Our top recommendations for websites to improve listening

Our top recommendations for websites to improve listening

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26, July, 2026

Episode 269: Listen Up! Our top tips for websites to boost your English skills

In this episode of English Podcasts, Chris and Sue talk about their favourite websites which have helped their learners improve their English skills.

Listen up! Our top websites to help you improve listening skills

by English Podcasts

Notes

Looking for the best websites to improve your English listening skills?

In this episode of english-podcasts.com, we share our top recommendations to help you become a more confident listener. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, choosing the right resources can make a huge difference to your progress. We discuss websites that offer authentic conversations, news reports, interviews, YouTube videos and satrical new clips, allowing you to hear English as it is really spoken. We’ll also explain how to use these resources effectively, so you’re not just listening but actively improving your vocabulary, pronunciation and overall understanding.

Whether you are studying for an exam, improving your professional English, or simply want to communicate more easily, these online tools can support your progress

Of course, we’ll also show you why english-podcasts.com is an excellent place to practise with engaging podcasts designed especially for English learners. Join us for plenty of practical tips and discover the online resources that can help you train your ears, build your confidence and enjoy learning English every day.

Enjoy listening!

Recap & Takeaways

These are some of out top tips for websites that can improve your listening skills.

Specific English learning sites. (Lower intermediate levels)

BBC 6 minute English and English grammar https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/6-minute-english

The Voice of America (VOA) https://learningenglish.voanews.com

British Council https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org

Papa Teach Me (A mix of levels) https://www.youtube.com/@papateachme

Adapted news sites (Intermediate levels)

NRP https://www.npr.org/podcasts/2078/language-learning

Why not expand your world to enjoyable English speaking sites for the English speaking world. (Upper intermediate levels)

James Corden, Carpool Karaoke https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+corden+carpool+karaoke

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYoETtrk0Hw

Saturday Night Live with Jimmy Fallon   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz9iTgcnBaY

Jimmy Kimmel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp8i9GsGwLw

 

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Why do we love doing quizzes?

Why do we love doing quizzes?

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26, July, 2026

Episode 251: Why do we love quizzes so much?

In this podcast, we wonder why we love doing quizzes so much. People seem to love quizzes because they’re like tiny brain workouts—minus the sweat and there’s something oddly satisfying about proving you know the capital of Uzbekistan! Listen in for why we like doing quizzes so much.

Why do people love doing quizzes so much ?

by English Podcasts | Podcasts in English

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we talk “intelligence”… or is it? Do quizzes really test our intelligence, our memory or our zxperience. Listen in to find out.

Notes

All quizzes are popular and these days pub quizzes are especially popular because they combine socializing, entertainment, and friendly competition in a relaxed setting. They offer a fun way for friends, colleagues, or strangers to test their knowledge while enjoying food and drinks, making for a lively and engaging night out. The mix of trivia categories ensures that everyone can contribute, fostering camaraderie. Additionally, the challenge of answering questions correctly, the chance to win prizes, and the bragging rights of being the smartest team in the room add to the excitement. Plus, even if you don’t win, you still get to have a good time and maybe learn a few fun facts!

However, we delve into why quizzes primarily test the “what” i.e. factual knowledge—specific pieces of information that can be recalled quickly. For example, a quiz might ask, “What is the capital of France?” This type of question evaluates recognition and recall but doesn’t necessarily require deep understanding.

Whereas the “why” and “how” questions require explanation, reasoning, and critical thinking. Quizzes, especially multiple-choice or short-answer formats, typically aren’t suited for these in-depth explorations because they prioritize quick assessment over deep comprehension.

 

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Recap & Takeaways

LEARNING TIP

What would you say are the benefits of doing quizzes? Listed below are 4 reasons; can you expand on them after listening to the podcast. Try to write 50 words for each reason and then speak about it naturally. 

  1. Boosts Memory & Learning –  Can you expand on this point?
  2. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills –  Try to say more about this.
  3. Provides Instant Feedback – What is your experience?
  4. Fun & Engaging – Do you do quizzes with your friends and family?

 

 

 

 

 

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National Pet Day

National Pet Day

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26, July, 2026

Episode 194: National Pet Day

In this podcast, we have fun with fun facts about cats, dogs, fish, tigers and even an elephant.

National Pet Day

by English Podcasts | Podcasts in English

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we delve into fun facts around pets… and there are lots of them. The video, the pictures and wriiten clues will help you follow the conversation.  

Notes

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! So hug your hedgehog, bond with your bunny, and cut your kitty some catnip! That critter makes you happy — and that’s not all. Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a partner in research to determine the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

Recap & Takeaways

National Pet Day is an excellent time to do a few checks for your pets.

  • Go through your furever family member’s toys. Throw away any items that are no longer safe.
  • Maintain your pet-friendly home. Keep cords and toxins secure from your four-legged friends. This includes phone chargers.
  • Verify when vaccinations are due and schedule an appointment to update if they are due.
  • Check collars to ensure tags are secure and numbers are current. We sometimes forget to update this information when we move or change numbers.

 

 

 

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French Nationality Test

French Nationality Test

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More than 100,000 people are granted French nationality every year.  This represents around 2.5% of foreigners living in the country and is well above the number in Germany (1,5 %) and Italy (2 %), but way under the UK (4,2 %) and Spain (5,2 %).

Since the Brexit referendum in 2016 many Brits living in France have applied for French nationality.

Before 2015, 386 British residents in France applied for French nationality. The year after the number rose to 1,363 and in 2018 it was 3173.

Why would they do this ? What are the benefits compared to permanent resident status ?

Well, having voting rights is a very important difference, as is the freedom to travel freely in the European Union. Other people have also mentioned being able to avoid long queues at airports and a greater sense of stability.

But it’s a long road to achieving nationality:

Firstly, getting a slot for the interview is difficult as the interviews are limited. Then you have to wait at least a year for the actual interview. In the meantime you have to gather together many financial and personal  documents getting copies and translations.

During the actual interview the documents will be scruperously checked, you’ll be asked questions about your motivation and some questions about France…. some easy, some not so easy.  

So how much do you know about France ? Enough to pass the citizenship test ? Try this quiz to find out !

The French nationality test

These 40 questions cover just some of the possible questions in the Gaining French Nationality booklet. 

This quiz starts with the most frequently asked questions which most people could answer, and then it gets progressively more difficult with questions which people who have read the citizenship booklet should be able to answer,  and  then it finishes up with some really tricky questions that will really stump you ..... Bonne chance !!

For extra great questions, try these other fun quizzes too.

https://english-podcasts.com/25-off-the-wall-facts-about-france/

Live or Livestreamed Sports?

Live or Livestreamed Sports?

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26, July, 2026

Episode 259: Live or Live-streamed; where are the best sport seats ?

In this podcast we dive into the pros and cons of watching live events versus enjoying the action from the comfort of home..

Live or Live streamed; where's the best place to watch sport?

by English Podcasts

Welcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode talk thrills vs comfort, the buzz of the stadium vs your cozy front room. Where do you think is the best place to watch sport?.

Notes

Watching sports has never been more accessible, but is it better to be in the stadium or enjoy the game from home? Each experience has its own unique appeal. Being at a live sporting event offers unmatched atmosphere—crowd energy, chants, and the buzz of witnessing moments unfold in real time. It’s a communal experience where emotions run high, and memories are made.

However, attending live events can come with drawbacks: expensive tickets, travel hassles, long lines, and sometimes a distant view of the action. In contrast, watching at home offers unbeatable convenience. High-definition broadcasts, expert commentary, instant replays, and multiple camera angles bring you closer to the action than many stadium seats ever could. Add in snacks, no queues, and your favorite seat—it’s hard to beat.

Streaming also opens the door to following multiple games at once or pausing for a break, which is impossible at a live event.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference: do you crave the roar of the stadium or the comfort of your living room?

Recap & Takeaways

As a language learner this podcast is great for hearing a natural, unscripted conversation between British speakers.

Listen out for these expressions and words.

The atmosphere was fabulous, brillant.

The tickets weren’t valid until the day before.

Here’s the rub.

Pop to the loo

Pure chance

You blink and you’ve missed it.

The darts

People go in fancy dress

The same place 2 years running

Smile and nod

It’s definately worth it

After listening, consolidate your learning by making a list of the pros and cons of each point of view, and of course practice expressing your opinion and experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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