Espresso English Podcast

Shayna Oliveira's Espresso English Podcast has been running for over a decade now, building up a library of nearly 700 episodes that cover grammar, vocabulary, phrases, idioms, and pronunciation. The name is apt -- each episode is designed to be a quick, concentrated dose of English learning, typically running 5 to 15 minutes. You can squeeze one in during a coffee break and come away with something usable. Oliveira focuses on practical, everyday vocabulary rather than obscure SAT words. A typical episode might break down ten phrases for expressing disagreement politely, or explain the difference between "big," "large," "huge," and "enormous" with examples that actually clarify the nuances. She speaks slowly and clearly enough for intermediate learners to follow, but the content stays interesting for more advanced students because she zeroes in on the subtle distinctions that trip people up. The podcast has a 4.7-star rating from nearly 400 reviews, and the consistency of the release schedule -- roughly biweekly, still going strong in 2026 -- speaks to Oliveira's dedication. She also runs Espresso English as an online school, so the podcast serves as a gateway to more structured courses. But the free episodes stand on their own perfectly well. If you're building English vocabulary for professional or academic purposes, the practical bent here makes it especially useful.