When it comes to learning Spanish – or any other foreign language, for that matter – in a fun, engaging, yet informative and effective way, listening to podcasts is what first comes to mind.
Podcasts are a great source of language-learning material, as they provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in spoken Spanish and hear real-world conversations by native speakers. Moreover, podcasts created specifically for educational purposes typically cover a variety of topics, which makes them more interesting and engaging than other forms of audio content.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best podcasts to learn Spanish, exploring their advantages and unique features. Below, you'll also find some recommendations on how to improve your Spanish language skills by listening to podcasts. Read on!
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SpanishPod101
SpanishPod101 is a comprehensive online Spanish learning program that consists of daily video lessons covering all aspects of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and culture. In addition to the video lessons, SpanishPod101 also offers audio lessons, flashcards, quizzes, and a forum where you can connect with other learners to practice and chat.
One of the best things about SpanishPod101 is that it’s perfect for students of all levels – from beginner to intermediate and advanced learners. The lessons are tailored to your level, and review what you have learned in previous lessons, so you never get stuck or lost.
Additionally, the program allows you to explore several accents from different Spanish-speaking countries – Spain, Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico. So, if you’re looking for an all-inclusive online Spanish learning program that’s perfect for all levels, look no further than SpanishPod101!
Spring Spanish Podcast – Learn Spanish with Chunks
Spring Spanish is a podcast designed to help you learn Spanish by using “chunks” of language. Every episode covers a different topic, such as grammar rules, everyday conversations, basic Spanish vocabulary, or Spanish culture.
The show focuses on teaching the language in an easy and enjoyable way, so even if you’re a beginner, you can start listening right away.
Each episode is based on an actual Spanish lesson from the Spring Spanish YouTube videos, so if you prefer video format, there is something for you still. The hosts explain the concepts in easy-to-understand English, providing examples and explanations.
This makes it easier for you to understand how the language works and practice your pronunciation at the same time. Speaking of, note that you’ll be exposed to Latin American Spanish.
In addition to the audio lessons, the Spring Spanish podcast also offers a membership program that provides transcripts of each episode and flashcards to them so you can read along. The show also comes with a vocabulary list for each episode that can help you learn new words quickly and easily.
Coffee Break Spanish
Coffee Break Spanish is an award-winning podcast that offers free lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners of the Spanish language. The show aims to give listeners a “coffee break” from their day-to-day lives by providing interesting yet concise (about 15 minutes) conversations about real-world topics in Spanish.
Each episode hosts a native Spanish speaker and two or three guests. The hosts speak in a mixture of Spanish and English, making it easy for Spanish learners to understand the conversation. Additionally, each episode comes with notes, transcripts, and exercises so you can practice your listening comprehension.
Coffee Break Spanish is perfect for beginner to intermediate learners, as it gives you a chance to listen to native Spanish speakers in real-world conversations. This can help you improve your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary quickly and efficiently.
News in Slow Spanish
News in Slow Spanish is one of the best Spanish news podcasts out there, providing audio news stories in a slow and clear manner, making it perfect for beginning Spanish language learners.
This podcast has two versions – one using Spanish as it’s spoken in Latin America and another presenting the Spanish language used in Spain.
The show covers all kinds of topics from around the world – from politics to sports, entertainment, culture, and more. Each episode comes with vocabulary lists, transcripts, and notes to help you understand the conversations.
What makes News in Slow Spanish unique is that it helps you learn vocabulary in context by listening to real-world conversations about current events. This can help you improve your comprehension and speaking skills quickly without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated.
Plus, the podcast provides a great opportunity to expand your knowledge about the world and learn about different cultures. It also includes many extra materials, ranging from grammar points to quizzes to pronunciation exercises. These come with a price but are totally worth it.
Españolistos
Españolistos is one of the intermediate Spanish podcasts designed specifically for intermediate and advanced Spanish learners. Every episode features a Colombian Spanish teacher and her American fiancee discussing topics of interest in a conversational manner, making it perfect for those who are looking to sharpen their listening skills.
The podcast covers topics such as Spanish culture, grammar rules, idioms and expressions, regionalisms, and more. The hosts provide detailed explanations for each topic, so you can easily understand the concepts.
In addition to audio lessons, Españolistos also offers transcripts of every episode along with additional resources to help you learn Spanish even more effectively with any donation of $10 or more.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced Spanish learner looking for a way to improve your listening and speaking skills, Españolistos is definitely worth checking out.
Spanish Obsessed
This Spanish podcast is perfect for those who are interested in learning more about culture and customs. Each episode covers different aspects of the language, such as grammar rules and common expressions, while also providing insights into differences in cultural etiquette and the ways Spanish is spoken in the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish Obsessed is similar to Españolistos in the way that it is hosted by Lis, who is also from Columbia, and Rob, who is from England. As such, the show features conversations between one native speaker and one non-native speaker discussing topics of interest in a casual manner.
This makes the whole experience feel like a relaxed chat with friends, which is perfect for those who are looking to improve their listening skills and learn more about the culture at the same time.
In addition to audio lessons, you can also find a blog and guides on the Spanish Obsessed website that provide additional educational resources to help you take your language learning to the next level. So, if you’re looking to learn Spanish in an engaging and interactive way, this podcast is definitely worth checking out.
Notes in Spanish
Notes in Spanish is another great podcast for learning Spanish. It’s produced by two hosts – Ben Curtis (the “learner”) and Marina Diez (native speaker) – who provide detailed conversations about a variety of topics, from the everyday to the exotic.
The show also has various levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner to advanced, so it’s suitable for learners of all levels. In each episode, Ben and Marina also provide some helpful notes to explain difficult words or phrases; however, note that the intermediate-level podcast episodes are entirely in Spanish.
What’s great about Notes in Spanish is that it helps you learn Spanish naturally, without feeling overwhelmed by the language. The hosts make sure to slow down their speech so you can understand what they’re saying.
In addition, each episode is accompanied by Spanish-packed worksheets and transcriptions, helping you become more confident, fluent, and jump up a level faster. You can also sign up for their newsletter for even more educational materials.
Overall, Notes in Spanish is a great podcast to learn Spanish and improve your Spanish listening skills particularly. It’s designed to help learners of all levels and can be a great way to start exploring the language.
How to Make the Most Out of Spanish Podcasts
If you want to learn Spanish effectively by listening to podcasts, there are a few things you can do to make the most out of the experience. Here are some practical tips and recommendations:
- Choose a podcast that is at your level. Make sure to choose a podcast that is appropriate for your level so you can understand what is being said and learn effectively.
- Listen actively. Don't just listen passively; try to actively engage with the material by taking notes, writing down difficult words or concepts, and asking yourself questions about the topics discussed.
- Use additional resources. If the podcast offers transcripts or other materials to supplement the audio lessons, make sure to take advantage of them. That way, you can gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed and learn more effectively.
- Practice what you’ve learned. Once you’ve finished listening to an episode, try to use what you’ve learned in conversations with others or by writing down your thoughts in a journal. This will help you solidify the lessons you’ve learned and make them stick.
- Choose a podcast that is of interest to you. While it’s important to choose a podcast that is appropriate for your level, make sure to also pick one that covers topics you find interesting. That way, you’ll be more engaged and motivated to learn effectively.
By following these tips and combining them with a regular listening routine, you can improve your Spanish skills in an enjoyable and effective way. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn Spanish while having fun!
The Bottom Line
Overall, podcasts are among the most effective language-learning tools, helping you improve your Spanish skills quickly and efficiently by exposing you to real Spanish lessons and conversations in an enjoyable way.
From beginners to advanced learners, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to polish your European Spanish accent or get a better feeling of Latin American Spanish, there is a Spanish-language podcast that will help you achieve just that. So, grab your headphones, and start listening! You’ll be surprised at how much you learn.
And, of course, don’t shy away from exploring our Langster app. Apart from bite-sized stories and grammar explanations, you will also find audio from native speakers to help you diversify your Spanish listening resources. Good luck!
