English Podcasts
Podcasts and activities to bring your English language learning to life, whether you are a learner or a teacher of English, you will find a variety of interesting, motivating and pedagogically sound activities here. Podcasts are free and there are a host of activities for learners and teachers on our site https://english-podcasts.com
Live or Livestreamed: Where’s the Best Seat for Sports?
Is the thrill of the crowd worth the ticket price, or does the TV offer the ultimate front-row seat? In this podcast, we dive into the pros and cons of watching live events versus enjoying the action on TV, in other words; Stadium Buzz vs. Sofa Comfort..
Should drugs be allowed in sport?
Imagine the Olympics without drug testing — well, that’s the Enhanced Games planned to, take place in May 2026. The aim is to allow performance-enhancing technologies without restriction to see how human physical capacities can be pushed to the limit. What do you think? Which words come to mind ? Dangerous? Unethical? Progress? A glimpse into the future? Listen in to hear more.
What’s a language SWOT?
Ever heard of a SWOT ? It's often used to assess the feasibility and progress of projects, but how about applying it to language learning ? It's a great way to kick start your motivation and learning plan by assessing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunties and Threats. Listen in to find out more.
How streets got their names
In this podcast we look into the origins of streets names, roads, lanes, and alleys. We explore historic figures, battles, trades and forgotten landmarks, revealing hidden histories, quirky tales, and cultural insights. This podcast will prove that street names exist for a reason.... but spoiler alert: a King didn't live in every “King Street”!
How much sugar is too much?
Are you tempted by that doughnut with a generous helping of cream ? Well, you're not alone! Do you consider sugar as a sweet friend or sneaky foe? What about natural sugars in fruit? How much sugar is hidden in savoury dishes ? Listen in to find out more about sugars and where they hide in our diet.
Working from home; a dream or a nightmare?
What's your experience of working from home? Does it suit your line of work? Do you feel more efficient or less? This podcast was recorded during the Covid lockdown when working from home was new to us all. How has it changed over the years? It's interesting to look back and see how attitudes have changed.
Fes, Morocco; a fascinating cultural hidden gem
Listen as Sue tells Chris about her holiday in Fes, Morocco. Did she visit all the 9, 000 streets? What did she think of the Medina? How does Fes compare to other cities in Morocco? Did she buy a fes hat? What does she say about gold? What do you think surprised her? What wasn't she keen on? How many times did she eat a Tagine? Have you been to Morocco ? Let us know, we'd love to hear about your experiences.
Why are we so addicted to British soaps?
Drama, drama, drama, this word sums up the British soaps ! From the drama filled streets of Coronation Street to the iconic squares of EastEnders, British soap operas have been the cornerstone of British TV with their unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and stories that reflect real life. These shows keep us hooked and in this podcast we try to find out why. What’s your favorite British soap moment? Let us know in the comments!
Why do we love doing quizzes?
Quizzes aren’t just about answering questions; they challenge your knowledge, spark curiosity, and keep you on your toes. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of getting a question right or the hilarious debates with friends about what the capital of Uzbekistan is. In this podcast we delve into why we love quizzes so much.
The curious case of why we get hangry
<...
The curious case of why we procrastinate
<...
The curious case of déjà vu
<...
What if…..the moon vanished?
<...
Why do we crave spicy food?
Do you enjoy eating spicy foods? Well, Chris does and Sue doesn't ! Nevertheless, we delve into the science behind hot spices, we discuss the hottest spices in the world, how hot spices are graded and why some countries have developed a spicy cuisine, while other countries have not. Enjoy and get a glass of milk ready.... you'll see why when you listen in.
National Pet Day
National Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! Which pets do you have ? Cats ? Dogs? Rabbits ? So many to choose from ! Which pets give you the most joy ? Listen as Chris (a dog lover) and Sue (a cat lover) talk about the extraordinary pet facts…. they’re quite amazing ! Be sure to indulge your pets today !
Making Resolutions for the New Year
<...
The Great Sock Mystery
As part of the series of Everyday Mysteries, we delve into the question of why socks get lost in the washing machine. Does that happen to you? You put a pair of socks into the machine, but only one comes out ! Is there a scientific reason for this... tune in to find out.
International Chocolate Day; Chocolate trivia
Listen in as we have fun with trivia questions about chocolate trivia as part of International Chocolate Day. Chocolate is one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world, and many foodstuffs involving chocolate exist, particularly desserts, including cakes, pudding, mousse, chocolate brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. .
Desert Island Discs, Chris’ choice
In this podcast, we talk about music and more precisely the "sound track of our lives". This is based on the BBC's long running radio show Desert Island Discs in which the interviewee has to imagine they are castaway on a desert island with only 8 disc to listen to. it's a great way to find out about people, so listen in to Chris' 8 discs and why he chose them.
Desert Island Discs Sue’s choice
In this podcast, we talk about music and more precisely the "sound track of our lives". This is based on the BBC's long running radio show Desert Island Discs in which the interviewee has to imagine they are castaway on a desert island with only 8 disc to listen to. it's a great way to find out about people, so listen in to Sue's 8 discs and why she chose them.
Discover The Christmas Market in Toulouse, France
We all have future plans, whether it’s organizing the week ahead, planning a holiday, or considering a career change. As a language learner, it can be challenging to know which structure fits best to express your ideas clearly. In this podcast, we break down the different future tenses and provide helpful examples to help you express yourself.
Are The French Pessimistic?
<...
Mysteries of Everyday Life: Why do we blow on hot food?
<...
How to manage phone calls in English
<...
Language Learning: How To Stay Motivated
<...
Tips for Writing E-mails
In this podcast we give some tips on how to start and round off your emails. Many people are unsure about the correct (and polite) form of saying "hello" and "goodbye" in their emails. This form of communication has become a cultural minefield as we wonder if we are too informal or overly polite. We also give effective tips on how to manage emails and to reduce the number of emails you receive on a daily basis.
Planning a Holiday Getaway
In this podcast, Chris helps Sue book a holiday aboard in real time, you'll hear clicks, and some mis-clicks, as they decide where to go. Sue has a budget, but not much of an idea, whereas Chris loves to surf the web to find lots of options. As a language learner, you can practice understanding flight times, dates, times, costs and destinations.
Describing pain and symptoms
In this podcast, we hear from 4 people who describe some of their health issues; being stung by a bee, breaking both ankles at the same time, suffering with back pain and feeling the effects of a hangover... all the vocabulary you'll ever need to describe health mishaps.
A Few Days in New York
In this podcast, we are on holiday in New York! Listen as Sue chats to Laura about their holiday in The Big Apple. Not only will you hear about some of the top places to visit but also you'll hear great grammar; the Present Perfect, the Present Continuous used to describe future plans as well as current situations.... in short everything you need to talk about your trips wherever you go.
A Few Days in New York
In this podcast, Sue talks to Laura while on holiday in New York. You'll hear some tips about the good places to visit but as a language learner you'll hear lots of useful grammar too; the present perfect, the present continuous used for future plans as well as taking about a current situation.
The World of Buying and Selling on-line
In this podcast, Chris talks Sue through how to buy and sell on-line. There is a ton of useful vocabulary and even some great safety tips when using on-line sites.
The Past Tenses for Advanced Learners
In this podcast, we dive into the past tense for advanced learners. Get ready to test your knowledge of the Past Simple, the Past Continuous, the Past Perfect and the Past Perfect continuous..... not forgetting modals! This podcast is in the form of a video too, so you can read some of the key expressions, and you can find an answer sheet in the notes.
The Travel Bet from Toulouse to Paris
In this podcast, we take on a bet.... a travel bet! We test out which is the fastest, most reliable and cheapest way to get from Toulouse to Paris. Chris takes the car and Sue takes the plane. Which means of transport do you think comes out on top ? As a language learner you can check your comprehension with a quiz. Listen up carefully because there are lots of numbers in this podcast to test you!
Guns, Gingerbread and the American Constitution
In this podcast, Sue, as a European, listens in amazement to Cindy, an American from North Carolina, as she describes her everyday life living with guns in the USA. Cindy recounts why she needs to own a gun, how she practices shooting and how the constitution allows American citizens to carry an arm (and shoot) for their own protection. Whatever your view of guns, this podcast will fascinate you.
Very Superstitious! Just how superstitious are you?
In this podcast, we dive into superstitions. Do you believe in them or not? Why do we believe in something we rationally know not to be true? Are superstitions dangerous, or just a harmless cultural traditional? In this podcast you can hear Chris put the case for superstitions and Sue who debunks the whole idea of superstition, and you'll learn lots of vocabulary along the way.
Toulouse, the top city to visit in 2025
In this podcast, we proudly present our adopted city of Toulouse following the announcement that the reputed travel guide series Lonely Planet has nominated Toulouse as THE city to visit in 2025. Listen in as we run through our 20 top "must do" in the Pink City.
17th century Eyam and Covid, what’s the connection?
In this podcast recorded during the Covid crisis of 2020, we take a look back at history and some of the medical outbreaks of the past. We compare how people dealt with the restrictions enforced in the 17th century with those that we experienced just a few years ago.
Are you a terrible cook?
In this podcast, you can tune into stories from a novice cook, Victoria. She certainly had some mishaps. Listen in to these amusing stories, maybe you have similar experiences too. She also gives great tips about writing a blog, especially its a language learner.
Is Sydney the best city in the world
In this podcast, we take a look at our phones and discuss the apps we use and why. Could you live without your apps? Are they really that useful? Do you use the same ones as us? Can you describe why you use them and like them? Listen to us as we use everyday vocabulary which you'll find pretty useful.
Do you understand the conditionals in English?
Now that really is a tricky question !! The conditionals may seem hard but in fact they are pretty simple and they will take your English to another level. As a language learner it's time to expand your conversation from the past, present and future.... go further with the conditionals !