When we communicate through language, we spend a massive part of our time listening. Did you know, listening provides us with the chance to learn new words, pronunciation and it also helps us to improve our short term memory? Pretty cool, huh!?

In our latest blog, packed with tips to help improve your English language skills, we have reviewed five of the best podcasts to listen to. Our tutors here at the Harvest English Institute are a great way to help you improve your everyday English skills, hear a range of regional accents, and learn about different topics of interest too.

This American Life 

A weekly podcast that shares different stories from around the world on a specific theme. With over 2.2 million listeners, it is the country’s most popular podcasts featuring interviews with American’s from right across the country. Check out their vast archive with shows on varying subjects, from art to personal finance.

Great for: Getting used to hearing regional accents

The Daily 

Airing every weekday, this bitesize news podcast created by The New York Times quickly became one of the most popular news podcasts since its launch in 2017. Hosted by the political journalist Michael Barbaro, every show lists the daily headlines and documents some of the biggest stories of our time. It also features plenty of interviews with some of the best journalists in the world.

Great for: Keeping up to date on news and current affairs

Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast 

Sit back and enjoy one hour of laugh out loud moments with this hugely popular comedy podcast. Hosted by Scott Aukerman, the show features some of the country’s funniest comedians and well-known celebs. It’s a light-hearted show packed with plenty of laughs, fun interviews, improvisation, sketches and, of course, lots of banter.

Great for: Fast-paced, conversational language

Tony Robbins 

As you can imagine, this podcast series from the world-famous life coach Tony Robbins has been a big hit. You will enjoy hearing some of his inspiring advice that helps both individuals and businesses succeed, this series of podcasts also features a range of entrepreneurs, authors and public figures. All of whom share their success stories.

Great for: Inspirational content that will widen your vocabulary

Serial 

Produced by the award-winning team behind This American Life, Serial is a podcast series hosted by Sarah Koenig featuring stories full of mystery and plot twists. Having won every major broadcasting award there is, this is a must listen to this podcast, based on true stories.

Great for: Anyone wanting to listen to a native podcast that’s a real nail-biter

The great thing about podcasts is that you can enjoy them whenever and wherever you like. Listen to one before bed or on the train. You might not think it, but this simple act of listening to some native English conversation could really help boost your language skills.

If you are looking to improve your English language skills even further and would like to enroll on one of our courses, check them out here and get in touch with our team at orlando@harvest.net.