6 Minute English

Should we cycle more?

<p>When did you learn to ride a bike? Perhaps you learnt as a child and have not cycled for a long time. Well don't worry, you can pick it up again quickly – it's just like riding a bike! And if you have never cycled, it's not too late to start. With new cycle tracks and electric bikes, cycling is becoming more and more accessible. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260709">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260709</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Rude emails

<p>What is the rudest email you have ever received? We all deal with emails on a daily basis, but sometimes people can write them too quickly, without thinking enough about how it makes the other person feel. Is there anything that people write in emails which you find impolite? And have you ever sent a rude email yourself...? Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260702">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260702</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Stress-free family meals

<p>Are you a fussy eater? Many of us remember foods that we used to hate as children – some of us still do hate those foods! But what can parents do to help encourage their children to eat a healthy diet, without turning every dinner into disaster? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260625">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260625</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

Limiting screen time for children

<p>Many parents worry that their children spend too much time on screens. Governments around the world, such as in the UK, Australia and China, are introducing online safety measures to limit the amount of screen time for children or prevent them accessing social media. Neil and Becca talk about their own screen time and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260618">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260618</a></p><p>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p>

How advertisers make us spend money

<p>What was the last thing you bought? And can you remember why you bought that particular thing, rather than something else? We all like to think we make rational, independent choices when we buy things, but advertisers are constantly trying different strategies to influence us to behave differently. Pippa and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. </p><p>Listen to natural English conversations with Real Easy English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english</a></p><p>Learn English from the news: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260611">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260611</a></p>

The power of poetry

<p>Do you like to read poetry? When was the last time you heard someone recite a poem? Some people may just think of poetry as something they studied at school, but for many people it has a powerful presence in their lives. Poetry can help you connect with others, come to terms with personal emotions, or even spread the word about important global events. If you think poetry is not for you, perhaps you just haven't found the right poem yet! Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Listen to natural English conversations with Real Easy English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english</a></p><p>Learn English from the news: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260604">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260604</a></p>

Living with debt

<p>Many people have to borrow money to make big purchases, like buying a house or a car. When you do this, you have to pay the money back over time – the money you owe is a debt. With the current cost of living getting increasingly high, some people are having to borrow money even for everyday purchases like bills and food. Sometimes this debt can get out of control, which causes anxiety and stress. Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260528</a></p><p>Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real Easy English to learn from natural English conversations: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/</a> Learn English from the biggest news stories from around the world: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Search 'BBC Learning English' in your podcast app to find our other programmes or visit bbclearningenglish.com</p>

Making cities feel quieter

<p>What do you prefer – the sounds of birdsong and wind rustling in the trees, or the hum of traffic and chatter of people passing by? Some people like the quiet of the countryside and others love the noise of the city, but did you know that constant exposure to loud noise has been found to increase anxiety? That's why some people have been trying to find ways to make our cities feel quieter. Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. </p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260521</a></p><p>Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real Easy English to learn from natural English conversations: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/</a> Learn English from the biggest news stories from around the world: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Search 'BBC Learning English' in your podcast app to find our other programmes or visit bbclearningenglish.com</p>

How reading shapes your brain

<p>Do you remember what it was like before you learnt to read? It's hard to think back that far! Scientific research has shown that learning to read changes the way our brains work. Not only that, but depending on the language you are reading, your brain changes in different ways. Becca and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260514">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260514</a></p><p>Got another 6 Minutes? Try Real Easy English to learn from natural English conversations: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/</a> Learn English from the biggest news stories from around the world: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>Search 'BBC Learning English' in your podcast app to find our other programmes or visit bbclearningenglish.com</p>

Searching for life on another planet

<p>Will we ever be able to live on a planet that isn't Earth? A science and space journalist explainss the latest research and data collected from planet TRAPPIST-1e. Neil and Becca teach you some new language to understand this potentially habitable planet.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260507">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260507</a></p><p>Practise your listening skills at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Should we eat ultra-processed food?

<p>What is your ultra-processed guilty pleasure? Many of us love home-cooked food, but when we're in a rush, it's often more convenient to eat snacks, or to buy quick, easy meals from the supermarket which we simply have to heat up. These are often ultra-processed forms of food, which recent studies have linked to poor health. Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260430">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260430</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Why are we all so stressed?

<p>Worrying about exams, work or climate change in the news. It's no wonder modern life is stressful. Becca and Neil hear from a presenter and psychologist about managing stress. Learn some tips to help with worrying and stress, as well as some new vocabulary and phrases!</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260423">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260423</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Love the foods you hate

<p>Are there some foods that you just hate? Have you ever hated a food in the past but started liking it? We hear from a food expert and a dietitian about why there are some foods we just hate and even fear, and whether it's possible to learn to love them. Neil and Becca discuss this, learn some tips for loving the foods you hate, and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260416">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260416</a></p><p>Learn language to use at work in Office English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

The future of food

<p>Many of us are trying to be more careful with our food choices, both for our personal health and for the health of the planet in general. But did you know that the food we buy is closely linked to national security? Neil and Pippa hear from climate reporter and a chief executive of the UK's Climate Change Committee, and teach you some new vocabulary.</p>

Are saunas good for you?

<p>How do you feel about being in a small room heated to a temperature of 80°C? Believe it or not, some people love it! There might be some health benefits to this hot habit too! Georgie and Neil hear from a BBC reporter and a professor from BBC Radio 4 programme Inside Health. You'll also learn some useful language! </p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260402">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260402</a></p><p>Learn English to use at work in Office English available here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

Weight loss drugs

<p>Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are modified versions of natural hormones which make us feel full when released into the body. Prof Giles Yeo explains how the drugs, which were originally used to treat diabetes, are now being used for weight loss. Georgie and Neil teach you some useful vocabulary.</p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260326">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260326</a></p><p>Learn English to use at work in Office English available here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

How do we adapt to the cold?

<p>Where is the coldest place you have ever been? Did you enjoy the experience? Some people don't seem to mind the cold, whereas other people seem to feel it much more strongly and keep themselves wrapped up in as many layers as possible. But why do we feel it in different ways? Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260319">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260319</a></p><p>Learn English to use at work in Office English available here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

Should we pay more for chocolate?

<p>How often do you eat chocolate? It's one of the most loved sweet treats in Europe, but a new EU law could make chocolate more expensive. A business owner, who has small cocoa farms in these places, shares their thoughts and concerns about the new law. We also hear from chocolate lovers about whether they would pay more for their favourite chocolate, and about whether they looked at where their chocolate was produced. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Read along with this podcast with the free transcript, and practise the vocabulary using the quiz and worksheet: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260312">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260312</a></p><p>Improve your speaking confidence and skills with our series 'Beating Speaking Anxiety': <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly highlights: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a> and feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>!</p>

Why are some animals black and white?

<p>How many animals can you think of that are black and white? Zebras, penguins, orcas, snow leopards… there are loads! But have you ever wondered why these animals have developed such unique and striking appearances? Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>As always, find a free transcript, worksheet and quiz for this episode on our website: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260305">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260305</a></p><p>And find NEW episodes of Office English here or by searching 'Learning English for Work' on your favourite podcast app: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english</a></p><p>Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our weekly highlights in your inbox: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p><p>Other podcasts you might enjoy: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories</p>

The power of pepper

<p>How often do you use pepper? It's one of the most common spices to add to food, so common in fact that many of us don't just use it when cooking, but also place it on our dinner tables to add extra flavour! But how much do we really know about pepper? There are hundreds of different varieties worldwide and they all have the power to add that special something to our food. Neil and Becca discuss this seasoning and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260226">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260226</a></p><p>Want to boost your speaking skills? Try Beating Speaking Anxiety, our series to help fight your fears of speaking English: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p>

Dreaming of being a chef

<p>What did you have for dinner last night? And did you cook it yourself? Many people cook at home regularly, for themselves and for others, but have you ever thought about cooking professionally? Working in a restaurant can be tough, but for some people, becoming a top chef is a dream job. Neil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>✔️ Find a free worksheet, transcript and interactive quiz to help you learn: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260219">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260219</a></p><p>✔️ Try our new series about the fears that come with speaking a foreign language. Find the 'Beating Speaking Anxiety' podcast episodes and video explainers here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>✔️ Don't forget to subsribe to our newsletter, where you get all our updates weekly: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>Have you tried some of our other podcasts? Try these next: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p>

Artistic swimming

<p>How long can you hold your breath underwater? And what about if you were doing a gymnastic and dance routine as well...? Artistic swimming, which used to be known as synchronised swimming, requires dedication, hard work and passion. Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a transcript and worksheet for this episode here: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260212">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260212</a></p><p>Want to improve your speaking confidence? Learn from experts about how to fight your fears of speaking in our new series 'Beating Speaking Anxiety': ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>And don't forget to sign up to our free newsletter, where we share our tips and weekly highlights every Wednesday: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a></p><p>Other podcasts you might enjoy: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories</p>

Rethinking dyslexia

<p>Dyslexia is a condition which makes it difficult for people to read, write and spell. But, can the ability to process information differently actually be an advantage? And why do dyslexics make excellent spies? Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260205">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260205</a></p><p>BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

Why are billionaires building bunkers?

<p>People around the world have been preparing for what they believe will be a major world disaster in the near future. Now, some tech billionaires are joining the trend by building underground bunker complexes to keep them safe if the world order collapses. Do they know something we don't? Neil discusses this with Hannah, from the What in the World podcast, and they teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-26029">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-26029</a></p><p>BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

Scared to speak English?

<p>Do you ever feel scared to speak in English? Lots of people find speaking a different language stressful. Beth and Pippa talk about learning languages and how to fight your fears of speaking English.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-26012">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-26012</a></p><p>BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work </p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

What English phrases really mean

<p>We've all been there – we're talking to someone and they say one thing, when we know they mean something else! British people love to play with language, using it deliberately to disguise, misdirect or even change their meaning entirely. But why do we do it? And what are some of the common things to look out for? Pippa and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260115">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260115</a></p><p>Learning English from the News - learn English from news headlines here: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work </p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

Is social media dead?

<p>What is your favourite social media platform? Do you still use it as much as you did three or four years ago? With the rise of generative AI, many social media users are finding their feeds cluttered with content that they feel no real connection with. Is social media on a downward spiral? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260108">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260108</a></p><p>The Listening Room - improve your listening skills here: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work </p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

Is it OK to disagree?

<p>Are we becoming a divided society? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. </p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260101">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260101</a></p><p>The Listening Room - improve your listening skills here: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

Was Christmas better in the past?

<p>It's Christmas time in the UK. And like with celebrations around the world, people have lots of traditions that they do every year, and memories about Christmas from their childhood. But were the Christmases of the past as magical as we remember? Neil and Beth discuss a strange emotion we can feel at Christmas called nostalgia.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251225">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251225</a></p><p>The Reading Room - improve your reading skills here: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>

Finding and eating wild food

<p>Where do you get your fruit and vegetables – a supermarket, a greengrocer... or the wild? For our distant ancestors, foraging for wild food was vital for survival, while these days we tend to rely on farmed food, bought in shops. Pippa and Beth discuss foraging and teach you some new vocabulary.</p><p>Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251218">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-251218</a></p><p>The Reading Room - improve your reading skills here: ✔️<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room</a></p><p>SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters</a></p><p>FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a> Follow us ✔️ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a></p><p>LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English for Work</p><p>They're all available by searching in your podcast app.</p>