Note: I wrote the first version of this article in 2019. Now, 5 years, 500 episodes and nearly 10 million downloads later, here is the updated version for 2025!

Decided that podcasts are a great way to improve your English, and want to know the best ways to use them?

Great, you’re in the right place.‍

Finding a podcast to listen to and pressing play is just the tip of the iceberg. This guide will show you how to turbocharge your learning with podcasts.

Note, if you're more into video tutorials than written guides, here's a video tutorial on using podcasts to learn English.

First, let's quickly talk about 'active' vs 'passive' learning.

Passive learning is hoping English will just sink in while you're doing other things.

Active learning means focusing 100%, pushing your brain, and really concentrating on the language. Studies and experience show active learning is significantly faster.

Think about it: would you prefer exceptional English after 6 months of focused work, or after 3 years of passive listening? This guide focuses on the active path.

Here are my favourite (and effective) ways to use podcasts actively and make real progress:

1. Choose the Right Podcast (Level & Interest)

This is crucial. Select podcasts where you understand roughly 70-80% of the content. Too easy means less learning; too hard leads to frustration.

Equally important: choose topics you find interesting!

Motivation is key. Whether it's native speaker podcasts on your hobbies or learner podcasts with engaging stories (like English Learning for Curious Minds), enjoy what you listen to.

2. Listen first without a transcript or the key vocabulary

The first time you listen to an episode, try doing it without looking at the transcript or vocabulary list. This forces your brain to work harder to understand the context.

Note down words you don't catch. You might find you understand them later in the episode when used in a different context. Discovering meaning this way helps you remember better.

3. Use Transcripts and Key Vocabulary Wisely

Think of transcripts as a helpful tool, not a replacement for listening. Use them after you've tried to understand without them.

Check the transcript if you miss a word – maybe the pronunciation was unexpected. Look at key vocabulary only if the transcript doesn't clarify the meaning.

Reading along with the transcript helps reading skills too, but prioritising listening first builds stronger comprehension habits. Seeing and hearing words together boosts recall.

Note: we provide interactive transcripts where you can click words for definitions or translations. This is super helpful for 100% comprehension. On this page you can see a sample of free transcripts.

4. Change the speed of the podcast

Most podcast apps let you adjust the speed. If it feels too fast, slow it down (e.g., 0.8x).

If it feels too easy, speed it up slightly (e.g., 1.2x) to challenge yourself. Don't go much beyond 1.5x or 2x, as it becomes unnatural.

5. Write a summary

After listening, summarise the podcast in English. What were the main points? What new things did you learn? Did you agree with the speaker?

This checks your comprehension. It also gives you a chance to practice using new vocabulary and sentence structures from the episode. Try paraphrasing ideas using different words.

Note: if you want feedback on your summary, ask ChatGPT.

6. Download for Focused Learning

Download episodes and transcripts/vocab lists to listen offline. This is great for bad internet connections.

More importantly, put your phone in airplane mode! Removing distractions allows for 100% focused, active listening time.

Print the transcripts if you prefer annotating on paper.

7. Make Your Own Vocabulary List (Include 'Second Category' Words)

Keep a dedicated notebook or app for new words, phrases, and structures. Don't just list words; write example sentences.

Include 'Second Category Vocabulary' – words you recognise but don't actively use. Noting these down is the first step to using them yourself. Review your list weekly and try using the new items.

If you're curious about using podcasts to improve your vocabulary, here's a video you might like.

8. Transcribe the Podcast

This takes effort but is highly effective. Before looking at the official transcript, try typing out what you hear yourself.

You'll need to pause and rewind often – that's normal! Compare your version to the provided one. Why did you miss certain words? Listen again and practise saying them.

9. Read the transcript aloud

Reading the transcript aloud helps connect listening, pronunciation, and speaking. You can even record yourself reading a section.

Listen back and compare it to the original podcast audio. Where are the differences in pronunciation or intonation? Practise those parts again.

10. Shadowing the podcast

Shadowing means repeating the audio almost simultaneously with the speaker, copying their rhythm and sounds. It's excellent for pronunciation and fluency.

• Listen once for general understanding.
• Listen again until you grasp most of it.
• Listen while reading the transcript, looking up key words.
• Listen and repeat with minimal delay. Repeat until smooth.

Podcasts are perfect for this advanced technique.

Note, if you aren’t familiar with what this is, we've written a guide on Shadowing in English.

You can also check out Julian from Doing English talking about Shadowing.

11. Go Deep, Not Just Wide

It's tempting to listen to hundreds of episodes quickly.

However, deeper learning comes from engaging with the same material multiple times.

Instead of a new episode daily, try working with one episode over several days using different techniques (listening, transcript work, shadowing, summarising).

You'll be amazed how much more you understand by the end.

Focus on quality over quantity.

12. Make Time For It & Combine Listening Types

Consistency is vital. Schedule regular time for active podcast study, even just 10-15 minutes daily.

This doesn't mean abandoning passive listening! Listen while commuting or walking. Just recognise that focused time yields faster learning.

You can combine them: listen passively on your commute, then actively study the same episode later with full concentration.

13. Join a learn English with podcasts community

Learning English can feel lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Connect with fellow learners using podcasts.

The good news is that you'll find that community as a member of Leonardo English.

Share tips, ask questions, and stay motivated together. The Leonardo English community is a great place for this, connecting learners worldwide.

***

Using podcasts actively requires effort, but it's the fastest way to improve your English listening, vocabulary, and even pronunciation.

Choose wisely, focus, engage deeply, and be consistent!

Good luck!