Best English A1 Podcasts (2024)

1
English Listening - In Memory of My Mom 33:13

2h ago33:13

33:13

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My Wife's Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Um4jCCMNld8vKDycQcLko7jZEIZhR-fy/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices…

1
The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing. 18:18

10m ago18:18

18:18

995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the history of words for describing a big fuss — "kerfuffle," "hullabaloo," "hoopla," and more. The "big fuss" segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at Dra…

1
Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick 44:42

6d ago44:42

44:42

994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challenges in the "Dune" series. Learn how Kevin and Scott navigated Frank Herbert's original vocabulary, stayed true to the cultural influences of the names and terms, and created an extensive pronunciation…

1
English Listening - School Events 31:13

21m ago31:13

31:13

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My Wife's Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q7-yRHWl-J0VzkOW6oPQ3DltnWDLBJ68/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices…

1
The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee 16:42

2d ago16:42

16:42

993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communication. Then, we look at the many words for 'father' and their historical and linguistic significance, from early baby talk to more formal terms for adults. Dune sign language supercut video: https://youtu…

1
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

7d ago27:11

27:11

992. What began as a simple word game in 1913 sparked a nationwide craze just a decade later, causing a moral panic and changing American publishing forever. This week, Ben Zimmer, a prolific crossword constructor and language commentator, takes us through the crossword puzzle's surprising early history and enduring legacy. He also explores the mod…

1
English Listening - My Trip to Hawaii 33:02

13d ago33:02

33:02

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bdPDoruSmfYW5Ra86J3Jx4HieBm92XOm/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Sonoro | Conner Pe

1
From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge. 20:29

15d ago20:29

20:29

991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hair of the dog." Then we go through the "audience of one" concept, which involves tailoring content to a single, imagined recipient; and we look at how this approach can make your writing more understan…

1
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones 29:40

8d ago29:40

29:40

990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q is always followed by a U? We have the answers to those questions and more this week from Paul Anthony Jones, author of "Why is this a question?" | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjon…

1
English Listening - Trip to Palm Desert 32:31

14d ago32:31

32:31

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My wife's Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jTEt5ANmRLcoxf3vLFMWeGu--pEqdKya/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices…

1
What is a Word? Target moments. 18:41

10d ago18:41

18:41

989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at how things like plurals, compound words, and contractions make defining the word "word" a tricky exercise. | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjones.com/ | Edited transcript with links: …

1
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski 26:50

20d ago26:50

26:50

988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published during World War II for distribution among the troops. We look at the special problems of wartime publishing, the collaborative efforts among publishers, and the lasting influence of these books on th…

1
Reaching a High-Intermediate Level with Lindsay from All Ears English 33:27

17d ago33:27

33:27

US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime My wife's Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XsHqmA7xFdCcGgFquNZ24MSnYyD69Rdc/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices…

1
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

29d ago16:49

16:49

987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not OK) to do so. Plus, we talk about the medial S, a strange F-like letter that makes an S-sound and shows up in old documents. We look at how it came to be, its role in English typography, and what made i…

1
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner 31:53

22d ago31:53

31:53

986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools like Zapier. You'll also learn about starting and growing a freelance business, including how to figure out what to charge, how to make ends meet at the beginning, a…

1
English Listening - Imposter Syndrome 36:01

24d ago36:01

36:01

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My wife's Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cmt4G68cZR3pzCViynjV0QFyFHZ76tW4/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices…

1
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

24d ago15:34

15:34

985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the phrase "whim-wham for a goose's bridle." Plus, I have a quick tip about when to capitalize "mom" and "dad." The "weird words" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publisher fo…

1
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" or "broth," "street" or "boulevard," "maze" or "labyrinth" and more with Eli Burnstein, author of "The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions." Confusion about colors got him started on this path, but along the way, he gained insights into language, culture, and the subtle …

1
English Listening - What I Learned From Teaching 35:47

1M ago35:47

35:47

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My wife's Spanish podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yz2BRqarfK7P5jWAfXS6ctq-wzgxjblK/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices…

1
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys 17:35

1M ago17:35

17:35

983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who stick to traditional meanings and descriptivists who accept new usages and what you should do with these words in your own writing. Plus, we learn how using "we" versus "I" alters perceptions of leadersh…

1
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

982. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets of Old English animal names, from "walking weaver" for spider to the ominous "unland" for a whale's deceptive island. Find Hana Videen at https://OldEnglishWordhord.com/ | Edited transcript with links:…

1
English Listening - Motivation and Discipline 35:26

1M ago35:26

35:26

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations Sweet and Simple Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1unSKF-hm2gA0db4TXlIoF70rxoVtHHIj/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad …

1
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers. 17:39

2M ago17:39

17:39

981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to include in your writing so you're handling this kind of information credibly and professionally. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of animal terminology, including the histories and n…

1
Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad. | Edited transcript with links: https://gramma…

1
English Listening - My Experience Learning Italian 38:27

2M ago38:27

38:27

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations Sweet and Simple Spanish Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ygXSmI75c6khhvXEotvTVZ2BRVZAcxki/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad …

1
The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket. 16:29

2M ago16:29

16:29

979. In the first segment, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the origins and transformation of punctuation. From the early days when words ran together without spaces, to the introduction of punctuation systems by scholars like Aristophanes, we explore how punctuation has played a pivotal role in shaping written communication. In the second segm…

1
How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg 19:23

2M ago19:23

19:23

978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. Learn about the science behind effective communication, from NASA's emotional intelligen…

1
English Listening - How I Learned Spanish 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

Sweet and Simple Spanish: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V9hxLhvkzOhz6GGn3Zlfw Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J461YKmk4ds-DQNE9jDEioljhHCmrmt9/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices.…

1
Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky orig…

1
Listening Time - Trailer 1:28

2M ago1:28

1:28

Listening Time podcast emphasizes the benefits of consistent practice for improving English language skills. Here are five reasons why Listening Time is an invaluable resource for learners: it provides regular and consistent practice opportunities, introduces practical new words, and expands natural vocabulary. Throughout each episode, listeners he…

1
English Listening - How English Has Changed 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uRCJouKM7i7NxDwPBcQ…

1
Pet-Speak: From Meowlogisms to Zoomies. 'Imply' or 'Infer'? 19:58

2M ago19:58

19:58

976. How have our pets influenced the way we use language? This week, we dive into the "cativerse" and explore the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling habits of our furry friends. From LOLcats to doggo dialects, discover the linguistic wonders of how we talk about our beloved pets. Plus, don't get tripped up by "imply" versus "infer." In the second s…

1
English Listening - Dogs 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VAgubzeEn9xLvlje-dU…

1
You love to read. Could you narrate? 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

975. This week, I learned all about audiobook narration from David H. Lawrence XVII, who is launching a new program called "Narrate Your Own Book." If you've ever dreamed of being a narrator, this episode is for you! And if you're a self-published author who has always wanted to narrate your own audiobook (or feel like you should), this episode is …

1
English Listening - Attractions in San Diego 34:11

3M ago34:11

34:11

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F9mfwsJGT-xjd5tM2AD…

1
Memory, Aging, and the Lingering 'Anyways' 17:31

2M ago17:31

17:31

974. How does aging affect our ability to understand language? From the challenges of processing complex sentences to the resilience you get from a rich vocabulary, we look at how our language skills change over time. Plus, looking into why people say "anyways" led me to some interesting historical tidbits. The aging segment was written by Valerie …

1
Why People are Afraid to Speak English 34:46

3M ago34:46

34:46

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lp5sHrwj9-WBpwMP9lc…

1
A nuclear win at the Oscars. CamelCase. One clo. 16:54

3M ago16:54

16:54

973. "Oppenheimer" leads us to wonder about the "nucular" pronunciation of "nuclear." And why do people have that second capital letter in the middle of MySpace, OutKast, and PowerPoint (and is it grammatically correct)? | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/nuclear/transcript | Grammarpalooza (Get texts from …

1
English Listening - Time Management 32:10

3M ago32:10

32:10

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mFaaWPLwppGrjpnrsbQ…

1
From grunts to grammar. The Irish 'after doing.' The winning NGD poem! 13:44

3M ago13:44

13:44

972. How did humans evolve from grunting ancestors to masters of language and poetry? This week, we explore fascinating theories on the origins of human language, including the laugh-inducing Bow-Wow and Pooh-Pooh theories. We also delve into Irish-English calques for St. Patrick's Day (and in response to a question from a Grammarpaloozian) and cel…

1
English Listening - Buying a Car 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G2Z811CKqhmglgzWwZM…

1
Where did our language start? 21:32

3M ago21:32

21:32

971. Linguists have traced modern languages like English and Sanskrit back thousands of years to a single Proto-Indo-European source. This week, we explore their detective work and the debates around the origins of the ancestral tongue. This piece was written by Kurt Kleiner, a freelance science and technology writer living in Toronto. It originall…

1
English Listening - Immigration 33:55

3M ago33:55

33:55

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uIhJBH2lQALB5TpFcBB…

1
'Addictive' or 'addicting'? Types of nouns. Folley 14:06

4M ago14:06

14:06

970. We answer a listener question about the difference between "addictive" and "addicting," and then we look at how to write compound nouns: did you visit a coffeehouse or a coffee house? | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/addictive/transcript | Grammarpalooza (Get texts from Mignon!): https://joinsubtext.…

1
English Listening - Who is American? 33:42

4M ago33:42

33:42

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIpRo0frbq1fRGQO4GR…

1
Tracing the origins of Miami's new English. Why it's not a 'gumballs' machine. Embassy Sweets. 19:40

4M ago19:40

19:40

969. From "wolkenkratzer" in German to "flea market" in English, direct translations called calques show how languages borrow from each other. This week, we look at how these translations are changing English in Miami and Spanish in Louisiana. Plus, we look at the difference between "gumball machine" and "gumballs machine" and how it might explain …

1
English Listening - Super Bowl 33:09

4M ago33:09

33:09

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVyJsZK7L-7rgsm0OwH…

1
Taylor Swift Doesn't Need Your Grammatical Approval. In Love. Foil Lump Surprise. 13:24

4M ago13:24

13:24

968. This week, I expand on my comments for the New York Times about Taylor Swift's grammatically sound but apostrophe-free new album title: "The Tortured Poets Department." Plus, we dive deep into the nuances between "loving" someone and being "in love," tracing how the word evolved from the ancient Proto-Indo-European root "leubh" yet still doesn…

1
Why is it Hard to Become Advanced in English? 33:25

4M ago33:25

33:25

Get my training and advanced episodes: https://www.patreon.com/listeningtime US Conversations: https://www.patreon.com/USConversations My ebook (for Spanish speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2XJB4C2 My ebook (for Portuguese speakers): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QGH3W2 Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TuTerbNlO65AaA94dyeuAh0zs24…

1
'A' versus 'an.' 'Larruping' rides again. Euonyms. Flavoring. 12:53

4M ago12:53

12:53

967. Should you say "a honor" or "an honor"? It's trickier than you think! We explore why articles depend on sounds and regional variations, the difference between "thee" and "thuh," and your stories about delicious phrasings. | Transcript: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/a-versus-an/transcript | Grammarpalooza (Get texts from Mignon!)…

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