Learning English Vocabulary

The BBC has been teaching English to the world for decades, and this podcast distills that institutional expertise into bite-sized vocabulary lessons. Host Jack Radford leads a mix of formats: the flagship "English in a Minute" segments pack a phrase or expression into 60 seconds flat, while longer episodes (around six minutes) tackle broader topics like job interview vocabulary, weather expressions, or the difference between British and American English. What sets this apart from other vocabulary podcasts is the BBC's editorial rigor. Every word and phrase is chosen because it's genuinely useful for learners -- you won't find obscure terms here, just the practical vocabulary that helps people communicate more effectively in English. The examples are drawn from real BBC content, which means you're hearing how English actually sounds in journalism, conversation, and everyday life. The production quality is exactly what you'd expect from BBC Radio: clean audio, professional pacing, and no wasted time. With 377 episodes and a 4.5-star rating from over 430 reviews, it has earned its reputation as a reliable weekly resource. The short format is particularly well-suited for commuters and busy learners who can't commit to 30-minute episodes. Just queue up a few "English in a Minute" segments and you've got a solid vocabulary workout in under five minutes. The show updates weekly and shows no signs of slowing down.