EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

The Best ESL Podcasts for English Learners 

20 June 2025/ By Zineb DJOUB

Have you ever felt like your English is almost there, but something keeps getting in the way? You study the grammar, learn the vocabulary, pass the reading tests… but when it’s time to listen or speak, your confidence slips.

The words don’t come quickly enough. The accents sound like a blur. And in that moment, it feels as though all your progress disappears.

You might be thinking, “Why can I write in English, but freeze when someone talks to me?” Or perhaps you’ve told yourself, “If I just listen more, I’ll get better… right?”

You’re not wrong. You’re just tired of feeling stuck—and honestly, it’s frustrating. You’ve got goals, big ones. Perhaps a dream job, a test to pass, a country to move to. And your English? It’s the key.

That’s where ESL podcasts come in. They’re not just background noise—they’re practice tools, confidence boosters, and conversation trainers, all rolled into one. They train your ear, build your rhythm, and help you think in English without even realising it.

So let’s dive into the best ESL podcasts for English learners that will actually help you speak up, tune in, and move forward, along with the essential tips to get the most out of them.

Let’s begin.

Best ESL podcasts for English learners

Let’s be real—there are tons of ESL podcasts for English learners out there. But not all of them are made with English learners in mind. You want something clear, helpful, and just the right speed to stretch your brain without making it explode.

So here are some of the best ESL podcasts for English learners—no fluff, just the good stuff.

 

1. The English We Speak (BBC Learning English)

Tiny episodes. Huge impact. This podcast dishes out short lessons—usually just 3-5 minutes—focusing on everyday expressions and slang you’ll actually hear in real life.

Why it works:

• Fast, focused, and easy to squeeze into your day.
• Real-world phrases explained simply.
• You can binge episodes like your favourite TV show.

 

Perfect if you want to sound more natural and less robotic when you speak.

 

2. Luke’s English Podcast

This one’s a fan favourite—and for a reason. Luke’s a British English teacher with a wicked sense of humour, and he knows exactly what it feels like to learn a new language. His podcast is full of fun stories, practical grammar tips, vocabulary explanations, and episodes that sound more like a chat with a friend than a lesson.

Why it works:

• He explains things clearly, without sounding like a textbook.
• You get British pronunciation and cultural insight.
• Tons of episodes = tons of practice.

 

Great for improving listening, learning idioms, and finally figuring out what British people really mean when they say, “Fancy a cuppa?”

 

3. All Ears English

This one’s based in the U.S. and led by two upbeat hosts who make every episode feel like a friendly coffee chat. They talk about pronunciation, culture, slang, and how to build real confidence in speaking.

Why it works:

• Focuses on real-life English, not textbook English.
• Great for preparing for IELTS or TOEFL.
• Helps you feel less awkward and more confident.

 

If you’re aiming to speak like a native or planning to live in the U.S., this is a must-listen.

 

4. ESLPod

This is one of the classics, it uses slow, clear English to explain common situations—like going to the doctor, starting a job, or making small talk at a party. Each episode includes vocabulary breakdowns and explanations.

Why it works:

• Simple, clear language.
• Practical topics you actually need.
• Good for lower-intermediate learners.

 

A solid choice if you’re just starting your listening journey and want to build strong foundations.

 

5. Speak English with Tiffani

Tiffani’s episodes are structured, motivational, and designed to help you think in English, not just translate in your head. She focuses a lot on speaking skills, which makes her show great for learners who want to actually use their English.

Why it works:

• Step-by-step teaching style.
• Encouraging tone—like a pep talk and a lesson in one.
• Teaches vocabulary with context, not in isolation.

 

Listen if you want a friendly push to keep going and start speaking with more ease.

How to make the most of ESL podcasts for English learners

Okay, you’ve got the list. But how do you actually learn from these ESL podcasts for English learners without just zoning out and hoping it sticks?

Here’s how to turn passive listening into real progress:

#Don’t just listen—interact with the episode

Podcasts aren’t just for passive listening—they’re tools for active learning. So don’t just sit back. Pause and repeat. Shadow the speaker by mimicking their tone and rhythm. Write down new words or phrases. It feels weird at first, but it works. You’re training your ear, your mouth, and your brain all at once.

If a transcript is available, use it! Read along as you listen. Then try listening without reading. Highlight useful phrases, not just individual words, because real English flows in chunks.

For example, Luke’s English Podcast often includes downloadable printables and transcripts that make this process easier and more effective.

Smart Tip: Want to go deeper? Paste the transcript into an AI tool (like ChatGPT) and ask it to generate comprehension questions, define tricky words, or even create conversation prompts based on the episode. This turns a simple podcast into a powerful, personalised learning tool.

#Turn dead time into study time

Walking? Washing dishes? Commuting? Pop in your earbuds and listen. Consistency matters more than intensity. Ten minutes a day adds up—big time.

#Keep a podcast notebook

Sounds nerdy? Maybe. But it’s genius. Jot down new words, phrases, and questions while you listen. Then use them in a sentence later. Don’t just collect English—use it.

#Mix podcast types

Some podcasts are slow and simple. Others are fast and natural. Don’t stick to one style. Mix it up. Start with slower ESL podcasts, then challenge yourself with natural conversations. That’s how you grow.

#Listen again—and again

Repetition isn’t boring. It’s how your brain gets comfortable. If an episode was useful, don’t delete it. Revisit it a week later. You’ll hear new things you missed the first time.

The truth is, the best ESL podcasts for English learners aren’t magic. They don’t teach you English on their own. But if you use them the right way—actively, consistently, and with purpose—they’ll change the game.

They’ll train your ears, boost your speaking, and help you stop translating in your head and start thinking in English.