Learn English FAST: The Essential Podcasts for Learning English

Summary

In this video, Rachel introduces 13 podcasts to help learners improve their English. She divides them into two categories: podcasts created by English teachers for non-native speakers and podcasts in American English aimed at native speakers. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics such as grammar, vocabulary, idioms, pronunciation, and more. Rachel also shares her personal experience with Audible audiobooks and provides insights on setting effective learning goals. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and strategies for successful language learning, along with highlighting the value of passion-driven content in English podcasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Podcasts are a great resource for learning English and complement YouTube lessons well.
• 😀 The script highlights two categories of podcasts: those created by English teachers for learners, and those for native speakers that learners can benefit from as well.
• 😀 'All Ears English Podcast' is recommended for its daily episodes on vocabulary, idioms, and business English.
• 😀 'The In Fluency Podcast' offers weekly episodes, some as short as three minutes, focusing on pronunciation and grammar.
• 😀 Audible is a great platform for both audiobooks and podcasts, and it offers a free 30-day trial.
• 😀 Rachel recommends the audiobook 'Unbroken' as a gripping story to enhance listening skills.
• 😀 Rachel's own podcast has been discontinued, but listeners can still enjoy its 25 episodes discussing topics like pronunciation, idioms, and cultural insights.
• 😀 'Espresso English' provides weekly episodes with quick, helpful tips to improve English speaking skills.
• 😀 'Real Life English Podcast' offers exposure to both American and British accents, with episodes covering diverse language learning topics.
• 😀 Podcasts like 'Grammar Girl' explore the nuances of the English language, appealing to language enthusiasts, both non-native and native speakers.
• 😀 To improve language learning, it’s important to choose podcasts that align with personal interests, such as knitting, gardening, or sports, as they will keep you engaged.
• 😀 Rachel discusses the concept of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely—as a helpful tool for setting and achieving learning goals.

Q & A

Why is it important to expose yourself to English through various sources, such as podcasts?

Exposing yourself to English through various sources like podcasts helps improve your vocabulary, listening comprehension, and understanding of the language in different contexts, which ultimately enhances language learning.

What is the primary focus of the 'All Ears Podcast'?

The 'All Ears Podcast' focuses on various topics, including vocabulary, idioms, business English, and general conversation. The podcast has a daily format with episodes ranging from 10 to 20 minutes.

How long are the episodes of the 'In Fluency Podcast', and what topics do they cover?

The episodes of the 'In Fluency Podcast' are short, ranging from 3 minutes to longer episodes. They cover topics such as pronunciation and grammar.

What is Audible, and how does it contribute to learning English?

Audible is a service offering audiobooks and podcasts. It is a great resource for learning English because audiobooks and podcasts can help improve vocabulary, listening comprehension, and overall language skills.

What makes the 'Espresso English' podcast appealing for English learners?

The 'Espresso English' podcast is updated almost every week and provides short, easy-to-understand episodes with one tip or trick for improving English speaking at a time.

What are the benefits of listening to 'Real Life English Podcast'?

The 'Real Life English Podcast' offers exposure to both American and British accents and covers a variety of topics, including conversation, vocabulary, and general language learning tips.

What is the purpose of the 'Grammar Girl' podcast?

'Grammar Girl' provides insights into English grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. It also explores the 'why' behind the language, making it appealing to both native and non-native speakers who enjoy learning more about English.

What is the key advice Rachel gives for choosing podcasts to learn English?

Rachel advises that learners choose podcasts based on their interests. This could include topics related to hobbies, current life situations, or passions, as this will engage listeners and help them learn more effectively.

What does the term 'in the nick of time' mean?

'In the nick of time' means just before the deadline or just before time runs out. It refers to completing something right before it's too late.

How does Rachel suggest making New Year's resolutions more effective?

Rachel suggests making New Year's resolutions more effective by using the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. This helps create clear and actionable goals.