The Best Podcasts for Intermediate Level of English Learner (Part 1)

The Best Podcasts (part 1)

• Culips
  • Culips is a world famous ESL podcast.
  • Since 2009, they have published lots of episodes.
  • Nowadays, the main host name is Andrew bates.
    • He is from Canada and he works for the university in South Korea as an English language instructor.
    • One or two years ago, he got married with Korean and now live in Seoul.
    • In my opinions, he is humble and I love his thoughtful attitude in the way he speaks.
  • From beginner to intermediate level of speaking, Culips is helpful. Hosts speak clearly and slowly, so I listen to this podcast when I clean my home or commute.
  • They provide study guides and interactive transcripts. These are not free, but you can download a free sample.
  • I recommend Jeremy’s English Tips of Culips. He does not involve Culips at this point, but there are some episodes that guide us to many interesting topics in related to learning English.
• RealLife English
  • This podcast is also widely known as a top podcast of ESL.
  • There are more than 300 episodes.
  • I think, they know how many times English learners faced obstacles and feel frustrated or upset by oneself every moment when practice English.
    • For example

      • …When other people don’t understand them. And I think they, they get frustrated because obviously, as you mentioned, you feel embarrassed, you feel, you know, like you’re not doing enough, but this is part of the process. - Real Life English episode 278 10분 56초 지점.

  • They also have been learning their target language in a long period, so they know exactly how does that feeling, and it gives me feel comfort when I feel frustrated. Since I could think ‘that’s the way it is.’, I was able to accept the truth more easily.
  • If you download the RealLife English app, you can view an interactive transcript of every episode. Plus, you can communicate in English with another person who uses this app.
    • Of course, however, user’s manner is different. Some people are good, others are bad, so alert with curiosity.
• Speaking of Psychology
  • If you want to have some psychological toolkit for better living, this podcast is for you.
  • This podcast is supported from American Psychological Association(APA).
  • Well-known professor of psychology gives you the latest knowledge in terms of psychology.
  • In recent episode, John Dunlosky who is professor of psychology addresses how to learn better.
    • Some interesting topic was in this episode, I mean, John suggests that whether you’re longhand or typing, that’s not matters.
    • The more important thing for retention is spaced retrieval. That means, you have to relearn your study material regularly for better retention.
  • In the other episode, Cassie Holmes, who is professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management addresses about time and happiness.
    • She said that, don’t follow extrinsic motivation too much, instead follow your intrinsic values, because by doing so, you don’t need to compare yourself to others. That means, making time for your valuable activities gives you more fulfillment.
  • This podcast also gives you free transcripts. So you could read while listening an episode.