As we enter the holiday season you may have time to practise your English. Podcasts can be a great way to train your listening and comprehension skills. We present here a range of podcasts that could help develop your English, as well as inform and entertain you. All podcasts here are free of charge - no paid content is included. These podcasts are widely available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or the other main podcast providers. Enjoy!

Lower Intermediate ( A2 – B1)

For lower intermediate learners we recommend Coffee Break English which is a British podcast which has topics on English language learning and general news and stories. It is presented by a range of presenters with clear accents, a steady speaking pace, and plenty of explanations.

Another great option is the BBC Learning Easy English which presents stories and interviews at A2 level in English. One great benefit of BBC podcasts is that all are accompanied by a transcript and a vocabulary list.

Intermediate (B1 – B2)

A wonderful resource for language learners is BBC Learning English which contains a wide range of podcasts for those learning English. Most popular is 6 minute English which presents a huge range of current topics in clear and understandable English for intermediate language learners. The site also contains specialised podcasts for; English conversations, English for work, English from the news, English vocabulary, English grammar, and English personal stories. In addition the BBC provide transcripts and vocabulary for all podcasts as well as other multimedia and language learning tools.

If you are particularly interested in listening to Finnish topics in English check out the YLE English language podcast All Points North. The weekly podcast has a range of presenters with various accents discussing topics of interest in Finland.

Advanced (C1+)

If you wish to stretch your language skills try listening to one of the main English language newspaper podcasts. Although the Financial Times site itself is a pay site, its podcasts are free. The Financial Times Briefing Podcast offers a great daily update on current events while the twice-weekly Financial Times Work Life Podcast covers interesting themes from business and working life.

For an American perspective try the New York Times The Daily podcast . This is rather different and each day offers a deep dive into a particular theme that may be new and unknown to its readers.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!