcast is meant to provide an immersive experience for intermediate to advanced learners. The host, Karo Martínez, is lively, engaging, and speaks both clearly and naturally.
There are over 100 episodes to choose from, some of which explore grammar concepts, offer tips to improve your pronunciation, or explain colloquial expressions. Other episodes talk about different parts of Spain or even how to learn Spanish with popular shows like Game of Thrones.
The Español Automático site offers episode transcripts along with additional guides and resources.
Latin American Spanish
Though this podcast is directed towards those learning Spanish for work, its main goal is to help listeners get used to and understand native, spoken Spanish.
The host, Miguel Lira, is a native Spanish speaker from Mexico and a Spanish learning coach. Each episode goes over a particular conversation exchange in Spanish, such as conversations between workers or while simply ordering coffee. Miguel, as the sole host, uses a different tone of voice for each speaker, which is both entertaining and helpful as you follow along. There are also a few episodes on cultural subjects, like The Day of the Dead in Mexico.
In addition, the website offers notes, transcripts, and other resources to help you review the conversations.
Castilian and Latin American Spanish
News in Slow Spanish is an intermediate level podcast. This podcast covers world news, grammar, and expressions and slows down all the dialogue to make it easier to process what you hear. Every episode breaks down a point on grammar and vocabulary. It also lets you choose between Castilian and Latin American Spanish.
The audio is very clear and easy to follow. On the website, there are transcripts for each episode available with grammar, expressions, pronunciation, and quizzes.
Spanish Video Resources
Yabla is a video-based learning platform with bilingual subtitles and integrated dictionaries. The subtitles are interactive, which is a really cool concept! Check out how Yabla works in detail by reading myfull review.
Yabla is great for all levels from basic to advanced. You can check out their podcast and choose between videos from Spain and Latin America for hours of entertainment.
Story-Based Shows
Castilian Spanish
Coffee Break Spanish, a podcast from Radio Lingua Network, combines Spanish language lessons with a lot of useful information about Spanish food, culture, Spanish speaking countries, and so on.
My favourite part of the podcast is the chemistry between relaxed and charismatic host Mark from Scotland (who is fluent in Spanish) and Spanish learner Kara from Scotland. Mark guides both Kara and listeners through Spanish grammar, conversation, culture, and society.
The dialogues are presented in a clear, concise way, covering many grammatical features and cultural topics. On the website you can sign up for the premium content to access spaced repetition flashcards, PDF lesson notes, and a community forum for a subscription fee.
Latin American Spanish
If you want to discover the Spanish language with a powerful dash of music and culture, then Spanish con Salsa is for you! Created by bilingual Tamara Marie (meet her in my interview here!), this podcast is perfect for people who love travel, immersion, and Latin dance.
You can learn Spanish hacks from songs like Despacito, and train your ears to understand spoken Spanish even better.
And if you want to take your Spanish to the next level, the Spanish con Salsa online course is highly recommended because it's built around learning with music - learn more about it here.*
Advanced Learner Tip: Native Spanish Podcasts
If you’re interested in a more immersive experience, there are plenty of podcasts intended for native Spanish speakers available.
One great option is the Radio Ambulante podcast. Radio Ambulante is a longform journalism podcast that shares real-life Latin American stories. There are stories about language, sports, education, events, and more. Plus, there are both English and Spanish transcripts available for every episode.
Spanish Language Learning FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can You Learn Spanish Through a Podcast?
Spanish language podcasts are a fantastic resource for learners at all levels! Click here to get my best advice for listening skill training. When you progress in your skill level, you can learn even more of the language and the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, you can find over 100,000 podcasts available in the language. Build podcasts into your language learning routine and make them part of your goals. In this article you’ll find many great ones to get you started.
How Can I Learn Spanish by Listening?
Listening is a critical skill for language learners, one of the four core skills that build your language ability: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Listen to a lot of spoken Spanish through podcasts, exchanges, and tutor sessions. If you can find a transcript, that’s even better! Soon you’ll find that you will begin to understand more and more of the spoken language, even when it’s fast.
Dedicated listening practice can be time-consuming, so it's essential to be mindful of your language learning routine to avoid wasting valuable time on unnecessary activities. For a detailed guide on how to establish a successful language learning routine, I invite you to explore my blog article by clicking here.
What Should I Watch If I Want to Learn Spanish?
While some learners enjoy kids’ television and cartoons at the start of their language learning project, you may also find easy Spanish courses super helpful. Look for videos that come with a transcript, and don’t be afraid to take it step by step. One of my favourite places to find the perfect videos that are interesting and helpful is Yabla, and you can find even more ideas on my Spanish learner page.
This article was written by Cassie Wright and me. She’s a freelance writer who loves languages. Affiliate links are marked with a *
Looking for more Spanish resources?
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning English
Learning English with podcasts is so easy - you can find millions of shows online. But which ones are great for learners at any level? In this article, I’ll give you the 9 best shows for English learners who want to polish their English language skills.
There are podcasts in American English and in British English, so have a look and see what you can discover.
What would you do if you could easily understand spoken English?
Would you finally watch your favourite films or TV series without worrying so much about subtitles? Maybe you’d be able to travel without feeling anxious or even study abroad in an English-speaking country. Imagine just being able to order a beer at the pub with some new friends, buy a big slice of New York pizza, or attend a BBQ on a beach in Australia.
There are lots of ways understanding English could help you achieve your dreams and finally allow you to feel comfortable during real conversations with native speakers. The only question is: how do you find the time to practice your English listening skills?
Podcasts are a great way to add a little English listening practice into your day-to-day life. They are free, and can accompany any part of your day: driving a car, washing your dishes, doing laundry, working out, reading, and more.
The Fluent Show
In addition to the English podcasts you’ll find in this article, make sure you sign up to our newsletter, where we discuss languages, learning methods, and how to live a multilingual life. Click here to listen and subscribe.
Quick Primer: How Do Podcasts Work?
If you're curious about podcasts, but not quite sure how they work, here's what you need to know:
- You can subscribe for free to podcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- If you use an Apple computer, iPhone or iPad, go to the Podcasts app. If you're on a Mac that does not have the Podcasts app, use the iTunes directory.
- On a PC or Android device, try the Stitcher app for a quick and easy start.
- Subscribing means you'll always have the latest episode ready and waiting for you as soon as it's published.
The 9 Best English Podcasts for English Learners
In this article, you’ll find:
- British English Podcasts
- American English Podcasts
- Podcasts with both British and American English
- English Video Resources
- Story-Based Shows and Business English Podcasts
- A Special Tip for Advanced Learners
British English Podcasts
This podcast by English teacher Michael is fun and friendly!
Start with this episode, an interview with Kerstin (that's me!), where we talked about how I learnt English to native level myself, how I worked on my English accent, and what you can do when you're struggling with English.
What's better than practicing your English with real English converesation? In this podcast, hosts Abigail and Audrey get together for a chat in English. One is from England and one is from Australia!
American English Podcasts
If you’re after real conversations about interesting topics rather than language lessons, Conversations with Kate is a great resource. Host Kate invites both native and non-native English speakers from around the world as guests to help learners become familiar with different accents as well as learn about people, language, and travel.
Start with this episode, in which I visited Kate to introduce the Women in Language conference.
Looking to improve both your business English and your everyday English? All Ears English Podcast covers business topics as well as English grammar, expressions, American culture, and even IELTS (International English Language Testing System) specific topics.
The website also has short summaries for each episode. Subscribers can also get access to full transcripts.
Recommended episode: 3 Study Tips for the IELTS exam
British and American English Podcasts
EnglishClass101 from InnovativeLanguage covers everything from basic through advanced English. The episodes are exciting and immersive. You’ll easily find a large variety of topics, including both American and British culture, idioms, and even business-related episodes.
The dialogues are presented by engaging hosts in a clear, concise way covering many grammatical features and cultural topics. On the website you can sign up for premium content to access spaced repetition flashcards, PDF lesson notes, and a community forum.
English Video Resources
Yabla is a video-based learning platform with bilingual subtitles and integrated dictionaries. The subtitles are interactive, which is a really cool concept! Check out how Yabla works in detail by reading my full review.
Yabla is great for all levels from basic to advanced. There is a free English podcast available with plenty of videos to watch.
Story-Based and Business English Podcasts
This podcast series from the British Council follows conversations that take place between hosts Tess, Ravi, and their guests as well as the activities of a fictional student, Carolina. These episodes on on the longer side, ranging from 20 to 35 minutes, but they’re split up into sections so you can pause if you need to.
Complete transcripts are available for each episode. Plus, the website offers short quizzes to test your comprehension and practice exercises.
For those who are motivated to improve their English for business reasons, Business English Pod covers everything from sales and communication to presentations and job interviews.
Episodes are easy to understand and contain an explanation of the topic along with some cultural tips. These explanations are followed by conversational dialogues as well as explanation and practice sections. Members can also access PDF transcripts, online quizzes, and additional lessons.
Advanced Learner Tip: Native English Podcasts
English learners who are looking for something a bit more interesting and immersive might prefer to check out podcasts intended for native speakers. If that’s the case, try searching through popular English podcasts for something that sparks your interest, like true crime podcasts, TED Talks, or podcasts that keep you up-to-date on pop culture.
There are also a few public radio stations that offer apps you can explore, including BBC Sounds, SBS On Demand, and NPR. These apps offer a wide variety of English podcasts to make your search a bit easier.
9 Great Websites For German Beginners
Looking for inspiration and great courses to help you learn the German language? Here are 9 great websites that will help you learn German
Pop quiz - Which one of these is your favourite reason to learn German?
You fell in love with a German speaker
You fell in love with the atmosphere of a beer fest or a Christmas market
You have not yet tasted the greatest bread on this Earth, but you’d really like to, and you’ve heard the bakery only offers it to German speakers
Your company works with German clients and their English is so good it’s embarrassing all you know is jawohl ein Bier bitte
You want to visit Germany and get a taste of the wonderful nature, forests, skiing, castles, Roman history, medieval town centres, comfortable trains, inviting restaurants, fairy tale rivers
There are no wrong answers here. ALL of the above are fantastic reasons to get started learning the German language. I have been teaching and sharing German language and culture for five years, and today I’m sharing some of my favourite resources for beginners.
Make Your German Sound Amazing
My free mini-guide to speaking German is out now. It's called Make Your German Sound Amazing and will give you the best tips and 26 key phrases to make you ready for any conversation. Pop your details into the form below to join my email list and get the guide immediately!*
Check out 2 or 3 of these resources and make sure you bookmark them to visit again and again!
Great German Learning Websites
Beautiful German castles and Germany.travel
Sometimes it's necessary to check out of verb tables and remember why you chose to learn this language in the first place. What better way than to dream of hiking up beautiful hills and discovering romantic castles? Castles beat cases, after all.
Mein Weg nach Deutschland
This is a great project from the Goethe institute. Where would we be without them! Follow the story of Nevin, a newbie in Germany (who excitedly photographs pretty much anything on her mobile phone). The videos are available with and without subtitles and each episode has practice exercises too!
Deutsch Plus and Jojo sucht das Glück
There are some truly great telenovelas out there, designed especially for German learners. Lovers of retro Germany will like Deutsch Plus, the story of shy TV intern Nico from Romania - it's vintage 1996 work. Even better - it's suitable for starters from day 1. For improvers, Brazilian student Jojo will be a fun resource.
Listening: Radio D
Another suitable resource for beginners right from day 1 - Radio D is an audio course. Nice plot and a very well supported website with grammar hints and word lists make this resource a go-to page for German learners of any age.
Dictionary: LEO
No German learner can do without LEO - it must be one of the best online dictionaries around! Language searches available in both directions, 7 supported language pairs with German, audio pronunciation and a well-attended forum finding even the most obscure expressions make this a bookmark no-brainer.
TIP: Read more on how to use a dictionary like the most successful language learners
German Uncovered
Learn German the natural way without complex grammar explanations and boring lessons. This course is based on a story, so you’ll be reading and having fun as you progress to level A2 at high speed.
Speak German Like a Native
If you find spoken German hard to understand, you need this course. This is my 5* masterclass course for all levels. No other course digs into the sounds of the German language, giving you the confidence to even say Eichhörnchen and Wechselstrom like a native.
Got More To Add?
The German learning community out there is always growing, and I’d love to hear what you’ve uncovered online.
Leave a comment if you know where to go for grammar that makes sense, or the best Swiss expressions.
